Multis that keep their position?

[Dartagnan64]

So we know that Poly and poly hybrids are less prone to strings getting out of position and needing constant readjustments. I swear half the rec players I know use poly strings for that purpose alone.

Typically I use gut/poly in my Phantoms but with the Phantom 107G, that might be overkill since the open string bed provides enough spin. So I was wondering if I should change to multi or syn gut and save a few bucks. But then I stop myself because I hate readjusting strings after every point. So what are the multis out there that are best at not needing string adjustment?

From personal experience, Head Velocity is pretty good but I find the coating wears especially on clay courts and the problem rears it's ugly head once again.
Any others to consider?

 

[mikeler]

Doesn't exist, release your OCD!

 

[Arak]

Any multi with high springiness will always return to their position. Elastic non springy ones will not. Example of springy multi: all the NXT family. Example of non springy multi: all of Head multis and Wilson Sensation. You have to have a reasonable tension for that to happen. I string NXT at 25-26 kg.

 

[Frankc]

So much always comes back to string pattern and size of frame. In a 90 - 95 head with a tight 16X20 (think Pacific) or an 18X20 your problem is probably gone. (And that good multi will play on and well far longer. The new softer multis are a great advance in strings for 90-95 frames.)
I still smile how a 16X19 (pretty open ) pattern on a 100 frame is sorta the standard now - denser patterns allow you far more control and feel. Oh, I forgot, silly me, SPIN,SPIN, & SPIN... and more SPIN...

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-i tried several multis for that very reason (movement), on similar sticks
-my findings: MOST of the more pricy ones tend to hold out a bit better, than the lower price ones
-i compared wilson, head, babolat, pros.pro, volkl,
-all strings were great at first, but as i mentioned, a day or two latter, they started to get stuck out of place, some surprisingly quicker than others
-h.velocity was the big surprise for me, and now my goto multi mow, h.velocity out performed most of the others i tested
-w.nxt has a nice feel and performed well, but it also started to move quicker than h.velocity
-babo;at was a let down, moved about as fast as the pp strings, the outer coating is just to thin and wears through quick
-volkl is nice, in general volkl makes good stuff, but it did not perform better than wilson or head
-all ^ IMO/IME

-i gotta say, MOST of the multis i tried, "even at time of cutting" had life in them, (i saw/heard a snap=elasticity when cutting),
-the wear on the slick outer coating is the Achilles-heel on multis!!
-once the outer coating is rubbed off, the inner fibers dont stand a chance, FOR ALL multis

 

[proracketeer]

-i tried several multis for that very reason (movement), on similar sticks
-my findings: MOST of the more pricy ones tend to hold out a bit better, than the lower price ones
-i compared wilson, head, babolat, pros.pro, volkl,
-all strings were great at first, but as i mentioned, a day or two latter, they started to get stuck out of place, some surprisingly quicker than others
-h.velocity was the big surprise for me, and now my goto multi mow, h.velocity out performed most of the others i tested
-w.nxt has a nice feel and performed well, but it also started to move quicker than h.velocity
-babo;at was a let down, moved about as fast as the pp strings, the outer coating is just to thin and wears through quick
-volkl is nice, in general volkl makes good stuff, but it did not perform better than wilson or head
-all ^ IMO/IME

-i gotta say, MOST of the multis i tried, "even at time of cutting" had life in them, (i saw/heard a snap=elasticity when cutting),
-the wear on the slick outer coating is the Achilles-heel on multis!!
-once the outer coating is rubbed off, the inner fibers dont stand a chance, FOR ALL multis

why don't they wrap their multis with a thin layer of polyester? really a no-brainer!

 

[Pneumated1]

Tecnifibre Multifeel

 

[Dartagnan64]

Doesn't exist, release your OCD!

I suspect. Velocity is my gold standard and even it suffers on clay. Guess I'll stick with gut/poly.

I'm surprised the industry hasn't developed a non-poly string that has a durable slick coating. Seems a no brainer best selling cross string for the guy that can invent it.

 

[esgee48]

They do have multis with polyester shealth. NXT Control is such an animal. However, being a shealth, does not help with durability.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

So we know that Poly and poly hybrids are less prone to strings getting out of position and needing constant readjustments. I swear half the rec players I know use poly strings for that purpose alone.

Typically I use gut/poly in my Phantoms but with the Phantom 107G, that might be overkill since the open string bed provides enough spin. So I was wondering if I should change to multi or syn gut and save a few bucks. But then I stop myself because I hate readjusting strings after every point. So what are the multis out there that are best at not needing string adjustment?

From personal experience, Head Velocity is pretty good but I find the coating wears especially on clay courts and the problem rears it's ugly head once again.
Any others to consider?

Why not poly/multi? I quite like it.

 

[LOBALOT]

Why not poly/multi? I quite like it.

Lux Element

 

[1HBHfanatic]

They do have multis with polyester shealth. NXT Control is such an animal. However, being a shealth, does not help with durability.

why don't they wrap their multis with a thin layer of polyester? really a no-brainer!

-as esgee48 said, companies have been trying for many years
-several companies have also inserted poly fibers (newest i know is tecnifibre.TRIAX)
-tourna.quasigut is also one i've tried, with multi fibers and poly-ribbons (did not like it, on a 18/20 frame),
-all i've personally tried, have changed the "soft feel" of the multi

 

[gold325]

Technifibre Triax holds position really well

 

[n8dawg6]

NXT doest move around too much on me ... in a tight pattern. very springy string, though. frays and pops very quickly

every multi i have ever used in an open pattern (speed MP, for example), moves and sticks like crazy right outta the gate

 

[Christoforos Giatzakis]

multifeel black

 

[dominikk1985]

Poly moves out of position too, it just snaps back. So I think the issue is not to find a string that doesn't move but a string that doesn't lock out of position but is able to snap back.

 

[2nd Serve Ace]

Doing the center mains a few lbs up in tension can help.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Why not poly/multi? I quite like it.

I might consider it. Although I'm always worried the poly will be a bit too harsh as a main.

-as esgee48 said, companies have been trying for many years
-several companies have also inserted poly fibers (newest i know is tecnifibre.TRIAX)
-tourna.quasigut is also one i've tried, with multi fibers and poly-ribbons (did not like it, on a 18/20 frame),
-all i've personally tried, have changed the "soft feel" of the multi

The issue would be to make the coating slick but not use polyester to do it. Surely polyester isn't the only durable and slick substance on this planet? Something more resilient. Whatever happened to Teflon?

 

[graycrait]

Whatever happened to Teflon?

I've used this before and after a hit. Seems to have some impact. It has Teflon in it. However, this thread "forced" me to order both dry graphite and pure teflon lube sprays Why? I am through with poly and want snap back in multis and syn gut. Best long lasting snap back I have seen is in Ash Kev x Zyex. No notching or sticking until the Zyex saws through the Ash Kev or "how to bend your strings while roping that full Western grip forehand without using poly"

 

[1HBHfanatic]

The issue would be to make the coating slick but not use polyester to do it. Surely polyester isn't the only durable and slick substance on this planet? Something more resilient. Whatever happened to Teflon?

-here it is, best cross string thus far,, thats is not a poly,, GAMA.glyde!!
-super slick synthetic,,, but check out the price

Gamma Glide Cross 16/1.30 String Half Set | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Slowtwitcher]

-here it is, best cross string thus far,, thats is not a poly,, GAMA.glyde!!
-super slick synthetic,,, but check out the price

Gamma Glide Cross 16/1.30 String Half Set | Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com

Not really super-slick. Pretty high string-to-string COF.

 

[jangotango]

Tecnifibre HDMX snaps back really well and returns very close to original positioning when there are few hours on it. Price sucks but it's worth a shot.

 

[mikeler]

I tried sprays, hybrids, everything under the sun. I finally realized I had to get over my OCD.

 

[Steve Williams]

I guess you are thinking of replacing the gut with the multi or syngut and keeping the poly. I use Laserfibre Supreme in mains and soft round poly in crosses. Not much movement for me.

 

[proracketeer]

-as esgee48 said, companies have been trying for many years
-several companies have also inserted poly fibers (newest i know is tecnifibre.TRIAX)
-tourna.quasigut is also one i've tried, with multi fibers and poly-ribbons (did not like it, on a 18/20 frame),
-all i've personally tried, have changed the "soft feel" of the multi

polyester tubing?

 

[FIRETennis]

I think the mains not snapping back isn't just OCD, but an indicator of increased friction and therefore loss of spin due to less snapback of the mains.
I've experienced this with old 20h+ full bed poly, old frayed gut mains, most strings after 4-5h on clay and when using multis.
As soon as this happens, spin and the game suffers.
With that being said Head Velocity has been the best multi that I've tried as a cross and works great with slick poly mains. I haven't tried yet as a main with poly cross. The price is fantastic too for what it offers.
Multi crosses did not work with gut mains for me at all. There was zero bite and very little spin.
I would really only use a multi if comfort is an issue and you dislike any of the popular soft polys.

 

[taylor15]

Another vote for multifeel.

 

[mike schiffer]

gamma live wire

 

[1HBHfanatic]

multifeel black

Another vote for multifeel.

-have you 2 been able to compare with other multis?
-what do you like about this one?
-what did you notice most about this one, vs others you have tried?

 

[Villain]

Another vote for Multifeel, especially the black. Also Technifibre Triax and RPX.

 

[Christoforos Giatzakis]

-have you 2 been able to compare with other multis?
-what do you like about this one?
-what did you notice most about this one, vs others you have tried?

I've tried many multis.....
Black or blue multifeel is somewhat firmer compared to mainstream premium multis (e.g NXT or X1 biphase) similar to velocity on this matter though I would say it feels a little softer than velocity.
You can string it low e.g 21-22kg and it still has nice control and is not overly powerful.
It's very slippery and when in full bed, strings never stay out of place.
I get more spin with this than with velocity.
It performs very well as mains in a hybrid with soft polys (i've tried it with T1 GW and oehms black pearl rough) but it notches and lasts a little less.
Did I mention it's cheap?

 

[gold325]

-have you 2 been able to compare with other multis?
-what do you like about this one?
-what did you notice most about this one, vs others you have tried?

This review was pretty much spot on I feel.

 

[Arak]

Multifeel looks interesting, but in the string database, it is mentioned as having polyurethane filaments so it’s a kind of hybrid just like Triax. Is that accurate?

 

[taylor15]

-have you 2 been able to compare with other multis?
-what do you like about this one?
-what did you notice most about this one, vs others you have tried?

For me, I've only used multifeel black. I think it's got some sort of coating on it as they slide back in place very well.
Likes:
Stays in place
spin friendly for a multi
A bit less power than some others (subjective to if it's good or bad)
I feel like the tension maintenance is pretty good. I haven't read numbers or anything from TW specs so take this for what it's worth as it's personal feel. With Multifeel I can play 8-10 hours and it frays or breaks if I shank. X-One and NRG2 as a comparison I can play okay for about 4 hours and then I'm sending balls into outer space. X-One especially gets launchy.
To agree with someone above, price point is great for what you're getting.

I play full beds of multi in my 93p at 55lbs and my NTour 90 at 56lbs. These are 'practice is over and lets have fun' sticks for me, I do not try to compete with them. For hybrid setups I use in my UT/UPs I am playing NXT mains and Element crosses

Dislikes:
I prefer a bit more of a powerful multi when I hybrid (hence the NXT)
Isn't the most durable, but not really any worse than other multis I've tried

 

[Slowtwitcher]

Guys... the strings don't stay in place... they snap back after ball strike.

 

[Shroud]

Guys... the strings don't stay in place... they snap back after ball strike.

The problem is that no one sees the snapback. So all they can judge is what the strings are doing when the look at the stringbed. Strings that are perfect have "stayed in place" but as you point out they actually moved out of place on impact but the friction was small enough that they can come back to the starting place. Beds where there is too much friction the strings never get back fully and are wavy. So people say they are moving....but they are not moving enough!

Multis are soft, dent easily and are multifilaments. So they easily create friction and stop snapback. Good luck.

@Dartagnan64 best bet is to use BAB electrocrosses with your multi of choice (like a whole pack) or monogut zx, which is the product of a secret love affair between VS gut and a soft poly

 

[taylor15]

Guys... the strings don't stay in place... they snap back after ball strike.

Yeah, and some people in my field pronounce data as data. Still same thing in the meaning

 

[Slowtwitcher]

Yeah, and some people in my field pronounce data as data. Still same thing in the meaning

Not to cast aspersions on your field, being a truck driver is a noble profession, but there's an important difference that people need to understand in order to pick strings. Otherwise a locked stringbed might be seen as a good thing, strings never move.

 

[taylor15]

Not to cast aspersions on your field, being a truck driver is a noble profession, but there's an important difference that people need to understand in order to pick strings. Otherwise a locked stringbed might be seen as a good thing, strings never move.

I know what you mean, and don’t disagree. I Have had thaT problem.
I’m a data engineer and I think the joke didn’t translate well. We always joke about the difference between day-ta and dah-ta. In the end, it’s pronounced however you boss says it.

 

[Dartagnan64]

I've used multifeel and velocity and prefer velocity personally both for performance and string maintenance. Normally I'd be dialing up a bunch of Origin/Velociy hybrids in 16g but I can't find Origin anywhere.

 

[matchpointread]

I'm not a string breaker, so I can't personally speak to durability. But I love a non-poly string that snaps back well, and stays playable and consistent for a long time.

I haven't played with all the Multi-feel colors, but the 17g in pink is the slickest string I've seen. I read a comment a while ago about the color and how good it is, and tried it as a cross (w/ Tourna Syn Gut Armor black 17@ 40 lbs) over the weekend. I had to get over the color, and so glad I did. It is super slick like a poly, and I can't say that about anything else I've tried.

Gosen AK pro and/or AK pro cx are others to consider if you want poly-like performance, but I say this based on reviews only.

Another to mention is Alpha Sphere, but my experience with it was brief. It had good reviews, but I returned the racquet after a couple outings. The string itself was powerful, good snapback, and had the best spin from a 16g multi I've seen.

If you don't care about big access to spin and want the strings to snap back well for a long time, NXT Power (not original NXT) and NRG2 (I've never tried X-1) do that for me. As a cross, Velocity is up there, but a full bed of it goes dead in about a month max for me.

I rarely play on clay, but I hope this helps.

 

[gazz1]

I suspect. Velocity is my gold standard and even it suffers on clay. Guess I'll stick with gut/poly.

I'm surprised the industry hasn't developed a non-poly string that has a durable slick coating. Seems a no brainer best selling cross string for the guy that can invent it.

I played with Klip Armour Pro natural gut a few years back and, if I remember correctly, they had a hard other coating that was relatively slick. Better than velocity which I have a reel of.
A very unique string indeed.