Ashaway Introduces PowerKill® 17 Racquetball String with Power Filament TechnologTM

Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced a new string for top-level racquetball players looking for superior power and tension stability from Zyex® filaments. New PowerKill® 17, a lighter 1.25 mm version of its PowerKill Pro cousin, provides superior feel and ball control.

Proprietary Surface Element Of Zyex^® Filaments Increases Durability And Tension Maintenance, Optimizes Power

Lighter 17 Gauge Provides Superior Feel And Control Of The Ball

Ashaway, RI - Ashaway Racket Strings has introduced a new string for top-level racquetball players looking for superior power and tension stability from Zyex^® filaments. New PowerKill^® 17, a lighter 1.25 mm version of its PowerKill Pro cousin, provides superior feel and ball control. Both feature a multifilament nylon core for optimum shear strength and durability, and a proprietary Power Filament Technology^TM (PFT^TM) surface element of Zyex filaments that provides maximum power and tension stability. PFT string design is recommended for all types of power players and string breakers.

"Power Filament Technology represents a significant advance in string technology for racquetball that will allow chronic string breakers and all-court power players to push their game to the limit," said Steve Crandall, Vice President of Ashaway. "PFT incorporates an entirely new surface element of Zyex filaments in the jacket of the string that increases durability and tension holding, and optimizes power."

Zyex is a trade name for a high temperature, engineering grade polymer known as polyetheretherketone, or PEEK. PEEK materials like Zyex have several physical properties that recommend them for racquet strings, Crandall explained. Among other qualities, PEEK monofilaments and fibers are very tough and durable, and have excellent abrasion resistance. In tests measuring "thread on thread" abrasion - one of the key factors in string fatigue - PEEK multifilaments lasted more than five times as long as "bullet proof" aramid fibers.

"Another benefit of the PFT jacket in PowerKill Pro is in generating power," Crandall continued. "Zyex filaments are known for their excellent dynamic stiffness, their tremendous ability to stretch and snap back when hitting the ball. Woven over a multifilament nylon core, this improves the power of every shot while decreasing string bed stiffness and impact shock, a property we call 'soft power'."

Bright red in color, PowerKill 17 is available in 40 ft. sets and 360 ft. reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 35 lbs., but Ashaway suggests using 10-15% less tension than normally used for traditional racquetball strings.

ZYEX^® is a registered trademark of Victrex Ltd.