Zero is the steak of your string setup.
Just as a great steak forms the centerpiece of a meal, Zero naturally performs best in your racket’s mains due to its aggressive shaped profile and spin-oriented design.
The mains (vertical strings) have more influence on your stringbed's overall performance than the crosses (horizontal strings), which is why placing Zero in this position maximizes its unique characteristics.
This article walks you through the most popular hybrid combinations with Zero, helping you understand how each setup changes the feel and performance of your racket.
With about 70% of pro players using hybrid setups, you're in good company to explore these options.
Zero + Polyester: Balancing Performance
When you string Zero in the mains with another polyester in the crosses, you get the best of both worlds. This combination lets you harness Zero's aggressive bite and spin potential while fine-tuning the overall feel of your stringbed.
The beauty of a two poly hybrid setup lies in its versatility. By pairing Zero with a softer poly in the crosses, you can dial down some of the stiffness without sacrificing the performance characteristics you love.
This approach is incredibly popular on the professional tour, where players often use their preferred poly in the mains paired with a slightly softer option in the crosses to create a more forgiving stringbed.
You'll find that different polyester crosses can dramatically change how Zero plays. A softer poly will add more power and comfort, while a firmer option might enhance control and precision. The key is experimenting to find the balance that matches your playing style and comfort preferences.
Zero + Natural Gut: Premium Comfort
Natural gut in the crosses transforms Zero into something special. You keep Zero's spin potential in the mains while adding the plush, pillowy feel that only natural gut can provide. This combination gives you a stringbed that's both powerful and comfortable.
The contrast between Zero's shaped profile and gut's smooth texture creates excellent playability. You get more forgiveness on off-center hits and better feel on touch shots around the net. Many players find this setup helps them play with more confidence, knowing they have both spin and comfort working together.
While natural gut is the premium option for comfort, the price can be a barrier for many players. A full restring with this hybrid can cost significantly more than other setups, which is why some players save it for important matches or tournaments.
Zero + Multifilament: Accessible Comfort
If natural gut's price is holding you back, and comfort is your main concern in a Zero hybrid setup, then multifilament strings offer a smart alternative.
Pairing Zero with strings like Diadem Evolution or Head Velocity creates a hybrid that reduces harshness without breaking the bank. These multifilaments add extra comfort to your stringbed, making Zero more accessible for longer hitting sessions or if you're dealing with any arm sensitivity.
The performance difference between gut and multifilament hybrids is noticeable but not dramatic. You'll still get excellent spin from Zero in the mains, and the multifilament crosses will provide enough comfort and power to keep you playing your best tennis.
Finding Your Perfect Zero Hybrid
Now that you understand your options, choosing the right hybrid comes down to what you want from your strings.
If you're after maximum performance and don't mind a firmer feel, stick with a polyester cross. If comfort is your priority and budget allows, natural gut will give you the best of both worlds. For those wanting comfort without the premium price tag, multifilaments offer excellent value.
Remember there's no wrong choice, just different options to match your playing style and have fun experimenting with.
Give Zero a try in your next hybrid setup and experience how the right combination can transform your game.
3 comments
Restring is the best!
Arm friendly, spin, power, control, and feel, what more do you want ? Previously I was using Hyper G.
With more than 50 years experience and as a certified Professional Tennis Registry level 1 instructor I can tell you the blend of Zero and Sync is what you need for any level of play! For advanced topspin players Zero in Mains and Sync in Crosses . Do the reverse for control players.
In general most of the racquets I string are at 50 pound mains 48 pounds crosses. But it varies. For players who are 3.0 or lower, my setup is 54/52 and even tighter on the larger head 107 & 110 frames. The better the player the lower the tension. I’m USTA rated at 4.5 and use 40 pounds Zero vertical and also 40 pounds Sync crosses. I have 9 high school players using this blend 50/48 and they tell me they love the look, the control, and the topspin of this blend.
For me at 69 years old I absolutely love the feel and the backspin! I have the best drop shot at the club and I’m hated for it :o)
I heard about Zero on Tennis Nerd last year. I’ve tried several polys and Zero is my favorite. I put it in the crosses and pair it with NXT Power in the mains in my Wilson Clash 100L…think “plush” :)
hi
I have been playing with ReString 0 (1.23) on my Blade 100L, and it’s really great. It has a plush feel and control. I purchased 5 sets and shared them with my friend. They loved it. I have to order again.