Finding the right tennis string is as important as choosing the perfect racquet. It can make a huge difference in your comfort, power, and overall game performance. Enter Solinco Vanquish—a string that is designed to cater to players who prioritise comfort, power, and a soft feel. This review will cover the key features, performance, and suitability of Solinco Vanquish to help you determine if it’s the best choice for your style of play.
Introduction to Solinco Vanquish
Solinco Vanquish is a premium multifilament tennis string that has earned a solid reputation for being one of the most comfortable and arm-friendly strings on the market. Built for players who want a responsive yet forgiving feel, Vanquish is ideal for reducing shock and providing consistent playability. If you’re someone who deals with tennis elbow or arm issues, or simply prefers a comfortable, powerful response, Solinco Vanquish is worth considering.
Key Features of Solinco Vanquish
- Material: Multifilament construction
- Available Gauges: 1.20 mm (17 gauge), 1.30 mm (16 gauge)
- Recommended Playstyle: Players looking for comfort, power, and arm-friendliness
- Colours: Natural
Performance Breakdown
1. Comfort: Gentle on the Arm
Solinco Vanquish’s strongest attribute is its comfort. The multifilament construction is designed with hundreds of filaments woven together, which results in a string that is incredibly soft and easy on the arm. This makes it an excellent choice for players who have experienced arm issues, such as tennis elbow or shoulder pain. The soft nature of Vanquish helps to absorb shock and vibration, reducing the stress on your arm even when playing intense matches or long training sessions.
Compared to polyester strings, which tend to be stiff and unforgiving, Vanquish feels plush and provides an almost pillow-like response. This characteristic makes it a great option for players seeking an arm-friendly string that can reduce the risk of injury or alleviate existing discomfort.
2. Power: Boosting Your Shots
Another standout feature of Solinco Vanquish is its power. Multifilament strings like Vanquish are known for their ability to provide extra power, and this string does not disappoint. The elasticity of the multifilament fibres creates a trampoline effect, which results in increased ball speed with minimal effort. This makes it easier for players to generate depth on their groundstrokes and add some punch to their serves and volleys.
The power potential is particularly beneficial for beginners and intermediate players who are still working on generating their own power. Even advanced players looking for a power boost in a comfortable package will appreciate what Vanquish has to offer.
3. Control and Precision: Balanced but Not Overwhelming
While Solinco Vanquish delivers in terms of comfort and power, control is not its primary strength. It does provide enough control to help players place the ball where they want, but it may not satisfy players who prefer the crisp, predictable response that a stiffer string, like a polyester, can offer.
That said, the balance of power and control is still quite good, especially for a multifilament. The feel is predictable enough to allow you to aim for targets and angles without worrying about too much trampoline effect, as long as you choose the right tension.
4. Feel and Touch: Great for Finesse Players
When it comes to feel, Solinco Vanquish provides an impressive amount of touch for a multifilament string. This makes it an excellent choice for players who like to mix up their game with drop shots, slices, and touch volleys. The soft construction allows for excellent ball pocketing, where you can really feel the ball dwelling on the strings, giving you greater precision on delicate shots.
For doubles players, this is particularly useful at the net, where Vanquish’s softness provides confidence in executing softer volleys and angles. If you like to control the tempo of a point with finesse and rely on accuracy rather than power, Vanquish’s responsive feel can work in your favour.
5. Spin Potential: Moderate but Manageable
Unlike polyester strings, which are designed to offer extreme spin, Solinco Vanquish is somewhat limited in this area. The smooth multifilament surface doesn’t provide the bite necessary to produce massive topspin, which might be a downside for players who rely heavily on heavy spin to dominate their opponents.
However, the spin potential is still respectable for a multifilament. The ball pocketing effect provides some opportunity for spin, especially if you utilise good technique. Players who prefer to flatten out their shots or are less reliant on spin will not find this limitation a major drawback.
6. Durability: Standard for a Multifilament
One of the trade-offs with Solinco Vanquish is its durability. Multifilament strings are inherently less durable compared to polyester strings, and Vanquish is no exception. The softer fibres that make it comfortable and powerful also mean it is more prone to fraying and breaking, especially for players who hit with a lot of power or spin.
For players who frequently break strings, Vanquish might not be the best choice for durability, but using a thicker gauge (1.30 mm) can help extend its lifespan. It’s also a good option for players who don’t hit excessively hard or those who are willing to restring more frequently in exchange for better comfort and performance.
7. Tension Maintenance: Holds Well for a Multifilament
When it comes to tension maintenance, Solinco Vanquish holds up well for a multifilament string. Like all multifilaments, there will be some tension loss over time, but it manages to retain a playable feel for a reasonable duration. This allows for consistent performance over the life of the string, which is important for players who want predictable results on the court.
Who Should Use Solinco Vanquish?
Solinco Vanquish is best suited for players looking for comfort, power, and a soft feel from their strings. It is particularly ideal for:
- Players with arm or shoulder issues: The soft multifilament construction helps absorb shock and reduce strain, making it an excellent option for those dealing with tennis elbow or other injuries.
- Beginner to intermediate players: Vanquish provides easy access to power, which can help newer players generate depth without having to swing too hard.
- Doubles players and finesse players: The string’s excellent touch and feel make it ideal for players who prefer delicate volleys, drop shots, and control over outright power.
- Hybrid string setups: Vanquish also works well in a hybrid setup, especially in the crosses with a stiffer polyester in the mains. This combination can provide comfort and power while adding durability and control to the stringbed.
Available Gauges and Tension Recommendations
Solinco Vanquish is available in two gauges: 1.20 mm (17 gauge) and 1.30 mm (16 gauge).
- Thinner Gauge (17): Offers more power and feel but is less durable. Ideal for players seeking extra comfort and responsiveness.
- Thicker Gauge (16): Provides more durability and control, making it suitable for players who break strings more frequently.
For string tension, lower tensions (around 50-55 lbs) will enhance power and comfort, while higher tensions (55-60 lbs) will provide more control. Since the string is inherently powerful, adjusting the tension to suit your playstyle can significantly enhance its performance.
Conclusion: Why Choose Solinco Vanquish?
Solinco Vanquish is a standout string for players who value comfort, power, and a soft, arm-friendly response. Its multifilament construction makes it a great option for those looking to minimise arm strain, especially for players who have experienced tennis elbow or other injuries. The combination of power and feel makes it ideal for beginners and intermediates, as well as doubles players who rely on finesse.
While it may not provide the spin or durability of a polyester string, Vanquish shines when it comes to playability and comfort. It’s a solid choice for those who want a premium multifilament that feels good, helps generate easy power, and takes care of your arm in the process. Whether used on its own or in a hybrid setup, Solinco Vanquish provides an enjoyable, forgiving playing experience that can help players bring out their best on the court.