Introducing Grapplesnake!

Though diehard string fans will likely already know of the legend of Grapplesnake and the design-theory behind their multifaceted polyester lineup, both the novice and more seasoned player may not be familiar with this manufacturer. Based out of Germany, Grapplesnake is a string-only company dedicated to having the intention behind their strings be easily identifiable when hitting. Whether that’s a soft and spin-friendly experience in the likes of Alpha, or a more precision-focused, firmer response found in something like Tour Sniper, Grapplesnake has a wide variety of strings that cater to all kinds of polyester players.

Alpha - ∝

Let’s start with Grapplesnake’s softest poly in their lineup, Alpha. Like many flagship poly strings, Alpha uses a tried and true pentagonal profile for a good blend of bite and and snapback, making the string viable in terms of performance at higher levels. Alpha’s defining trait though is its soft response upon and throughout contact, as the string feels plush, comfortable, and all without losing the good feel it inherently possesses. Alpha’s soft nature makes it accessible to a wide range of players, so if you’re a more novice player in terms of firmer strings, Alpha is a great introductory polyester string. For the seasoned polyester player, Alpha is appealing in terms of its blend of comfort and performance, where oftentimes one of these characteristics is sacrificed for the other. Additionally, our own internal testing team has found this particular string to perform well in denser string patterns, and smaller head sizes. If you’re looking to soften up a racquet that you like but can be tiring or straining to play longer sessions with, consider Alpha as your primary option for making your favorite stiff frame feel more user-friendly. This string has also exceeded expectations in hybrid setups, especially when combined with Grapplesnake’s Tour Sniper.

Tour M8 - ∞

Next up is Tour M8, the middle-of-the-road option in terms of stiffness upon impact. Tour M8 uses an octagonal profile to facilitate more string movement and snapback, producing higher levels of pocketing, spin and dwell time overall. Tour M8 also has a unique surface coating and texture, which gives the string unique acoustic properties that make the string bed sound more authoritative when striking the ball. According to Grapplesnake, Tour M8 combines the best of Alpha with the best of Tour Sniper, making it a tempting “Goldilocks” option for players looking for a string that has above-average performance in all areas. Tour M8 is also renowned for its exceptional tension maintenance, meaning that it doesn’t feel good just fresh off the string bed, it continues to feel good until it breaks.

Tour Sniper - ⊗

The last Grapplesnake string being introduced at Tennis Warehouse is their most precise offering, Tour Sniper. Tour Sniper infuses its composition with materials and characteristics well-known for their accurate, control-oriented response, defined by a deadened feel that encourages larger cuts at the ball. The string utilizes a pentagonal profile and is definitely firmer compared to the other strings in this Grapplesnake discussion while remaining softer than some of its other market alternatives. This string also comes pre-stretched, which helps extend its playability and requires less break-in off the stringer. For higher level players looking for the utmost levels of control to tame higher racquet-head speeds, Tour Sniper is the way to go. The string also pairs nicely with both M8 and Alpha from Grapplesnake. For higher levels of control, try Sniper and M8. For good performance and comfort, consider Sniper and Alpha.