Ashaway Introduces Zyex-based UltraKill® 17 Racquetball String

Built on a new multifilament Zyex core, UltraKill 17 is designed to provide amateur and professional players with a strong durable string with both exceptional power and ball control. The Zyex multifilament core prevents tension loss for more consistent performance throughout the life of the string.

Zyex^® multifilament core maximizes power and durability, maintains tension throughout string life

Ashaway, RI - Ashaway has introduced UltraKill^® 17, the first of a new line of Zyex-based racquetball strings. Built on a new multifilament core, UltraKill 17 is designed to provide amateur and professional players with a strong durable string with both exceptional power and ball control. The braided surface maximizes control and increases spin while the Zyex^® multifilament core prevents tension loss for more consistent performance throughout the life of the string.

According to Ashaway Vice President, Steve Crandall, recent advances in material technology have produced Zyex filaments that are even finer and stronger than before. He said, "We've been experimenting with these in our R&D lab, developing ever thinner multifilament core packages with increased linear density and more cross-sectional strength. As a result, we're now able to produce thinner, stronger, lighter-weight strings which provide superior feel, more power, and improved ball control, yet still offer the well known Zyex playing characteristics and tension holding properties."

Response from play-testers has been uniformly positive. Former World Champion and current #2 ranked IRT professional, Jack Huczek, said flatly, "This is the best string I've ever used. From a power standpoint, and from a feel and control standpoint, it's just top notch. The ball seems to really jump off the strings. I've noticed maybe 15% to 20% more power, and because the string has a rougher texture, it's great on the feel shots and the touch shots. You can really carve the ball into the corners and the ball really stays down nice."

Jack also noted he had gotten "tremendous response from people at tournaments and people just asking me where to get it. The people who have used it have had nothing but good things to say. In particular they love the bright green color and they love the durability and the playability of the 17 gauge."

UltraKill 17 is available for all players in 40 ft sets and 360 ft reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 40 lbs. Ashaway suggests using 10-20% less tension than normally used for standard nylon strings.

Ashaway Racket Strings are made by Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co., the only U.S. manufacturer of string for squash, tennis, racquetball, and badminton. Operated by the Crandall family since 1824, Ashaway has been making racquet strings since 1949, and is responsible for several important technical innovations. Ashaway is the Official String of USA Racquetball and the Women's International Squash Players Association. Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. also makes braided products for medical and industrial applications.