Multi on Mains-Poli on crosses

dolphinsrus · Jun 17, 2014

Hi there,

Quick question; hybrids are usually poly on mains and a softer string on crosses, right? My stringer said that I always break crosses and suggested me to string multi on mains and poli on crosses. He said that this set-up is common, even Federer uses it. Can somebody tell me how a racquet with this set-up will perform? What can I expect? He recommended tension of 53 lbs on both, mains and crosses. Thanks.

sp1derman · Jun 17, 2014

I find when using multi's in a hybrid that they start to notch very quickly. The first half hour usually feels pretty good. Then the outer layer of the multi wears away and they get "sticky."

You have provided little detail about your level or your racquet but in general a multi main will give you more power than your poly main. 53 lbs for me ends up like a rocket launcher with a multi. I string multi's at least around 58lbs. That is all personal preference. The multi main set up may result in less spin as well. I have experimented with multi mains before and like them best with a synthetic gut cross. If you have some extra cash go natural go mains and poly cross. If the desire is just to reduce the crosses from breaking so early use a full bed of poly...

Llefty · Jun 17, 2014

I used to use a full bed of X-One and broke mains frequently. I'm now using X-One mains and Razor Code crosses. I'm not sure how I settled on the choice of using X-One on the mains rather than the crosses - I guess I thought it would be softer and more powerful than the other way around. Anyhow, it has increased durability drastically. Before X-One used to fray almost instantly, but now it hasn't frayed at all. The poly crosses have also helped with spin, but just like everybody tells you about poly strings in general, you give up some power and get a firmer feel.

dolphinsrus · Jun 17, 2014

Sorry if I didn't provide more info. My level is 4.0-4.5. I am a baseliner that hits with topspin. I play with a Babolat aero pro. I also find the notching a problem on hybrids. I had Tennis Elbow in the past, so I avoid full bed of poly and try not to string at high tensions. I also have another racquet with a full bed of multi at 56 lbs.

Llefty · Jun 17, 2014

sp1derman said:
I find when using multi's in a hybrid that they start to notch very quickly. The first half hour usually feels pretty good. Then the outer layer of the multi wears away and they get "sticky."

You have provided little detail about your level or your racquet but in general a multi main will give you more power than your poly main. 53 lbs for me ends up like a rocket launcher with a multi. I string multi's at least around 58lbs. That is all personal preference. The multi main set up may result in less spin as well. I have experimented with multi mains before and like them best with a synthetic gut cross. If you have some extra cash go natural go mains and poly cross. If the desire is just to reduce the crosses from breaking so early use a full bed of poly...

The notching is a good point. With a full multi bed, I never get any notching. With a hybrid, I've noticed notching around the frame where the strings don't move as much.

Korso · Jun 17, 2014

I would put the poly in the mains. It will give you more spin and the multi will soften up the string bed. This set up will last longer than all multi.
Federer does not use multi, he uses natural gut in the mains with poly in the crosses.

TennisCJC · Jun 17, 2014

I like multi mains with poly cross.

If you switch you hybrid to have the soft multi in the mains with the stiffer poly in the cross, you will get a touch more feel and power and a touch less spin and control than poly mains with multi cross. You will still get good spin and control but not as good as poly mains or all poly. But, I like multi or gut or syn gut mains with poly cross. Give it a try.

A Defenseless Creature · Jun 17, 2014

Your stringer must be a little looney. The poly crosses will chew through the mains at the speed of light, if not faster. I don't know of anyone who uses multi mains with poly crosses. Vice versa, yes. Gut mains/poly crosses, yes. Probably best to use a poly main with a soft syn gut cross if your objective is to increase durability.

SJSA · Jun 17, 2014

The main issue for multi/poly is durability.
I am not a string breaker but broke mine after 6 hours of play.
I never have had multi/poly setup again.

John Z. · Jun 17, 2014

TennisCJC said:
I like multi mains with poly cross.

If you switch you hybrid to have the soft multi in the mains with the stiffer poly in the cross, you will get a touch more feel and power and a touch less spin and control than poly mains with multi cross. You will still get good spin and control but not as good as poly mains or all poly. But, I like multi or gut or syn gut mains with poly cross. Give it a try.

@TennisCJC - which multi do you use as mains in your setup (and why)? Thanks.

BlueB · Jun 17, 2014

I always put poly in crosses, at a lot lesser tension then mains.

TennisCJC · Jun 20, 2014

John Z. said:
@TennisCJC - which multi do you use as mains in your setup (and why)? Thanks.

I am currently using NRG2 17G at 56 lbs with TF RuffCode 17G poly crosses. I sometimes use SigPro Hyperion 17G poly cross too. I use 16x19 racket with a fairly dense pattern in the middle of the string bed. The mains break after about 8-10 hours of use.

I like the feel, power and spin of NRG2. It actually feels most like natural gut too me.

If you are a heavy topspin baseline basher, I don't think this setup is good for you. But, if you play all court tennis or a lot of doubles, this is a good setup. It volleys and slices well, feel is better than poly mains, and spin is very good too.

I have use gut mains which is obviously better but 3 or 4 times the cost.

I have also used syn gut mains which is surprisingly good too.

SpinToWin · Jun 20, 2014

TennisCJC said:
I am currently using NRG2 17G at 56 lbs with TF RuffCode 17G poly crosses. I sometimes use SigPro Hyperion 17G poly cross too. I use 16x19 racket with a fairly dense pattern in the middle of the string bed. The mains break after about 8-10 hours of use.

I like the feel, power and spin of NRG2. It actually feels most like natural gut too me.

If you are a heavy topspin baseline basher, I don't think this setup is good for you. But, if you play all court tennis or a lot of doubles, this is a good setup. It volleys and slices well, feel is better than poly mains, and spin is very good too.

I have use gut mains which is obviously better but 3 or 4 times the cost.

I have also used syn gut mains which is surprisingly good too.

completely agree in every regard

souledge · Jun 20, 2014

Federer uses Gut/Poly, btw.

Multi on Mains-Poli on crosses

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