Which poly string is arm friendly?

If I just have to play with poly and my 63 yr old self has some joint issue, happens with more regularity as time marches on, I like Tour Bite 18G x 18g Genesis Black Magic. It seems to die so fast if you don't string yourself even those strings will get pricey.

I have been comparing Wilson Natural Gut mains and Zyex crosses against Zyex x Zyex using PCG 100 16x18. I also have PCG 100s strung with 18g Tour Bite x 18g Black Magic, 17g Tour Bite x 16g Outlast, 16g Outlast x 16g Outlast, and 17g Ashaway Kevlar x 17g Zyex Pro. The 18g poly racket plays pretty soft at 52/52, but dies fast. The Ash Kev x Zyex plays pretty soft and lasts a long time.

For pure comfort with decent playability the Nat Gut x Zyex plays good for me and I expect to get quite a few hours out of it. However, when I was hitting today indoors I finally broke out my PCG 107 strung with Wilson Nat Gut mains x Zyex Pro crosses and really enjoyed the hit even though my shoulder is quite completely healed after my last failed racket/string experiment.

Lastly, I am becoming more and more convinced that I could play with a full bed of 17g Zyex Pro everyday. It has enough comfort, control and spin for me to possibly do away with natural gut.
 
What does Poly give you that synthetic gut or multifilament won't give you? Yes, at the highest level Poly provides mores spin, but you can still get TONS of spin without it. It's technique. Why risk injury for such a marginal advantage?

I know this is not a Poly but I challenge you to try Ashaway Monogut ZX in a full bed.
 
I have had more than my share of wrist and elbow surgeries and being older I need something comfortable. While polys are harder on the arm I have found 2 strings that I can use and not have issues.

The thing to note is the softer polys inherently are not that durable so they are better if you string your own racquets otherwise you will be your stringers best friend.

The first is Polyfiber TCS. For 6 hours or so I get good comfortable control out of it and can swing out at the ball. After that (and you will know!), I can't keep anything inside the back fence.

The other is the Volkl Cyclone Tour. From my perspective this string plays differently. It pockets the ball almost like a synthetic gut. I get a ton of spin out of it. However it too has a short lifespan (Maybe 10 hours) before the texture on the string wears away.

Strangely, while the Polyfiber plays firmer than the Volkl Cyclone Tour I think the Polyfibre is tad more comfortable.
 
fireandwind said:
I'd like to ask about arm friendly poly strings to string experts.
Which poly is arm friendly?
Click to expand...

I agree with some of the perspectives above; if arm-friendliness is a top priority for you, stay away from poly. Unless you already take a rather big and fast swing at the ball, this string type may not give you any better performance. Many poly strings are relatively stiff and won't effectively bend, displace, and interact with the ball too well without higher swing speeds. We've been in the middle of a poly craze through recent years, but these strings are certainly not for every player under the sun.

If you've decided to try some poly layouts and your arm is healthy, I'd recommend a light gauge of poly main in a hybrid. I string for a number of locals who have very much enjoyed a hybrid of Isospeed Baseline 1.20mm mains and Gosen OG Sheep Micro 16 crosses. The tensions probably depend on you, but I tension this hybrid from the mid 40's to the low 50's (lbs.)

I'm not a poly player myself, but I have sampled a few of the strings I have on hand so that I have an idea of how they behave. Most of the poly I've tried has been not-so-great feeling for me and it also seems to deaden my racquet's response more than I prefer (I typically play with full beds of 17 ga. syn. gut). When I tried this hybrid I mentioned above though, I would put the feel in the neighborhood of a rather tight bed of synthetic gut - easily more comfortable for me than other hybrids with thicker poly mains.

Some other poly options that my pals have found to play softer than most include Tour Bite from Solinco and both Element and 4G Soft from Luxilon.
 
Simple answer to your question is "None". But if you are willing to re-string frequently (like every 5-6 hrs of play), then several polys like Volkl Cyclone, isospeed Cream, Luxilon Element, Yonex Pro poly tour are quite soft until they lose their resiliency.

Non-poly setups are getting better and better and I'd generally explore them rather than keep risking my arm with poly.
 
ByeByePoly said:
Arm friendly poly:
1) boil a set of poly for 15 minutes
2) let it cool for 5 minutes
3) wrap string around forearm for 15 minutes
Click to expand...

Arm-friendly poly:

tennis_elbow.jpg
 
If your worried about arm problems from a poly just do your research. Try hybriding polys with either a multi or a natural/syn gut to help dampen.
or you can switch to multi's which are comfortable but dont typically last long before breaking.

or you can even try co-polys. It's a crapshoot because some are softer or firmer than the others.

Im one to highly reccomend isospeed cream
 
Good Form is the best for yours arms, wrists and shoulders...
Keep a copoly set in your bag for show...
Put a in full bed of natural gut...and call in poly...
Now you have best solution for proactive protection from your finger tips and up.
Its should also last 3x times longer...................
happy_birthday_funny_dairy_cow_and_pasture_card-r09d52f651f1341e0b2d32cbdd4eee97a_xvuak_8byvr_324.jpg
 
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Fabolous-vs said:
Head Lynx. Very good poly but rarely mentioned here in the forum.
Click to expand...
Agreed, I'd put it on par with YPTP. My second outing with it today and after 3.5 hours on it and I'm liking it quite a bit. Haven't measured for tension loss yet, as I remember TW put out a video review saying it drops significantly.
 
Notirouswithag said:
If your worried about arm problems from a poly just do your research. Try hybriding polys with either a multi or a natural/syn gut to help dampen.
or you can switch to multi's which are comfortable but dont typically last long before breaking.

or you can even try co-polys. It's a crapshoot because some are softer or firmer than the others.

Im one to highly reccomend isospeed cream
Click to expand...


I am already using natural gut on cross but I want to try poly on main string. Isospeed cream, I will check it out.
 
CopolyX said:
Good Form is the best for yours arms, wrists and shoulders...
Keep a copoly set in your bag for show...
Put a in full bed of natural gut...and call in poly...
Now you have best solution for proactive protection from your finger tips and up.
Its should also last 3x times longer...................
happy_birthday_funny_dairy_cow_and_pasture_card-r09d52f651f1341e0b2d32cbdd4eee97a_xvuak_8byvr_324.jpg
Click to expand...

I tried full bed of natural gut and it was like trampoline.
 
This is the best true multi poly i have found. You can get it in a reel at like 4-5$ per racket.

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Tourna_Quasi_Gut_Armor_String_16/descpageACUNIQUE-TQGA16.html

Its rubbery like technifibre. It does really bad as a hybrid, even with a smooth cross. 1pc is the only way for this string to work. It has a very good feel and is one of the best for your elbow.

This is a pic after 2hours of casual hitting with cart balls. The mains wear like gut, its a multi with a couple poly strains for support. I really liked it but not good in my racket (16*15). I have blacked out ncode 6.1s that are 13oz with no lead, 16*18 and this string is really really good in a heavy dense pattern

https://postimg.org/image/khjx5fywb/

Edit, its mostly a multi, so dont use the 10% poly rule, maybe a pound or two at most with tension.
 
Dartagnan64 said:
Simple answer to your question is "None". But if you are willing to re-string frequently (like every 5-6 hrs of play), then several polys like Volkl Cyclone, isospeed Cream, Luxilon Element, Yonex Pro poly tour are quite soft until they lose their resiliency.

Non-poly setups are getting better and better and I'd generally explore them rather than keep risking my arm with poly.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%. The correct answer is NONE.

I can’t think of anyone over the age of 40 that benefits from a full set of polyester at our level. If you have any kind of arm issues or ever have, you’re just asking for trouble. You’re not a pro and you don’t need to control and durability that they do. This is a recipe for arm problems.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Chadillac said:
. 1pc is the only way for this string to work. It has a very good feel and is one of the best for your elbow.
Click to expand...
Do you mean an actual one piece stringing job or just solely this particular string in the racquet?
My Ai 98 racquets are not meant to be strung one piece.
 
Dunlop Black Widow will give you tons of spin, performance, and is a softer poly. Isospeed Baseline strings are also quite soft and very economical to try.
 
Dartagnan64 said:
Simple answer to your question is "None". But if you are willing to re-string frequently (like every 5-6 hrs of play), then several polys like Volkl Cyclone, isospeed Cream, Luxilon Element, Yonex Pro poly tour are quite soft until they lose their resiliency.

Non-poly setups are getting better and better and I'd generally explore them rather than keep risking my arm with poly.
Click to expand...
I think this sums it up. For many, if you just re-string often, one could probably play with poly without any issues. But for most people playing with poly, they did so because they were told it would not break as quickly as s-gut or multi. There is the biggest problem.

Many people have arm issues or will develop arm issues because they leave the poly in too long before re-stringing.
 
bigserving said:
Dunlop Black Widow will give you tons of spin, performance, and is a softer poly. Isospeed Baseline strings are also quite soft and very economical to try.
Click to expand...
I loved how Black Widow played. But it de-tensions so quickly. Same with Cyclone Tour, etc.

You can hybrid them with sgut, but not sure you gain a whole lot. Yes, it's comfortable even when the poly de-tensions and dies even. But now you've got a rocket launcher. You start swinging differently to compensate for the change in the way the string plays and it seems like that's when I start feeling soreness in my arm.

To me, the key is to find a setup that will play very consistently for 20hrs.
OR...accept that I will re-string every 12-15hrs with poly even though the strings look like they are in great shape.
For some that hit harder and with more spin, that may be 8-12hrs. Or even less than 6hrs.
 
Simon_the_furry said:
Do you mean an actual one piece stringing job or just solely this particular string in the racquet?
My Ai 98 racquets are not meant to be strung one piece.
Click to expand...

The actual string job with this string, its sticky so the hybrid crosses eat the mains very very fast.

Great string for the elbow though, it was rated highest a few years ago
 
I have been playing with RPM Blast 16 full bed on Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 @ 40lbx38 lb, good pocketing/comfortable. Also Pure Storm Tour GT+ RPM Blast 16 FB about 44lbx43 lb.

If you learn to play poly at low tension, then your elbow is safe. (Assuming your form is good.)
 
Simon_the_furry said:
Just strung my racquet up with this in the mains. The spin is off the charts. Comfort is excellent. And there's decent power for a polyester.
Click to expand...
How does it compare to Hyper G? That's another fairly comfortable string with massive spin. TW rated both in the 90s for spin.
 
Consider Ashaway ZX Pro. It is a non-poly but provides similar performance to poly. It is ultra comfy but is a bit temperamental when it comes to stringing (can't go over 60 lbs, be careful with snags and tie-offs). Also, pre-stretching appears to help long-term tension maintenance.
 
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Bender said:
How does it compare to Hyper G? That's another fairly comfortable string with massive spin. TW rated both in the 90s for spin.
Click to expand...

I'd give spin to. V-torque tour. Definitely, more control and comfort with v-torque tour. Even a little more power. I've used both and yesterday just tried out my Pure Drive Plus 2018 with 18 gauge v-torque tour 52 mains 54 crosses. All I can say is wow!… for both the strings and racquet. This string and guage compliments this racquet so well. Durability is average but not any different than most polys. Hyper G may have the edge here but I'm not sure because I cut it out of that particular racquet (pure aero plus) and put back Volkl Cyclone. I also prefer Volkl cyclone over hyper g.

I.also have v-torque tour in a pure aero team 17g. My son (only 9) but ranked number 1 in his country for his age group, switched to it from Dunlop Black Widow. More power, control, and spin… and lasts a.bit longer.
 
fireandwind said:
I am not sure what kind of natural gut it is. It said natural gut, 17G /54lbs on Volkl SuperG 325
Click to expand...

Way too low for gut. String it at 58-60. It'll still be more arm friendly than poly and have much better control than at 54. 54 is good for syn guts and muted multis like Rip Control and Velocity. Strings like Origin and Nat gut need a higher tension. Poly's all need to be strung in the 40's IMO.
 
fireandwind said:
I am not sure what kind of natural gut it is. It said natural gut, 17G /54lbs on Volkl SuperG 325
Click to expand...
even thou i have no clue what brand and type of natural gut you are using. This is because some brands and types are softer than others. Plus add 17 gauge which will come in even softer. 100 head size...Strung a 54 lbs = yes trampoline ..
Thicker, higher tension, good brand....no trampoline effect.... Takes more that one shot...
But yes, there a some players that just can not adjust...and yes, it is not cheap....
 
DrWang said:
I'd give spin to. V-torque tour. Definitely, more control and comfort with v-torque tour. Even a little more power. I've used both and yesterday just tried out my Pure Drive Plus 2018 with 18 gauge v-torque tour 52 mains 54 crosses. All I can say is wow!… for both the strings and racquet. This string and guage compliments this racquet so well. Durability is average but not any different than most polys. Hyper G may have the edge here but I'm not sure because I cut it out of that particular racquet (pure aero plus) and put back Volkl Cyclone. I also prefer Volkl cyclone over hyper g.

I.also have v-torque tour in a pure aero team 17g. My son (only 9) but ranked number 1 in his country for his age group, switched to it from Dunlop Black Widow. More power, control, and spin… and lasts a.bit longer.
Click to expand...
Do you find the V-Torque Tour retains tension okay? I found standard V-Torque to be terrible in this regard, so just curious. Thanks, JMac.
 
Incase it needs to be reiterated again: do not use poly if you have arm issues. The arm friendliness from one string to another is minimal. It’s like asking which 2 door sports car is better for towing a boat? Another analogy: which pair of sandals is better for tennis?

What matters more is tension, hybrid set up and vibration dampening features of the frame.
 
Softest poly for me is Isospeed Cream.

If you have elbow problems and are determined to retain the spin of a poly then PLEASE try Ashaway Monogut ZX. It's made from Zyex. It has no polyester, spin is on par with poly, power is greater, and it's much easier on the arm than any poly. That said, there's no substitute for natural gut in terms of comfort.

I'm currently using Head Velocity 16 mains and ZX 17 crosses due to my tennis elbow flaring up again. This combo is very plush and plays great - much better than a multi or natural gut main with a poly cross IMHO. I think I will stick with it even after my elbow recovers but I am going to try a natural gut/zx combo soon.

I wouldn't recommend a full bed of ZX in very open string patterns though. It is too powerful and tends to spray the ball in my Pure Aero. Potentially I could have resolved this by increasing the tension quite a bit, but I had moved onto my DR98 by then.

It plays great in the DR98 full bed or hybrid.
 
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