Volkl cyclone tour hybrid advise

Kaznkul

Rookie
Hi guys. I’ve been playing with a fb of CT 16g for a couple of weeks now and I’m enjoying the softer feel than the previous strings I’ve used. Tour bite 16g, barb wire 16g and RPM team 16g. I have to say in hindsight I’ve enjoyed each string for different reasons, but mostly Team for overall qualities, but I’ve gotten a few arm issues, nothing bad, but something that I must be careful of. So I tried CT to see how much softer it was compared to Team and for sure it’s softer. I’m addicted to spin atm, and I like the grip the shaped poly’s have but I feel my game, and arm prefer a softer setup. I have a few ideas for hybrids to try like CT mains with either Gosen OGSM 16g or velocity 16g or wilson revolve 17g. I guess I’m looking for any suggestions/ advise if I’m headed in the right direction with these string choices or is there other setups ( I’ve read a lot of threads on others btw) to achieve the same results?
 

LOBALOT

Hall of Fame
Hi guys. I’ve been playing with a fb of CT 16g for a couple of weeks now and I’m enjoying the softer feel than the previous strings I’ve used. Tour bite 16g, barb wire 16g and RPM team 16g. I have to say in hindsight I’ve enjoyed each string for different reasons, but mostly Team for overall qualities, but I’ve gotten a few arm issues, nothing bad, but something that I must be careful of. So I tried CT to see how much softer it was compared to Team and for sure it’s softer. I’m addicted to spin atm, and I like the grip the shaped poly’s have but I feel my game, and arm prefer a softer setup. I have a few ideas for hybrids to try like CT mains with either Gosen OGSM 16g or velocity 16g or wilson revolve 17g. I guess I’m looking for any suggestions/ advise if I’m headed in the right direction with these string choices or is there other setups ( I’ve read a lot of threads on others btw) to achieve the same results?

I too have had my share of arm issues over the many years of playing. I really like Volkl Cyclone Tour (VCT) and can care less that it has poor durability as I simply restring it when I can't keep the ball in the court which is at about the 10 hour mark (Some of my pals say that I can't keep the ball in the court at the 10 second mark but we'll stick to talking tennis strings!).

I have looked at a few of the posts out here about pairing a shaped poly in the mains with a round poly in the crosses and so last weekend I strung up a couple of racquets with VCT 17G in the mains and Polyfibre TCS 17G in the crosses. Note: Polyfibre TCS has even worse tension maintenance but I figure in the crosses perhaps it will be OK. So far it is playing great although I think if I did it again I would drop the tension a few pounds in the TCS as it is playing a bit stiffer than a full bed of VCT and also I want a bit higher launch angle.

Anyway perhaps that is something to try. As a bonus it looks pretty cool with the Black/Anthracite string in the mains and the neon yellow string in the crosses.
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
I just recently just did a hybrid with Cyclone Tour in the mains with Isospeed Cream in the crosses at 48/49 lbs. Only played with it for 2 hours but it's super soft with lots of spin and control.

Awesome! I forgot about that combo. Thanks.


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Hmgraphite1

Hall of Fame
I hope try wilson revolve in crosses with vct. Revolve to me feels really soft. Had a great match with full bed vc yesterday and also really like elite xt.
 

Traffic

Hall of Fame
Hi guys. I’ve been playing with a fb of CT 16g for a couple of weeks now and I’m enjoying the softer feel than the previous strings I’ve used. Tour bite 16g, barb wire 16g and RPM team 16g. I have to say in hindsight I’ve enjoyed each string for different reasons, but mostly Team for overall qualities, but I’ve gotten a few arm issues, nothing bad, but something that I must be careful of. So I tried CT to see how much softer it was compared to Team and for sure it’s softer. I’m addicted to spin atm, and I like the grip the shaped poly’s have but I feel my game, and arm prefer a softer setup. I have a few ideas for hybrids to try like CT mains with either Gosen OGSM 16g or velocity 16g or wilson revolve 17g. I guess I’m looking for any suggestions/ advise if I’m headed in the right direction with these string choices or is there other setups ( I’ve read a lot of threads on others btw) to achieve the same results?
Do NOT play CT/OGSM!! CT loses tension quickly. You will play fine for about 2hrs, then CT/OGSM will be a rocket launcher.

If you are 4.0 or higher, then please disregard the following segment of my post.
I used to be addicted to spin friendly setups. Oh how I loved Black Widow!! Just grips the **** out of the ball and puts mad spin on it. But I also think it contributed to some arm fatigue because I wasn't using good technique. Also, I would take healthy cuts at the ball with bad form and that really wasn't so good for my health.

I've since moved to a more control oriented racquet and control oriented strings. I no longer have 'free' extra spin. I have to earn it with good strokes. But that has transformed my game with much better technique.

But if you want to try Velocity in the cross, I could support that. Velocity is low powered, so with CT grabbing the ball and V keeping the power in check, you may find good success.
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
Do NOT play CT/OGSM!! CT loses tension quickly. You will play fine for about 2hrs, then CT/OGSM will be a rocket launcher.

If you are 4.0 or higher, then please disregard the following segment of my post.
I used to be addicted to spin friendly setups. Oh how I loved Black Widow!! Just grips the **** out of the ball and puts mad spin on it. But I also think it contributed to some arm fatigue because I wasn't using good technique. Also, I would take healthy cuts at the ball with bad form and that really wasn't so good for my health.

I've since moved to a more control oriented racquet and control oriented strings. I no longer have 'free' extra spin. I have to earn it with good strokes. But that has transformed my game with much better technique.

But if you want to try Velocity in the cross, I could support that. Velocity is low powered, so with CT grabbing the ball and V keeping the power in check, you may find good success.

I agree. Yes my technique isn’t always on point and I’m definitely not a 4.0 player. In saying that I do understand when I get the short ball I want and I want to give it some, the strings I’ve used have yielded more or less spin and in turn different results. I’ve quickly realised that I can’t belt every ball, I used to do that when I was a kid, so I know what shots I want to play, which has forced me to play at a decent level for longer. Thanks for the advice on the OSGM, but my reasoning for that combo was because in my PS97, I’ve strung the CT at 56lbs, so I was thinking of stringing OGSM tighter day around the 59lbs and see. When the CT dropped initially after the first hour I liked it more and I’m finding I’m still liking it even though it’s still dropping, albeit not as much.


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Traffic

Hall of Fame
FB CT may still have consistent power levels. However, the lower stringbed tension with OGSM launches the ball. The spin is still there and if you hit it perfectly, you get an amazing shot that has a ton of spin and pace. However, that window of striking it perfectly is pretty narrow.

I'm more in favor of a forgiving setup. So possibly CT with Velocity in the cross could provide that spin with forgiveness.
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
FB CT may still have consistent power levels. However, the lower stringbed tension with OGSM launches the ball. The spin is still there and if you hit it perfectly, you get an amazing shot that has a ton of spin and pace. However, that window of striking it perfectly is pretty narrow.

I'm more in favor of a forgiving setup. So possibly CT with Velocity in the cross could provide that spin with forgiveness.

Ok. Makes sense, thanks. I’ll give velocity a try.


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Muppet

Legend
Neither of these types of strings is best for how you want to use them. A shaped poly (CT) needs a tough cross string (smooth poly). Also, CT is twisted and will create extra friction with the crosses. OGSM and V are too soft and V is too low power to pair with a CT poly main. OTOH with a powerful, smooth poly cross the velocity can be a very good main string if you tension it 3 lbs. lower than you would ordinarily string a muti main. The smooth poly cross makes it firm enough and spin friendly, and the V main makes it plush. OGSM mains would be strung 2 lbs. tighter and would be more crisp, less plush. Or string up a full bed of CT.
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
Neither of these types of strings is best for how you want to use them. A shaped poly (CT) needs a tough cross string (smooth poly). Also, CT is twisted and will create extra friction with the crosses. OGSM and V are too soft and V is too low power to pair with a CT poly main. OTOH with a powerful, smooth poly cross the velocity can be a very good main string if you tension it 3 lbs. lower than you would ordinarily string a muti main. The smooth poly cross makes it firm enough and spin friendly, and the V main makes it plush. OGSM mains would be strung 2 lbs. tighter and would be more crisp, less plush. Or string up a full bed of CT.

Ok. anything other than a poly cross is a waste of time. So I like the softer feeling shaped poly’s, and I am using a fb CT at the moment. Am I wasting time trying to hybrid the CT then with something like cream to soften it even more? Are the differences going to be noticeable?


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USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Solinco Hyper G 1.25/ OGSM 1.30
Solinco Tourbite 1.25/ OGSM 1.30
Solinco Tourbite Soft 1.20/ OGSM 1.30

*Best poly/syn gut setups I have found. 50/52 in a RF97. Friends of mine that use Cyclone Tour use it full bed.
 
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Kaznkul

Rookie
Solinco Hyper G 1.25/ OGSM 1.30
Solinco Tourbite 1.25/ OGSM 1.30
Solinco Tourbite Soft 1.20/ OGSM 1.30

*Best poly/syn gut setups I have found. 50/52 in a RF97. Friends of mine that use Cyclone Tour use it full bed.

Thanks. Best in what way? Overall playability? Tension maintenance? I was thinking about tour bite soft but I like the power of CT.


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USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Thanks. Best in what way? Overall playability? Tension maintenance? I was thinking about tour bite soft but I like the power of CT.


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Yes, tension maintenance is necessary for this type of hybrid. Use a 16x19 frame so spin isn’t an issue. Get 10-12 hours of good play out of these set ups. Economical and easy on the arm.
 
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Muppet

Legend
CT 1.30/Revolve 1.25 would probably be a nice setup. Revolve is very slick coated, so the CT will deflect well for good spin. Tension the Revolve 1 or 2 lbs. lower than the CT. It may even be more durable than CT full since there are less edges creating friction.
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
It wasn’t until my son started getting lessons 2 years ago that I decided to get back into tennis so after a bit of research and never playing with a Wilson, I bought a pro staff strung up with tour bite. It was definitely a difference coming from over powered syn gut but it wasn’t suiting me. RPM team seamed to be a decent string for me apart from being too firm for my liking and these little arm troubles hence the search for a softer poly. When I used CT for the first time, the two things I noticed straight away were the bite on the ball and the softer feel. Made me happy. Thanks again for the advice. Very much appreciated


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LOBALOT

Hall of Fame
I just recently just did a hybrid with Cyclone Tour in the mains with Isospeed Cream in the crosses at 48/49 lbs. Only played with it for 2 hours but it's super soft with lots of spin and control.

I have my list to get some Isospeed Cream the next time I order some string. Sounds like it would make a nice cross string.

Thanks for the suggestion!
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
So I’ve decided to do a poly/ poly hybrid of mains CT/ crosses cream and then I’ll try mains CT/ crosses revolve. Any suggestions for tension of these hybrids? I’m stringing CT at 56lbs fb atm, cheers.


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Kaznkul

Rookie
Ok. I’ve received my set of cream. I’ll probably string my CT mains at 54lbs. Cream crosses at 52lbs?
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
dd8dd22d77606a79a2707d7e8f688961.jpg
ready to go with CT/ cream hybrid 56/54lbs. Can’t wait!


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LOBALOT

Hall of Fame
dd8dd22d77606a79a2707d7e8f688961.jpg
ready to go with CT/ cream hybrid 56/54lbs. Can’t wait!


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Looks great. I just received some Cream as well and have CT already. I am curious as to how this works for you. Also, if it performs better than CT on it's own. I really like CT so if not it is not a big deal...... However... always searching for something better!
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Solinco Tourbite 1.25/ OGSM 1.30
Solinco Hyper G 1.25/ OGSM 1.30
Tourna Big Hitter Black 7/ OGSM 1.30
48/52
 
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Kaznkul

Rookie
Looks great. I just received some Cream as well and have CT already. I am curious as to how this works for you. Also, if it performs better than CT on it's own. I really like CT so if not it is not a big deal...... However... always searching for something better!

Yeah I’m not too fussed if it’s not as good as a full bed of CT because I’m happy with the softness and overall performance of CT. While I was at my sons tennis lesson I hit a few serves. It’s definitely softer so that’s good. Power seemed around the same and kick serves were about the same. I’ll give my thoughts after a few hours of good hitting.


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LOBALOT

Hall of Fame
Yeah I’m not too fussed if it’s not as good as a full bed of CT because I’m happy with the softness and overall performance of CT. While I was at my sons tennis lesson I hit a few serves. It’s definitely softer so that’s good. Power seemed around the same and kick serves were about the same. I’ll give my thoughts after a few hours of good hitting.


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Sounds great. I posted on another thread I saw some previous posts about pairing a round cross with a textured main so I tried CT with Polyfibre TCS and that experiment did not work well. The Polyfibre TCS was too soft so the CT cut into it and the strings locked up. What I ended up with is a firmer racquet and the ball did not sit into the Stringbed. I am sure that type of setup would work for some but it was not what I was after.

Thanks!
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Hi guys. I’ve been playing with a fb of CT 16g for a couple of weeks now and I’m enjoying the softer feel than the previous strings I’ve used. Tour bite 16g, barb wire 16g and RPM team 16g. I have to say in hindsight I’ve enjoyed each string for different reasons, but mostly Team for overall qualities, but I’ve gotten a few arm issues, nothing bad, but something that I must be careful of. So I tried CT to see how much softer it was compared to Team and for sure it’s softer. I’m addicted to spin atm, and I like the grip the shaped poly’s have but I feel my game, and arm prefer a softer setup. I have a few ideas for hybrids to try like CT mains with either Gosen OGSM 16g or velocity 16g or wilson revolve 17g. I guess I’m looking for any suggestions/ advise if I’m headed in the right direction with these string choices or is there other setups ( I’ve read a lot of threads on others btw) to achieve the same results?
is cyclone tour a good string ? is it better than cyclone ?
 

Hmgraphite1

Hall of Fame
what about spin and power level . it is higher with cyclone tour or about the same ? and why only 1.30 ?? thinner versions play bad ?
I had good hitting with both this summer, currently trying to decide between the two. And find best tension for both so I can decide, and find which gauge is best for my game.
Imho, By feel , They are two different strings, different materials, only sharing the name due to the hex shape, in the case of tour being twisted also. The tour feels softer, it stretches more while stringing, and appears to put more back into the ball.
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
what about spin and power level . it is higher with cyclone tour or about the same ? and why only 1.30 ?? thinner versions play bad ?

Spin is the same. CT feels a bit more powerful. I string it tighter than regular cyclone to compensate. I haven’t tried thinner gauges in either but I’ve read that they play differently to 1.30. It would also depend on what racquet you use, level of play etc. some people have said they get 1 to 3 hrs of consistent playability, others a lot longer. I am able to get good tension maintenance out of both CT and regular cyclone.


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LOBALOT

Hall of Fame
is cyclone tour a good string ? is it better than cyclone ?

I think both are good strings and it depends what you are looking for. Cyclone is a firmer.

I think CT is a great option for someone with flat / old school strokes like me. I hit the ball pretty flat off the ground and the ball seems to sink into the bed a little almost like a multi and is a rather comfortable string for a poly. I don't have the groundstrokes to get a lot of the benefit of spin out a poly.

However, I do have a decent serve and when I decide to hit with spin (say a kicker) I want a string that will help generate even more spin and I get that out of this string.

It serves 2 purposes for me. Comfortable off the ground and I get spin when I serve.

The downside is the tension maintenance is not great (I have played with worse though). For me, I don't care about that. I just cut it out after about 10 hours and restring.
 

LOBALOT

Hall of Fame
I had good hitting with both this summer, currently trying to decide between the two. And find best tension for both so I can decide, and find which gauge is best for my game.
Imho, By feel , They are two different strings, different materials, only sharing the name due to the hex shape, in the case of tour being twisted also. The tour feels softer, it stretches more while stringing, and appears to put more back into the ball.

I agree. I think this is a good description.
 

GregN

Rookie
I have been using Volkl cyclone original with Ployfibre TCS as a cross with really good results, early days yet but a this stage the best combo I have tried. Next setup for me is Volkl cyclone tour and Ployfibre TCS rapid. The cyclone and the TCS both have a reputation for losing tension but I am stringing in the mid 40's and I string a couple of lbs higher to compensate for the loss and I find the combo lasts as good as any other setup I have tried.
 

LOBALOT

Hall of Fame
I have been using Volkl cyclone original with Ployfibre TCS as a cross with really good results, early days yet but a this stage the best combo I have tried. Next setup for me is Volkl cyclone tour and Ployfibre TCS rapid. The cyclone and the TCS both have a reputation for losing tension but I am stringing in the mid 40's and I string a couple of lbs higher to compensate for the loss and I find the combo lasts as good as any other setup I have tried.

That is great!
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
So I went and had my first proper hit tonight with CT/ cream hybrid. To reconfirm, it’s a bit softer than a full bed CT. Better feel at the net so far. Hit for a solid hour and a half. Good power, although not sure if it’s more powerful because it was a bit windy. Serves were good, even against the wind. I had it strung on Monday and I had a few serves that night. Then had a 30 min hit against the wall yesterday. Normal notching so far. Very comparable to full bed of CT. I will keep giving updates as I get more hours in, especially for tension maintenance.


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Kaznkul

Rookie
Hi guys. I’ve finally gotten a chance to get some hours on these strings. The weather here has been atrocious for the last month. 5hrs so far and it’s really playing nicely right now. What’s interesting is that the cream hasn’t notched at all and the CT has some notching. Thought it would be the other way round. I will keep an eye on this as I get more hours. I’m getting some really nice spin of both wings and volleys have a lot better feel than Fb CT. If this setup gets around the same mileage as Fb CT, this looks like the setup for this racquet[emoji1693]


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Muppet

Legend
Hi guys. I’ve finally gotten a chance to get some hours on these strings. The weather here has been atrocious for the last month. 5hrs so far and it’s really playing nicely right now. What’s interesting is that the cream hasn’t notched at all and the CT has some notching. Thought it would be the other way round. I will keep an eye on this as I get more hours. I’m getting some really nice spin of both wings and volleys have a lot better feel than Fb CT. If this setup gets around the same mileage as Fb CT, this looks like the setup for this racquet[emoji1693]


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It's normal for the mains to notch more than the crosses.
 

Traffic

Hall of Fame
Interesting read. I never had good luck with CT. But I only played in a hybrid form CT/OGSM. CT lost tension too quickly and the combo immediately gained too much power. But it played great for about 2hrs.

Regular Cyclone seemed to retain its playability a bit longer.

I'm curious to try OGSM/Velocity hybrid or OGSM/Cream hybrid. Put the S-gut in the mains for its feel and then tone it with a slicker-than-sgut cross for more access to spin and possibly tame the power.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Interesting read. I never had good luck with CT. But I only played in a hybrid form CT/OGSM. CT lost tension too quickly and the combo immediately gained too much power. But it played great for about 2hrs.

Regular Cyclone seemed to retain its playability a bit longer.

I'm curious to try OGSM/Velocity hybrid or OGSM/Cream hybrid. Put the S-gut in the mains for its feel and then tone it with a slicker-than-sgut cross for more access to spin and possibly tame the power.
Agree, very nice strings for about 4 horus then it is no good. I think luxilon over are better string due to better material
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
Interesting read. I never had good luck with CT. But I only played in a hybrid form CT/OGSM. CT lost tension too quickly and the combo immediately gained too much power. But it played great for about 2hrs.

Regular Cyclone seemed to retain its playability a bit longer.

I'm curious to try OGSM/Velocity hybrid or OGSM/Cream hybrid. Put the S-gut in the mains for its feel and then tone it with a slicker-than-sgut cross for more access to spin and possibly tame the power.

It could depend on your level also. Say if you’re a 5.5 or higher you would probably hit the ball a lot harder more consistently so the strings could drop pretty quick. I didn’t get the launching thing happen once the CT dropped too much tension. I just found I had to work harder to produce the same ball. Also I think I adjust as the strings drop. I don’t play everyday, but if I was able to, I’d have a better understanding of the changes.


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Kaznkul

Rookie
Agree, very nice strings for about 4 horus then it is no good. I think luxilon over are better string due to better material

You’re probably right, but volkl strings are a lot cheaper and softer. Finding a softer setup is one of the main goals for trying these strings. Not getting any younger!


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Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
You’re probably right, but volkl strings are a lot cheaper and softer. Finding a softer setup is one of the main goals for trying these strings. Not getting any younger!


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yea cyclone tour is very soft and nice, also luxilon element is very soft and powerful. luxilon lasts longer but bit more expensive
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
yea cyclone tour is very soft and nice, also luxilon element is very soft and powerful. luxilon lasts longer but bit more expensive

I think The cream does knock off a bit of power from the CT, but Not a lot, which is fine because I like the power on my backhand. It’s also is the softest setup of poly I’ve tried so far with having other qualities that I enjoy. There are many more strings/ hybrids that I will one day try, I enjoy the fact I can feel the difference.

One day I will get a set of champions choice and string that in my RF 97 and compare the feel to my ideal setup.


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Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
I think The cream does knock off a bit of power from the CT, but Not a lot, which is fine because I like the power on my backhand. It’s also is the softest setup of poly I’ve tried so far with having other qualities that I enjoy. There are many more strings/ hybrids that I will one day try, I enjoy the fact I can feel the difference.

One day I will get a set of champions choice and string that in my RF 97 and compare the feel to my ideal setup.


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does cream make insane spin like tourbite ?
 

Kaznkul

Rookie
I haven’t tried cream in a full bed to know. For me tour bite has about the same spin potential as cyclone tour. This hybrid has the same so putting the cream in the crosses hasn’t changed the spin potential for me but it has made it softer feeling. Tour bite was a bit firmer from memory but it was a couple of years ago since I used it.


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