Pro Stringer Issue 5 - 2017 PS5-2017 - web | Page 18

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String Test - Badminton
Ashaway Rally® 21 Fire Badminton
String With Beta Polymer Technology
In the last issue Ashaway introduced a new
Beta Polymer-based Rally 21 Fire replacing Rally® 21 and Rally® 21 Micro. Constructed
using Ashaway's proprietary Beta Polymer, the new 0.70 mm Rally 21 Fire string provides a 25%
improvement in dynamic stiff ness and elasticity over its predecessors, as well as a 25% improve-
ment in knot and sheer strength. These improvements maximize shuttle speed, provide optimum
strength and durability, and minimize tension loss for overall consistent performance.
Like the other strings in the Fire line, the multifi lament core of Rally 21 Fire is constructed using
Ashaway's proprietary Beta Polymer. Beta Polymer off ers a number of benefi ts when used in rac-
quet strings, including great strength and elasticity. But unlike the other Fire strings, Rally 21 Fire
does not utilize Ashaway's trademarked ZyWeave™ core. The result is a traditional 0.70 mm string
that is as strong as a standard 0.75 mm string, but plays and sounds like an even thinner string.
Designed for badminton players at all levels, Rally 21 Fire is available in both white and natural,
and in either 10-meter sets or 200-meter reels. Recommended tension is up to 40 lbs. (18 kg).
TEST- We sent out 40 sets of string to 40 testers. They received the Rally 21 Fire in White in
unmarked packages. We requested the testers’ rackets to be strung at their normal tension and to
fi ll out a stringing and play test form.
IN THE LAB - We tested the string in the lab. The Rally 21 Fire weighed 4.3 grams before
stringing.
The string measured 10.0 meters or 33.0 feet. The string was between 0.72mm and 0.74 mm
before stringing. After stringing the racket at 25 pounds, the diameter was between 0.68mm and
0.70mm. We did not test the tension in the lab as we were told the readings were not correct for
badminton.
STRINGING - The string is thin and softer than some of the other Ashaway badminton strings, so
stringing was very easy. Weaving was very easy and everyone rated it very easy to string. The
string was easy to tie off knots and no one had any problems with it. No one broke the strings
while stringing.
PLAYTEST - Playability was rated from
average to good by all the testers. Power
was rated average to very good for the string.
Durability, as expected was rated good to
very good. Tension loss was rated average
to good. String movement was rated a little
below average to good.
OVERVIEW - Everyone rated the playability
and durability as good. The Rally® 21 Fire has
more power and durability than the original
Rally® 21 being thinner and having new Beta
Polymer in the multi center core. Ashaway has
made their classic nylon multifi lament string
much better bringing it up a couple of notches.
A great all round string with a great Price to
Quality ratio.