I have had my hands full doing a Solinco Brain Dead Hybrid String Review. This pre-packaged hybrid consists of 1.20 gauge Mach-10 and Hyper-G Round (click for reviews).
What is it?
A hybrid string setup is when you combine two different strings to get a blend of performance. Kind of like making a dish with two ingredients. Mach-10 is Solinco’s new flagship softer string used with natural gut by Jenson Brooksby. Hyper-G Round is the round version of the bestselling spin-monster Hyper-G.
This is a collab between Solinco and the brand Brain Dead. Brain Dead has chosen the two strings. It is a powerful hybrid, especially considering it is prepackaged as 1.20 gauge.
Solinco writes on the packaging that you should put Hyper-G Round in the mains for a deeper, more penetrating ball. And string Hyper-G Round in the crosses for more spin and a heavier ball.
How does it play?
I tried the Solinco Brain Dead hybrid (click to see it at Tennis Warehouse) in a few different racquets.
The Wilson Blade 98 V9 16/19, the HEAD Speed MP Legend and the Solinco Whiteout V2 XTD. In the Blade, I put Hyper-G Round in the crosses, while in the Speed and the XTD I put it in the mains. I thought I would prefer it in the crosses, but I felt I somehow got more control with it in the mains. And the racquet I think performed best with this setup was no surprise to me, it was the Solinco Whiteout V2.
Check all Solinco racquets at Tennis Warehouse US, or Tennis Warehouse Europe.
Here is a theory I have that you might disagree with. Most racquets brand test their racquets and their strings with their own racquets and strings. Hence, they work best together. I often find that a Wilson racquet works best with a Wilson string and a HEAD strings works best on a HEAD racquet, if that makes sense. It does not fully compute across the board, but as a general rule I have found it to be the case.
The Brain Dead hybrid is powerful so I would urge to go up a 2 lbs (a kg) compared to your regular 1.25 poly if that is what you normally use. The Mach-10 does give lots of speed to the ball and that is why I thought it best in the crosses. For example, I usually string 51/49, but in the XTD Whiteout V2, I went up to 53/51 and that played really nicely.
The feel is nice on impact with these strings and the comfort is top notch. I think this is a setup that can work well for players who want a softer setup but still prefer using polyester strings over a gut hybrid or even a full bed of multifilament strings.
Video review to come!
Summary
The Solinco Brain Dead hybrid is a powerful but spin-friendly string setup. Depending on what you like, you can mix the mains and crosses to find the feel you like. I ended up preferring having Hyper-G Round in the mains for a bit more control, but it is really up to what you like and your style of play.
Pros and cons
+ Powerful, lively, explosive
+ Comfortable for a poly
— Lacking control for big hitters
— Color-combo is not for everyone or every racquet
If you are looking for a colorful and arm-friendly string setup, the Solinco Braind Dead Hybrid can be the one for you. If you want some other string options, get out our Recommended Strings and if you are unsure if you are playing with the right racquet, check out our post on How to Choose a Tennis racquet and you also have a page with Recommended Racquets. If you are completely lost in the tennis jungle, you might want to consider a consultation on our racquet services page.
About Solinco
Solinco is a U.S.-based tennis brand known for performance-driven strings like Hyper-G, Tour Bite, and Confidential. They’ve built their reputation on innovative co-poly formulas that deliver spin, control, and durability, with a loyal following among competitive players and stringers. While their racquets have a growing cult audience, strings remain Solinco’s calling card.
About Brain Dead
Brain Dead is a Los Angeles-based creative collective and streetwear label founded by Kyle Ng. Known for its bold graphics, subversive design language, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, Brain Dead pulls influences from underground music, skateboarding, and counter-culture art. Their work often blurs the line between fashion and functional gear, making their Solinco collab as much a style statement as a performance product.
Hello Tennis Nerd
Jonas you nailed this again. So I am using the new PA 26 100 and they strung the demo with this combo Mach in main Hyper in cross. I liked it , did not love it but felt pretty good. Racket is amazing when I put a leather grip on it as it felt a little muted for my liking and very light . Racket was too comfy if that is a thing. I remember this video and took it back and paid (yes on a demo) but did not care to string the other way as I am buying the racket. The Hyper G round in the main Mach in cross absolutely plays lovely for me. 50 lb on both did not mess with different tensions. Ball is a deeper harder shot for me this way. I love I can hit flat or with spin on the new PA 26. I would 100% only do it this way its easy on the arm , tons of control. My combo of choice for the forseeable future. Your always spot on.