The Next EVO-lution

Later this spring Mauve Sport Versand will introduce a new version of the MSV Co.-Focus. The next generation Co.-Focus will simply be called MSV Focus-EVO. We expect this new offering to be available to our customers in the USA in Summer 2008.

While we are still anxious to playtest this new product, we are confident that the Evolution will be a great addition to the Focus line of string products. Early indications tell us the the Focus-EVO will offer outstanding control with just a little lesser power than the C0.-Focus. As soon as our playtesters get ahold of this product we will of course post a complete review on this site. The Focus-EVO will be available in an amber color and comes in 3 gauges, 1.20mm, 1.25mm and 1.30mm.

“Off the Hook” Hybrids

Yo, yo Dawgs! MSV Hex as a full setup has proven to be absolutely rad. However if you want to really get gnarly, you need to give it a spin as a hybrid.

Some advantages of using a hybrid setup with MSV Hex mains include added comfort, a dash of power and additional ball pocketing capabilities.

We will soon be playtesting MSV Hex in hybrid with MSV synthetics and a full report will be forthcoming. Until then, we can report on the following.

MSV Hex with LaserFibre RuffCut is BY FAR the fiercest of all hybrids. The machete-like texture of the RuffCut combined with the MSV Hex mains creates the fiercest spin hybrid in the galaxy. The LaserFibre RuffCut is a premium laser-treated string so it is of course superior to virtually all synthetics in terms of its tension maintenance prowess!

We already provide this lethal hybrid for our local stringing customers and are considering selling pre-packaged hybrid sets for our national customers. As a trial we are going to offer limited sets of the most fierce spin hybrid in the galaxy. To order yours simply visit this special section of our website. The cost for the set is $9.90.

Please feel free to come here and blast about your experiences with this hybrid as soon as you have blasted your opponents right off the court. This and other hybrids may soon be available on a permanent basis, if there is a demand.

String Life

Q: How long before the Grim Reaper comes and either breaks or sucks the life out of my MSV strings?

A: Good news. Your MSV strings are engineered for performance. Like most copolymers the MSV Co.-Focus and Focus Hex are likely going to last longer for you than synthetic gut strings. They are more durable and much less resistant to friction wear.

When tennis players think of string life there is a group who wonders how long the strings will play before breaking. For this group most of the breakage occurs in two areas.

1. Center of the frame. When the strings break in the center of the stringbed, this is usually from friction wear…the strings rubbing against one another.

2. Near the frame. When string break on or near the frame this is usually caused by a mis-hit near the frame called a “shear.” Unfortunately many copolymers, especially the softer ones, are more prone to this type of a break than synthetic gut strings. In fact, for some of the softer copolymers, this is a real problem because it is so prevalent. We are pleased to report that while MSV copolymers, like any string, can shear, it has not been viewed as a problem for this brand of string.

MSV strings are available in multiple diameters, though nothing is thicker than a 16L. Because the durability is very good, thinner strings can be produced and still provide an acceptable amount of string life. Mauve Sport Versand is a company that produces thinner gauge copolymer options. Thinner gauges provide the performance that many of today’s players are seeking as well as excellent spin potential. The durability for the MSV copolymers is better than most thicker diameter synthetics and as good or better than competing copolymers of similar gauges. If you are a player who has a history with copolymers, you will find the MSV strings will be very similar in terms of overall durability.

There is another group of players who are less concerned with how fast a string breaks, they want to know how long it maintains playing properties. Unfortunately, by definition, “holding playing properties” is subjective and depends on the perspective of the individual player. To answer this question we can provide some basic data.

MSV strings tend to experience an initial tension loss of approximately 8%. (This is excellent by both synthetic and copolymer standards) They then hold tension very well for the first 8 – 12 hours of court time. Those sensitive to playability loss will notice a dip around 10 hours. For the majority of league players, this dip is barely noticeable and the string remains extremely playable well through 20+ hours of court time. Some have reported solid play for more than 30 hours.

Like any copolymer, even though the MSV strings may not break, it is wise to change them out. We recommend changing at or before 20 hours of court time to maintain optimal performance. Some can stretch this all the way to 40, but at that point it really is time to cut them out and replace with a fresh set. Because copolymers, even the softer ones, tend to be a bit stiffer, it is wise to change them out before the performance degrades. Once the performance degrades, the strings lose their ability to absorb shock and that shock is transmitted to the arm. It can aggravate inflamed tissue creating discomfort. It is best to prevent this scenario whenever possible.

By comparison, Luxilon ALU, is the string that is the best known copolymer in the world. It is the official string of the ATP and WTA tours, and a large number of professionals choose to play with this string. Our playtests have shown the Luxilon ALU begins losing playing properties at the 2 – 3 hour of court time mark and needs to be changed out at approximately 10 hours to prevent arm pain. It is indeed a terrific playing string, and in the context in which the professionals use it, the relatively short life is not an issue. Recreational and league players may want to consider a product like MSV that provides a longer overall string life.

Influence of color on performance

We have received several questions from MSV users and those interested in the product concerning the influence of color on the performance of MSV strings. Here is our response.

We have now playtested all of the MSV Co.-Focus strings we carry paying attention to performance characteristics of the varying colors. We have not been able to distinguish any discernible difference in overall playability of the strings on the court. That said, based on lab test data provided by the manufacturer some minor differences exist in the colors in terms of elasticity. The differences are minute and well within usual tolerances, but they do exist. In the lab test, 5 strings of the same color, but varying diameters were stretched with 5 different loads, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Kgs. Reported below are the results of the 30kg load on the 1.23mm Co.-Focus.

Gold 7.037
Yellow 6.47
Caribbean Ocean Blue 6.36
Red 6.25
White 6.10
Dark Blue 5.93
Silver 5.65

We invite you to playtest the strings for yourself. If you are able to distinguish any difference in the actual playability of the strings, please report your findings here and share your experiences with your fellow MSV string users.

New Packaging…Coming Soon.

Attention retailers. We have just revised the packaging for the MSV string sets. The newly designed insert cards will be published and available by mid to late March. The new insert is attractive and will display well for you. (See below) The reverse side of the card contains the product description as well as a clever marketing surprise that you are going to have to see to believe!

Reminder: Volume discount pricing is available to tennis retailers on this product and USRSA members are also eligible for special pricing. For more information pertaining to pricing structures just fire a message our way.

America LOVES MSV!

Happy Valentine’s Day! We LOVE our customers and know our customers love or will love MSV Focus Hex string. To celebrate this mutual LOVE-FEST, we are running a very special one-of-a-kind sale. All orders for 660′ reels of MSV Hex white in 1.10mm and MSV Hex black in 1.18mm will be sold for the amazingly low price of $57.14, if you include the secret Valentine password with your order.

When ordering on the Guts and Glory website, be sure to indicate in the comments section of your order form that you wish to participate in the Valentine’s Day MSV Sale. Specifically write “MSV: BE MY VALENTINE!” We will then adjust the total to reflect the sale price before running any charges against the credit card you provide on our secure server.

Please note this sale is only good for orders placed beginning at midnight on Valentine’s Day until 11:59PM EST. The sale is only applicable to US customers and is only for the MSV Hex White 1.10mm and MSV Hex Black 1.18mm. Limit 2 reels per customer. Customers must pay using the credit card payment option. We are sorry but this sale does not apply to those using the Paypal payment option. Quantities are limited and sale may end before published time if inventory runs short.

Coming Attractions…

In Mid April we will be adding the MSV Focus Hex 1.10mm Red to our lineup of strings available in the USA. Other colors are still under consideration, but the red will definitely be added. If you have a favorite MSV color that is not currently carried in the USA, please let us know by posting a message in this blog.

We will also be playtesting another MSV product. This one is not from the copolymer line, but is rather a unique technora string. The construction is unlike any string currently available in the USA, see below.

So what do you think America? Any interest in a micro-thin, extremely durable string that promises to produce absolutely insane amounts of spin? The unique multi-wrap construction allows more playability than regular aramid strings. According to the developer of this string, Dr. Mauve, it is not harsh and hard hitters love this stuff. The projected cost would be approximately $12.00 per 40′ set. We will be playtesting this string in the coming weeks. We also want to hear from you!

MSV in Paradise

We are delighted to welcome Pearl Kai Tennis Shop to the family of MSV resellers. After playtesting the Co. Focus, Pearl Kai Tennis Shop has decided to make this outstanding product available to it’s local stringing customers. Pearl Kai Tennis Shop is the first vendor in the Hawaiian Islands to offer MSV strings to their customers. We can now officially claim that MSV is available in paradise! If you are a Tennis Shop owner and are interested in our volume purchasing plans, please contact us for additional information.

Let’s VOTE

Tuesday, February 5, is a large primary election day in the USA known as Super Tuesday. In the spirit of free elections, Guts and Glory Tennis is asking customers to vote on whether new colors of MSV string should be regularly stocked and available. Specifically we are interested in determining interest in the following:

MSV Hex – Caribbean Ocean Blue
MSV Hex – Gold
MSV Hex – Silver

MSV Focus – Silver
MSV Focus – Gold

Please let us know what string type and color is of interest to you by commenting to this posting. If there is enough of a demand we will consider adding additional colors. Thank you for your vote and participation in our election!