Tips for a newbie with the right strings

Drake777

New User
Hello everyone,

I've been playing tennis since around May/June. Prior to that, I played occasionally for fun. I've been taking tennis lessons since the beginning, at least once a week, and I've seen significant progress.

However, towards the end of last year, I had some issues with my arm, specifically my wrist and elbow, so I took precautions. The diagnosis back then was capsulitis.

I play with the Wilson Clash v. 2.0 (100 head size) and ordered multifilament strings that are supposed to be particularly arm-friendly.

As I'm already noticing progress and regularly doing exercises for my arm, I'm wondering what I could optimize with the strings. Would a hybrid setup be beneficial for me? I was thinking of using RPM Rough as mains and Babolat Xcel in the crosses. Does that sound promising?

What's the common opinion regarding durability? I've read that a good multifilament string can last up to 6 months, while poly should be dead after 10 hours of play. Where does the truth lie, and how long can hybrids last?

I would greatly appreciate any advice and further tips. Sorry if my english is bad, it is not my native language.

Best regards,
Drake
 

artdeco

Semi-Pro
Hello everyone,

I've been playing tennis since around May/June. Prior to that, I played occasionally for fun. I've been taking tennis lessons since the beginning, at least once a week, and I've seen significant progress.

However, towards the end of last year, I had some issues with my arm, specifically my wrist and elbow, so I took precautions. The diagnosis back then was capsulitis.

I play with the Wilson Clash v. 2.0 (100 head size) and ordered multifilament strings that are supposed to be particularly arm-friendly.

As I'm already noticing progress and regularly doing exercises for my arm, I'm wondering what I could optimize with the strings. Would a hybrid setup be beneficial for me? I was thinking of using RPM Rough as mains and Babolat Xcel in the crosses. Does that sound promising?

What's the common opinion regarding durability? I've read that a good multifilament string can last up to 6 months, while poly should be dead after 10 hours of play. Where does the truth lie, and how long can hybrids last?

I would greatly appreciate any advice and further tips. Sorry if my english is bad, it is not my native language.

Best regards,
Drake
Plain old synthetic gut in a full bed is still really good. You can go thicker gauge for more durability.
 

tele

Professional
Hello everyone,

I've been playing tennis since around May/June. Prior to that, I played occasionally for fun. I've been taking tennis lessons since the beginning, at least once a week, and I've seen significant progress.

However, towards the end of last year, I had some issues with my arm, specifically my wrist and elbow, so I took precautions. The diagnosis back then was capsulitis.

I play with the Wilson Clash v. 2.0 (100 head size) and ordered multifilament strings that are supposed to be particularly arm-friendly.

As I'm already noticing progress and regularly doing exercises for my arm, I'm wondering what I could optimize with the strings. Would a hybrid setup be beneficial for me? I was thinking of using RPM Rough as mains and Babolat Xcel in the crosses. Does that sound promising?

What's the common opinion regarding durability? I've read that a good multifilament string can last up to 6 months, while poly should be dead after 10 hours of play. Where does the truth lie, and how long can hybrids last?

I would greatly appreciate any advice and further tips. Sorry if my english is bad, it is not my native language.

Best regards,
Drake
i would stay away from poly, including hybrids, until you are confident that you have full, relatively fast swings on both wings and can hit with plenty of spin using a multifilament. even in that case, stay away from poly until your arm is healed. if your current multi feels too powerful, give velocity mlt, triax, or nxt control a try.
 

Drake777

New User
i would stay away from poly, including hybrids, until you are confident that you have full, relatively fast swings on both wings and can hit with plenty of spin using a multifilament. even in that case, stay away from poly until your arm is healed. if your current multi feels too powerful, give velocity mlt, triax, or nxt control a try.
Thank you for your advice! How do you see the durability of multifilament strings? Are there any others, besides Triax, that offer some spin? As a solid club player, what reason would I have to switch to a hybrid setup? I'm interested in how to extend the longevity. How long do you play with your multifilament strings?
 

TennisJrDad

Professional
Have you tried Natural Gut or a hybrid of NG and a Syn Gut?


Hello everyone,

I've been playing tennis since around May/June. Prior to that, I played occasionally for fun. I've been taking tennis lessons since the beginning, at least once a week, and I've seen significant progress.

However, towards the end of last year, I had some issues with my arm, specifically my wrist and elbow, so I took precautions. The diagnosis back then was capsulitis.

I play with the Wilson Clash v. 2.0 (100 head size) and ordered multifilament strings that are supposed to be particularly arm-friendly.

As I'm already noticing progress and regularly doing exercises for my arm, I'm wondering what I could optimize with the strings. Would a hybrid setup be beneficial for me? I was thinking of using RPM Rough as mains and Babolat Xcel in the crosses. Does that sound promising?

What's the common opinion regarding durability? I've read that a good multifilament string can last up to 6 months, while poly should be dead after 10 hours of play. Where does the truth lie, and how long can hybrids last?

I would greatly appreciate any advice and further tips. Sorry if my english is bad, it is not my native language.

Best regards,
Drake
 

Drake777

New User
Have you tried Natural Gut or a hybrid of NG and a Syn Gut?
Hello, thanks for the response. I have to say that in the first 2-3 sessions, I was still using an old Head racket with only 240 grams and a 115-square inch head size. It was huge and lightweight. I think it had poly strings, and I was getting tremendous spin on the court. Since then, due to my health history, I switched to the Clash, which plays well for me, and I also switched to a supposedly arm-friendly multifilament string. I haven't played anything else so far, neither synthetic gut nor natural gut. What advantages do you see in that? What's currently bothering me about my multifilament string is how the strings move back and forth, but from my research, that seems to be completely normal...

An option which gives me >20hrs good playability would be perfect

BTW I am currently using the ATP Comfort strings (expensive) if anyone knows about these…
 

TennisJrDad

Professional
Natural gut, while expensive, tends to last much longer than a multi while giving you as much, if not more, arm protection.

Hello, thanks for the response. I have to say that in the first 2-3 sessions, I was still using an old Head racket with only 240 grams and a 115-square inch head size. It was huge and lightweight. I think it had poly strings, and I was getting tremendous spin on the court. Since then, due to my health history, I switched to the Clash, which plays well for me, and I also switched to a supposedly arm-friendly multifilament string. I haven't played anything else so far, neither synthetic gut nor natural gut. What advantages do you see in that? What's currently bothering me about my multifilament string is how the strings move back and forth, but from my research, that seems to be completely normal...

An option which gives me >20hrs good playability would be perfect

BTW I am currently using the ATP Comfort strings (expensive) if anyone knows about these…
 

Drake777

New User
Natural gut, while expensive, tends to last much longer than a multi while giving you as much, if not more, arm protection.
Thank you! I don't think the arm-friendliness needs to be even stronger. It even was working fine with the poly strings for a while. What's your perspective on the difference between synthetic gut and multifilament, especially in terms of durability? And where do the reports come from that suggest beginners with a good multifilament could theoretically play for a year? Many questions, but I suspect I'm not the only one wondering about this :)
 

veelium

Hall of Fame
Hello, thanks for the response. I have to say that in the first 2-3 sessions, I was still using an old Head racket with only 240 grams and a 115-square inch head size. It was huge and lightweight. I think it had poly strings, and I was getting tremendous spin on the court. Since then, due to my health history, I switched to the Clash, which plays well for me, and I also switched to a supposedly arm-friendly multifilament string. I haven't played anything else so far, neither synthetic gut nor natural gut. What advantages do you see in that? What's currently bothering me about my multifilament string is how the strings move back and forth, but from my research, that seems to be completely normal...

An option which gives me >20hrs good playability would be perfect

BTW I am currently using the ATP Comfort strings (expensive) if anyone knows about these…
For mutis that don't move around all the time, there are triax and tecnifibre multifeel black.
Triax is multi/poly mixture and multifeel black has some special coating.
I assume there are others that I havent tried.
 

Cobaine

Semi-Pro
Regarding Triax, if you’re in the USA you can use RPX and save some money. It’s basically the same string as Triax.

My wife and some other 3.5s looking for more spin are using RPX as a transition away from multifiliments and they all really like it.
 

Drake777

New User
For mutis that don't move around all the time, there are triax and tecnifibre multifeel black.
Triax is multi/poly mixture and multifeel black has some special coating.
I assume there are others that I havent tried.
How do you like the Triax compared to other multifilaments? What was the spin potential like? And most importantly, how was the durability? Do you see any hybrid variants that could work?
 

Drake777

New User
Regarding Triax, if you’re in the USA you can use RPX and save some money. It’s basically the same string as Triax.

My wife and some other 3.5s looking for more spin are using RPX as a transition away from multifiliments and they all really like it.
Thank you. Would you say a hybrid or poly sooner or later is still the best option?
 

Cobaine

Semi-Pro
If you’re a beginner who doesn’t want to restring frequently the. I would stay away from poly.

A hybrid could work. Many people like a multi main with a slick poly cross.

Triax/RPX is stiffer and less pillowy than most multis. It seems to keep tension quite a while not get stuck out place.

Finally, the old adage restring per year as many times as you play per week has merit. You don’t want to keep strings for a full year.

My wife never breaks strings, but she plays 3-4 times per week so the strings eventually lose tension and performance. Consequently i restring her racquet every few months. You should do the same.
 

Drake777

New User
If you’re a beginner who doesn’t want to restring frequently the. I would stay away from poly.

A hybrid could work. Many people like a multi main with a slick poly cross.

Triax/RPX is stiffer and less pillowy than most multis. It seems to keep tension quite a while not get stuck out place.

Finally, the old adage restring per year as many times as you play per week has merit. You don’t want to keep strings for a full year.

My wife never breaks strings, but she plays 3-4 times per week so the strings eventually lose tension and performance. Consequently i restring her racquet every few months. You should do the same.
Thank you for your response! Very, very helpful. Can you maybe help me solve the puzzle of why poly strings are considered significantly more durable, while on the other hand, multifilaments are recommended for longer playtime? It doesn't quite add up for me. Do you happen to know the "real arm comfort ATP" strings that I'm using?

Is there anything better than Triax/RPX (BTW I am not living in the usa) when it comes to spin for a multifilament? How significant do you see the difference between Poly/Multi in terms of power and spin? Would you say that even up to a relatively high hobby level, one can go far with multifilaments, or are there limits at some point?

What would be a good hybrid mix? Triax mains + which poly? Would you still not recommend a poly as the main string and a multifilament for dampening in my level?

Do you know Intuitive Tennis? They recommended poly strings for beginners there How does an experienced player like you view such statements?

In any case, thanks for the valuable tips!
 

Hansen

Professional
Can you maybe help me solve the puzzle of why poly strings are considered significantly more durable, while on the other hand, multifilaments are recommended for longer playtime? It
polys are more durable, it is harder to break them, but they are not (only a tiny bit) elastic, and after a few hours there is absolutely no elasticity left and the shock from the ball collision goes in your arm. if you have wolverine genes than you can get away with that, but it would be stupid.
multis are elastic and more easy to break, but you can play with them till they break even it that means 30 hours or more.
 

veelium

Hall of Fame
How do you like the Triax compared to other multifilaments? What was the spin potential like? And most importantly, how was the durability? Do you see any hybrid variants that could work?
It has better spin potential and better control than most multis I have tried. Imo you also need to string it lower than most other multis for the same reason.
From your posts you are a beginner right? Do you break strings quickly already or why are you concerned that much with durabiltity?
If you get the thickest gauge of triax or multifeel black it should last you a long time.

There are many possibilities for hybrids but if you had arm issues already, I wouldn't bother with it.
 

Hansen

Professional
Would you say that even up to a relatively high hobby level, one can go far with multifilaments, or are there limits at some point?
with all respect, you are years away to even consider the thought that multi strings are holding you back. but in a racquet like the clash 100 it can make sense to use low powered multi. you could give head velocity mlt a try. great spin and control for a multi, would recommend 1.30 mm or thicker.
 

Drake777

New User
Thank you for the many helpful responses once again. Some of these were truly eye-opening. I don't want to claim that I play very well or need certain things, even though progress is clearly noticeable. But when you're interested and read a lot, you come across various statements and theories. For example, those from Intuitive Tennis, suggesting that polys are good for beginners, or the consideration of different durabilities.

I thought that because it's often said that polys are significantly better in terms of spin and power, a hybrid might be an option. However, you've convinced me otherwise. I would most likely go with a pure multifilament like Triax or Head MLT and change them about 3-4 times a year.

I should mention that even though I've had arm issues, they are gradually improving and don't bother me during tennis. And most importantly, they didn't result from tennis but from strength training. That's why I considered the idea of using poly as the main string and multifilament as a cross. However, this might not significantly extend the lifespan either. I believe a good, expensive multifilament is the optimum choice and better than all synthetic gut strings, right?
 

tele

Professional
Thank you for the many helpful responses once again. Some of these were truly eye-opening. I don't want to claim that I play very well or need certain things, even though progress is clearly noticeable. But when you're interested and read a lot, you come across various statements and theories. For example, those from Intuitive Tennis, suggesting that polys are good for beginners, or the consideration of different durabilities.

I thought that because it's often said that polys are significantly better in terms of spin and power, a hybrid might be an option. However, you've convinced me otherwise. I would most likely go with a pure multifilament like Triax or Head MLT and change them about 3-4 times a year.

I should mention that even though I've had arm issues, they are gradually improving and don't bother me during tennis. And most importantly, they didn't result from tennis but from strength training. That's why I considered the idea of using poly as the main string and multifilament as a cross. However, this might not significantly extend the lifespan either. I believe a good, expensive multifilament is the optimum choice and better than all synthetic gut strings, right?
velocity and multifdel, two of the cheaper multifilaments, are two of the spinniest. poly has great durability in terms of not breaking, but poor durability in terms of playability duration. It loses tension(and control) and starts to feel noticeably stiffer after 6-10 hrs in most cases. syn gut has its own fans. I find it a little firmer (while about equal in terms of comfort) and fairly powerful, but with less free spin than the spinniest multis. ak pro cx, a 'premium syn gut' is apparently an exception and provides great spin. i have not used it so cannot comment.


if you want a deep dive, check out these threads:

Thread 'Head Velocity' http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/head-velocity.586942/

Thread 'Mikeler's Multis' http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/mikelers-multis.352048/

Thread 'Accepting that you cannot use poly strings' http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/accepting-that-you-cannot-use-poly-strings.729444/
 

Hansen

Professional
believe a good, expensive multifilament is the optimum choice and better than all synthetic gut strings, right?
price doesn‘t have to be high. like tele said velocity and multifeel are good options, also gosen ak pro cx, feels less muted than velocity, i personally prefer it slightly, but the differences aren‘t that big. one of the most expensive multis is for example tecnifibre biphase, great power and feel, but for your racquet a lower powered multi is probably better. another good control multi is prince premier control.
 

Drake777

New User
Probably another rather stupid question, but can someone explain to me why a low-powered multi string like MLT is particularly well-suited for my relatively flexible racket? Does the racket's flexibility itself provide more power?

What about Head RIP? Is it also good, or is MLT the way to go?

Would you consider using Pacific Classic Gut as a full bed? Can it last the longest before needing a change? Is a hybrid with MLT and pacific nat gut possible and optimal? Or should I just go with MLT, and that's it?

Again: What do you think about Intuitive Tennis' advice that beginners are best off with poly? From what I can gather from the thread and my acquired knowledge, it seems like a rather modest recommendation.
 

Cobaine

Semi-Pro
A beginner can use a poly if it is strung low, like in the low 40s (lbs). The problem with polys is that they go dead after a 3 weeks max. So you’re going to need to restring a lot.

That’s why everyone is recommending multis.
 

Drake777

New User
Thank you very much, Cobaine!

I am still interested in other options regarding different head multis (especially the RIP) and viable hybrid options + thoughts if nat gut is relevant at this point for me or not and how it would perform in a full bed.

The question about the flexible rating is also still interesting for me.
 

veelium

Hall of Fame
Probably another rather stupid question, but can someone explain to me why a low-powered multi string like MLT is particularly well-suited for my relatively flexible racket? Does the racket's flexibility itself provide more power?
Not a stupid question. I don't think it is.
MLT is often recommended because it's good for its low price.

What about Head RIP? Is it also good, or is MLT the way to go?
I prefer RIP over MLT personally.
I'd string RIP 1kg lower than mlt.

Would you consider using Pacific Classic Gut as a full bed? Can it last the longest before needing a change? Is a hybrid with MLT and pacific nat gut possible and optimal? Or should I just go with MLT, and that's it?
Full bed of gut would likely last longer than MLT unless you play in very humid conditions. Wet indoor clay is the gut killer for me.

Again: What do you think about Intuitive Tennis' advice that beginners are best off with poly? From what I can gather from the thread and my acquired knowledge, it seems like a rather modest recommendation.
I think it's generally wrong but can work depending on the person. His tension recommendations are too high imo for beginners.
 

Drake777

New User
Not a stupid question. I don't think it is.
MLT is often recommended because it's good for its low price.


I prefer RIP over MLT personally.
I'd string RIP 1kg lower than mlt.


Full bed of gut would likely last longer than MLT unless you play in very humid conditions. Wet indoor clay is the gut killer for me.


I think it's generally wrong but can work depending on the person. His tension recommendations are too high imo for beginners.
Thank you for your response! So, is it true that my relatively flexible Clash 100 2.0 generates more power just through its flexibility, and a high-power multi would turn it into a rocket launcher?

In my country, there is often drizzle and higher humidity. I don't think that necessarily favors natural gut unless you take good care of it. Nevertheless, a hybrid might be cool. The question is, do you seriously gain advantages when using natural gut as the main with multis in the cross? Can you actually play the mains until they break and just change the crosses when needed, or should you always replace the entire set just in case?

Can you explain why you prefer the RIP? More spin?

So far, I haven't shown any signs of breaking strings quickly. Would it be worth trying a 1.25mm gauge, or are the benefits too minimal here?

Maybe I'll just start with MLT and RIP and see which one I prefer. The Pacific Natural Gut is also interesting, given that it's relatively affordable. Perhaps a hybrid after all? So many questions...
 

tele

Professional
Thank you for your response! So, is it true that my relatively flexible Clash 100 2.0 generates more power just through its flexibility, and a high-power multi would turn it into a rocket launcher?

In my country, there is often drizzle and higher humidity. I don't think that necessarily favors natural gut unless you take good care of it. Nevertheless, a hybrid might be cool. The question is, do you seriously gain advantages when using natural gut as the main with multis in the cross? Can you actually play the mains until they break and just change the crosses when needed, or should you always replace the entire set just in case?

Can you explain why you prefer the RIP? More spin?

So far, I haven't shown any signs of breaking strings quickly. Would it be worth trying a 1.25mm gauge, or are the benefits too minimal here?

Maybe I'll just start with MLT and RIP and see which one I prefer. The Pacific Natural Gut is also interesting, given that it's relatively affordable. Perhaps a hybrid after all? So many questions...
in most cases, using multi crosses with natural gut mains would be cost-saving rather than performance-enhancing

afaik racquet flexibility does not usually translate to more power. the clash is a unique racquet.

if your fundamentals are not already pretty solid (and they may be for all I know), work on those before worrying too much about strings. velocity mlt or rip sound like good starting points. get to know what you like and dont like about the string you choose and use that as a guideline for choosing the next string if you are not satisfied
 

Hansen

Professional
So, is it true that my relatively flexible Clash 100 2.0 generates more power just through its flexibility, and a high-power multi would turn it into a rocket launcher?
the clash was not designed to be a typical low flex low powered racquet, instead it was created to be a powerful racquet that is comfortable. it is relatively powerful despite its flexibility (but there is more to flexibility than just the ra value, i personally didn‘t find the clash 98 more flexible than my yonex dr 98 which has a higher ra. there are also different methods to measure the flexibility of a racquet). and a 100sqin head with a 16x19 pattern does need some control from the strings imo.
 

Hansen

Professional
What do you think about Intuitive Tennis' advice that beginners are best off with poly? From what I can gather from the thread and my acquired knowledge, it seems like a rather modest recommendation.
its bad advice, imo. first, almost no beginner will restring their racquets after 10 hours. second, he recommends low tension, which is fine.
but there is no rule that prevents someone from also stringing nonpoly strings relatively low. that is also the reason why i recommended thick strings, because less power and more durability. you could even try velocity or prince premier control in 1,40 and string it a little bit lower than the same string in a thinner gauge. that would be the intuitive tenniss approach but without the risk of a dead poly.
 

Drake777

New User
in most cases, using multi crosses with natural gut mains would be cost-saving rather than performance-enhancing

afaik racquet flexibility does not usually translate to more power. the clash is a unique racquet.

if your fundamentals are not already pretty solid (and they may be for all I know), work on those before worrying too much about strings. velocity mlt or rip sound like good starting points. get to know what you like and dont like about the string you choose and use that as a guideline for choosing the next string if you are not satisfied
What do you think makes the Wilson Clash so unusual? That it provides power while maintaining comfort? I must say that I researched for a long time, and despite some negative reviews, I chose this racket. So far, I don't regret it. I believe it's good for my arm, and I can play with control. The most crucial factor might have been the many coaching hours, but the racket has definitely contributed.

Would it make sense to switch to something other than the regular Clash in 3-4 years? Perhaps the Pro version? Or is this irrelevant for me as a club player who will only participate in lower-level leagues and tournaments? I am very ambitious, but I also understand that being over 30, there are limitations, and I can't reach an extremely high level anymore.
its bad advice, imo. first, almost no beginner will restring their racquets after 10 hours. second, he recommends low tension, which is fine.
but there is no rule that prevents someone from also stringing nonpoly strings relatively low. that is also the reason why i recommended thick strings, because less power and more durability. you could even try velocity or prince premier control in 1,40 and string it a little bit lower than the same string in a thinner gauge. that would be the intuitive tenniss approach but without the risk of a dead poly.
I guess I will test Head MLT Velocity, RIP, Prince Duraflex and Maybe some other multi. Hybrid is for later or never especially if a combo of non poly strings are not recommended. What do you think? :)
 

tele

Professional
What do you think makes the Wilson Clash so unusual? That it provides power while maintaining comfort? I must say that I researched for a long time, and despite some negative reviews, I chose this racket. So far, I don't regret it. I believe it's good for my arm, and I can play with control. The most crucial factor might have been the many coaching hours, but the racket has definitely contributed.

Would it make sense to switch to something other than the regular Clash in 3-4 years? Perhaps the Pro version? Or is this irrelevant for me as a club player who will only participate in lower-level leagues and tournaments? I am very ambitious, but I also understand that being over 30, there are limitations, and I can't reach an extremely high level anymore.

I guess I will test Head MLT Velocity, RIP, Prince Duraflex and Maybe some other multi. Hybrid is for later or never especially if a combo of non poly strings are not recommended. What do you think? :)
hybriding non poly strings might have minor benefits, but i would get to know the characteristics of a few in a full bed before tinkering with mixing and matching. the clash is unusual in that it is relatively powerful and has a thick beam while being relatively flexy. nothing wrong with that, and since you found a racquet that works for you, sticking with it seems like a good choice to me!
 

veelium

Hall of Fame
Thank you for your response! So, is it true that my relatively flexible Clash 100 2.0 generates more power just through its flexibility, and a high-power multi would turn it into a rocket launcher?
Normally more flexible=less power although RA alone often doesn't say much.
Clash they tried to make powerful but comfortable.
You could certainly use a high powered multi in it. Up to you to try.

In my country, there is often drizzle and higher humidity. I don't think that necessarily favors natural gut unless you take good care of it. Nevertheless, a hybrid might be cool. The question is, do you seriously gain advantages when using natural gut as the main with multis in the cross? Can you actually play the mains until they break and just change the crosses when needed, or should you always replace the entire set just in case?
Skip the natural gut then.
You can replace the crosses if you string yourself.

Can you explain why you prefer the RIP? More spin?
Easier spin (not much difference though) better sensation of where I hit the ball and the power output just seems more predictable.

So far, I haven't shown any signs of breaking strings quickly. Would it be worth trying a 1.25mm gauge, or are the benefits too minimal here?

Maybe I'll just start with MLT and RIP and see which one I prefer. The Pacific Natural Gut is also interesting, given that it's relatively affordable. Perhaps a hybrid after all? So many questions..
Doesn't matter too much, I'd get the thicker gauge as they tend to hold tension better.
But I doubt you would be able to tell the difference in a blind test.

Thanks again for the many replies. Has anyone experience with the pacific synt gut? I can get a 200m reel for just 40€ which is really cheap. Is it any good?

BTW I am using these strings right now: https://www.tennis-point.de/atp-real-comfort-saitenset-12m-weiss-17156200008000.html

does anybody know these? Could not find any serious Reviews. But this is true for pacific syn gut also.
All the cheap syn guts kinda play the same from the ones I tried.
 
if you want to save money consider hybriding whichever multi you choose with a synthetic gut. velocity, ppc, etc. are uniquely low-powered multifilament strings which will set you up for success as you go forward in your tennis journey

what you should be looking for during this string exploration phase is: what is relatively inexpensive and easily accessible for restringing while also soft on your arm and provides a consistent feel on your shots. if you're only taking lessons once a week and relatively new to the sport the margins provided by different string setups will be minimal at best. while poly has become more accessible for some players at the recreational level --- not a big fan of this btw --- i can assure you you won't be able to discern, let alone, enjoy its benefits yet.
 

Drake777

New User
if you want to save money consider hybriding whichever multi you choose with a synthetic gut. velocity, ppc, etc. are uniquely low-powered multifilament strings which will set you up for success as you go forward in your tennis journey

what you should be looking for during this string exploration phase is: what is relatively inexpensive and easily accessible for restringing while also soft on your arm and provides a consistent feel on your shots. if you're only taking lessons once a week and relatively new to the sport the margins provided by different string setups will be minimal at best. while poly has become more accessible for some players at the recreational level --- not a big fan of this btw --- i can assure you you won't be able to discern, let alone, enjoy its benefits yet.
Thank you for your response. What specific advantages do you see in crossing something like Velocity with the ultra-affordable Synthetic Gut from Pacific, for example? I ask this because even a complete set of Velocity wouldn't be overly expensive on its own. With something like TG Multifeel, it might certainly be worthwhile. Or would you say that the benefits of the multi will always remain, but you gain longer durability either way with hybriding?

I've been playing tennis occasionally before mid-year (First time with 6 or so but Never regulary) and have been with my coach at least once a week since. Additionally, I've played quite a bit and even participated in a fun tournament. During this time, I've had several independent individuals including another coach tell me that my progress has been significant for this short period. This is not meant to brag; I know that most people in my club are still ahead of me, but it might indicate how seriously I take it. :)

At first, I played with a very light racket and poly strings. That was a completely different world. More spin and control. The first hits with the Clash and multifilament were a struggle, but I've adapted for the sake of my arm health, and I will stick with it for now. Perhaps I'll avoid poly for my entire tennis life. I won't be playing on the tour, and it probably won't give me that extra 10%. Of course, I want to keep getting better, enjoy refining my skills, aim to be among or the best in my club, and maybe even play in a regional league. But one step at a time. And even then, the question arises of whether poly (at most as a hybrid) would definitely be the game-changer.
 

tele

Professional
Thank you for your response. What specific advantages do you see in crossing something like Velocity with the ultra-affordable Synthetic Gut from Pacific, for example? I ask this because even a complete set of Velocity wouldn't be overly expensive on its own. With something like TG Multifeel, it might certainly be worthwhile. Or would you say that the benefits of the multi will always remain, but you gain longer durability either way with hybriding?

I've been playing tennis occasionally before mid-year (First time with 6 or so but Never regulary) and have been with my coach at least once a week since. Additionally, I've played quite a bit and even participated in a fun tournament. During this time, I've had several independent individuals including another coach tell me that my progress has been significant for this short period. This is not meant to brag; I know that most people in my club are still ahead of me, but it might indicate how seriously I take it. :)

At first, I played with a very light racket and poly strings. That was a completely different world. More spin and control. The first hits with the Clash and multifilament were a struggle, but I've adapted for the sake of my arm health, and I will stick with it for now. Perhaps I'll avoid poly for my entire tennis life. I won't be playing on the tour, and it probably won't give me that extra 10%. Of course, I want to keep getting better, enjoy refining my skills, aim to be among or the best in my club, and maybe even play in a regional league. But one step at a time. And even then, the question arises of whether poly (at most as a hybrid) would definitely be the game-changer.

hybriding will not necessarily give you any more durability. Using syn gut in the crosses with an expensive multi or gut in the mains is usually done to save money, not extend string life.

I would consider starting with a full bed of velocity 16 (natural color is most arm friendly ime) at around 52 lbs. If it is not quite for you, report back with what you do/do not like about it, and you can get recommendations (probably more than you want) about what to try next.
 
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