Dunlop Black Widow 18/1.21 String
Line: Black Widow
$10.99
With a heptagonal shape, this polyester string delivers teeth sinking bite on the ball, providing excellent access to spin. Great for the player looking for low powered string, Black Widow allows great control with high swing speeds. Offers good durability as well.
String specs
| Gauge | 18/1.21mm |
| Length | 40ft/12.2m |
| Composition | Co-polyester Monofilament |
| Color | Black |
Where to buy
What players say
Tennis Warehouse customer reviews for the 18/1.21 Black Widow describe a softer, more comfortable co-poly that bites the ball well for spin on serves and groundstrokes. Durability reports are inconsistent: some players get weeks of solid play, while others say it goes dead within a month. No independent written or video reviews specific to the 18 gauge turned up; feedback comes mainly from verified-buyer comments on one retailer page.
Best for
- Players who want spin from a poly without a harsh feel
- Arm-conscious players moving from stiffer polys
- Hybrid setups paired with a softer cross
- Servers looking for extra kick
Pros
- Grabs the ball well for spin, especially on serves
- Comfortable, soft feel for a polyester string
- More control and a bit more power than players expect from a control string
- Several reviewers rate the 18 gauge above the 17 gauge for feel
Cons
- Durability is inconsistent; some players report it going dead or breaking within weeks
- One hybrid user felt it lacked feel and ball pocketing compared to a softer cross string
- A couple of sets measured short of the listed 40ft length
- Spin and life fell short of expectations for at least one reviewer
Voices
— Brian, verified buyer, Web
Great spin and easy on the arm.
— Karl, 4.0 player, Web
It didn't give me as much spin as I expected, nor did it last as long... but it's also really soft, which was nice on my arm.
— Dushyant, 4.0 player, Web
Lacked the feel and ball pocketing... of course, durability is much higher.
— Eric, Grade B+ league player, Web
Black Widow offered more spin and did feel easier on my arm.
— Fatz, verified buyer, Web
Beware that some of the sets don't quite have 40ft.
— Paul, lefty 4.5 player, Web
It felt like the ball stayed on the strings significantly longer.