Full-Poly or Hybrid?

[Swerve]

Hey all,

This is my first post and I'm glad to be a part of this online community.

I am here with a question for those with more experience using different sorts of strings/combos. In reading as much as I could about stringing on this and other forums, I have discovered that there that I have A LOT to learn; honestly, I feel like I'm back in AP Physics when I read some of your posts!

About me: I am fairly new to the game of tennis, I have only been playing for about 6 months. I am 25, 5'8, 190, and played tons of sports in high school so I am very athletic. I like to weightlift so I have lots of strength in my upper & lower body as well as my core. I am currently rated a 3.0 (my fall USTA team made it to sectionals!) and sometimes play up. Right now, I am only playing mixed combo at the 7.0 level, but in the spring I will be playing Men's doubles and hopefully singles.

At this point I spend most of my time on the baseline and win most of my points hitting heavy topspin forehands down the line or deep into the corners. I utilize a one-handed backhand that is getting better. I can consistently hit a slice and am working on making my topspin backhand more dependable. When I play doubles I'd say I'm a capable volleyer but it is not really my strength.

I am using a Babolat AeroPro Drive right now and have only every used Prince Synthetic Gut Strings & Prince Premier Attack 17's because I had no clue about what sort of strings work best. I last played with the PPA 17's strung at 55 lbs. I didn't experience any problems physically, but I didn't feel as though I was getting much from the string. I want to experiment with polys because I want to maximize the topspin I get on my ground strokes.

I understand that it takes playing with different string to get a feel for it, but I just wanted some suggestions as to where I should start. A couple things to keep in mind are that I am not trying to spend too much on string and looking for something that will last longer than a week. I play about three times a week right now and will play more when the weather warms up here. The strings I was thinking about were based on what I've read:

Black5Edge, MSV Hex, Volkl Cyclone, & Solinco Tour Bite

I've also read about people using hybrid combinations. I'd probably opt for using a poly in the mains and then something else in the crosses. So suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated as well. One thing to keep in mind is that for me right now being fresh outta school, natural gut is a bit on the pricey side.

Thanks in advance everyone!

[canny]

If bab gut is too price pacificy and klip make very good alternatives. But I'd definitely say MSV focus hex. Nothing comes close to a full bed of this stuff or has a hybrid. Price to performance is bar none and it lasts a good while. Im about to string up the soft version myself today

[polytheist]

I don't know anyone at 3.0 who is very athletic, hits heavy topspin, and is a capable volleyer.

[Swerve]

Originally Posted by canny

If bab gut is too price pacific and klip make very good alternatives. But I'd definitely say MSV focus hex. Nothing comes close to a full bed of this stuff or has a hybrid. Price to performance is bar none and it lasts a good while. Im about to string up the soft version myself today

Thank you for your reply. I'll definitely buy some of this string because it isn't too expensive!

[Swerve]

Originally Posted by polytheist

I don't know anyone at 3.0 who is very athletic, hits heavy topspin, and is a capable volleyer.

Not sure if you're being sarcastic or just being condescending. Like I said never played tennis until this past June. But I played JUCO baseball & run a sub 6:00 mile. As any athlete I have invested lots of time into the game & have worked to get better at tennis. I'm not sure if heavy topspin was the right phrase but I do fine rallying with 4.0 guys when I play mixed & my shots have good depth and kick a fair amount. I meant capable as in I do well when I play those at a 3.0-4.0 level, and that I hit more balls solidly at net than I do into the net.

Wasn't tryna sound like Roger Federer or toot my own horn, was just tryna give information to help those answering. I do not even know why I am replying to your remark as you didn't even answer my question, you just decided to sound off and try to belittle my question. Thanks anyways.

[Ess]

I think if you can do a full bed of poly it negates a lot of the hybrid advantage. I do a soft co-poly at lower tensions, for example Weis Cannon Silverstring at 50lbs and do not have any arm issues so have not thought to hybrid it. I suspect if I ever encounter pain I will cross it with some of that Gosen that everyone raves about, but for now I find huge benifit out of a full bed poly.

[Swerve]

Originally Posted by Ess

I think if you can do a full bed of poly it negates a lot of the hybrid advantage. I do a soft co-poly at lower tensions, for example Weis Cannon Silverstring at 50lbs and do not have any arm issues so have not thought to hybrid it. I suspect if I ever encounter pain I will cross it with some of that Gosen that everyone raves about, but for now I find huge benifit out of a full bed poly.

I feel like that'd be a good way to go & then if I do experience problems then I can make the hybrid switch. Have you played with the B5E string before, and if so how does it compare to the Silverstring?

[Ess]

Have not played b5e, WCSS and SPPP are my go to strings, formerly at 52lbs, but going down in the future with a goal of 48 for a bit more pop on serves.