I use the Tonic 16 in the mains and NXT 17 in the crosses. The problem is the NXT is breaking at a far quicker rate than if both the mains and crosses were NXT. Is the Tonic causing this and if yes can someone suggest a more durable yet similar string for the crosses? Thanks in advance.
Hybrid problem using VS Tonic 16 and NXT 17
- Thread starter grover
- Start date
ClubHoUno
Banned
Everyone thinks natty gut is soooooo fragile. This just shows, that multis are way more fragile than natty gut.
Especially the Thermo Gut coated Babolat natty gut is very durable.
My advice:
1. Start using a thicker 16/1.30 gauge of the multi. This will add some extra durability
2. Try using another multi. Babolat Xcel Power 16 gauge is pretty durable for a multi string and plays way better than NXT in my view
3. Start using Babolat Elastocross strring savers. I use 48-60 in all my setups. This will stiffen up the string bed a bit circa by 3 lbs extra tension - so string 2-3 lbs looser, when you intend to use string savers.
You will be amazed of how much longer life you will get if you use string savers - I get 5-6 hours without stringsavers, and 12-15 hours with the use of string savers.
4. If 1-3 do not work, then stop using a multi. Multi strings are not that durable. Instead go for a soft poly like Signum pro Hyperion or Tecnifibre BlackCode and hybrid that with the Babolat Tonic+ natty gut.
Don't you get tired of installing all those string savers?
When I first started using gut, I used to cover the sweetspot with those but soon I found that there's really no need for it.
Now I use them sparingly only in places I need them, like Sampras used to do.
ClubHoUno
Banned
Yes it is a bit tiresome to install them - but I do it twice a month, when I get my newly fresh strung racquets home from the stringer.
It takes maybe 10-15 minutes to do it, and when I know I get 5-6 hours out of my VS 17 Team natty gut-poly hybrid without the string savers and 12-15 hours with them, I really can't see why I shouldn't install them
VS 17 Team costs $35-$40 a set, and if I don't use string savers, I have to buy twice the amount of VS Team 17 natty gut sets a year, so for me it's an obvious choice to use them
I will give them a try again, just for the sake of it...to see if it really extends the lifetime of VS17 gut (or Tonic). I loved VS17 in full bed setup, but broke it in less than 3 hours of play.
I agree with 1 and 2 but 3 is simply wrong and 4 is not what I'd recommend if he's used to NXT.
String savers will NOT extend the life of your strings if you're breaking the crosses. SS mainly reduce the friction on the mains and barely any on the crosses. In fact, there is the theory that SS shorten the life of the cross strings because they raise the crosses, exposing the strings at a sharper point to the impact of the ball. Anecdotally, my experience is fairly consistent with theory.
As for a recommendation, soft polys are still fairly stiff compared to NXT. Try a soft monofilament string, like Gamma TNT or as ClubHoUno recommended, a more durable multi.
MarrratSafin
Hall of Fame
This is absolutely true. Gut really is quite durable as far as I'm concerned, and VS Gut lasts twice as long as most multis in the same gauge. I keep seeing people posting about gut being not durable at all and stuff, and do wonder. I only use multis in hybrids with poly mains, and that's because it's a waste to hybrid gut with poly as the poly dies far quicker. Full bed, always full gut and never multi, unless it's a 'rain' stick. And playability wise gut is superior as well.
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