Mikeler's Multis

Jack,

A soft 16g main, other than gut, breaks on me in four hitting sessions, hence I use poly mains.

The mains are the predominant string in the frame, but the selection of the crosses certainly matters. Gosen Micro or Forten Sweet work, but NRG2 and X-One work better for me, and I buy them by the reel. I've tried cheaper crosses, and the difference is noticeable.

Looks like the forecast for Saturday is 5 MPH wind so I should get a better idea of the power level and control then.

mikeler said:

Well, MCS was pretty consistently 5 sets and then breakage. It might last longer in the warmer weather while I still can't serve hard every time. The other strings I'll have to wait and test durability. I may not play with NRG2 until breakage but I'm pretty sure I'll play with NXT Control until it breaks or gets close to breaking. The NXT Control does seem kind of thin for a 16g.

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Thanks Mikeler,

When NXT breaks my guess is you will not see it coming like a soft multi. It will snap in half like a poly, and not shred. Mine didn't fray at all.

You are playing full beds of these multis aren't you?

5 sets for MCS at about 45 minutes per set max = almost 4 hours. Is that about right?

I'm curious how long you get out of the NXT Control. I got 12 hours out of the NXT control in a full bed, and broke the main as expected.

I recently got 8 sets out of 17g X-One in a cross, and 15 hours out of 16g X-One in a cross. When stringing X-One, or NRG2 with poly mains, the 16 cross always breaks first as expected.

g4driver said:

Thanks Mikeler,

When NXT breaks my guess is you will not see it coming like a soft multi. It will snap in half like a poly, and not shred. Mine didn't fray at all.

You are playing full beds of these multis aren't you?

5 sets for MCS at about 45 minutes per set max = almost 4 hours. Is that about right?

I'm curious how long you get out of the NXT Control. I got 12 hours out of the NXT control in a full bed, and broke the main as expected.

I recently got 8 sets out of 17g X-One in a cross, and 15 hours out of 16g X-One in a cross. When stringing X-One, or NRG2 with poly mains, the 16 cross always breaks first as expected.

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Very few multis fray on me. Xcel is really the only one that comes to mind in recent memory. I am playing full beds of most of my reviews in this thread. I'd say 5 hours is more accurate for MCS rather than 5 sets as I erroneously stated earlier.

mikeler said:

Looks like the forecast for Saturday is 5 MPH wind so I should get a better idea of the power level and control then.

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Cool. Where do u live that is so windy?

Also, have you tried the other NXT's...namely NXT and NXT Tour? Both very good multi's. I think NXT Tour is lower powered than regular NXT if I remember correctly.

Babolat Excel Prem 16g

On the recommendation of Mikeler and his thread, I decided to try a full bed of Excel in my Prince Diablo MP strung at 55# on a babolat star 5. Played some 4.5 dubs last night and was very impressed. It was a little chilly last night (arnd 55*) but the string still felt very nice and comfy. Spin was really excellent and one of the better spinning multis I have tried to this date. String movement was minimal--only a couple of small moves needed over a 2hr doubles match. All in all I was very impressed. I can pretty much concur and agree with Mikeler's review and analysis of this string. Very nice

JackB1 said:

Cool. Where do u live that is so windy?

Also, have you tried the other NXT's...namely NXT and NXT Tour? Both very good multi's. I think NXT Tour is lower powered than regular NXT if I remember correctly.

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Look under my username on the left.

It was just a cold front. I have not tried the other NXTs. How much softer are they than the Control version?

Kcraig said:

On the recommendation of Mikeler and his thread, I decided to try a full bed of Excel in my Prince Diablo MP strung at 55# on a babolat star 5. Played some 4.5 dubs last night and was very impressed. It was a little chilly last night (arnd 55*) but the string still felt very nice and comfy. Spin was really excellent and one of the better spinning multis I have tried to this date. String movement was minimal--only a couple of small moves needed over a 2hr doubles match. All in all I was very impressed. I can pretty much concur and agree with Mikeler's review and analysis of this string. Very nice

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We tend to agree on most multis even though are games are a little bit different. Glad you liked it. I'm always nervous recommending a $17 string to somebody.

mikeler said:

Look under my username on the left.

It was just a cold front. I have not tried the other NXTs. How much softer are they than the Control version?




We tend to agree on most multis even though are games are a little bit different. Glad you liked it. I'm always nervous recommending a $17 string to somebody.

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Agreed on the price--BUT for some reason, my local here charges the same price for NRG and Excel--:-?

Kcraig said:

Agreed on the price--BUT for some reason, my local here charges the same price for NRG and Excel--:-?

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So Xcel is cheaper or he jacks up NRG2?

mikeler said:

Look under my username on the left.

It was just a cold front. I have not tried the other NXTs. How much softer are they than the Control version?

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I know Central FL, I was just wondering what city?

NXT Tour and regular NXT are top of the line multi's. Tour is crisp feeling and very soft with medium power. I haven't tried regular NXT in a while, but I think it's similar to NRG2 and Xcel. They are both softer than the Control version which contains some poly fibers.

Here is how Wilson rates them on the package:

NXTC: Power-8, Control-10 Comfort-9
NXTT: Power-9, Control-8 Comfort-10
NXT: Power-9, Control-9 Comfort-9

JackB1 said:

I know Central FL, I was just wondering what city?

NXT Tour and regular NXT are top of the line multi's. Tour is crisp feeling and very soft with medium power. I haven't tried regular NXT in a while, but I think it's similar to NRG2 and Xcel. They are both softer than the Control version which contains some poly fibers.

Here is how Wilson rates them on the package:

NXTC: Power-8, Control-10 Comfort-9
NXTT: Power-9, Control-8 Comfort-10
NXT: Power-9, Control-9 Comfort-9

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I live very close to The Mouse. I wish manufacturers would be honest on their packages. C'mon, give yourself a 5 on something!

I find NXT Tour crisp and a bit more stiff feeling. NXT is definitely softer and is closer to Xcel Power.

parasailing said:

I find NXT Tour crisp and a bit more stiff feeling. NXT is definitely softer and is closer to Xcel Power.

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Have you tried Xcel Premium?

mikeler said:

So Xcel is cheaper or he jacks up NRG2?

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Jacks up NRG and X1 too!! Put it this way--I'm not saving any money if I buy the strings from TW and have them just provide labor. However, with NRG I save about $6.00 buying the packages from TW for $14 and have them string it--

Kcraig said:

Jacks up NRG and X1 too!! Put it this way--I'm not saving any money if I buy the strings from TW and have them just provide labor. However, with NRG I save about $6.00 buying the packages from TW for $14 and have them string it--

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How much are you paying for labor?

babolat excel strings

like the review you guys did on the 16 ga , what would you recommend on the 17 ga , premim or power ( and why if possible) I am not a string breaker , looking for feel and ball speed .

parasailing said:

I find NXT Tour crisp and a bit more stiff feeling. NXT is definitely softer and is closer to Xcel Power.

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Which is lower powered?

b mathis said:

like the review you guys did on the 16 ga , what would you recommend on the 17 ga , premim or power ( and why if possible) I am not a string breaker , looking for feel and ball speed .

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Sounds like you need the Power version of the string if you don't break strings and are looking for ball speed.

May be windy again tomorrow. Ugh, hopefully it won't be as bad early in the morning. I also need for the rain to hold off.

Hi Mikeler, i just like to ask which one is more durable between the rip control and Tecnifiber multifeel? I have tried rip control on my apdc strung it at 55 lbs and its quite lasting for 2 1/2 weeks already, I play 3 - 5 times a week 3 hours a day.

Great reviews with your ranked multi's, saves me time from trying all the multi's out there. Thanks!

mikeler said:

Have you tried Xcel Premium?

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Yes, it is a soft and comfortable string but I prefer Xcel Power which is a bit more crisp. I like my multis a bit on the crispy side hence my preference for X1, NRG2, Xcel Power, and Kirschbaum Touch Multifiber. If I were to go with softer string, I would say Mantis Comfort aka Weiss Cannon Explosiv, Tourn Quasi Gut, and Isospeed Professional.

River said:

Hi Mikeler, i just like to ask which one is more durable between the rip control and Tecnifiber multifeel? I have tried rip control on my apdc strung it at 55 lbs and its quite lasting for 2 1/2 weeks already, I play 3 - 5 times a week 3 hours a day.

Great reviews with your ranked multi's, saves me time from trying all the multi's out there. Thanks!

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I cut out RIP before it broke. Seemed pretty durable. Only got 4 sets from MultiFeel but that was in the cold. I bet it would last longer now.

parasailing said:

Yes, it is a soft and comfortable string but I prefer Xcel Power which is a bit more crisp. I like my multis a bit on the crispy side hence my preference for X1, NRG2, Xcel Power, and Kirschbaum Touch Multifiber. If I were to go with softer string, I would say Mantis Comfort aka Weiss Cannon Explosiv, Tourn Quasi Gut, and Isospeed Professional.

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Good stuff, thanks.

mikeler said:

I cut out RIP before it broke. Seemed pretty durable. Only got 4 sets from MultiFeel but that was in the cold. I bet it would last longer now.

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Ok, i think i'll stick with RIP for a while, i really love the spin i make with this string. Hope it will last a month at least.

We have a new #3 on the list. Played 3 sets today. Used NXT Control and won the first set easily. Switched over to Prince Premiere LT and lost the second set. So I went back to the NXT Control and won the 3rd set. Review and updated rankings page forthcoming.

OK, here is my review in the TW format of the Wilson NXT Control 16.

Strung up NXT Control last weekend. The string felt firm out of the package but not stiff. Had a weird smell to it that I can't describe. It uncoiled easily and the mains were easy to do except for some minor kinking. The crosses caused my fingers major friction burn so I used a screwdriver in lieu of my fingers to fan out the crosses. Knots on the crosses were kind of tough too. Gave it Ye Olde ball bounce test. Seems like it will have average spin. It was very muted and felt great in the sweet spot.

Tension it is strung: 60 pounds on a lockout machine full bed
Your regular string set up: Mantis Comfort Synthetic 60 pounds full bed
String pattern of your racquet: 16 x 20
Power (or lack there of): Low/Medium powered multi
Feel: Terrific
Tension maintenance: Seemed to hold until about the 8 hour mark
Price: $16.95/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below

General: I could tell on the first few hits that I was going to like this even though my first outing was in extremely windy conditions. The string has a roughness to it that allows it to provide pretty good spin for a multi. I loved this string for just about every shot.

Serve/Return of Serve: First serve is at 95% due to a shoulder injury. Still I had quite a few service winners with it. When I went for my returns this string shined. Chip returns were OK with it.

Strokes: Lots of spin on both wings. Depth control was excellent. This string felt like MultiFeel for spin which is just below RIP/Hexy Fiber for spin potential. I didn't have the confidence with this string to flatten out my forehand or backhand often but that may be because I was routinely hitting looping topspin just in front of the baseline. Where this string shined was hitting short cross court topspin shots. I must have had 5 outright winners on my backhand where the ball landed in front of the service line and went way off the court. Same thing happened quite a bit on my forehand.

Volleys: Volleys felt very solid when I tried to punch them. I did not get the opportunity yet to attempt a drop volley.

Touch shots: I had to dial myself back NOT to try so many drop shots. This string just lends itself to hitting them.

Softness: The string feels almost as soft as the Babolat Xcel. Yet another string that does not correlate with the RSI stiffness rating.

Tension: Perfect for my game. When I hit the ball long, it was not by much.

Durability: After 4 sets, I'm seeing some fraying. The string looks thinner than a 16 gauge so I'm guessing I only have a few sets left before breakage. I'll update after I break it. I ended up cutting the string out but I think it may have gone a few more sets.

Movement: String movement was very little. It almost seemed like the crosses moved more than the mains.

Conclusion: This is an excellent string that deserves a premium title. Too bad it is so expensive but it is worth trying out once.

^^^^^

great job as always. I agree with most of what was said.

question...my reason for using this string was so that I could have a soft feeling string that controls like a poly. Do u agree that this plays like a poly/multi hybrid? How would u rank the power level of the string compared to some of the other lower powered multi's u have tried?
You said "low/medium" so I am guessing u didn't find it THAT low powered, but I thought it was way less than other multi's like NRG2 or Excel.

JackB1 said:

^^^^^

great job as always. I agree with most of what was said.

question...my reason for using this string was so that I could have a soft feeling string that controls like a poly. Do u agree that this plays like a poly/multi hybrid? How would u rank the power level of the string compared to some of the other lower powered multi's u have tried?
You said "low/medium" so I am guessing u didn't find it THAT low powered, but I thought it was way less than other multi's like NRG2 or Excel.

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It felt more like a true multi, I would have never suspected there was poly in this string had they not told me. The string certainly had enough pop for my game. I never felt like I had to struggle to get pace on the ball. Seemed like about the same power level as Xcel Premium and NRG2 to me.

mikeler said:

It felt more like a true multi, I would have never suspected there was poly in this string had they not told me. The string certainly had enough pop for my game. I never felt like I had to struggle to get pace on the ball. Seemed like about the same power level as Xcel Premium and NRG2 to me.

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Wow. That's surprising to me. I thought it had great control and lower power, but that might be because I strung it 5 lbs higher than usually string my multis?

JackB1 said:

Wow. That's surprising to me. I thought it had great control and lower power, but that might be because I strung it 5 lbs higher than usually string my multis?

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Yeah, 5 pounds is a pretty big jump up. Keep in mind I'm testing all these strings out at 60 pounds. There is no telling how they might play 5 pounds less or 5 pounds more. Through experience I came to find that 60 just seemed to be my magic number with most strings. Any lower and control suffers. When I go higher the string bed just feels too tight and I don't feel like I get much additional control for the power I sacrifice.

mikeler - have u tried babolat n.vy 16? the price is very affordable. got some on a string trade but have yet to try it.

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Lambsscroll said:

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i completely agree.

edit: superfine play was discontinued, not nvy

bad_call said:

mikeler - have u tried babolat n.vy 16? the price is very affordable. got some on a string trade but have yet to try it.

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Not yet. A guy down at my club likes it but says it is a little bit stiff.

mikeler said:

Not yet. A guy down at my club likes it but says it is a little bit stiff.

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It is. It's a typical syngut.

bad_call said:

mikeler - have u tried babolat n.vy 16? the price is very affordable. got some on a string trade but have yet to try it.

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Hey BC just one thing you should know about nvy: it is deceivingly soft BUT it plays stiff-ish! Yeah, I know it sounds weird but it's true Afair, you string in mid 40's so you're good...

BobFL said:

Hey BC just one thing you should know about nvy: it is deceivingly soft BUT it plays stiff-ish! Yeah, I know it sounds weird but it's true Afair, you string in mid 40's so you're good...

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was thinking of trying it in the MG PP in the crosses at 50 with the B5E. need good tension maintenance to go along with B5E. that B5E is SO good to me.

BobFL said:

Hey BC just one thing you should know about nvy: it is deceivingly soft BUT it plays stiff-ish! Yeah, I know it sounds weird but it's true Afair, you string in mid 40's so you're good...

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I thin you have tried every string that has been made!

I started my warm up today with NRG2. After a few hits, I put it away and decided to cut it out today. I put Tecnifibre X1 in. Very unusual string to work with. It is sticky and very rough. I had to use my screwdriver method to fan the crosses and I could see visible friction burn on the bottom of the mains when I was done. Getting the string through blocked holes was a little bit difficult.

Gave it the old ball bounce test and I can tell this string has some power. With little effort I can keep the ball bouncing on the string bed. I hope I can tame the power, I'll find out Wednesday. The sweet spot seems pretty large with this string. Saw another thread where somebody said X1 has a huge gut like sweet spot.

mikeler said:

I started my warm up today with NRG2. After a few hits, I put it away and decided to cut it out today. I put Tecnifibre X1 in. Very unusual string to work with. It is sticky and very rough. I had to use my screwdriver method to fan the crosses and I could see visible friction burn on the bottom of the mains when I was done. Getting the string through blocked holes was a little bit difficult.

Gave it the old ball bounce test and I can tell this string has some power. With little effort I can keep the ball bouncing on the string bed. I hope I can tame the power, I'll find out Wednesday.

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X one is very powerful and gets mores as tension drops. It also feels stiff until it breaks in (about an hour). I prefer NRG. But I want to try TGV. Seems more up our alley than NRG or x1.

JackB1 said:

X one is very powerful and gets mores as tension drops. It also feels stiff until it breaks in (about an hour). I prefer NRG. But I want to try TGV. Seems more up our alley than NRG or x1.

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If you do try TGV let us know how it plays.

mikeler said:

I thin you have tried every string that has been made!

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Hahaha M, actually my wife shares your opinion I am out of control since I bought a stringing machine

so what is the best multi value out there?

BigT said:

so what is the best multi value out there?

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In my opinion, Mantis Comfort, by far...

mikeler said:

I started my warm up today with NRG2. After a few hits, I put it away and decided to cut it out today. I put Tecnifibre X1 in. Very unusual string to work with. It is sticky and very rough. I had to use my screwdriver method to fan the crosses and I could see visible friction burn on the bottom of the mains when I was done. Getting the string through blocked holes was a little bit difficult.

Gave it the old ball bounce test and I can tell this string has some power. With little effort I can keep the ball bouncing on the string bed. I hope I can tame the power, I'll find out Wednesday. The sweet spot seems pretty large with this string. Saw another thread where somebody said X1 has a huge gut like sweet spot.

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X-one has the highest friction ranking according to TW. http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/COFreporter.php You can see this at the bottom of the page. I think this is why people find it so stiff at first. The string doesn't slide as much as others so at first its very firm. Once it breaks in then I think thats the real tension for a long time. People should string it one pound higher than normal and bear the break in period and then they are good to go after that.

Doubles said:

In my opinion, Mantis Comfort, by far...

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I agree. Intermediate priced multi go with MultiFeel. If you want to treat yourself, try Babolat Xcel.

Lambsscroll said:

X-one has the highest friction rating according to TW. http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/COFreporter.php You can see this at the bottom of the page. I think this is why people find it so stiff at first. The string doesn't slide as much as others so at first its vary firm. Once it breaks in then I think thats the real tension for a long time. People should string it one pound higher than normal and bear the break in period and then they are good to go after that.

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I believe the info after stringing with it. Looking forward to hitting with it.

Doubles said:

In my opinion, Mantis Comfort, by far...

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I tried it. It broke in an hour and offered no control...

BigT said:

I tried it. It broke in an hour and offered no control...

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Are you a big time string breaker? If so, multis are not going to last very long for you.