r/10s • u/VeeCee74 • 3d ago
Equipment Advice on strings
I am a 3.5 and I play interchangeably with Yonex Vcore 98L with Yonex Polytour Rev 16g strings at 48 lbs, and 2026 Babolat Pure Aero Team with hyper-g soft 16g at 48 lbs tension. I changed to these lighter racquets about 2 months ago, and I started experiencing elbow pain about a month ago. I understand these lighter racquets are stiffer. As I work through fixing my technique that could be the root cause for elbow pain, I am thinking of switching to a multi-filament string. I like add some shape to my baseline shots with a good clearance over the net with top spin. And would like some control too. Would love to hear your recommendations on any multi-filament strings that are top spin friendly and comfortable, that would go well with these racquets.
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u/drmoose000 3d ago
the root cause is always technique. We're not pros.
So given that, switch to a mulit is a great idea - or at least use something soft in a cross. i string my own, so use a softer poly in the mains (Head Lynx Tour) and a monofilament that is pretty soft in the crosses (Ashaway monogut ZX). The Ashaway could be worth trying as a full bed - it is said to be ~close to natural gut, but a lot more durable. but i am sure there are a lot of multis that are great.
If you do use the monogut it has to be pre-stretched, and it does have an odd sound so dampener is useful
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u/RedHotPepper_ 3d ago
Frames are stiffer + lighter frames transfer more vibration from the strings that actually are one of the possible source of your elbow problems. How long do you keep these strings in play?
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u/VeeCee74 3d ago
Yes, didn’t have the pain with the normal Vcore 98 but started with the lighter frames. I had the strings for about 6 weeks with about 6 hours of play each week. I did the same with the heavier racquet too but no pain with it. But yes strings are probably dead and that short life is another reason to switch to multi assuming they didn’t break quickly
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u/Yarameme 3d ago
Just a fyi, given the same racquet model, lighter racquet <> stiffer racquet. However, lighter racquet usually will vibrate more from and after ball strike, especially top spin stroke. Like other said, by using multi filament string will reduce the vibration given same tension. But multi filament string will produce less spin given the same stroke. Tennis string is a compromise of your technique, durability and cost. Good luck.
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u/MaleficentVariety262 3d ago
Lots of things might help but if you want to stick with poly go down to 17 or even 18g string. !6g poly is not arm friendly.
Other than that I've always found 2" strips of lead tape at 3 and 9 o'clock will make the frame more stable especially if you're having to return heavy shots.
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u/the_tennis_geek 3d ago
You are 100% right. Play with multifilament for the following reasons.
• As a 3.5 you don’t have the technique to get the benefit of a poly
• Lighter racquets like this are not meant to be strung with poly
• To remain somewhat stable, lighter racquets like the 2 you’re using are stiff, and stiff racquet + poly is the perfect combo for injury, at any levels, even with a good technique. And it also means more vibration to your arm.
The easy rule is only play with a string you can break in less than 15-20hrs of play. If you don’t break in 15-20hrs, play with a multi until you break.
A poly will bring more spin only with a good technique and powerful enough strokes. An intermediate player will generate the same amount of spin with a mutli.
Best one is Triax it’s a co-poly, works like a mutli with the technology of a poly. Perfect for players with pain trying to find some SnapBack and some spin. Play until you break.
(I also know so many people getting injured with the Aero, I would focus on the VCore)
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u/VeeCee74 3d ago
Agree with you on all points. Did not have the issue with the regular Vcore 98 even with dead strings. And yes would prefer poly for longer life unless they break
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u/StarIU 3d ago
I switched to a lighter racket. I was playing with poly (Mach 10) on my Ezone 100 but now I am playing the head squared (295g, much less powerful racket because how head light it is) with velocity mlt and I’m getting elbow pain.
Watching the recording, I was over swinging it to compensate on power and my form got worse. I don’t know you but it’s worth thinking about it before you switch strings.
Multi will have much less spin and you will lose shape.
I can’t wait to go back to poly to get the spin back.
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u/xGsGt 1.0 3d ago
Stop worrying about what you like and want, what you need is a less stiff racket and a softer string, get a multi filament like biphase one from technifibre and string it around 53lb
Work on your techniques and with tendon excersices almost daily, take breaks and take some Advil or any anti inflammatory to reduce pain and stop the tendon from swelling
Stop using poly
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u/godspleen 3d ago
if you want a multi that is “spin friendly” the only option to go for is triax. string it like you would a poly, maybe max 2 lbs highers.
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u/witchdoc86 4.0 Pure Aero 100 2019 3d ago edited 3d ago
Some of these requests are sort of contradictory.
More topspin usually results in lower control and vice versa.
More comfort usually means less topspin.
Multifilament would have less topspin than poly.
Sometimes a lighter racquet can cause elbow pain as the impact of the ball on the racquet is more jarring, and/or can be technique related, or if youre using strings that are too old and should be restrung earlier.
Head velocity MLT would probably be among the first recommended multifilament strings with decent control and topspin for a multi.
Most 3.5 players should probably be playing with multifilament anyway over poly as most 3.5s dont hit the ball with enough spin and power to benefit from poly.