Tennis String Guide

Tennis String Guide

Strings are the only part of your racket that makes contact with the ball — yet they're often the most overlooked piece of equipment. The right string setup can transform your game. Here's everything you need to know.

1. String Types

Polyester (Poly)

The most popular string on the professional tour. Poly strings offer excellent control, durability, and spin potential, but are stiffer and harder on the arm.

  • Best for: Intermediate to advanced players with full swings
  • Popular options: Babolat RPM Blast, Luxilon ALU Power, Solinco Hyper-G

Natural Gut

The original tennis string and still the gold standard for feel, power, and arm comfort. Expensive but unmatched in performance.

  • Best for: Players with arm issues or those seeking maximum feel
  • Popular options: Babolat VS Touch, Wilson Natural Gut

Multifilament

Designed to mimic natural gut at a lower price point. Offers great comfort and feel with more durability than natural gut.

  • Best for: Recreational players and those with arm sensitivity
  • Popular options: Wilson NXT, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

Synthetic Gut

The most affordable option. A solid all-around string that offers decent power, control, and durability.

  • Best for: Beginners and recreational players
  • Popular options: Prince Synthetic Gut, Wilson Synthetic Gut Power

Hybrid Setup

Many players combine two different strings — typically natural gut in the mains and poly in the crosses — to get the best of both worlds: feel and spin.

  • Best for: Advanced players seeking a customized feel
  • Used by: Roger Federer (gut/poly hybrid)

2. String Tension

Tension significantly affects how your racket plays:

Tension Effect
Lower tension (45-52 lbs) More power, larger sweet spot, more comfort
Mid tension (53-58 lbs) Balanced power and control
Higher tension (59-65 lbs) More control, less power, firmer feel

Tip: Start at the middle of your racket's recommended tension range and adjust from there based on feel.

3. String Gauge

String gauge refers to the thickness of the string:

  • Thinner gauge (17-18g) — More spin and feel, but breaks faster
  • Thicker gauge (15-16g) — More durable, less spin and feel

Most players use 16g or 17g as a good balance between durability and performance.

4. How Often Should You Restring?

A simple rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week.

  • Play 2x per week → Restring 2x per year
  • Play 4x per week → Restring 4x per year
  • Competitive players may restring every few weeks

Even if your strings don't break, they lose tension and elasticity over time — affecting your performance without you realizing it.

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which string is right for your game? Chat with us — we're happy to recommend the perfect setup based on your playing style, racket, and budget.