If your racket jars your arm, feels harsh on impact or leaves your elbow aching after a session, your strings are likely part of the problem. The right string can make tennis dramatically more comfortable without fundamentally changing your game.
This guide covers what makes a string comfortable, which strings we recommend for arm-friendly play and how tension affects comfort. For a broader overview of all string types, read our guide to choosing tennis strings.
Quick Answer
The most comfortable tennis strings are multifilaments, followed by soft co-polyesters and synthetic gut. Standard polyester is the least comfortable option.
Our top picks for comfort:
- Wilson Sensation Plus — maximum comfort, multifilament
- Luxilon Element — comfortable poly, good control
- TRU PRO Ghost Wire — soft poly, hybrid-friendly
- Babolat Synthetic Gut — balanced comfort at the lowest price
All available for restringing at PT Tennis from £25.
Why Strings Affect Comfort
When you hit a tennis ball, the impact sends vibration through the strings, into the frame and up your arm. How much vibration reaches your arm depends on three things:
1. String Stiffness
Stiffer strings transmit more shock. Polyester is the stiffest common string type. Multifilament absorbs more shock because its woven construction flexes and dampens on impact.
2. String Tension
Higher tension = stiffer string bed = more shock. Lowering your tension is one of the simplest ways to improve comfort, regardless of which string you use.
3. String Age
Old strings — especially old polyester — become stiffer over time. A racket with dead poly can feel significantly harsher than the same racket with fresh strings. This is another reason regular restringing matters.
The 4 Best Comfort Strings at PT Tennis
1. Wilson Sensation Plus — Tier 3 (£25)
The most comfortable string we stock.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 17 |
| Type | Multifilament |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Power | ★★★★★ |
| Control | ★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★ |
| Spin | ★★ |
Wilson Sensation Plus is a multifilament made from hundreds of micro-fibres. It is soft, powerful and extremely arm-friendly. If comfort is your number one priority, this is the string to choose.
Best for: Players with arm concerns, recreational players, anyone who finds polyester too stiff, older players returning to tennis.
Tension tip: 50–55 lbs. Multifilament stays comfortable even at slightly higher tensions, but starting around 52 lbs gives a nice balance of comfort and control.
Why not everyone chooses it: Less durable than polyester. Less spin for aggressive topspin players. If you need maximum spin, a shaped poly is better — but it will not feel as comfortable.
2. Luxilon Element — Tier 1 (£40)
Comfortable polyester for players who still want poly control.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 17 |
| Type | Soft co-polyester |
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Power | ★★★★ |
| Control | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ |
| Spin | ★★★ |
Luxilon Element is designed for players who want to stay in the polyester family but need a softer feel. It has a special construction that reduces stiffness while keeping the control and directional precision that poly provides.
Best for: Intermediate players moving away from harsh poly, club players who want control without arm pain, players who have tried standard poly and found it too stiff.
Tension tip: 48–52 lbs. Being a softer poly, it responds well to mid-range tensions. Going lower (46 lbs) will make it even more forgiving.
3. TRU PRO Ghost Wire — Tier 2 (£30)
Soft control poly at a mid-range price.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 18 |
| Type | Co-polyester |
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Power | ★★★ |
| Control | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★ |
| Spin | ★★★ |
Ghost Wire is a thin 18-gauge poly that plays softer than most co-polyesters. The thinner gauge gives better feel and a more forgiving response, while the poly construction maintains control.
Best for: Players who want poly control with improved comfort, hybrid setups (Ghost Wire in the crosses for comfort, stiffer poly in the mains for control).
Tension tip: 48–52 lbs. The thin gauge already gives a softer feel, so moderate tensions work well.
4. Babolat Synthetic Gut — Tier 3 (£25)
Balanced comfort at the best price.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 |
| Type | Synthetic gut |
| Comfort | ★★★★ |
| Power | ★★★★ |
| Control | ★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★ |
| Spin | ★★ |
Babolat Synthetic Gut is not as soft as multifilament, but it is more comfortable than any polyester and more durable than most multifilaments. A solid middle ground for players who want decent comfort without worrying about string breakage.
Best for: Casual players, beginners, budget-conscious players who want comfort without premium cost.
Comfort Comparison Table
| String | Tier | Price | Comfort | Power | Control | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Sensation Plus | 3 | £25 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Luxilon Element | 1 | £40 | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| TRU PRO Ghost Wire | 2 | £30 | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Babolat Synthetic Gut | 3 | £25 | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
How to Maximise Comfort
1. Lower Your Tension
This is the single most impactful change. Dropping 3–4 lbs from your current tension can noticeably reduce arm stress. Read our tennis string tension guide for detailed advice.
2. Avoid Full Polyester (Or Choose a Soft Poly)
Standard polyester is the harshest string type. If comfort matters, choose multifilament, synthetic gut or a soft co-poly like Luxilon Element. For a full comparison, read our polyester vs multifilament guide.
3. Restring Regularly
Old strings get stiffer. Fresh strings of any type will feel more comfortable than dead strings. If you have not restrung in over 6 months and play regularly, a fresh restring will make a noticeable difference.
4. Consider a Hybrid
If you want some polyester control but cannot handle full poly, try a hybrid: polyester mains with multifilament crosses. The crosses soften the overall feel while the poly mains keep directional control. More on this in our hybrid stringing guide.
5. Check Your Grip and Dampener
Strings are the biggest comfort factor, but an overgrip that absorbs vibration and a dampener can also help. We offer overgrip fitting (+£3) and dampener fitting (+£2) as add-ons.
When Comfort Strings Are Not Enough
If you have persistent arm pain that does not improve with softer strings and lower tension, the issue may be:
- Racket stiffness: Very stiff rackets transmit more shock regardless of string choice.
- Grip size: An incorrect grip size can cause extra strain.
- Technique: Hitting consistently off-centre or with a stiff wrist increases arm stress.
- Medical: Persistent pain should be checked by a doctor or physiotherapist.
Strings can help significantly, but they are one part of the equation.
Book a Comfort-Focused Restring
Tell us about your arm concerns and we will recommend a setup. Message us on WhatsApp with your racket model and what feels wrong.
- View stringing prices — comfort strings from £25
- Use the string calculator for an instant recommendation
- Book a drop-off at Distillery Building, E3 2AL
We serve players across Hackney, Bow, Mile End, Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets and East London.
