The Ultimate Guide to String
Why Tennis Strings Matter
Strings aren't just "fillers" — they're the part that actually hits the ball. They control power, control, spin, feel & touch, and comfort and arm stress. Your racket frame matters, but your string setup defines how it really plays.
Main Types of Strings
Natural Gut
Made from cow intestine. Best feel, comfort, power, and tension retention. Expensive, moisture-sensitive, and less durable.
Multifilament
Made of many tiny fibres for softness. Very comfortable and forgiving, but less durable than poly.
Synthetic Gut (Nylon)
Good all-around, budget-friendly. Balanced power/control and affordable, but loses tension faster than premium strings.
Polyester / Co-Poly
Single-strand stiffer strings. Great control and spin, tough — but can be harsh on arms. Best for stronger, advanced players.
String Gauge (Thickness)
Gauge affects durability vs playability.
| Gauge | Play Feel |
|---|---|
| 16 / 16L | Good balance of durability & feel |
| 17 / 17L | Softer feel, more spin, less durable |
String Tension Explained
String tension is how tight the strings are pulled when installed. Higher tension = more control, less power. Lower tension = more power, extra comfort. Typical manufacturer-recommended tension range is printed on your racket (often 50–60 lbs).
| Tension (lbs) | Effect |
|---|---|
| ~40–50 | Power + comfort |
| ~50–60 | Balanced power & control |
| >60 | Maximum control (requires player power) |
Quick tip: If balls go long → increase tension. If they land too short → decrease tension.
Hybrid Stringing
Hybrid stringing uses one type of string on the mains (vertical) and another on the crosses (horizontal). Polyester mains + gut or multifilament crosses gives you spin + comfort. Hybrids balance performance and cost, and are popular with advanced and club players.
Best Setups by Player Type
Beginner / Recreational
Multifilament or Synthetic Gut — Gauge 16–17 — Middle tension. Comfort and all-around playability.
Intermediate
Hybrid set or softer poly — Gauge 16–17 — Slightly lower tension. Balanced spin, comfort, and control.
Advanced / Competitive
Polyester or hybrid with gut — Gauge 16–17L — Lower to mid tension. Spin and precision without arm strain.
Arm-Sensitive / Injury Prevention
Natural Gut or Multifilament — Gauge 16 — Middle or lower tension. Shock absorption reduces stress on joints.
Restringing: When & Why
Don't only restring when a string breaks — strings lose tension over time even if unbroken. A simple rule: restring as many times per year as the number of times you play per week. Natural gut & multifilaments hold tension longer than poly.
Final Checklist Before You String
✓ What material fits your style?
✓ Which gauge matches your durability vs feel needs?
✓ What tension fits your power/control goals?
✓ Consider hybrid for balance.
✓ Plan a restring schedule — don't wait until strings break.