Mikeler's Multis

SpinToWin · Apr 15, 2014

John Z. said:
@SpinToWin - i have never tried "Dunlop Hexy Fiber"; why would you say that this could be a good idea when compared to Head FXP 17g or Prince Prem Control 17g ?

I will soon try Volkl Cyclone Tour 18g mains with PPC 17g cross - hopefully that will increase spin potential of PPC without increasing too much the stiffness (i read cyclone tour is very soft for a poly).

Cheers

you said that you enjoyed Black Widow, but that you wanted a softer alternative if I remember correctly. Black Widow already is one of the softest polyester strings on the market, so you'll have difficulties finding any poly strings that suit your liking (I don't think you'll find Cyclone comfortable if you found BW uncomfortable…). Therefore, I immediately thought of multifilament strings, particularly ones with similar playing characteristics to Dunlop Black Widow. Hexy Fiber essentially is the multifilament pendant to Black Widow (also shaped). It will play similar to BW, though with less control and more power; however, you can dial that in with tension and it will be much more comfortable. The other strings you mentioned are smooth and the launch angle/string response will be very different with them in comparison to your BW.
Also, you should play the multifilament in the mains as the mains greatly determine the stringbed's characteristics, so the multifilament in the mains will be much more comfortable. Furthermore, multi (main)/poly hybrids generally produce more spin than poly (main)/multi hybrids due to less string friction allowing the mains to snap back more and produce spin.

John Z. · Apr 15, 2014

SpinToWin said:
you said that you enjoyed Black Widow, but that you wanted a softer alternative if I remember correctly. Black Widow already is one of the softest polyester strings on the market, so you'll have difficulties finding any poly strings that suit your liking (I don't think you'll find Cyclone comfortable if you found BW uncomfortable…). Therefore, I immediately thought of multifilament strings, particularly ones with similar playing characteristics to Dunlop Black Widow. Hexy Fiber essentially is the multifilament pendant to Black Widow (also shaped). It will play similar to BW, though with less control and more power; however, you can dial that in with tension and it will be much more comfortable. The other strings you mentioned are smooth and the launch angle/string response will be very different with them in comparison to your BW.
Also, you should play the multifilament in the mains as the mains greatly determine the stringbed's characteristics, so the multifilament in the mains will be much more comfortable. Furthermore, multi (main)/poly hybrids generally produce more spin than poly (main)/multi hybrids due to less string friction allowing the mains to snap back more and produce spin.

Thanks - this is very useful. I will look up your HexyFiber suggestion as well as the poly in cross as opposed to main; it is surprising to me that this could be more spinny and comfortable, but i hope you are right. Also, have you tried the "cyclone tour" or was your comment applying to "cyclone" ?

I look fwd to be done with these string tests as it is messing with my mind and my game! Cheers.

Muppet · Apr 15, 2014

I've used Hexy Fiber quite a bit as a cross string for poly mains. For a poly that is metallic feeling or on the stiffer side, I would say that Hexy Fiber is a good choice for a cross. But for a soft and/or muted main string, I wouldn't use Hexy Fiber as a cross. I tried it recently with an Iontec Black main and I got a stringbed that was muted and rubbery feeling. Also, I've used Cyber Blue in a full bed and to me, that string also felt too muted to match with Hexy Fiber. If I were to hybrid with Cyber Blue, I'd go with a syngut cross.

A string that plays beautifully with Hexy Fiber is Cyberflash in the mains. I left that setup though, because I was getting too much feedback after ball strike. I may still go back to it and dampen the strings more thoroughly. It's really worth trying for good, crisp feel and excellent spin. And your racquet may transmit feedback less than mine does.

mikeler · Apr 16, 2014

John Z. said:
Thanks - this is very useful. I will look up your HexyFiber suggestion as well as the poly in cross as opposed to main; it is surprising to me that this could be more spinny and comfortable, but i hope you are right. Also, have you tried the "cyclone tour" or was your comment applying to "cyclone" ?

I look fwd to be done with these string tests as it is messing with my mind and my game! Cheers.

I would also suggest a full bed of Hexy Fiber first. Just be aware, the string is not durable at all. Don't kill your arm to save your wallet though.

Lukhas · Apr 16, 2014

Multi or s-gut mains with poly crosses is terrible in durability. I wouldn't say that Hexy is terrible with durability, but it's clearly not one of its forte. I wouldn't try it.

Nostradamus · Apr 16, 2014

mikeler said:
I would also suggest a full bed of Hexy Fiber first. Just be aware, the string is not durable at all. Don't kill your arm to save your wallet though.

Starting to think this Excel power is pretty good string. at 6 hour mark, it is losing some tension but still controllable. balls are launching more but still not enough to just cut it out. Still very lively and power is good.
it is very good string for guys with arm problems, very very soft and cushiony. if you have the money, this is one of the top flight multis.

mikeler · Apr 16, 2014

Lukhas said:
Multi or s-gut mains with poly crosses is terrible in durability. I wouldn't say that Hexy is terrible with durability, but it's clearly not one of its forte. I wouldn't try it.

I got less than 4 sets of singles out of it. One of the least durable ones I've tried.

John Z. · Apr 16, 2014

Thanks gents, i will take these suggestions to the court in the next little while (HexyFiber and poly in cross) - takes me a fair amount of time to carefully try a string setting. Cheers.

BorderLine · Apr 17, 2014

Full bed multis please - OP

NXT Power 18 in match play tonight for the second outing

Lukhas · Apr 17, 2014

mikeler said:
I got less than 4 sets of singles out of it. One of the least durable ones I've tried.

I am not surprised. I have marks on mine after two 1h/1h30 sessions. Although I'm not a string breaker so I'm not complaining. This said, when i think "fragile", what I usually have in mind is XCel, as comfortable as it is... :lol:

mikeler · Apr 17, 2014

Lukhas said:
I am not surprised. I have marks on mine after two 1h/1h30 sessions. Although I'm not a string breaker so I'm not complaining. This said, when i think "fragile", what I usually have in mind is XCel, as comfortable as it is... :lol:

I cut out Xcel because it looked terrible but it lasted much longer than Hexy Fiber.

henweezy · Apr 18, 2014

Is there an updated list of your best multi string for spin?

SpinToWin · Apr 18, 2014

henweezy said:
Is there an updated list of your best multi string for spin?

I can tell you my list:
Dunlop Hexy Fiber
Volkl Gripper
Pro's Pro Clay Court Plus

BorderLine · Apr 18, 2014

Most spin out of multis full bed that I have hit would be:

NXT Tour/Power
Head Rip Control
Prince Premier Control

NXT Tour/Power played great again last night. But about the 4 hour it really started losing grip and tension causing moderate to high performance deterioration. It isn't notching or fraying yet. I am going to keep playing it to see what happens.

mikeler · Apr 18, 2014

henweezy said:
Is there an updated list of your best multi string for spin?

Check out post #2 of this thread.

mrmike · Apr 18, 2014

mikeler said:
Check out post #2 of this thread.

I agree with your top 3 spin multis. I didn't try X1 for quite a while but recently rediscovered it and was pleasantly surprised at the access to spin. Hopefully I can afford this addiction since its pricey.

hray4clay · Apr 18, 2014

mikeler said:
Check out post #2 of this thread.

mikeler: I use Pacific Tough Gut 16 guage in one of my IG Prestige Pros and Technifiber Biphase One Red 16 guage in the other because you stated in your multi review that you thought the T.Biphase played the most like gut. I am interested to know if you have reviewed different gut strings as I put a lot of weight in your opinion. I have tendonitis in my right elbow which I am thinking the new Prestige racquets (Youtek Ig pros) strung with gut or a soft multi at 52 pounds will help to alleviate. I just started playing with them yesterday instead of my two APDs which have nearly killed my entire arm!!

BorderLine · Apr 18, 2014

Not addressed to me, but my 2 cents trying to help.

Try Hexy Fiber or Alpha Gut 2000 for your arm.

Hexy was powerful for me and Alpha was more on the control side.

RIP Control is also pretty easy on the arm.

mikeler · Apr 18, 2014

hray4clay said:
mikeler: I use Pacific Tough Gut 16 guage in one of my IG Prestige Pros and Technifiber Biphase One Red 16 guage in the other because you stated in your multi review that you thought the T.Biphase played the most like gut. I am interested to know if you have reviewed different gut strings as I put a lot of weight in your opinion. I have tendonitis in my right elbow which I am thinking the new Prestige racquets (Youtek Ig pros) strung with gut or a soft multi at 52 pounds will help to alleviate. I just started playing with them yesterday instead of my two APDs which have nearly killed my entire arm!!

I've played with a full bed of Wilson gut and a full bed of Klip gut (I think). I also tried Wilson gut with a poly cross. For the ultimate in arm comfort, go for Wilson gut if you like power or Mantis Comfort Synthetic/Pro's Pro Hi-Tec Multifibre if you want low power and pillow like softness. Check out post #2 of this thread for the top 3 softest multis on my arm.

lefty19 · Apr 29, 2014

Mike,

Maybe I am incorrect but I thought you test the Origin out but I don't see it?

Interested to see how it stacked up against the rest!

Also, I have been quite intrigued on the durability of top multis compared to Poly strings. I read on the PPA of almost 15 sets and some of the poly strings lasting only half. Is that due to the change in the new stick and been harsh on the strings even though you used pretty thick gauges on the open racquet?

Thanks
David

mikeler · Apr 29, 2014

lefty19 said:
Mike,

Maybe I am incorrect but I thought you test the Origin out but I don't see it?

Interested to see how it stacked up against the rest!

Also, I have been quite intrigued on the durability of top multis compared to Poly strings. I read on the PPA of almost 15 sets and some of the poly strings lasting only half. Is that due to the change in the new stick and been harsh on the strings even though you used pretty thick gauges on the open racquet?

Thanks
David

I linked to the Origin review in the bottom of post #1. Bottom line is that the string is good but too expensive. Since I did not get to play singles with it, I don't want to rank it against the other ones.

The new frame is very harsh on strings. Only the most hardy last past the 10 hour mark which is about the time I like to restring anyways. The PPA that lasted about 15 sets in my 16x20 would last nowhere near that long in the new frames although

There is a 1.40mm PPA that my friend uses but he is not much of string breaker. He still uses string savers though because he is cheap.

lefty19 · Apr 29, 2014

Thanks for the thoughts! Good luck with the new frame though, I haven't started playing yet but looking toward the mythical string right in the pocket between multi and poly. I am liking the Control and Sidewinder type and just starting to test them out!

Thanks again by the way for all the responses, thoughts etc.... in this forum!

-David

mikeler · Apr 29, 2014

lefty19 said:
Thanks for the thoughts! Good luck with the new frame though, I haven't started playing yet but looking toward the mythical string right in the pocket between multi and poly. I am liking the Control and Sidewinder type and just starting to test them out!

Thanks again by the way for all the responses, thoughts etc.... in this forum!

-David

Glad you find the info useful. Happy hitting.

bsiegel · May 5, 2014

Mikeler, My tennis buddy has been using NXT 16 g for years in his Pure Drives. He breaks them a lot, so it's a nice source of stringing income for me. NXT is not available is a reel and sets are I think 16.95 ! ! I was thinking that there has to be equivalent strings that are just as good or better. Technifibre makes some good multis I have heard. He won't consider gut ( says he cannot afford it , haha ).
I have also seen that Klipper has a generic NXT and was tempted to get some ? I has some Volkl Power fibre and he hated it. I thought they would be similar cause it has that white fuzz inside the coating, but he didn't like it a bit.

Can you reccomend anything that would be close to NXT 16 but a better value ?

Thanks in advance !

mikeler · May 5, 2014

bsiegel said:
Mikeler, My tennis buddy has been using NXT 16 g for years in his Pure Drives. He breaks them a lot, so it's a nice source of stringing income for me. NXT is not available is a reel and sets are I think 16.95 ! ! I was thinking that there has to be equivalent strings that are just as good or better. Technifibre makes some good multis I have heard. He won't consider gut ( says he cannot afford it , haha ).
I have also seen that Klipper has a generic NXT and was tempted to get some ? I has some Volkl Power fibre and he hated it. I thought they would be similar cause it has that white fuzz inside the coating, but he didn't like it a bit.

Can you reccomend anything that would be close to NXT 16 but a better value ?

Thanks in advance !

Any stiff multi will do. I didn't think very highly of NXT.

BorderLine · May 5, 2014

I love NXT Power/Tour. It has given me the most spin of any setup. It is very powerful, but it works for me because the spin is great.

I would be curious about strings similar to NXT.

I just strung up a Wilson Natural Gut full bed and NXT feels extremely similar and I think it performs better - less string movement, more spin, and more power. The natural gut might feel just slightly better and might widen the sweet spot a touch, but not enough to matter.

Nostradamus · May 5, 2014

Are there any Multi that comes pretty close in Spin generation as the Polyester like Lux alu power ?

Fuji · May 5, 2014

Nostradamus said:
Are there any Multi that comes pretty close in Spin generation as the Polyester like Lux alu power ?

No, but RIP Control generates a fair amount of spin for a multi.

-Fuji

Old Chemist · May 5, 2014

Alternative to full bed NXT

bsiegel said:
Mikeler, My tennis buddy has been using NXT 16 g for years in his Pure Drives. He breaks them a lot, so it's a nice source of stringing income for me. NXT is not available is a reel and sets are I think 16.95 ! ! I was thinking that there has to be equivalent strings that are just as good or better. Technifibre makes some good multis I have heard. He won't consider gut ( says he cannot afford it , haha ).
I have also seen that Klipper has a generic NXT and was tempted to get some ? I has some Volkl Power fibre and he hated it. I thought they would be similar cause it has that white fuzz inside the coating, but he didn't like it a bit.

Can you reccomend anything that would be close to NXT 16 but a better value ?

Thanks in advance !

You might think about trying a hybrid of NXT in the mains with syngut in the crosses -- very economical, particularly if you purchase an inexpensive syngut in a reel. I have tried Golden Set syngut with NXT control and PPA and actually preferred the hybrid setups to the fullbed setups.

mikeler · May 5, 2014

Fuji said:
No, but RIP Control generates a fair amount of spin for a multi.

-Fuji

Yep, RIP Control is the spinniest multi followed by Dunlop Hexy Fiber.

BorderLine · May 5, 2014

I have hit RIP, Hexy, NXT Power, and Prince Premier Control in identical setups.

For me, I thought the order of strongest spin to least was:

NXT Power 18 g and 17 g (clear winner for me)
Premier Control and RIP 17 g had good spin relative to other multis
Hexy 17 g (spin was not a strength - soft and powerful come to mind)

NXT Power also gives a high trajectory. I get more spin and a better trajectory out of NXT Power than I do in a poly hybrid.

Obviously, others have different opinions as the ones mentioned do come up for spin and I am very surprised that NXT isn't in the conversation more.

I am not trying to promote and/or advocate. I am just trying to give my opinion to help others. I wish I had tried NXT Power (Tour) much earlier.

I use modern grips and strokes.

torpantennis · May 5, 2014

BorderLine said:
NXT Power also gives a high trajectory. I get more spin and a better trajectory out of NXT Power than I do in a poly hybrid.

Poly mains, or poly crosses in the hybrid? What tensions with full bed NXT and the poly hybrid?

BorderLine · May 5, 2014

NXT Power 18 g @ 58 lbs

Bi-phase 17 in crosses @58 lbs and Black Code 17 mains @ 55 lbs

torpantennis · May 5, 2014

BorderLine said:
NXT Power 18 g @ 58 lbs

Bi-phase 17 in crosses @58 lbs and Black Code 17 mains @ 55 lbs

LOL, that's the worst possible setup in terms of spin. I once tried Biphase-crosses, with ALU mains. The stringbed was like board, Biphase was like gum, the poly mains couldn't slide on them at all. Low power, low trajectory and control oriented indeed, but no feel/no spin/no pocketing. I had paid full price for a pro stringer, but just couldn't tolerate that setup, and after just 2h I cut it out!

If you want spin with poly hybrids, try poly in the crosses. NXT mains, poly crosses is better than full NXT in spin. And I agree, full NXT is better in spin than poly mains hybrids (tried full NXT Tour once).

BorderLine · May 5, 2014

Good to know...

I was just going with what the shop told me and from some reading...seen other shops recommend the same.

I have hit black widow mains and multi crosses...wasn't impressed by anything at all...I have also hit all poly black code setup and I was totally disappointed.

Poly is not for me. NXT Power is doing the trick and I think I am done testing. I am tempted to try some Yonex 850 as it sounds similar to NXT and has gotten great reviews and is cheaper.

SpinToWin · May 5, 2014

BorderLine said:
Good to know...

I was just going with what the shop told me and from some reading...seen other shops recommend the same.

I have hit black widow mains and multi crosses...wasn't impressed by anything at all...I have also hit all poly black code setup and I was totally disappointed.

Poly is not for me. NXT Power is doing the trick and I think I am done testing. I am tempted to try some Yonex 850 as it sounds similar to NXT and has gotten great reviews and is cheaper.

Reverse it… Black Code is a great string for a cross with a multifilament in the mains, but I wouldn't ever put it in the mains. Some people disagree and find poly in the mains better, but you seem to be part of the other group. Give it a shot.

mikeler · May 5, 2014

SpinToWin said:
Reverse it… Black Code is a great string for a cross with a multifilament in the mains, but I wouldn't ever put it in the mains. Some people disagree and find poly in the mains better, but you seem to be part of the other faction. Give it a shot.

Put some Black 5 Edge mains in with any multi or synthetic gut and spin away. It's all personal preference of course.

Muppet · May 6, 2014

SpinToWin said:
Reverse it… Black Code is a great string for a cross with a multifilament in the mains, but I wouldn't ever put it in the mains. Some people disagree and find poly in the mains better, but you seem to be part of the other faction. Give it a shot.

"the other faction?" What have you been reading?

SpinToWin · May 6, 2014

Muppet said:
"the other faction?" What have you been reading?

Oh god, fine by me, then part of the other "group" you nitpick. :neutral:

TennisCJC · May 6, 2014

NRG2 is similar to NXT but only a little bit less expensive. Seems like all multis have increase a lot in last few years.

yangster007 · May 6, 2014

TennisCJC said:
NRG2 is similar to NXT but only a little bit less expensive. Seems like all multis have increase a lot in last few years.

NRG2 plays better than NXT IMO. But Tecnifibre makes NXT for Wilson.

mikeler · May 6, 2014

yangster007 said:
NRG2 plays better than NXT IMO. But Tecnifibre makes NXT for Wilson.

Both are overpriced.

BorderLine · May 6, 2014

I agree with bi-phase and NRG being overpriced versus some other good multis out there that are half or third of the price.

It is funny though how opinions vary and how different strings work for different people.

NXT Power blows away NRG and Bi-phase for me and is worth the money.

I get spin out of NXT Power that I don't get out of NRG and Bi-phase.

I am curious if Yonex 850 Pro, Big T's NXT, and Klipper's NXT might be more cost effective options for me. I don't really think so because I think the 18 g is what helps too and those don't come in 18 g.

mrmo1115 · May 12, 2014

Mikeler, do you prefer the NXT Control or the Xcel? You seemed to have liked both. I am looking to choose between the two for a hybrid with my Luxilon ALU Power

mikeler · May 12, 2014

mrmo1115 said:
Mikeler, do you prefer the NXT Control or the Xcel? You seemed to have liked both. I am looking to choose between the two for a hybrid with my Luxilon ALU Power

I would choose Genesis Thunder Blast white. It is a medium stiffness multi which has this great feel in the sweet spot and decent spin for a multi. While I could live with it in a full job, it really works best as a cross string. If I had to choose between Xcel as a cross or NXT Control, even though I like Xcel better I'd probably pick NXT Control as a cross string since it is a little bit stiffer. The really soft crosses are not the best for me unless I'm trying to protect my arm.

Nostradamus · May 12, 2014

mikeler said:
I would choose Genesis Thunder Blast white. It is a medium stiffness multi which has this great feel in the sweet spot and decent spin for a multi. While I could live with it in a full job, it really works best as a cross string. If I had to choose between Xcel as a cross or NXT Control, even though I like Xcel better I'd probably pick NXT Control as a cross string since it is a little bit stiffer. The really soft crosses are not the best for me unless I'm trying to protect my arm.

weird thing about Xcel power is that it plays and feels great for about 3 hours then it becomes kind of uncontrollable and feels dead. so that might make it not worth the money they charge

mrmo1115 · May 12, 2014

mikeler said:
I would choose Genesis Thunder Blast white. It is a medium stiffness multi which has this great feel in the sweet spot and decent spin for a multi. While I could live with it in a full job, it really works best as a cross string. If I had to choose between Xcel as a cross or NXT Control, even though I like Xcel better I'd probably pick NXT Control as a cross string since it is a little bit stiffer. The really soft crosses are not the best for me unless I'm trying to protect my arm.

I was leaning towards NXT Control as well because of the same reasoning. I would prefer a stiffer multi.
I'll look into the Genesis string, although I am probably going to attempt the hybrid with NXT Control first.
Appreciate your feedback

mikeler · May 12, 2014

mrmo1115 said:
I was leaning towards NXT Control as well because of the same reasoning. I would prefer a stiffer multi.
I'll look into the Genesis string, although I am probably going to attempt the hybrid with NXT Control first.
Appreciate your feedback

I still say save some money and go with white Thunder Blast.

mrmo1115 · May 12, 2014

mikeler said:
I still say save some money and go with white Thunder Blast.

Can you compare Thunder Blast with NXT Control? Moreover, how will the hybrids feel different if I strung one up with Lux ALU Power/NXT Control and the other with Lux ALU Power/Thunder Blast?

nickarnold2000 · May 12, 2014

mikeler said:
I still say save some money and go with white Thunder Blast.

What's the difference between white and black Thunder Blast besides the color?

Mikeler's Multis

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