Do Any High Level Players Use Non-Poly/Gut Anymore?

[counterpuncher21]

I'm getting back into tennis after a 15+ year hiatus. Even as a kid, I used to have arm problems, but I insisted on playing with full poly, since that's what all the best players on tour and the best junior players used to play with. I was young then, so I was much more able to tolerate some of the pain, especially since I used an extremely flexible frame.

Fast forward to me being mid-30s, I still have to use a flexible frame (in my case, Wilson Blade 98) to control some of the arm problems, but I'm wondering what I might be missing out on by shifting from a full poly to a multi setup to control some of the arm/shoulder pain I get. I still do think the frame is the biggest variable because the difference in pain between playing with even a mid-60s RA frame to a low 60s one is night and day. That said, there's still some nagging shoulder problems I have and I'm wondering if switching to a multifilament will help alleviate some of that.

 

[einca13]

The issue with using non-poly is the durability. For me Multis last an hour or two tops and gut/poly hybrid last about 6 hours before breaking. So while I only play poly for about 6 hours before they are dead it is significantly more cost effective. A lot of ATP guys are now playing gut/poly hybrids, but they switch frames after every ball change, so durability is not a concern and expectations are different from us.

I play a Blade 98 as well and if you are having arm issues you have basically two choices in my opinion.

1. Don’t waste your time with multi‘s or multi mixes (Triax) as they are expensive and have zero durability. Try a gut/poly hybrid. See how long it lasts for you as it does play great and is easy on the arm. When I used to play them I strung 56/52,

2. Poly has come a long way as far as softer setups. Try Cyclone Tour (16g only), IsoSpeed Cream, TruPro Ghostwire or Yonex Air etc…. There are many to choose from and others may have more suggestions as I dont play super soft setups. If you are using poly, don’t string too high.

 

[ey039524]

Something to add is the variable of your 15+ years. Your body will not be as resilient or robust as before. I developed TE in my 40s, after a long hiatus. Before that, I was using a multi/Lux poly hybrid.

After TE, restarted w a gut hybrid in a soft frame (RA <60), now using poly/monogut ZX hybrid w much lower tensions.

 

[Rabbit]

If you’re not a string breaker, I’d say water at least a little time with a multi. I’m using Yonex Rexis Speed. It has a poly blended in it per TW. It is a fantastic string. I’ve had arm trouble in the past and like you, used full poly and until recently a poly hybrid. Since changing to Speed I haven’t missed a poly in any shape or form one bit. Arm/wrist feel great and I’m playing really well with my new multi.

 

[Rosstour]

I'm getting back into tennis after a 15+ year hiatus. Even as a kid, I used to have arm problems, but I insisted on playing with full poly, since that's what all the best players on tour and the best junior players used to play with. I was young then, so I was much more able to tolerate some of the pain, especially since I used an extremely flexible frame.

Fast forward to me being mid-30s, I still have to use a flexible frame (in my case, Wilson Blade 98) to control some of the arm problems, but I'm wondering what I might be missing out on by shifting from a full poly to a multi setup to control some of the arm/shoulder pain I get. I still do think the frame is the biggest variable because the difference in pain between playing with even a mid-60s RA frame to a low 60s one is night and day. That said, there's still some nagging shoulder problems I have and I'm wondering if switching to a multifilament will help alleviate some of that.

I think Zverev uses gut as a cross string and strings low.