Advise on multi strings

Hi Guys,

been playing polys , with slight elbow pain I am now looking to switch to a multi string (full bed). I use a Pro Staff 100 v13 (16/19), any recommendations for good and durable multis ?

I am considering the following: Head Rip Control , Head Velocity MLT, Tecnifibre Multifeel

I know there has been many discussions on these strings but which one is the best for more advanced players ? I really dont like restrining too often, so a nice feeling multi with good durability is what I am after..

Thanks
 

tele

Professional
I think there is a 1.40 mm version of velocity. havent tried rip control, but for me, multifeel had a shorter lifespan than velocity or isospeed control classic, which, though different, uses some of the same material as rip control.
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
Multis will never be that durable unless you hit completely flat.

I'd just buy the thickest that is most comfortable to you. My experience is they all have about the same durability.
You could go for a multi/poly hybrid which will extend the life some and be alot more comfortable than all poly.

You may also want to consider a thicker synthetic gut, there are some good feeling and comfortable ones out there.
 

Edgewood

Rookie
I’m a 4.5 using the red 98 sq in Prestige MP 18x20. Currently playing Multifeel/Velocity at 52/50 and liking it a lot. I break a main around 8-10 hours but I was cutting my poly out around the same timeframe. Played both Multifeel and Velocity full bed as well as X-One/Velocity and Multifeel/Velocity is by far the best for me.
Not sure how long it will last on a 100 16x19 though.
 

Trip

Hall of Fame
@Stonefield - Before conceding to full-bed multi, have you considered or tried softer poly alternatives, including rubbed-based polys like IsoSpeed Cream or Yonex Poly Tour Air, "multiester" fusion strings like Triax or RPX, and/or monofilament nylons like RPM Soft or Diadem Evolution, or simply very soft polys (Cyclone Tour 16G, Gosen G-Tour 3 / G-Tour Spin)? If you look at @g4driver's Kobayashi Maru String Scenario thread, besides being a fascinating read, it details how best one might be able to combine any/all of the above, for a solution that would still give you poly-like performance, as opposed to giving up maybe more characteristics than you need to by going full-bed multi. Just something to ponder at least.
 

ChanTen

Rookie
Hi Guys,

been playing polys , with slight elbow pain I am now looking to switch to a multi string (full bed). I use a Pro Staff 100 v13 (16/19), any recommendations for good and durable multis ?

I am considering the following: Head Rip Control , Head Velocity MLT, Tecnifibre Multifeel

I know there has been many discussions on these strings but which one is the best for more advanced players ? I really dont like restrining too often, so a nice feeling multi with good durability is what I am after..

Thanks

I'm a 3.0-3.5 player, I was a FB Velocity user who have tried tension from 52-48. Had tried poly and it did felt uncomfortable on my wrist even with just one session of hitting (2 hrs). That's why I moved to Head Velocity MLT. The tension retention on Velocity in my experience is awesome though, and the durability also, but the strings move a lot after a few hitting session.

Had tried my first hybrid with Triax 1.33 / YPTA 1.25 (52/50), and am so far liking the setup, have more spin than FB Velocity, and I don't have to keep rearranging the string every other point. Next I'm going to up my tension to 54/52. Check out the Kobayashi Maru thread, lots of good information there.

I'm currently using 16x19 Head Graphene XT Radical S and Head Graphene Touch Radical S. Hope this helps!
 

hotasice

Semi-Pro
I'm a 5.0 player, use a Blade 18x20.
One of my set ups is max power in the mains with either Velocity 16g natural or premier control 15g in the cross just to soften the string bed a bit.

The Velocity lasts around 5-6 hours and then snaps. PPC 15g lasts a little longer before it frays and snaps, around 8 hours. The other multi I like is Volkl power fiber pro 16g but the coating on this comes off in the first 15 minutes and the string snaps within an hour for me. NXT feels good but frays badly and snaps at around 5 hours so for the price it is not worth it.

The velocity or PPC work for me because by the time they are ready to snap the max power mains are done too.
 

blai212

Hall of Fame
X-1 biphase 15L mains with velocity 1.30/1.35/1.40 cross. X-1 provides otherworldly comfort and feel but can become quite powerful hence velocity cross is great at taming the power. My buddy uses ezone dr 98 and loves full bed multifeel because strings don’t move (fullbed V moved even when fresh). He also really enjoyed V/multifeel (strings didnt move)
 

ChanTen

Rookie
X-1 biphase 15L mains with velocity 1.30/1.35/1.40 cross. X-1 provides otherworldly comfort and feel but can become quite powerful hence velocity cross is great at taming the power. My buddy uses ezone dr 98 and loves full bed multifeel because strings don’t move (fullbed V moved even when fresh). He also really enjoyed V/multifeel (strings didnt move)

What racket do you use ?
What tension do you use on your X-1/Velocity? Have that 2 pack on my shelf and wanting to try after this Triax/YPTA Combo :)
 

janelgreo

Professional
I was looking at getting into Multi's as well and I hope I don't hijack the thread. I have been using Poly's (Head Lynx Tour, Mayami Tour Hex, YPTP, YPTR, Diadem Solstice Power, and some others) but I am looking to get more power since I already produce a good amount of spin via technique. I have been going through the trying different racquets out but I think it's time for me to try strings and knowing poly's are mainly control/spin and multi's are more power oriented, I'd like to try that route.

That being said, these are the main characteristics I am looking for: Power but still has control characteristics, feel, and durability I don't mind if it's not the greatest (I'm not a string breaker).
Strings I have been looking at: TF X-1, Head Velocity, NXT Power, Head Hawk Touch. If you have any other suggestions, feel free!

Playstyle: Aggressive baseliner with SW grip with moderate top spin, have no problem hitting the ball deep now but requires a lot of RHS or higher angle.
Current racquet(s): Head Speed Pro 2022 and Prince ATS Tour 98
 

Trip

Hall of Fame
@Artanis - Interestingly enough, on their product page, Gosen files AK Pro CX under Synthetics, not Multifilaments -- in my experience it behaves with a distinct tilt towards syn gut, like 70% syn gut, 30% multi. Regardless, it's a phenomenal string, and probably one of the best synthetics on the market.
 
I am wondering if multifeel is quite durable ? Seems like it has a great feel / touch to it, more so than velocity , also more power. Rather than velocity I am now in between multifeel and rip control. Both in gauge 16 in my pro staff 100 v13 .
 
Rip control feels also pretty good , but string movement is awful being used to polys . Multifeel doesn’t move as much ? What about fraying ? Thanks
 

tele

Professional
I strung my dr98 with multifeel natural twice. It started fraying almost right away. It has been four or five years, but I think I remember the fraying getting pretty dramatic before it broke. Good news is the strings seemed to keep sliding until breakage, which comes pretty fast if you hit with a fair amount if topspin. I think heard the formula of multifeel was slightly changed, so maybe it is more durable now.

btw nxt control has decent snapback, comfort, and a bit more durability. might be worth a try.
 
Black MultiFeel 16 has been my "go to" main for a while now. I use Kirschbaum Proline X as a cross. Produces exactly the feel and spin I expect, and breaks when it's supposed to. I am tempted by Head's similarly priced product, but haven't ordered any to test.

I also like Prince Lightning Pro 16 as a main with the same cross, but not enough to pay what Prince is currently charging, which is almost as much as MultiFeel.
 

tele

Professional
Strings I have been looking at: TF X-1, Head Velocity, NXT Power, Head Hawk Touch. If you have any other suggestions, feel free!

triax, ak control, nxt control. i personally like isospeed control classic a lot b/c of relatively low power for a non poly and comfort, but it is pretty muted.
 
Can anyone compare Multis such as Rip control, multifeel and velocity to Tecnifibre Triax ? Guys in my local pro shop told me Triax is not that great but online it does get good reviews…thanks
 
And also , how does TRIAX compare to RPM Soft ? They should be quite similar. I am
Looking for a soft string and not sure if I should go for multi full bed or try something like triax or rpm soft
 

tele

Professional
Triax felt stiffer than velocity to me and gave a little more ball feedback. Black velocity felt a little stiffer than natural velocity. Triax also seemed like it added a little more swingweight to the racquet.

velocity strung at 53 and triax strung at 50 seemed to have comparable power levels, but I was playing with a tighter stringbed and thinner frame (vcore pro HD) than you have on your 6.1 100, so YMMV.

If your arm still hurts with those strings, in addition to seeing a doctor, I recommend Isospeed control classic or professional classic. really comfortable without being super powerful. .
 

GreenClay

Rookie
I was looking at getting into Multi's as well and I hope I don't hijack the thread. I have been using Poly's (Head Lynx Tour, Mayami Tour Hex, YPTP, YPTR, Diadem Solstice Power, and some others) but I am looking to get more power since I already produce a good amount of spin via technique. I have been going through the trying different racquets out but I think it's time for me to try strings and knowing poly's are mainly control/spin and multi's are more power oriented, I'd like to try that route.

That being said, these are the main characteristics I am looking for: Power but still has control characteristics, feel, and durability I don't mind if it's not the greatest (I'm not a string breaker).
Strings I have been looking at: TF X-1, Head Velocity, NXT Power, Head Hawk Touch. If you have any other suggestions, feel free!

Playstyle: Aggressive baseliner with SW grip with moderate top spin, have no problem hitting the ball deep now but requires a lot of RHS or higher angle.
Current racquet(s): Head Speed Pro 2022 and Prince ATS Tour 98
Try Multifeel or Prince Premier Control.
 

deaner2211

Semi-Pro
Hi Guys,

been playing polys , with slight elbow pain I am now looking to switch to a multi string (full bed). I use a Pro Staff 100 v13 (16/19), any recommendations for good and durable multis ?

I am considering the following: Head Rip Control , Head Velocity MLT, Tecnifibre Multifeel

I know there has been many discussions on these strings but which one is the best for more advanced players ? I really dont like restrining too often, so a nice feeling multi with good durability is what I am after..

Thanks
I have never used Rip Control but I have used Velocity and Multifeel. I prefer Velocity over the Multifeel because Multifeel is too mushy for my taste. I had to string it much higher (65 lbs), than the Velocity (60 lbs) to get close to the same feel. Velocity is a very good string for the price. I’m not a big spinner so the 17 gauge I use lasts about 15 hours in a full bed and about 10 hours in the mains of a poly hybrid. My string of choice is Wilson Sensation. It is a little crisper than Velocity yet has slightly more power and spin potential. I use the 17 gauge of Sensation also. My racket is a modified PS 97 v13 and the strung specs with over grips and O dampener are 12.5 ounces, 8 points HL, 331 swing weight. Also I have my own stringing machine so I can change strings more often.
 
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deaner2211

Semi-Pro
Try Multifeel or Prince Premier Control.
I recommend you try as many as you like but IMHO Multifeel is not that good of a string. I have tried X1-very good powerful and soft string but not worth the price. I tried NXT Power which is not the same string as NXT Tour (loved NXT Tour as it was my string of choice) though three claim it is but it don’t feel the same. Again a very good string but not worth the money.
 

janelgreo

Professional
I recommend you try as many as you like but IMHO Multifeel is not that good of a string. I have tried X1-very good powerful and soft string but not worth the price. I tried NXT Power which is not the same string as NXT Tour (loved NXT Tour as it was my string of choice) though three claim it is but it don’t feel the same. Again a very good string but not worth the money.

So to you, what’s a good string that’s worth the money?
 
I have never used Rip Control but I have used Velocity and Multifeel. I prefer Velocity over the Multifeel because Multifeel is too mushy for my taste. I had to string it much higher (65 lbs), than the Velocity (60 lbs) to get close to the same feel. Velocity is a very good string for the price. I’m not a big spinner so the 17 gauge I use lasts about 15 hours in a full bed and about 10 hours in the mains of a poly hybrid. My string of choice is Wilson Sensation. It is a little crisper than Velocity yet has slightly more power and spin potential. I use the 17 gauge of Sensation also. My racket is a modified PS 97 v13 and the strung specs with over grips and O dampener are 12.5 ounces, 8 points HL, 331 swing weight. Also I have my own stringing machine so I can change strings more often.
You had me until you mentioned Sensation, a string I left in the rearview a while ago. The black version doesn't lock up like Sensation, so spin is better. Tension stability is also better. YMMV, I guess. I also prefer the feel of the Tecnifibre string. OP, I suggest you find a string you like, and if you want to play something similar, TW University is your friend and will be able to identify strings that will be like what you want.
 
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Happi

Hall of Fame
I recommend you try as many as you like but IMHO Multifeel is not that good of a string. I have tried X1-very good powerful and soft string but not worth the price. I tried NXT Power which is not the same string as NXT Tour (loved NXT Tour as it was my string of choice) though three claim it is but it don’t feel the same. Again a very good string but not worth the money.

I also recommend you try out for your self.

IMO X-One is the King of multis in All department, and well worth the price. It can be crossed with Velocity with very good result, to cut down the cost. X-One have been the winner for 10 yesrs or so at the user polls at stringforum.net

Multifeel Black is another really good string, very good spin and the strings has very good snap back snd does not move very much. I cross with Velocity for added comfort, I string MF 1-2 kg lower than other multies. Black version is way better than the natural version for spin snd snap back, 16g also have one of the highest numbers for spin at TWU database for a multi. My prefered string at this moment, the crosses fray very early on, but does not effect playability.

Velocity is great too, I use it most as a cross string as in FB strings are All over the place after an hour or so. Vel have a lot if praise her at TT and vel deserves as it is a very good string. I prefer the natural over the black version.

You simply cant go wrong with any of the 3 strings mentioned. They are All good, so it is just a matter of personal preference.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
Keep playing with poly. String below 50lbs. Cut out the strings after 12-15 hours when it goes dead or when you start feeling some tightness in your wrist/elbow. You’ll be fine if you follow these guidelines.
 

deaner2211

Semi-Pro
I also recommend you try out for your self.

IMO X-One is the King of multis in All department, and well worth the price. It can be crossed with Velocity with very good result, to cut down the cost. X-One have been the winner for 10 yesrs or so at the user polls at stringforum.net

Multifeel Black is another really good string, very good spin and the strings has very good snap back snd does not move very much. I cross with Velocity for added comfort, I string MF 1-2 kg lower than other multies. Black version is way better than the natural version for spin snd snap back, 16g also have one of the highest numbers for spin at TWU database for a multi. My prefered string at this moment, the crosses fray very early on, but does not effect playability.

Velocity is great too, I use it most as a cross string as in FB strings are All over the place after an hour or so. Vel have a lot if praise her at TT and vel deserves as it is a very good string. I prefer the natural over the black version.

You simply cant go wrong with any of the 3 strings mentioned. They are All good, so it is just a matter of personal preference.
Apparently you can’t read or understand, because I clearly stated which strings I have tried.
 

deaner2211

Semi-Pro
You had me until you mentioned Sensation, a string I left in the rearview a while ago. The black version doesn't lock up like Sensation, so spin is better. Tension stability is also better. YMMV, I guess. I also prefer the feel of the Tecnifibre string. OP, I suggest you find a string you like, and if you want to play something similar, TW University is your friend and will be able to identify strings that will be like what you want.
That is your opinion just like I stated mine.
 

Happi

Hall of Fame
Apparently you can’t read or understand, because I clearly stated which strings I have tried.

I like your kind and redectful reply.

I reacted to your statement that Multifeel is not a good string and X1 is not worth the price. Did you not write that ?
 
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Trip

Hall of Fame
@Stonefield - Some answers to unaddressed questions:

Re- Multifeel durability, it is slightly more durability than most multis because it has a solid monofilament core (like syn gut), so it tends to hang on by that single filament after most of the microfilaments have shredded away, and tends to not snap as soon as pure multifilaments like X-1 or Velocity, which, at the same gauge and level of wear stress, will often snap first. However much that difference is depends of course on a whole host of other variables.

Re- RPM Soft versus Triax (or RPX), they actually are not that similar at all.

RPM Soft (formerly Origin) is a polyamide (fancy word for nylon) monofilament, with absolutely ZERO POLY in it. It plays very similarly to a soft but lower-powered syn gut, and holds tension just about as well. It has two additional layers over the nylon core: a aramid/nylon middle layer for durability and a silicone/nylon outer layer for slickness/snapback. Diadem Evolution is very similar in its composition. Here's a graphic of the construction:

8MPN4Dg.jpg

Triax and RPX on the other hand, are made up of roughly 50% nylon / 50% poly fibers, suspended in a polyurethane monofilament, and are noticeably more crisp (especially RPX) and controlled/lower-powered, but also exhibit a fair bit more initial tension loss and also experience progressive plasticization (ie. "poly death") throughout their life. Here are the graphics on Triax and RPX (notice, Triax has "thermo", or heat-treated, "improved" poly fibers, but in terms of playability, they're very close, and I actually prefer RPX, as it plays firmer, but that's neither here nor there...):

0v2Ksus.png

Both are excellent strings, when used in the right application. For Triax/RPX, IMHO (and in @g4driver's as well), I think it's best used as mains in a hybrid with soft, very slippery poly crosses -- either IsoSpeed Cream or Gosen G-Tour 3 (you might add Poly Tour Air, but I avoid it due to sub-par tension maintenance compared to Cream and GT3). For RPM Soft, it and (and Diadem Evolution) is best used as a cross to poly mains, to soften the string bed while providing snapback and durability.

Hope all of that helps!
 

deaner2211

Semi-Pro
I like your kind and redectful reply.

I reacted to your statement that Multifeel is not a good string and X1 is not worth the price. Did you not write that ?
Yes and that is my opinion. I’m not forcing anything on you as I said it is an opinion and if you disagree then that is your opinion.
 

Happi

Hall of Fame
Yes and that is my opinion. I’m not forcing anything on you as I said it is an opinion and if you disagree then that is your opinion.

Yes I do disagree, IMO X-One is the king of multi, and Multifeel is a great string with good snapback and spin, TWU rate Black Multifeel 16 as one of the highest In spin potential. Stringing Multifeel at almost 30kg (65lb) as you write you do, you take all the feel out of that string, so I can understand why you think is ia a bad string. Multifeel is a control low powered multi, and shines at relative low tension.
 

janelgreo

Professional
Purchased a bunch to try: X-One 18, Multifeel 17, RPX 16, Velocity MLT 17

Had a giftcard so why not? Really looking forward to this, I may go with X1 first.

What tension do y’all recommend? I’m used to poly at high 40’s and I’ve been reading Multi’s should be in 50’s — was thinking 56 if I go full bed or if I hybrid X1 with Velocity I’d go 56/54, is that good?
 
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bnjkn

Professional
Purchased a bunch to try: X-One 18, Multifeel 17, RPX 16, Velocity MLT 17

Had a giftcard so why not? Really looking forward to this, I may go with X1 first.

What tension do y’all recommend? I’m used to poly at high 40’s and I’ve been reading Multi’s should be in 50’s — was thinking 56 if I go full bed or if I hybrid X1 with Velocity I’d go 56/54, is that good?
Depends how inherently powerful your racquet is, how closed or open is the string pattern and the size of the sweetspot. I don't try to measure those things, just go by "feel" and adjust from there. But that tension sounds like a good starting point to me.
 

janelgreo

Professional
Depends how inherently powerful your racquet is, how closed or open is the string pattern and the size of the sweetspot. I don't try to measure those things, just go by "feel" and adjust from there. But that tension sounds like a good starting point to me.

Thank you, yeah I typically go by feel as well and adjust from there. It’ll be going in Prince ATS Tour 98’s, Head Speed Pro, and Head Gravity Pro.
 

veelium

Hall of Fame
I was looking at getting into Multi's as well and I hope I don't hijack the thread. I have been using Poly's (Head Lynx Tour, Mayami Tour Hex, YPTP, YPTR, Diadem Solstice Power, and some others) but I am looking to get more power since I already produce a good amount of spin via technique. I have been going through the trying different racquets out but I think it's time for me to try strings and knowing poly's are mainly control/spin and multi's are more power oriented, I'd like to try that route.

That being said, these are the main characteristics I am looking for: Power but still has control characteristics, feel, and durability I don't mind if it's not the greatest (I'm not a string breaker).
Strings I have been looking at: TF X-1, Head Velocity, NXT Power, Head Hawk Touch. If you have any other suggestions, feel free!

Playstyle: Aggressive baseliner with SW grip with moderate top spin, have no problem hitting the ball deep now but requires a lot of RHS or higher angle.
Current racquet(s): Head Speed Pro 2022 and Prince ATS Tour 98
From that description you might actually do very well with a natural gut / poly hybrid.
You'd get more free power, similar spin and would last longer than a full bed of poly (you said you are not a string breaker and the speed is 18x20).

With the price of X-1, I'd rather go natural gut. Lasts longer, feels better and plays better.
 

janelgreo

Professional
From that description you might actually do very well with a natural gut / poly hybrid.
You'd get more free power, similar spin and would last longer than a full bed of poly (you said you are not a string breaker and the speed is 18x20).

With the price of X-1, I'd rather go natural gut. Lasts longer, feels better and plays better.

Awesome thank you! I was already looking into nat gut, they seem to all be around the same price and I get 15% off Wilson/Luxilon so I was actually looking at getting Lux Nat Gut and pair it with either of these: Lux Savage, 4G, Element, Wilson Revolve, anything else? I know there are a plethora of combinations.

I do want to try ALU Rough, just to try it even though I know the playability isn’t the best after an hour or so.
 

veelium

Hall of Fame
There are so many options for cross strings, better not overthink it^^

I quite like revolve as a cross but I haven't tried too many others.

ALU rough plays well as a cross as well. Haven't tried any of the others on your list.

I wouldn't worry too much about the playability of the poly dropping (although alu rough really drops quickly), the gut still keeps it playable.
 
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