Stephan has been testing the Tecnifibre Triax for the past few weeks. This 'revolutionary string should combine the best of a multi- and monofilament string' according to the French brand. Read the full review here.
Intro
After my last review of the Diadem Flash 17 (1.20 mm) it is now the turn of the new multifilament string from Tecnifibre, namely the Triax 16 (1.33 mm). I am very curious how this 'multifilament poly fusion' string behaves compared to my current co-polyester string, the Diadem Flash 17.
Tecnifibre has been a leader in crafting the world’s finest tennis strings for decades. Over the years, Tecnifibre has been blending materials to try and create the “perfect blend” between the stiffer, control-oriented polyester string and the softer, more comfortable multifilament string. The brand’s latest offering, Triax, looks to bridge that gap.
Structure
Triax is made from 50% polyamide fibers and 50% thermally enhanced polyester. Tecnifibre have added their anti-abrasion SPL coating to improve the strings durability. In their research, Tecnifibre found that Triax feels 15% stiffer/firmer than a typical multifilament and absorbs 15% more shock than an average monofilament. Perhaps most notably, they claim that Triax is 50% more durable than the typical multifilament string, one of which is their own very high-end X-One Biphase.
Test
That sounds very promising. Now quickly on the course. I tested the Triax in my Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV at 24.5/23.5 kilos, equal to the kilos for the Diadem Flash 17. The first stroke exchanges felt very dampened and my balls fell quite short. Probably because the stringing was just fresh. I notice that when I hit the balls a bit fuller, the length of my strokes improves a lot. I enjoy the feeling of this string. The Tecnifibre Triax is stiff for a multifilament, but that is to be expected, since it is supposed to be a hybrid of a multi and a poly string. I like a lot of control in my strokes and the direct feeling of polys. I think the spin potential is quite good for a non-poly. The Triax cannot compete with real spin strings such as a Babolat RPM Blast , but in terms of spin it is certainly good enough for my game.
Durability and voltage retention
I've played with it for a good 6 hours now and it's still in there well. That's partly because the 1.33 is slightly thicker than my Diadem Flash 17 (1.20 mm). The thicker the string, the better the durability and control (and the stiffer the string). I prefer multis around 1.25. Luckily the Triax comes in different thicknesses: 1.25, 1.28, 1.33 and 1.38. So if you break strings quickly, you can opt for a slightly thicker string. In my strokes from the baseline I feel like I have good control, a nice feel and little to no string movement (comparable to poly strings).
The Tecnifibre Triax performs well and holds its tension well. In a 100 blade the string might last a little less long. But after 6 hours in my Pro Staff 97 CV this Triax is already better than most Poly's I use (they might not break but loose their tension quickly, which makes them perform less quickly).
The Tecnifibre Triax also works very well at the net. I have a lot of feeling and vibrations are hardly noticeable. When serving I notice that I have a little less power than with my Diadem Flash or another poly, but on the other hand I can serve very precisely with the Tecnifibre Triax and above all very consistently.
Simply a very enjoyable string! Let's take a look at some pros and cons of the Tecnifibre Triax.
Pros and cons
+ Durable (especially for a multifilament string!)
+ Comfortable
+ Checked
- String breakers will still break the Triax
- Not as spin friendly as a poly
- A bit pricey
If you are a poly lover and are a string breaker then the Tecnifibre Triax may not be spinny or durable enough for you. However if you like softer polys or just want more control from your multifilament then the Triax is definitely a string to try. Too many club players use polyester strings that don't really benefit their game and are a big contributor to arm injuries. My advice is to try a high quality multifilament string like the Tecnifibre Triax and see if that works for you.
Judgement
- Durability (for a multifilament): 8.5
- Voltage retention: 8.5
- Spin/slice: 7.5
- Ball feel: 8.5
- Power: 7.5
- Control: 8
- Comfort/arm friendliness: 8
Bottom line
The Tecnifibre Triax is one of the finest multifilament strings on the market. I like softer poly's and this one comes close in feel, but still retains that more comfortable feel of a multifilament string. I think Tecnifibre is on the right track with their research into the “perfect mix” for the ultimate string. The Triax retains the comfort and feel of a great multifilament string, with improvements in control and durability. If you like the predictable, sometimes dead feel of a polyester string, but your arm craves more comfort and less vibration, then the Tecnifibre Triax was designed for you!