Are you interested in practicing tennis but don’t know which strings to buy? Our guide will help you get the best tennis strings for your game! Whether you’re an experienced player or a beginner, we will guide you in finding the best tennis strings for your racquet and style of play. The amount of tennis strings on the market is incredible.ย As new strings are introduced each year, the end user is presented with an overwhelming array of materials, features, gauges, and technology.
There are numerous string varieties available, including polyester, natural gut, multifilament, and more! However, you should be aware that each has its own set of pros and cons.
Our aim is to show you everything you need to know about tennis strings and assist you in selecting the finest string for your needs. We have reviewed every type of tennis string for you.
Review of Best Tennis Strings in 2024
The list of string is really long and keeps getting longer. When it comes to tennis strings, there are far more varieties available and brands to choose from than there are for racquets. Considerations include gauge, tension, material, and shape. We will concentrate on what type of player you are. Let’s take a look at the best tennis strings available right now.
1. Luxilon ALU Power
The Luxilon ALU Power is my top recommendation for the greatest string on the market. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most widely used strings on the pro tour, with players like Roger Federer, Sebastian Korda, and Tommy Paul.
As polyester tennis strings are renowned for their spin and control, I can assure you that the Luxilon ALU Power delivers on both fronts. The ALU Power provides great spin, allowing you to launch more aggressive strokes while maintaining control. It also provides excellent touch and feel for asserting you greater control over the ball’s positioning on the court.
Pros
- Excellent command
- Excellent spin
- Sturdiness
- Tension maintenance
Cons
- Not very strong
- Issue of comfort
The Luxilon ALU Power also performs admirably in terms of durability. It is a strong string that is relatively difficult to break. It is also quite effective at sustaining tension, which is essential for any tennis player. Even after several training sessions, I saw that the tension remained constant.
The only drawbacks I discovered when trying this string were power and comfort due to its rigid polyester construction. This string is designed just for control and longevity, but if you want to add some power, consider hybridizing the Luxilon ALU Power with natural or synthetic gut. This will give you the ideal balance of control and power.
Players looking for a way to control their natural power when they hit the ball hard will find the Luxilon ALU Power string ideal.
2. Solinco Hyper-G Heaven
Solinco’s Hyper-G has an edged design that delivers exceptional spin and control for a polyester string. It excels in practically every aspect of playability, including durability and control.
While other poly strings might be stiff and lose tension quickly, Hyper-G has a wonderful feel and retains tension after playing. Finally, this is an excellent option for expert players searching for a polyester string that is gentle on their arms due to the thinner gauges available.
Pros
- It has excellent feel, control, and durability for a polystring.
- Comfortable for the arm
- Four-edged string configuration produces spin.
Cons
- Powerless and probably not appropriate for beginners.
- Although superior to most polys, the string tension still decreases swiftly.
As a competitive player who experienced tennis elbow while using alternative polyester strings, Hyper-G helped me recover without sacrificing quality.
3. Babolat VS Touch
When it comes to natural guts, nothing beats the Babolat VS Touch.
The Babolat VS Touch was first produced in 1925 and has been used by numerous professionals over the years, including current players Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem. The VS Touch delivers unparalleled power and comfort, as well as a sharp feel off the racket.
Natural gut strings are unique in that they do not lose tension over time, allowing you to maintain that great touch and feel until the string breaks. ย .
Pros
- Exceptionally powerful
- Very comfortable
- Intensive maintenance
- Feels good
Cons
- Control
- Not very robust
- Expensive
When I tested the Babolat VS Touch, I noticed that it did not provide much topspin or control. This is why many folks may prefer polyester string instead. However, the VS Touch is remarkable in that its performance did not degrade at higher pressures. When utilizing these strings, many players may tighten up to gain control of the ball while preserving that exquisite feel and touch.
4. Yonex PolyTour Air
Traditional polyester strings are exceedingly stiff and unsuitable for most players. Yonex PolyTour Air is a newer type of polyester that is softer and more powerful, allowing more players to experiment with polyester strings. Players with a more sensitive arm but still desire the spin potential of a polyester string should give it a shot.
Pros
- Outstanding strength and comfort for polyester
- Excellent for players at the intermediate and advanced levels
Cons
- Poor tension maintenance
- Most beginners find it very stiff
While this string, like other polyester strings, suffers from poor tension maintenance, it excels in producing above-average power and spin.
5. Wilson Champion’s Choice duo
The Wilson Champion’s Choice Duo, which Roger Federer uses, provides the ideal blend of power and control.
This hybrid combination includes two superb strings: the Wilson Natural Gut and the Luxilon ALU Power Rough. The Luxilon ALU Power Rough lends this hybrid configuration exceptional durability and control, while the Wilson Natural Gut provides effortless power and control.
By combining this polyester with natural gut string, you get the best of both worlds and create an excellent combination. I propose utilizing the Wilson Natural Gut in the mains because they define the racket’s feel.
Pros
- Powerย
- Control
- Outstanding overall performance
Cons
- Not very robust
- Very costly
However, I still felt this combination to be too powerful, but it all depends on personal preference and the tennis racket you use. Some tennis rackets naturally produce greater power than others.
6. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
The Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is a superb multifilament string that is deserving of a spot on this list.
The X-One Biphase incorporates technology such as Elastyl and PU 400 to provide smooth electricity. Some players may find this string overly powerful, but this may be adjusted by increasing the tension to increase control.
This string is also exceptionally pleasant due to its soft feel on the ball and excellent shock absorption, making it ideal for arm use. While not as pleasant as a real gut string, I was extremely pleased with how the Tecnifibre X-One Biphase functioned.
Pros
- Strong and comfortable
- Good feeling
- Tension maintenance
Cons
- Lacks control
- Minimal spin
The drawbacks I discovered with this string were spin and control due to its multifilament construction. The Tecnifibre X-One Biphase provides greater spin and control than synthetic or natural guts, but it may not be adequate for players that rely on heavy spin.
Again, pairing this with a polyester string might help you get a good combination of power and control.
7. Prince Synthetic Gut
The Prince Synthetic Gut is an excellent value for money string that is ideal for recreational players looking to try a softer, more dynamic setup.
While the Prince Synthetic Gut lacks some of the qualities seen in higher-end strings, it delivers an excellent overall performance.
I found it to be quite comfortable and powerful, which is ideal for recreational players who do not want to smash the ball aggressively. Comfort is especially crucial for recreational players since it decreases stress on the arm and lowers the risk of developing tennis elbow.
Pros
- Reasonable costย
- Comfort
- Strong power
Cons
- Control
- Durability
The Prince Synthetic Gut provides excellent all-around playability. However, it lacks longevity and control, which can be addressed by increasing the tension or partnering it with a polyester string.
If you’re a new player looking for something pleasant to use, synthetic gut strings are a terrific option. However, I do not recommend them for professional tennis players.
8. Solinco Hyper-G
For many years, the Solinco Hyper-G polyester string has performed admirably.
Although the Solinco Hyper-G lacks power, it compensates with excellent control and spin. The Hyper-G, like any polyester, is designed for advanced players with powerful strokes aiming to gain more control over their game.
However, when compared to other polyester strings, the Solinco Hyper-G stands out for its comfort. It may not be as pleasant as a real gut, but it is the best stiff polyester string available.
Pros
- Excellent judgment
- A lot of spin.
- Good feel
- Decent durability
Cons
- Insufficient power
- Tension maintenance
The Hyper-G also provides excellent ball feel, so it’s no wonder that Dustin Brown likes this string. However, I discovered that this string lacked both power and tension maintenance. Even after a few workouts, I noticed that the strings felt much looser.
However, the most appealing aspect of this string has to be its color. I adored how it appeared on my Babolat Pure Drive.
9. Head Velocity MLT
Head is not only one of the top tennis racquet brands, but they also produce some of the best tennis strings. Head Velocity MLT is one of the more reasonably priced multifilament strings. It is exceptionally comfortable, as are most multifilaments, but it also provides surprising control.
Pros
- Incredibly cheap
- Good feel and command
- Excellent for inexperienced players
- Many options for colors
Cons
- Not very good for experienced players
- Not very robust
While not the most durable, Head Velocity is an excellent choice for individuals with delicate arms seeking a less strong or more affordable string.
10. Babolat RPM Blast
ย The Babolat RPM blast comes in three gauges: 16, 17, and 18. The Babolat RPM blast string is excellent for players who prefer powerful hits. Furthermore, the RPM Blast has a smooth surface that allows the shot to spin. While there is some spin to all co-polyester monofilaments, RPM Blast is particularly notable.
They are gentler to the touch than normal polyester strings. If you are a solid hitter looking for the maximum spin, longevity, and control out of your racquet, this is a great choice. Compared to the 16g, the 17g version feels and spins a bit more.
Pros
ย The string will endure a long time because it is hefty.
- Playing with more control is possible.
- It has the perfect balance of softness and comfort.
- Excellent for fans of strong topspinย
- Smooth surface
Cons
- It is not advised to stroke slowly.
- It will be difficult for beginners to handle.
The exceptional control, which enabled incredible precision on rapid swings, was surprising. RPM Blast surpassed normal polyester in terms of power, but they observed that full strokes were necessary to enjoy the full benefits.
More experienced players, especially those who enjoy powerful topspin, should find RPM Blast to be rather enjoyable, while novices and intermediates with shorter strokes could find it difficult to fully understand its enchantment.
11. Gamma Ocho TNT
Gamma Ocho TNT offers the strength and comfort of TNT strings and adds 8 sides for unparalleled spin in a synthetic gut. Gamma Ocho TNT is ideal for intermediate players who want to add some spin but aren’t quite ready to transition to polyester strings. It’s ideal for spin-loving players looking for a string that is also easy on the arm.
Pros
- Excellent comfort and power
- Unrivaled spin for an artificial gut
Cons
- Not the most powerfulย
12. Tecnifibre HDMX
Tecnifibre HDMX is a one-of-a-kind solution that combines a multifilament string with woven polyester strands to create what they call poly-fusion. In comparison to standard polyester strings, this results in one of the market’s most resilient non-polyester strings that is also more comfortable for the arm. It offers superior spin and control as well.
Pros
- Highly durable
- More arm-friendly than traditional polyester strings.
Cons
- Expensive
- Compared to standard polyester strings, lower spin potential
Different Types of Tennis Strings
Different strings will produce varying levels of power, control, and feel. Below, I’ll walk you through the five varieties of strings and who they are perfect for.
Polyester
Polyester strings are normally formed of plastic or a single polymer in a monofilament construction, which means they are made from a single substance.
Known for their superior control, spin, and longevity, this type of string variety is among the most widely used. However, due to the stiffness of polyester strings, they lack comfort, power, and tension maintenance.
This style of string is particularly popular among intermediate to advanced tennis players who prefer to play more aggressively. Polyester strings allow them to control their force and continue hitting the ball.
Multifilament
ย As the name implies, multifilament strings are made up of more than one filament, with the most popular materials being nylon, Zyex, Vectran, Kevlar, and others.
Multifilament strings, designed as a cheap alternative to natural gut, are highly comfortable and ideal for giving extra power to your game. This is because they are more softer than polyester strings, which results in more power and less stress on your arm.
However, because of its soft nature, it has limited control, spin, and longevity.
This sort of string is ideal for players with a flat-hitting style who don’t need much spin in their game and want some quick power.
Natural Gut
I know this sounds strange, but natural gut strings are created from cow intestines!
Natural gut has the most power, comfort, and tension maintenance of any tennis string, but it lacks control and spin.
Natural gut was once regarded as the “gold standard” of tennis string. However, as playing techniques have changed and new technology has become available, fewer and fewer players are selecting natural gut.
ย Having said that, natural gut remains a superb choice of string for any player seeking easy power and comfort. That is, of course, if you can afford it.
Natural gut strings are particularly beneficial for players who suffer from arm ailments because of their softness.
Synthetic Gut
Synthetic gut is often the least expensive type of tennis string on the market. Synthetic gut is often a well-rounded string that is easy to use and gives plenty of power. However, it is not as durable and lacks the features of other higher-end choices.
This gut is ideal for beginner to intermediate players who want a low-cost string that performs well.
Hybrid
The term “hybrid” refers to a stringing system that combines two strings on a racket. This is accomplished by using one string on the mains and another string on the crosses. This is extremely popular on the professional tour.
Many tennis players struggle to locate a string that performs well in all areas. Polyester strings provide good control but lack power, whereas natural gut strings lack control while being incredibly powerful.
This is where hybrid stringing is useful. Accordingly, you can achieve the perfect balance by combining the comfort and power of a natural gut string with the control and spin of a polyester string.
How to Select Tennis Strings
When selecting a tennis string, there are a few things to take into account:
Shape
Tennis strings are available in a wide variety of designs. Most strings come in a round shape because they play most consistently and have the longest playing duration. However, some strings will have a textured edge, which can give additional spin to your game by gripping the ball better.
Type
Tennis strings come in a range of materials, includingย polyester, multifilament, natural gut, synthetic gut, and hybrid. Each variety of string will have unique advantages and downsides. To choose the ideal sort of string for you, think about your playing style and what you want out of a tennis string.
Gauge
Tennis strings can also come in a variety of gauge sizes. The most popular are 16 (1.30mm) and 16L (1.25mm). However, sizes range from 13 (1.70mm) to 22 (0.65mm). The broader the gauge, the greater control and durability; the thinner the gauge, the more power and comfort.
Price
The frequency with which you play and the type of tennis string you use will affect how often your tennis racket needs to be restrung. Some strings may only last a few hours, which is why prosย change rackets regularly throughout matches. This may get costly. Price is a crucial consideration when purchasing new tennis strings, so be sure your new purchase does not break the bank.
Final Verdict
This is our overall guide on the best tennis strings. With so many various string features and player needs, it’s impossible to find a single perfect tennis string for everyone. You must decide which attributes are most important to you, your skill level, the sort of string you want, your budget, and whether you have any injuries.
ย After considering all of this, take another look at our list of the best tennis strings available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you get your racket re-strung?
When strings lose their tension and playability, you should think about cutting them out if you don’t break them while playing. Strings that have stretched out never return to their original shape, so the tension decreases slightly with each play. The common error made by the majority of beginning and intermediate players is to wait to replace their strings until they break.
Does your game style matter when selecting strings?
Yes, to put it briefly. Tighter strings are a good choice if you’re a counter-puncher who prefers to take advantage of your opponent’s speed rather than creating much of it yourself. Lowering the tension, however, will help you hit more deep shots if you’re an aggressive baseliner and shotmaker. Every player on the court should think about using a hybrid setup, which combines the best features available, including comfort, control, spin, and power.
How does the gauge matter?
A tennis string’s gauge is a measurement of its thickness. The thickest string gauge offered is 15, and the range of gauges is 15 to 19. You will get greater power and spin as your gauge increases, but you will also lose durability and control. There is a slight variation in thickness: the diameter of 15 gauge strings is between 1.35 and 1.40 mm, whereas the diameter of 17 gauge strings is between 1.20 and 1.25 mm.ย Generally speaking, string gauges 16 and 17 are the most commonly utilized.