Mikeler's Multis

OneMoreShot

Rookie
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.

Have been following your thread only for a few days. Can't wait to hear the results with the X-1. I am ready to select a new multi but want to hear your review of it first.
 

BigT

Professional
No multi is gonna last in something like the extreme.

For the last 20 years, in all the racquets I've used, no synthetic or multi has lasted on average more than a few hours. That's why I started stringing in the first place.
 

-Bobo-

Semi-Pro
For the last 20 years, in all the racquets I've used, no synthetic or multi has lasted on average more than a few hours. That's why I started stringing in the first place.

Well you've either always hit with a lot of spin or shanked, just saying either way the extreme eats string, just like pogs or various other frames over the years. Out of curiosity you ever used something like prestige mid and did you get the same thing with that sorta frame?
 
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Torres

Banned
For the last 20 years, in all the racquets I've used, no synthetic or multi has lasted on average more than a few hours.

You say 'a few hours' what do you mean? 3, 4, 5? And during those hours, what exactly are doing? Singles, doubles, constant drilling with the ball machine on maximum setting? And are you implying that you still break strings in a few hours in a small 18x20 frame?
 
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mikeler

Moderator
Have been following your thread only for a few days. Can't wait to hear the results with the X-1. I am ready to select a new multi but want to hear your review of it first.


Arg, my opponent had to bail on me today. Now I'm in scramble mode to find another player to test my X1 tonight.
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
Mikeler - Finally got to hit with the Mantis string.

Strung it at 57lbs in my Head Prestige Pro MG

Have to say that overall I like it so far.

Felt pretty controlled on most shots. If I took a full swing and came over the ball it stayed in - though (and this could just be me) like a lot of multis there are times when I feel like I hit the sweet spot and it goes flying.

Spin was decent.

I felt it had a nice, slightly muted feel. Not a lot of shock trasmitted from the string bed.

Not alot of string movement for about the first hour, but noticed a good amount of movement by the time I was finished.

Good amount of pop on groundstrokes and serve.

Sting looked to be in good condition after my first hit.

My first impression from 1.5 hours of hitting is it's a good all-around string.
 

mikeler

Moderator
X1 is gonna be too powerful for you my friend :)
You also won't like how stiff it feels for the 1st hour or so.

Found another opponent. What you just said is pretty consistent from multiple players on the boards. Worst case, I give it the scissor treatment and test out the Yonex multi this weekend. Hard to believe I'm almost done with this round of testing.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Mikeler - Finally got to hit with the Mantis string.

Strung it at 57lbs in my Head Prestige Pro MG

Have to say that overall I like it so far.

Felt pretty controlled on most shots. If I took a full swing and came over the ball it stayed in - though (and this could just be me) like a lot of multis there are times when I feel like I hit the sweet spot and it goes flying.

Spin was decent.

I felt it had a nice, slightly muted feel. Not a lot of shock trasmitted from the string bed.

Not alot of string movement for about the first hour, but noticed a good amount of movement by the time I was finished.

Good amount of pop on groundstrokes and serve.

Sting looked to be in good condition after my first hit.

My first impression from 1.5 hours of hitting is it's a good all-around string.


I think Mantis recommends that you string it 58 pounds or above. I'm guessing if you strung it up next time at 60 it would take away the trampoline effect you are getting. Everything else you described I would agree with. The strings move more and more each hour of play. Once you see that outer coating gone and can actually see the multifilaments, you have maybe 2 more games before it pops. Thanks for reporting back your thoughts.

PS I like the new avatar.
 

mikeler

Moderator
have you decided whether your going to give a poly hybrid a go?


Every time I think my elbow is completely healed, I'll do something like lean on a chair and a feel a dull ache. Keeping my arm healthy is the top priority and until I don't feel anything for about a month, I'll probably stick with the multis for now.
 

Jeepers

Professional
Every time I think my elbow is completely healed, I'll do something like lean on a chair and a feel a dull ache. Keeping my arm healthy is the top priority and until I don't feel anything for about a month, I'll probably stick with the multis for now.

Fair doos, thats the sensible option :)
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
I think Mantis recommends that you string it 58 pounds or above. I'm guessing if you strung it up next time at 60 it would take away the trampoline effect you are getting. Everything else you described I would agree with. The strings move more and more each hour of play. Once you see that outer coating gone and can actually see the multifilaments, you have maybe 2 more games before it pops. Thanks for reporting back your thoughts.

PS I like the new avatar.

LOL - Yeah, I saw a pict of Tsonga in a sombrero at some ATP event and I had to make it my Avatar.

I'll try to string it tighter next time. Thanks!
 

mikeler

Moderator
Fair doos, thats the sensible option :)

It is tough to avoid the poly temptation since spin is such a critical part of my game but I'd rather keep the pounds off playing tennis. :)


LOL - Yeah, I saw a pict of Tsonga in a sombrero at some ATP event and I had to make it my Avatar.

I'll try to string it tighter next time. Thanks!

I'll be curious to see what kind of durability you get. Are you playing indoors still or has it warmed up in the DC area?
 

GS

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

Ever since Tecnifibre discontinued my favorite soft multi, their 515, I've again been trying out all the soft strings out there. I had high hopes for the TGV, since it was supposed to be 515's replacement, and its specs are similar, but it was worst feeling multi I've ever tried---its feel and sound was dead---a real disappointment. $15, for THIS?
I'll try one more string, TF's Multifeel, then decide on one.
So far, in order, I like: Rip Control 17, Quasi-Gut 17, and Prince Synthetic Original 17. More disappointments? For me, TF's NRG2 loses its feel after a week, the X-1 hurt my tender wrist, and the Maxim Touch 17 was TOO soft.
 

COPEY

Hall of Fame
Agreed. I mean, there's definitely a discernible difference on the trajectory of my balls when playing with a full bed of Maxim Touch as opposed to a Volkl Cyclone/OG-Micro hybrid, but I'm still capable of generating more than respectable ball rotation with the former. It simply takes less effort with the latter.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Ever since Tecnifibre discontinued my favorite soft multi, their 515, I've again been trying out all the soft strings out there. I had high hopes for the TGV, since it was supposed to be 515's replacement, and its specs are similar, but it was worst feeling multi I've ever tried---its feel and sound was dead---a real disappointment. $15, for THIS?
I'll try one more string, TF's Multifeel, then decide on one.
So far, in order, I like: Rip Control 17, Quasi-Gut 17, and Prince Synthetic Original 17. More disappointments? For me, TF's NRG2 loses its feel after a week, the X-1 hurt my tender wrist, and the Maxim Touch 17 was TOO soft.

I liked MultiFeel much better than RIP Control and Quasi. It has the spin of RIP combined with the control of Quasi.


You can get WAY more spin with technique than with string types.

Yes, but as Copey states below it takes less effort with certain strings.


Agreed. I mean, there's definitely a discernible difference on the trajectory of my balls when playing with a full bed of Maxim Touch as opposed to a Volkl Cyclone/OG-Micro hybrid, but I'm still capable of generating more than respectable ball rotation with the former. It simply takes less effort with the latter.

MT is not a super spinny multi so it does take a little more effort to get the action I want on the ball.
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
I'll be curious to see what kind of durability you get. Are you playing indoors still or has it warmed up in the DC area?

Warmed a little, but I'm still playing indoors as I bought time and all our league warm-up matches are indoors.

FWIW - Don't think I put much wear in the strings - Last Hit/Match wasn't against a big hitter. It was more me keeping the ball in play while he sprayed the ball around. I did some spraying myself though. The one set we played, he didn't have much of an answer for my serve and he didn't have much of a serve so points were 2-3 shots on average.
 

BigT

Professional
Well you've either always hit with a lot of spin or shanked, just saying either way the extreme eats string, just like pogs or various other frames over the years. Out of curiosity you ever used something like prestige mid and did you get the same thing with that sorta frame?

You say 'a few hours' what do you mean? 3, 4, 5? And during those hours, what exactly are doing? Singles, doubles, constant drilling with the ball machine on maximum setting? And are you implying that you still break strings in a few hours in a small 18x20 frame?

I've always hit with lots of topspin, so I've always used 16x19 or 16x20 on 95"-100" racquets. Never broke a synthetic off a shank, only polys once in a while. I would say 75% hitting, 25% match play, singles with at least 4.5+ players that can hit with some pace.
 

Torres

Banned
I've always hit with lots of topspin, so I've always used 16x19 or 16x20 on 95"-100" racquets. Never broke a synthetic off a shank, only polys once in a while. I would say 75% hitting, 25% match play, singles with at least 4.5+ players that can hit with some pace.

But how many hours are you saying it takes before it breaks?
 

JT_2eighty

Hall of Fame
Worst case, I give it the scissor treatment and test out the Yonex multi this weekend. Hard to believe I'm almost done with this round of testing.

I forget, are you planning on trying Babolat's Addiction? Curious how their cheaper multi stacks up to your thoughts from Xcel.

Kirschbaum touch multifibre and Volkl Gripper would also be interesting ones to try?

Sorry, I enjoy living vicariously through your multi tests so I can stick with my gut & hybrid testing... (and most recently, some racquet testing now too) :|
 

mikeler

Moderator
I forget, are you planning on trying Babolat's Addiction? Curious how their cheaper multi stacks up to your thoughts from Xcel.

Kirschbaum touch multifibre and Volkl Gripper would also be interesting ones to try?

Sorry, I enjoy living vicariously through your multi tests so I can stick with my gut & hybrid testing... (and most recently, some racquet testing now too) :|


Racket testing too! Wow.

I listed this in Post #1 but the remaining 3 strings to try are X1 16 which will happen today and Yonex Tour Super 850 16 and Babolat Addiction 16.

Future strings that may get a whirl because I'm an addict I listed in this post:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=5431170&postcount=1010

Strings that I won't be trying, now that is something I should also list in post #1 and why.
 

JT_2eighty

Hall of Fame
Awesome! Every one of those sounds interesting!

Yea, I decided on a whim to demo a few of the latest racquets out there to see what I was missing... and well now I've open a can of worms on myself I kind of regret, but it may be worth it, I need to drop a good ounce off my current 12.8 oz club.
 

Torres

Banned
^^^ Addiction doesn't really compare to Xcel (and its also one of the few multis I've tried as a full bed 16). I'll let Mikeler make up his own mind rather than chipping in with my comments so as not to sub-consciously influence him.

I have a set of Gripper lying about. May give that a go at some point, but its difficult to let go of at least half a set of poly in the stringbed....

Being trying out MultiFeel as a main in a poly hybrid. Quite a nice string (though difficult to evaluate properly in such a setup). It doesn't half move alot though! The string placement in the stringbed deforms very easily. I was hoping for a bit more terms of directional control (though depth is fine) but I guess any multi is going to move just that little bit more when sliding against a more slippery poly. Spin was pretty good for a multi from what I could tell.
 
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mikeler

Moderator
Awesome! Every one of those sounds interesting!

Yea, I decided on a whim to demo a few of the latest racquets out there to see what I was missing... and well now I've open a can of worms on myself I kind of regret, but it may be worth it, I need to drop a good ounce off my current 12.8 oz club.

They have a free demo down at our local store. After my string tests maybe I'll try out some new sticks.


^^^ Addiction doesn't really compare to Xcel (and its also one of the few multis I've tried as a full bed 16). I'll let Mikeler make up his own mind rather than chipping in with my comments so as not to sub-consciously influence him.

I have a set of Gripper lying about. May give that a go at some point, but its difficult to let go of at least half a set of poly in the stringbed....

Being trying out MultiFeel as a main in a poly hybrid. Quite a new string (though difficult to evaluate properly in such a setup). It doesn't half move alot though! The string placement the string deforms very easily. I was hoping for a bit more terms of directional control (though depth is fine) but I guess it just moves much more when sliding against a more slippery poly. Spin was pretty good for multi.


I already know a little bit about Addiction from a local. He loved it at first but then it kind of grew out of favor with him. Go ahead and post your thoughts, I don't think it will effect my review. I may test out MF again before I go on another string binge to see how it compares to Xcel and NXT Control.
 

Torres

Banned
^^^ Well, when I played with Addiction 16 (and this a couple of years ago in a weighted PSGT), I thought it had a little bit of that Xcel feel but was stiffer, deader, and boardier. I didn't really like this string - it just didn't seem to offer the best of anything.
 

mikeler

Moderator
^^^ Well, when I played with Addiction 16 (and this a couple of years ago in a weighted PSGT), I thought it had a little bit of that Xcel feel but was stiffer, deader, and boardier. I didn't really like this string - it just didn't seem to offer the best of anything.


Darn, now you ruined everything! Just kidding of course. Off to test X1.
 

mikeler

Moderator
UPDATE: I tried X1 a second time with a prestretch. That seemed to resolve the tension loss problem.

OK, here is my review in the TW format of the Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16.

It is a 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 too.

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. The sweet spot seems pretty large with this string. Saw another thread where somebody said X-One has a huge gut like 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): Medium/High powered multi
Feel: Terrific feel
Tension maintenance: Seemed to hold until about the 6 hour mark
Price: $16/set
Overall comments and feedback: See below

General: I've been having shoulder problems the last 2 months, so I warm up my serve very slowly. The first warm up serve I hit bounced in the service box and hit the bottom of the back fence! I thought no way I'll be able to control all that power. WRONG! This is the second string I've used where if I hit the sweet spot I got a ton of CONTROLLED power. And that sweet spot is huge! The ball would go right where I wanted it to. I played one of the best matches of my life the first time out with this string. The rough texture provides excellent spin for a multi.

Serve/Return of Serve: First serve was absolutely terrific. I had pinpoint control going anywhere in the service box. I was able to hit some wicked twist 2nd serves with it too. When I went for my returns this string was excellent. Chip returns were a breeze too.

Strokes: Lots of spin on both wings. Depth control was fantastic, I felt like every shot would land within 6 inches of the baseline unless I was angling my opponent way off the court. This string seems to have as much spin as RIP. When I wanted to blast forehands, I felt like I could without having to worry about the trampoline effect. Same thing on the backhand side. Where this string shines like no other is when you hit shots out of position. I had a number of Federer "flick" backhands where I barely got to the ball but still hit a winner. That little extra power in the string allows these kind of shots. My slice backhand stayed very low and deep unless I was trying to float it to get back in the point.

Volleys: It may be better for volleys than even RIP Control. Volleys and overheads felt so solid. I was a beast at net with this. Touch volleys were sick too. I even hit a drop shot off a half volley for a winner completely stretched out against a speedy opponent.

Touch shots: I won a lot of points with well placed droppers today. My opponent was so concerned with all the winners I was hitting he could not afford to cover the drop shot.

Softness: The string feels like a low stiffness multi. I did not feel my elbow one time. The stiffness in the 190 area had me a little worried before I started using the string plus the fact that everyone says there is a break-in period with the string. I did not notice the break-in period or any stiffness. I'm thinking this string is very tension dependent.

Tension: Perfect for my game. After about the 6 hour mark, I finally experienced that tension loss everyone talks about and could not keep a ball in the court. Still, those first few hours are pure magic.

Durability: The string looks like a standard 16g string. No signs of notching yet but I do see some minor fraying. I cut this out after about 6 hours but it did not have any major string damage that I could see.

Movement: String movement is average for a multi meaning it moves a decent amount. Seems like the crosses move as much as the mains.

Conclusion: I think the best way to wrap this up is to say that I beat my opponent so quickly, we played a practice third set. So I pulled the Prince Premiere out of the bag. After going down a break 4-3, I took the X-One back out and had a set point but could not convert. We stopped at 5-5. My opponent who was using Gosen OG Micro commented that it was like bringing a knife to a gun fight against the X-one. I think I would describe X-One as a machine gun that rarely misfired. I have a new favorite string by a landslide!
 
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JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Ladies and Gentlemen who don't read the whole review above, we have a new #1.

Not to rain on your parade, but give it some time before you rank it. XOne loses tension and it's initial crispy-ness and becomes overly powerful and starts moving a lot. Make sure it's still controllable after another few days with it. You string tight, so it won't be as pronounced as most with people, but check it out in a few days before throwing the party :) Also, did u prestretch? They recommend prestretching XOne to lessen the tension loss effect.

On a side note, how do u compare it to NRG2?
 
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Kcraig

Professional
Not to rain on your parade, but give it some time before you rank it. XOne loses tension and it's initial crispy-ness and becomes overly powerful and starts moving a lot. Make sure it's still controllable after another few days with it. You string tight, so it won't be as pronounced as most with people, but check it out in a few days before throwing the party :) Also, did u prestretch? They recommend prestretching XOne to lessen the tension loss effect.

On a side note, how do u compare it to NRG2?

Poured on my man----LOL:twisted:
 

Lambsscroll

Hall of Fame
X-one?!?! I never heard of it lol. Nice to hear it improved your game. Sweet! The good news is this string holds tension well. If you find later on after it settles you have more power than you want just string it at 61 pounds and you'll be fine. Whats nice is after it settles it holds its tension nicely.
 

shell

Professional
4 out the top 10 currently are Technifibre strings! They make great multis.

I was curious about your take on x-1, so thanks for the writeup.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Not to rain on your parade, but give it some time before you rank it. XOne loses tension and it's initial crispy-ness and becomes overly powerful and starts moving a lot. Make sure it's still controllable after another few days with it. You string tight, so it won't be as pronounced as most with people, but check it out in a few days before throwing the party :) Also, did u prestretch? They recommend prestretching XOne to lessen the tension loss effect.

On a side note, how do u compare it to NRG2?

I don't think I'm very sensitive to tension loss like others here. There are only two strings I cut out because I started hitting too many balls long. One was Prince Pro Blend and the other was Head FXP (Control). I did not prestretch X-one. Don't remember seeing anything about it on the package. I liked X-one way better than any other string so obviously I feel like it is way better than NRG2.


X-one?!?! I never heard of it lol. Nice to hear it improved your game. Sweet! The good news is this string holds tension well. If you find later on after it settles you have more power than you want just string it at 61 pounds and you'll be fine. Whats nice is after it settles it holds its tension nicely.

It's funny the differing opinions on this string. I hope you are right.


4 out the top 10 currently are Technifibre strings! They make great multis.

I was curious about your take on x-1, so thanks for the writeup.

That makes me a little nervous because people are going to start thinking I'm a super secretive Tecnifibre employee tainting these boards. They just make strings that jive with my game.
 

Jeepers

Professional
Wow i wasnt expecting that! lol
i look for similar attributes in the strings, especially spin, i really liked rip control, but i didnt think X-1 would suit my game at all, but ill have to give it a try after reading that!
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
Hmmmm...... X-1 added to my string wish list.

Going to have to start a database to keep track ;)

BTW- I was hitting fire with the Mantis last night. A little less trampoline-ish than the previous night (IMHO), but I was just hitting some sick winners. Felt like cheating sometimes.

I had both my rackets out and switch set-ups after a few games. When I asked my hitting partner, he did take notice in difference in pace between my frame with mantis and my other racket string with gut and Isospeed. Got just a bit more pop off the mantis.

After 3 hours of hitting, I'm noticing the coating is scuffed and picking up more felt from the ball. I'm guessing I might get another 3-4 hitting sessions in before it goes.
 

JT_2eighty

Hall of Fame
It's funny. One of the demos I really liked over the past few weeks had X-1 in it. Hmm, I wonder if I really liked it because of the string now, or because of the racquet?? LOL. All the other demos had dead syn gut in them, so this is a problem for me... another expensive string that I like! Although, I will say the string movement on X-1 is one of the worst I've seen, but I don't mind adjusting strings every point. Curious how you find it to play in the long run/ how the durability holds up.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I don't think I'm very sensitive to tension loss like others here. There are only two strings I cut out because I started hitting too many balls long. One was Prince Pro Blend and the other was Head FXP (Control). I did not prestretch X-one. Don't remember seeing anything about it on the package. I liked X-one way better than any other string so obviously I feel like it is way better than NRG2.

It's not on the package :) It's just recommended by TF.

I never would have thought you & XOne would have been a match since it's known as a very powerful string and you were looking for a lower powered multi? I still say give it some time before you start ordering reels of it :)
 
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