Strings change how a racquet plays as much as the frame does. Synthetic gut is cheap and all-round, multifilament is soft and arm-friendly, polyester gives control and spin for hard hitters but is stiff, and natural gut offers the best feel and comfort at the highest price. Many players use a hybrid of poly in the mains and a softer string in the crosses. Lower tension adds power and comfort; higher tension adds control.
Changing your strings is the cheapest way to change how your racquet plays. Here is how the main types compare and how to choose.
The main string types
| Type | Feel | Power | Control and spin | Durability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synthetic gut | Medium, crisp | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Multifilament | Soft, comfortable | High | Medium | Lower | Medium |
| Polyester (poly) | Firm, stiff | Low | High | High (but loses tension) | Medium |
| Natural gut | Very soft, lively | High | High feel | Lower, sensitive to moisture | High |
| Hybrid | Depends on mix | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
Synthetic gut
A solid nylon core with wraps. Cheap, playable and a good default for beginners and casual players.
Multifilament
Thousands of fibers bundled together to mimic natural gut. Soft and powerful, kind to the arm, and a great choice for players with tennis elbow or anyone who wants comfort. They fray and break sooner than poly.
Polyester
Stiff monofilament strings used by most advanced players. Poly offers control and lets hard hitters generate heavy topspin because the strings snap back into place. The downsides: it is harsh on the arm and loses tension quickly, so it goes “dead” well before it breaks.
Natural gut
Made from cow intestine. It has the best feel, comfort and tension maintenance, but it is expensive and doesn’t like moisture.
Hybrids
Combining two strings, often poly in the mains (vertical strings) for spin and control, and multifilament or gut in the crosses for comfort. A popular way to get some poly benefits with less harshness.
Tension
Check the recommended range printed on your racquet frame.
- Lower tension: more power, more comfort, a larger sweet spot, less control.
- Higher tension: more control, less power, a firmer feel.
Polyester is usually strung a few pounds lower than other strings to offset its stiffness.
Gauge
| Gauge | Approximate thickness | Plays |
|---|---|---|
| 15L | 1.35 to 1.38 mm | Very durable |
| 16 | 1.26 to 1.33 mm | Durable, all-round |
| 16L | 1.22 to 1.26 mm | Balance of feel and durability |
| 17 | 1.20 to 1.24 mm | More spin and feel, wears faster |
Which string should you choose?
- Beginner or casual player: synthetic gut, mid-range tension.
- Arm pain: multifilament or natural gut, lower tension.
- Hard hitter who breaks strings: polyester, or a poly hybrid.
- All-court player who wants comfort and spin: poly mains with multifilament crosses.
Common questions
What tennis string is best for tennis elbow?
Soft strings such as natural gut and multifilament, at a lower tension, are the most arm-friendly. Avoid full polyester setups at high tension if you have arm pain.
How often should I restring my racquet?
A common rule of thumb is to restring as many times a year as you play per week. Polyester loses tension and playability quickly, so poly users often restring more often even if strings don't break.
What tension should I string at?
Most racquets list a recommended range on the frame, often around 50 to 60 lbs. Start in the middle, then go lower for more power and comfort or higher for more control. Polyester is usually strung a few pounds lower than softer strings.
What does string gauge mean?
Gauge is string thickness. Higher gauge numbers are thinner: 17 gauge (about 1.20 to 1.25 mm) gives more spin and feel, while 16 gauge (about 1.30 mm) is more durable.