Tennis strings have a big effect on power, control, spin, comfort and durability, often more than players expect. Natural gut and multifilament strings are soft, comfortable and powerful. Polyester strings offer control and spin for players with fast swings, but they are stiff and lose tension quickly. Synthetic gut is an affordable all-rounder. Hybrids combine two string types to balance their strengths. Tension matters too: lower tension generally gives more power and comfort, while higher tension gives more control. Gauge, or thickness, affects feel, spin and durability. This guide explains each string type, how tension and gauge work, string patterns, how often to restring, how to choose a setup for your game, arm health considerations and common mistakes.
Health note: Stiff strings, very high tensions and strings that have gone dead can increase shock to the arm. Players with elbow, wrist or shoulder pain often benefit from softer strings and lower tensions, but persistent pain should be assessed by a qualified professional.
String types
| Type | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Natural gut | Feel, power, tension maintenance and arm comfort | Expensive; sensitive to moisture |
| Multifilament | Comfort and power for club players | Can fray and wear faster |
| Synthetic gut | Budget all-rounder for many recreational players | Moderate feel and durability |
| Polyester (co-poly) | Spin and control for fast, full swings | Stiff; loses tension quickly |
| Hybrid | Balancing control and comfort | Requires experimenting to find the right mix |
Natural gut
Natural gut, traditionally made from cow intestine, is widely considered the most elastic and comfortable string. It offers excellent feel, power and tension maintenance, meaning it keeps its playing characteristics well over time. It is also the most expensive option and can be affected by moisture. Many players with arm problems or those seeking the best feel use natural gut, either as a full set or in a hybrid.
Multifilament
Multifilament strings are made from many thin fibers bundled together, designed to imitate some of the qualities of natural gut. They are soft, comfortable and powerful, making them popular with club players and those who want arm-friendly strings at a lower price than gut. They tend to fray as they wear, and they may not last as long for heavy hitters.
Synthetic gut
Synthetic gut usually has a solid core with an outer wrap. It is inexpensive and offers a balance of playability and durability. Many racquets sold pre-strung come with synthetic gut. It is a good starting point for beginners and recreational players who want a reliable, affordable string.
Polyester
Polyester strings, often called poly or co-poly, are stiffer and more durable in terms of breakage. They are popular with advanced players and hard hitters because they offer control and help generate spin when swung fast, partly because the strings can move and snap back. However, they transmit more shock to the arm and lose tension relatively quickly, so they may feel dead after a period of play even if they have not broken. Poly is generally less suitable for beginners, juniors or players with arm issues.
Hybrids
A hybrid uses one type of string in the mains, the vertical strings, and another in the crosses, the horizontal strings. A common hybrid puts polyester in the mains for control and spin, with a softer string such as multifilament or natural gut in the crosses for comfort. Other combinations are also used. Hybrids let players fine-tune their setup and can extend string life compared with a full set of softer strings.
Tension
String tension is the tightness at which the strings are installed, measured in pounds or kilograms. Each racquet has a recommended tension range printed on the frame or listed by the manufacturer. Lower tension generally gives more power and comfort, since the string bed deflects more, but less control. Higher tension generally gives more control but less power and a firmer feel. Many players string near the middle of the recommended range and adjust based on feel. Polyester is often strung somewhat lower than softer strings because of its stiffness.
Gauge
Gauge refers to string thickness. Thicker strings, such as gauge 15 or 15L, tend to be more durable. Thinner strings, such as gauge 17 or 18, tend to offer more feel and spin potential but break sooner. Gauge 16 is a common middle ground. Players who break strings often may choose a thicker gauge or a more durable material.
String patterns
Racquets have different string patterns, such as 16×19 and 18×20, referring to the number of main and cross strings. Open patterns with fewer strings, like 16×19, tend to offer more spin potential and power, while dense patterns like 18×20 tend to offer more control and durability. The pattern works together with string type and tension to shape how the racquet plays.
How often to restring
Strings lose tension and elasticity over time, even if they do not break. A common rule of thumb is to restring about as many times per year as you play per week, so a player who plays three times a week might restring about three times a year. Players using polyester or playing frequently may need to restring more often, since poly loses playability relatively quickly. Signs that it is time to restring include loss of control, a dead or harsh feel, strings moving out of place and visible fraying or notching.
Step-by-step: choosing a string setup
- Consider your level and swing speed.
- Check for arm issues; if present, choose softer strings.
- Pick a string type that matches your priorities.
- Choose a gauge based on feel and durability needs.
- Start in the middle of the racquet’s tension range.
- Play several sessions before judging a setup.
- Adjust tension or type based on feel and results.
- Record your setups so you can compare.
Strings and playing conditions
Conditions affect how strings play. Cold weather tends to make strings feel stiffer and the ball less lively, so some players drop tension slightly in winter. Heat can make strings feel livelier, and some players raise tension a little. Natural gut can be damaged by moisture, so it is less suited to damp conditions. Keeping racquets out of hot cars and extreme temperatures helps strings last longer and play more consistently.
Working with a stringer
A skilled stringer can help you choose and fine-tune your setup. Tell them about your level, playing style, how often you play, any arm issues and what you like or dislike about your current strings. Keep notes on string type, gauge and tension so you can make small changes and compare results over time.
Common mistakes
- Using full polyester as a beginner or with arm pain.
- Waiting until strings break to restring.
- Stringing far outside the racquet’s recommended range.
- Changing too many variables at once.
- Judging a new setup after only one session.
- Ignoring tension loss with polyester.
- Copying professionals’ setups without considering your own game.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I restring my tennis racquet?
A common rule of thumb is as many times per year as you play per week, more often if you use polyester or play frequently.
What tension should I string my racquet at?
Start near the middle of the racquet’s recommended range, then adjust lower for power and comfort or higher for control.
Are polyester strings good for beginners?
Usually not. Beginners often benefit more from softer, more forgiving strings like synthetic gut or multifilament.
