Stay around tennis courts for a while, and certainly, you’ll hear a lot about natural gut tennis strings. They are everybody’s favorite, and even pro athletes and famous players use them to win championships and collect victories. In case you are wondering what the best natural gut tennis strings are so you can try them out, you are at the right place.
We took it upon ourselves to pick up the best options on the market and explain to you everything important to know so that you can make an educated choice. There are endless options on the market, with new variations popping out every now and then, choosing the right tennis strings can become a real struggle. We got you all covered up by simply following our guide, so keep scrolling.
- Best Overall: Babolat VS Touch
- Runner Up: WILSON 17 Gauge Natural Gut
- Best Budget: Volkl V-Pro
- Best for Spin: Luxilon Natural Gut
- Best for Power: Gamma Sports Live Wire XP
- Most Durable: Pacific Classic Gut Natural
- Best for Tennis Elbow: KLIP Legend Natural
Best Natural Gut Tennis Strings Reviewed
Listed below, you’ll find our selection of the best natural gut tennis strings for various categories of players. We included a vast array of options with different price tags and features so that everyone could find something suitable to their needs and wishes.
Babolat VS Touch strings are our favorite pick in this list, which deliver all the great qualities a player can look for. They are made of premium natural gut material and offer excellent playability. These strings generate outstanding power levels that are unparalleled with any other competitors on the market.
They do a great job at maintaining tension throughout the game, helping the player to stay consistent and maintain pace with ease, even during fast exchanges. These Babolat tennis strings come thin at only 17 gauge and have a construction tolerating higher tension better.
Even when strung impossibly tight into the frame, it is still comfortable and offers great overall performance. This makes it easier for the players to maximize spin and control with some simple adjustments. These strings offer an incredibly soft and plush feeling, which is one of their best features. They are very easy on the arm, shoulder, and wrist, making them the best option for players who suffer from tennis elbow or other injuries. The Babolat brand has used new technology to make these strings more durable and moist-resistance, enhancing their longevity.
Unsurprisingly, they are a favorite among many professional players and have been an absolute best seller for many years. The only drawback is the expensive price, which is justified considering all the great features these top tennis strings offer.
Product Specs
- Material: Natural gut
- Gauge: 17 L
- Length: 40 ft / 12 m
Pros
- Incredible power
- Tension maintenance
- Soft feel
- Comfortable for the arm
Cons
- Expensive price
Get the Babolat VS Touch on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
We decided to feature these Wilson natural gut strings in the runner-up category. These are undoubtedly one of the best options on the market, which offer great features and high playability. They are made of natural serosa fibers and come in different levels of thickness ranging from 15 to 17 gauge.
As expected, these strings deliver amazing power levels during the playtest. Even when strung at high tension levels, they do a great job at maintaining it, while the sweet spot doesn’t shrink in size. These strings offer a lively response throughout the game, which is incredibly helpful up to the net.
These natural gut tennis strings are also very comfortable for the arm and offer a plush, soft feeling. Surprisingly, they are durable and resist breakage quite well, even for heavy hitters. The elastic effect of the strings creates a natural so-called “pocketing” on the bedframe, allowing more dwell time for the ball and better control for the player. However, they do tend to lose tension rather quickly, which in time affects playability and performance, which is quite common for the natural gut.
Product Specs
- Material: Natural gut
- Gauge: 15 L,16 L,17 L
- Length: 40 ft / 12.2 m
Pros
- Maximum power
- Very comfortable
- Responsive
- Plush feeling
Cons
- Loses tension quickly
Get the WILSON 17 Gauge Natural Gut at Wilson’s Official Site, on Amazon, or at Do It Tennis.
Volkl V-Pro is a great and affordable option for those who are in a tight budget and don’t want to spend a small fortune in tennis strings. They are made of co-polyester material, with monofilanment fibers that mimic natural gut features. The similarities in performance and playability are impressive, and we can see how these strings have become so widely popular amongst players.
They deliver high power with ease while offering a high spin potential. The response of the strings feels firm but nonetheless responsive. With these strings, it’s easy to take big cuts off the ball, even at difficult angles. The ball “pocketing” effect allows more dwell time and better control of the ball to hit the targets accurately.
The durability is simply outstanding; you can expect it to last for a long time with minimal to no damage. Some players might be skeptical about using poly-string material, but there is nothing to fear.
During the playtest, Volky V-Pro strings did a great job at maintaining tension, were comfortable, and helped to maintain pace. They come in the best budget and are suitable for intermediate and advanced levels. If you are a beginner or a recreational player, it might feel too firm for your likening, so it’s better to consider other options.
Product Specs
- Material: Co-Polyester
- Gauge: 17 L
- Length: 40 ft / 12 m
Pros
- Affordable price
- Great durability
- Spin potential
- Comfortable
Cons
- Too firm for beginners and recreational level.
Get the Volkl V-Pro on Amazon.
Luxilon Natural Gut strings are the best when it comes to generating heavy spin. They are made of naturally comprised serosa ribbons that come from cows’ intestines. The manufacturing process of these strings is quite long, and it takes a considerable amount of time and resources than usual.
They offer amazing playbility and a variety of great features. If you prioritize spin in your game style, with these strings, you’ll be able to generate plenty of it without sacrificing comfort. They also have great power potential, which is easy to tap into. The premium touch is rare, making the bed string feel luxurious, plush, and extra-soft.
These natural gut strings maintain tension very well and offer enhanced control over the ball. The brand has applied a hybrid application, which makes the Luxilon strings more durable and moist-resistant. They do have an expensive price, but on the other side, it will last you for quite a long time, which makes them a smart investment for your game.
Product Specs
- Material: Natural gut
- Gauge: 16 L
- Length: 40 ft / 12 m
Pros
- Best for spin
- Premium feel
- Comfortable
- Moist resistant
Cons
- Expensive price
Get the Luxilon Natural Gut on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
Gama Sports Live Wire XP strings are a powerhouse and one of our favorite picks on this list. These strings are made of multifilament materials that strongly resemble the natural gut and mimic all of its features. It has a unique contraction made of multiply layers on the outer core and with a soft pearl coating finish.
The high levels of power these strings can produce are outstanding. They offer great ball control, allowing the player to hit the targets easily and connect almost immediately with the ball. They deliver a stiff but crispy feel and are quite solid. The cross-linking construction made the Gamma strings more elastic and resilient.
They are extra durable and don’t break easily, so they’ll probably last you considerably a long time. The bedstring is very forgiving and comfortable to play with, while it does a good job at holding the tension.
Product Specs
- Material: Multifilament
- Gauge: 16 L, 17 L
- Length: 40 ft / 12 m
Pros
- Outstanding power
- Extra durability
- Crispy feel
- Comfortable for the arm
Cons
- Nothing we could agree on
Get the Gamma Sports Live Wire XP on Amazon.
If you are looking for the most durable option, we recommend the Pacific Classic strings. They are made of co-polyester material with a unique gut-like construction. The brand has used Triple Seal technology to enhance features and increase playability. The technological updates have made these strings way more durable than other options on the market and 75% more protected against humidity.
They tend to lose tension much slower compared to other brands, too. The Pacific Classic strings can produce a high level of power with ease. They offer incredible control over the ball and are highly responsive. These strings can maintain tension well and help the player remain consistent throughout the game.
Keeping pace is effortless, even during fast exchanges or unexpected turns. Playing with these strings is very comfortable for the wrist and shoulder. They can be a great option for players currently recovering from injuries or dealing with tennis elbow inflammation. However, the low spin potential was very noticeable during the playtest. This was the only drawback we could find; otherwise, these strings are just great.
Product Specs
- Material: Co-polyester
- Gauge: 16 L
- Length: 40 ft / 12 m
Pros
- Extremely durable
- High power
- Comfortable for the arm
- Responsive
Cons
- Low spin potential
Get the Pacific Classic Gut Natural on Amazon.
The tennis elbow condition requires special attention during recovery to ease the pain and inflammation. Finding the right pair of strings is very important in these cases; that’s why we recommend KLIP Legend Natural strings. They are made of the highest quality natural gut and prioritize comfort above all.
These natural gut tennis strings offer a soft, plush feeling and are very easy on the arm, wrist, and shoulder. They are at the thick end of the gauge level and form a very forgiving stringbed, perfect for an open string pattern. As expected, these strings delivered a good deal of power, making adding depth to each shot easy without spending much energy.
hey did a great job at maintaining tension, and keeping the pace was effortless. However, the spin potential was low, and often we struggled to have some control over the racket’s frame. These are your typical natural gut strings, with all the advantages and drawbacks, so you shouldn’t expect them to have these features in the first place. The price tag is somewhere reasonable, and overall they would be a great investment in your arm’s health and wellbeing, as much as for your game.
Product Specs
- Material: Natural gut
- Gauge: 15 L
- Length: 40 ft / 12 m
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Soft, plush feeling
- High power
- Responsive
Cons
- Low spin
- Not easy to control
Get the Pacific Classic Gut Natural on Amazon.
How We Chose the Best Natural Gut Tennis Strings
We must admit that picking the best natural gut tennis strings on the market was not easy. It took us a lot of time and dedication as we underwent a selection process. First, we researched the markets for the best-selling natural strings and found out how they rated.
This step also included analyzing consumer behavior and feedback on a wide scale. Because we want to give our readers the best user experience possible, we decided to test them ourselves.
Lastly, after weeks of playtesting, we reviewed and rated them based on key criteria such as playability, material quality, comfort, power, and feel. Only those with all these features made the cut to our final list. To be as inclusive as possible to a wide range of players, we featured different categories so that everyone could find at least one suitable option based on personal needs.
What are Gut Strings Made of?
The Babolat brand produced the first ever gut tennis strings using sheep gut. Nowadays, these kinds of strings are made primarily from cow intestine because it’s way more durable and performs better. The manufacturing process requires hard labor and an intense step-by-step process.
To produce a single pair of tennis strings, it takes the raw material of three cows. Only the serosa part of the stomach is used, which is packed with collagen, and the molecules are made of a triple helix structure. Now, there is a whole science behind why cow’s intestines are the best to use for strings. To put it in simple words that everybody can understand, they are elastic and powerful.
The material design is similar to a three-cord braided rope with a cushioning effect, which can maintain an extremely high level of tension, even when stretched. The best natural gut tennis strings can produce amazing power levels and form a more forgiving stringbed, which is incredibly comfortable for the arm.
Why Choosing Natural Gut
Before looking up the best natural gut tennis string, you should consider the reasons why you are buying them in the first place. Yes, they are the most popular amongst tennis players and endorsed by star athletes.
There are many advantages of buying a good pair of natural gut strings, hence one of the reasons why they are crazy expensive. However, some disadvantages too can affect your performance and comfort on the court. So before placing an order, consider all the pros and cons you’ll get by using them. Let’s take a look!
Advantages
- Feel – isone best things natural gut tennis strings have to offer. You’ll immediately notice the difference from other string types by the lively touch of the racket’s frame. It is highly responsive and allows the player an immediate connection with the ball. It will boost confidence, especially up to the net when the racket’s feel is the most useful.
- Power – is only an understatement when it comes to natural gut strings. They can produce incredibly high levels of power, which is easy to tap into. It comes naturally to gut strings due to the unique structural design and the high elasticity.
- Comfort – It’s common knowledge that natural gut strings are the most arm-friendly. They tend to hold the tension better, which does not increase during impact. This lead to a more forgiving feel, which is incredibly easy on the player’s arm, shoulder and wrist. Natural gut string also can absorb better the harsh vibrations with each strike. They are the best option for players recovering from injuries or when dealing with tennis elbow conditions.
- Tension – Natural gut tennis strings can maintain tension very well for an extended period of time. This helps the player to stay consistent in the game and maintain pace with each shot. The string response is pretty much the same throughout the match, which doesn’t happen with the other type of strings, in which the tension drops gradually, causing some real struggle for the player.
Disadvantages
- Spin. Natural gut can not generate as much spin as other types of tennis strings for spin. This can be a major problem, especially for the advanced players who heavily rely on topspin for their game strategy. The best option, in this case, is hybrid strings, where the gut is mixed with polyester to increase spin.
- Control. Low level of control means less accuracy with the shots, which makes it difficult to predict where the ball will land. This should come as a surprise to none, considering the high power and low spin potential. You shouldn’t expect control from natural gut strings, but in the best-case scenario, you can opt-out of hybrid options.
- Durability. natural gut strings are more prone to damage and break way faster than any type of strings. They are also not resistant to moisture, which makes them less reliable and prone to losing their tension quickly. Manufacturers are trying to fix this by adding a new coating to fix the strings; however, durability remains an issue still.
- Price. it’s no secret that natural gut strings are crazy expensive. They also need to be replaced often due to the lack of durability, which adds more than zero to the price in a curse of a year or so. If you are a recreational or even a beginner, buying them is not realistic unless money isn’t an issue for you. Synthetic strings can be a more suitable option to cut considerably down the cost.
Natural Gut vs. Synthetic Gut
You might wonder what the main differences between the natural gut and synthetic gut are. There are a few, and each type of tennis string has its pros and cons.
The first noticeable difference is in the material; synthetic strings are made of nylon that aims to replicate gut qualities. The manufacturers have made amazing improvements on overall performance and quality; however, nothing can compete with comes close to the natural gut strings. They have better playability and are excellent at maintaining tension and consistency.
However, as we already mention, natural gut strings are expensive and less durable. Synthetic strings, on the other hand, compensate for their lower performance with their high durability and affordable price tags, making them a great option for a wide range of players.
Stringing Natural Gut Tips
If you decide to opt-out of natural gut tennis strings, you better take extra care of them by stringing them right to prevent premature damage or breakage. Due to the unique composition of the natural gut material, having it done by a certified stringer can be the safer option, especially if you lack experience completely. However, if you have done it a couple of times or are confident in your skills to get it right the first time, you can do the stringing process yourself.
Here are some useful tips
- Take it slowly. Don’t rush the process, or you might ruin your strings. The installation process of the natural gut string is far more delicate than synthetic strings. Take all the time you need to make sure that the job gets done well.
- Check out the grommets. Neglecting the groomets are a mistake you should avoid because they can get some serious damage over time. The rough edges or other imperfections of the groomets can quickly destroy your natural gut strings. That’s why you should always check out the condition of your grommets and replace them if needed to protect the strings.
- Make sure to clamp your racket. You don’t want a jarring frame during the stringing process, because it can easily destroy the natural gut strings.
- Carefully uncoil. Be extra careful and take your time when uncoiling natural gut strings to avoid any kind of damage or breakage. Usually, you won’t have any issue with this step; however, rushing in the process can reduce the fragile durability of the strings or even completely destroy them.
- Pre-stretching the strings. This is something a lot of players still do to maximize the strings’ tension maintenance. You have to be careful and avoid unnecessary stress on the strings. Maybe, even ask for some help, but don’t rush through this step. The best way to pre-strech the strings is by pulling them from one end to another.
- Adjust the strings. That’s one of the most important steps when stringing your racket. Before starting with the process, you should first test the string’s tip by inserting it into the frame and closing the clamp. This is the best, shortest way to fix any issue that might come up, like the strings being too tight or too loose. Don’t forget this tip, it will save a lot of time and energy.
- Weaving the strings. Pulling the strings quickly or with extra force when waving the crosses can lead to damage; that’s why you should be gentle while going through this step.
- Protect your turns. Little hiccups on the frame can cause big problems to your strings. Watch for all the corners and edges for any irregularity, and adjust accordingly. Using some leather padding when needed can be a great idea to protect your strings by putting a barrier around them.
- Keep a sharp tip. Natural gut material is naturally more fragile and tends to break. To keep them in good shape and make them last longer, keep them sharp by simply clipping the tip when it’s frayed or weak.
- Watch out for the process. Pay enough attention and care on every single step of the way. One little accident of a single moment of neglect can ruin your delicate natural gut strings. If you are careful enough throughout the stringing process, it will be much easier for you, and you won’t have to deal with problems later.
Our Verdict
The Babolat VS Touch is the best natural gut tennis string on our list. They check all the right boxes, offering premium playability and a variety of great features. Most importantly, they are loaded with power, very comfortable and forgiving, offering a soft feel, and maintain tension well.
The Wilson natural gut strings are another great option for tennis players. They can generate maximum power, are responsive, soft, and very comfortable to play with.
FAQs
That might feel like a lot of information about the best natural gut tennis strings, but there may still be some questions that need answering. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about natural gut tennis strings, so be sure to check for an answer below.
Q: What string is most like natural gut?
If you are looking for a string that is most like natural gut, then you should consider multifilament strings made from high-grade nylon. Natural gut has long been the favorite of professional players due to its excellent feel and playability.
However, it comes with one major drawback: it’s expensive! Multifilament strings made from high-grade nylon offer the same great feel and playability as natural gut at a much more affordable price point.
Q: Do pro tennis players use natural gut strings?
Yes, professional tennis players do use natural gut strings! As a matter of fact, many top players still prefer to string their rackets with natural gut because of its superior playability and feel compared to other string materials.
Professional players often use a hybrid setup consisting of two different kinds of strings – one main that’s usually constructed out of nylon or Kevlar for maximum control while using the second cross set made up of softest available on the market like polyester along with natural guts for added spin potential.
This setup allows them to get the best out of both worlds – control combined with good ball pocketing creating maximum spin on groundstrokes plus plenty extra feel around net when volleying or drop shots are needed during point play.
Q: What is the best tension for natural gut strings?
When it comes to choosing the best tension for natural gut strings, a key factor is your playing style. If you’re an aggressive player who likes to hit hard with lots of spin, then a higher tension will suit you best. Generally speaking, between 55-62lbs of string tension is ideal for natural gut strings because it offers the perfect blend of power and control.
Q: Which pros use natural gut?
Natural gut is one of the most popular strings among professional tennis players. Many top pros have been known to use natural gut strings in their racket, including Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, Novak Djokovic, Kevin Anderson, Andy Murray, and Johanna Konta.
