A lot of attention in the tennis industry over the past few years has been given to hybrid stringing. Hybrid stringing is the combination of two different strings in a racquet, one for the main strings, and a different one for the crosses. The purpose behind hybrid stringing is to combine the characteristics of two different strings into one, providing any number of different qualities.

Hybrid stringing is not a new concept. The idea of combining two different strings in a racquet has been practiced for many years. Prince’s Pro Blend string is a good example. The Pro Blend string combines a Kevlar main string with a Prince Synthetic Gut cross. This was done to maximize the durability of the strings so that players wouldn’t have to restring their racquets so frequently. The downside of this hybrid is that it transfers a lot of shock into the players arm.

The recent popularity in hybrid stringing has arisen from the newer technologies in the strings themselves. With more refined manufacturing techniques and also a greater use of different materials, tennis strings have become more customizable. Many strings are now designed to help enhance and improve very specific aspects of a person’s game. This then translates into a broader selection of customization choices for people who play tennis. For example, if a person wants more spin when they hit the ball; there is a large variety of textured strings available to help grab the ball better. These textured strings are then available with variable stiffness levels (providing different power levels and shock absorption) and in variable thicknesses (providing different levels of durability).

Hybrid stringing makes the customization even easier. It can allow a player to increase the durability of a string job while still providing a good feel on the arm. Hybrid stringing can also make a racquet more powerful while still providing a fair amount of control. There are a number of different possibilities. The main reason why people use hybrid stringing is the feel. Many players like the stiff feel provided by some strings, but don’t want the extra pain in the arm that comes with them (stiff strings don’t provide very much shock absorption). To help with the shock, a typical hybrid would consist of a polyester main string, and a softer multifilament or natural gut cross string. This combination would provide the control and durability of the stiff, polyester string, and the feel and playability of the soft cross string.

In the end, hybrid stringing is not necessarily better or worse than traditional stringing. Hybrids just allow for a deeper level of customization for the players who really want it.

Racquet Specifications

Head Size:

124 Square Inches

Length:

27 1/3 Inches

Weight (Strung):

9.4 Ounces

Balance (Strung):

Even

String Pattern:

16 x 19

The Crossbow system is the newest technology from Head designed to amplify the power of a racquet. The Crossbow racquets feature bridge pieces that are separate from the rest of the frame allowing the bridge to be more flexible. When a ball strikes the racquet, the force will make the Crossbow bridge flex toward the center of the racquet. Then, as the ball leaves the frame, the Crossbow bridge flexes back down to its original position which in turn gives the ball an added power boost. 

The Crossbow 10 is the most powerful of the Crossbow racquets. It is designed for a player with a shorter swing who would like the racquet to generate most of the power for them. The racquet’s power comes from its very stiff design as well as the addition of the Crossbow technology.

The Crossbow 10 also features a stabilizer system built into the throat of the racquet. This system helps to dampen the shock being transferred through the frame when a player strikes a ball. This translates into a smoother and more comfortable shot for the player using the racquet.

Racquet Overview

-Very powerful

-Stabilizer in throat provides a more comfortable shot

-Very large sweet spot

The Propulse is the new competition shoe from Babolat. It is designed to be very durable while still providing a high level of comfort.

The Propulse features a new inner sole system called Exact Pro. This inner sole system was designed using Pebax, a very high response resin. The Pebax sole is designed to compress and expand with every step to provide an extra burst of propulsion. This also makes the shoe very shock absorbent and comfortable.

The Propulse also features a Michelin Rubber out-sole that was specifically designed for the shoe. In testing, this high durability out-sole was found to be 40% more durable than any other tennis out-sole on the market today. The Michelin Rubber outsole also features a new traction system called OCS (Optimized Cell System) that was inspired by Michelin rally racing tires. It consists of circular micro-cells on the out-sole of the shoe that allow for more surface contact, providing more traction.

Shoe Overview

-Very Durable

-Good Shock Absorption

-High Traction

-High Energy Return Inner Sole