Cyclone 18g mains and Velocity 17g crosses - anyone try this combo?
- Thread starter pico
- Start date
first of all, what level are u and how do you normally hit (flat, spin, pace-wise)...for normal spin players 4.0+, nonpoly cross sucks...outer coating of cross gets worn down pretty fast (1hr for me) and then string bed gets locked up. If you haven’t experienced one yet, let me just say that it’s the exact opposite of the snapback effect with poly. Force of friction between strings is quite high thus resulting in strings being difficult to move. Some people prefer this (more control?) but I don’t. I’d recommend using soft copoly cross that provides good feel. I like signum pro poly plasma 17L as my go to cross string. Thinner gauge provides way more spin and softer feel than thicker gauge. Most of the feel is going to come from mains anyways. I was not impressed by volkl cyclone 17g; the low poweredness did not suit my 4.5 hard hitting style because I had to generate so much of my own power, plus I got a twinge in my wrist first and second night playing it so I just dumped it. I saw Volkl cyclone tour 16g was highly recommended in one of the threads here and I gave it a go...great soft poly that doesn’t necessarily generate the bite of a spin monster but still gives decent spin. It is amazing for comfort though, and if you’ve ever experienced any degree of arm pain, comfort should be of top priority. I have it strung at 44/42 VCT 16/SPPP 17L on my leaded up vcore pro 100 (control oriented frame) and it performs beautifully. I’ve found the perfect balance of power/control/comfort. I like it more than my backup sticks that have gut/poly hybrids, that’s how good it is. One thing to note, the string does feel noticeably heavier compared to previous strings I used (tourna s7t or gut), had to take off ~2g lead tape at 10/2. VCT and cyclone strings both have sharp edges that wear off after 4-5 hours of hitting though so if you are looking for a spin monster, maybe try tourna s7t or hyperG
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warney
Semi-Pro
Not the exact combo, but I have tried Cyclone 18g main and Prince Premier Control (very similar to Velocity but does not feel as soft as Velocity) cross in Volkl Organix 10 mid. I got only 2 hours of decent performance and after that I string bed was locked. I cut it out after 3 hours of total use. I think you will likely get similar results with Velocity.
On the contrary I loved full bed of Cyclone 18g in that racquet. It gave 6 hours of great performance and 2 more hours acceptable performance.
I have also used Velocity in last 2 years in hybrid with poly cross (YTex Square X, Revolve, Cream, Co-Focus, SPPP). It took Square X only 4 hours to notch Velocity main 70%. I am generally not fan of shaped poly strings in hybrid with multi. IMO, it does not do anything significantly better than full bed of shaped poly.
On the contrary I loved full bed of Cyclone 18g in that racquet. It gave 6 hours of great performance and 2 more hours acceptable performance.
I have also used Velocity in last 2 years in hybrid with poly cross (YTex Square X, Revolve, Cream, Co-Focus, SPPP). It took Square X only 4 hours to notch Velocity main 70%. I am generally not fan of shaped poly strings in hybrid with multi. IMO, it does not do anything significantly better than full bed of shaped poly.
Grieeegoorr
Semi-Pro
I've gone the opposite way in my Radical Tour MP, Velocity 17g mains @ 52lbs/Cyclone 18g crosses @48lbs. My preference is for a softer stringbed and so far I haven't really gelled with a full poly or poly mains set up, in particular I find it hard to feel the ball on the strings when I am volleying and I'm often left with the sensation of the ball just sliding off the strings into the net rather than it going where I was planning.
I have been pleasantly surprised with the spin I am able to generate, it is by no means mind blowing but I can hit nice high bouncing and dipping topspin groundies, knifing slice backhands, wicked slice and good kick serves with this setup. I wouldn't consider myself a big string breaker but I have been surprised with the durability as well, however I think this has a lot to do with the dense 18x20 string pattern and the soft flex of the racquet. The Cyclone notched the Velocity fairly quickly, but the strings have only started to stay out of place for the last 2 hours, I would guess that I have 15 hours of hitting on this setup so far, I do not play many sets, I mostly just rally with my hitting partner for 2-3 hours a session with heavy pressure less balls. The Velocity is almost sawn through now and for the last 2 sessions I was sure I was going to snap it but it is still hanging in there.
I'd be interested to hear how you go with the Cyclone main/Velocity cross setup, the Velocity won't notch the Cyclone but the Cyclone will tear up the softer cross and it will be interesting to see how that affects playability.
I have been pleasantly surprised with the spin I am able to generate, it is by no means mind blowing but I can hit nice high bouncing and dipping topspin groundies, knifing slice backhands, wicked slice and good kick serves with this setup. I wouldn't consider myself a big string breaker but I have been surprised with the durability as well, however I think this has a lot to do with the dense 18x20 string pattern and the soft flex of the racquet. The Cyclone notched the Velocity fairly quickly, but the strings have only started to stay out of place for the last 2 hours, I would guess that I have 15 hours of hitting on this setup so far, I do not play many sets, I mostly just rally with my hitting partner for 2-3 hours a session with heavy pressure less balls. The Velocity is almost sawn through now and for the last 2 sessions I was sure I was going to snap it but it is still hanging in there.
I'd be interested to hear how you go with the Cyclone main/Velocity cross setup, the Velocity won't notch the Cyclone but the Cyclone will tear up the softer cross and it will be interesting to see how that affects playability.
pico
Hall of Fame
Thanks for that feedback. I am not sure what I want to do to be honest. I have always played with full-poly. I just happen to have a pack of Velocity and Cyclone now and so the thought crossed my mind abt hybriding them.
Grieeegoorr
Semi-Pro
Give it a try, you never know if you never go.
pico
Hall of Fame
Is Velocity as low powered as ppl say it is? I string with Cyclone 18g at 55lbs in my Gravity Pro. The Velocity being a slightly thicker gauge at 17g - what do you propose I string it at?
Grieeegoorr
Semi-Pro
It is low powered, if you string it high you will get nothing out of it, personally I do not like it over 54lbs unless it is a very powerful frame (for me a Yamaha Secret 04) or larger head size. I will usually string Velocity in the 50-52lbs range, but I prefer a softer feeling string bed. The Gravity Pro is a softer 100in 18x20 right? If you like Cyclone @ 55lbs, you could try Velocity at the same tension, that way you are only changing one variable at a time.
pico
Hall of Fame
Thanks. The Gravity Pro is a softer 100in 18 x 20 indeed. Maybe I will do both at 54 for a first try!
