Accepting that you cannot use poly strings
- Thread starter TBM
- Start date
I've always wondered about this video since it came out. Clay, a former atp pro, uses Triax at 39 lbs and plays with lots of power.
I've never seen anyone else even come close to that sort of tension for Triax. Surely someone in this thread might want to try triax at 39lbs.
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Yes, @BPlain, I have tried AKPCX 1.24 "Black Spiral" mains / Multifeel Black 1.25 crosses, in a 2018 VCore 95, and unfortunately AKCPX starting grinding to a halt at maybe only 20 minutes into playing. Snapback wasn't anywhere near what I thought it would be. I think most of cause is that while Gosen gives it a super slick initial CoF with that silicone-based finish, it's very quick to wear away, and once it does, the underlying layer of nylon and CX fibers is pretty grindy. I find this to be the case on pretty much any cross I've ever tried it with, even the most permanently-slick poly's like Wasabi-X, Revolve, etc. That being said, the feel and general playability with AKPCX mains is usually very nice -- extremely crisp, excellent connection to the ball, good balance of power/control -- overall, very nice for those who don't mind a more static, locked-together string bed. As of now, I think most of my experiments with AKPCX in the mains are over; I think it's best use is as a cross to slick-enough/roung-enough poly mains.
This kind of experiment just gives me even more appreciation for what Tecnifibre has been able to achieve with their SPL coating and PU400 matrix -- although not quite as insanely slick as other silicone/wax finished strings out there, it hold its slickness incredibly well as it wears down -- especially in Multifeel Black, Triax, RPX and HDMX. They truly are to be commended for their work there.
So, honestly, if you're looking for continuous snap, I wouldn't waist the string, and just move on to a different combo, such as HDMX/MF Black or Power Fiber Pro/MF Black, strung 10% lower than you'd string AKPCX/MF (due to HDMX/PFP's lower power). The overall feel won't be as crisp/connected as AKPCX/MF, because PFP and HDMX are a bit more muted, but MF's crispness in the crosses will help to balance out the overall feel, and you'll get much longer lasting snapback, which is really quite amazing.
Hope that helps!
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BPlain
Semi-Pro
Appreciate the super helpful and detailed reply as always @Trip. I've a got a full bed of AKPCX 1.30 in my PSVS right now and agree that it plays really well despite the more static, locked-together string bed that you mentioned. I think I'll try pairing Power Fiber Pro / MF Black next at a lower tension. I've also been a fan of MF Black in full bed as it plays well till the end but the problem is usually that the end comes quite quickly
@BPlain - Very welcome, and sounds like a plan! Get some PFP 1.30 in the Lava color -- the red/black combo with MF Black 1.30 crosses ought to look pretty sweet in the PSVS! And yes, durability is usually MF's main Achilles heel, but having a main that slides are well as possible on it may get you better longevity than you'd otherwise anticipate. Looking forward your update on PFP/MF Black as you get the chance!
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Happi
Hall of Fame
I agree with @Trip - When I try out a new string I always try it out in a full bed. I really liked Gosen AK Pro CX, but the strings started to move around very soon. If this happen, I generally cut out the cross and replace with Multifeel Black. My findings is that Multifeel Black pairs will with most other multis and Syn Gut, but for some reason MF Black did not pair well with AK Pro CX.
Other good cross string is Isospeed Professional Classic and RPM soft, I might try one of these with AK Pro CX as main, as I really liked that string. There is also the normal AK Pro that seems more slick, perhaps that will pair well with CX.
Automatix
Legend
Guys, so what is the slickest multifilament with the longest longevity and durability in your experience?
Tecnifibre Multifeel Black
Head Velocity MLT (Black?)
Are there significant differences in durability between gauges?
Does using 1.25mm in an 18x20 pattern is viable or one should go straight to 1.30mm or thicker?
Tecnifibre Multifeel Black
Head Velocity MLT (Black?)
Are there significant differences in durability between gauges?
Does using 1.25mm in an 18x20 pattern is viable or one should go straight to 1.30mm or thicker?
Multifeel black wins in slickness and imo feel (crisper, less muted). Velocity is way more durable.
Can't say much about the different gauges.
How quickly do you break strings? How long it would last in an 18x20 depends mostly on how you play.
Happi
Hall of Fame
If you want slickness for snapback, Multifeel Black is the king, but it frays and durability is not great, however in a 18x20 it is much better and 1.25 is fine.
Velocity is slick too, more mute and comfort, but very soon there will be string movement and snapback is suffering.
RPM soft is another good option as a slick cross.
I don't use multi strings for durability, its for feel and comfort.
@Automatix If you haven't, try multifeel black is the summary
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Thanks @Happi. Appreciate the resident authority on these string matters weighing in. I’ve got almost a full reel of MultiFeel black on hand so I’ll likely stick with that for crosses at the very least. I also have a set of Volkl Power Fiber Pro that @Trip recommended arriving today so I’ll start with that combo.
Automatix
Legend
Synthetic gut 1.40mm mains (Rucanor Hy-O-Sheep PS-40) and monofilament polyamide 1.35mm (Babolat Origin) crosses strung at 29/28 kgf on a dropweight in a 95 sq. inch 16x17 pattern frame got me around 20 hrs (give or take) of 1 on 1 drills and matches (usually 1.5hr of drills followed by a series of super tiebreaks lasting until the 2hr mark) on rubber conglomerate multisport surface. The mains snapping at various locations.
On a clay court surface the above doesn't break on me but stops snapping back at around 10hrs mark, probably due to clay particles roughing up the surface during play. Cleaning the strings post outing doesn't bring back the snapback.
The above setup is a bit too thick for my liking even in 16x18 patterns, not to mention 18x20 I'm currently using.
In a 100 sq. inch 16x18 I had better luck with Syngut 1.35mm mains and Origin 1.30mm crosses but haven't played long enough with that particular setup to gauge the durability - been switching frames.
In a 98 sq. inch 16x19 pattern I don't find enough spin with the lowest gauges I have and I'd like to keep it economically feasible.
On one hand I like higher tensions with a, let's call it, quasi-multifilament setup, since it's syngut with monofilament polyamide neither is a multifilament.
High tension in combination with the softness of those strings gives or rather gave me adequate control over the ball and at the same time good pocketing without the stringbed feeling "baggy".
I'm pretty sure I have to go with 1.25mm or lower gauges but the thinnest Origin I have is 1.30mm, same goes for my syngut which I like and haven't found a good substitute for it. Don't want to experiment since I don't have a stringer and the labour cost is very high. I can get Velocity and Multifeel for half the price of RPM Soft that's why I'm asking about these two. I'm trying to source some old Origin 1.25mm in red color cut from a reel at half the price of RPM Soft.
My go-to frame is currently an 98 sq. inch 18x20 which I like very much and don't want to change.
A fullbed of an elastomer monofilament, namely Toalson Polywire Plas, at 25/24 kgf wasn't as comfortable as I've would have liked, spin was just right though.
I wanted to go with Origin 1.30mm and Polywire Plas 1.25mm hybrid but didn't pull the trigger as I was having doubts about the spin I'd get...
As I wrote above I'm trying to get my hands on Origin 1.25mm and am thinking to try either the above setup or a a multifilament cross so I can bump the tension high enough.
I'm struggling with choosing a setup to say the least. I don't play often now and would really appreciate something with good longevity and a stellar comfortable performance.
I am not a fan of Monogut ZX - pricey, finicky to string, found it uncontrollable in fullbed in a 98 sq. inch 16x19 pattern frame.
Happi
Hall of Fame
I want to try Power Fibre Pro / Multifeel too so I just ordered 2 set of PFP in red, that will look good with MF black. Let us know what you think.
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Good first outing today with Volkl Power Fiber Pro mains / MultiFeel black crosses both strung at 50lbs. Coming from a full bed of Gosen AK Pro CX and having previously played a full bed of MultiFeel black, it was definitely a softer and more muted set up that took some getting used too. But the more I played with it, the more I liked it. I'll be curious to see how long the snap back lasts and how the durability compares to full bed of MultiFeel black.
All things being equal, I think I like the crisp, more direct feedback from a full bed of MultiFeel black – or even AK Pro CX for that matter – but if snapback lasts longer and overall durability is significantly improved with this Volkl /MultiFeel black hybrid, I could definitely see it being a worthy tradeoff to make.
Stay tuned!
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Gave this hybrid another run except on indoor hard courts this time. Still very comfortable but might I might have to string a bit higher (I'm at 50lbs right now) if I'm going to stick with this combo. I wouldn't say the ball was launching on me but compared to a more crisp multi stringbed – like a full bed of Gosen AK Pro CX or TF MultiFeel black – I was having a harder time trusting ball depth coming off the strings.
Getting back outside on har-tru tomorrow morning so we'll see where it goes from here.
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Well this setup felt great outside this morning but I popped a Volkl PFP main after only three hours of total play time on the string.
The Pure Strike VS 2022 is still a newer frame for me so I can’t speak to whether it was straight up lack of string durability or if this frame is just string eater.
Next stop will be a full bed of MultiFeel black and if that goes quick, I might go back to Gosen AK Pro CX and just deal with the string movement.
If it lasts shorter than a full bed of multifeel black that's some short durability.
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Yeah I don’t think I’ve made it more than 6 to 8 hours out of full bed MultiFeel but that would be double this setup so we’ll see.
TennisViking
Rookie
Perhaps someone has mentioned it here already, but I saw that Head has now released a new version of the Velocity MLT called “Velocity Power”.
This could be a great string. Many people like the Velocity as it has plenty of positives. I would imagine that with a bit more power the string could be of great interest to my multifilament users. The price seems to be similar as well as the standard Velocity.
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
This could be a great string. Many people like the Velocity as it has plenty of positives. I would imagine that with a bit more power the string could be of great interest to my multifilament users. The price seems to be similar as well as the standard Velocity.
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Head Velocity Power 1.30 (multifilament)
Attention Talk Tennis Members: We have a limited number of Head's new Velocity Power 1.30 multifilament for a playtest. This playtest is for USA TTW members only If you would like to apply for this playtest, please email discussadmin@tennis-warehouse.com with the following info exactly as...
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
I hadn't heard about it, thanks for bringing it up. I'll give it a try for sure.
Where did you hear about it? I couldn't find anything with a quick google
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TennisViking
Rookie
The main appeal of MLT for me is the low power. It will be interesting to see if velocity power just becomes one of many powerful multis.
Velocity power, interesting. Definitely gonna order 1-2 sets for trying it out.
I like that Head releases a good number of budget-friendly multis, strings like nrg2, nxt or xone are good but it's never worth the price.
I've never actually tried reflex mlt, what are you guys opinion on it?
I like that Head releases a good number of budget-friendly multis, strings like nrg2, nxt or xone are good but it's never worth the price.
I've never actually tried reflex mlt, what are you guys opinion on it?
TennisViking
Rookie
Soft n power..black V mlt is stiffer n more control multi....natural V is softer
TennisViking
Rookie
I tried the Reflex MLT but it was maybe 3 years ago. It was ok but at that time I thought the X-One was just a lot better so only tried it for a few weeks.
TennisViking
Rookie
Perhaps off topic.....but I had a strange experience recently. I usually play with my Ezone 100 and have used NRG2 and IsoSpeed Control 1.30, but a few weeks ago I managed to get hold of a Dunlop FX 500 (2023) and had it strung with the NRG2 at 24 kg. The string felt really weird. Made all kinds of noise. Felt stiff and still at the same time the ball kind of launched on me quite often. Strung it again but with the isoSpeed Control and it worked quite well. The NRG2 has been quite nice in my Ezone 100 (also at 24kg) so was really surprised it could feel so "off" in the Dunlop even though it is a rather similar racquet to the Ezone 100 (powerful and stiff, both 100" power racquets, simliar beam etc). I even thought that perhaps it was just bad luck and this string was a "Monday batch".....?
Anyone has experienced something similar where one string feels great in one racquet and then in another racquet it feels completely different?
Anyone has experienced something similar where one string feels great in one racquet and then in another racquet it feels completely different?
It just sounds like the FX 500 has a different feel than the Ezone.
Were both string jobs strung by the same person?
I have two local stringers and the tension feels different depending on which one of them strings for me.
TennisViking
Rookie
That's most likely it. Tension numbers are only useful if you use the same stringer every time. My guy's 50lbs might be the equivalent of your guys 55lbs.
It could also just be that the FX 500 feels really stiff and bad.
TennisViking
Rookie
Thanks. New experience for me. Hadn't really thought about it. I tend to use same strings and stringer usually. I bought the racquet and thought I save 15 eur as they offered to string it for free with my string of choice. Next time I will make sure to use my standard stringer.......
TennisViking
Rookie
Has anyone tried this string? String Project Magic
My elbow is now pretty good and I feel a bit tempted to try some other strings that are comfortable but could offer better spin potential.......
String Project Magic - String Project
String Project Magic is a single string, soft and flexible with an excellent acceleration capability.
en.stringproject.com
My elbow is now pretty good and I feel a bit tempted to try some other strings that are comfortable but could offer better spin potential.......
I often do the same if I buy a new racket online
Yeah I find that definitely to be the case but maybe not as extreme.
Something about how the frequencies of the string interact with the frequencies of the racquet?
TennisViking
Rookie
Also made me like my Ezone 100 even more.....Multifilament strings work nicely in the Ezone 100 as it has a more dense string pattern in the sweetspot while the Dunlop FX 500 has a far wider pattern. The wider pattern really makes the strings move all over the place.
I think I will finally buy one more Ezone 100 and then use just two those. Make small tweaks to the strings once in a while......
TennisViking
Rookie
Has anyone here by the way used multifilament strings in a fairly low tension, let's say 19-22 kg (42 - 48 pounds) ?
Personally I have tried at 23 kg (51 pounds) in my Ezone 100 but I haven´t ventured any lower than that. I guess in a lower powered frame it could work with a lower tension.
When I have went down to 23 kg, I have noticed that the ball started launching a bit and the strings also started moving a bit too easily.
I use 24-25 kg (53-55 pounds) usually, depending on the string.
Any good/bad experiences from using a lower tension in multifilament strings?
Personally I have tried at 23 kg (51 pounds) in my Ezone 100 but I haven´t ventured any lower than that. I guess in a lower powered frame it could work with a lower tension.
When I have went down to 23 kg, I have noticed that the ball started launching a bit and the strings also started moving a bit too easily.
I use 24-25 kg (53-55 pounds) usually, depending on the string.
Any good/bad experiences from using a lower tension in multifilament strings?
Control multis in thicker gauges work well in low tensions. I have used Velocity 1.40 and Multifeel 1.35 and even at 18 kilos they were playable.
TennisViking
Rookie
Good to hear. In what kind of racquet did you play with this tension?
Prokennex 98 q+tour pro 315 gram. Control oriented stick with some nice pop though.
In an ezone 100 I doubt you can go much lower.
I have done 20 or so in smaller 18x20 sticks, just very frame dependant. A mate of mine plays poly/multi at 21 in an ezone 100.
I've used Tecnifibre multifeel at 48lbs with no control issues.
TennisViking
Rookie
Thanks for your replies, all of you
I thought that perhaps in a lower tension, the multi strings would move a bit too much and perhaps get strangely "launchy". Good to hear that does not seem to be the case. (obviously depends on the racquet as well)
I thought that perhaps in a lower tension, the multi strings would move a bit too much and perhaps get strangely "launchy". Good to hear that does not seem to be the case. (obviously depends on the racquet as well)
I think it depends on play style as well. If you hit flat and hard I can't imagine low tension multi working well.Thanks for your replies, all of you
I thought that perhaps in a lower tension, the multi strings would move a bit too much and perhaps get strangely "launchy". Good to hear that does not seem to be the case. (obviously depends on the racquet as well)
If you hit with moderate spin it might be easier to adjust to the tension.
Multis are comfortable enough to not need to go into low tensions anyway.
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Finding full bed TF MultiFeel Black 1.30 to be a little too crispy in my Bab PSVS. No elbow issues but the ball is comes off the string bed a little too quick. I noticed it today especially when I switched back to my Volkl Power Fiber Pro / MF Black hybrid in my other frame. I ordered up some Lux Nat Gut 1.30 so I'll try it in the mains next crossed with MF Black and compare that to full bed Gosen AK Pro CX 1.30. Curious to see which I like better and how durability stacks up for each. Really wish PFP / MF Black hybrid lasted me longer than 3 hours as it's been great otherwise.
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Automatix
Legend
Do you have any experience with these strings in other frames? Maybe the frame is a string eater? Than again if you like it why change? ...
BPlain
Semi-Pro
Still early days with PSVS but it’s a 16x20 on a 97 head size so not super open pattern. And yes I’ve used MF black, Gosen AK Pro CX, and Lux Nat Gut in other frames.
While I wouldn’t call PSVS “firm”, it is more solid and stable than other frames I’ve been able to use lately so that’s why I’m still exploring if softening up the string bed might help. If I don’t find something close with more durability, I might just add a third PSVS and just be ready to string more often knowing that Volkl PFP / MF black won’t last long.
