Multi question

[2handsbothsides]

For all you multi experts, is there a string better than Babolat Xcel if the priority of characteristics are in the following order?

comfort, control, feel, power, cost, spin, tension maintenance, longevity

I have tried a number of multi's and guts and here's my take on them.

Xcel - best
NRG2 - excellent but somewhat crisper than Xcel, slightly less comfort
Pacific Classic - a crisp gut, never won any more points than with NRG2 and after 5 or 6 hours a fresh NRG2 played better, so not cost effective.
Klip Legend - even crisper than Classic with no other benefits
Prince Softex - slightly more comfort than NRG2 but way less control
Mutlifeel, Addiction, Premier Attack - All harsher than NRG2 with less feel or power
BDE Professional - best string I ever used, would still be using if not discontinued

[Ramon]

You've tried a lot of good strings, including some of my favorites. Truth is that maybe there's nothing out there you like better, but two other strings I think are worth trying are Discho Microfibre and Kirschbaum Touch Mutifiber. Since you seem to like soft strings I think you should Discho Microfibre first. It certainly costs less then Xcel.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by Ramon

You've tried a lot of good strings, including some of my favorites. Truth is that maybe there's nothing out there you like better, but two other strings I think are worth trying are Discho Microfibre and Kirschbaum Touch Mutifiber. Since you seem to like soft strings I think you should Discho Microfibre first. It certainly costs less then Xcel.

Discho Microfibre or its identical twin Signum Pro Micronite are definitely the ones I'd try. The Kirschbaum Touch is noticeably crisper and stiffer than Xcel and is prone to shear shanks early breaks near the grommets. I've tried out a couple multis in the past with full reviews here:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=352048

[sphinx780]

Originally Posted by mikeler

I've tried out a couple multis in the past

[ramosxp]

I don't know exactly what it is about multi's, but they're really middle of the road for me in terms of performance. I realize people with arm pains may benefit from them, and I've tried multi's in many different configurations, full set of multi, hybrid, multi's on mains and crosses. I don't feel a drastic difference with good quality nylons like PSG when I hybrid them. For real comfort, control and power, I'd prob end up getting the cheapest set of gut I could get, or just go nylon instead of multi's. Just basing this on cost, I feel like some multi's just can't justify their price tag, especially if you're just going to hybrid them.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by ramosxp

I don't know exactly what it is about multi's, but they're really middle of the road for me in terms of performance. I realize people with arm pains may benefit from them, and I've tried multi's in many different configurations, full set of multi, hybrid, multi's on mains and crosses. I don't feel a drastic difference with good quality nylons like PSG when I hybrid them. For real comfort, control and power, I'd prob end up getting the cheapest set of gut I could get, or just go nylon instead of multi's. Just basing this on cost, I feel like some multi's just can't justify their price tag, especially if you're just going to hybrid them.

The good multis are definitely nicer than a solid core synthetic gut. The "so so" multis and there are many of them are not worth the extra price.

[Ramon]

Originally Posted by ramosxp

I don't know exactly what it is about multi's, but they're really middle of the road for me in terms of performance. I realize people with arm pains may benefit from them, and I've tried multi's in many different configurations, full set of multi, hybrid, multi's on mains and crosses. I don't feel a drastic difference with good quality nylons like PSG when I hybrid them. For real comfort, control and power, I'd prob end up getting the cheapest set of gut I could get, or just go nylon instead of multi's. Just basing this on cost, I feel like some multi's just can't justify their price tag, especially if you're just going to hybrid them.

On a poly/nylon hybrid setup I find that a good monofilament cross can often be as good or better than a multi. However, as a full bed, I'll definitely take a good multi over monofilament syngut.

[bigmalik76]

I think more that anything is also what feel good for you. i.e. I like Forten sweet 17g as Hybrid string(in my economical setup) and usually use that as a ref string (in case I don't like the Poly I don't feel bad cutting it out). There a definitely some nice multi's out there especially if I hybrid in the main I can tell a bigger difference than in the crosses. Might be just me though. I a full bed I totally agree with Ramon on the multi

[2handsbothsides]

Originally Posted by mikeler

Discho Microfibre or its identical twin Signum Pro Micronite are definitely the ones I'd try. The Kirschbaum Touch is noticeably crisper and stiffer than Xcel and is prone to shear shanks early breaks near the grommets.

Thanks, I will try out Discho Microfibre and report back with results vs. Xcel.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by 2handsbothsides

Thanks, I will try out Discho Microfibre and report back with results vs. Xcel.

They are very similar. Both fray forever and a day for me but don't break quickly.

[2handsbothsides]

After a long trial of Xcel, NRG2 and Disco Microfibre in 17 gauge I am convinced that none of them win me any more free points than another, so Microfibre wins on price.

Now cross a Microfibre main with Forten Sweet cross and I declare that the best playing, arm friendly, high value setup available for the non-poly player.

[Rob1]

You forget some other good multi in X-1 Biaphase 17, but it does break after
so many matches.
Then there is NXT and Prince Premier.
I think the multis is better with a poly as a hybrid.
The best is VS Team Gut for endurance and performance.

[Muppet]

Originally Posted by 2handsbothsides

After a long trial of Xcel, NRG2 and Disco Microfibre in 17 gauge I am convinced that none of them win me any more free points than another, so Microfibre wins on price.

Now cross a Microfibre main with Forten Sweet cross and I declare that the best playing, arm friendly, high value setup available for the non-poly player.

When you find your grail, you know it. Balls to bones.

[SJSA]

I have tried many multis to find out right one, but most mutis has durability issues.
So far, Head Rip Control 16 is great for all around for me.
If power is your priority for mutis, this is not the one for you then.

cost>longevity>spin>comfort>feel>control>tension maintenance>power

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by 2handsbothsides

For all you multi experts, is there a string better than Babolat Xcel if the priority of characteristics are in the following order?

comfort, control, feel, power, cost, spin, tension maintenance, longevity

I have tried a number of multi's and guts and here's my take on them.

Xcel - best
NRG2 - excellent but somewhat crisper than Xcel, slightly less comfort
Pacific Classic - a crisp gut, never won any more points than with NRG2 and after 5 or 6 hours a fresh NRG2 played better, so not cost effective.
Klip Legend - even crisper than Classic with no other benefits
Prince Softex - slightly more comfort than NRG2 but way less control
Mutlifeel, Addiction, Premier Attack - All harsher than NRG2 with less feel or power
BDE Professional - best string I ever used, would still be using if not discontinued

WOW< AWSOME review.
I had no idea about that BDE professional. It is the BEST multi in the world ??? Is there anything that is similar to it ?