Poly/Multi Hybrid: PPC, Multifeel, or RIP Control for crosses?

[bmr0216]

Planning on trying out a poly/multi hybrid for the first time on a Pure Strike 16x19 3rd gen that I will be purchasing soon. For the poly mains, I've decided on Solinco Confidential.

For the multi crosses, I have narrowed it down to the following low cost options: Prince Premier Control (PPC), Tecnifibre Multifeel, or Head RIP Control. Ideally this string will have a slightly muted feel and soften up the string bed a bit without comprising control or spin too much.

Also, I'm a bit unsure how to approach gauges and tension. Should my poly mains be a thinner gauge than the multi crosses, and should they be strung at a lower or higher tension than the crosses? I was thinking 17g for the mains and 16g or 17g for the crosses.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Polotechnics]

I've just made the same switch. From full poly to hybrid.

Using 1.3 Blast in mains, 1.3 Sensation in crosses.

It's awesome.

Breaks after about 5hrs.

But perfect level of spin and more importantly touch.

My drop shots have improved massively with a multi cross.

I string mains at 53. Cross at 55.

Hope this helps.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[matchpoint9]

Planning on trying out a poly/multi hybrid for the first time on a Pure Strike 16x19 3rd gen that I will be purchasing soon. For the poly mains, I've decided on Solinco Confidential.

For the multi crosses, I have narrowed it down to the following low cost options: Prince Premier Control (PPC), Tecnifibre Multifeel, or Head RIP Control. Ideally this string will have a slightly muted feel and soften up the string bed a bit without comprising control or spin too much.

Also, I'm a bit unsure how to approach gauges and tension. Should my poly mains be a thinner gauge than the multi crosses, and should they be strung at a lower or higher tension than the crosses? I was thinking 17g for the mains and 16g or 17g for the crosses.

Any help is appreciated!

Are you a string breaker or do you worry about durability? I play with 18x20 and not a string breaker so I use 18g Confidential and 17g Head Velocity MLT (previously I used Genesis Thunder Blast - it was awesome but a discontinued product so it’s hard to find).

Find the poly tension that works best for you, then add a few lbs for the multi. Even though poly / multi is a good setup for me, I feel that the multi drops its tension more than the poly. I cut up the string after ~15-20 hrs.


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[bmr0216]

I've just made the same switch. From full poly to hybrid.

Using 1.3 Blast in mains, 1.3 Sensation in crosses.

It's awesome.

Breaks after about 5hrs.

But perfect level of spin and more importantly touch.

My drop shots have improved massively with a multi cross.

I string mains at 53. Cross at 55.

Hope this helps.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Are you a string breaker or do you worry about durability? I play with 18x20 and not a string breaker so I use 18g Confidential and 17g Head Velocity MLT (previously I used Genesis Thunder Blast - it was awesome but a discontinued product so it’s hard to find).

Find the poly tension that works best for you, then add a few lbs for the multi. Even though poly / multi is a good setup for me, I feel that the multi drops its tension more than the poly. I cut up the string after ~15-20 hrs.


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Do either of you find that a shaped poly main cuts into the softer multifilament cross and locks up the stringbed at all? That's my main worry - it seems like a smooth, round poly is generally recommended if doing a hybrid with a softer string.

Because of this, I'm now considering going with ISOSPEED Cream as a cross since it's a smooth and round poly but still soft and comfortable like a multi. I'd imagine the textured mains would glide around much easier on a smooth poly cross vs a multifilament. Or I might just go with a full bed of Confidential at a slightly lower tension. I used to play with RPM as a full bed but found it a bit jarring outside the sweetspot.

The idea of a hybrid really intrigues me, but I'm finding myself a little overwhelmed with all the options and variables.

 

[Hansen]

yes, shaped poly mains shred through multi crosses.
for the start i would use poly in 1.25 mm and the multi at 1.30mm (with +1kg on the multi crosses).
would recommend ppc or head velocity for the start.

 

[matchpoint9]

You’re absolutely right in that way too many variables and choices. I do my own stringing and I’ve tried many, many hybrid combinations. It helps that I do my own stringing, otherwise I’d just try a couple of setups and go with whichever I like better.

I have no issues with shaped poly eating into a softer string, probably because I use a 95 sq inch 18x20, low tension (46 poly mains / 48 multi cross), and my strokes are relatively flat. And I cut my string before it breaks.

So I think your mileage will vary though I’m aware that many people like slippery smooth poly for hybrid use. I did use Red Code Wax Technifiber that was perhaps designed for hybrid — the coating makes it slippery for the mains. I didn’t find any extra benefits from that though. I didn’t notice more spin etc.

The benefit of multi cross, for me: softer feel (even low tension full bed poly can’t match it), bigger sweet spot, excellent for touch shots (I play exclusively doubles). It helps too if you’ve had elbow or wrist injury. If I play mostly singles I’d probably go with full poly.

I’ve never tried Isospeed Cream. IMHO, there’s no easy solution except to try it out for yourself. Just like racquets, strings are personal thing and you need to “demo” them. I’d narrow it down to 2-3 options and try them out. Good luck.


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