Construction: Multifilament (34% Elastyl, 33% Polyester, 33% Thermostabyl) with SPL anti-abrasion surface treatment

Colors: Bright Yellow

Gauge: 15L (1.35 mm), 16G (1.30 mm), 17G (1.25 mm)

Length: 40 feet (12.2 M) and 660 feet (200 M)

Test Racquet / Tension
Yonex EZone DR98/16 G (1.30 mm) @ 52lbs

Intro

With a renewed sense of energy around the brand following its partnership with Lacoste, Tecnifibre is pumping new life into all of its product offerings. On the heels of its new polyester offering, Ice Code, Tecnifibre is establishing a new string category for themselves called Hybrid 3D. Meant as an “all in one” alternative to hybrid stringing, the new HDMX string promises to incorporate the best aspects of both multifilament and polyester strings. HDMX uses a blend of 3 string materials: polyester for control, polyurethane for comfort and polyamide for power. Tecnifibre then treats the string with their SPL anti-abrasion layer for improved durability. I recently took HDMX for a test run to see if Tecnifibre accomplished their goal of mixing the comfort and forgiveness of multifilament with the control and durability of a polyester.

Power/Spin/Control

The power level of HDMX was largely dependent on the lens I was comparing it through. Compared to traditional multifilament, it was lower powered in nature. But compared to most polyester offerings, it still offered a bump in power output. I found it easy to control the power of the string and could easily see myself stringing it at a lower tension to wring a little more juice out of it. The control of the string was impressive and it definitely had more control to it than I have typically found in multifilament offerings. I usually struggle with depth control using multis, but I found it easy to maintain consistency and directional accuracy with HDMX. Spin production was about what I expect to see from non poly offerings. The string was not as slick as most polys so it lacked a bit of snap back on contact and didn’t generate as much spin as I get from my usual full poly string bed. The string definitely felt geared towards a multifilament user transitioning to poly as opposed to the other way around.

Feel/Comfort

From a feel perspective, I was a little surprised at the more deadened feel HDMX exhibited. I was expecting a traditional lively, multifilament type response and was surprised at the more poly like response it had. This was actually a good thing for me as I felt more at home taking big cuts and gauging the ball’s reaction on the string bed. It still had more flex and feel to it than many poly offerings, but it was closer than I expected it to be. The string had enough flex on contact that it played with solid comfort. Even with its firmer response, it is still comfortable enough that players typically playing multifilament should be able to make a pretty easy transition to HDMX without comfort issues arising.

Durability/Playability

I was impressed with HDMX’s durability and playability. I rarely can get a multifilament string to last me into double digit court hours, but I was able to cross the 10 hour mark with this string. At that point it was pretty heavily worn and snapped on a center main but it was well above average in durability from a string that wasn’t 100% poly in my personal experience. The level of playability the string exhibited over its lifespan was also impressive. While it took a larger drop in tension each session than I see with poly, it stayed highly playable and never turned into the rocket launcher than many multis have a tendency to. HDMX durability and playability fit in well with its positioning as a string for people transitioning away from multifilament strings.

Overall

Tecnifibre has created another impressive string offering with HDMX. It offers many of the features and benefits of both polyester and multifilament without leaning too heavily into either world. It offers an easily controlled medium power level, decent spin and softer contact feel than 100% polyester string. Armed with impressive durability, Tecnifibre HDMX is a great option for players looking to move from traditional multifilament into something with improved control and durability without giving away comfort and feel.

About the Reviewer: Matt Locke formerly served for 3 years as the Junior Programs & Development Coordinator for USTA-Idaho. He is a PTR certified coach and is an active USTA 4.5+ League and Tournament player.