Tennis String Hybrid Guide and Information
A hybrid (aka blend) string installation involves the use of two different strings for the mains and crosses. Generally, main strings break first as they tend to move more during impact and therefore endure more abrasion than the crosses. As a consequence, usually a hybrid installation will assign a more durable (harder) string to the mains and a more playable (softer) string to the crosses. Durability may not be the primary motive for choosing a hybrid though, often hybrids are chosen partially or entirely for their performance characteristics. The chart below offers some insight into the performance and durability characteristics of possible hybrid combinations.
Terminology:
Main Strings:
Strings running parallel to handle axis. Also known as "mains".
Cross Strings:
Strings running perpendicular to handle axis. Also known as "crosses".
Co-Polyester
more info
Solid-Core Nylon Based
more info
Discussion:
MAIN STRINGS:
Co-Polyester
CROSS STRINGS:
Solid-Core (Syn Gut)
SUMMARY:
These are the most popular hybrid combinations. The co-polyesters' durability, spin generation and controlled power dominate while the soft, nylon, solid-core crosses provide a noticeably more forgiving feel.
GAUGE CONSIDERATIONS:
Crosses should be the same gauge or thicker.
SUMMARY:
Installing a smooth co-polyester in the crosses with a textured co-polyester in the mains offers increased durability as compared to using a textured string in both the mains and crosses. The texture increases spin generation while the smooth crosses reduce wear of the mains to improve durability.
GAUGE CONSIDERATIONS:
Similar main and cross gauges are most common. In cases where gauges are dissimilar, the crosses ought to be thinner since the mains endure more localised stress and abrasion than the crosses. A setup such as this yields increased spin potential and elasticity. However, a thinner cross string leads to a moderate loss of durability. A smaller diameter has a smaller, sharper radius of curvature that reduces the contact area between the mains and crosses. This reduction in contact area results in higher contact pressures than if the crosses were the same thickness as the mains. Higher contact pressure equals more abrasion and therefore reduced main string durability.
MAINS:
Multi-Filament
SUMMARY:
This combination provides a softer feel with excellent spin potential and surprising durability. While such a combination will generally not last as long as the reverse (eg: smooth co-poly in mains and multi-filament in crosses), it will provide a softer feel.
GAUGE CONSIDERATIONS:
Similar gauges are generally used in the mains and crosses.
MAINS:
Multi-Filament
SUMMARY:
This combination is uncommon due to durability concerns. The softer multi-filaments tend to abrade rather quickly when paired with the much harder, rough textured co-polyesters.
MAINS:
Co-Polyester
SUMMARY:
The co-polyesters' durability, excellent spin generation and controlled power dominate. The very soft multi-filament crosses effectively moderate the sometimes undesirable co-polyesters' stiffness. This 'softening' effect is more pronounced than what can be obtained by using a nylon based solid-core string in the crosses. On the other hand, the multi-filament crosses' lower durability may be a concern. A smooth co-polyester (Power Cord or Snake-Bite Smooth) should be used in the mains if greater durability is desired.
GAUGE CONSIDERATIONS::
The multi-filament crosses are generally of a similar or thicker gauge than the co-polyester mains.
SUMMARY:
A very cost-effective and durable combination with a soft, arm-friendly feel. The less expensive solid-core mains deliver good durability while the multi-filament crosses provide a comfortable feel.
GAUGE CONSIDERATIONS::
Similar gauges are generally used in the mains and crosses.
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