Head Velocity

ttc2000

Rookie
so, maybe string at mid tension 55lb and lose 5lb to play at 50lb? so, going at 52lb and as you say losing 10% putting you at 47ish lb you didn't noting any increased power or spraying of shots?
My POG 110 1987 three stripes with full bed of velocity 16g is strung at 60/58 IBS and is magical for rallying hard powerful flat, topspin and slice shots.

I didn't play any points yet though, but it feels better than the six one 95 16x18@53/51 IBS with fb V.

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Big Ed

Rookie
55lbs for me in a RF97 never got to the playability that I found with 52lbs.
I'm thinking to play it safe maybe follow y'alls suit and string my prince tt warrior 100 and 107 up to 53lb fb black velo. I have one 107 strung with volkl syn gut 16ga,this is when I stopped trusting TW spin potential #s, that I am gonna get strung with fb velo black@53lb and keep my other 107 that came strung with donnay multi strung with same till I can see whether I like 53lb. I just hate to do both my 107's the same and not like it that low. don't know why I wouldn't but ya never know.
Big Ed
 

Big Ed

Rookie
Sure sounds like one case once you tried black, you would go back. :p
nope. I'm down with black..........................velocity that is. I've read that black velo gives a more poly dead feel and I'm addicted to the whoppppp that I hear when I hammer a groundstroke. besides the black looks pretty sick in my flat black prince frames to boot. folks have said that black velo is a little harsher/stiff than the natty color but dang folks its still a multi.
Big Ed
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
nope. I'm down with black..........................velocity that is. I've read that black velo gives a more poly dead feel and I'm addicted to the whoppppp that I hear when I hammer a groundstroke. besides the black looks pretty sick in my flat black prince frames to boot. folks have said that black velo is a little harsher/stiff than the natty color but dang folks its still a multi.Big Ed

Believe I prefer the black Velocity for the qualities you mentioned. Seems slicker and more poly like yet still easy on the arm.
 

Big Ed

Rookie
big news big news from head! just a moment ago head emailed me and said they are in fact expanding color way options for velocity this year. I asked for a spoiler of what colors but no response as of yet. y'all all email head and brag on velocity to further drive the point home. I told the rep about our sub-culture of velo users just here.
Big Ed
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
big news big news from head! just a moment ago head emailed me and said they are in fact expanding color way options for velocity this year. I asked for a spoiler of what colors but no response as of yet. y'all all email head and brag on velocity to further drive the point home. I told the rep about our sub-culture of velo users just here.
Big Ed

Don't tease us. My luck is they will give me my baby blue but only with that stiff coating. :eek:

I don't want a string that feels like poly ... want one that feels like a multi and plays like a poly.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
What gauge are you using for both strings?

lol ... this would be so much easier if there was one gauge and one color.

fb v nat 16
fb v blk 16
fb v nat 17
fb v blk 17
v 16 nat/sheep nat (oh screw it ... nat, white blk) :eek:

Infinite v/sheep and sheep/v hybrids. o_O
 

Big Ed

Rookie
Don't tease us. My luck is they will give me my baby blue but only with that stiff coating. :eek:

I don't want a string that feels like poly ... want one that feels like a multi and plays like a poly.
Poly I wouldn’t play with your emotions. I’m serious bud. Your rite I don’t my multi to feel like a poly but I do want it to play like a poly i.e. spin and control.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
What is this Velocity shredded coating thing you talk of? Must be with the black ... I have never seen it with Natural 16. Seems like one would just play with the Natural.
V natural is far better for not losing coating. But it is slightly "mushy" like most multis are, so that's the rub, lol.

A little proportional stringing could make a big difference, though.
 

bertrevert

Legend
Hi Ed - Velocity black @52 fb in Speed 360 MP 16 x 19 - very very nice (and notching only, no fraying), think I could go lower btw!
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
V natural is far better for not losing coating. But it is slightly "mushy" like most multis are, so that's the rub, lol.

A little proportional stringing could make a big difference, though.

I assume mushy means soft feeling ... like maybe NXT (played with it a long time ago ... only once). I have heard others refer to a multi as going mushy after some hours/play. I don't find velocity natural like that at all ... just feels like a forgiving more elastic control string until it breaks to me. Good thing they make so many strings ... we all like something different. I bet racquets matter also ... I would not be surprised if Velocity feels different in a flexy frame ... mine is RA 68.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
... I would not be surprised if Velocity feels different in a flexy frame ... mine is RA 68.

That's a very good point. I did a search on TW and it appears that 67 RA is now the median of all rackets offered for sale.

I used to string Kevlar on a 58 Ra frame this past Summer, but I'm finding a V-hybrid combo to work better this Winter on 66-67 frames.

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ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
That's a very good point. I did a search on TW and it appears that 67 RA is now the median of all rackets offered for sale.

I used to string Kevlar on a 58 Ra frame this past Summer, but I'm finding a V-hybrid combo to work better this Winter on 66-67 frames.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

I have only had one racquet with a lower RA, a Yonex RDIS 200 RA 61. I had a hard time finding strings that I liked the feel of in the racquet. Totally opposite with my old Pure Drive ... seemed like everything felt good in it.
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
Is sheep stiffer than V? Tell me again how sheep changes play from fb V.

Have been trying a number of different tensions with OGSM/ Vel with decent results. Took 2nd serve aces advice and put Vel in the mains with OGSM crosses and it plays excellent. Felt less stiff and hitting with depth and spin is much easier. Strings aren’t sticking out of place like they were with full bed V.
Don’t know all the dynamics behind this set up but it plays well like a solid hitting multi. 53/51 hit really well playing in upper 40’s temps but will increase to 54/52, 55/53 with the next couple of frames. Almost out of these reels so the experimenting phase is almost done. Will be interesting to compare how well I play with this set up and longevity compared to Gut/poly.
Will directly compare to full bed Vel as I just strung a couple of RF97’s at 52/52. My sense is that it has more control but still has easy access to power and spin with Vel/OGMS.
The biggest take away for me on this is that using this multi and OGMS through the winter, my arm has never felt better, my play wasn’t negatively effected and all of these set ups were roughly $4.00 a frame.
 
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ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Have been trying a number of different tensions with OGSM/ Vel with decent results. Took 2nd serve aces advice and put Vel in the mains with OGSM crosses and it plays excellent. Felt less stiff and hitting with depth and spin is much easier. Strings aren’t sticking out of place like they were with full bed V. Don’t know all the dynamics behind this set up but it plays well like a solid hitting multi. 53/51 hit really well playing in upper 40’s temps but will increase to 54/52, 55/53 with the next couple of frames. Almost out of these reels so the experimenting phase is almost done. Will be interesting to compare how well I play with this set up and longevity compared to Gut/poly.
Will directly compare to full bed Vel as I just strung a couple of RF97’s at 52/52 with full bed Velocity.
The biggest take away for me on this is that using this multi and OGMS through the winter, my arm has never felt better, my play wasn’t negatively effected and all of these set ups were roughly $4.00 a frame.

I wish TW had the strings specs for Velocity 16g (both black and natural) in their database. I take all the #s as suspect, but seems stiffness and string to string friction should be good info. Velocity is less stiff, and less friction than sheep 16 ... so logically one could guess less spin than fb Velocity with either v/sheep or sheep/v. But that is why you just have to test it. I know I found out V/Cream had significantly more spin than fb V ... but arm felt slight twinge around 6 hours (don't know why it's always around 6 frickin hours). Pretty sad when elbow notices Cream ... much less just as a cross behind Velocity. V/Sheep is a cheap test ... and my stringer carries the sheep, so might get curious enough in spring. Now with winter ... playing down to mid 40s ... I like the fb V at lower tensions. I would probably start with v/sheep @52/52 figuring sheep would lose more tension than V.

At a given tension ... say @52 ... would their be more control with fb V or fb sheep?

gypysWBl.jpg
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
I wish TW had the strings specs for Velocity 16g (both black and natural) in their database. I take all the #s as suspect, but seems stiffness and string to string friction should be good info. Velocity is less stiff, and less friction than sheep 16 ... so logically one could guess less spin than fb Velocity with either v/sheep or sheep/v. But that is why you just have to test it. I know I found out V/Cream had significantly more spin than fb V ... but arm felt slight twinge around 6 hours (don't know why it's always around 6 frickin hours). Pretty sad when elbow notices Cream ... much less just as a cross behind Velocity. V/Sheep is a cheap test ... and my stringer carries the sheep, so might get curious enough in spring. Now with winter ... playing down to mid 40s ... I like the fb V at lower tensions. I would probably start with v/sheep @52/52 figuring sheep would lose more tension than V.

At a given tension ... say @52 ... would their be more control with fb V or fb sheep?

gypysWBl.jpg

Yes, it would help if they had the numbers on the 16g. Just have to try it and see what happens. I play with a 16x19 fairly open pattern so spin isn’t really a problem no matter what is in the frame.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Finally was able to play today with my V/zx and honestly the performance wasn't much different, although the feel is significantly softened compared to a full bed of V-b.

Spin was about the same, power maybe was a shade more with the ZX. I'm estimating stringlife will be reduced 20% but that tension maintenance will be solid during that time.

All in all, it is a good hybrid. Def. better than "soft polys" that have no control after 3 hrs!

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Big Ed

Rookie
Ok fellas I chickened out and went 54lb fb black velocity in my prince tt warrior 107. I left the other 107 strung with the donnay multi due to playing in tourney today and I didn’t want to Hit match play before seeing how it played. So after 10% tension loss I’ll be around 49lb. I’ll hit with it Tuesday nite and see how she does.
Big Ed
 

Micathra

New User
Tried V mains Cyclone Tour crosses yesterday. Felt fantastic and significantly more spin than fb V. Also much better than previous setup of Cyclone tour mains and V crosses. Also better spin than Cream mains and V crosses, though I did like that too but lacked a little control.

Will keep V in the mains going forward and try different poly crosses including Cream cross to compare as I did like it.

I also double pulled the V mains on a lockout machine, not sure what difference that made. Do any of you do that, and if so how long do you wait on the first pull before you release and pull a second time?
 

bertrevert

Legend
Micathra tell me how long before that setup notches?

I had V mains notch against Babolat Pro Hurricane (not the octagonal Tour version) pretty quick.

The Pro Hurricane isn't a great string by any means, but it was more an experiment with co-poly.

I got bite on the ball with this setup by using a lighter gauge ( 1.25/17) but it sure chewed thru the V mains pretty quick: notching after I think 4-6 hrs.

When notched, then the stringbed becomes somewhat "locked" and the snapback sliding of the strings stops...
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
I also double pulled the V mains on a lockout machine, not sure what difference that made. Do any of you do that, and if so how long do you wait on the first pull before you release and pull a second time?

I am going to endorse doing this, but would only recommend it for the center 4-8 mains, as the mains further out tend to hold tension better anyway since they are shorter and don't get "worked" as much.

Not sure about cyclone (or any shaped string, for that matter) as a cross, though!
 

Micathra

New User
How long do you hold the first pull before releasing and doing the second?

Used the Cyclone because I have a couple of sets in house and the spin vs softness rating from the TT string database showed it to be in a happy place for a recovering poly addict and recent tennis elbow victim.

Is there a string you’d recommend I try? I have half a set of Cream I will try next as a cross. Currently in a hybrid in my other racket but in the mains and although felt good, got more control and spin from the Cyclone Tour cross.
 

Micathra

New User
Micathra tell me how long before that setup notches?

I had V mains notch against Babolat Pro Hurricane (not the octagonal Tour version) pretty quick.

The Pro Hurricane isn't a great string by any means, but it was more an experiment with co-poly.

I got bite on the ball with this setup by using a lighter gauge ( 1.25/17) but it sure chewed thru the V mains pretty quick: notching after I think 4-6 hrs.

When notched, then the stringbed becomes somewhat "locked" and the snapback sliding of the strings stops...

Will do
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
How long do you hold the first pull before releasing and doing the second?

Used the Cyclone because I have a couple of sets in house and the spin vs softness rating from the TT string database showed it to be in a happy place for a recovering poly addict and recent tennis elbow victim.

Is there a string you’d recommend I try? I have half a set of Cream I will try next as a cross. Currently in a hybrid in my other racket but in the mains and although felt good, got more control and spin from the Cyclone Tour cross.
For a LO, no need to go more than 5 seconds really.

Cream is pretty good, not as soft as advertised, so I wouldn't string it any higher than Cy.

Ashaway ZX is my cross for anything, no doubt!



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Micathra

New User
For a LO, no need to go more than 5 seconds really.

Cream is pretty good, not as soft as advertised, so I wouldn't string it any higher than Cy.

Ashaway ZX is my cross for anything, no doubt!



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Thanks, I was waiting 10-12 seconds!

Will check out Ashaway ZX
 
I think I will stick with Yonex PolyTour Fire. Tried various multies and syngut and just couldn't play them at all.

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ttc2000

Rookie
I think I will stick with Yonex PolyTour Fire. Tried various multies and syngut and just couldn't play them at all.

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I tried poly tour fire in Dec 2017 and spring of 2018 in a hybrid setup of babolat vs touch 16g/ poly tour fire 17g@59/56 IBS in the black RF97A.

I also tried PTF/ volkl power fibre 2@52/55 IBS in any of the setups in the RF97A it was way too powerful for my liking.

I then switched back to using Alu Power Rough in the hybrid setup.

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t_pac

Semi-Pro
Gone back to full bed V having run out of ZX, not sure why I changed in the first place, last couple of sessions I’ve been absolutely killing it.

Sticking with full Velocity for the foreseeable!

Have some natural on the way, will be interesting to see how it compares to the black...
 

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
So how does V/OGSM stack up against OGSM/V?

Much prefer the V/OGSM. Feels less stiff and great feel. Much better control on the serve and kick serve is much better. Good spin in the RF97 16x19 @ 53/51-54/52.
Just put it in a Wilson K Factor 18x20 @ 50/48. Will be interesting. Haven’t hit with it enough to determine longevity. Hit an hour and a half and looks like very little wear. Black Velocity is not looking chewed up like it does when putting it in the crosses.
 

t_pac

Semi-Pro
Just as a main so far - might give it a go the other way round at some point.

Quite liked it the way I had it but overall think I prefer the lower power and predictable response from full V, plus it costs me about £3 per string job.
 

2nd Serve Ace

Hall of Fame
Just as a main so far - might give it a go the other way round at some point.

Quite liked it the way I had it but overall think I prefer the lower power and predictable response from full V, plus it costs me about £3 per string job.
That's what I thought. You are doing it completely wrong. You need to do the multi in the mains at a higher tension and do the mono in the crosses at a lower tension! (The pieces will fit!)
 
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Muppet

Legend
I'm thinking (again) that Velocity natural isn't going to work on my MuscleWeave frame (signature). It's a fairly heavy racquet @345g and is pretty low powered. I had it strung full bed @51 with my old drop weight machine. It was nice and comfortable with very good pocketing and control, but you'd think I would get more power at that tension even for Velocity. But if you string it in a lighter, more powerful racquet I can see you getting more power and spin from it with a faster stroke. I've experimented with it enough to see that it really isn't a fit for my racquets. (Unless I try it in the mains of my Biomimetic 200 with Cream crosses and pre-stretch both a little for more feel.)
 

ttc2000

Rookie
Much prefer the V/OGSM. Feels less stiff and great feel. Much better control on the serve and kick serve is much better. Good spin in the RF97 16x19 @ 53/51-54/52.
Just put it in a Wilson K Factor 18x20 @ 50/48. Will be interesting. Haven’t hit with it enough to determine longevity. Hit an hour and a half and looks like very little wear. Black Velocity is not looking chewed up like it does when putting it in the crosses.
tried 54/52 in RF97 and I agree it plays much better than having it OGSM/ V.

It has better pocketing and spin with comfort.

I will try to put this in the six one 95 18x20 2017 @46/44 IBS.

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bertrevert

Legend
Hmm, definitely going with V as a cross next.

Gets notched way too quick in the mains and then the stringbed "locks".

Next is Black Code mains and V in the cross...
 

Nick777

Semi-Pro
Tried V mains Cyclone Tour crosses yesterday. Felt fantastic and significantly more spin than fb V. Also much better than previous setup of Cyclone tour mains and V crosses. Also better spin than Cream mains and V crosses, though I did like that too but lacked a little control.

Will keep V in the mains going forward and try different poly crosses including Cream cross to compare as I did like it.

I also double pulled the V mains on a lockout machine, not sure what difference that made. Do any of you do that, and if so how long do you wait on the first pull before you release and pull a second time?
Have you tried cyclone tour/cream hybrid?
 

LoanStar

Rookie
As a result of significant arm pain and reading this and other threads I recently switched to fb Velocity and fb Yonex Tour Super 850 Pro (my club pro recommended). Before I had been playing a variety of hybrid set-ups (VS/RPM, Legend/YPTP). The switch to the multi has had an immediate positive impact on my arm. I still get a twinge of golfer elbow, but I'm convinced this is related to technique on serve (especially when trying to hit extra spin). I'm leaning towards V over the Yonex multi; the V feels slightly more muted and I can't discern a noticeable difference between the two in spin. I get sufficient power from both. Any opinions out there between these two strings? And any recommendations for increasing spin without compromising arm comfort/safety. I tend to hit flat and I miss the spin I was getting in the hybrids, but arm comfort is a priority especially at my age (57). The V and Yonex I'm trying are both strung at 54/54.
 
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