NEWS

We caught up with Roman Prokes, renowned stringer and equipment guru, to learn more about hybrid stringing and the origin story of the Hyper-G Hybrid System. Below are excerpts from our interview.

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Hybrid stringing is a tried-and-true method embraced by numerous Pro players who combine strings in a poly/poly, poly/gut, and poly/multi setup. However, one standout advocate of the poly/poly hybrid is equipment expert, Roman Prokes. As the owner of RPNY Tennis in New York City, Roman brings unparalleled expertise in strings, stringing techniques, and racquet customization. He’s also tailored racquets for top players and advised them on equipment tweaks to enhance their performance.

Roman’s advocacy stems from a deep understanding of string performance and insights gathered from the tennis community. We worked with Roman to develop and test poly/poly configurations, paving the way for an all-Hyper-G Hybrid.

Endless Customization for the Modern Player

Traditionally, hybrid stringing involved combining poly with gut or multifilament strings, a method endorsed by legends like Sharapova, Federer, Williams, and Djokovic. However, for players accustomed to a full bed of poly, this change was often too drastic.

“For some players who were used to a full bed of poly, it was just too much of a change. With a poly/poly mix there are endless variations, and the finetuning is really exact and precise.” – Roman Prokes

One of the primary benefits of hybrid stringing is its ability to dial-in specific performance aspects like spin, feel, control, or power, according to individual preferences and play styles.

“Hybrid stringing allows for more precise calibration of players’ needs. In the past, it was either / or. But with a hybrid setup, players can get feel, more power or more spin. They can really finetune the performance according to his or her needs.” – Roman Prokes

The Hyper-G Hybrid System proposes two main setups for players, each with their own unique advantages.

Roman describes the advantages as such: “Most players would use Hyper-G in the mains and Hyper-G Round in the crosses. If you are looking for more of a flatter ball but still want to add some spin, reverse the mix.” – Roman Prokes

Setup 1: Hyper-G Round in the mains, Hyper-G in the crosses

This configuration increases drive and penetration through the court. It delivers an aggressive linear launch angle for greater depth and a controlled response for improved predictability and consistency in your shots.

Setup 2: Hyper-G in the mains, Hyper-G Round in the crosses

In setup 2, place Hyper-G in the mains, and Hyper-G Round in the crosses. This setup provides more spin and a heavier ball. It offers a higher launch angle, adding shape to your shots and enhancing spin-based control.

Each of these setups will have different feel, softness, and comfort levels depending on the player. In addition to choosing a combination for the mains and the crosses, players can experiment with the gauge and tension until they achieve the right performance for their game.

The Hybrid Advantage

Tennis is constantly evolving, with players always seeking that extra edge. For Roman, hybrid stringing offers a unique advantage, allowing players to combine the benefits of two different strings to level-up their tennis arsenal.

“That is where I am a big fan of poly/poly hybrids. As great as the Hyper G is, if one listens to players carefully, a “but” crept into the conversations. The “but” was about the following: “I can hit great spin, BUT I have to do that all the time. It’s hard to put the ball away and hit flat when needed.” – Roman Prokes

“We started playing around with shaped strings mixed with round poly, and blending soft and stiffer strings. This is where the new Hyper G and Hyper G Round was born. It offers easy answers to all the “but” responses out there.” – Roman Prokes

Hybrid stringing eliminates the “if”, “ands” or “buts”, fully embracing the best of both worlds. In our case, it combines two powerhouse, award-winning strings for unmatched performance.

The Solinco Hyper-G Hybrid System is now available at select tennis retailers.