Multifilament mains/polyester cross hybrids are glorious. I think

sha

New User
Two solutions: replace the crosses while maintaining the mains or pick the right poly and perhaps pre-stretch it.

Yeah I think the best poly in this case should be the Yonex Poly Tour Spin these days. Have a look here: http://stringforum.net/ratings.php?sdnr=4844&fstatus=0
It has exceptionals tension stability.

You can also ruin the benefits of a hybrid by stringing too tight and/or picking the wrong gauge for a given frame

Can you explain in detail? If I use a 1.30mm gut in the mains and a 1.23 poly (Focus Hex) in the crosses in a Prestige MP (98 sq, 18x20), do you think this would be a too thick gauge for that frame? (I think Tommy Haas is playing something like this).
Do I get enough spin with that frame/string-combination?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
You definitely feel it less compared to multi/poly but, depending on the poly, the poly can shows its character through the gut pretty quick. RPM Blast crosses show their dead feeling really quick through gut mains. And some MSV products can show their springy feel pretty quick too.

On the actual topic of this thread, during this recent round of multi/poly testing I was shocked at how quickly and how much multi/poly changed playing characteristics as it ages. Each session felt extremely different compared to how gut/poly which changes slowly and more subtly, especially after gut's brief break-in period.

In one test using Excel FO Edition mains and Focus Hex crosses the string bed went from firm to mushy to dead and very uncomfortable in just a few hitting sessions (again, this is compared to gut/poly which I've been using for two years now).

In some combo's the multi and poly will offset each other. The multi loses tension and gets more spingy and the poly dies and gets lower powered. The two offset each other and the stringbed feels about the same. I have had good results with NXT Tour mains w/ Solinco Outlast crosses.
 

BlueB

Legend
I prestretch the poly crosses and string at least 10lbs looser then mains.
I often do not even restring the crosses but just mains. That way, I start with the dead crosses from the get go ;)
 

anubis

Hall of Fame
In some combo's the multi and poly will offset each other. The multi loses tension and gets more spingy and the poly dies and gets lower powered. The two offset each other and the stringbed feels about the same. I have had good results with NXT Tour mains w/ Solinco Outlast crosses.

Jack, are you still doing 60 lbs mains and 52 lbs crosses with nat gut in mains?

With NXT in mains, do you keep the same tensions, or do you adjust at all?


thanks
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Jack, are you still doing 60 lbs mains and 52 lbs crosses with nat gut in mains?

With NXT in mains, do you keep the same tensions, or do you adjust at all?

thanks

No, I haven't done nat gut mains for quite a while. I ran out of my personal stock which I got a great deal on. Plus it's a bit of a pain to string and you have to worry about it getting wet.

I go slightly lower for multi's versus nat gut, but I found them to be pretty similar in power, depending on the multi or gut. One of my V1 MP's now has NXT Tour @ 54 w/ Gamma Rx Copoly crosses at 51.
 

Micalzon

Rookie
I guess I'm having a hard time understanding how the multi mains and poly crosses allow access to more spin.

I'm a 3.5(ish) baseliner with heavy topspin, a heavy first serve and a slice second serve. I've recently had some elbow issues that I'm working through and am looking into a few alternatives. I love playing with shaped (but not necessarily heavily textured) polys but need to throw in a good multi to soften up the string bed. I've tried using a super soft syn gut but didn't like the feel or durability of the set up.

I was going to continue using a soft, shaped, (and relatively) smooth poly to get good controllable topspin but throw in a good multi to help with power and soften up the bed a little more. My first inclination was to use the poly as the main and multi as the cross, but after reading through this thread, this appears to be backwards to what most people do.

Based on what I am hoping for, should I switch it up to multi main? Does it still make sense to use a shaped poly or will it still help in the spin I'm looking for. I use a 16g multi (doesn't come any thinner) and a 17g poly in a Babolat Pure Storm Team. Any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks!
 

g4driver

Legend
My first inclination was to use the poly as the main and multi as the cross, but after reading through this thread, this appears to be backwards to what most people do.

Actually, your first inclination is what most people do. What you are reading in this thread is what some people are trying instead. Walk into a stringing shop and ask the head stringer or shop owner if he strings more: a) poly main / multi or syn gut cross hybrids or b) mult or syn gut mains / poly cross hybrids? I'm willing to bet the poly mains/ mult or syn gut cross hybrids outnumber the poly crosses at least 5 to 1, excluding natural gut/poly crosses, the Holy Grail of hybrids. I see a lot of frames in a local shop and I see more full poly request than anything, then syn gut, multis, and hybrids last. Of the hybrids, it is rare to see a multi main/poly cross.

Read post 22 from this thread.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=7754983#post7754983

Anubis wrote:

I found greatly reduced spin with gut mains/poly cross -- but that may have more to do with technique. Personally, I think that folks who hit with a lot of spin with gut/poly hybrids simply hit with tons of spin -- regardless of the strings. Give them 15 gauge tournament nylon and they'll still put massive RPMs on it.

Remember: spin is mostly a product of technique as opposed to equipment.

I prefer a smooth poly in the mains and a soft multi in the cross. It softens the string bed, gives me more power, yet still provides decent spin. True, you don't get a lot of string snap back, but it's inexpensive and comfortable.

Why not simple try various hybrid set ups? Poly mains/multi crosses, mutli crosses/poly mains, gut mains/poly crosses? Experiment with various setups and you'll find something you like. My arm doesn't like full poly so my priorities were: 1)Control, 2)Comfort, 3)Spin, 4)Durability in that order. Like Anubis wrote in his other post "Remember: spin is mostly a product of technique as opposed to equipment."

The guys who love multi mains and poly crosses they found something that works well for them. That's the beauty of strings and tennis. What works for some doesn't work for someone else. I'm not knocking this thread or these guys in any manner and applaud people for trying different things. For me, I snap the multi mains too quickly. Others have the same issue. For the guys who found a love of multi mains and poly crosses, that's awesome. Glad it works for them. I learn a lot from many of the regular posters on this board and greatly appreciate them sharing their experiences and recommendations. I do not advocate poly mains/gut crosses.

Mikeler and I both use the same poly main but we use different (but similar) soft multi cross, as we both break soft multifilament mains too quickly especially on Har-Tru courts. If you don't know who Mikeler is, here is his thread reviewing multifilaments. He's a 4.5 player, in Florida, probably being bumped to 5.0.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=352048

Some posters on here doubt anyone can break a cross so quickly. Due to the naysayers on this very thread, I put a Sharpie pen in my bag and marked the bottom cross for each set after I finished hitting each time, so I would know exactly how many sets I got from crosses. I even marked singles on one side of the mains and doubles on the other side. lol Very simple. I snapped the 16g X-One Bi-phase last night during a 4.0 singles match on Har-Tru. The frame was strung on Oct 9, and I was playing in the 18th set with the frame when it popped at 4-2. Thankfully, I won the match 2&4. If an average set last 45 (.75 of 60 minutes), 18 sets at 45 mins = 13.5 hours and snap. Granted 14 sets were singles, and I certainly hit more balls in singles than in doubles, as I tend to stay on the baseline in singles. In doubles the points in much quicker with more volleys and overheads.

Keep trying various setups. I'm guessing you'll find something you like soon.
 
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Disgruntled Worker

Professional
Tried NRG2 1.32 53lbs / Pro Line II 1.20 40lbs and it's superb in my BLX90. Control, power, feel, comfort and excellent spin. I'm surprised at how much spin I am able to get, it's like the multi absorbs the ball, slides along the poly and snaps back to launch the ball back with great vengeance and furious anger.

Greatest thing I've ever read!
 

grhcan99

Semi-Pro
I currently have 16 multi/ 18 poly on my lower-powered Redondo 98. I wanted it to play really soft and plush so I strung the mains at 35lbs. The poly crosses which I strung at 33lbs is for reining in potentially too much power from the multi mains. So far I'm happy with its comfort and I still have lots of control. The strings move a bit but it's not that different when I strung them at 45/43 before.
 

Bud

Bionic Poster
I'm always amazed at the number of string breakers on this forum. I rarely see a guy break a string on the court and I play, what most would consider, a lot. I hope these balls are flying in.

Lol my thoughts too... I know a 5.0 teaching pro that doesn't break strings that often.

Ditto. I see strings break perhaps once every 2 months and I play alot. I don't understand how club players break string like that unless they are constantly shanking the ball.

- -

I also use RIP mains and RPM crosses like another poster stated. My favorite combo so far.
 
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JackB1

G.O.A.T.
What's everyone's favorite setup? Mostly, which multi main?

for multi/poly hybrids, what you DON'T want is a multi that's sticky and "gummy", which won't slide so well along the poly. Think X1 or Xcel.

Some that work well for me are:
NXT Tour
NRG2
Gamma Prof'l
 

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
for multi/poly hybrids, what you DON'T want is a multi that's sticky and "gummy", which won't slide so well along the poly. Think X1 or Xcel.

Some that work well for me are:
NXT Tour
NRG2
Gamma Prof'l

Awesome, thanks! Also, what do you think of using nvy as a main? I know it's a syngut, but it's a fantastic cross. Maybe a good option for a main also?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Awesome, thanks! Also, what do you think of using nvy as a main? I know it's a syngut, but it's a fantastic cross. Maybe a good option for a main also?

Most don't like it as a main. But you never know until you try it yourself.
It's a very "multi-like" syngut, so it might work.
 

g4driver

Legend
Ditto. I see strings break perhaps once every 2 months and I play alot. I don't understand how club players break string like that unless they are constantly shanking the ball.

here's a formula:

har-tru courts, mostly singles, and doubles vs 4.0/4.5 guys, mix in a soft multi cross and an edged poly main -

13 sets - 9 sets of singles, 4 sets of doubles so far - Do you see a lot of shanks here Bud?

http://imageshack.com/i/mq8frtj

http://imageshack.com/i/05psquj

http://imageshack.com/i/040ppqj
 

Sundan

Rookie
I see that some of you use Focus hex in multi hybrids,i tried Co-focus just because its not shaped and i thought Focus hex would saw thru the soft multi quick but this doesnt seem to be the case ?

Have any of you tried multi/hex hybrid and multi/co-focus hybrid and would tell me how they compare ?
 

anubis

Hall of Fame
Isn't PPA is being replaced by Prince Premiere Control ? PPA has a great price on it right now. $6 a pack if you buy six or more packs. That's better than the price of a reel.

I'm very scared, actually. Scared to lose PPA. I hope premiere control doesn't suck.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
here's a formula:

har-tru courts, mostly singles, and doubles vs 4.0/4.5 guys, mix in a soft multi cross and an edged poly main -

13 sets - 9 sets of singles, 4 sets of doubles so far - Do you see a lot of shanks here Bud?

soft multi cross + sharp poly main = recipe for breakage
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I see that some of you use Focus hex in multi hybrids,i tried Co-focus just because its not shaped and i thought Focus hex would saw thru the soft multi quick but this doesnt seem to be the case ?

Have any of you tried multi/hex hybrid and multi/co-focus hybrid and would tell me how they compare ?

I have tried both and liked the multi/cofocus better. It also lasted longer.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I'm very scared, actually. Scared to lose PPA. I hope premiere control doesn't suck.

Why? Just stock up now on PPA if u like it that much. :confused:

Personally I don't think it's that special, except for the price. It's basically a solid core syngut with a few outer multi wraps. There are many similar strings out there that perform as well, if not better than PPA. Addiction, Multi Feel, FXP, QuasiGut come to mind.
 

Smasher08

Legend
Prince premiere attack is my favorite multi.

Same here. I have PPA 1.25 hybrided with CoF 1.18 in my main backup setup that sees action whenever there's rain/puddles. I put the same setup into the PS 85 of someone who puts tons of spin on his shots and it lasted 10 hours. In my i.PM it seems to be going strong, but I've no idea how much cumulative time has been logged in.

It feels a bit softer that Pac Classic 1.25, but otherwise plays reasonably similarly. I highly recommend it.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Same here. I have PPA 1.25 hybrided with CoF 1.18 in my main backup setup that sees action whenever there's rain/puddles. I put the same setup into the PS 85 of someone who puts tons of spin on his shots and it lasted 10 hours. In my i.PM it seems to be going strong, but I've no idea how much cumulative time has been logged in.

It feels a bit softer that Pac Classic 1.25, but otherwise plays reasonably similarly. I highly recommend it.

yes PPA makes a great cross for a poly main. I didn't care for it any other way.
 

teekaywhy

Professional
I'm trying out the Yonex 850 16g (non-Pro) multifilament in the mains with Pro Line 2 1.20 in the crosses. It gets better and better as the hours go on so much so that I'm now thinking of switching to a multi/poly hybrid permanently, after being a full poly user for nearly 15yrs.

Excellent access to spin and great, controllable power. Super comfortable. I'm not the greatest volleyer around but this combo turns me into a splendid volleyer, I've been hitting all kinds of awesome. (I think perhaps my problem is that the other polys I usually use are shaped and they grab the ball too much, especially making volleys off somebody's heavy slice very tricky). Whatever, my confidence on the volley right now is soaring.

Durability has also been very good, especially since there was heavy notching after 90min but it's still going strong after 6hrs. I strung it 54/44 and I guess the poly lost tension and that's why it's not sawing as much anymore. And that's why I'm liking it better; next time I may string it 54/42.

Another racquet of mine is strung with full multi (Yonex 880ti 16g) and it's not nearly as comfortable especially as time goes by; the string do not want to slide against eachother.

I should mention that I'm using this in my doubles league where power is needed and things unfold very quickly. I'm the only one i've ever seen who uses full poly on a midsize racquet in that league. In fact, very few use midsize racquets at all.
In singles, I think I'll stick with full poly, especially vs pushers.

Anyway. Any converts out there that would like to share? And what combos have worked or not worked?

I'm a recent quasi convert as I just tried out my first (reverse?) hybrid with Multi mains and poly crosses. I was poly main/multi cross for most of this season.

I think I'll be trying this combo more during the indoor season to see if I can get the same performance from a full bed of Solinco as I can from a multi/poly setup.
SO far so good, tried Bi phase mains and Tour bite crosses. I think I may try Yonex Poly Pro crosses at 48 and maybe Solinco Vanquish in the mains at 51.
 

Sundan

Rookie
With how much difference do you string multi/poly hybrids ?

I like my sensation 17 /co-focus 1.18 hybrid regarding spin and comfort,but i have abit trouble with going for the lines,especially on serve and im thinking that i perhaps strung with too much difference ?

I have it at 25/22kg, that would roughly translate to 55/49 in pounds.

Im not a scientist by far,but wrong balance would show more on serve than on normal topspin groundstrokes,right ?
 

BlueB

Legend
I had Wilson Sensation at 57, with Prince Tour Poly at 45, last summer. Played awsome. Sensation could have been even tighter.
 
I have been using Rip Control 1.30 mains (50lbs) and RPM Blast 1.25 crosses (50lbs) and I think this one of the best combos of multi/poly that I know!

Thank you so much. That is exactly what I have. I have a reel of RPM 1.25 and after doing the prince multi Playtest, I am intrigued at the touch and feel involved with multis. My serve and volley game has been amazing with full multi so I figure I should try a hybrid. Thanks again.
 

zebbe

New User
Strung my racket yesterday whit Babolat addiction/MSV focus hex 25/22.5 kg and played match today which I won. Spin was there, the feel and comfort was much better then full poly. Will keep this setup and see how it goes :)
 

Rogael Naderer

Semi-Pro
I haven't found that with a smooth round co-poly (I like Co-Focus and Black Magic for that). I once strung a friend's racquet with Premier Attack/Big Hitter Black 7 (his request) and the BHB7 sliced right through the mains, but more sensible crosses have substantially outlasted full multi for me.

When I play a full bed of multi, this tends to happen:



The crosses' fuzzing impedes the mains' snap-back and everything gets weird. I much prefer the poly crosses, which allow the mains to perform right up until they snap.

EXACTLY the response I get from putting full multi in my racquets.

this is why I've decided to give multi / poly a go, I enjoy gut / poly but it's rainy season here in the UK which will just kill the gut.

I will try this week:

Dunlop Bio 100: Dunlop Hexy Fibre 16 mains with Signum Plasma Pure 16L crosses.
(My standard tension for full Rip 16 is 50lbs)

Dunlop Bio Max 200G: Head Rip Control 16 mains with Head Sonic Pro 16L Crosses.
(Standard tension for full Rip 16 is 54 lbs)


Any opinions on the string choices or recommended tensions?
 

zebbe

New User
Unfortunately my setup Addiction/Focus Hex only lasted about 5 hours. I liked the feel from it but was hoping it would at least last twice that time.
 
Unfortunately my setup Addiction/Focus Hex only lasted about 5 hours. I liked the feel from it but was hoping it would at least last twice that time.

I was disappointed too, my RIP mains and RPM blast crosses only lasted 6 sets before they broke.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Unfortunately my setup Addiction/Focus Hex only lasted about 5 hours. I liked the feel from it but was hoping it would at least last twice that time.

Focus Hex is a multi-sided poly. Try a round smooth poly for best results when hybriding a multi/poly. I would suggest something like Prince Beast or Proline 2 for the crosses.

I currently have Babalot Xcel mains with Prince Beast crosses in my Radical MP and it's great.
 

Rogael Naderer

Semi-Pro
Focus Hex is a multi-sided poly. Try a round smooth poly for best results when hybriding a multi/poly. I would suggest something like Prince Beast or Proline 2 for the crosses.

I currently have Babalot Xcel mains with Prince Beast crosses in my Radical MP and it's great.

Exactly my thoughts, smoothness is the key to reduce friction between strings and increase breakage time.
 

zebbe

New User
Focus Hex is a multi-sided poly. Try a round smooth poly for best results when hybriding a multi/poly. I would suggest something like Prince Beast or Proline 2 for the crosses.

I currently have Babalot Xcel mains with Prince Beast crosses in my Radical MP and it's great.

How long does this setup last for you? I have a reel of Cyberflash maybe I could try it as a cross.
 

ac3111

Professional
What is your opinion in a hybrid setup with poly crosses and multi mains if we have to choose between Wilson Sensation 17, Pro Supex Maxim Touch classic 17 and Weisscannon Explosiv 16g? For a 18x20 Wilson K95?
Which of these 3 multis has better touch and feel?
 

Yao_guai_nz

New User
I know this is an old thread... hope someone out there is reading this?!
I just replaced a 10 year old wilson K-blade with a wilson RF97A. It's a heavier beast and my go to strings for last 20 years are no longer a good fit.
I'm a self-assessed 4.5ish player with SHBHand and long strokes.
Previously in my 18x20 blades I had Wilson sensation (a multi) at 52lbs.
I have demo'd this racket at the tennis centre and it was awesome, however they couldn't tell me the name of the poly or tension (duhhhhh).
Reading above, I'm thinking of going Sensation mains and a Poly cross <50lbs.

Does anyone have experience with this frame applying a hybrid set up please?
Keen to retain that popping feel of my beloved Wilson Sensation.... I'm not a fan of "dead" polys, nor can my wrist/elbow handle it.

Thanks in advance.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
I know this is an old thread... hope someone out there is reading this?!
I just replaced a 10 year old wilson K-blade with a wilson RF97A. It's a heavier beast and my go to strings for last 20 years are no longer a good fit.
I'm a self-assessed 4.5ish player with SHBHand and long strokes.
Previously in my 18x20 blades I had Wilson sensation (a multi) at 52lbs.
I have demo'd this racket at the tennis centre and it was awesome, however they couldn't tell me the name of the poly or tension (duhhhhh).
Reading above, I'm thinking of going Sensation mains and a Poly cross <50lbs.

Does anyone have experience with this frame applying a hybrid set up please?
Keen to retain that popping feel of my beloved Wilson Sensation.... I'm not a fan of "dead" polys, nor can my wrist/elbow handle it.

Thanks in advance.
What was the color of the poly?
 
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