I bought an 18x20 racquet off eBay, came with natural gut mains and smooth poly crosses already strung. Felt weird initially with less spin and more power, but once I adjusted it was incredible. Durable too, I got a good 10-12 weeks out of it before a main snapped.
Thanks for the information, I think that a first step for Juniors into polys is with the syn-gut in the mains and poly in the cross. That would introduce the player into the world of polys without injuries, after he brakes those strings fast, then go to poly main crossed with a Syn-gut.
Very good information. So far my experience stringing and playing. Using Wilson NXT Control (16G) on mains at 60 pounds and Golden Set poly (18G) on crosses at 55 pounds. It was easy to cut the string after a few games. Now if you swap the strings, poly on mains, and gut on crosses, then it is much more durable. Definitely I will not recommend Wilson NXT because the price and durability in a Hybrid configuration, and trying now with alternatives like Head Velocity MLT (16G).
Completely agree that most club players should be playing a hybrid rather than a full bed of poly. Here's a set-up I found to work really well: Triax 16 in a cross with a round, slick poly like 4G Soft of Ice Code in the mains. Great playability and comfort, good control and decent spin.
@@Nautijan The tension is completely a function of the frame I play. I use the Angell TC95 in both the 16x19 and the 18x20 patterns. In the 16x19, I use 4G Soft (16L) mains at 50 / Triax (16) crosses at 52. In the 18x20, I use Ice Code (17) at 46 / Triax (16) at 48. I wouldn't play Triax as a main as I am a string breaker and the durability of that set up would just be too short for me.
@@johnnyguitar6697 Thanks. Relatively low tensions. I have been using Triax in a full bed at ± 55. I noticed it is mainly the crosses strings that start fraying. I never went to the breaking point as I feel that the spin potential drops quite a bit at a certain time at which I restring. In any case, I was thinking of using a smooth poly as a cross to lengthen durability, the opposite reasoning from you :). How much does Triax in the cross softens a polybed in your experience. I play silver string at 50 in a full bed but that is borderline wrt comfort so I would like to soften it up.
@@Nautijan It is a very noticeable difference in my view. Tried Ice Code 17 full bed in the 18x20 TC95 and found it uncomfortable, even at 46lbs, due to the combination of smaller head size, tight pattern and relatively firm poly. Adding Triax in the crosses made it considerably plusher. No discomfort at all.
Not only do the combinations of strings impact each other, the relative tensions, and tension loss impacts playability - ..as does the gauge of each string!!….so many variables!!
Great info. I was swimming around not knowing what to do, and you convinced me to try a hybrid setup. I use a Yonex Vcore 7th gen racquet, do you have any specific recommendations.
Fantastic video, thank you Brian! My son just started playing HS, and coming from a very long break myself, we jumped onto the green string seen everywhere. I played with gut when I was younger so the difference in feeling (or lack of) was quite the surprise. We've since ditched full poly, and have been trying different multifilaments as well as poly/multi combinations. The 4G/NXT combo you show is one I personally like alot, 4G Rough on the mains with NXT Control on the crosses. I completely agree with you on how it plays. What I'm curious now is the growing number of thin poly strings(18~20g) that are becoming more available. Would these be suitable for a 14yo? My son has yet to experience any tennis elbow, so I would hate to introduce something that might cause it.
I really like your comment at the end of the video regarding a co- polymer versus hybrid stringing . I’ve been considering that set up, one versus the other recently. You answered the question. Thank you very. Recently inadvertently I strung my racket with a poly and the natural gut at the same tension. Honestly it’s one of the best responses I have felt in a long time. With that said I’m curious as to your thoughts on that string set up. I know ultimately it comes down to the feel of the striker.
Thanks for the video coach. What's is the recommended tension combo for a hybrid setup? I just bought Solinco Tour Bite 1.20 & NRG2 1.32... I'm planning to have them on my Pure Aero 98 as TB on mains while NRG2 on crosses. Note: I usually play with full bed poly at 48 LB.
What tensions recommendations would you put on a poly main with natural gut cross? Would you put different tensions on main vs cross? And also I have a little elbow issue . Thanks?
I have read differing opinions on gut / poly hybrids and the string tension differential. If you put the natural gut in the MAINS and poly in the crosses, how much lower in tension would you recommend stringing the poly crosses for optimal performance and snap-back?
Would it make more sense for someone(flat forehand) that never breaks strings to use the highest quality like natural gut in the mains because it's going to last for years?
If someone is constantly breaking the string, does it make sense to put a 15 poly on the main and a 16 syn gut on the cross and maybe also lower the tension of the cross by 1lb to extend the life? If not what's your recommendation?
The 3-5 extra pounds isn't to actually make it last longer as the multi loses tension slower than the mains. It's to even out the feeling of the strings. The idea is you string the cross at your normal tension and the polys 10% lower
I will recommend to just use full bed of PE, and reduce the tension really a lot. Now I play at around 40 lbs that works really good. Just try to reduce 2lbs each time restring and you will find how amazing it is.
what would the tension be on say using a 17 gauge ( Babotat RPM Blast and for the mains a 16 gauge( Wilson snthetic Gut for the crosses? This person is a chronic string breaker and doesn't want 15 gauge in the racket. Thanks
hi man, great video! i would like to know...Im using cyclone tour at 48 lbs in a head youtek speed mp (18x20, 315 grs, 20mm beam, 2 grams of lead tape at 12)...want to try a hybrid for a little more power and confort, and cross it with a multiphilament...what about tension? do I keep the 48 in both strings to try, or would you suggest something different? thanks man!!!
Well articulated video, my question is: how do u know if a string is textured? Today i put natural gut on mains and yonex strike in crosses, with longevity as most important feature. Is that good? Cheers and thanks
What type of gut did you use? that will likely determine the longevity of that combo... I've found the luxilon gut lasts the longest. Strike is a smooth poly which with gut should increase the lifespane slightly compared to something textured or rough that will eat into the gut a little faster. Textured strings are typically anything labeled rough or any string that promises "max spin." You'll know when you touch it. Something like RPM Rough or Alu Power Rough are good examples.
Have you ever tried a Yonex polytour pro 125? It's a quite soft mono string that I played since my hybrid setup always ripped after 3 hours of play. It's certainly not the same but it's a pretty ice string, I'm now considering to try to put something like a head velocity mlt in the crosses that might get me one step closer to the desired feeling while maintaining durability (and maybe even increase tension management!?)
With my sons 12 &14 y. o. I am using hybrid since years ago...Head Velocity (natural color) 1,30mm always as Crossed 22,5 kg or 23 kg....great string....playability and durability (over 12-15 hour use)...from moment multi filaments is starting fraying, your co-poly in main is starting to be death, so moment for restinging the hybrid. Head Velocity is reaching 20h with a son is flat hitter, 15h approx with other son is.. spin hitter...Velocity is holding tension in good way, too. Velocity black color is fraying quicker than natural... Velocity gauge 1,25 mm less durability....not more than 10h with my sons. Hybrid Combos I had in use Soft/Arm frienfly Main Isospeed Cream 1,28 mm Crossed Head Velocity ( btw..it is manufactured by Isospeed for Head) More control + a bit power Main Kirschbaum Supermash Orange 1,23 mm Crossed Head Velocity 1,30mm or Control + a bit less stiff the Co-poly Main Polystar Classic 1,20 mm 22,5 Kg) Crossed Head Velocity 1,30 mm Note: Main is not sawing the crossed in spite of gauge main. Good.. in my opinion. Now doing an attemp Main Head Sonic Pro Edge 1,30 mm ( triangle gauge) 23 kg Crossed Isospeed Cream 1,28 mm (22,5 kg) my son immediately detected more control + spin than using Kirschbaum Orange 1,23 mm as main and Velocity as crossed. Experience and R&D is on-going.👍
I use Ultra Cable as my main. It depends on your views of durability. I'm a stringer so I have the luxury of being able to play around with a lot of different setups. For me, the best feeling cross is Solinco Vanquish 16 (1.30mm). However, with the sharp edged Ultra Cable, you only get 10-12 hours of play out of it before the Vanquish is either shredded beyond useful life or it breaks due to shredding. It's an expensive string to use therefore, but it does provide excellent power to complement the UC. As a result of wanting a bit more durability, I have tried a few options and recently found Volkl Power Fiber Pro 16 (1.30mm) to be a surprise standout performer. And it's available in yellow to go along with the yellow UC, if you want your strings to look great as well! It takes an hour to play in because it does feel a little muted at first, but after that hour, it's become my favourite option and durability is definitely better than the vanquish, at least twice as good, I'm playing with a Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13, UC in mains @48lbs, Power Fiber Pro in crosses @52lbs. Just as a guide, in the UK, if I was stringing that for you as a customer, I would be charging you £19.
I play with Alu Power Mains and Synthetic Cross. When using different tensions on crosses and mains, some stringers have different opinions. (1) Mains should be higher than cross (2) Cross should be higher than mains as the stiffer string should be strung at a lower tension. Any advice?
I was just pondering the same question. My rackets are slightly deformed by the tension loss in the poly cross, so I will bump up the tension of the poly a few pounds over the multi mains next time
ideally hyper-g at 60lbs in my 2013 APD... but it plays the best after a 30 minute break in and then sitting overnight... If I was going fresh off the stringer to immediately playing without a break in I would use Alu Power at 59 lbs.
“As I get OLDER, say in my mid-30’s into my 40’s”…watch it there you young wipper-snapper!! 🤣. Us ‘old guys’ can still play with a full bed of poly! In my latest set-up I’ve stared to experiment with a hybrid setup of ALU Rough in the mains and NXT Power in the crosses. It’s plush and not as crisp as I’m used to. It will take some time to get comfortable with this setup.
Hello. I have question. I'm going back to playing tennis after 3 years, I will use multifilament string Xcel from Babolat's 16 gauge. Which string tension do you recommend for re-starting game?
Hey man. Depends on how much of a beginner you feel like you are again and also where you live. I would start around 50 pounds and if you feel like you need some more control you could always go up a few pounds. 50 is good because it is tight but will allow your strings to move to get plenty of power and spin. You’re going to want to just get your feel back so go as low as you can without feeling out of control 👍🏼
I find stringers and tennis coaches just shit at giving any recommendations about string, I have a stringer who put in a full bed of 4G and assured me it was comfortable but I think he did it just to be able to sell it. I had to learn the hard way after getting a sore arm. The other issue is that stringers string rackets at too high and assume that the same tension with a the same string on a 100 square inch racquet will give the same string stiffness as one on 95 square inch if done at the same tension with the same string which is just blatantly wrong, which is of no surprise as thee people are not known for having physics as their strong subject in school and university.
This comment is bang on the money. Before leaving the USA, I took lessons from several coaches, 3 of them strung for me. Not a single one suggested that I switch to a more user friendly racket. Years on, I adopted some of the same tweaks that Roman Prokes made for Novak Djokovic, but taken to greater extremes. (Lower static weight, longer handle, marginally more open pattern) Throw in a low-tension hybrid setup with a softer and thinner beam, and one of the biggest bottlenecks to my game--namely an unsuitable racket--has been removed. Having an excellent certified racquet tech in Singapore is very valuable indeed. More so than having a coach at this point. Maybe I can finally get to a true NTRP 4.5 by the time I am 50, having been 4.25 for 4 years now. No chance at all without the internet!
I bought an 18x20 racquet off eBay, came with natural gut mains and smooth poly crosses already strung. Felt weird initially with less spin and more power, but once I adjusted it was incredible. Durable too, I got a good 10-12 weeks out of it before a main snapped.
Thanks for the information, I think that a first step for Juniors into polys is with the syn-gut in the mains and poly in the cross.
That would introduce the player into the world of polys without injuries, after he brakes those strings fast, then go to poly main crossed with a Syn-gut.
Very good information. So far my experience stringing and playing. Using Wilson NXT Control (16G) on mains at 60 pounds and Golden Set poly (18G) on crosses at 55 pounds. It was easy to cut the string after a few games. Now if you swap the strings, poly on mains, and gut on crosses, then it is much more durable. Definitely I will not recommend Wilson NXT because the price and durability in a Hybrid configuration, and trying now with alternatives like Head Velocity MLT (16G).
Completely agree that most club players should be playing a hybrid rather than a full bed of poly. Here's a set-up I found to work really well: Triax 16 in a cross with a round, slick poly like 4G Soft of Ice Code in the mains. Great playability and comfort, good control and decent spin.
i have some packages of triax and silverstring poly. I will try to hybrid. Which tensions are you using ? did you also try the triax in the main?
@@Nautijan The tension is completely a function of the frame I play. I use the Angell TC95 in both the 16x19 and the 18x20 patterns. In the 16x19, I use 4G Soft (16L) mains at 50 / Triax (16) crosses at 52. In the 18x20, I use Ice Code (17) at 46 / Triax (16) at 48. I wouldn't play Triax as a main as I am a string breaker and the durability of that set up would just be too short for me.
@@johnnyguitar6697 Thanks. Relatively low tensions. I have been using Triax in a full bed at ± 55. I noticed it is mainly the crosses strings that start fraying. I never went to the breaking point as I feel that the spin potential drops quite a bit at a certain time at which I restring. In any case, I was thinking of using a smooth poly as a cross to lengthen durability, the opposite reasoning from you :). How much does Triax in the cross softens a polybed in your experience. I play silver string at 50 in a full bed but that is borderline wrt comfort so I would like to soften it up.
@@Nautijan It is a very noticeable difference in my view. Tried Ice Code 17 full bed in the 18x20 TC95 and found it uncomfortable, even at 46lbs, due to the combination of smaller head size, tight pattern and relatively firm poly. Adding Triax in the crosses made it considerably plusher. No discomfort at all.
You do realize that you are excellent at this
Really great solid useful information. Thank you for your channel!
Not only do the combinations of strings impact each other, the relative tensions, and tension loss impacts playability - ..as does the gauge of each string!!….so many variables!!
Hi, i use Head RIP Control in the crosses. Also a little rough. Please try it. 🙂
similar subject also handled very well is AMStringing 's new video "Stringing Guidelines"...Good stuff !
Great info. I was swimming around not knowing what to do, and you convinced me to try a hybrid setup. I use a Yonex Vcore 7th gen racquet, do you have any specific recommendations.
How about thinner gauge poly + lower tension instead of hybrid poly/multi?
Fantastic video, thank you Brian! My son just started playing HS, and coming from a very long break myself, we jumped onto the green string seen everywhere. I played with gut when I was younger so the difference in feeling (or lack of) was quite the surprise. We've since ditched full poly, and have been trying different multifilaments as well as poly/multi combinations. The 4G/NXT combo you show is one I personally like alot, 4G Rough on the mains with NXT Control on the crosses. I completely agree with you on how it plays. What I'm curious now is the growing number of thin poly strings(18~20g) that are becoming more available. Would these be suitable for a 14yo? My son has yet to experience any tennis elbow, so I would hate to introduce something that might cause it.
This is a fantastic video. Very informative.
I really like your comment at the end of the video regarding a co- polymer versus hybrid stringing . I’ve been considering that set up, one versus the other recently. You answered the question. Thank you very. Recently inadvertently I strung my racket with a poly and the natural gut at the same tension. Honestly it’s one of the best responses I have felt in a long time. With that said I’m curious as to your thoughts on that string set up. I know ultimately it comes down to the feel of the striker.
Thanks for the video coach. What's is the recommended tension combo for a hybrid setup? I just bought Solinco Tour Bite 1.20 & NRG2 1.32... I'm planning to have them on my Pure Aero 98 as TB on mains while NRG2 on crosses.
Note: I usually play with full bed poly at 48 LB.
What tensions recommendations would you put on a poly main with natural gut cross? Would you put different tensions on main vs cross? And also I have a little elbow issue . Thanks?
Great info👍😎🤙🎾🎾
I play hybrid for more than 10 yrs. I recomend to try
What do you think of kevlar strings and kevlar (m) + poly (c) hybrids, particularly made ashaway?
my combo is RPM on main cross Wilson comfort nice combo but Wilson does seem to fray after a short while
I have read differing opinions on gut / poly hybrids and the string tension differential. If you put the natural gut in the MAINS and poly in the crosses, how much lower in tension would you recommend stringing the poly crosses for optimal performance and snap-back?
Would it make more sense for someone(flat forehand) that never breaks strings to use the highest quality like natural gut in the mains because it's going to last for years?
he's back!
Awesome video man thank you! Just starting to test hybrids and plan to test a variety.
Im trying to reduce the power of a multifilament. Should I try a hybrid with poly in the mainspring and my multifilament in the crosses?
What is a ideal synthetic gut in your opinion for a cross when using a poly on the main?
If someone is constantly breaking the string, does it make sense to put a 15 poly on the main and a 16 syn gut on the cross and maybe also lower the tension of the cross by 1lb to extend the life? If not what's your recommendation?
The 3-5 extra pounds isn't to actually make it last longer as the multi loses tension slower than the mains. It's to even out the feeling of the strings. The idea is you string the cross at your normal tension and the polys 10% lower
If you’re not using a 18x20 string patterned racquet you could try that…different feel though but definitely less breaking
I will recommend to just use full bed of PE, and reduce the tension really a lot. Now I play at around 40 lbs that works really good. Just try to reduce 2lbs each time restring and you will find how amazing it is.
what would the tension be on say using a 17 gauge ( Babotat RPM Blast and for the mains a 16 gauge( Wilson snthetic Gut for the crosses? This person is a chronic string breaker and doesn't want 15 gauge in the racket. Thanks
hi man, great video! i would like to know...Im using cyclone tour at 48 lbs in a head youtek speed mp (18x20, 315 grs, 20mm beam, 2 grams of lead tape at 12)...want to try a hybrid for a little more power and confort, and cross it with a multiphilament...what about tension? do I keep the 48 in both strings to try, or would you suggest something different? thanks man!!!
Hello
How about genesis typhoon 1.26 as Main and black magic 1.16 as cross? Any pros / cons on this setup ? Thanks for a great video
Well articulated video, my question is: how do u know if a string is textured? Today i put natural gut on mains and yonex strike in crosses, with longevity as most important feature. Is that good? Cheers and thanks
What type of gut did you use? that will likely determine the longevity of that combo... I've found the luxilon gut lasts the longest.
Strike is a smooth poly which with gut should increase the lifespane slightly compared to something textured or rough that will eat into the gut a little faster.
Textured strings are typically anything labeled rough or any string that promises "max spin." You'll know when you touch it. Something like RPM Rough or Alu Power Rough are good examples.
Have you ever tried a Yonex polytour pro 125? It's a quite soft mono string that I played since my hybrid setup always ripped after 3 hours of play. It's certainly not the same but it's a pretty ice string, I'm now considering to try to put something like a head velocity mlt in the crosses that might get me one step closer to the desired feeling while maintaining durability (and maybe even increase tension management!?)
With my sons 12 &14 y. o. I am using hybrid since years ago...Head Velocity (natural color) 1,30mm always as Crossed 22,5 kg or 23 kg....great string....playability and durability (over 12-15 hour use)...from moment multi filaments is starting fraying, your co-poly in main is starting to be death, so moment for restinging the hybrid.
Head Velocity is reaching 20h with a son is flat hitter, 15h approx with other son is.. spin hitter...Velocity is holding tension in good way, too.
Velocity black color is fraying quicker than natural...
Velocity gauge 1,25 mm less durability....not more than 10h with my sons.
Hybrid Combos I had in use
Soft/Arm frienfly
Main Isospeed Cream 1,28 mm
Crossed Head Velocity ( btw..it is manufactured by Isospeed for Head)
More control + a bit power
Main Kirschbaum Supermash Orange 1,23 mm
Crossed Head Velocity 1,30mm
or
Control + a bit less stiff the Co-poly
Main Polystar Classic 1,20 mm 22,5 Kg)
Crossed Head Velocity 1,30 mm
Note: Main is not sawing the crossed in spite of gauge main. Good.. in my opinion.
Now doing an attemp
Main Head Sonic Pro Edge 1,30 mm ( triangle gauge) 23 kg
Crossed Isospeed Cream 1,28 mm (22,5 kg) my son immediately detected more control + spin than using Kirschbaum Orange 1,23 mm as main and Velocity as crossed.
Experience and R&D is on-going.👍
I like ultra cable as a poly, but want a little extra power. What would be a good choice for the cross strings? Thanks.
I use Ultra Cable as my main. It depends on your views of durability. I'm a stringer so I have the luxury of being able to play around with a lot of different setups.
For me, the best feeling cross is Solinco Vanquish 16 (1.30mm). However, with the sharp edged Ultra Cable, you only get 10-12 hours of play out of it before the Vanquish is either shredded beyond useful life or it breaks due to shredding. It's an expensive string to use therefore, but it does provide excellent power to complement the UC. As a result of wanting a bit more durability, I have tried a few options and recently found Volkl Power Fiber Pro 16 (1.30mm) to be a surprise standout performer. And it's available in yellow to go along with the yellow UC, if you want your strings to look great as well! It takes an hour to play in because it does feel a little muted at first, but after that hour, it's become my favourite option and durability is definitely better than the vanquish, at least twice as good,
I'm playing with a Wilson Pro Staff 97 v13, UC in mains @48lbs, Power Fiber Pro in crosses @52lbs.
Just as a guide, in the UK, if I was stringing that for you as a customer, I would be charging you £19.
Champion's Choice is the best string on the market in my opinion. It's just so expensive.
Hey Brian, Good to see you back putting out some more content!
I play with Alu Power Mains and Synthetic Cross. When using different tensions on crosses and mains, some stringers have different opinions.
(1) Mains should be higher than cross
(2) Cross should be higher than mains as the stiffer string should be strung at a lower tension.
Any advice?
2
I use a multi in the mains and poly in the crosses, the multi I will string 5 pounds tighter.
I was just pondering the same question. My rackets are slightly deformed by the tension loss in the poly cross, so I will bump up the tension of the poly a few pounds over the multi mains next time
Whats you match day string n tension?
ideally hyper-g at 60lbs in my 2013 APD... but it plays the best after a 30 minute break in and then sitting overnight... If I was going fresh off the stringer to immediately playing without a break in I would use Alu Power at 59 lbs.
You have a younger elbow than I do..lol
volkl cyclone tour is an incredibly soft and spinny string...the downside is it loses tension pretty bad after 4-5 hours
“As I get OLDER, say in my mid-30’s into my 40’s”…watch it there you young wipper-snapper!! 🤣. Us ‘old guys’ can still play with a full bed of poly! In my latest set-up I’ve stared to experiment with a hybrid setup of ALU Rough in the mains and NXT Power in the crosses. It’s plush and not as crisp as I’m used to. It will take some time to get comfortable with this setup.
Lorenzo Musetti is using head hawk rough on the mains, and lynx tour on the crossers.
Hello. I have question. I'm going back to playing tennis after 3 years, I will use multifilament string Xcel from Babolat's 16 gauge. Which string tension do you recommend for re-starting game?
Hey man. Depends on how much of a beginner you feel like you are again and also where you live. I would start around 50 pounds and if you feel like you need some more control you could always go up a few pounds. 50 is good because it is tight but will allow your strings to move to get plenty of power and spin. You’re going to want to just get your feel back so go as low as you can without feeling out of control 👍🏼
Alu and triax or alu and MLT
I find stringers and tennis coaches just shit at giving any recommendations about string, I have a stringer who put in a full bed of 4G and assured me it was comfortable but I think he did it just to be able to sell it. I had to learn the hard way after getting a sore arm. The other issue is that stringers string rackets at too high and assume that the same tension with a the same string on a 100 square inch racquet will give the same string stiffness as one on 95 square inch if done at the same tension with the same string which is just blatantly wrong, which is of no surprise as thee people are not known for having physics as their strong subject in school and university.
This comment is bang on the money. Before leaving the USA, I took lessons from several coaches, 3 of them strung for me. Not a single one suggested that I switch to a more user friendly racket. Years on, I adopted some of the same tweaks that Roman Prokes made for Novak Djokovic, but taken to greater extremes. (Lower static weight, longer handle, marginally more open pattern) Throw in a low-tension hybrid setup with a softer and thinner beam, and one of the biggest bottlenecks to my game--namely an unsuitable racket--has been removed. Having an excellent certified racquet tech in Singapore is very valuable indeed. More so than having a coach at this point.
Maybe I can finally get to a true NTRP 4.5 by the time I am 50, having been 4.25 for 4 years now. No chance at all without the internet!
I play Hybrid due to my arm issues
You must be very rich to put natural gut on the main... It will break in no time!!