Choosing tennis strings does not need to be complicated. The right string depends on three things: how you play, what you want to feel and how much you want to spend. Everything else is fine-tuning.
This guide covers the main string types, what each one does well, how gauge affects performance and how to narrow down the choice based on your game. If you want help choosing, message us on WhatsApp or use our string calculator to get a recommendation.
Quick Answer
- Want spin and control? Choose a shaped or textured polyester.
- Want comfort and easy power? Choose a multifilament.
- Want value and all-round playability? Choose a synthetic gut.
- Not sure? Start with a mid-tier co-polyester and adjust from there.
Most recreational and club players end up choosing between polyester for control and multifilament for comfort. Synthetic gut is a sensible option for beginners or players who want a reliable, affordable string.
The Three Main String Types
Polyester (Co-polyester)
Polyester is the most popular string type among intermediate and advanced players. It is firm, durable and gives good control, especially on bigger swings with topspin.
Best for: Players who swing fast, want spin, value control over comfort, or break strings often.
Trade-offs: Polyester is stiffer than other types. It can feel harsh if strung too high or left in the racket too long. Most polyester strings lose their best feel before they actually snap, so regular restringing matters more with poly.
Typical tension range: 46 to 52 lbs. Many players string poly lower than they would string multifilament or synthetic gut.
Sub-types you will see:
- Round co-poly: Smooth, predictable, good baseline control. Examples: Babolat RPM Blast, Luxilon ALU Power.
- Shaped co-poly: Angular profile that grips the ball for extra spin. Examples: Solinco Hyper-G, Head Lynx Tour.
- Textured co-poly: Rough surface for maximum spin bite. Example: Babolat RPM Blast Rough.
- Soft co-poly: Softer feel while keeping some poly control. Example: Luxilon Element.
Multifilament
Multifilament strings are made from many thin fibres woven together. They are softer, more powerful and more comfortable than polyester. The closest synthetic option to natural gut.
Best for: Players who want comfort, easier depth, a lively feel or have arm and elbow concerns.
Trade-offs: Less durable than polyester. Less spin potential for aggressive topspin players. Can fray before breaking.
Typical tension range: 50 to 57 lbs. Multifilament can handle a slightly higher tension than polyester without becoming harsh.
When to choose multifilament: If you find polyester too stiff, want more power without swinging harder, or prefer a plush, arm-friendly feel.
Synthetic Gut
Synthetic gut is a single-core string with an outer wrap. It is the most affordable option and offers a balanced, predictable response.
Best for: Beginners, casual players, players on a budget, or anyone who wants a reliable all-round string without overthinking the choice.
Trade-offs: Less spin than polyester. Less comfort than multifilament. A good middle ground that does nothing badly.
Typical tension range: 50 to 56 lbs.
When to choose synthetic gut: If you are new to tennis, play occasionally, want to keep costs low, or simply want something that works without fuss.
String Type Comparison
| Feature | Polyester | Multifilament | Synthetic Gut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Spin | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Power | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Comfort | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Arm-friendliness | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Value | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
How Gauge Affects Your Strings
Gauge is the thickness of the string. Thinner strings (higher gauge number) give more spin and feel. Thicker strings (lower gauge number) last longer.
| Gauge | Diameter | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 15 / 15L | 1.35–1.40 mm | Maximum durability, less feel |
| 16 | 1.26–1.32 mm | Good durability, solid control |
| 17 | 1.20–1.25 mm | Balance of feel and durability — most popular |
| 18 | 1.15–1.20 mm | Maximum feel and spin, less durability |
What most players should choose: 16 or 17 gauge. If you break strings often, go with 16. If you want more feel and spin, try 17 or 18.
Choosing by Playing Style
Baseliners who hit with topspin
You want spin access and control from the back of the court. A shaped or textured polyester will grip the ball and give you predictable depth.
Good options: Solinco Hyper-G, Babolat RPM Blast Rough, Babolat RPM Blast, Head Lynx Tour.
All-court players who want versatility
You mix up your game — some baseline, some net, a bit of everything. You want a string that does not limit any part of your game.
Good options: Luxilon ALU Power, Yonex Poly Tour Fire, Wilson Revolve.
Comfort-focused players
You want an easy, forgiving feel. Maybe you have had arm trouble, or you simply prefer a softer response. Power should come easily without swinging hard.
Good options: Luxilon Element, Wilson Sensation Plus, TRU PRO Ghost Wire.
Big hitters who break strings
You generate a lot of power and break strings regularly. Durability matters as much as performance.
Good options: Solinco Confidential, Luxilon 4G, Dunlop Explosive Speed.
Beginners and casual players
You are still developing your game and do not want to overthink the choice. Something reliable, comfortable and affordable.
Good options: Babolat Synthetic Gut, Wilson Sensation Plus.
How to Choose Your Tension
Tension changes how the string feels more than most players expect. Lower tension gives more power and comfort. Higher tension gives more control and a firmer response.
A practical starting point:
- Polyester: 48 to 52 lbs
- Multifilament: 52 to 56 lbs
- Synthetic gut: 50 to 54 lbs
If you are unsure, start at 52 lbs and adjust next time based on feel. For a specific recommendation, use our string and tension calculator or message us on WhatsApp.
For a detailed breakdown, read our tennis string tension guide.
Hybrid Stringing
Hybrid stringing means using two different strings: one for the mains (vertical) and one for the crosses (horizontal). This lets you combine properties, like polyester control in the mains with multifilament comfort in the crosses.
Common hybrid setup: Polyester mains + multifilament crosses. This gives better spin and control than full multifilament while being more comfortable than full polyester.
Is it worth it? For most recreational players, a single string is simpler and works well. Hybrids are worth trying if you want to balance control and comfort more precisely, or if full poly feels too harsh but you still want some of its control.
Note: Hybrid stringing uses two sets of string and may cost more. Ask us for pricing details.
When to Restring
Even the best string loses tension and feel over time. A useful rule: restring roughly as many times per year as you play per week. So if you play twice a week, restring about twice a year.
Signs you need a restring:
- Shots flying long more than usual
- The racket feels dead, harsh or unpredictable
- Strings are notching, fraying or moving around
- You have an important match or coaching block coming up
For a deeper guide, read our article on how often you should restring a tennis racket.
Available Strings at Passionnement Tennis
We stock 16 strings across three price tiers. Every string is available for drop-off restringing at Distillery Building, 11 Hart Yard, E3 2AL.
Tier 1 — £40 (Premium)
| String | Gauge | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solinco Confidential | 16 | Co-poly | Durability, control, lower launch |
| Babolat RPM Blast Rough | 17 | Textured co-poly | Heavy spin, aggressive baseliners |
| Babolat RPM Blast | 17 | Co-poly | Topspin, control, fast swings |
| Luxilon ALU Power | 17 | Co-poly | Control, match-day feel |
| Solinco Hyper-G | 17 | Shaped co-poly | Spin, modern baseline play |
| Luxilon Element | 17 | Soft co-poly | Comfort, easier depth |
| Luxilon 4G | 17 | Co-poly | Durability, tension hold |
Tier 2 — £30 (Performance)
| String | Gauge | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yonex Poly Tour Fire | 17 | Co-poly | Spin, controlled power |
| TRU PRO Ghost Wire | 18 | Co-poly | Comfort, hybrids |
| Head Lynx Tour | 17 | Co-poly | Spin, all-court control |
| Wilson Revolve | 16 | Co-poly | Spin, snapback |
| Solinco Mach 10 | 18 | Co-poly | Spin, feel |
| Dunlop Explosive Speed | 16 | Co-poly | Durability, pace |
| Gamma Ocho | 16 | Co-poly | Spin, bite |
Tier 3 — £25 (Value)
| String | Gauge | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Sensation Plus | 17 | Multifilament | Comfort, arm-friendliness |
| Babolat Synthetic Gut | 16 | Synthetic gut | Value, beginners |
Bring your own string: £20 labour only.
View full pricing at our tennis stringing prices page.
Still Not Sure?
The simplest way to choose: tell us your racket, how you play and what you want to improve. We will suggest a string and tension that makes sense.
- Use the string calculator to get an instant recommendation
- Message us on WhatsApp for personal advice
- View stringing prices to see tier costs
- Book a drop-off when you are ready
Drop-off at Distillery Building, 11 Hart Yard, E3 2AL — convenient for Bow, Mile End, Victoria Park, Hackney, Stratford and Canary Wharf.
