Volkl Psycho Hybrid is a packaged polyester-and-multifilament tennis string set that combines Volkl Cyclone with Power Fiber II. It is designed for players who want shaped-polyester spin and control with more power, comfort and touch than a full bed of Cyclone.
Cyclone is a ten-sided co-polyester monofilament. Power Fiber II is a soft multifilament with a gut-like response. The two strings can be installed in either orientation, allowing the player to decide whether spin and control or comfort and power should dominate.
Psycho is best suited to intermediate and advanced players who have the technique for polyester but want a more forgiving stringbed. The Tennis String Finder can help compare the hybrid with complete multifilament and co-polyester setups.
Volkl Psycho Hybrid Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 7.5/10 |
| Spin | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 8.5/10 |
| Control | 8.5/10 |
These ratings assume the common Cyclone-mains orientation. Reversing the components increases power and comfort while reducing the dominant polyester response.
Volkl Psycho Hybrid Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Polyester / multifilament hybrid |
| Polyester component | Volkl Cyclone, ten-sided co-polyester |
| Soft component | Volkl Power Fiber II multifilament |
| Package options | 16-gauge and 17-gauge combinations |
| Common diameters | Approximately 1.30mm to 1.32mm in 16 gauge and 1.25mm in 17 gauge |
| Colors | Black and Silver |
| Package length | Two half sets for one hybrid installation |
| Primary benefits | Control, feel, comfort and versatility |
The two components are different materials, so the package’s gauge label should not be interpreted as proof that every strand has an identical diameter.
Material and Construction
Psycho is not one blended string. It contains two separate half sets that create a hybrid after installation.
Cyclone is a solid co-polyester with ten sides. Its geometric profile adds ball bite and helps advanced players control fast swings through spin.
Power Fiber II is a flexible multifilament designed to reduce impact harshness and add power, touch and pocketing. It is physically softer and more vulnerable to abrasion than Cyclone.
The main strings dominate the response. Cyclone mains create a polyester-led setup, while Power Fiber II mains produce a softer, livelier hybrid. That orientation should always be stated when comparing performance.
Volkl Psycho Hybrid Performance
Power
Psycho offers more power than a full bed of Cyclone. The multifilament component stretches more readily and adds useful depth on serves, defensive shots and moderate swings.
With Cyclone in the mains, power remains controlled and suitable for fast strokes. Power Fiber II mains create a noticeably livelier launch.
Independent testing of the poly-mains arrangement found a balanced level of pace rather than an uncontrollable trampoline response.
Power rating: 7.5/10
Spin
Spin is strong, especially with Cyclone in the mains. Its ten-sided profile grips the ball, while the softer cross allows useful pocketing.
Independent testing found less bite and snapback than a complete Cyclone bed because the multifilament cross can notch and restrict movement. The hybrid still scored above average for rotation.
Power Fiber II mains shift the balance toward comfort and reduce Cyclone’s direct influence on ball contact.
Spin rating: 7.5/10
Control
Psycho provides excellent control in the Cyclone-mains orientation. The polyester limits launch, while the multifilament adds touch on volleys, slices and shorter strokes.
The setup is easier to drive through the court than full Cyclone without becoming excessively unpredictable. This makes it useful for all-court players rather than only heavy topspin baseliners.
Control becomes livelier with Power Fiber II mains and can decline as the soft string frays or the intersections lock.
Control rating: 8.5/10
Comfort and Feel
Comfort is a major advantage over a complete polyester bed. Power Fiber II adds cushioning and ball pocketing, reducing the rigid impact associated with full Cyclone.
Independent playtesters also praised touch and connection across volleys and finesse shots. Cyclone mains retain a crisp foundation, while Power Fiber II mains produce the softest arrangement.
The poly-mains version is still polyester-led. Players with active arm pain should not assume that one soft component makes it equivalent to a complete multifilament setup.
Comfort rating: 8.5/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
The Cyclone strand has strong physical resistance. Power Fiber II is normally the limiting component because it can fray, notch and eventually break against the shaped polyester.
Independent testing found good overall playability duration, but also visible shredding of the soft string. Spin can decline before breakage when the intersections restrict main-string movement.
Useful life depends on orientation. Cyclone mains often saw through the crosses, while Power Fiber II mains expose more soft material directly to ball impact.
Choosing the Right Gauge
| Package | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16-gauge combination | Greater stability, control and resistance to breakage |
| 17-gauge combination | More pocketing, power and spin with faster soft-string wear |
The 16-gauge package is the safer starting point for open patterns and regular string breakers. The 17-gauge package suits denser patterns and players prioritizing response.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Cyclone Mains With Power Fiber II Crosses
This is the control-oriented arrangement. Cyclone dominates spin, launch and physical resistance, while Power Fiber II adds comfort and touch.
It is the most logical setup for established polyester players seeking a softer response.
Power Fiber II Mains With Cyclone Crosses
This orientation emphasizes power, pocketing and comfort. Cyclone crosses lower the launch and add firmness.
The shaped crosses can notch the multifilament mains quickly and may restrict their movement.
Using the Components in Full Beds
Both strings are also sold separately. A full bed of Volkl Cyclone maximizes polyester spin and control, while a full bed of Volkl Power Fiber II maximizes comfort and power.
General Tension Guidance
The two materials do not need identical tension. The polyester component is commonly installed lower than the multifilament because it is firmer and less elastic.
Large differentials can distort the intended response, so adjustments should remain conservative. The main-string material, racket pattern and previous setup matter more than one universal number.
Stay within the racket manufacturer’s range. The Tennis String Tension Calculator provides general guidance, but hybrid judgment may require an experienced stringer.
Who Should Use Volkl Psycho Hybrid?
Psycho is best suited to:
- Intermediate and advanced players
- Polyester users seeking more comfort and power
- All-court players who value touch
- Players wanting a ready-matched hybrid package
- Healthy topspin players needing a less rigid setup
- Users willing to monitor multifilament wear
Who Should Avoid Volkl Psycho Hybrid?
Psycho is less suitable for:
- Beginners who do not need polyester
- Players with current arm discomfort seeking maximum softness
- Frequent breakers wanting a full polyester bed
- Users who dislike changing hybrid performance over time
- Players wanting maximum shaped-poly snapback
- Buyers seeking the simplest possible setup
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines spin, control and comfort | Multifilament is the wear point |
| Two useful orientations | Less snapback than full Cyclone |
| More power than a full poly bed | Shaped poly can saw soft component |
| Excellent touch | Performance depends on orientation |
| Convenient matched package | More complex tension decisions |
| Good value relative to premium hybrids | Not equivalent to full multifilament comfort |
Volkl Psycho Hybrid Compared With Other Strings
Psycho vs Full-Bed Volkl Cyclone
Volkl Cyclone in a full bed provides stronger spin and physical durability. Psycho adds power, touch and comfort through Power Fiber II.
Psycho vs Volkl V-Fuse
Volkl V-Fuse pairs Cyclone with natural gut rather than multifilament. V-Fuse offers greater elasticity and tension stability at a higher price.
Psycho vs Wilson Champion’s Choice
Wilson Champion’s Choice combines premium natural gut with ALU Power Rough. Psycho is less expensive and uses a softer synthetic partner.
Psycho vs Volkl V-Blast
Volkl V-Blast combines natural gut with V-Feel multifilament for maximum comfort and power. Psycho is more controlled and spin-oriented.
Final Verdict
Volkl Psycho Hybrid is a well-designed bridge between full polyester and multifilament. Cyclone supplies shaped control and spin, while Power Fiber II adds power, pocketing and touch.
The setup’s character depends on orientation, and its physical life is usually limited by the soft component. Those are normal hybrid tradeoffs rather than defects.
Cyclone mains are the logical starting point for established polyester users. Power Fiber II mains suit players who prioritize comfort and easy depth but still want a controlled cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which strings are included in Volkl Psycho?
The package contains Volkl Cyclone co-polyester and Volkl Power Fiber II multifilament.
Which string should go in the mains?
Cyclone mains emphasize spin and control. Power Fiber II mains emphasize comfort, power and feel.
Is Psycho softer than full polyester?
Yes. Its multifilament component creates a more forgiving response than a complete Cyclone bed.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 16-gauge combination provides greater stability and physical resistance. The 17-gauge package is livelier.
What normally breaks first?
Power Fiber II is generally the limiting component because the shaped Cyclone strand can notch and saw through it.
Can the two strings be installed in either direction?
Yes. The package supports both orientations, but the result changes. Cyclone mains create the firmer spin-led setup, while Power Fiber II mains make power, comfort and pocketing more prominent.