Is there a multi that's lower-powered than NXT that is still has feel/control and is comfortable? And a bit more spin friendly?

[matchpointread]

Hey everyone,

So I'm looking to find a string that fits my flatter-hitting style while I tend to some arm soreness. Natural gut is too powerful, but I've liked NRG2 16's very consistent play and higher playability duration and NXT 16's excellent feel and control while it lasts. I had the NRG2 strung at 58 lbs in my modded Yonex VCore SV 95 (approx. 13.6 oz), but it was a bit too powerful (put a poly in the crosses afterwards which caused my arm pain). As I really enjoy NXT's feel and control, I wished for a bit more something like spin/crispness/ball grab so I get the ball to dip when I increase my racquet head speed.

I haven't tried NXT since I added the weight to my racquet, so I thinking to put in the thinner NXT 17 to get some more grab/spin. However, if you know of a different string that fits better, please let me know.

Other things to know:
- I'm not a string breaker, so durability isn't an issue.
- I've tried Head Velocity MLT in the past in lighter racquets and think it would be too firm right now. However, tell plz me if you know if it softens up in +12 oz racquets.
- Current setup is GOSM 18 M 52 lbs/E-Matrix 17 C 56 lbs and it's still to firm, so a solid-core syn mains are out for me right now.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

[fjcamry]

There’s this kirschbaum syngut multi 16g that’s seems to be a basic multifilament but better comfort and feel than the basic syngut. It has more spin and ball grab than the basic syngut by kirschbaum.


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[matchpointread]

Hey FJcamry, I see the Kirschbaum Touch Multifiber 16 on TW. I'll look into it more, but sounds promising. Thx!

 

[tennis4me]

Try Gosen AK Pro CX 17 - according to TW's string comparison tool, it has one of the highest Spin Potential for a multifilament string. I have tried it myself and not sure if I agree with the high Spin Potential rating, but it does have decent spin compared to NXT, X-One Biphase. Plus the Pro CX 17 is somewhat crisp with decent ball pocketing. It lasted me about 20 hours of play. It doesn't fray much, but it just snapped when it was time. It has very good tension maintenance, but after some time, the string doesn't snap back as well because it loses it's slippery coating. It's on sale for $7.99 (from $8.99) - for that price, I think it's a good price/performance value.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

softer string options!, with multi type comfort:
look into babolat.origin, soft buttery feel, mono string, unique feel
look into luxilon.smart, soft version of a softpoly
also head.fxp.tour is a multi wrap multi, that might fit your interest

 

[etd]

Tecnifibre Multifeel or Gosen AK Pro CX as mentioned a couple of spots above.

 

[ByeByePoly]

Hey everyone,

So I'm looking to find a string that fits my flatter-hitting style while I tend to some arm soreness. Natural gut is too powerful, but I've liked NRG2 16's very consistent play and higher playability duration and NXT 16's excellent feel and control while it lasts. I had the NRG2 strung at 58 lbs in my modded Yonex VCore SV 95 (approx. 13.6 oz), but it was a bit too powerful (put a poly in the crosses afterwards which caused my arm pain). As I really enjoy NXT's feel and control, I wished for a bit more something like spin/crispness/ball grab so I get the ball to dip when I increase my racquet head speed.

I haven't tried NXT since I added the weight to my racquet, so I thinking to put in the thinner NXT 17 to get some more grab/spin. However, if you know of a different string that fits better, please let me know.

Other things to know:
- I'm not a string breaker, so durability isn't an issue.
- I've tried Head Velocity MLT in the past in lighter racquets and think it would be too firm right now. However, tell plz me if you know if it softens up in +12 oz racquets.
- Current setup is GOSM 18 M 52 lbs/E-Matrix 17 C 56 lbs and it's still to firm, so a solid-core syn mains are out for me right now.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

What tension did you play Velocity?

Edit: if you liked gut, but just want to tame it without poly ... check out @Traffic 's gut/Velocity thread ... also his gut/cream thread.

 

[matchpointread]

What tension did you play Velocity?

Edit: if you liked gut, but just want to tame it without poly ... check out @Traffic 's gut/Velocity thread ... also his gut/cream thread.

What tension did you play Velocity?

Edit: if you liked gut, but just want to tame it without poly ... check out @Traffic 's gut/Velocity thread ... also his gut/cream thread.

Low to mid 50's, but I don't remember exactly.

Not that gut is bad (my fav so far was Pacific Classic 16L - seems discontinued), but it's just too powerful.

 

[matchpointread]

Try Gosen AK Pro CX 17 - according to TW's string comparison tool, it has one of the highest Spin Potential for a multifilament string. I have tried it myself and not sure if I agree with the high Spin Potential rating, but it does have decent spin compared to NXT, X-One Biphase. Plus the Pro CX 17 is somewhat crisp with decent ball pocketing. It lasted me about 20 hours of play. It doesn't fray much, but it just snapped when it was time. It has very good tension maintenance, but after some time, the string doesn't snap back as well because it loses it's slippery coating. It's on sale for $7.99 (from $8.99) - for that price, I think it's a good price/performance value.

Hey tennis4me, TW's description says it's a solid-core. But does it feel like a solid-core or a multi? Apparently, Alpha Gut 2000 is a solid-core, but it does feel like a multi in terms of comfort when I tried it. I moved on because it was too muted and took too much effort to generate a tiny bit of spin in 16g and 18g.

 

[matchpointread]

Tecnifibre Multifeel or Gosen AK Pro CX as mentioned a couple of spots above.

Hi etd, here's nearly the same response I gave another:

TW's description says they have solid-cores. But do they feel like solid-cores or a multis? Apparently, Alpha Gut 2000 is a solid-core, but it does feel like a multi in terms of comfort when I tried it.

 

[ByeByePoly]

Low to mid 50's, but I don't remember exactly.

Not that gut is bad (my fav so far was Pacific Classic 16L - seems discontinued), but it's just too powerful.

If you played low 50s ... then you gave it a good test. I like fb 52 much more than fb 55.

AK Pro CX comes in a mono version and a multi (multi not available in US).

I played the mono 16g as mains with V crosses ... excellent. Search @Znak posts on AK Pro CX.

All in 16g natural ... my post TE elbow found Velocity, Origin and AK Pro CX all arm friendly, but both Origin and CX slightly stiffer than V.

I would happily use any of the following 16g setups in competition:

fb Velocity @52
AK Pro CX/V @54/52
Origin/V @55/52

I have gone back to fb V at this point ... no sense fighting it, I play my best overall with it.

CX mono was really nice as a main with V, added some crispness and feel ... and some pop. V is the most muted of the three strings, CX the most crisp.

Edit: yes, CX mono felt solid core ... but in a good way. Same with Origin ... feels more solid core than multi. But then V doesn't ever fray with me ... so is that a multi?

 

[matchpointread]

Hey ByeByePoly, usually Velocity is on my short list of possibilities to experiment as a hybrid cross. I found it to have a bit of feel yet slightly muted, medium powered, and somewhat firm multi string. However, its a touch too firm right now for me. Testing polys really beat up my arm, and I know NRG2 and NXT gave me zero issues. But I had minor arm pain while using V as fb and in mains.

All the info is very helpful though, much appreicated!

 

[esgee48]

Feel, control and comfort? Try FXP, FXP Tour, Rip Control, IntelliTour. The 'tour' strings can generate spin without that much effort. PPC is also good for flat hitters.

edit: Switch to 16 Ga strings and use the same ref tension. Lower DT, so less hard on the arm. Thicker strings will also reduce the total amount of pace unless you swing really hard. Since you said you are NOT a string breaker....

 

[tennis4me]

Hey tennis4me, TW's description says it's a solid-core. But does it feel like a solid-core or a multi? Apparently, Alpha Gut 2000 is a solid-core, but it does feel like a multi in terms of comfort when I tried it. I moved on because it was too muted and took too much effort to generate a tiny bit of spin in 16g and 18g.

Sorry, of course TW's description is correct. It's a solid core surrounded by some multifilament (per packaging picture). It probably plays somewhat in the middle of a solid core and multifilament. Having said that, it's supposed to be less stiff than X-One Biphase which is a multifilament.

I also have Head RIP Control in some of my racquets - I like the softness, pocketing and spin of RIP Control, but it's very muted - and I believe you're trying to stay away from muted strings. Numbers in the TW String tools is a good starting point, but nothing beats a play test because sometimes a supposedly stiffer string doesn't feel that stiff, etc.

 

[matchpointread]

Sorry, of course TW's description is correct. It's a solid core surrounded by some multifilament (per packaging picture). It probably plays somewhat in the middle of a solid core and multifilament. Having said that, it's supposed to be less stiff than X-One Biphase which is a multifilament.

I also have Head RIP Control in some of my racquets - I like the softness, pocketing and spin of RIP Control, but it's very muted - and I believe you're trying to stay away from muted strings. Numbers in the TW String tools is a good starting point, but nothing beats a play test because sometimes a supposedly stiffer string doesn't feel that stiff, etc.

All good! The AK Pro CX 17 will be worth considering in the future post "angry arm" issues. Thx!

 

[Kalethan]

Currently having a love affair with Velocity mains and Zyex monogut crosses, 16 gauge, black. If you’re not a string breaker, and want a realistically spin-conducive stringbed that plays pretty consistently throughout its life while remaining arm-friendly, i’m going to say this setup is allowing me to play very well with no pain in a stiff 95in^2 racquet that used to hurt my wrist and elbow 5 years ago even with hybrids. I’ve been going 55mains/50crosses, and am very happy with the comfort, performance, and longevity


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[blai212]

velocity/OGSM mains with SPPP/yonex PTP crosses imo...if you feel like velocity/OGSM too firm then lower tension...as for the crosses, SPPP (signum pro poly plasma) and poly tour pro are great copolys that are soft that provide muted/low powered feel and also smooth and round to promote snapback action in mains for increased spin potential at a great price point.


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[ByeByePoly]

@matchpointread ... what is your arm issue? TE? How long?

Resting the arm may be the answer, and then picking strings. Assuming you can keep playing through it ... I wouldn't take any chances of making it worse. If NXT or NRG works without causing pain ... stick with it. You will most likely pick different strings with a fully healed (or healed but degraded ... my post TE elbow) arm later anyway. You are lucky you hit a flatter/flattish ball (same here), because you have no reason to ever play with poly again.

I assume you are playing NXT and not NXT Control (some poly in it).

NXT 16 is listed at 174 stiffness, and 17g at 156? The 16g appears to be stiffer than Velocity 16g (from other source than TW) ... that is why you have to try strings for yourself.

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/comparestrings.php

http://www.tennisindustrymag.com/articles/2016/03/12_guide_to_strings_string_sel.html

Edit: that took a while ... tracked down Tennis Industry Mag NXT 16 stiffness ... 198 (2006). Assuming their testing remained constant ... that is in comparison to Velocity 16 153 (2016)

http://www.tennisindustrymag.com/articles/2006/09/string_selector_map_2006.html

 

[matchpointread]

I probably would play with poly if my arm could handle it. I demoed a 2018 RF97 with 4G and was pretty impressed with the control and my ability to increase my swing speed and keep the ball in the court, but my arm was on fire after few games. This was after I hybrided my racquet with Pro Line II 17 crosses at 52 lbs, of which, in hindsight, I now know began the the pain about a couple weeks ago.

Yes to NXT, not NXT Control. My first go-to string was Prince Lightning XX 16 silver which was has good playability duration, but I used 2 dampeners to lower the vibration. It has polyester ribbons, so I know even a little poly isn't good for me.

If a string is too firm, I'll feel it in my elbow and/or wrist. Currently also feeling pain in my shoulder when I play, but it's reducing. I'm not worried enough to not play, but I do know that I need a soft string setup. Yes, NRG and NXT are solid go-to strings for me, but they aren't quite there. Nevertheless, I'm not willing to risk my arm on a non-multi right now, and I would rest if the pain was getting worse. Taking some of your good bit of advice, maybe I'll try NRG and NXT in black.

I don't focus stiffness ratings #'s anymore, but I often will lookup thickness measurements. Nevertheless, if you like those ratings ByeByePoly, here's a good list from the same site as the other two you sent as well:

http://www.tennisindustrymag.com/articles/2012/01/string_selector_2012.html

 

[Andy Miller]

Dunlop Silk low powered and very soft on the arm. Spin is better then NXT IMHO. This is a very under rated string

 

[GeoffHYL]

I have LaserFibre Laser 1200 in a couple of my racquets. It is very soft, very spin friendly. The TW spin potential rating on it is 5.7, which is pretty good for a multi. I have had nagging TE issues for months after trying a heavy racquet with poly in it. With the LaserFibre my arm actually feels better after playing than it does before, and the TE is nearly gone even though I played 3 consecutive days last week.

The only downside is durability. I have 30 hours of doubles on the strings and they are heavily notched in places, getting close to breaking. I'm not a string breaker and have another racquet with Babolat Spiraltek in it with 60 hours on the string and much less wear. Still, 30 hours is acceptable for me, and is longer than some other multis I have tried.

 

[matchpointread]

I have LaserFibre Laser 1200 in a couple of my racquets. It is very soft, very spin friendly. The TW spin potential rating on it is 5.7, which is pretty good for a multi. I have had nagging TE issues for months after trying a heavy racquet with poly in it. With the LaserFibre my arm actually feels better after playing than it does before, and the TE is nearly gone even though I played 3 consecutive days last week.

The only downside is durability. I have 30 hours of doubles on the strings and they are heavily notched in places, getting close to breaking. I'm not a string breaker and have another racquet with Babolat Spiraltek in it with 60 hours on the string and much less wear. Still, 30 hours is acceptable for me, and is longer than some other multis I have tried.

Hi GeoffHYL, how's the power on the LL1200?

 

[GeoffHYL]

Hi GeoffHYL, how's the power on the LL1200?

It is very controlled. No problem with the ball flying on me. With the spin that can be generated it is pretty easy to keep the ball in on fast swings. Touch is pretty good as well. I bought the racquet used and strung, so I don't know the exact tension, but I would guess high 40's to low 50's.

 

[Steve Williams]

How about Ashaway Dynamite 17?

Try full bed or with a soft thin poly cross or maybe Velocity as a cross.

Soft, quite powerful, good tension maintenance. I’m using it at the moment as a mains with Grapplesnake Irukandje crosses at 52/48 in a prince phantom pro 100p.

 

[SeeItHitIt]

Yes, it’s called natural gut! Ok, it has big power but does everything a multi can do (except play in the rain a lot) and lasts 3+x longer (for a great many players). I used to use NXT power. Tried others, but for whatever reason drifted back to NXT as it seemed to be the best all around. Since stringing a guy/poly hybrid I couldn’t imagine ever playing with multi again.

 

[fed1]

I found Technifibre HDX Tour to have more control, it had a crisp/comfortable feel. A bit pricey though.

 

[AA7]

Does anyone use NXT Duramax at all? how is that string?

 

[blai212]

soft poly strung at the right tension goes a long way...


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[Steve Williams]

Laserfibre Supreme is a nice multi and feels quite crisp to me.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Does anyone use NXT Duramax at all? how is that string?

I string it up all the time at work, but never use it myself
1 thing though, nxt has several similar options for specific situations (Duramax, power, os)
nxt-duramax is nxt with a slightly better durability feature, good for open pattern racquets that want more durability
and I also find it hardest to tell string differences (contruction, color), when it comes to multis,,
so to answer your question,, I think youll find it closely similar in feel

 

[1HBHfanatic]

soft poly strung at the right tension goes a long way...


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depends on the racquet also, but yes I agree with you on this
most polys at low/low tensions would/could feel good on most racquets
some lighter/tighter pattern racquets might disagree

 

[matchpointread]

If you're looking to help, no natural gut, polys, or single/solid core syn strings please. My arm and I both thank you

 

[Dartagnan64]

I've tried Head Velocity MLT in the past in lighter racquets and think it would be too firm right now. However, tell plz me if you know if it softens up in +12 oz racquets.

I'm using it in my Phantom which is 12.2 oz. Feels plenty soft but I'm using 17g at 52lbs.

 

[emn8]

Mantis Comfort if comfort is your overriding requirement. Average static stiffness 0.5. By comparison Velocity and xcel are 0.73 and x-one at 0.7. solinco x-natural would also be a good option with 0.53. Of course durability of MCS and X-natural are its achilles heel. Stands to reason as they are amongst the softest multi's out there.

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[KaiserW]

Easy one NXT Control

 

[JamesV]

Hey everyone,

So I'm looking to find a string that fits my flatter-hitting style while I tend to some arm soreness. Natural gut is too powerful, but I've liked NRG2 16's very consistent play and higher playability duration and NXT 16's excellent feel and control while it lasts. I had the NRG2 strung at 58 lbs in my modded Yonex VCore SV 95 (approx. 13.6 oz), but it was a bit too powerful (put a poly in the crosses afterwards which caused my arm pain). As I really enjoy NXT's feel and control, I wished for a bit more something like spin/crispness/ball grab so I get the ball to dip when I increase my racquet head speed.

I haven't tried NXT since I added the weight to my racquet, so I thinking to put in the thinner NXT 17 to get some more grab/spin. However, if you know of a different string that fits better, please let me know.

Other things to know:
- I'm not a string breaker, so durability isn't an issue.
- I've tried Head Velocity MLT in the past in lighter racquets and think it would be too firm right now. However, tell plz me if you know if it softens up in +12 oz racquets.
- Current setup is GOSM 18 M 52 lbs/E-Matrix 17 C 56 lbs and it's still to firm, so a solid-core syn mains are out for me right now.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Try Tourna Synthetic Gut Armor 17g. Not a multi, but soft and still spin-friendly and it maintains tension very well. If you want to firm up the string bed just a little, add Prince Warrior Response 16g as crosses. String both near the lower end of your racquet's recommended string tension.

 

[Jacks1989]

I have found new Wilson Sensation 'Plus' to be much more comfortable than NXT's. It also seems more durable as it doesn't fray as quickly as NXT's not to mention it is also half the price which is a big plus for me.

I cant comment on the playability wise as I haven't tested them long enough but the Sensation Plus does has more power though comparing to the NXT's. I've also heard good things about Head Velocity but I also cant comment much about it as I have never tried it myself but perhaps you can look into it?

 

[matchpointread]

I have found new Wilson Sensation 'Plus' to be much more comfortable than NXT's. It also seems more durable as it doesn't fray as quickly as NXT's not to mention it is also half the price which is a big plus for me.

I cant comment on the playability wise as I haven't tested them long enough but the Sensation Plus does has more power though comparing to the NXT's. I've also heard good things about Head Velocity but I also cant comment much about it as I have never tried it myself but perhaps you can look into it?

Hey jacks1989, do the strings get stuck out of place?

 

[SteveI]

Laserfibre Supreme is a nice multi and feels quite crisp to me.

I have used this string and it checks many of the boxes the OP is looking for. Sort of lower powered and crisp. I was using it in the mains with a slick poly cross. Getting great spin and feel. One of the newer next gen multis. Has some poly like attributes.

Drop a message to the LF Team... they might extend a sample in return for a review. Great company!!

 

[matchpointread]

Try Tourna Synthetic Gut Armor 17g. Not a multi, but soft and still spin-friendly and it maintains tension very well. If you want to firm up the string bed just a little, add Prince Warrior Response 16g as crosses. String both near the lower end of your racquet's recommended string tension.

Hi JamesV, does the Tourna Syn Gut Armor get stuck out of place?

 

[WestboroChe]

There’s this kirschbaum syngut multi 16g that’s seems to be a basic multifilament but better comfort and feel than the basic syngut. It has more spin and ball grab than the basic syngut by kirschbaum.


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Ditto that’s a good one. I can also recommend Prince Premier Control.

 

[Jacks1989]

Hey jacks1989, do the strings get stuck out of place?

All multi's string move from my experience. Wilson Sensation Plus move a little less than NXT's due to a thicker gauge. 1.34mm

 

[GBplayer]

Try NXT Power 18, I use at 59/54 in a 16/21 string pattern without much movement.

 

[Steve Williams]

I haven’t tried it myself but how about Head IntelliTour?

 

[JackStraw225]

I've abandoned polyester in recent months. Even softer polyesters, like Cream or WC Silverstring, bring on the twinges in the elbow. I'm addicted to the spin generated by poly but it's just not worth risking long term injury.

I'm liking Velocity 17g a lot. Good spin, good control, power is not great but I will try stringing lower next time. Soon I plan to try OGSM 17g mains and Velocity 17g cross. I just strung up a Phantom Pro 100P with Velocity mains/OGSM cross, so I'll see how that plays first.

I really liked OGSM/Cream until my elbow flared up again.

 

[JamesV]

Hey everyone,

So I'm looking to find a string that fits my flatter-hitting style while I tend to some arm soreness. Natural gut is too powerful, but I've liked NRG2 16's very consistent play and higher playability duration and NXT 16's excellent feel and control while it lasts. I had the NRG2 strung at 58 lbs in my modded Yonex VCore SV 95 (approx. 13.6 oz), but it was a bit too powerful (put a poly in the crosses afterwards which caused my arm pain). As I really enjoy NXT's feel and control, I wished for a bit more something like spin/crispness/ball grab so I get the ball to dip when I increase my racquet head speed.

I haven't tried NXT since I added the weight to my racquet, so I thinking to put in the thinner NXT 17 to get some more grab/spin. However, if you know of a different string that fits better, please let me know.

Other things to know:
- I'm not a string breaker, so durability isn't an issue.
- I've tried Head Velocity MLT in the past in lighter racquets and think it would be too firm right now. However, tell plz me if you know if it softens up in +12 oz racquets.
- Current setup is GOSM 18 M 52 lbs/E-Matrix 17 C 56 lbs and it's still to firm, so a solid-core syn mains are out for me right now.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Pro Supex Maxim Touch
Genesis Xplosion
Genesis Thunder Blast

Also try agreat soft and durable syn gut is Tourna Synthetic Gut Armour (try both 17 and 16).
If you like your syn gut a slight stiffer, try Pro Supex Syn Gut Spiral Flex

 

[Muppet]

TF Multifeel - It's a great multi for a non string breaker
NXT Duramax - A little more cushioned than NXT and more durable. The 16g is a little thicker. What is the string pattern of your Yonex?
Pro's Pro Gutex Ultra - get a couple of extra packs and try it 2 lbs. lower than you would string NXT.
Alpha Gut 2000 17 - You've tried the other 2 gauges, but give this one a try. Go 1 lb. lower than NXT. It's soft and dead, but has great control.

 

[blai212]

u could try using natural gut at a higher tension and/or use it in mains with a soft low powered poly in the cross to tame the power of gut. Signum pro poly plasma is a really nice cross string that fits that bill. I use it as a cross in all my setups. Prince premier touch is a multi that feels very similar to gut. If you think gut is too powerful, you probably jus need to string it tighter. Plus, 70% of the feel from the string bed is from the mains so using full bed of a pricey string is kind of a waste. Finding cheap polys that provide the simple attributes that you seek is cost effective...in my case, I like smooth round soft low powered poly that retains tension well and provides the feel and snapback that I want since it is smooth/round.


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