reString Mailbag July 2026

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

This month, we will cover a reString Zero and reString Slap hybrid, pairing reString Sync crosses with natural gut mains, a setup for the Wilson Blade 100 V8, how to soften reString Slap for tennis elbow, and a hybrid in the Yonex VCORE 95.

Question 1 - reString Zero and Slap Hybrid

After trying a lot of reString combinations, I would like to ask if you would advise a Zero and Slap hybrid.

I tried Zero (fantastic spin, not enough depth control, arm pain), Slap (great offence, love the softer arm feel, but I couldn't get my defence shots deep) and a Zero/Sync hybrid (loved it, but would like a little more spin and higher launch angle, and if I could be really picky, a little power but not necessary, without sacrificing too much control).

A logical thought for me was trying to combine Slap and Zero, but I did not see any reviews of it online, and after all my trying out my pockets are getting a bit empty.

Would you advise on a Slap/Zero or a Zero/Slap combination, or maybe a combination with a different brand?

reString Response

Honestly, based on everything you described, I think your logic is spot on.

If you loved Zero/Sync but just wanted a little more spin, launch, and power, I'd try Zero mains and Slap crosses next.

That should keep more of the spin and explosive response you liked from Zero, while the Slap crosses soften things up a bit and add some of that extra pocketing and comfort you enjoyed from full Slap.

I'd be a little less inclined to go Slap mains and Zero crosses, since it sounds like your main complaint with Slap was not getting enough depth on defensive shots. Putting Slap in the mains would keep more of that character.

So if you're only trying one more setup, Zero mains and Slap crosses would probably be my recommendation.

It sounds like the most logical bridge between the two setups you've enjoyed, without giving up too much of what made Zero/Sync work so well for you.

Question 2 - Natural Gut and reString Sync Hybrid

I used a hybrid setup of VS Touch 16G mains at 55 lbs for my granddaughter in a Babolat Pure Drive Gen 11 100, with Wasabi X crosses at 52 lbs.

She mentioned she appreciates the enhanced spin, control and power. Coming from Tecnifibre 17G at 54 lbs, which could be flighty, she really likes the new setup.

Do you recommend I try your Sync 17G crosses with 17G VS Touch instead of the Wasabi X for just a little better spin potential and control?

This will be in 98 degree Texas heat in August and maybe September.

reString Response

Yes, Sync 17G as crosses with VS Touch 16G mains is a great call!

Natural gut mains with polyester crosses is one of the most popular hybrid combos out there, and Sync is a natural fit for this role.

Its round profile gives you excellent feel and control without being too stiff, which really complements the gut's liveliness and power.

As for the Texas heat, we'd actually recommend stringing the Sync crosses a couple of pounds lower than you normally would with a poly.

So if 52 lbs has been your reference point, something around 50 lbs would let the strings breathe a little more and keep great snapback, and the response feeling lively even in high temps.

Question 3 - Setup for Wilson Blade 100 V8

Hi, what string, gauge and tension recommended a Wilson Blade 100 V8 as a full bed for a low to intermediate all-court player, please?

reString Response

Given that you are still in the development phase of your game, I would definitely recommend something on the softer side and suggest avoiding any of our stiffer lines.

If you are looking to supplement your frame with more control, reString Sync is a great choice.

If you are looking for more spin with a great balance of power and control, I would highly recommend our latest release, reString Slap.

For tension, I suggest going mid-range at 48 lbs. That should be plenty comfortable while still giving you great access to control and power.

Since you aren't a frequent string breaker, there's no need to go for thicker variants, so I would recommend the 17G.

Question 4 - Tennis Elbow Recommendation

Hi, right now I'm using Slap but I want to make it more comfortable because I used to have tennis elbow.

How can I do that? Maybe adding Sync cross as a hybrid.

reString Response

Yes, Slap and Sync is a great move for that!

The Sync crosses will soften up the stringbed noticeably since it's a round string with a lot more give than Slap.

You'll keep the spin and aggression from the Slap mains while the Sync takes the edge off the impact, which is exactly what your elbow needs.

One more tip: string it about 2 lbs lower than your usual poly tension.

Lower tension means more dwell time and less shock through the arm, so between the hybrid and the tension drop you should feel a real difference.

Question 5 - Hybrid in Yonex VCORE 95

I purchased a new Yonex VCORE 95. I'm using 18G Confidential at 52 lbs and I would like to get a little bit more power out of it.

I want to do a hybrid poly/poly. I have reString Zero 17G and I also have reString Sync 18G. I'm thinking Zero in the mains and Sync in the crosses, maybe at 50 or 48 lbs.

Will this work?

reString Response

Great question, and Zero in the mains with Sync in the crosses is honestly one of our favorite combos.

Zero brings the power and spin on the mains, and Sync adds control and feel on the crosses, so you get a nice blend of both.

For tension, we usually recommend stringing about 2 lbs lower than your typical poly setup, so coming down from 52 to around 50 lbs would be a great starting point for more power while keeping good control.

If you want to lean even further into power, 48 lbs would work too, you would just trade a bit of control for that extra pop.

Either way, this setup should get you the added power you are looking for!

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.