Multifilament or poly strings? Which one should you choose and why...

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[@donedrong]

Very helpful! Thank youuu

[@rds4629]

thanks for putting up the video of you playing w/ multi and then the one w/ Poly. I know they were different racquets but it was a nice contrast.

[@brandomaxwell]

One of your most informative videos to date. The youtubes sorely lacks string intel. Good on ya’. Since all you say is spot-on, I’d love to see how you tackle a synthetic gut (solid core nylon) video. Being old tech, SG is overlooked. But few people understand what you beautifully explore here: the dangers of poly’s tension loss and how its hidden behind its ‘durability.’ In truth, SG’s is the most functionally durable string type. Stiffer than multis but far more elastic than poly, it maintains tension the longest (albeit with a few stiff multi exceptions). While polies and multis are typically power strings, SG’s other advantage is that it’s a control string. This means that at lower tensions it performs better at becoming more powerful than a multi or poly performs at becoming more control-oriented at higher tensions. How can I make such an outrageous statement!? Well, think about it. We tennis nerds are about balance. We balance away weakness with strength, stringing power strings at higher tensions to mute them into control. Problem is, the higher the tension the shorter a string’s effective life. If the average tennis player, even nerds like me, re-strings far less often than we should, then it makes sense to play with the string that performs best for the longest. For the average player, THAT is syn gut strung at lower tensions. (And, BTW, I love how you go into the importance of tension and how changing it effects, well, everything. Great work.)

[@lotfiboutebal233]

if you take a look at the ( String to Ball Friction indicator ) especially for the technifibre string shown in the video, well it counter-dicts the spin potential, cauz the more friction there is, the better for spin.

[@mskcouric]

I'm a rec player who's probably a 3.5 or so. (Check my vids.) In the summer, I play 3-4 days a week and sometimes practice serving or with a ball machine on the off days. I CANNOT play with a full bed of poly. Never tennis elbow, but bicep tendinosis and wrist tendinitis. A poly/multi hybrid has saved my arm and I get better depth and pace on my shots. Poly is right for advanced players, but for the average club player, I don't see the point. The extra spin and "control" (i.e. low-powered response) is not worth it to me. I'd rather play pain-free until I'm 90.

[@pro71]

Äntligen har du kört på gamla (den bästa) intromusiken! :)

[@p.s4677]

Gr8 gr8 video!! Shoes, leather grips vs synthetic, different over grips.....ideas for videos. Also would be interesting to see you review longer versions of specific rackets and comparing them to the standard ones. (Schwartzman plays a longer versions of a head racket (Radical?). ... ...

[@TheEriclikeseatin]

That running down the line forehand at 5:33 was Sampras-like!

[@dnew47]

thanks tennisnerd. I have a question: what do you think about multifilament with elastocross string savers installed?

[@coachtj4486]

Good rundown, Jonas, and "no lies" as the meme goes. You touched on the gut/poly hybrid at the conclusion and it needs mentioning that after you do the numbers it's quite a high-value setup. Gut sets have gone up so much lately but if you aren't a gut snob then Klip brand plays great compared to any other type of string. A half set of Klip is ~16€ or so, plus 5 more for a quality cross (doesn't have to be ALU or Blast) and you end up spending about what a full bed of ALU costs and will last 5x longer. X-One / NRG2 / NXT instead of gut is also a nice setup ("Poor Man's Champions' Choice" is what I call that.) Cheers from SoCal /TJ

[@b.shankarrao9149]

Good lesson on strings and it's tensions.

[@BurnsTennis]

I used to use Technifibre strings which I never really liked but then switched to Babolat Xcel / Hurricane combination since 2008.

[@jancunanan8676]

jonas i saw that it's recommended to use a multi in rackets under 300g but would you recommend using a hybrid to keep that durability but also keeping the comfort because of the increase in vibrations in the lighter rackets?

[@markn3586]

I've been using multifilament in My Donnay Allwood and I'm just playing with gauge and tension to find what I like the most. I probably started too low and bumped up the tension for more control and less power.

[@payamirani5298]

I have tried several polyester strings and found them generally hard on my arm. I also experienced severe drop-off in control after a few hours of play when the tension drops. I recently switched to Synthetic Guts (Prince, Head, Gamma) and find they offer more predictable power, arm comfort and control with no noticeable drop in spin potential. They fray and break eventually but I find that to be a fair trade off in exchange for consistent performance until then. They are also the cheapest strings so not expensive to replace. I never broke a poly string before but always felt like I compromised on performance when I kept them on for longer than 25-30 hours of play. Synthetic gut lasts me around the same number of hours before it breaks.

[@iben6234]

I use multi + poly as hybrid : it works great.

[@joaomedeiros6961]

Great video as usual, and especially helpful to me this time. Can I make a suggestion? Every time you say a name/term, whether from a player, a string, a racquet or something else, could you please put a subtitle? Sometimes this tool from youtube it's not accurate, specially when you talk about players. Salutes from Brasil 🇧🇷 (last time you said thanks in portuguese, did you translate that or can you talk in PT?)

[@tennis47]

Great video! could you let me know the string name of the ' BLACK AND WHITE' twisted poly showing on your racquet at the beginning of this video?

[@CH-yp5by]

Nice video Jonas! I only use multifilament in an hybrid on the crosses and keep poly on the crosses to allow spin, I believe Babolat NRG2 works well for snap back with a poly.

[@Channel_Yo]

I prefer kevlar / monogut hybrid. It lasts longer than poly and easier on the arm with decent spin and power.

[@PrecisionPointTennis]

Great video

[@hcho8164]

String gauge and string pattern combination would be interesting info. Not too many people are able to find out what works best for them.

[@andrearoncari1294]

Good morning Jonas, One of these days can you evaluate the use of hybrid with kevlar? I am playing with a Prince 107 g phantom with Ashaway crossfire zx. 22 x 20 m and to tell you the truth it is very comfortable. Kevlar is not popular but I guess we need an expert opinion...... ( yours!!!!!). Thanks

[@Ilegator]

Wow, this is such a helpful guide. I took some notes and now I feel like I can finally choose the strings that suit my game and my shoulder issues. Although I'm still using (for several months already) the full natural gut that came with my Babolat Pure Storm and I still haven't broken them. Thank you very much.

[@Michael-zm2hv]

Hi Jonas, I strung ny Ezone 98 2020 with Velocity at 23/22 kg. It feels quite mushy, so I want to increase the tension. Do you think I should only add 1 kg or rather 2 kg to really feel a difference?

[@jorgetirado3201]

@tennisnerd thoughts on best arm friendly set up with a radical mp? Thx!

[@pajavampir]

What in your opinion are the best thin polys?

[@movdqa]

I didn't realize that multis cost more than poly today as I recall that poly cost more than multis about 20 years ago. I also didn't know about the TW tool. And the part about not going really low on multis. I kind of knew that from past playing but nice to get a ore objective perspective.

[@dinkydoodle8325]

5 years ago multis were cheaper still

[@miguelbarahona6636]

Hi jonas. What about synthetic gut? In stiffness it´s between poliester and multifilament. So, for an hybrid, if you choose a lower stiffness poly (mains) + a syn gut (crosses), the stringbed response would be similar to a higher stiffness poly (mains) + premium multifilament (crosses). I really like using syn gut for the crosses and a softer poly/copoly on the mains. And the price is just a fraction of those higher end strings.

[@40rods]

Cuts the spin a bit too much for my liking, but should definitely be considered - particularly for the value. Gosin OG Sheep Micro the absolute budget king for the crosses!

[@glennjohnston8749]

Hi Jonas, thanks for the string talk. I'm curious if you have any recommendations for the best way to find a good setup? Is it better to keep stringing with the same string and trying different tensions, or to keep the tension the same and try different strings?

[@trujr5295]

honestly, both. when trying a new string you need to feel it first on a full bed to get the real feel for it. if you like it then, add it to you hybrid test and go from there. same w tension. I've done about man say 40 or so combos including about a dozen polys over a year period till I settled on my favorites and my best tension which is 48 (down from 53). great question and have fun testing all of it. it's part of our adventure in this great sport.

[@aboaskman]

Nice one, a lot to take, needs a bit more organization and it would be great

[@pier6240]

From tw University head velocity mlt has a spin potential of 5.5, almost as a poly string. It looks a great compromise to me. I'll defined try it at the next restringing. Thanks for the video!

[@Krischan04]

It is really good in a hybrid for me with Head Lynx, good price for value. Great touch, power and reasonable spin.

[@dmf30]

I currently use MLT velocity at 56.5 in my pure drive plus. I get the control without sacrificing power but i want to get more control. I may therefore try TF Triax 17 at 56- slightly better spin and similar softwness/stiffness. Thoughts?

[@georgezheng8142]

Hi TN, i have a question regarding hybrid setup. As the poly and multifilament / gut have different tension maintenance characteristics, do you think they should be restringed very often? Will the different tensions between poly and multi / gut impact the game play and the shape of the tennis racket? Thanks!

[@ryankim7888]

I played for 20 yrs since I was 30 yrs old. I always used polys like pro hurricane or rpm blast and I was a hard hitter used to break the string every week or 2 weeks. And I used to laugh at people who has tennis elbow for not having the correct swing form until I got the tennis elbow myself at 10 yrs. I quit for playing for 5 yrs which gave me plenty of time for recovery. Now I use multi's like wilson NXT, technifiber and I'm so happy that these multi filaments are trully great on my elbow. Less expensive than natural gut. I have my own machine now because I still break the string often but I'm glad that the multi's work great for me and I will not go back to poly's.

[@gero2190]

I use 45 lb solinco hyper g soft and is great

[@viktornorgren4697]

Thank you!!! 👍🍻

[@Tennisnerd]

Vassego!

[@superjinx]

Great discussion. Searching for more string pocketing. Will multifilaments do this better than polys? Playing games with ultra brand new balls are tough. Balls are too hard and stiff. Its unpredictable on each hit.

[@LeonardoGatti1]

Softer round polys could be a could alternative for you to try

[@VittilPoochi]

If polys lose tension fast, shouldn't I string it a little bit higher than what I want to keep it going longer?

[@edwardvawdrey1444]

I’d like to see an in depth comparison of a low tension full poly setup vs. a hybrid setup at a higher tension (trying to achieve similar feel between the two setups). Does full poly at low tension or higher tension hybrid perform “better”?

[@NewWaveAfros]

They play completely different. Full poly at lower tension will generate more spin, so it depends if you need additional spin or not. Higher tension hybrid is better for flatter hitting and net play.

[@dionprat]

Do you recommend any correlation between headsize & string pattern vs tension? My understanding, the smaller the headsize & the more dense the pattern should lead to lower tension, is that correct? I assume your comparison between the multis vs polys in this video are assuming strung in the same tension. Would be interested if you can conclude whether multi @45 vs poly @35 still have the same list of pros & cons?

[@tennisisphysical]

Larger head size, thicker gauge, maybe 1-2 lbs tension. Smaller head size lower tension for sure, 1-2 lbs

[@schuylersoderlind2716]

Hello! Looking for some help on finding the right setup for my Wilson blade v8 18x20. I play club tennis in college (around 4.5 rating) and hit pretty flat and hard. I have been breaking strings way too quickly after trying many setups and tensions. I think I like alu power the most and I think low tension (currently at 48 but thinking of dropping lower), however, my biggest problem is the finances. I can’t afford to keep breaking string but I really care about having string that works well so I can play at the highest level possible. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and I’ve been loving your videos :)

[@davidsim4186]

Maybe try head lynx tour, or solinco confidential. Way cheaper, but still perform. Just my 2c

[@jacknuspl7032]

Look into Myami strings. They have several strings that play similar to Alu power for half the cost. Myami hit pro and hepta power are both great

[@cesarpahl4987]

Hi Jonas, great video. What string tension would you recommend for a hybrid with big banger original in the mains and velocity MLT in the crosses ? Currently using full bed of big banger at 44lbs and the depth of the shots is just perfect, just wish it was little bit softer on the arm hence might try to mix with multi. Thanks in advance.

[@K4R3N]

Full bed of a quality multi feels great in my vc95. Getting good spin. Great comfort and power and feel. T1 Triumph and Head Velocity.

[@christianteves809]

Love triumph, any chance this is the Karen from Mark’s discord 😂

[@K4R3N]

@@christianteves809 .....maybe. BWEH!

[@edmondantes77]

@K4R3N what tension with Head Velocity?

[@K4R3N]

@@edmondantes77 50-52 feels good.

[@ayushrayoo3624]

when is the pure strike vs coming out

[@blu1806]

Where can I find an Ert? Anyone?

[@grzegorzkrajewski1095]

I'm playing in amateur league. Some opponents plays "soft" but precisely and some are big baseline hitters that I play using their power. And my question is (maybe for your next vides): is it worth to consider to have two rackets with different string setups? One for "soft opponents" and one for energetic players?

[@Tennisnerd]

I think two different string setups might work given the scenario! Give it a try :)

[@neerajsinha2872]

What would be the best arm friendly hybrid string setup for a Head Microgel Radical midplus 18x20 (RA=57) 98 sqin. Durability and comfort are the main priority.

[@benjaminradics5380]

I have the same racket and for me the best string is the isospeed control 23-22 kg. I’m using it for more than 10years.

[@mteca5093]

Which multi has a rough coating like rpm rough? The old head fxp tour had it and wss stiff string from the poly in the middle, i loved the control n spin but it was discontinued...

[@doremi9]

Isospeed control classic is kind of rough. Good, predictable and fairly durable as well.

[@mteca5093]

@@doremi9 just tried energetic plus...soft didn't like...I want that crispt poly under 15bucks

[@Iracheno10]

Is there a rough guide for string type and recommended tension? I know rackets have a recommended tension but this doesn't consider the type of string

[@doremi9]

For me, the racket guide generally would refer to a multifilament or syn gut string type. For most polys, you could reduce tension by 10% or so. That's what I think, but others may disagree, or simply like a tighter or looser set up. I happen to string my hybrids that way, with a 10-15% difference in tension accordingly.

[@feralonmu]

People, string at less tension! I play perfectly with my Blade 98 18x20 with Volk Cyclone gauge 1.20 at 16x16 kilos (35 lbs) and I can handle the ball without any problems besides being very comfortable and have power. Try it without fear.🎉

[@EdmonBegoli]

Do you consider Triax to be a good middle ground, like hybrid, or would you still consider it a multi?

[@lkl3701]

I have the same question Jonas…

[@Tennisnerd]

Tough! Stiff multi! Almost in poly territory

[@pierre8685]

I’ve just finished 2 sessions with Triax full bed at 53 lbs on a Ezone 100 300gr coming from X one at 56 lbs on the same raquet. I’m a 65 year old male 4.0 playing 3-4 times a week. I switched from a pure drive to the Ezone having had arm issues. Triax 53 lbs, feels a bit stiffer than the X-one at 56lbs. It also feels less plush than the X one but with slightly increased spin ( I have a eastern grip and put I would say, moderate spin on my shots ) I also felt that Triax was tad less powerful ( a plus for me ) at the above tensions compared to the X one, but the big plus is I had more control on the ball with good comfort. Probably the Triax has not yet completely settled in but as of now, quite pleased. Greetings from Canada. Jonas, keep up the great and interesting videos. :)

[@bradfromthevalley]

I let the man at the tennis center decide, I wanted durability and playability as I don't restring too often, he strung my racket with solinco vanquish 16g at 54 on my ti radical, it plays very well from the baseline , not getting the biggest pop on my serve, I accidentally abandoned my 2005 Babolat Aero, i sucked with it but served well, I play well with the Head but my serve is not free power. The string plays well and frays before it breaks

[@michaelveldhuizen9252]

Multi with a smooth poly cross; totally possible to make a Champions Choice imitator for $10.

[@samuelforner6283]

Can you recommend some smooth polys sir?

[@b.lakeberg7456]

What strings have you used to mimic Champions Choice?

[@michaelveldhuizen9252]

@@b.lakeberg7456 Technifibre NRG on the mains, Wilson Revolve on the crosses. ~$15. Head Velocity or Gamma Livewire can be used as a cheaper substitute for NRG if you wish.

[@michaelveldhuizen9252]

@@samuelforner6283 Wilson Revolve. Prince Diablo. Prince Tour XP.

[@user-go8oj4dl4w]

why smooth rather than a shaped poly?

[@jakewilliams5018]

If you string poly at lower tension you’ll still be restringing more with the tension drop making it unplayable faster ?

[@doremi9]

Maybe, maybe not. You could also try some pre-stretch to take some of the tension loss out beforehand, but it might impact the playability some.

[@andtsg6815]

My hyper G soft (cross) cut and break my babolat exel multi (main) in around 11 days average... I just cannot afford it...

[@bournejason66]

To divide the two by spin is quite misleading. The spin is mainly from the swing path. Poly comes to play when one can swing really fast. TW has a very nice article dissects this topic and demystify the “poly gives you spin, gut/multi for flat “.

[@dmytrosavytsky2122]

Tennisnerd does not read books or TWU articles. He just repeats silly string spin myths. :)

[@Tennisnerd]

Sorry if I was unclear - the point I wanted to make was that poly strings suits players who play with spin due to factors such as durability and snapback.

[@Tennisnerd]

I do and I have done many, many times over the years. Doesn't mean I get everything right and I did explain my reasoning in the comment above.

[@dmytrosavytsky2122]

@@Tennisnerd Dear Jonas, you are a great guy and I like how you talk and record your videos, but very often what you say is either because you have to make money (that is absolutely Ok) and you intentionally deceive your viewers or you are just a victim of marketing lie and just retell these myths and don't want to learn and find the truth. The racket itself, as much as strings do not affect spin. Please read the Technical Tennis book where scientists measured everything. Also please read articles on TWU. Everything is absolutely clear like night and day. You have a video called "Best rackets for spin", almost in every video you say that some rackets are more or less spin friendly. Sorry, but this is not snake oil, this is just a bullshit. I would love to see a video where you tell people the truth and not support the worldwide hysteria on purchasing better, spinnier, more quality rackets. I wish you all the best and I find your level of play fantastic and I wish I could play tennis as much as you do. Cheers.

[@ajinkyathorat7502]

@@dmytrosavytsky2122 Completely irrelevant. Poly strings especially shapes one gives you more spin numerous test has shown that. You can get half of that spin maybe gut string at really high tension. It's not myth and just stop with bullshit.

[@XxCrazZyNo0oBxX]

Head Velocity MLT 1.25mm is like 90 Euros for a reel here in Austria.

[@BullyGarfield.]

reel?

[@XxCrazZyNo0oBxX]

@@BullyGarfield. Yeah the reel, sorry I'll add that xd

[@samuelforner6283]

I'll sell you a black reel for 160 aud

[@user-go8oj4dl4w]

I've been trying a few multis out. I like them but they break really quickly. Would a hybrid with poly last longer?

[@tennisisphysical]

Try Solinco Tour Bite Soft 32-36 lbs for comfort and spin

[@stepan1226]

it wont

[@erikshen1107]

Wilson Custom Clash 100 with a Full bed of Technifibre x1 BiPhase at 54 lbs!!! SAVED MY ELBOW!!! 16ga

[@trujr5295]

love biphase but I schered it in a few hours specially w spin.

[@bmoz3675]

What about kevlar?

[@RetourBoise]

Oh boy, I've just remembered a time when I was playing a Red Code crosses / Kevlar mains at 70lbs...I'm still wondering to this day how my arm did not implode at that time.

[@stylistxxx]

Multifilament doesnt work in rackets 16/19 strings are moving too much

[@guidodelgiudice5]

I heard the Head global marketing guy explaining that hybrid set up should be kept as little as possible because of racquet deformation in the long run. Not a problem for the pros though.

[@MichaelBroyan]

An interesting point indeed. Any video of that interview?

[@guidodelgiudice5]

@@MichaelBroyan tennis warehouse

[@Tennisnerd]

He talks about it in my podcast too

[@guidodelgiudice5]

@@Tennisnerd that's right!

[@guidodelgiudice5]

@@Tennisnerd Hi Jonas, I just received 3 sets of black natural gut 15g. First time I will be stringing and/or using natural gut. Please tell us everything we should know about it in one of your formidable videos. Excited and looking forward to it.... As a beginner stringer a little concerned. What tension would you suggest for a full bed on a speed mp 300. Thin beam control oriented and flexible frame. I am a player with a very spinny forehand. I like to hit hard on my forehand wing. More of a slice backhand.

[@jarnat3h78]

"Poly drops very rapidly" "Elasticity of a poly drops very quickly." Elasticity is relative to spring. The proper way to say it is the elasticity increases as the tension drops.

[@carlobacca7840]

Best multifilament string for spin?

[@chanrun7331]

Go for Solinco Vanguish 17. It has the best spin potential as described in TW lab. (Literally more than Head Velocity MLT)

[@albertozabeo77]

Poly

[@stepan1226]

Just combine them

[@golllaur]

The funny thing that poly also means multi )))) so it's kinda weird to hear multi or poly LOL

[@YungCwalk]

w

[@christianteves809]

Not as good as tennis nerd😂😂

[@danaazimech6325]

Clean up the filter of your air-con, pls!!