ReString Mailbag January 2026

We're back for another mailbag, where we answer real questions from customers.

This month, we will cover the best setups using Tecnifibre TF40, Babolat Pure Aero 98, HEAD Speed MP, a soft hybrid setup using Zero and Sync, and a longer-lasting hybrid setup option.

Question 1 - Tecnifibre TF40 Setup for 4.0 Player

Hi, I am a strong 4.0 player and I am looking for a string that gives me high spin rate, lots of power but a soft feel for touch and my elbow. I string around 47 lbs in a Tecnifibre TF40 315g (16x19).

Would you recommend a Zero and Sync hybrid?

ReString Response

That's a great setup you have there! For a 4.0 player looking for spin, power, and a bit of elbow comfort at 47 lbs, the Zero/Sync hybrid is definitely worth trying.

Zero in the mains will give you that spin and power, and Sync in the crosses can add a bit of the soft feel you're looking for and nice control.

If you would rather try a full bed setup, I can recommend a full bed of Sync, also at 47 lbs. You'll have a bit more of a soft stringbed and still plenty of access to spin through the snapback technology of Sync.

That said, since it's a round string, you won't get the same bite as you would with a shaped string like Zero.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Always happy to help out.

Followup Question

Last question… If previously I played Luxilon ALU rough at 45 lbs, what would you string a hybrid 17/18 gauge with your ReString?

Followup Response

Hi Albert,

If you played with ALU Rough at 45 lbs, I would consider a tension that is pretty close to that to get a nice apples-to-apples comparison.

If you go with the Zero/Sync hybrid, I suggest trying 47 lbs for the Zero mains and 45 lbs for the Sync crosses. Lowering the tension on the crosses allows the mains to move more freely, which provides more pop and spin.

Since you are used to ALU Rough, it may also be worth trying a full bed of Sync in either gauge, noting that 18G will be softer. You could also try this at 45 lbs. Sync shares many similarities with ALU Power as they are both control-oriented and offer exceptional feel.

However, Sync utilizes modern snapback technology that ALU Power does not have. In practice, this will give you noticeably more spin, even though it is not shaped or roughed, and will last longer by resisting notching and tension loss.

Question 2 - Zero and Sync Hybrid in Tecnifibre TF40

Good morning. I previously played a HEAD Prestige PRO racket and strung my Luxilon Rough at 45 lbs. I now play a Tecnifibre TF40 315.

1. Can I string this hybrid of Sync and Zero at 45 as well?

2. Can I string the hybrid with the mains at 45 and crosses at 47?

3. Are both Sync and Zero strings pre-stretched?

ReString Response

Great to hear from you.

1. The Zero/Sync hybrid is a great choice. I recommend putting the shaped Zero in the mains and the slick Sync in the crosses. This combination offers a perfect balance of spin, power, and feel.

2. You can certainly adjust the cross tension to 47 lbs, but I generally wouldn't recommend setting the cross tension higher than the mains. Keeping the tension equal or setting the crosses 1-2 lbs lower is usually better.

Slightly looser crosses allow the mains to move more freely, which is a major benefit for strings engineered for snapback like ours. This setup will provide more spin and better feedback.

3. Our strings are not pre-stretched, and it isn't something we typically recommend. They are specifically designed to retain playability and hold tension longer than the average string.

You can ask your stringer for a pre-stretch if you prefer, but we suggest skipping it to maximize the performance of the string.

Question 3 - Zero in Babolat Pure Aero 98

Hi, I’ll be trying out the new Pure Aero 98 (2026), and I’ve been advised to string it a couple of pounds lower than my current Blade 98 V9 (16x19).

I currently string my Blade at 52 lbs with a full bed of Restring Zero, and I’ve been playing this setup for more than a year and have really enjoyed it.

I’m looking forward to your advice.

ReString Response

Thanks for reaching out! It’s great to hear about your new racket setup. I’m guessing you were advised to string it a little lower because the frame is stiffer?

Since the Pure Aero is more powerful to begin with, combining it with lower tension and a powerful string like Zero will make for an extremely explosive feel. Unless you’re experiencing any specific arm discomfort, I could actually recommend starting at the same tension you’re used to (52 lbs) to get a good comparison.

That said, dropping a pound or two to compensate for the stiffness is also a solid idea. How about trying 51 lbs for a start?

I think you’ll really enjoy it. Your racket will feel like a total spin and power monster! Let us know how you get on, and we are more than happy to assist you further.

Question 4 - Longer Lasting Setup with Sync Mains

Hello, I've been using Vivo in the mains and HEAD Velocity MLT crosses (both 17g, both 50 lbs) in my Diadem Axis 100.

I recently switched away from a HEAD Speed MP with Lynx Tour in the mains and Velocity MLT crosses. So far my new setup has been amazing. Does everything really well for me.

My only complaint is that I'm looking for a little more longevity out of my string setup. Right now, for the first 3-4 hours its perfect. Basically my first couple weeks with it.

Then, as the strings age, it starts feeling less predictable and stiffer in a less comfortable way. Still works, but not nearly the same joy and the first 3-4 hours.

I have several sets of strings I'm considering experimenting with, but thought maybe you guys could point me in a good direction. I have some sets of Vivo 17g, Slap 17g, and Sync 18g.

I haven't tried Slap or Sync yet. Was thinking maybe doing Slap in the mains at 50 lbs and Sync in the crosses at 48 lbs?

Hoping that gives me roughly the same power/control/feel/comfort but maybe in a way that lasts longer and changes less over time. I don't string myself so I'm trying to extend that joy a bit, not have to restring as often, etc since it costs me about $25 per string job.

I don't expect strings to play as good in hour 10 as hour 1, but looking for less drop-off over the life. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

For reference, I'm a recreational player, 3.5-4.0 level, big serve, kind of a "serve +1" type approach. I can hang in a baseline rally, but much prefer to be the aggressor and end points early. Play about twice a week on average.

ReString Response

Thanks so much for reaching out! I'm really glad to hear that you’ve been enjoying your setup.

I can definitely recommend a few options to help extend the longevity of your strings.

One great adjustment would be to swap the Vivo mains for Sync mains. This keeps the string bed feeling similar to what you currently enjoy with a control-oriented polyester main and a slick multifilament cross.

The benefit is that Sync is a round poly rather than shaped, so it will last longer. Shaped strings tend to eat into softer multifilament strings faster due to their abrasive edges.

Sync is round and slick, which leads to better snapback and reduced friction, extending the life of your setup.

Also, my guess is that you’re breaking the cross string, right? If there’s a thicker gauge of Velocity available, switching to that one will work great too!

Regarding your idea of experimenting with Slap mains and Sync crosses: that will provide a nice feel centered around control, spin, and pop. The tension you suggested (50 lbs mains / 48 lbs crosses) is a great place to start.

However, since this is a poly/poly setup, you won't get the same soft pocketing feel you enjoy with Velocity. I'd recommend this choice only if you are comfortable switching to a full polyester string bed.

Both are excellent options! It certainly doesn't hurt to try both and see which one you prefer.

Question 5 - Soft Hybrid Setup for Power and Spin

Hello, I have come across your brand and products through advertisements on Instagram.

I am seriously considering to purchase a single packet to try out and then a reel once I’ve found my string of choice.

I currently play with RPM in the mains and Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex Reel for cross, so my question is this: which of your strings is softest and best for feel, and which of your strings provides the most power and spin?

ReString Response

Thanks so much for reaching out, and happy to hear you're thinking of trying ReString!

It sounds like you've been enjoying a solid hybrid setup, a spin-friendly poly in the mains with a soft synthetic gut in the crosses. While we currently only offer polyester strings, I can definitely recommend some options that might work well for you.

For power and spin, our Zero string is what you're looking for. It's a little more aggressively shaped than RPM (Zero is hexagonal), which gives you a ton of bite on the ball and is very high-powered. It's great for players who want to crush the ball with both power and spin.

For softness and feel, although we don't have a synthetic gut or multifilament for the cross, our most popular poly/poly hybrid is blending Zero in the mains with Sync in the crosses.

Sync is a super slick poly that places a premium on feel. Due to its slick coating, it allows the mains to slide freely against it, giving you great ball pocketing and snapback.

I can confidently say you will get a lot more spin with the Zero x Sync combination compared to your current setup. That said, since your synthetic gut crosses play softer, I would recommend trying this hybrid at a slightly lower tension than you are used to. For example, if you normally string at 50 lbs, try starting at 48 lbs.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

Question 6 - More Spin Potential in HEAD Speed MP

I’m currently using Luxilon ALU Power Rough 130 on the mains with ALU Power 120 on the crosses, both strung at 50lbs. I am looking for more spin potential.

What setup can you recommend from ReString? I’m also using HEAD Speed MP 2026.

ReString Response

Thanks for reaching out! If you are looking for more spin potential, you've come to the right place.

Given your history with Luxilon ALU Power, my first thought is that you will really like Sync. It's a similar control-oriented gray poly with a premium on feel, so it should feel familiar.

The key difference is that Sync uses our signature snapback coating, which not only helps with extending playability but also generates more spin potential on every shot due to the slick coating.

Essentially, more long-lasting snapback equals more string movement and therefore more spin. A great place to start would be to try Sync 17G in a full bed at 50 lbs and see how you like it.

Another option would be to try a hybrid setup, keeping Sync in the crosses. Sync in the cross helps with control and feel while providing that crucial snapback.

Vivo 17G in the Mains: Vivo has a hexagonal profile and provides amazing bite and grip on the ball. It is very control-oriented, making this hybrid feel incredibly dialed in.

Zero 17G in the Mains: Zero also provides a ton of spin and bite due to the same hexagonal profile. Zero is a powerful string, so this setup will give you a nice balance of control and pop while being highly optimized for spin.

In short:

Sync 17G Full Bed at 50 lbs: A safe, great place to start.

Hybrid with Sync in the Crosses. Vivo 17G Mains: More bite, control-focused. Zero 17G Mains: Excellent spin, balanced with more power (pop).

Let me know if you have any questions! Happy to support you more :)

Got Your Own Question?

We'd love to hear from you and share the best response we can to help your game.

If you have your own question, you can submit that via our contact page or on Instagram.

Until next month, enjoy your tennis!

Note: questions and responses have been lightly edited for easier reading.

About the Author: Juan is the co-founder of ReString. He was born in Argentina, raised in Japan, and moved to the US to pursue college tennis. He now plays as an ATP & WTA hitting partner.