Durability of 17 gauge multifilament strings?

[LiquidWhip]

I know this might be a difficult question to answer as there's a lot of variables but how long should a 17 gauge multifilament typically last for?

The reason I ask is that I naively bought a reel of Pros Pro Kingut (a soft multifilament) in 17 gauge recently, even though I had never played with 17 gauge.

After stringing a couple of rackets up (in a hybrid), I broke the strings on both rackets (dead centre so not a shank) after just over an hour of hitting. Is this normal for a 17 gauge multi or is just that this string lacks durability?

For background, I normally use a hybrid combo a softer string (normally a multi) crossed with a poly (usually textured) at 16l/16 guage. I typically break strings around the 8 hour mark.

 

[mikeler]

A durable 17g multi like Pro Supex Maxim Touch would give me 8-12 hours depending on the outside temperature in a 16x20 racket. Using multi mains with textured poly crosses is the least durable setup available. If you want more durability, put the poly in the mains.

 

[LiquidWhip]

If you want more durability, put the poly in the mains.

I've tried this a few times and have one of my racquets strung like this but prefer the feel with the multi in the mains.

Might give some of the more durable multis in 17 gauge a go and see how I get on but suspect I won't get much more life out of them in my preferred set up...

 

[mikeler]

I've tried this a few times and have one of my racquets strung like this but prefer the feel with the multi in the mains.

Might give some of the more durable multis in 17 gauge a go and see how I get on but suspect I won't get much more life out of them in my preferred set up...

Try Prince Premiere Control 1.40 in the mains. It's the thickest multi I know of and a good string to boot.

 

[LiquidWhip]

Try Prince Premiere Control 1.40 in the mains. It's the thickest multi I know of and a good string to boot.

Sounds like an interesting option - and not one I had thought about. What's the playability like at that thickness?

 

[sainttom]

I have been using RPM Blast 18 mains and Signum Pro Micronite 1.27 multifilament in the crosses in my Rads 18x20. I get a week to 2 weeks maximum out of this. I like hybrids because it's much easier on the arm but the durability is not great.

Is there any set up that would be more durable in the crosses? Either synthetic or multi. I don't mind going up to higher guage as I'm not worried about spin too much. I was thinking about perhaps getting a Pro's Pro knockoff poly string reel for the thin poly mains and buying a reel of 1.33 Dunlop Hexy Fiber. Any ideas how long this would last?

Or... Should I just cut my losses and go with a softer poly, and one with better tension maintenance?
I've been liking Head Lynx so that could be an option.

Thanks

 

[mikeler]

Sounds like an interesting option - and not one I had thought about. What's the playability like at that thickness?

A friend of mine uses it and plays just fine with it.

I have been using RPM Blast 18 mains and Signum Pro Micronite 1.27 multifilament in the crosses in my Rads 18x20. I get a week to 2 weeks maximum out of this. I like hybrids because it's much easier on the arm but the durability is not great.

Is there any set up that would be more durable in the crosses? Either synthetic or multi. I don't mind going up to higher guage as I'm not worried about spin too much. I was thinking about perhaps getting a Pro's Pro knockoff poly string reel for the thin poly mains and buying a reel of 1.33 Dunlop Hexy Fiber. Any ideas how long this would last?

Or... Should I just cut my losses and go with a softer poly, and one with better tension maintenance?
I've been liking Head Lynx so that could be an option.

Thanks

You could always try the Prince Premiere Control 1.40 as well in the crosses.

 

[TobyTopspin]

I played with a fresh POG OS this weekend with 17g Prince Premier Power. It broke early into the second set. I love 17g multi, but its getting to be a pain going through string this fast.

I'm trying ELT poly, but I'm not satisfied with it so far.

 

[eelhc]

String Savers...

If you like the feel and don't want to string as often, try putting string savers on the spots where they are breaking on the bed. String savers are not just for natural gut.

I'm not a string breaker but I used to saw through Ashaway Dynamite 18 pretty fast. If I added a just a few Babolat elasto cross or Tourna string savers, I could make the string job last much longer.

YMMV.

 

[sainttom]

You could always try the Prince Premiere Control 1.40 as well in the crosses.

Thanks mikeler for the reply, I'll look into that. I don't know if I want to go that gauge tho. 135 would prob be the ideal size for me. Is Tournament Nylon anygood? Likewise Forten Nylon 15L/16 or Sweet 16? Or Gosen Sheep 16 or ProForm Tuff 15L?

Just looking for something inexpensive but durable (at least another week would be nice) while having a little power and being relatively comfortable as I want it to offset the poly.

 

[mikeler]

Thanks mikeler for the reply, I'll look into that. I don't know if I want to go that gauge tho. 135 would prob be the ideal size for me. Is Tournament Nylon anygood? Likewise Forten Nylon 15L/16 or Sweet 16? Or Gosen Sheep 16 or ProForm Tuff 15L?

Just looking for something inexpensive but durable (at least another week would be nice) while having a little power and being relatively comfortable as I want it to offset the poly.

I haven't tried those other strings, sorry.

 

[oble]

Try string savers and a thicker gauge smooth poly in the cross.

 

[LiquidWhip]

Having thought about it some more, I'm not sure thicker strings are the way to go for me as the swingweight on my RF97s with their current strings (16l/16) is pretty hefty so adding even just a few grams might tip the swingweight into unwieldy territory.

Might have to just stick with 16g mains or just accept that I'll have to restring after each session with 17g - even with a durable multi.