Calling Multi Experts--need your input

[Kcraig]

OK--I have been playing a while with the 1.22 big ace (soft poly)/Titan (soft syn gut) @ 52/55--I have enjoyed this setup, but of late I have been having a bit of wrist pain. Also, especially in doubles, I don't have as much pop/forgiveness on volleys/serves. Therefore, I am looking to go the multi route and am really considering (again) the Doc Hollidae setup of a multi main/poly cross--pretty much a "poor man's Federer" So I need some input comparison between the following multi's and how they might play in terms of power, durability, softness and spin. Here we go--

1. Supex Max Touch 16g
2. PSGM 16g
3. Tech NRG 16g
4. Tech Multifeel 16g
5. Isopeed Speed Control 16g

What do ya'll think? Will put in the mains at around 58 and cross with either Big Ace or Cyberpower at around 55#. Thanks guys in advacne for your responses--

 

[ambro]

I used Klip Excellerator with Topspin Cyberflash crosses last year and also have it in my current backup racquet with Big Ace crosses, it's a nice combo. It's not on your list, but Excellerator is a phenomenal multi. If you do not want to give that a shot however, NRG2 is the next best multi on your list, but with Klip being only $.50 more, I'd definitely go with that. I currently have Klip Legend in my main racquet with Big Ace crosses and found that to be a great, much better than the multi. If you can afford it, give that combo a shot. It works out to just more than a full multi job ($15 for my gut hybrid) so it really isn't that bad.

As for tension, mess around with the multi tension for a while before moving to gut (if you decide to do that). At first, coming off a poly you may have to string up a few lbs on the multi. I'd go with 55 for the multi main and 57 for the poly cross at first and go from there. Once you dial in the multi hybrid tension, if/when you move to gut go up 2 lbs with the gut and 1 lb for the poly cross to give a similar power level but more control, feel, and spin because of the gut.

EDIT - Oh yeah, I use the Wilson nBlade 98 racquet for reference.

 

[PROTENNIS63]

I'd go with Klip Legend as well. A great gut for the price. Will last longer than most multis.

 

[Kcraig]

Ironic that ya'll both mentioned the Klip Legend--I have almost bought some several times but held off for whatever reason--my concern is I have never played gut and worry about the durability, especially in the humid conditions here in S.C. Thanks for the input and keep em coming

 

[ambro]

That's not as much a worry any more as it used to be, just don't by Klip Uncoated. The problem with gut and humidity is not the humid conditions that destroy it, rather after it leaves the humid conditions and dries out. To avoid this, you can rub a light coat of baby oil, or probably any type of oil, onto the strings once or twice a week to maintain their moisture. Klip Legend is definitely worth the money. I've never used VS so I can't comment on that.

Gut is widely known to be much more durable, sometimes lasting 5 or more times longer than a high end multifilament. This in itself reveals the deal you get with gut since you won't have to restring as often. So although the initial cost may be slightly higher, you'll probably actually save money with gut, as long as it is cared for properly.

 

[Kcraig]

Hijacking my own thread

Guess it's OK since it;s my thread--sorry. Here is my question--Bab Tonic+ $24.99 OR Klip Legend $25.99--which gut and why guys.

 

[ambro]

Man I feel like I'm the only one contributing and not letting you hear others' opinions. Anyway, I'd say Legend since it is a first-grade gut and Tonic is technically Bab's second grade. Tonic is still decent gut, but it may have gauge and color inconsistencies that won't be present with Legend. Legend also hybrids better with a poly I think, since it is a bit firmer than Tonic so the feel gap between the two strings is a bit less. Tonic in a hybrid kind of juxtaposes the two different feels too much, and I'd imagine VS is the same way, though I've never used it. Hard to explain, I just think Legend works better in a hybrid than the Tonic I used with Cyberflash crosses.

 

[nickb]

Put a gut in the mains...its will out last multi by 2-3 times with a poly in the cross...I used tonic + mains with BB Original crosses and it lasted a really long time for me.

Nick

 

[PROTENNIS63]

Go for the Legend.

 

[Kcraig]

Thanks guys--good thing is the Legend is sold at a particular Supex site I am a little all too familar with

PS--one more question: I have been reading how the Klip Legend is firmer/stiffer than some other guts-so how does the Klip Legend compare in terms of softness and power to the multi's I mentioned--especially the Max Touch which I am most familar with? Thanks

 

[Kcraig]

I used Klip Excellerator with Topspin Cyberflash crosses last year and also have it in my current backup racquet with Big Ace crosses, it's a nice combo. It's not on your list, but Excellerator is a phenomenal multi. If you do not want to give that a shot however, NRG2 is the next best multi on your list, but with Klip being only $.50 more, I'd definitely go with that. I currently have Klip Legend in my main racquet with Big Ace crosses and found that to be a great, much better than the multi. If you can afford it, give that combo a shot. It works out to just more than a full multi job ($15 for my gut hybrid) so it really isn't that bad.

As for tension, mess around with the multi tension for a while before moving to gut (if you decide to do that). At first, coming off a poly you may have to string up a few lbs on the multi. I'd go with 55 for the multi main and 57 for the poly cross at first and go from there. Once you dial in the multi hybrid tension, if/when you move to gut go up 2 lbs with the gut and 1 lb for the poly cross to give a similar power level but more control, feel, and spin because of the gut.

EDIT - Oh yeah, I use the Wilson nBlade 98 racquet for reference.

What gauges and tensions are you going with??

 

[jasonbourne]

PS--one more question: I have been reading how the Klip Legend is firmer/stiffer than some other guts-so how does the Klip Legend compare in terms of softness and power to the multi's I mentioned--especially the Max Touch which I am most familar with? Thanks

Softness are similar. Power clearly goes to Legend.

I'm surprised to read the favorable results players have with Legend mains and poly crosses. The reason I no longer do that is from experience the Legend was consistently short-lived.

 

[miniRafa386]

ive never tried NRG, so i cant input on that. for a more crisper feeling and more spin, i would use PSGM, but for more control, feel, and softness, i would try iso control. pro supex maxim touch isnt anything to go wild about, same with multifeel. but i think the iso contro/poly set up would be the best for you.