ReString Mailbag September 2025

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

This month, we dive into how long you can play for with Zero, whether Sync is an option for elbow pain, and how to set Vivo up in a hybrid plus what tension to string at.

Question 1 - How Many Hours of Play with Zero?

I am a club level player that hits with moderate topspin.

Before switching to ReString Zero, I kinda used the ReString after 20 hours of play rule.

For Babolat RPM, I did that even though it was getting mute around the 10 hr mark.

I enjoyed using ReString Zero. Its been 25 hrs of playing and I think its starting to decline now though not as steeply as RPM.

But I am wondering, if you have any ballpark range for the hours about when the ReString Zero starts to "decline" and is ready for restringing.

I use it mains at 48 lbs and for cross I use something like Sync (but a diff brand).

ReString Response

Thanks for reaching out and for your question!

It's great to hear that you've been enjoying Zero and that you're getting a lot more playing time out of it compared to RPM Blast.

We definitely see a lot of people making the switch from RPM to Zero, as they offer similar characteristics in terms of power and spin, but Zero just tends to last a bit longer thanks to our longevity coating that helps retain snapback well into its lifetime.

While there's no single golden rule for when you should change your string, as it really depends not just on your playing level but also on your hitting style (e.g., long rally player, intensity, topspin, or slice), all of those factors make a difference.

That being said, I do think around 18-20 hours makes sense for you, especially given that you were able to get about 10 hours out of RPM.

Generally, I would suggest that once you feel the stringbed is noticeably less "fresh" and you start to notice a bit more of a deadening sensation, it's a good time to switch it out.

Hope this helps! I'm happy to answer any more questions you have, and we'd love to see you try out Sync in the cross at some point—I think you'll really love that combo 😉

Question 2 - Sync in Crosses for Elbow Pain?

Golf's elbow. Now recovered through using Head Speed Pro 22 Gut / Ghost Wire 19.

For a very sensitive arm, with gut mains, would using Sync as a cross be something that might work or is it really not very soft?

Hawk Touch is too stiff at 53/43.

ReString Response

Thanks so much for reaching out!

It's definitely tough to play with any kind of elbow pain, and I can certainly relate – I've experienced it myself, which has led me to play almost exclusively with hybrid setups now.

For the most comfortable experience with our strings, I would absolutely recommend trying a hybrid setup with Sync as a cross string alongside natural gut mains.

Sync is the least stiff string in our lineup, and it pairs really well with any kind of soft combination, whether that's a natural gut string or a multifilament string.

Given its round profile and ultra slick surface, it’ll really help the gut move around freely (for spin and snapback) and will also increase the durability you get out of the gut (since Sync won’t be so abrasive against it).

I hope this helps you find a comfortable setup that allows you to enjoy your game!

Question 3 - Vivo Hybrid and Tension?

Hi I have a question about doing a hybrid with your strings.

Right know I’m using a full bed of Vivo and I love everything about the string and its control.

But I’m looking to add a little more spin to my game like in the kick serve. What would you recommend to have amazing spin like Zero but the power level and control of Vivo?

And if I string hybrid should I maybe use tension difference to get more control?

ReString Response

Thanks for reaching out with your question and for being a customer!

It's awesome to hear you're enjoying our Vivo strings.

I definitely understand your point about loving Vivo in a full bed for its control, but wanting to add a little more spin, especially for things like kick serves.

Vivo is indeed a fantastic control-oriented string that provides great bite on the ball. However, you're right that it could certainly benefit from a bit more "pop" to generate that extra action on the ball.

For a hybrid setup, the best combination I would suggest is to try Vivo in the mains and Sync in the crosses. This pairing will open up the stringbed a bit while still maintaining the focus on Vivo's excellent control and bite characteristics.

The Sync in the crosses will provide increased snapback, enhanced spin potential, and overall more power from the stringbed.

As a pro tip, consider stringing Sync 2 lbs lower than Vivo. For example, if you have Vivo in the mains at 52 lbs, try Sync at 50 lbs in the crosses.

This slight tension difference offers a little more give for the strings to create additional spin and a touch more power.

I'll also drop a link to an article we wrote a few weeks back that can really help you on this topic.

Best regards and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!

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.

Until next month, enjoy your tennis!

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.