New Polyurethane Resin Technology from Ashaway Yields Squash and Racquetball Strings Designed for Players Who Like to Cut and Spin the Ball

Ashaway has introduced another innovation to its squash and racquetball strings: a polyurethane (PU) based, multifilament nylon string technology designed to add toughness and durability for players who like to really cut and spin the ball. The key difference with Ashaway's polyurethane technology is the matrix design. With other multifilament nylon strings, like Ashaway's popular SuperNick® XL and SuperKill® XL lines, the core and outer wear layer elements remain separate, and retain some ability to move relative to one another. The PU resin in the new MultiNick and MultiKill strings binds the multifilament sheath and surface into a single, unitized matrix.

Proprietary Nylon/PU Matrix Adds Toughness, Durability And Grip, Maintains Soft Nylon Feel

Ashaway has introduced another innovation to its squash and racquetball strings: a polyurethane (PU) based, multifilament nylon string technology designed to add toughness and durability for players who like to really cut and spin the ball. Ashaway's first two strings using this technology, new MultiNick^® 18 for squash and MultiKill^® 17 for racquetball, combine a high tenacity multifilament nylon sheath with a specially formulated polyurethane resin that bonds the strings into a single matrix and adds durability while providing superior feel and ball control. The smooth PU surface enhances grip, while the tournament-gauge constructions maximize ability to cut and spin the ball.

"Polyurethane resin technology has been used in squash strings for some time now, but is relatively new for racquetball" said Ashaway's Steve Crandall. "Polyurethane can be formulated to offer many different properties, and when combined with other materials, like high tenacity nylon multifilament fibers, can provide strings with exceptional playing characteristics. MultiNick 18 and MultiKill 17 are our first offerings using this innovative material technology, and we are excited to be able to compete in this market segment."

The key difference with Ashaway's polyurethane technology, Crandall explained, is the matrix design. With other multifilament nylon strings, like Ashaway's popular SuperNick® XL and SuperKill® XL lines, the core and outer wear layer elements remain separate, and retain some ability to move relative to one another. The PU resin in the new MultiNick and MultiKill strings binds the multifilament sheath and surface into a single, unitized matrix. This gives the string added strength, especially on off-center hits near the edge of the frame that cause racquetball players so much grief. The natural adhesive properties of the polyurethane surface add grip, while the string retains its soft feel, comfortable playability and ability to control the ball.

Shiny black in color, both Ashaway's polyurethane based strings are designed for both professional and amateur players who seek feel, durability and toughness at all levels of play. MultiNick 18 squash strings come in 30 ft. individual packages or 360 ft. reels with recommended string tension up to 35 lbs. MultiKill 17 racquetball strings come in 40 ft. individual packages or 360 ft. reels and are recommended to be strung at up to 40 lbs. tension.