I have enjoyed testing several MSV strings in the past couple of months, and today I will share my experience with MSV Focus Hex Ultra.
Focus Hex Ultra is a hexagonal-shaped string designed to provide enhanced spin potential alongside maximum control, making it an ideal choice for professional and higher-level recreational players.
How does it play?
MSV Focus Hex Ultra Specification
String Used for this Review
Composition: Monofilament, based on co-polyester.
Gauge: I used 1.25mm. It is also available in 1.10mm, 1.15mm, 1.20mm and 1.30mm.
Colour: Black. Also available in neon yellow and white.
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 24 kg.
Racket Setup for Testing
Strung at 20 kg with four knots.
Frame: Prestige S 295g unstrung, 317 complete kit, string pattern 16×19, length 68.6 cm, balance 325 mm.
Grip Size #2
Head size 99 inches.
Previous string on the frame: MSV Focus Hex strung at 20 kg.
A Few Words From the Stringer
MSV Focus Hex Ultra’s glossy coating allowed me to quickly weave through the vertical strings, compensating for the eventual difficulties that its hexagonal shape could cause. Nonetheless, I had to pay attention to the string’s tendency to twist. Overall, it felt not too rigid and pretty easy to manoeuvre. I would not mind working with it again. Stringing with MSV Focus Hex Ultra
MSV Focus Hex Ultra Playest and Review
After several hours using MSV Focus Hex Ultra, I carefully evaluated its performance across various aspects of my game.
Throughout my playtest, I specifically honed in on the impact of the string on my groundstrokes, serves, and volleys.
Additionally, as MSV emphasized “Explosive + Snappy” as the standout feature of the Focus Hex Ultra string, I paid particular attention to how easily I could generate power and spin from the baseline.
This comprehensive approach gave me a thorough impression of the string’s capabilities and suitability for different playing styles.
First Impressions
I found myself quite pleased with the aesthetics of MSV Focus Hex Ultra. The string’s classy black colour exudes a sense of confidence that complements the design of numerous racquets.
As I mentioned in other reviews, I believe that strings that maintain a neutral colour scheme adapt well to various racquet designs and emanate a sense of reliability and stability instead of more vibrant options.
Moving on to its performance, I was quickly disappointed with the amount of power generated by the string, despite MSV defining it as “explosive”.
On the other hand, it was immediately noticeable that Focus Hex Ultra unexpectedly offered an outstanding amount of comfort.
Even on faster shots, the strings seemed able to wrap and release the ball without any jarring vibrations.
Groundstrokes
Since explosiveness and snapback are purported to be the most prominent attribute of MSV Focus Hex Ultra, I expected it to provide an additional power and spin boost to my groundstrokes.
As expected, when attempting to generate spin on my forehand, I swiftly noticed that I could wrap the ball well and have my shots land consistently behind the service line.
I also noticed that my ball bounced higher with MSV Focus Hex Ultra than with other MSV strings I tested in the past weeks.
Nonetheless, I struggled to add speed to both my groundstrokes. Although the ball appeared to have a lot of weight, I could not enjoy the explosiveness I desired on aggressive shots.
Even when I tried to play an acceleration to close a point from the baseline, I noticed that the shot would not display a significant change in speed compared to a regular rallying shot.
For this reason, I had to put a considerable amount of muscular effort into the shot, which could result in injuries and fatigue in the long run.
Although the lack of speed on acceleration shot might not be a problem for players that like to rely on consistency and precision from the baseline, it appeared to be an issue for me since I want to use sudden acceleration from the baseline to steal my opponent’s time and eventually approach the net.
However, I can attest to the exceptional comfort of MSV Focus Hex Ultra on mid-pace rallies. I experienced no vibrations or arm fatigue until the strings eventually broke after approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of play.
Touch Shots and Serves
Curiosity led me to explore the responsiveness of MSV Focus Hex Ultra during touch shots. Regrettably, my dedicated half-hour practice session focused on volleys and backhand slices disappointed me.
Despite high hopes, I discovered that this string failed to complement my racquet effectively, providing minimal improvement to the already precise Head Prestige S.
Even on volleys that required a delicate touch, I struggled to place the ball accurately, finding the string’s response lacklustre.
Unexpectedly, the rough coating of MSV Focus Hex Ultra did not help control my volleys off of fast shots. The string seemed to lack the necessary grip, resulting in inconsistent shots and added strain on my hand and wrist.
On the other hand, my experience with MSV Focus Hex on slice shots was utterly different from what I had experienced at the net.
I was exceptionally pleased with the string’s performance on my backhand slice. The string’s hexagonal shape provided an incredible bite on the ball, allowing me to generate good spin and maintain control even on fast and heavy balls.
The responsiveness of the MSV Focus Hex Ultra on my backhand slice was remarkable, giving me the confidence to repeatedly hit precise and accurate shots.
Another positive note regards the string’s performance at the serve. I believe the MSV Focus Hex Ultra string truly shines when it comes to serving. Its explosiveness and spin potential make it an excellent choice for players looking to enhance their serve.
With this string, I found that my serves added precision and accuracy, allowing me to hit my targets easily and consistently and offering enough power to alternate spin and flat serves.
Even in this case, the shape of the string provided superb grip on the ball, resulting in enhanced spin and kick.
Overall, the MSV Focus Hex Ultra string exceeded my expectations and significantly contributed to the effectiveness of my serves on the court.
Comfort
MSV Focus Hex Ultra is a hexagonal-shaped monofilament string, so you typically wouldn’t expect comfort but I found it slightly above average so it sits in a favourable position compared to many other power/spin-focused strings.
It’s also available in a lot of gauges (1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30 mm), which means players can test which is more comfortable for them.
Durability
When it comes to durability, the MSV Focus Hex Ultra truly impresses. I played for over three hours with this string, and it showed no signs of wear or rupture.
Its exceptional longevity surpassed my expectations since it is common for rough strings to show signs of wear and tear past the one-hour mark.
Its durability ensured a reliable and consistent performance throughout my entire session. Unlike other strings that experience a performance drop after a few hours, the MSV Focus Hex Ultra maintained its resilience and snapback properties beyond the three-hour mark.
This meant I could enjoy optimal power and spin throughout my playing time. The MSV Focus Hex Ultra also demonstrated remarkable tension retention, outperforming many other monofilament strings.
Overall, the MSV Focus Hex Ultra proved incredibly durable, providing both longevity and high-performance characteristics.
MSV Focus Hex Ultra vs Luxilon Original
MSV Focus Hex Ulta and Luxion Original are similar in performance regarding power, elasticity, spin potential and control. However, MSV Focus Hex Ultra stands out with its exceptional tension maintenance.
On the other hand, Luxilon Original is known for its widespread use on professional tours, so it’s a reliable option for players engaging in intense and extended play.
Some players will prefer the classic round poly shape of Luxilon, but in terms of value for money and overall longevity, MSV Focus Hex Ultra is going to be a better choice for those on a budget.
Who is MSV Focus Hex Ultra For?
MSV Focus Hex Ultra is an excellent choice for strong players who prefer a consistent baseline game without taking excessive risks.
This string’s exceptional spin potential and control allow players to confidently execute their shots with precision and accuracy from the back of the court.
It provides the necessary bite on the ball to generate consistent topspin and keep the ball within the lines.
With MSV Focus Hex Ultra, players can rely on the string’s reliable performance, maintaining a solid and consistent playing style while minimising unforced errors.
Whether executing precise groundstrokes or maintaining a consistent rally, this string offers the reliability and control that baseline players seek to excel in their game.
On the other hand, players new to the game or unable to produce topspin from their technique are unlikely to realise the benefits of MSV Focus Hex Ultra, so they should look elsewhere in the softer string category.
Pros
Excellent tension maintenance
High spin potential
Stable after the first hours of play
Available in a wide choice of gauges
Cons
It will be too underpowered for a lot of recreational players
Metallic sound on impact is not to everyone’s taste
Have you tried MSV Focus Hex Ultra and got any questions about it or other strings in the MSV lineup? Let me know in the comments.
Power – 7.5
Control – 7.5
Comfort – 7
Touch / Feedback – 7.5
Spin – 9
Snapback – 9
Durability – 8.5
Tension Maintenance – 9.5
8.2
SOLID
MSV Focus Hex Ultra is designed for a competitive level player who has developed a modern technique of heavy spin. It’s an excellent choice for tournament players looking for a high-performance, long-lasting string.