Best Hybrid Tennis String Combinations
When it comes to picking the best string combinations, there are a whole lot of choices out there.
From string brands, to different materials, to colours, there are a lot of decisions to be made.
As string technology has developed over the years, we have seen a wide range of different materials and manufacturing methods being used to produce tennis strings.
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Beyond Mono & Multi: Exploring the Benefits of Hybrid Tennis Strings
Gone are the days when all players would use natural gut strings and just accept the fact that they would break very easily and cost a lot of money to replace when they did!
Nowadays there are a lot of synthetic alternatives on the market that give a much wider range of options for both the recreational and professional tennis player.
The main thing that has changed with strings over the last 20 years or so is the increase in power, spin, and control all at the same time.
This is due to polyester, multifilament, synthetic gut, and even kevlar strings being widely available, meaning there are a lot more combinations to choose from.
Whether you are looking for more spin, power, or control, there is a string combination out there to suit your needs.
This increase in choice on the tennis string market has also meant that players can really fine-tune their string setups and don’t have to just opt for one set in their racket.
This means that you can actually use a combination of strings, one in the mains and one in the crosses to get the perfect, tailored feel for you! Using a hybrid, or combination stringing setup really gives you the best of both worlds.
Now, of course, choosing a new set of strings (particularly when you are considering a hybrid setup) is a very personal process to go through.
However, our custom fitting service takes your needs into account and gives you a personalized recommendation of which rackets, strings, and tensions to try out.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at why you might benefit from using a hybrid setup and explore some of the best hybrid stringing combinations out there at the moment!
Why Use a Hybrid Set Up?
As we have mentioned, using a combination of strings in your racket gives you even more choice, flexibility and means you can really dial in on your feel.
If you are a player that plays tennis only on the weekends or is not too particular about the feel of your strings, then a hybrid setup may not be necessary for you.
In fact, it may just over complicate things!
However, if you are a player that is in to your strings and really want to fine tune the feel of your racket, a hybrid set up would well be for you!
The main benefits of a hybrid set up is that you can combine both power, spin and control more effectively than if you were just using a single string on its own.
By their very nature, most tennis strings will excel in a certain playing characteristic but will not be able to be all things to all people.
Therefore, if you want to benefit from the spin friendly nature of a polyester string, but still retain more comfort and power, you could combine this with a softer multifilament string for example.
This would offer a good combination of both power, control and spin in an easy to use package.
On the flip side, if you are a player that needs a string bed that is on either extreme of maximum spin and control or maximum comfort and forgiveness, you may not benefit as much from a hybrid set up.
This is because for a player looking to generate the ultimate amount of spin on the ball and has no problem with arm injuries or tennis elbow, they will be able to do this best with a full hybrid setup.
Conversely, players that have suffered a lot from arm injuries and are looking for the maximum amount of comfort possible from their racket, would benefit the most from a full natural gut or multifilament set of strings.
But, aside from these two extremes, a hybrid combination of strings would definitely help the vast majority of players fine tune their string set ups!
This is especially true for players that are using a full bed of polyester strings, as has become very popular with recreational players these days.
Although this may well maximise spin potential, it can also cause a lot of very common arm injuries and actually detract from your game if you are hitting too much spin.
This will actually take some power away from your shots, and it is important to learn how to control the ball through sound technique and calibration rather than just relying on an incredibly stiff string to bring the ball back into court.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best hybrid stringing combinations out there!
The Best Hybrid Stringing Combinations
Wilson Champion’s Choice
The stringing combination of choice for the great Roger Federer, the champion's choice from Wilson is in a class of its own.
It comprises two of the most popular and sought after strings out there, being Wilson’s own gut string and Luxilon Alu Power Rough.
This gives Roger the perfect combination of control, spin and easy power when he needs it.
Most players would opt for the polyester string in the mains as this increases durability and spin, however Roger clearly doesn’t have to worry about breaking strings!
He strings the racket up with the natural gut in the mains, which gives him more power, feel and better tension maintenance.
The Alu power rough then adds the extra bite on the ball so he can generate more spin from those fluid strokes!
Overall, the Wilson Champion’s choice is an industry leading hybrid set up. It offers that perfect blend of power, control and incredible feel.
Whilst it is pricey, it is well worth trying at least once to give you an insight into how Roger feels the ball!
Volkl Psycho Hybrid
One of the less expensive pre-selected hybrid stringing combinations on the market, the Volkl Psycho hybrid combines the popular Volkl Cyclone polyester string with the soft, powerful and forgiving Power Fibre 2 multifilament.
You really get a crisp feel from this string set up, whilst being able to access as much spin as you need from the Cyclone.
For such an affordable string combination the Volkl Psycho hybrid really punches above its weight.
It offers a lot of feedback and is a great starting point for someone who is experimenting with hybrids for the first time.
The only drawback is a slight lack of durability, but this is not a major issue.
Babolat Pro Hurricane and Xcel
Another very popular string combination on the professional tour is the Pro Hurricane and Xcel set up from Babolat.
This combines one of Babolat’s most sought after strings, the Pro Hurricane Tour with the equally popular, very forgiving and feelsome Xcel to offer an excellent feeling string combination.
Pro Hurricane has always been one of the more feelsome polyester strings out there, with the Tour version offering more bite from its ridged construction.
This is perfect if you are looking for the perfect combination of spin, durability and comfort, as the Xcel string is incredibly soft and feels very plush to strike balls with.
You may want to string the Xcel half of this hybrid slightly tighter than the Pro Hurricane to account for the additional flex in of the soft multifilament, but either way this is a great pair of strings to go for.
Wilson NXT Duo 2
Another entry from Wilson! The NXT Due 2 brings an update to the popular original, again combining with a Luxilon string to create a feelsome set up.
The Luxilon of choice here is the Adrenaline polyester, which offers great control and spin potential, ideal for big hitters that want to rein in their power.
Wilson brings the feel and power to the party here, with the relatively new NXT multifilament string.
This is an excellent choice if you are looking to pair off that Luxilon string with a soft feel that can really help you pocket the ball on contact.
Overall, this is a great combination of strings that is incredibly popular for good reason!
Hybrid Harmony: Finding the Perfect String Blend for Your Game
Ultimately, choosing the best tennis string set up for you is a very personal process.
It requires a lot of trial and error and understanding exactly what you want out of your racket and string combination.
This is even more true when it comes to hybrids, as there are infinite possibilities when it comes to string combinations.
However, use this guide and our custom fitting serving to get your search underway, as we aim to take the stress out of finding your perfect hybrid!
Save money, time and injury with a personalized racket and string recommendation!
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