Extreme MP arm-friendly strings?

[PedroOlyntho]

Hello there!
I have just acquired an Extreme MP. (Reference of my racket thread: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/racket-recommendation.750623/).
Summary: 2h Backhand -> Heavy Top Spin player -> Net Approaches -> Can't stay on baseline for too long.
I have arm issues, both on shoulder and elbow (even though my elbow doesn't feel anything since I started playing on my DR98 - from previous Pure Aero).
What strings and tension do you guys recommend?
I usually play with a Signum Pro Poly Plasma 48~50 lbs on a Yonex Ezone DR 98 (just because that's what the club has to offer lmao) but I am open to recommendation, and looking forward to starting to buy my own strings. Don't feel any arm pain.
Maybe because I now use a DR98 + Workout every day + improved technique, but who knows? xD
I am just afraid of feeling that awful pain again since I played the Pure Aero T_T

I have seen Head Velocity MLT 17 ($) as a good option for a long term budget.
Though I feel like it can go against my top spin game.
Other options I have researched. Couple aren't Multi, I am afraid of not getting Multi here but idk, I am not an expert, hence looking for recommendation. Since I play with the Signum Pro Poly Plasma currently, I am not sure how that will play with the new Extreme MP. Not sure if I need to go multi though

Babolat RPM Soft ($) or Hyper G Soft ($$).
Babolat Xcel ($$).
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.20 or 1.25 ($).
RPM Blast Rough 17 ($).
LXN Element ($$).
Head Lynx ($).
Or please give me couple of suggestions


Please, I can't go past $$ like Tecnifibre Triax ($$$) because I need to think long-term. Can't sustain expensive strings!

Thanks

 

[jimmy8]

Hyper g regular, not soft, 1.20 - great feel, spin, power, control

 

[PedroOlyntho]

Hyper g regular, not soft, 1.20 - great feel, spin, power, control

Thought the regular Hyper G caused people some arm problems, hence why I haven't looked into it. It's a good price here ($$), thanks for your recommendation. Any second option?
What's the difference between Hyper G and RPM Blast Rough? Seems like they have close specs but Blast Rough provides more spin (3+~more on 1 to 10).

 

[PedroOlyntho]

If you have arm and and shoulder issues, why on earth are you using this frame? Asking for trouble IMO.

I will just test it out, I am fine with all rackets but Pure Aero, so I need to keep checking my limits... Pure Aero'd be my best option but since I can't, I am trying couple of alternatives.

 

[jimmy8]

Thought the regular Hyper G caused people some arm problems, hence why I haven't looked into it. It's a good price here ($$), thanks for your recommendation. Any second option?
What's the difference between Hyper G and RPM Blast Rough? Seems like they have close specs but Blast Rough provides more spin (3+~more on 1 to 10).

Hyper g 1.20 is only medium stiffness. It's the same stiffness as signum pro poly plasma 1.23.

Yonex poly tour pro 1.20 is a great string for me in one of my rackets.

rpm blast rough is way too stiff in my opinion.

 

[MaiTai]

Hyper G Soft 1.25 Fullbed (or with T1 Ghost Wire 1.22 as a Cross)
T1 Black Knight 1.23
Mayami Tour Hex 1.23
Völkl Cyclone Tour 1.30

I had TE and GE in the past so i'm all in for comfortable setups. They all work very well for my Game and Rackets and i have no arm problems.

I don't think the Extreme MP is much more comfortable than the new Pure Aero. I have both and i prefer the Aero playability wise and despite many people say it causes arm Problems, it doesn't for me with full bed Hyper G Soft 1.25 @ 24 kg.
I was afraid at first but the comfort feels very similar to the Extreme MP.
It's always subjective but if you're an Aero Guy i think the '23 Version is worth at least a demo.

edit:
And with arm Problems, i would immediately dump SP Poly Plasma. It's a low powered 1st Gen Stiff Control String and there are more comfy and modern strings out there with the same amount of control. Tour Hex for example is one of them.

As a Topspin player myself i didn't want to go the Multifilament Route after trying Head Velocity MLT.
A good string but i love the feel and bite you get with Polys, so i tried those softer setups, worked on my technique and don't have any arm problems anymore.

Don't go past 23 maybe 24 kg max with your tension and get Isospeed Cream or Tier One (Tru Pro now) Ghost Wire for your crosses. They will soften your Mains/string bed if you need it.

 

[TennisJrDad]

Hyper-G is not what I would consider to be arm friendly

Hyper g regular, not soft, 1.20 - great feel, spin, power, control

 

[jimmy8]

Hyper-G is not what I would consider to be arm friendly

You are right. I forgot he said arm friendly in the title. I was going on the stiffness of signum pro poly plasma. Hyper g is the same stiffness. But I guess he wants something much less stiff than SPPP to go on the stiffer framed Head Extreme MP. I would recommend Head lynx.

 

[ChanterRacquet]

Cyclone TOUR would be the longest lasting very soft poly I know of, but you have to have fast racquet head speed as the tension drop is significant so you have to make sure you can really get over the ball. Great spin when you are able to control it though!

Gosen sidewinder would deserve a look also.

 

[fuzz nation]

Hello there!
I have just acquired an Extreme MP. (Reference of my racket thread: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/racket-recommendation.750623/).
Summary: 2h Backhand -> Heavy Top Spin player -> Net Approaches -> Can't stay on baseline for too long.
I have arm issues, both on shoulder and elbow (even though my elbow doesn't feel anything since I started playing on my DR98 - from previous Pure Aero).
What strings and tension do you guys recommend?
I usually play with a Signum Pro Poly Plasma 48~50 lbs on a Yonex Ezone DR 98 (just because that's what the club has to offer lmao) but I am open to recommendation, and looking forward to starting to buy my own strings. Don't feel any arm pain.
Maybe because I now use a DR98 + Workout every day + improved technique, but who knows? xD
I am just afraid of feeling that awful pain again since I played the Pure Aero T_T

I have seen Head Velocity MLT 17 ($) as a good option for a long term budget.
Though I feel like it can go against my top spin game.
Other options I have researched. Couple aren't Multi, I am afraid of not getting Multi here but idk, I am not an expert, hence looking for recommendation. Since I play with the Signum Pro Poly Plasma currently, I am not sure how that will play with the new Extreme MP. Not sure if I need to go multi though

Babolat RPM Soft ($) or Hyper G Soft ($$).
Babolat Xcel ($$).
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 1.20 or 1.25 ($).
RPM Blast Rough 17 ($).
LXN Element ($$).
Head Lynx ($).
Or please give me couple of suggestions


Please, I can't go past $$ like Tecnifibre Triax ($$$) because I need to think long-term. Can't sustain expensive strings!

Thanks

I'd expect any multifiber in a thinner 17 ga. to be too fragile for you in any racquet having an open pattern (16 mains). Since you've played full beds of poly in the past, you probably wouldn't be too happy with most 16 ga. multis either, but at least those should give you a relatively soft string bed.

To get into a significantly softer string option that won't cost too much, I recommend a look at some softer syn. guts. Forten Sweet 16 is the softest syn. gut I've ever sampled, but it doesn't fray and degrade as readily as many multis. A snug bed of a moderately soft syn. gut like Babolat, Prince Original (without the stiffer Duraflex), or a couple others could also be playable alternatives to poly.

Getting away from poly over the short term while your arm gets back to 100% would be my recommendation, but you sound like you want some poly options, too. In this case, I'd say try a hybrid of a light gauge poly - 1.20mm or less - with a softer cross of syn. gut or multi. I've seen great success among locals who have used Isospeed Baseline 1.20mm mains in a hybrid with a cross of something like Gosen OG Sheep Micro 16 or 17. If you snap the 1.20mm too fast, you might eventually be okay with the 1.25mm option, but I think it's important to avoid thicker poly until your arm is okay.

TW only sells Isospeed Baseline in full reels, but those only cost $40 per reel. That's about the price of only two individual sets of some "premium" multifibers.

 

[PedroOlyntho]

Hyper G Soft 1.25 Fullbed (or with T1 Ghost Wire 1.22 as a Cross)
T1 Black Knight 1.23
Mayami Tour Hex 1.23
Völkl Cyclone Tour 1.30

I had TE and GE in the past so i'm all in for comfortable setups. They all work very well for my Game and Rackets and i have no arm problems.

I don't think the Extreme MP is much more comfortable than the new Pure Aero. I have both and i prefer the Aero playability wise and despite many people say it causes arm Problems, it doesn't for me with full bed Hyper G Soft 1.25 @ 24 kg.
I was afraid at first but the comfort feels very similar to the Extreme MP.
It's always subjective but if you're an Aero Guy i think the '23 Version is worth at least a demo.

edit:
And with arm Problems, i would immediately dump SP Poly Plasma. It's a low powered 1st Gen Stiff Control String and there are more comfy and modern strings out there with the same amount of control. Tour Hex for example is one of them.

As a Topspin player myself i didn't want to go the Multifilament Route after trying Head Velocity MLT.
A good string but i love the feel and bite you get with Polys, so i tried those softer setups, worked on my technique and don't have any arm problems anymore.

Don't go past 23 maybe 24 kg max with your tension and get Isospeed Cream or Tier One (Tru Pro now) Ghost Wire for your crosses. They will soften your Mains/string bed if you need it.

I don't know, it's something wih Babolats... I have never had any arm issues with other brands lol
That makes me afraid of testing the PA. But if I have the chance, I will, for sure.
We can't demo rackets here in my country unfortunately.

As of the options:
Mayami Tour Hex 1.23
Völkl Cyclone Tour 1.30
Are available in my country, the others aren't.
We don't have Isospeed nor Ghost Wire here as well...

Thanks for your recommendation.
Mayami Tour Hex is a cheap option here in my country.

 

[PedroOlyntho]

You are right. I forgot he said arm friendly in the title. I was going on the stiffness of signum pro poly plasma. Hyper g is the same stiffness. But I guess he wants something much less stiff than SPPP to go on the stiffer framed Head Extreme MP. I would recommend Head lynx.

I wonder if I don't feel anything with current setup, if I need to get an easier string or Hyper G would fit my goal.
Since I don't have trouble with SPPP. Though, I don't know how that will change with new Extreme MP.

 

[PedroOlyntho]

Cyclone TOUR would be the longest lasting very soft poly I know of, but you have to have fast racquet head speed as the tension drop is significant so you have to make sure you can really get over the ball. Great spin when you are able to control it though!

Gosen sidewinder would deserve a look also.

I have a technique problem, I can't hit flat because I brush too much the ball lol my strike goes to the north whenever my brain doesn't think xD
So I indeed get over the ball often, but not sure about that fast racquet head speed on my extreme mp?
Would you consider cyclone TOUR as a budget option to keep buying it anually?

Thanks!

 

[PedroOlyntho]

I'd expect any multifiber in a thinner 17 ga. to be too fragile for you in any racquet having an open pattern (16 mains). Since you've played full beds of poly in the past, you probably wouldn't be too happy with most 16 ga. multis either, but at least those should give you a relatively soft string bed.

To get into a significantly softer string option that won't cost too much, I recommend a look at some softer syn. guts. Forten Sweet 16 is the softest syn. gut I've ever sampled, but it doesn't fray and degrade as readily as many multis. A snug bed of a moderately soft syn. gut like Babolat, Prince Original (without the stiffer Duraflex), or a couple others could also be playable alternatives to poly.

Getting away from poly over the short term while your arm gets back to 100% would be my recommendation, but you sound like you want some poly options, too. In this case, I'd say try a hybrid of a light gauge poly - 1.20mm or less - with a softer cross of syn. gut or multi. I've seen great success among locals who have used Isospeed Baseline 1.20mm mains in a hybrid with a cross of something like Gosen OG Sheep Micro 16 or 17. If you snap the 1.20mm too fast, you might eventually be okay with the 1.25mm option, but I think it's important to avoid thicker poly until your arm is okay.

TW only sells Isospeed Baseline in full reels, but those only cost $40 per reel. That's about the price of only two individual sets of some "premium" multifibers.

Babolat Synthetic Gut is really cheap here in my country.
How do you recommend me to set it up?
My arms are fine as of now, I don't feel anything with my current setup DR98 + SPPP. I am only afraid of feeling now that I will start using the Extreme MP which is considerably stiffer than my Ezone DR98.
We don't have Isospeed here. Any alternatives?

 

[ChanterRacquet]

Would you consider cyclone TOUR as a budget option to keep buying it anually?

Thanks!

What is "budget" depends on the person and the value they ascribe to the object. I liked it enough to buy a reel. Try the red version.

 

[fuzz nation]

Babolat Synthetic Gut is really cheap here in my country.
How do you recommend me to set it up?
My arms are fine as of now, I don't feel anything with my current setup DR98 + SPPP. I am only afraid of feeling now that I will start using the Extreme MP which is considerably stiffer than my Ezone DR98.
We don't have Isospeed here. Any alternatives?

If you're used to using a bed of SPPP, you might want to have a bed of syn. gut a bit on the snug side - maybe 58 lbs. for starting out. If it's a little too firm at that tension, you can stand on the strings to stretch them a little bit. Put a towel down on a hard flat surface, lay the racquet on the towel, and stand on the center of the string bed for a few seconds. Then flip it over and do it again on the other side.

I like to tension my 98" Volkls at 58 or 59 lbs. when it gets hotter in the summer so that my syn. gut doesn't get too flimsy for me, but one or two tries should get you dialed in with a tension that you like. The 16 ga. syn. gut will probably not last as long as your poly, but you might get some helpful feel and performance around the net.

Our pals may know of alternatives to the Isospeed, but I'm not familiar enough with many polys to suggest something different.

 

[PedroOlyntho]

If you're used to using a bed of SPPP, you might want to have a bed of syn. gut a bit on the snug side - maybe 58 lbs. for starting out. If it's a little too firm at that tension, you can stand on the strings to stretch them a little bit. Put a towel down on a hard flat surface, lay the racquet on the towel, and stand on the center of the string bed for a few seconds. Then flip it over and do it again on the other side.

I like to tension my 98" Volkls at 58 or 59 lbs. when it gets hotter in the summer so that my syn. gut doesn't get too flimsy for me, but one or two tries should get you dialed in with a tension that you like. The 16 ga. syn. gut will probably not last as long as your poly, but you might get some helpful feel and performance around the net.

Our pals may know of alternatives to the Isospeed, but I'm not familiar enough with many polys to suggest something different.

Got you. 58 lbs sounds too high, I am used to 48lbs. Isn't that gonna hurt my arms even more?

Thanks!

 

[fuzz nation]

Got you. 58 lbs sounds too high, I am used to 48lbs. Isn't that gonna hurt my arms even more?

Thanks!

Syn. gut is generally a good bit softer than poly. If you put a full be of syn. gut (SG) in your racquet at 48 lbs., it would probably feel and perform like a slingshot - too soft with not so much consistency in its response. Even if you tensioned a bed of syn. gut at 54 or 55 lbs., I'd expect that to be at least as soft for you as a bed of poly at 48 lbs.

I personally consider Babolat syn. gut to be moderately soft - similar to Volkl Classic, Prince Original, and a couple others. Both Prince SG with Duraflex and Gosen OG Sheep Micro are somewhat more durable SG's, but both of these strings are too stiff for me to enjoy in my own racquets. Kirschbaum SG is softer than average and then Forten Sweet is the softest SG I know.

You might also consider trying "Tournament Nylon" if you come across it. This string is essentially the early version of what is now syn. gut, but it's even more affordable and the ones I've played rank right in the middle of the road in terms of softness. I have some spiffy yellow Forten TN in one of my frames right now. If you plan to burn through beds of syn. gut for a while, tournament nylon could be an option that's easier on the wallet.

Probably no surprise - the softer these SG's get, the less durable they seem to be. Some folks do okay with stiffer Gosen OG Sheep Micro at perhaps 3-5 lbs. lower tension than softer SG's of the same gauge, but that depends on what a player likes in terms of feel and feedback.

Syn. gut isn't perfect. Older beds of SG can notch and "lock up" where they don't slide across each other as well as when they're fresh. That condition can make an older bed of syn. gut feel more harsh than a fresh setup, but it's probably worse for a player swiping at the ball for more spin than another who hits a flatter ball. Since this string type is relatively affordable, it's easy for me to forgive it for not lasting forever. I'd rather have my strings take the abuse if they're going to save my arm... but I also string at home, so popping strings isn't a big deal for me.