If you are new to tennis or have only been playing for a short time, choosing strings can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of options, confusing brand names and technical terms that do not mean much when you are still developing your game.
The good news: for beginners, the string choice is simpler than you think. You do not need a tour-level polyester setup. You need something comfortable, forgiving and affordable that lets you focus on building your game.
This guide covers what beginners should look for, what to avoid and which specific strings we recommend. For a full breakdown of every string type, read our complete guide to choosing tennis strings.
Quick Answer
Most beginners should start with either synthetic gut or multifilament. These strings are:
- Comfortable and easy on the arm
- Powerful enough to help you hit with depth
- Forgiving on off-centre hits
- Affordable
Avoid full polyester as a beginner unless you already swing fast and want control. Poly is firm, low-powered and unforgiving — the opposite of what most new players need.
The 3 Best Beginner Strings at PT Tennis
1. Babolat Synthetic Gut — £25 (Tier 3)
Best for: Complete beginners, casual players, anyone who wants a simple and reliable string.
Synthetic gut is the classic beginner choice for a reason. It does nothing badly: decent power, decent comfort, decent durability. It gives you a predictable, balanced response that lets you focus on your technique rather than wondering if your strings are helping or hurting.
- Gauge: 16
- Feel: Medium, classic
- Durability: Good for the price
- Power: Moderate, easy depth
Why it works for beginners: No surprises. You get a consistent, reliable feel that does not punish mistakes. When you are ready to experiment with different string types, you will have a clear baseline to compare against.
2. Wilson Sensation Plus — £25 (Tier 3)
Best for: Beginners who want maximum comfort, players with arm concerns, anyone who wants a softer feel.
Wilson Sensation Plus is a multifilament — softer and more powerful than synthetic gut. It makes the racket feel lively and forgiving, which is ideal when you are still finding your swing.
- Gauge: 17
- Feel: Soft, powerful
- Durability: Moderate (will fray before breaking)
- Power: High, easy depth
Why it works for beginners: Comfort. If the racket feels good in your hand and your arm does not hurt after playing, you are more likely to keep playing. Sensation Plus makes tennis feel easier.
3. Luxilon Element — £40 (Tier 1)
Best for: Beginners who are progressing quickly and want to try polyester without the harshness.
Luxilon Element is a soft co-polyester — it has some of the control benefits of poly but without the stiff, harsh feel that makes standard poly a bad choice for most beginners. It is a good bridge string for players who are developing faster swings and want a bit more control.
- Gauge: 17
- Feel: Soft for a poly, comfortable
- Durability: Good
- Power: Moderate
Why it works for beginners: It lets you experience what polyester control feels like without punishing your arm. A good option if you are taking lessons, playing regularly and want to move beyond synthetic gut.
What Beginners Should Look For
Comfort First
Your strings should feel comfortable. If the racket jars your arm, feels harsh on your hand or leaves your elbow aching after a session, the string (or tension) is wrong for your current level.
Beginners typically have shorter, slower swings and hit off-centre more often. A softer, more forgiving string compensates for this and makes the game more enjoyable.
Easy Power
Most beginners need help generating depth. A powerful string (multifilament or synthetic gut) makes the ball travel further without you having to swing harder. Polyester does the opposite — it requires fast, full swings to get the same depth.
Moderate Durability
You do not need the most durable string in the world. Beginners do not usually break strings quickly because swing speeds are lower. Focus on comfort and feel rather than durability.
Affordable Price
As a beginner, you are still learning what works. Spending £40 on a premium polyester when you do not have the swing speed to benefit from it is a waste. Start with a Tier 3 string at £25 and experiment as your game develops.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Starting With Full Polyester
Polyester is designed for players who swing fast and want control. Most beginners do not swing fast enough to unlock its benefits. Instead, they get a stiff, dead-feeling racket that makes tennis harder.
Exception: If you are athletic, already hitting with reasonable racket speed and playing regularly, a soft co-polyester like Luxilon Element can work.
Mistake 2: Stringing Too High
Higher tension = more control but less power and comfort. Beginners rarely need maximum control — they need easier depth and a forgiving feel. A moderate tension (around 50–54 lbs for synthetic gut or multifilament) is a better starting point.
For detailed tension guidance, read our tennis string tension guide or our beginner tension guide.
Mistake 3: Never Restringing
Strings lose tension and feel over time, even if they do not break. If you have been playing with the same strings for over a year, they are almost certainly dead. A fresh restring can make the racket feel like new.
Read more about how often you should restring your racket.
Mistake 4: Overthinking It
At the beginner level, the difference between one synthetic gut and another is minimal. Pick one of the strings above, set the tension at 52 lbs and focus on playing. String choice becomes more important as your game develops.
When to Upgrade Your Strings
You are ready to move beyond beginner strings when:
- You are playing 2+ times per week consistently
- Your swing speed has increased noticeably
- You want more spin or control from the baseline
- You are taking regular lessons or coaching
- You feel like the synthetic gut is too powerful or imprecise
At that point, consider trying a Tier 2 co-polyester at £30 or a softer Tier 1 option like Luxilon Element. Our string calculator can help you find the right next step based on your playing style.
What About String Gauge?
Gauge is the thickness of the string. Beginners should stick with standard gauges:
- 16 gauge for synthetic gut — slightly thicker, more durable
- 17 gauge for multifilament — slightly thinner, more feel
This is covered in more detail in our guide on what gauge tennis string to use.
Beginner String Setup Summary
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| String type | Synthetic gut or multifilament |
| Top pick (comfort) | Wilson Sensation Plus — £25 |
| Top pick (all-round) | Babolat Synthetic Gut — £25 |
| Top pick (progressing) | Luxilon Element — £40 |
| Tension | 50–54 lbs |
| Gauge | 16 or 17 |
| Restring frequency | Every 6–12 months for weekly play |
Book a Beginner Restring
If you are not sure what to choose, message us on WhatsApp with your racket model and how often you play. We will suggest a simple, affordable setup.
- View stringing prices — starting from £20
- Use the string calculator for an instant recommendation
- Book a drop-off when you are ready
Drop-off at Distillery Building, 11 Hart Yard, E3 2AL — convenient for students near Mile End and Queen Mary, and players across Bow, Hackney and East London.
