String-Kong Gorilla running-direct stringing

String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 Review: A Balanced Power String with Comfort and Control

The String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 is a relatively new product from the Italian string brand String-Kong, known for its playful packaging and high-quality products. This string promises a user-friendly, power-oriented co-polyester experience with good all-round playing characteristics and a surprisingly high level of comfort.

String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 full front

Specifications

Brand: String-Kong
String type: Gorill-1
Gauge: 1.24 mm
Type: Power-oriented co-polyester string with good all-round playing characteristics and comfort
Similar strings: Diadem Solstice Power 16L, Yonex Poly Tour Pro, Luxilon Element 1.25

Tested by

Name: Mike
Playing level: 4/4
Player type: Classic player, flat groundstrokes, generates little spin himself, recently had shoulder problems
Racquet: Prince Textreme Warrior 107 (107 sq/inch, 16/19 string pattern)
String tension: 24/23 kg (recommended tension range: 23-27 kg)
Test duration: 3.5 hours

String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 Rating

Durability: 7.5
Tension maintenance: 8
Spin/Slice: 7.5
Feel: 8
Power: 8.5
Control: 8
Comfort/Arm-friendliness: 9

String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 reel full

Stringing the String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24

Stringing the String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 was surprisingly smooth for a polyester string. It feels quite stretchy for polyester, making it easier to weave the cross strings than with some stiffer alternatives. One notable detail on the packaging is the recommended tension range of 20-24 kg—on the low side for polyester strings—but this proved not to be a problem. My racquet was strung at 24/23 kg, and the Dynamic Tension came out neatly at 37, which is in line with expectations. This confirms that it is wise to follow String-Kong’s recommended tension range.

The slogan on the packaging also caught my eye: 'Only ask for certified stringers'. String-Kong seems to place great importance on quality, something I can fully agree with.

Review of the String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24

Feel and Comfort
What immediately stood out when playing with the String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 was its comfort and direct feel. Although the string does not feel as soft as, for example, the Luxilon Element 1.25, it offers a similar level of comfort with a slightly more direct response, which I personally really liked. This means the string is neither too stiff nor too robust, making it ideal for players looking for a balanced mix of power and comfort.

Spin and Slice
The grip on the ball was good, but not exceptional. Although the product description suggested that the Gorill-1 excels at generating spin, in my opinion it does not perform noticeably better in this respect than other strings. Players who are mainly looking for a lot of spin might be better off with strings such as the Diadem Solstice Power 16L. Even so, the Gorill-1 delivers solid performance when generating spin and slice.

Balance Between Power and Control
What makes the String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 special is its excellent balance between power and control. Although it is a power-oriented string, the balls never feel as though they are flying out of your control. Instead, the string provides a stable, controlled level of power, allowing you to keep playing confidently without worrying about quickly losing control. The string performs almost as well in terms of control as it does in terms of power, partly thanks to its good feel.

Durability and Tension Maintenance
After 3.5 hours of play, the string showed no visible signs of wear, and its playing feel remained consistent. Tension maintenance was excellent; its playing characteristics remained stable throughout the entire test period. This is one of the Gorill-1 1.24’s strengths, and I can confirm that its tension maintenance is excellent.

Comfort and Arm-Friendliness
Comfort is always an important factor for me, given my previous shoulder problems. The String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 scores very highly here. Its comfort is not comparable to that of ultra-soft strings, but it offers enough vibration dampening for comfortable play, even during longer sessions. The balance between softness and response makes it an excellent choice for players who are prone to arm or shoulder problems.

The String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 is a versatile, balanced co-polyester string suitable for a wide range of players. Although it does not excel at generating spin, it offers excellent all-round playing characteristics, with a great balance of power, control, and comfort. Its good tension maintenance and solid durability make it a reliable choice for players who value consistency in their game. Its comfort and arm-friendliness are particularly notable for a string in this category, making it a great option for players who are prone to injuries.

The String-Kong Gorill-1 1.24 is a very enjoyable introduction to the new Italian brand and shows that it can produce high-quality, user-friendly strings that are versatile enough for all kinds of players. For an overview of this brand’s string types, see our earlier post about String-Kong.