MSV Co Ultra Tennis String: Unbiased and Comprehensive Review

MSV Co Ultra tennis string is a monofilament co-polyester string made by the German brand MSV.

This string has gained a reputation for its exceptional durability, control, and playability. It is designed to cater to players looking for a well-balanced string with higher durability levels and is friendly on the arm.

In this unbiased and comprehensive MSV Co Focus review, I aim to analyse the string’s performance, characteristics, and suitability for tennis players of various skill levels. Ensuring you have the information to make an informed decision about incorporating this string into your tennis game.

MSV Co Ultra Specification

Specifications

Composition: Monofilament, based on co-polyester.
Gauge: I used 1.25mm. It is also available in 1.20mm and 1.30mm.
Colour: B1lack
Tension: Depending on the player’s preferences and playing style, it can be strung at a wide range of tensions. The recommended tension range for MSV Focus Hex Ultra is not above 22 kg.

Racquet Setup For Testing

Tension: Strung at 22 kg with four knots.
Frame: VCORE SV 100 (2017), 300g unstrung, 318 complete kit, string pattern 16×19, length 687 mm, balance 320 mm.
Grip Size: #2
Head size: 100 inches.
Previous string on the frame: MSV Hepta Twist strung at 22kg.

A Few Words From the Stringer

The string’s soft texture doesn’t cause as much strain on the hands, making it a comfortable choice for stringers. The string’s knotting is straightforward, ensuring a secure finish to the string job. I would not mind stringing more racquets with MSV Co Ultra. Stringing with MSV Co Focus

MSV Co Ultra Playest and Review

First Impressions

MSV Co Ultra is a co-polyester monofilament string structured to enhance its durability and tension maintenance, two crucial aspects for any tennis string.

The Co Ultra presents itself with its smooth surface and round profile, giving it a sleek and professional look.

I was delighted with the elegant black coating of the string, which gives out a reliable and serious vibe.

On the same note, the material lends a firm feel to the string, promising precision and control.

MSV claims that the Co Ultra is designed to provide players with an exceptional blend of power, control, and spin, making it suitable for various play styles.

The manufacturer also promises excellent durability and tension maintenance, reducing the frequency of restringing and ensuring a consistent playing experience.

As a tennis player, these are impressive claims that set high expectations. The on-court testing will reveal how well these claims hold up in a real-world setting.

Groundstrokes

MSV Co-Ultra tennis string presents a reasonable balance between power and control.

While it isn’t a powerhouse, it offers consistent power output that suffices for regular play. The control aspect is appreciable, but it might not cater to advanced players who desire greater precision.

Certain shots, like down-the-line hits from the baseline or volleys at the net, were pretty controllable, but others, particularly off-centre hits, were somewhat inconsistent.

In terms of spin generation, MSV Co-Ultra does an acceptable job. I noticed a moderate amount of spin on my topspin groundstrokes, but it wasn’t as pronounced as I’ve experienced with other high-performance strings. This string might offer an adequate spin for a recreational player, but it could fall short for those like me who heavily rely on spin for their gameplay.

The string’s comfort and feel are decent, but there’s room for improvement. There’s a tangible, though not exceptional, feel upon ball impact. The feedback from the string could be described as adequate, but it lacks that extra tactile sensation some players (myself included) enjoy.

In terms of vibration, it’s relatively low, reducing potential arm discomfort. However, I did notice a slight vibration on mishits, which can be distracting during intense matches.

Durability & Tension Maintenance

MSV Co-Ultra tennis string’s durability is somewhat of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the string seems to withstand wear and tear reasonably well.

Nonetheless, after one hour of intense play, it showed subtle signs of notching around the sweet spot.

This might not present an immediate issue for occasional players, but string durability could be a concern for those playing multiple times a week.

The MSV Co-Ultra again showed a middling performance in terms of tension maintenance. The string maintained a solid tension for the first couple of hours, delivering a consistent feel and responsiveness.

However, there was a noticeable drop in tension after this initial period. This loss was sudden and drastic, undoubtedly affecting the overall performance. The control I initially enjoyed seemed to wane, and the stringbed started feeling mushy.

Value for Money

MSV Co-Ultra tennis string is relatively affordable, positioning itself as a mid-range option in terms of price. Its cost appeals to budget-conscious players looking for a decent performance string without breaking the bank.

When it comes to the value-for-money aspect, things get a bit complicated. The string’s performance attributes, such as power, control, and spin, are satisfactory but not remarkable. Its durability is acceptable, though it begins to wane after a couple of hours of heavy play, and the tension maintenance also leaves a bit to be desired. Considering these factors, one might argue that its performance and durability only partially justify the price.

It doesn’t stand out as a stellar bargain compared to other strings in the market. Some options (even among other MSV strings) offer better durability and performance at a similar price point.

For instance, some lines maintain tension better over time, while others provide superior control or power.

MSV Co Ultra vs Luxilon Original Big Banger

MSV Co-Ultra and Luxilon Original Big Banger are popular tennis strings with unique strengths and characteristics. When compared side by side, there are notable differences in their performance.

The MSV Co-Ultra positions itself as a balanced string, offering a fair mix of power and control. It’s pretty comfortable on the arm and produces a decent amount of spin. However, the durability and tension maintenance are only average, with a noticeable decrease in performance after a month of heavy play.

On the other hand, the Luxilon Big Banger is known for its excellent durability. It’s a popular choice among competitive players who require strings that can withstand rigorous and regular play. The Big Banger delivers more power than the MSV Co-Ultra, but it might sacrifice a little on the control side.

Regarding comfort, the Co-Ultra is somewhat softer and more arm-friendly than the Big Banger. However, the Big Banger’s superior durability, power, and spin may justify its slightly higher price point for many players.

So, while the MSV Co-Ultra is a respectable choice for recreational or club players, the Luxilon Big Banger might be a better fit for more competitive players seeking durability and power.

Who is MSV Co Ultra For?

Given my fair experience with MSV Co Ultra, I believe it could be an appealing choice for the recreational or club player seeking an adequate blend of control, power, and comfort in a moderately priced string.

I would not suggest it to advanced players since, while it performs reasonably in many aspects, it may not completely meet the expectations of professional or power-oriented players.

In short, it offers an overall average performance, making it suitable for casual or intermediate players but less for those seeking top-tier performance from their string.

Pros

Cons

Have you tried MSV Co Ultra? Let me know in the comments.