Difference between Bi-phase 17 and NRG2 17?

Which one would feel "crisper? Which one is easier on the elbow? I know they are both synthetics, right?

What is the difference in "feel" between the two if I strung them up the same in two Babolat Pure Storms?

Crisper? X-1. Easier on the elbow? NRG2. Better for you, too? Babolat's own Xcel 2008 or Xcel Power, both new this year.

Connors said:

Which one would feel "crisper? Which one is easier on the elbow? I know they are both synthetics, right?

What is the difference in "feel" between the two if I strung them up the same in two Babolat Pure Storms?

Click to expand...

They are both synthetic multis (usually defined as having no solid core).

Another string I would strongly consider from the tecnifibre line would be TGV. This is the new version of the 515 that has long been considered one of the better strings for tennis elbow. I had never played with the 515, but I can tell you that the tension maintenance is superb with TGV, which is a short coming of most all multis. I don't think I would use the word "crisp" to describe this string though.

If you are not a string breaker, don't underestimate the ability of gut. You already have a good flexible racquet, so adding a good soft multi or gut should go a long way to help the elbow. However, don't forget that technique is the biggest culprit.

Tod

I've tested TGV too, and even though it is the declared replacement for 515, I don't think they have a lot in common. Nor would I recommend TGV to someone with tennis elbow, as I would have 515.

Since I string up high on a semi-stiff frame, 515 has been my holy grail string for over 10 years now, to save my arm. So, of course, earlier this year, Tecnifibre discontinued it---it was their flagship string.... I bought the last 12 sets that TW had. I don't like the reviews of TGV, supposedly its replacement. X-1 hurt my wrist (I guess it's TOO crisp). When I run out of 515 in 2 or 3 years, I might have to go back to NRG2---it's just as soft as 515, but loses its feel within a week or so, even with a pre-stretch.

GS said:

Since I string up high on a semi-stiff frame, 515 has been my holy grail string for over 10 years now, to save my arm. So, of course, earlier this year, Tecnifibre discontinued it---it was their flagship string.... I bought the last 12 sets that TW had. I don't like the reviews of TGV, supposedly its replacement. X-1 hurt my wrist (I guess it's TOO crisp). When I run out of 515 in 2 or 3 years, I might have to go back to NRG2---it's just as soft as 515, but loses its feel within a week or so, even with a pre-stretch.

Click to expand...

Like I said, I never tried 515 so I can't speak to how it plays. However, I have played with TGV and I was very impressed. It felt VERY comfortable to me and had all the great attributes of a good multi, with the added bonus of tension maintenance and very little string movement. Unlike Valjean, I would not hesitate recommending TGV as an elbow friendly string. I will add however, that I do play with a very flexible racquet and this may influence my opinion somewhat.

Tod

I can't speak for the 515 as I have not tried it. However I have used both X-1 and NRG2. I think that they lose tension about eqaully as fast. NRG2 is a softer string and does not have as much power to it as X-1 does. X-1 just seems really springy to me, where NRG is soft but not like a trampoline. I personally hate X-1 and NRG would be one string I would use in a hybrid but not a full set. If I'm going with a soft string in a full set there is no comparison to full gut.

For my Pure Storm, do you think I'd be better off going with the X-Cel power 17 than the Bi-phase. I want good pop but less of a "trampoline" feel that the Bi-phase x-One 17 gives.

Until recently it was thought true comfort and solid control couldn't coexist. Then low-powered, almost pillow-soft Xcel 2008 came along. Very low tension loss too, according to recent USRSA testing.