reString Mailbag June 2026

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

This month, we will cover choosing mains to pair with reString Sync, how reString Slap compares to Solinco O-Toro, gauge recommendations for reString Slap in a Wilson Blade V9, tension advice for a Solinco Whiteout, and how reString Sync compares to Luxilon 4G and Head Hawk.

Question 1 - reString Sync in the Crosses

I was wondering what is better between Mach 10 and Zero for someone trying to find mains to pair with Sync in the crosses. I want power but not too much launchiness.

reString Response

Between Mach 10 and Zero, I would definitely recommend Zero. If you are looking to hybrid with Sync in the crosses, I assume you are interested in excellent snapback qualities.

Our strings (Zero, Slap, and Sync) are all engineered with our Signature Snapback tech, which allows the strings to slide freely against each other for great spin generation and responsiveness.

Unlike conventional polys like Mach 10, our snapback tech is integrated into the string itself (not just on an outer coating). This allows the strings to retain their performance and snapback for much longer, providing a significantly better playability duration.

This is a key characteristic of our brand that I'd love for you to try!

Since you mentioned wanting power with less launchiness, I might actually recommend Slap as the best option to pair with Sync in the crosses.

reString Slap is our newest release and is very similar to Zero in terms of shape and technology, but it is more control-oriented and less launchy.

I think trying Slap in the mains with Sync in the crosses would be perfect for your needs.

Question 2 - reString Slap vs Solinco O-Toro

How does Slap compare to O-Toro? Thanks for any help you are able to provide.

reString Response

Both Slap and O-Toro are spin strings, but they offer different performance characteristics.

I believe O-Toro has a softer, more elastic response with a higher launch angle and easier depth. Slap provides a more controlled feel, especially on flatter drives and bigger swings.

Slap was built off the same DNA as Zero but tuned for added control and forgiveness while maintaining aggressive spin, power, and snapback. It provides plenty of spin and pace in a more predictable and confidence-inspiring way.

For players who generate their own racquet head speed and want a string they can really swing through without worrying about launch consistency, we'd recommend Slap.

Question 3 - reString Slap in Wilson Blade V9

I have been using Zero 16G mains and Sync 18G crosses for awhile now in my V9 Blade 16x19.

I wanted to try Slap, so was going to order a 5 set pack to try it out and see if I like it better than Zero in the mains. I am wondering if I should try it in 16G or 17G?

For reference I am a USTA 4.0 (UTR 6), believe I hit with ok amount of spin, maybe not the most power in the world, don't break strings, mostly I am placement and control to win points.

reString Response

Based on your description, I'd lean 17G Slap.

Since you're not a string breaker and win more with placement/control than raw power, I think you'd really appreciate the extra feel, pocketing, and liveliness the thinner gauge gives.

Especially in a Blade 16x19, it should pair really nicely with the Sync 18G crosses.

16G would give a slightly firmer and more muted response with a bit more durability, but for your game, I think 17G is probably the more rewarding and better-performing option.

Question 4 - reString Tension in Solinco Whiteout

Good morning, I'm using a Solinco Whiteout 18 x 20 racquet. I'm thinking of putting a shaped polyester string in the mains and a rounded polyester string in the crosses.

Can you please let me know what tension you would suggest stringing the mains and the crosses at?

For reference, I'm a low powered player who focuses more on control and variety and I think a lower tension may help, maybe around the 40/38 lbs mark?

reString Response

Choosing a lower tension is a great call, especially with our strings.

They are engineered for maximum string movement thanks to our Signature Snapback coating, and stringing a little lower helps facilitate that extra movement.

A shaped main and round cross is definitely the way to go in a hybrid setup.

The shaped strings grip the ball to create extra bite, while the round strings allow for better snapback so the mains can slide and glide across them easily.

In terms of our specific offerings, I would definitely recommend Sync for the crosses. It's our round, slick poly focused on control, feel, and snapback.

For the mains, there are two options that would work well:

Zero: Our flagship shaped string that provides a ton of power and pop. Pairing this with Sync gives you a great "best of both worlds" setup.

Slap: If you are leaning more towards a controlled feel, our latest release works better as a main. It shares the same shape and snapback as Zero but plays with more control. A Slap/Sync setup would be excellent for a mix of control, feel, and snapback.

Regarding tension, 40/38 lbs is on the lower end, but it is very manageable if you have experience in that range. Given that your Solinco Whiteout has a dense 18x20 pattern, 40/38 lbs actually won't feel as low as it sounds. You can start with that and if it's too low, you can consider bumping those up to 42/40.

Question 5 - reString Sync vs Luxilon 4G and Head Hawk

Hi, do you know how Sync compares to Luxilon 4G and Head Hawk? I ask because I'm looking for a string that has a lower spin like 4G and Hawk.

I have the new VCORE 98. It has a lot of power and spin. I play 5.0 USTA so I'm looking for something that has more control.

I know reString isn't on the TW page for spin potential, but do you know what it is?

I find with it by itself or a hybrid, I'm looking for something with a lower spin potential and more drive, control. is Sync the best option for that and comfort?

reString Response

The VCORE is definitely highly spin-oriented, and the new version is even more powerful than the previous one (which I used to use myself). It makes total sense that you're looking for something with less power and more control.

In our string lineup, both Sync and Vivo would be the best options for you:

Sync is a round co-poly that really excels in snapback and feel.

If you're looking for a round profile string like Head Hawk or Luxilon 4G, this is comparable in shape but will provide more snapback and a slightly softer stringbed.

I also recommend Vivo. This is a hexagonal string, but it plays closer to 4G.

It offers a very crisp, direct feel and is our best string for tension maintenance, which is a key feature of 4G. Many high-level players who appreciate a low power rating and a clean, control-oriented feel love this one.

A lot of our customers actually run a hybrid of these two (Vivo mains and Sync crosses). This provides a great balance if you find that Vivo alone isn't quite forgiving enough.

We also have Zero and Slap, but those are more responsive and powerful, so I don't think they would be the best fit for what you're after.

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.