Ashaway Introduces UltraNick® 18 Squash String with Zyex® Multifilament Fibers

Zyex^® multifilament core increases power and resilience, prevents tension loss

18 gauge construction with braided surface provides softer feel, sharper control

Ashaway, RI - Ashaway has introduced UltraNick^® 18, the first string in a new line of Zyex based squash strings. Built on a new multifilament core, UltraNick 18 is designed to provide increased power and resilience, and reduced tension loss over the life of the string. The ultra-thin 18 gauge construction of UltraNick 18 softens impact and provides better feel, while the braided surface sharpens ball control.

"We're seeing increased demand for thinner stronger strings on two fronts," said Steve Crandall, Ashaway Vice President of Marketing. "One is among top competitive players who find that thinner strings increase 'bite' on the ball, and give them better overall control and an ability to 'cut' and work the ball and increase spin. The other group is the increasingly savvy recreational set, players who don't have the skill or power of the pros, nor the conditioning to allow their bodies to shrug off the rigors of the game. These players, too, are looking for an extra edge, but they also want a string that plays softer and is more forgiving to tender joints and muscles."

UltraNick 18 should be of interest to both groups, according to 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."

During the development process, Ashaway provided test sets to a number of top intercollegiate, PSA, and WISPA professionals. The response was uniformly positive. Both amateur and professional players noted increased power and control, and a number commented that the strings gave them "more feel and more grip" and let them "do more" with their shots.

Bright blue in color, UltraNick 18 is available for all players in 30 ft sets and 360 ft reels. Recommended stringing tension is up to 30 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.