The Ultimate Guide to String
Strings aren't just fillers — they're the part that actually hits the ball. They control power, spin, feel, and arm comfort. Your frame matters, but your string setup defines how it really plays.
String Types
Types of Tennis Strings Explained
Each string type has a distinct character on court. The right choice depends on your swing speed, style, and arm health.
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 and control — but loses tension faster than premium strings.
Polyester / Co-Poly
Single-strand stiffer string. Great control and spin, very durable — but can be harsh on arms. Best for stronger, advanced players.
Gauge
String Gauge: 16 vs 17
Gauge refers to string thickness and affects the balance between durability and playability. Thinner strings bite the ball more for spin but break faster.
| Gauge | Play Feel |
|---|---|
| 16 / 16L | Good balance of durability & feel |
| 17 / 17L | Softer feel, more spin, less durable |
Tension
How to Choose String Tension
String tension is how tightly the strings are pulled when installed. Higher tension gives more control and less power. Lower tension gives more power and extra comfort. The manufacturer-recommended range is printed on your racquet frame — usually 50–60 lbs.
| Tension (lbs) | Effect |
|---|---|
| 40–50 lbs | Power + comfort |
| 50–60 lbs | Balanced power & control |
| 60+ lbs | Maximum control — requires player power |
💡 Balls going long? Increase tension. Balls landing short? Decrease tension.
Advanced Setup
Hybrid Stringing
Hybrid stringing uses one type of string on the mains (vertical) and another on the crosses (horizontal). Polyester mains combined with gut or multifilament crosses gives you spin plus comfort — a popular combination among advanced and club players.
Hybrids balance performance and cost, and are a great option for players who want the control of poly without the full harshness on their arm.
By Player Type
Recommended Setups by Level
Beginner / Recreational
Multifilament or Synthetic Gut · Gauge 16–17 · Mid tension. Comfort and all-around playability.
Intermediate
Hybrid 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
Natural Gut or Multifilament · Gauge 16 · Mid or lower tension. Maximum shock absorption.
Maintenance
When to Restring
Don't wait until a string breaks — strings lose tension over time even if they stay intact. A simple rule: restring as many times per year as the number of times you play per week. Natural gut and multifilaments hold tension longer than poly.
💡 Playing twice a week? Restring at least twice a year — even if nothing has broken.
Before You String
Final Checklist
Run through these before booking your next restring to make sure you get the right setup for your game.
✓ What material fits your style?
✓ Which gauge matches your durability vs feel needs?
✓ What tension fits your power and control goals?
✓ Consider hybrid stringing for the best of both worlds.
✓ Plan a restring schedule — don't wait until strings break.
Ready for a Restring?
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