We might not have the titles and the championships of Rafael Nadal or Serena William, but you know what’s a concern all of us share with these tennis stars? You guessed it right; it’s tennis strings! In case you are looking for the best tennis strings, you are in the right place because this is the only guide you will ever need.
Whether you are playing in Wimbledon’s finals or are a fresh new beginner on the court, the strings of your racket will greatly impact the way you perform and the game’s results. There are a lot of factors to consider before choosing what type of strings to go with, which might seem confusing and even overwhelming at first glance. But don’t worry. We are here to help.
In this article, you will find everything you’ll need to know about the many different types of racket strings, their features, the technical details, and so on. We have also reviewed some of the best strings for tennis rackets to make a choice easier for you. Let’s dive in!
- Best Overall: Babolat VS Touch
- Best for Power: Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
- Best Budget: Wilson Synthetic Gut Power Tennis String
- Best for Spin: Babolat RPM Blast
- Best for Control: Solinco Hyper-G
- Most Popular: Solinco Hyper-G Heaven
- Best for Tennis Elbow: Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
- Best for Intermediate Player: Luxilon ALU Power
- Most Durable: Prince Premier Touch Tennis String
How We Chose the Best Tennis Strings
To curate this list, we went through a very long and challenging process of researching, playtesting, and reviewing a variety of strings. To make sure that this tennis string comparison guide serves the full skill range of tennis players, we included different categories and brands also, to satisfy everybody’s needs and wishes.
We included science in our decision-making process and considered the opinion of experts who have researched this field.
The selection process was based on some key attributes, which are very important when it comes to string performance, such as power, spin, control, feel comfort, and durability. There is an option for all kinds of players, with specifications included, from which you can make a choice based on your game style, skill levels, and physical abilities. We are always very honest in our reviews, listing the pros and cons for every product, which will help you know exactly what to expect from a particular item.
Best Tennis Strings Reviewed
There are a lot of good tennis strings on the market, but some are definitely better than others. To pick them out, we went through a long process of playtesting and selection. Here is our take on what are the best tennis strings for various categories. Whether you are a beginner or a professional player, our guide will help you make the smartest choice for yourself.
Featuring Babolat VS Touch as the best overall tennis string was really an easy choice. It’s made of natural gut and is probably the most powerful string among the many options available in the market. The feel VS Touch strings provide is simply incredible; you can feel the connection with the racket immediately and the immense control over it.
These strings are also very comfortable for the arm. The uniqueness of these strings is that they don’t lose their features, even if you choose to make them tighter and increase the level of tension. The only downside of these strings is that they might not provide as heavy a spin as a professional player would like.
Product Specs
- Type: Natural gut
- Gauge: 15 L,16 L
- Length: 39.3 ft / 12 m
- Shape: Round
Pros
- Incredible feel
- Very comfortable
- High level of control
- Don’t lose features in higher tension
Cons
- Doesn’t generate heavy spin
- Expensive price
Get the Babolat VS Touch on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
In case you are on a hunt for strings that deliver a high level of power with ease, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is the ideal choice, for sure. The incredible power was the feature that stood out the most during our playtest, which a player could effortlessly tap into.
These tennis strings are able to reduce shock and absorb vibration, which makes them very comfortable for the arm. The feel these strings deliver is great, especially up in the net but also in other areas of the court. As expected, these strings didn’t provide much spin.
Another downside we could find was the low levels of control, which is usual for strings that have so much power. During the playtest, it was definitely a challenge to control with precision where the ball would go on the court. However, the players can tweak the strings to have some more balance between power and control.
Product Specs
- Type: Multifilament
- Gauge: 16L, 17L, 18L
- Length: 40 ft / 12.2 m
- Shape: Round
Pros
- High level of power
- Excellent feel
- Absorb shock and vibrations
- Comfortable for the arm
Cons
- Low control
- Not too much spin
Get the Tecnifibre X-One Biphase on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
If you are looking for a cheap option, which still delivers a very good overall performance, we strongly recommend Wilson Synthetic Gut Power tennis strings. These are a great options for a wide range of players, including beginners or intermediate players.
The main feature that stood up during the playtest was the high power these strings provide. They maintain tension and are highly durable. Even though they cost cheap, these strings will last you for a long time. The spin wasn’t heavy, but it was still at a satisfying level.
The Wilson strings had a nice crispy feel, and it made the racket feel like an extension of your hand. They were quite comfortable as well, reducing shock and absorbing vibration with every shot.
Product Specs
- Type: Nylon
- Gauge: 16L
- Length: 40 ft / 12.2 m
- Shape: Round
Pros
- Good performance
- High power
- Comfortable for the arm
- Nice crispy feel
- Durable
Cons
- Couldn’t find any
Get the Wilson Synthetic Gut Power Tennis String at Wilson’s Official Site, on Amazon, or at Do It Tennis.
Are you a crazy spinner? The heavy spin Babolat RPM Blast strings provide is on a whole other level. The polyester material makes the heavy topspin truly a blast; it was almost like the ball was set in motion on its own the moment it touched the strings. During the playtest, the forehand and backhand slices from the back of the court were an absolute favorite.
These tennis strings also offered a high level of control, combined with full-fast swings. It certainly boosts the player’s confidence, as it was easy to dictate the ball’s direction on the court. These Babolat strings are also very durable; they will last you for a long time.
The only expected downside of these strings was the low level of power. For that reason, these are not fit for beginners or players who can’t generate a lot of strength themselves. These strings are a great option for high, intermediate, and advanced players who prioritize spin.
Product Specs
- Type: Polyester
- Gauge: 16L
- Length: 39.3 ft / 12 m
- Shape: Octagonal
Pros
- Heavy spin
- Control
- The precision of the shots
- Durable
Cons
- Low level of power
Get the Babolat RPM Blast on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
For those players who are looking for more control, we strongly recommend Solinco Hyper-G strings. Using these for your racket is the best way to direct the ball exactly to where you want, with full depth and fast swings.
The spin these strings provide is truly outstanding, offering good performance, especially at the back of the court. Surprisingly, Solinco Hyper-G strings also have a good crispy feel, something that you don’t expect from the polyester material type of string.
The power level was low, which was a surprise to none since these tennis strings are mostly suited for intermediate to advanced players. Another thing you should be aware of these strings is the lack of comfortability; that’s why recreational or injured players better skip these ones.
Product Specs
- Type: Polyester
- Gauge: 16 L, 17L
- Length: 39.6 ft / 12.1 m
- Shape: Square
Pros
- High level of control
- Heavy topspin
- Nice feel
- Great performance
- Speed
Cons
- Lack of power
- Uncomfortable for the arm
Get the Solinco Hyper-G on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
Yes, we featured Solinco Hyper G- Heaven twice in this list. This time we rate them as the most popular strings. Or, should I say tennis players from all across the world rated them as the best in this category, as well?
Solinco Hyper- G Heaven has built a cult-like following, making them an absolute bestseller. The feedback of the people who already have purchased them confirms their superior quality. As mentioned above, these strings are best for control, a particularly important feature for the aggressive and physically strong types of players.
After the shot, the bed of the strings snaps fast back into place, which provides more speed too. The heavy spin and the amazing feeling these string provides also were so outstanding, so much so that we couldn’t help but mention them twice in a row.
Product Specs
- Type: Polyester
- Gauge: 16 L, 17L
- Length: 39.6 ft / 12.1 m
- Shape: Square
Pros
- High level of control
- Heavy topspin
- Nice feel
- Great performance
- Speed
Cons
- Lack of power
- Uncomfortable for the arm
Get the Solinco Hyper-G Heaven on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
Another comeback on this list, and this time is Tecnifibre X-One Biphase. The reason we decided to feature these top tennis strings twice in our list is because of the terrific level of comfort. These are, without a doubt, the most arm-friendly strings on the market. That’s why it should be the go-to choice for players who struggle with elbow pain or injury.
The thousands of fibers of multifilament material make a great job of absorbing the shock and reducing impact for every single shot. Regardless, it still feels very lively and has a great level of response too. The Tecnifibre strings offer a nice crispy feel, too, with an effortless high level of power. The players don’t need to generate much strength to hit the ball, helping them to save energy.
Product Specs
- Type: Multifilament
- Gauge: 16L, 17L, 18L
- Length: 40 ft / 12.2 m
- Shape: Round
Pros
- High level of powers
- Excellent feel
- Absorb shock and vibrations
- Comfortable for the arm
Cons
- Low control
- Not too much spin
Get the Tecnifibre X-One Biphase on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
If you have some sort of experience on the court, then you probably have heard about Luxilon ALY Power tennis strings. There are very popular, and even professional and advanced players use them. Yeap, there are really that good.
During the playtest, it was hard not to notice that these Luxilon strings delivered all the promises for excellent overall performance on the court. The best feature that stood out to us was the great feeling of control. These tennis strings allow the player to direct the ball with precision without losing the feel of the great touch. The full powerful swings were a true joy, and for that, it didn’t require any sacrifice regarding control levels.
The strings also delivered heavy spin and speed, which any intermediate and advanced player would love. Luxilon strings were more than able to maintain tension and classify as highly durable. The only downside these strings have is the low level of power.
We recommend these as the best tennis strings for intermediate players, due to their enhanced features, in terms of spin, speed, control, and durability.
Product Specs
- Type: Synthetic
- Gauge: 16L
- Length: 40 ft / 12.2 m
- Shape: Pentagon
Pros
- Great level of control
- Nice feel
- Full powerful swings
- Heavy spin and speed
- Durable
Cons
- Low powered
Get the Luxilon ALU Power on Amazon or at Do It Tennis.
If you are prioritizing durability, rest assured that Prince Premier Touch tennis string will pass the test of time. These top tennis strings are very good at maintaining tension, and even when you’ll finally decide to change them, it would not be because they broke or were heavily damaged.
Prince Premier Touch string delivers a good performance, but to be fair, they don’t excel in any category. However, considering the low price, these strings are a very good and affordable option, especially for recreational-level players who hit the court occasionally and want something that would last without having to replace them often.
During the playtest, we noticed that the strings lacked in control and feeling, but it’s not a dealbreaker for the recreational players, who anyhow will not have the need for these features during the time they spend on the court.
Product Specs
- Type: Multifilaments
- Gauge: 16L, 17L
- Length: 40 ft / 12.2m
- Shape: Cube cross
Pros
- Very durable
- Overall good performance
- Great price
- Maintain tension
Cons
- Lack of control
- Feel
Get the Prince Premier Touch Tennis String on Amazon.
Our Verdict
While they are many great options you can pick from this list; we want to highlight Babolat VS Touch as the best overall tennis strings. These strings are made of natural gut and deliver an impressive level of power, excellent feel, good performance, and comfort.
Another top favorite was Solinco Hyper-G strings, which featured twice in our list as the best choice in categories of control and most popular. These strings are best suited for high intermediate and advanced players, who would be able to take full advantage of their high level of control, heavy spin, and speed.
Types of Tennis Strings
Once you have figured out what type of tennis racket suits you best, it is important to look at the strings, as they are one of the most important parts of the racket’s body. There are a few different types of tennis strings based on the materials they are made of.
Learning the differences between them and how to set them apart will also help you tell their main characteristics and how they affect the racket’s performance.
Here are the different types of strings of a tennis racket.
Natural Gut
This might probably come as a surprise to many, but natural strings come from a cow’s gut. The manufacturers go through a complex process that turns the animal’s intestines into tennis racket strings. This was actually the original way that tennis racket strings were produced in the 1800s. It sounds like an unusual choice, but there weren’t many options back in the day, and none of the modern textiles we use now weren’t known.
Even after so many years and many technological advances, natural gut strings are still considered to be the best tennis strings for a tennis racket. Many professional athletes, including the star player Roger Federer, prefer this string type.
Natural gut strings are the best when it comes to providing spin, speed, and stability. Their high elasticity makes them preserve the tension for longer, a feature that no other tennis-type material is able to do, at least until now.
Natural strings provide a superior feeling of control over the racket, making it easier to direct the shots on the court with precision. The feeling you get with these strings is simply amazing and will help you connect almost immediately with the racket.
The downside is that natural gut strings are not durable since they are susceptible to moisture, which can eventually ruin them. They are also very expensive, and having to replace them often will make some serious damage to your wallet. That’s why you will never catch beginner or recreational-level players using natural gut strings.
It’s simply not a wise financial decision, especially when considering the other similar options in the markets, which cost significantly less. On the other hand, if you are a competitive player, who has mastered all the skills and wants the best possible option for your game’s performance, the natural gut string is the go-to choice, as long as you can afford and maintain them.
Synthetic
As the name suggests, these types of strings are made from a mix of different synthetic materials. These are excellent options for a wide range of players from all skill levels due to their many advantages and affordable price.
Synthetic strings are designed in a way to enhance curtain much-needed features, such as durability, spin, power, and comfort. These types of strings come at a very good price, making them affordable for all players. There are a few different materials from which synthetic strings are made off, so in this guide, we’ll review the primary ones, which are also the most popular.
Nylon
Surely, you are familiar with this type of synthetic material since it is often used in clothes. It is also used for making tennis strings and is highly favored by many players. Manufacturers use nylon because of its diverse features and utilization.
There are two main string types made of nylon materials.
- Synthetic gut: mimics natural gut strings features. They come at very low prices, making them a great option for a beginner or intermediate players who don’t want to spend a fortune on new tennis rackets. Synthetic gut strings are very durable as well and overall provide a moderately good performance and playability.
- Multifilament materials: these are made by new construction technology that combines thousand of fibers together and is the closest to mimicking the natural gut. The prices of these strings vary depending on the quality level you choose, but they are quite affordable. They provide a nice feel and terrific power levels and are also quite comfortable. Unlike natural gut, multifilament strings are highly durable. However, these types of strings don’t generate much speed and can be hard to control. Regardless, these strings are an excellent choice for beginners, recreational and intermediate-level players.
Polyester
Polyester material is used to make the most durable type of string. These are best suited for more experienced players who aim for control and want to generate heavy topspin and speed.
However, these strings are not for everyone, especially if you don’t have the right skills and techniques mastered yet.
Polyester strings don’t provide a high level of power, and since they are stiff, they can cause discomfort for the arm. These string types are recommended for high intermediate to advanced levels, who will know how to take full advantage of them. Beginners, recreational players, or even those who suffer from an arm injury should pick other options.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tennis Strings
Once you decide what type of strings you want, it’s important to look at the technicalities to make sure you are making the best decision for you. Here are the main things to consider before your make a purchase.
String Gauge
In simple words, a tennis string gauge is the thickness of the strings. Yep, it’s really that simple, but please don’t neglect this part because it affects the racket’s spin potential and durability.
Thicker strings equal more durable rackets, but that also means less spin. On the other hand, the thinner the strings, the more spin generates, but they lack durability.
By looking at the gauge numbers, you can tell how thick or thin the strings are. Remember, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the string is. So if in technical detail, a racket has a 17 gauge number, that means the strings are thinner than 15 gauge.
Most of the strings are in the range of 16 to 17 gauge. If you are a beginner, it’s better to start from here, and then you can adjust your racket’s string if you want more durability or heavy spin.
String Tension
String tension measures the pressure that the strings are secured inside the racket’s frame. Usually, this is expressed as lbs, but you can also find it in kg. The range of strings tension varies from 40 to 65 lbs, and depending on the skill level, players typically choose one of the extremes.
String tension has a strong impact on the racket’s performance.
- High string tension means the strings are very tight, and they weigh anywhere from 55 lbs to 65 lbs. The tension this high is something only professional players can keep up with because they have the skills and physical power. It provides an amazing level of control, but it has many other downsides, such as less power, less spin, and less comfort. If you are a beginner or even intermediate, it’s better to stay away from this range of high strings tension.
- Low string tension – means the strings have space in between them, and they weigh anywhere from 40 lbs to 50 lbs. This level of tension provides a lot of advantages, such as a high level of power, heavy spin, excellent feel, and even comfortable for the arm. The only downside is that low tension equals low control, but unless you are a professional, it won’t bother you much. If you are a beginner or a recreational player, you should stick to this range of string tension.
Your Style of Play
Before choosing your racket’s strings, we would recommend evaluating your own game style and personal preferences first. There are so many players who choose based on what their favorite tennis star is using or what their more advanced friends say it’s best, but that’s often a recipe for disaster.
The strings will highly affect your performance and the way you connect to the racket, so if you pick the wrong ones, it will be hard to play or learn the right form of techniques during your training.
Evaluate your own needs, determine what kind of player you are and at which level your skills are, and then choose. Of course, you can always experiment until you find what works out best for you. As you progress in your court’s skills, you will feel the need to upgrade and make further adjustments, but for the most part, you won’t need to change the string often.
Your Tennis Racket
There are no fixed rules on what type of strings to use on particular types of rackets, but it’s better for you to consider its features. Strings tend to perform differently depending on if you are using a power racket, a control racket, or a tweener.
The same frame could react in different ways if you choose to experiment with various string types, depending on the features that the racket itself has.
Your skills as a player and game style will also play a role in the overall performance. That’s why we recommend carefully observing all the factors mentioned above to make an educated choice.
FAQs
Those with lingering inquiries about tennis strings steel may find the info they need in the answers to these frequently asked questions. It should help folks better understand a few things about strings so they can choose the best one for their needs.
Q: What strings do professional tennis players use?
Here is a list of some professional tennis players and the strings they use, along with a possible reason for their choice:
– Rafael Nadal: Polyester strings. Nadal is known for his powerful and heavy spin on the ball, and he may use polyester strings to help him generate more spin and control.
– Novak Djokovic: Synthetic gut strings. Djokovic is known for his all-around game and his ability to adapt to different playing conditions. He may use synthetic gut strings to help him achieve a balance of power and control.
– Serena Williams: Natural gut strings. Williams is known for her strong serve and her powerful groundstrokes. She may use natural gut strings to help her achieve a high level of feel and touch on her shots.
– Roger Federer: Polyester strings. Federer is known for his precise and consistent play, and he may use polyester strings to help him achieve a high level of control and consistency on his shots.
Q: Are tennis strings recyclable?
Tennis strings are not typically recyclable, as they are made from a variety of materials that cannot be easily separated and recycled. Synthetic gut strings, polyester strings, and natural gut strings are all not typically recyclable.
Q: What is the best type of tennis string for power and spin?
Some possible options for players who are looking for a combination of both power and spin might include polyester strings, which tend to be very powerful but also have good levels of spin potential. Other alternatives might include multifilament strings, which tend to have a thinner gauge and are known for their ability to provide high levels of power and spin.
Q: What is the best string pattern for a tennis racket?
There is no single best string pattern for all players and playing styles, as different types of string patterns are better suited to certain techniques and stroke types. Some of the most common options include 16×19 (which offers a balance between control and power), 18×20 (which has slightly more emphasis on control), and 20×21 (which has slightly more emphasis on power).
The best string pattern will depend on your individual preferences and playing style.
