Icsa
Professional
For a low tension poly experiment, go below 40.
Accepting that you cannot use poly strings
- Thread starter TBM
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Happi
Hall of Fame
If you don't like string movement, the best string is Multifeel Black. I use this also as a cross string for other multis like X-One, Velocity or RIP Control. Be sure to get the black version as it is very different from the natural color version.
ByeByePoly
G.O.A.T.
Somebody called Velocity an inefficient cr@ppy trampoline 
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
Just hit some wiffle balls for 7 months with paddles with plastic cores and you will miss that cr@ppy trampoline.
Head Velocity
As long as your 2HBH is going to kill your game, play for feel :rolleyes: FWIW, I'm keeping my #1 with V/C. I have Hyper G/Cream in my #2 but I feel like its almost spent after ~8 hours. Going to try fb Hyper G, but I also have Firewire and Silverstring en route. More permutations and...
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
Just hit some wiffle balls for 7 months with paddles with plastic cores and you will miss that cr@ppy trampoline.
@Wolffje - A possible solution might be a hybrid of non-poly mains (gut, syn-gut or multi) and slick, very soft co-poly crosses -- you'd get the power, touch and comfort of the non-poly mains, with the snapback and control of the slick, soft co-poly crosses, including life-long snapback and a string bed that would never lock and never require readjusting (or only require very minimal readjusting).
For an Aerogel 300 (290g unstrung, 98" 16x19 21mm 59RA ~320 strung SW), I would string on the higher-end for power, so natural gut or higher-power syn-gut/multi in the mains, around 1.30 gauge, and something like Tru Pro Ghostwire 1.22 in the crosses, or for even more shock absorption, IsoSpeed Cream 1.28 or MSV Swift 1.25, both of which are ~50% rubber. For tension, I'd do 52 lbs mains / 49 lbs crosses.
Give something like that a shot, and it may just hit a perfect middle ground for you.
For an Aerogel 300 (290g unstrung, 98" 16x19 21mm 59RA ~320 strung SW), I would string on the higher-end for power, so natural gut or higher-power syn-gut/multi in the mains, around 1.30 gauge, and something like Tru Pro Ghostwire 1.22 in the crosses, or for even more shock absorption, IsoSpeed Cream 1.28 or MSV Swift 1.25, both of which are ~50% rubber. For tension, I'd do 52 lbs mains / 49 lbs crosses.
Give something like that a shot, and it may just hit a perfect middle ground for you.
Happi
Hall of Fame
Interesting that there are so many (majority) that like a soft string (gut, multi, syn gut) on top of a stiff string (poly) - I never liked that combination, and was lucky to find Multifeel that works really well as a cross.
I much prefer the other way around stiff string on top of a soft string, multi/poly. You get 70% poly feel with a much softer setup/feel. The other way around multi/poly I just get a stiff multi and prefere FB multi.
I think the majority prefers the hybrid with poly mains from reading around this forum.
Personally don't like it as it generally kills snapback quickly (havent tried your recommended multifeel).
Happi
Hall of Fame
yes the snapback is lower with poly/multi than multi/poly. However multi (X-One, Velocity, RPM soft etc) with MF black as cross have even better snapback, but lower durability as MF will start to fray.
You will have to try one day
I already got a set, I'll try it once the indoor season starts and gut becomes unusable.yes the snapback is lower with poly/multi than multi/poly. However multi (X-One, Velocity, RPM soft etc) with MF black as cross have even better snapback, but lower durability as MF will start to fray.
You will have to try one day
The one exception for a non-poly cross that simply won't degrade is Ashaway MonoGut ZX -- pure Zyex (aka PEEK: poly-ether ether ketone, for us super nerds). It's like flexible glass. It has a decently slippery string-to-string CoF of like .08 to .09 ish, so like a medium-slick poly or thereabouts, but has a surface hardness that basically won't ever notch or degrade. A potential worthwhile try if you want to go zero poly. That said, as we know, MonoGut ZX is delicate when stringing, and the tension loss is palpable, unless you're willing to pre-stretch the bejesus out of it (like 20+" out of a single 20' section). So it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea. That said, it's worth a try, just to experience once, if nothing else.
BPlain
Professional
Big fan of MF Black as well. I use it FB and add string savers. It’s doubled the longevity from 4 hours to 8-10 hours for me and they play well till they break even with the fraying.
Honestly too lazy to fiddle with string savers haha.
Happi
Hall of Fame
String looks green ?
Surprised me too, but they had a green multi back in the days.
Happi
Hall of Fame
Good find, seems like it is only 1/2 set. What would be the equivalent string today ?
Had my first hit with kirschbaum syn gut 1.35 and multifeel 1.25 crosses at 56-52. It was easy to string, multifeel felt more like (but not quite) poly and felt like it wasn't properly smooth.
It played well in the warm up, fantastic feel however noticeably less powerful then full bed KB syn gut at same tension.
In a friendly match I really noticed the lack of pop so switched back to full bed syn gut. I'm going to take proper measurements and match swingweights and give it another bash, with thoughts of stringing lower next time round.
It played well in the warm up, fantastic feel however noticeably less powerful then full bed KB syn gut at same tension.
In a friendly match I really noticed the lack of pop so switched back to full bed syn gut. I'm going to take proper measurements and match swingweights and give it another bash, with thoughts of stringing lower next time round.
I'd guess professional classic. It's a polypropylen construction like most isospeed multis but I can't find more infos.
Automatix
Legend
It was a part of their Hybrid series. Basically 4 strings from their lineup but all in green.
The Speed was a multifilament with a ribbon construction, basically professional in green.
KungfuTennis
Semi-Pro
My GSP360 is strung with sh*tty Chinese poly at 35/38 with 20% prestretch. Plays pretty darn good, works exceptionally well on days where I'm playing with a little extra spin. Serves are effortless and it lasts a long time.
Happi
Hall of Fame
Did you manage to read the thread title before posting ?
You might have stumbled into the wrong thread, this is the getting away from poly thread.
More on topic, I'm quite enjoying rip control in a full bed at lowish tension. 21/20kg in a 98 headsize 16x19 prestige, 1.25 gauge in natural colour.
Imo the low tension works very well for this string, you get free power on smaller/slower swings and the lower powered nature of this string still keeps control on harder swings.
Spin is also surprisingly good, the strings get stuck out of place but don't nodge into each other and still move well.
It gives me better spin than RPM soft, maybe on par with triax or slightly less.
Before I've only tried it in hybrids where I think I strung it too tight.
Once this breaks I'll try a full set of iso professional classic. Inspired by that Thiem vid, thx @Automatix for the confirmation on the hybrid series.
Also only ever tried this in hybrids.
Imo the low tension works very well for this string, you get free power on smaller/slower swings and the lower powered nature of this string still keeps control on harder swings.
Spin is also surprisingly good, the strings get stuck out of place but don't nodge into each other and still move well.
It gives me better spin than RPM soft, maybe on par with triax or slightly less.
Before I've only tried it in hybrids where I think I strung it too tight.
Once this breaks I'll try a full set of iso professional classic. Inspired by that Thiem vid, thx @Automatix for the confirmation on the hybrid series.
Also only ever tried this in hybrids.
Happi
Hall of Fame
I am a big fan of RIP Control too. You could try Head Intellitour that is RIP Control mains / Isospeed Professional Classic in the crosses. I hybrid RIP Control with Multifeel Black in the crosses, and with this hybrid strings had better snapback (spin) and stays in place longer, also add a bit of power to RIP.
The head intellitour reel is where I have my rip control from
I liked that but also strung it too tight I think so probably will give it a try in the future.
Yeah I've read about you liking rip/multifeel but I'm focusing on full sets of one string in the next weeks.
That way I get to really know the strings before I go back to hybrids.
Happi
Hall of Fame
I think this is a good method to know your string before using it in a hybrid.The head intellitour reel is where I have my rip control from
I liked that but also strung it too tight I think so probably will give it a try in the future.
Yeah I've read about you liking rip/multifeel but I'm focusing on full sets of one string in the next weeks.
That way I get to really know the strings before I go back to hybrids.
Automatix
Legend
Jurgen Melzer also comes to mind.
As per the same string, all of the below are Isospeed Control/Professional:
Isospeed Hybrid Speed - 1.30 and 1.20mm but in green
Isospeed Classic Gold - 1.25mm limited edition in copper gold, slightly less smooth than original
Head RIP Feel (Intellistring/Intellitour crosses) -advertised at different gauges (depending if we're talking Intellistring or Intellitour I saw gauges 1.23, 1.25, 1.30 and 1.33mm) and it might be me but I'd swear it has a slightly more smooth surface than the original
Prince Premier Touch
And there are many more instances of this Isospeed string (or its very slight variations) sold under different brands.
tele
Hall of Fame
I was always curious about how premier touch would compare to control classic, but it is significantly more expensive (especially if you buy multiple packs of control on TW), and it sounded like it was rather powerful from the review, which didn't sound particularly appealing.Jurgen Melzer also comes to mind.
As per the same string, all of the below are Isospeed Control/Professional:
Isospeed Hybrid Speed - 1.30 and 1.20mm but in green
Isospeed Classic Gold - 1.25mm limited edition in copper gold, slightly less smooth than original
Head RIP Feel (Intellistring/Intellitour crosses) -advertised at different gauges (depending if we're talking Intellistring or Intellitour I saw gauges 1.23, 1.25, 1.30 and 1.33mm) and it might be me but I'd swear it has a slightly more smooth surface than the original
Prince Premier Touch
And there are many more instances of this Isospeed string (or its very slight variations) sold under different brands.
Jurgen Melzer also comes to mind.
As per the same string, all of the below are Isospeed Control/Professional:
Isospeed Hybrid Speed - 1.30 and 1.20mm but in green
Isospeed Classic Gold - 1.25mm limited edition in copper gold, slightly less smooth than original
Head RIP Feel (Intellistring/Intellitour crosses) -advertised at different gauges (depending if we're talking Intellistring or Intellitour I saw gauges 1.23, 1.25, 1.30 and 1.33mm) and it might be me but I'd swear it has a slightly more smooth surface than the original
Prince Premier Touch
And there are many more instances of this Isospeed string (or its very slight variations) sold under different brands.
Are you just saying that Prince premier touch is made by Isospeed, or that it is the same string as Isospeed control / professional?
Prince premier touch is a different string in my opinion.
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I played my first club dubs league match in a year at the weekend with the Kirschbaum SG & Multifeel hybrid, frame matched to my preferred SW. Very comfortable and no wrist pain which I'm delighted about.
Compared to KSG FB it was more muted and very controlled. It had fantastic touch and was excellent at the net and for defensive shots/ lobs which is so important at dubs. I resisted temptation to switch back to the other frame with KSG FB as I missed the liveliness and action it put on the ball, particularly on serves and ground stroke depth. I'm going to play it some more to see what durability/playability is like, then tempted to put MF FB to get a better understanding of it. Next hybrid I will Def string looser.
Compared to KSG FB it was more muted and very controlled. It had fantastic touch and was excellent at the net and for defensive shots/ lobs which is so important at dubs. I resisted temptation to switch back to the other frame with KSG FB as I missed the liveliness and action it put on the ball, particularly on serves and ground stroke depth. I'm going to play it some more to see what durability/playability is like, then tempted to put MF FB to get a better understanding of it. Next hybrid I will Def string looser.
Happi
Hall of Fame
I string MF black 1-2 kg looser as cross for other multies main.
I did for this setup, 54-50 (have KBSG FB at 56-52), will 48-44 next.
I've finally cheated on synthetic strings and have tried a poly again. I started this thread because every poly hurt my shoulder, and have enjoyed 15 months of using multis and syn guts.
I strung up a new Wilson clash 98 V1 with Volkl cyclone tour at 45lbs. I played and won a league match and have no aftereffects from this setup. My shoulder usually hurts the morning after the match if the setup is too stiff.
By no means have a switched back to poly full time, but it's good to know that the clash may give me that possibility.
I have to note that I didn't notice a massive improvement in performance, as I could already create lots of spin with my Prokennex black ace and Velocity MLT.
I'll play with it again and go from there. I'll probably just keep using velocity MLT over the colder months to protect my shoulder.
I strung up a new Wilson clash 98 V1 with Volkl cyclone tour at 45lbs. I played and won a league match and have no aftereffects from this setup. My shoulder usually hurts the morning after the match if the setup is too stiff.
By no means have a switched back to poly full time, but it's good to know that the clash may give me that possibility.
I have to note that I didn't notice a massive improvement in performance, as I could already create lots of spin with my Prokennex black ace and Velocity MLT.
I'll play with it again and go from there. I'll probably just keep using velocity MLT over the colder months to protect my shoulder.
Ah ok that makes sense. I would only recommend Prince premier touch if someone needs comfort over everything else. I really like the sensation it has on contact, but I'm sure others might find it too soft.
Control isn't made entirely from a ribbon construction, also has polyamide fibers in the core unlike control classic.
Automatix
Legend
Right, sorry. That idiotic change in naming convention got to me...
One possible (depending on where the core ends
) correction would/could be that it's a ribbon core, surrounded by polyamide fibers which again are surrounded by ribbons....Incorrect on the first account. The core is actually ribbons surrounded by polyamide filaments and that is surrounded again by ribbons - what we call Isospeed Control used to be Isospeed Control Plus.
As a veteran of this community I asked about this many, many years ago...
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/isospeed-control-plus.238608/
The pictures in the thread above are gone but luckily if you know where and how to look you can still dig them out.
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friend can't use poly but breaks nylon in 3 hours, so he wraps the center mains in foil tape:
I've never heard of anyone doing that. Do they think it plays ok? I can't imagine it feeling good
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Craziest thing I've ever seen!!!friend can't use poly but breaks nylon in 3 hours, so he wraps the center mains in foil tape:
friend can't use poly but breaks nylon in 3 hours, so he wraps the center mains in foil tape:
Crazy.
Is the racquet broken too as its wrapped in aluminium foil?
BenC
Hall of Fame
It's ok if he doesn't over do it ... he says doing more than the 4 center mains makes it feel too dead.
the foil tape on the racquet is supposed to add weight but since it's not lead I'm not sure how much it actually works ...
I've now played a few matches with the clash 98 with Volkl Cyclone tour at 45lbs.
No issues to report so far.
I played a league match against a former top 500 atp player today and got destroyed. The court was a little slippery which didn't help, but I didn't have any answers.
I've decided to put a multi in the clash when it needs a restring. I'm not playing any more league matches until the spring so I'm happy playing something softer until then. I'm actually missing the feel of multis as Volkl cyclone tour has quite a plasticy feel to it.
No issues to report so far.
I played a league match against a former top 500 atp player today and got destroyed. The court was a little slippery which didn't help, but I didn't have any answers.
I've decided to put a multi in the clash when it needs a restring. I'm not playing any more league matches until the spring so I'm happy playing something softer until then. I'm actually missing the feel of multis as Volkl cyclone tour has quite a plasticy feel to it.
friend can't use poly but breaks nylon in 3 hours, so he wraps the center mains in foil tape:
Homemade ALU power?
I'm only a mere mortal
jmacdaununder2
Legend
In the same way that driving through & over a concrete retaining wall is better in a tank than a car?
I've just googled that racket and they make a 500g version! I'd love to try it just out of curiosity
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I've tried natural gut mains and Luxon alu power rough cross. It felt great, but I felt that it lost tension after playing so many times with it. And when it rains the water would cause the natural gut to fray very quickly.
Just played with my clash with X-one biphase at 53lbs. Played really nice and crisp.
I honestly think I'd prefer the clash 100 for my spinny game. I'll probably buy one if I can get a good deal second hand. I like the feel of x1 way more that Cyclone tour. I'm so used to playing with multis that I don't see a reason to change back to poly at the moment.
I heard a lot about the clash being unpredictable and launchy but I've not experienced any of that so far. Really liking it.
I honestly think I'd prefer the clash 100 for my spinny game. I'll probably buy one if I can get a good deal second hand. I like the feel of x1 way more that Cyclone tour. I'm so used to playing with multis that I don't see a reason to change back to poly at the moment.
I heard a lot about the clash being unpredictable and launchy but I've not experienced any of that so far. Really liking it.
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