Gamma TNT ProPlus 16 Review
Reprinted with permission of the
United States Racquet Stringer's Association
TNT Pro Plus 16 has a solid center core and two sets of outer wraps. The string undergoes Thermo Nuclear Technology or “TNT” processing and is uncoated for added texture. The result, according to Gamma Sports, is “an ultra lively string that stays livelier longer and reduces shock.” Available in 16 and 17L gauge in natural white.
Bench Testing
The two coils we tested measured 40’. The diameter ranged from 1.32 mm to 1.34 mm prior to stringing and 1.25 mm to 1.27 mm (main strings) after stringing. A stringbed stiffness of 75 RDC units was recorded immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 71 RDC units, representing a 5.3% tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, measured 80 RDC units immediately after stringing and 73 RDC units after 24 hours, representing an 8.75% tension loss.
The Testers
Tested for five weeks by 33 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0.
Stringing
From a stringing and handling standpoint, TNT Pro Plus 16 is reminiscent of Gamma 2, especially during cross string weaving. Both strings have a solid center core with two sets of outer wraps and are uncoated, which results in a slightly textured feel. Stringing presents no problems. The mains install easily with no recoiling or kinking. Cross string installation isn’t problematic but the string’s texture creates a musical tone when pulling the crosses against the mains. It’s important to feather the crosses to prevent any friction burn or notching. Otherwise, there is plenty of string for most racquets except for super oversize models. Knots tie easily and lock tightly, likely due to the texture. We did measure a lower string plane stiffness than normal after stringing-about 5-6 RDC units. Normally, we would recommend increasing tension by 2-3 pounds for players trying TNT Pro Plus for the first time. However, relative string plane stiffness after 24 hours and two weeks was similar to our control string. So, players may want to start at their normal tension and make any adjustments from there.
Playtesting
TNT Pro Plus 16 is softer than standard solid core strings, including regular TNT but not as soft as a multifilament. It provides a comfortable, slightly springy response, whereas TNT 16’s response is a bit more crisp. The texture of TNT Pro Plus 16 allows for some added spin potential, although we expected a bit more. It is a tad thick for a 16 gauge string (average 1.33 mm.), similar to Gamma 2 16, which may be why we didn’t get as much ball grip as anticipated. Throughout the playtest period, it provided a good combination of power and control. Notching was above average, likely due to the lack of Gamma’s Pearl coating. Although we didn’t experience breakage, 9 playtesters did - one each after 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 16, 18 and 30 hours of play. Long term tension maintenance was very impressive-we recorded less than 10% tension loss over two weeks and 10 hours of play. This essentially brought the string plane stiffness to the same level as most other nylon strings after the same period of time. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original 16 (solid core with one set of outer wraps) lost 18% over the same time period and hours of play. Twenty two of the respondents (67%) indicated they would carry the string in their shops.
Conclusion
Players who prefer a slightly softer, springier version of TNT 16 will like TNT Pro Plus 16. It retains its power and control and stabilizes quickly. They’ll have to pay 40% more though and this is where we found ourselves scratching our heads. The obvious comparison is with Wilson Sensation and Sensation NXT. Our opinion: Gamma TNT is a premium synthetic and competes with Sensation in price. Playtest results not withstanding, we feel TNT is a more responsive string than Sensation. Sensation NXT is noticeably superior to Sensation. Therefore, the difference in price is warranted. TNT Pro Plus 16 is closer in playability to normal TNT 16 and (we feel) should therefore be priced accordingly. This is supported by our playtesters’ estimates of expected price. Ultimately, your customers will tell you if a string is worth the price, whether it’s Gamma, Wilson, Prince, Babolat or any other string.
Comments
(string most commonly
used in parentheses)
“One of the nicest strings I’ve ever used! It was very durable, easy to string and most importantly, did not lose its control despite initial tension loss.” 4.5 all-court player using a Wilson Hammer 6.2 95 Stretch strung at 63 pounds (Ashaway Kevlar 17/Synthetic Gut 16).
“Started with a bang but is going out with a wimper. This string felt solid and crisp at first but after only 10 hours of play it just died.” 5.0 all-court player using a Prince Thunderstorm 120 strung at 67 pounds (Gosen Tour Tec 16).
“A lively string that held tension very well.” 4.5 all-court player using a Pro Kennex Kinetic 15g strung at 62 pounds (Gosen OG Sheep Micro Jim Courier 16).
“String had good pop and better than average control & comfort.” 5.5 all-court player using a Prince Precision 730 strung at 60 pounds (Gamma TNT 16).
“Good feel and touch. Similar to other ‘soft’ strings, it had some loss of power over time.” 4.5 all-court player using a Head Ti.S5 strung at 61 pounds (Gamma Synthetic Gut 16).
“This is an average, middle-of-the-road string; not bad but not great.” 5.5 all-court player using a Wilson Pro Staff 4.2 95 strung at 55 pounds (Wilson Sensation NXT 16).
“Overall, I didn’t care for this string. It felt flat on most shots but seemed durable.” 5.0 all-court player using a Head Radical 260 MP strung at 55 pounds (Prince Synthetic Gut 17).
“Once I got used to the initial tension loss, I really enjoyed the way this string played. Comfort and feel were incredible!” 4.0 all-court player using a Head Ti.S5 strung at 60 pounds (Prince Synthetic Gut 17 w/Duraflex).
“Overall, this is a very comfortable string, with great touch, feel and durability.” 4.5 all-court player using a Prince Precision 730 at 66 pounds (Tecnifibre TR Pro 16).
(Reviewed Sept. 1998)
