Lately there has been a lot of discussion on the Essential Tennis Forums (https://www.essentialtennis.com/forum/)about hybrid stringing patterns, so I thought that I would take the time to go over some of the basics, and hopefully answer some questions that you might be having. Here are some of the basics.
- What is Hybrid stringing? Hybrid stringing is any set-u that uses two differnt types of strings, one for the mains (up and down), and another for the crosses (side to side).
- What is the purpose? It is usually done to give your stringjob a longer life. But it has also become a good way to try a new type of string without jumping into the pool completely.
- What are the most popular hybrids? In the last few years it has become very popular to hybrid stiff polyester strings with softer mulitifilament strings, usually with the poly in the mains. More to come on this later…
- Is is right for my game? Chances are that there is a hybrid for you, no matter what your playing style or ability level.
Once you see what hybrids are for and what they can do for you, there is an endless amount of combinations to consider. So if you are considering a hybrid set up lets try and talk through it… We’ll use a standard polyester/mulitfilament hybrid as our example since they are so popular in todays game. I’m not going to discuss specific string models because there are just too many to consider, but come by the forums if you want recommendations from myself or some of our members!
The main strings are the strings in your racquet that run up and down. These are the primary strings for spin and playability, so these are the strings that you will get the most playing characteristics from in your hybrid set up. Because of that you probably want to choose your main string first before the crosses.
If you are primarily a baseline player (Novak Djokovic) who uses a lot of spin, or if you prefer a stiff stringbed, you will want the primary playing characteristics of your polyester string. This will give you a stiffer, dead stringbed that will allow you swing through the ball and impart a good amount of spin on the ball. This is the majority of poly hybrid set ups.
On the other side, if you are more of an all court player (Roger Federer) that uses more touch and feel shots you might want to reverse the above mentioned set up and install the multifilament stings in the mains. In this situation you would get more of the playing characteristics from the softer, multifilament strings. This would help you with touch shots like drop shots and soft angles. You would still get the stiff feeling with the polyester in the crosses, but not at the same level as the other way around.
As far as durability goes, both set ups are pretty even. Some string researchers have found that you actually get more durability when the polyester strings are in the crosses. For most players though, the polyester strings will lose their playability before they break, and you will want to restring slightly more often.
I hope that this has answered some questions that you might have about hybrid string set ups. If you do have more questions please stop by the forums and post in the Gear Review section!
Jeremy Plumley is a certified Master Racquet Technician (MRT) by the United States Racquet Stringers Association, a designation that is only given to service professionals who demonstrate superior technical competence and product knowledge in racquet sports. In addition he is also a certified teaching professional at one of the most prestigious country clubs in the United States, where he also is the pro shop manager for racquets, shoes and accessories. His knowledge of tennis equipment and teaching background give him the ability to recommend the proper equipment for the type of player he is working with.
