Head Velocity

Holliman

Rookie
My aching elbow has demanded I start hitting with a multi. I grabbed a pack of Velocity and just strung up my PS97S. I was blown away by how slick this string is and how easy it was to string. There should be plenty of snap back. I normally string SynGut when needing something softer. Since the Velocity was only $10, I figured I'd give it a whirl. Normally I break multi in less than 6 hours so the cost has kept me from staying with it.

The last strings I cut out were Tour Bite mains and Outlast crosses. I couldn't generate any power with this setup. Granted they were 17 and 18 gauge respectively. The spin and control was above average but when I play with heavy hitters I was getting pushed around and couldn't match the pace.

I've read the playtest thread on Velocity and it was pretty short. Anybody got any recent experience?
 

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
not a fan of multi's - because of there very short stringbed life and they have a hard time holding up with copolys - we pretty much stick to a base of mono core sync guts (primarily polyamides) or n gut. but it is you that matters, glad you found a good arm friendly solution for yourself!
 
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warney

Semi-Pro
Velocity is my go to string in Multi poly hybrid now (wilson revolve cross). I prefer natural color vs the black. Black Velocity with poly cross notches too early. Can't figure out reason for it.

I like velocity more than PPC. Velocity being slick snaps back really well and is really soft. Plus you get additonal pop from multi. Two months so far with this combo and no complaints!

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 

Knife

Semi-Pro
Velocity is a really good string, multis are still evolving. All PPC users should give this string a try. :)
 

Holliman

Rookie
Played with a full bed of Velocity tonight. I really enjoyed it. Plenty of power and comfort. I was able to keep the ball in the court and spin was way above average due it's SnapBack. This is a great multi. The fact that it's $10 is icing on the cake.
 

Holliman

Rookie
That's good to hear about the tension. I put around 3 hours on the strings last night. Strung at 55#. I was really impressed that they snapped back so well. I barely had to straighten out the string bed. I think that anyone looking for a power oriented Multi while providing an elbow friendly response should check out Velocity. I'm a happy camper.
 

Traffic

Hall of Fame
Played with a full bed of Velocity tonight. I really enjoyed it. Plenty of power and comfort. I was able to keep the ball in the court and spin was way above average due it's SnapBack. This is a great multi. The fact that it's $10 is icing on the cake.
Thanks for the feedback. I've never played with multi before and it sounds like I've got to give it a whirl. I'm not a string breaker, so my only real interest in a poly hybrid is to get that snap back, spin and control. A little bit of controllable pop off the spring bed works for me too.
 

Holliman

Rookie
Update: I've now played around 10 hours on a full bed of Velocity. Tension is still great and I'm seeing very little wear. This is a great multi string. I normally break a multi by this time but these seem to be good to go.

Velocity is definitely the best multifilament I've ever used. It snaps back excellent and I'm getting all the spin I want. The power and comfort is top notch. I really don't have anything negative to say about this string. If your needing some tennis elbow relief or just want a nice power oriented string then give Head Velocity a try.
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
I've been playing with natural gut mains (Luxilon, Babolat VS classic, Pacific Prime) and Head multis in crosses.

Velocity feels firm yet comfortable, and for me the black glides better than the white. Excellent spin for a multi.

Reflex is the softer feeling multi (even though the lab numbers don't really reflect a big difference), gives you more of the feel of the ball sinking into the string bed. For some reason, I've been able to produce about the same level of spin as the Velocity.

There is a huge price difference, so Velocity wins in that department.
 
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KluddKalle

Semi-Pro
Been curious about this string for a while now. I play with a full bed of origin and wondering if anyone that's played with both can make a comparison? I'm really happy with origin...but maybe the grass is greener and so on. :)
 

Knife

Semi-Pro
I've enjoyed Velocity so much that I bought a full reel of it. As mentioned before it features very good spin potential, snap-back and tension maintenance. I'm a notorious string breaker and go through multifilaments in about 4 hrs and Velocity is no exception. It plays very well for the 3 first hours, before I have to start realign strings a bit more and feel some loss of control in my shots, then it usally snaps cirka an hour later. I don't mind, as I do the stringing myself and appreciate fresh string beds. No multi or syn gut plays really that well after a couple of hours anyway. Velocity is a great value for players that needs a spinnier non poly. I would never bother with Origin or Head Reflex, with such high price tags I rather invest my money in nat gut.
 

KluddKalle

Semi-Pro
Velocity is a great value for players that needs a spinnier non poly. I would never bother with Origin or Head Reflex, with such high price tags I rather invest my money in nat gut.

Does it last as long as Origin? I'm not a string breaker and origin keeps the tension for an abnormally long time in my experience, making the price lower in the long run.
 

Holliman

Rookie
I've never used Orgin but I normally break a multi in 6 hours or less. The current bed of Velocity (black) has lasted me 10 hours with very little notching. I do hit it with some Silicone spray before hitting. That seems to help lower the friction. For $10 bucks a pack you can't beat the value.
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
Does it last as long as Origin? I'm not a string breaker and origin keeps the tension for an abnormally long time in my experience, making the price lower in the long run.

Most multis, once they settle, maintain tension very well. Most players, even non-string-breakers, usually break multis well before they need to adjust tension.
 

Holliman

Rookie
Update - I've got twelve hours on the full bed of Velocity. Still no notching or fraying. Tension is still very stable. The black is starting to wear off. My elbow is definitely feeling better. Going to string up my backup racquet with another full bed at 55 pounds. I'm sticking with this string for a while. Players paying the premium prices for Origin and the like should really consider Velocity. Amazing value at $10 per pack. I'll be ordering a reel soon.
 

392Hemi

Professional
You've convinced me to try. I've got a couple sets on the way.

I've been playing Gamma Ocho TNT 16, a solid core multi and recently started crossing it with OGSM 17. I've also recently tried X1 and PPC crossed with OGSM but the Ocho won out. I am going to try Velocity with the OGSM cross and also perhaps in a full bed. From there I am going to try Ocho TNT and Velocity, each crossed with Isospeed Cream. ... It never ends...
 

KluddKalle

Semi-Pro
Update - I've got twelve hours on the full bed of Velocity. Still no notching or fraying. Tension is still very stable. The black is starting to wear off. My elbow is definitely feeling better. Going to string up my backup racquet with another full bed at 55 pounds. I'm sticking with this string for a while. Players paying the premium prices for Origin and the like should really consider Velocity. Amazing value at $10 per pack. I'll be ordering a reel soon.

I just ordered a couple of sets the other day. Have been happily playing with origin since last summer, my wrist couldn't handle poly anymore. Your impressions have raised my expectations a bit, im already thinking about buying a reel. If I like it that is. :)

Have you tried the 17 gauge aswell?
 

Holliman

Rookie
I haven't tried 17 yet. Honestly I'm getting all the spin I need from 16. I'm enjoying the level of power that multi provides and poly doesn't and my elbow is finally getting some relief. I'm glad to hear you guys are going to give it a try. I have no reason for bias. Velocity is a total sleeper. I hope Head keeps it in the lineup for a long time.
 

HitTheBall

New User
Does it last as long as Origin? I'm not a string breaker and origin keeps the tension for an abnormally long time in my experience, making the price lower in the long run.
I found that Velocity played like Origin, but slightly less crisp, more comfortable, and very good durability and tension maintinenance, and strings remained in place longer. Perhaps they are both polyaimides? I preferred Velocity and bought a reel. Very decent string, specially for the price.
 

KluddKalle

Semi-Pro
I found that Velocity played like Origin, but slightly less crisp, more comfortable, and very good durability and tension maintinenance, and strings remained in place longer. Perhaps they are both polyaimides? I preferred Velocity and bought a reel. Very decent string, specially for the price.

Thanks for the comparison. I guess I want what everyone else wants - the spin and durability from a poly and the comfort and tension maintenance from a multi. Origin is the closest I've found so far, but Velocity sounds like it could be even better. And at a much better price. :)
Do you recommend about the same tension as origin?
 

HitTheBall

New User
Thanks for the comparison. I guess I want what everyone else wants - the spin and durability from a poly and the comfort and tension maintenance from a multi. Origin is the closest I've found so far, but Velocity sounds like it could be even better. And at a much better price. :)
Do you recommend about the same tension as origin?
Yes i would try your usual tension for Origin, then it will be easier to compare them. Velocity held up well for me in match conditions too.
 

GoofyMan

New User
Advice please on Velocity gauge and color:

I am thinking of using the Velocity as a cross on my Wilson Blade 98 CV 16X19.
For the MAIN I use 16L polys (Luxilon Alu Power or Solinco Hyper-G).

My current cross is Gosen OGSP 17. I am thinking of replacing it with Velocity.

If I want to go for Velocity as the CROSS, what gauge? (16 or 17)? and what color? ( I assume different colors feel differently?).

Thanks.
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
Advice please on Velocity gauge and color:

I am thinking of using the Velocity as a cross on my Wilson Blade 98 CV 16X19.
For the MAIN I use 16L polys (Luxilon Alu Power or Solinco Hyper-G).

My current cross is Gosen OGSP 17. I am thinking of replacing it with Velocity.

If I want to go for Velocity as the CROSS, what gauge? (16 or 17)? and what color? ( I assume different colors feel differently?).

Thanks.

17 gauge black for maximum snapback
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Most multis, once they settle, maintain tension very well. Most players, even non-string-breakers, usually break multis well before they need to adjust tension.

Velocity is a really good string, multis are still evolving. All PPC users should give this string a try. :)

Velocity is my go to string in Multi poly hybrid now (wilson revolve cross). I prefer natural color vs the black. Black Velocity with poly cross notches too early. Can't figure out reason for it.

I like velocity more than PPC. Velocity being slick snaps back really well and is really soft. Plus you get additonal pop from multi. Two months so far with this combo and no complaints!

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Can you rank Velocity Power compared to PPC ... and maybe Origin.

For me ... power:
Origin 16g @55 10
PPC 16g @55 5-6

I could control PPC in my racquet @55, but Origin was to powerful. Where would Velocity fall on the power spectrum?
 

scotus

G.O.A.T.
Can you rank Velocity Power compared to PPC ... and maybe Origin.

For me ... power:
Origin 16g @55 10
PPC 16g @55 5-6

I could control PPC in my racquet @55, but Origin was to powerful. Where would Velocity fall on the power spectrum?

Sorry, I've used mostly gut poly and full poly until recently. I might have used PPC once a long time ago, but I certainly cannot make comparisons.
 

warney

Semi-Pro
Can you rank Velocity Power compared to PPC ... and maybe Origin.

For me ... power:
Origin 16g @55 10
PPC 16g @55 5-6

I could control PPC in my racquet @55, but Origin was to powerful. Where would Velocity fall on the power spectrum?
I have tried all 3 in hybrid with smooth poly cross. PPC is most control oriented, Origin has most power, Velocity power is right in middle. Based on your ranks I would say 7 for Velocity.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I have tried all 3 in hybrid with smooth poly cross. PPC is most control oriented, Origin has most power, Velocity power is right in middle. Based on your ranks I would say 7 for Velocity.

Thanks ... that is what I was guessing based on the comments. I also read the Velocity playtest. Someone had said Velocity matched Origin in power ... and that would eliminate it for me in my current racquets. I might try Velocity at some point, but I find PPC about as much power as I want to go. That's part of the problem ... it's not just spin and straight strings and duration. If I can't control the string in my racquets @55 then I can't play with it. I won't go past mid-tension post TE. Actually ... I never went past mid-tension pre-TE ... just never liked a really tight stingbed.

Thanks for feedback ... if I ever try it will post back.
 

Holliman

Rookie
Can you rank Velocity Power compared to PPC ... and maybe Origin.

For me ... power:
Origin 16g @55 10
PPC 16g @55 5-6

I could control PPC in my racquet @55, but Origin was to powerful. Where would Velocity fall on the power spectrum?

I've played a good bit with PPC and honestly never really cared for it. Too low powered and absolutely no snap back. If you give PPC a 5-6 for power then I'd rate Velocity at a solid 7-8 with much more spin potential.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I've played a good bit with PPC and honestly never really cared for it. Too low powered and absolutely no snap back. If you give PPC a 5-6 for power then I'd rate Velocity at a solid 7-8 with much more spin potential.

+1, agree with every word. :)

Thx ... my guess is Velocity would a little to powerful matched with my racquet. PPC is about perfect for me on that front... am used to poly (RPM Blast) low power. Appreciate all the feedback. I will post if I try it. We are all different, I actually really like PPC.
 

Klarenbeek

New User
Holliman, would you care to describe your level and style of play so I can interpret this thread and assess whether I'm going to give Velocity a shot (pun intended)?
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
My aching elbow has demanded I start hitting with a multi. I grabbed a pack of Velocity and just strung up my PS97S. I was blown away by how slick this string is and how easy it was to string. There should be plenty of snap back. I normally string SynGut when needing something softer. Since the Velocity was only $10, I figured I'd give it a whirl. Normally I break multi in less than 6 hours so the cost has kept me from staying with it.

The last strings I cut out were Tour Bite mains and Outlast crosses. I couldn't generate any power with this setup. Granted they were 17 and 18 gauge respectively. The spin and control was above average but when I play with heavy hitters I was getting pushed around and couldn't match the pace.

I've read the playtest thread on Velocity and it was pretty short. Anybody got any recent experience?

I missed the part about you coming from tour bite. What tension were you playing poly? I have had two problems trying multi after poly. One was the obvious one ... wanting "enough spin". But the other is depth control on flatter shots. The moment a flat or moderate spin shot sails on me ... is the moment I know I either need to bump tension or pick a different string. That's why I cut out Origin ... it was going to require 58-60lbs ... and I'm not going past mid-tension post TE. For all I know 60lbs Origin might be more arm friendly then 55lbs PPC, but I won't risk it.

A lot of us looking for similar things ... arm friendly controllable strings.
 

Traffic

Hall of Fame
I missed the part about you coming from tour bite. What tension were you playing poly? I have had two problems trying multi after poly. One was the obvious one ... wanting "enough spin". But the other is depth control on flatter shots. The moment a flat or moderate spin shot sails on me ... is the moment I know I either need to bump tension or pick a different string. That's why I cut out Origin ... it was going to require 58-60lbs ... and I'm not going past mid-tension post TE. For all I know 60lbs Origin might be more arm friendly then 55lbs PPC, but I won't risk it.

A lot of us looking for similar things ... arm friendly controllable strings.
Yup. Looking for similar traits. Though, with my lack of racquet experience, I'm trying to evaluate how much racquet contributes, how much string contributes and how much string tension contributes to the equation.

I did find I needed to back off on my swing with the V1P plus ZX/OGSM (compared to PS97LS). Pretty good amount of power. It's interesting to note that my son commented that my (hit tennis) balls are a little heavier to return since I switched to the V1P.

That's an interesting statement regarding balls going long and the correction factor. I'll have to consider that next time I practice. Match play coming up this evening.
 

Holliman

Rookie
I missed the part about you coming from tour bite. What tension were you playing poly? I have had two problems trying multi after poly. One was the obvious one ... wanting "enough spin". But the other is depth control on flatter shots. The moment a flat or moderate spin shot sails on me ... is the moment I know I either need to bump tension or pick a different string. That's why I cut out Origin ... it was going to require 58-60lbs ... and I'm not going past mid-tension post TE. For all I know 60lbs Origin might be more arm friendly then 55lbs PPC, but I won't risk it.

A lot of us looking for similar things ... arm friendly controllable strings.

I had Tour Bite 17 strung at 50#. I'm pretty certain technique is my biggest contributor to my elbow problems. Poly just made it worse.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I had Tour Bite 17 strung at 50#. I'm pretty certain technique is my biggest contributor to my elbow problems. Poly just made it worse.

OK ... we come from the same tension area with poly. What tension did you string Velocity? That is a pretty good indicator Velocity isn't a rocket launcher or you wouldn't be liking it after 50# poly. You never played Origin, right?

What we all need to know comparing string is our swing speeds. I have no idea. My guess is something like average neutral shot 40-50 mph ... max full out 51 mph. :p Who knows. But besides how much spin we each use, and how much flat vs low to high... it would be very useful to know each other's neutral full stroke swing speed. The level of play isn't the issue. If someone's average neutral full stroke is 70 mph ... then we are in different ball parks when it comes to strings, we won't like the same string, regardless of racquet and tension.

Yeah ... I'm not much of a believer in technique causing tennis elbow ... for sure not with nylon string. I had the same basic technique for 40 years ... the only thing new in the last 5 was poly. Well... yeah, that damn @Limpinhitter flip was new. Half of my 4.5 doubles league for over 15 years (era before poly) would have been in arm casts if technique caused TE.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Yup. Looking for similar traits. Though, with my lack of racquet experience, I'm trying to evaluate how much racquet contributes, how much string contributes and how much string tension contributes to the equation.

I did find I needed to back off on my swing with the V1P plus ZX/OGSM (compared to PS97LS). Pretty good amount of power. It's interesting to note that my son commented that my (hit tennis) balls are a little heavier to return since I switched to the V1P.

That's an interesting statement regarding balls going long and the correction factor. I'll have to consider that next time I practice. Match play coming up this evening.

"I'm trying to evaluate how much racquet contributes, how much string contributes "

I think it's both together. That's why when you change racquets ... unless the specs are almost identical ... you are thrown back into string experimentation. It might be as simple as same strings, but different tension... but most of the time I have found I have to at least tweak things. You went to a heavier racquet ... for sure there would be change. That ZX is known to be powerful ... stretched or otherwise, so probably good the sheep is taming it. I'm glad you started with your strings you were using in your other racquet ... best way to guage your new racquet (minimize the variables). Of course, you have been on a world tour of strings ... I have no idea how you remember one from the other. :cool:

"That's an interesting statement regarding balls going long and the correction factor. "

I think I commented to you once "missing long was an aiming problem". I have re-thought that comment. Let's take me and Origin @55 for example. I am a control player, not a power player... so accuracy is kind of my thing. Has to be... that and low UE. So I take my usual cut at the ball with moderate topspin ... or go for a flat shot ... and it sails on me. Well... all players (but control players in particular) are adaptable creatures. If I played tennis for a month with only Origin @55 ... by the end of that month I would have adjusted my previous neutral swing to where it fit Origin @55. That was why my knee jerk comment ... I've played with a lot of strings ... you figure it out. But I now think that is not the way to go ... at least if you have a grooved neutral stroke. You are just getting back into tennis, so you haven't probably defined that for yourself yet. But I'm at the tail end of 40 years of control tennis. I'm learning new tricks (2hbh) and how to hit that damn @Limpinhitter flip ... and have longer strokes now ... but I bet my swing speeds are pretty close across the years. So why not match the string to me ... rather than adapt. It's not like we don't have a few string choices out there. So I withdraw my original knee JERK comment ... but more to follow no doubt.

btw ... my 2' x 3' ball machine targets (Home Depot cheap mats) were inadequate. I'm going to need BIGGER targets. :confused:
 

Limpinhitter

G.O.A.T.
OK ... we come from the same tension area with poly. What tension did you string Velocity? That is a pretty good indicator Velocity isn't a rocket launcher or you wouldn't be liking it after 50# poly. You never played Origin, right?

What we all need to know comparing string is our swing speeds. I have no idea. My guess is something like average neutral shot 40-50 mph ... max full out 51 mph. :p Who knows. But besides how much spin we each use, and how much flat vs low to high... it would be very useful to know each other's neutral full stroke swing speed. The level of play isn't the issue. If someone's average neutral full stroke is 70 mph ... then we are in different ball parks when it comes to strings, we won't like the same string, regardless of racquet and tension.

Yeah ... I'm not much of a believer in technique causing tennis elbow ... for sure not with nylon string. I had the same basic technique for 40 years ... the only thing new in the last 5 was poly. Well... yeah, that damn @Limpinhitter flip was new. Half of my 4.5 doubles league for over 15 years (era before poly) would have been in arm casts if technique caused TE.

I do think technique and grips can lead to tennis elbow. However, I long ago learned that maintaining a loose grip at contact almost instantly resolved my TE. My theory is that, with a loose grip, the shock of impact terminates in the hand and doesn't travel to the arm. Further, I found that a loose grip at contact increases racquet head speed, improves clean ball striking, and makes equipment irrelevant to the issue of TE.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I do think technique and grips can lead to tennis elbow. However, I long ago learned that maintaining a loose grip at contact almost instantly resolved my TE. My theory is that, with a loose grip, the shock of impact terminates in the hand and doesn't travel to the arm. Further, I found that a loose grip at contact increases racquet head speed, improves clean ball striking, and makes equipment irrelevant to the issue of TE.

I think I have always been a loose grip type of guy. (Or is that a loose grip on reality) I think when you learn something new, you are likely to introduce more mishits and perhaps unconsciously tense up including grip pressure. You need to invent a grip that measures grip pressure. You could donate part of the profit to free racquets and strings for your tt friends. Buddy. :rolleyes:
 

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
Sorry, I've used mostly gut poly and full poly until recently. I might have used PPC once a long time ago, but I certainly cannot make comparisons.
origin can easily go up to 60 lbs with no averse effects (structurally & arm friendly), that is even with 1.30 and 1.25...
one of top arm friendly combos is the black and white.
origin black 16 mains around 57
origin natural 1..25 around 59

so far, I have been having better overall results with choice mono core sync guts that multis . But as someone stated in this thread, multis have been evolving quickly with different designs are fills ...better yes...
so go out and try.........................
be open , be creative and find some great solutions for your game.
With over 1,100 plus strings out there ..come on...you got work to do.....and no excuses.
Don't ask!
Do!
& Learn!
 

Holliman

Rookie
OK ... we come from the same tension area with poly. What tension did you string Velocity? That is a pretty good indicator Velocity isn't a rocket launcher or you wouldn't be liking it after 50# poly. You never played Origin, right?

What we all need to know comparing string is our swing speeds. I have no idea. My guess is something like average neutral shot 40-50 mph ... max full out 51 mph. :p Who knows. But besides how much spin we each use, and how much flat vs low to high... it would be very useful to know each other's neutral full stroke swing speed. The level of play isn't the issue. If someone's average neutral full stroke is 70 mph ... then we are in different ball parks when it comes to strings, we won't like the same string, regardless of racquet and tension.

Yeah ... I'm not much of a believer in technique causing tennis elbow ... for sure not with nylon string. I had the same basic technique for 40 years ... the only thing new in the last 5 was poly. Well... yeah, that damn @Limpinhitter flip was new. Half of my 4.5 doubles league for over 15 years (era before poly) would have been in arm casts if technique caused TE.

I'm stringing Velocity at 55 pounds. It's not a power string for me. More than most poly, yes, but I have no trouble keeping balls in. I'd say spin, comfort, power, durability, in that order. Never played Origin. I just can't justify the cost for what it is.
 

Traffic

Hall of Fame
Received sets of Velocity and Cream. I did my first TW100 with full bed of Velocity at 56/54. I will do my other with Velocity/Cream somewhere between 54-56/48-50. I just need to overthink it a little more ;)
Right on! Can't wait to hear your review of Velocity/Cream. I don't know what it is, but I'm all about hybrids...
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Update - I've got twelve hours on the full bed of Velocity. Still no notching or fraying. Tension is still very stable. The black is starting to wear off. My elbow is definitely feeling better. Going to string up my backup racquet with another full bed at 55 pounds. I'm sticking with this string for a while. Players paying the premium prices for Origin and the like should really consider Velocity. Amazing value at $10 per pack. I'll be ordering a reel soon.

Does the string fray?
 
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