How to choose tennis strings
TenisRaketi Editör Ekibi · Updated October 2026
Short answer
For most players multifilament or synthetic gut is a safe starting point. Hard hitters who break strings often go for polyester, and players who put arm health first choose multifilament or natural gut. A gauge of about 1.25 mm is a good balance.
In this guide
The strings are the only part of the racket that touches the ball, and they often change the feel more than the frame does. The same racket can feel soft or harsh, powerful or controlled, depending on the strings. Two things matter when choosing: the material and the gauge. Tension is a separate topic, covered in the string tension guide.
Materials at a glance
Material | Comfort | Durability | Spin and control | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural gut | Very high | Medium | High feel, medium spin | Players who want comfort and feel and can afford it |
Multifilament | High | Low–medium | Medium | Beginners and intermediates who want an easy arm |
Synthetic gut (nylon) | Medium | Medium | Medium | First strings, the budget all-rounder |
Polyester (monofilament) | Low | High | High | Fast swingers who break strings often |
Aramid (Kevlar) | Very low | Very high | Low feel | Mostly in hybrids, rare |
The table shows general trends. Different models of the same material can feel quite different.
What each material does
Natural gut is made from cow intestine, usually. It holds the ball well, keeps tension for a long time and passes the least vibration to the arm. It is expensive and sensitive to moisture, so it is a poor choice if you play in damp weather.
Multifilament is made of many thin fibres woven together. It gives a softness close to natural gut and good power. The downside is that the fibres fray over time and break sooner for players who hit with a lot of spin.
Synthetic gut is made from a single nylon core. It sits in the middle on price, comfort and life. If you are choosing your first strings and are unsure, this is a good default.
Polyester is a stiff, slippery string, so it adds control and makes spin easier for players who swing fast. It lasts a long time, but it is the hardest on the arm and loses tension quickly. Before it breaks it goes "dead": the string loses its elasticity and the racket feels hard and lifeless. It is usually not recommended for beginners or for anyone with arm pain.
Gauge
String thickness is given in millimetres or as a gauge number. Gauge numbers vary between brands, so go by millimetres.
Thickness | Approx. gauge | What it does |
|---|---|---|
1.15–1.20 mm | 18–17 | More feel, power and spin; shorter life |
1.20–1.25 mm | 17–16L | A balance for most players |
1.25–1.30 mm | 16L–16 | More durable, slightly less feel |
1.30 mm and up | 15L–15 | Longest life, less spin and power |
If you break strings often, go one gauge thicker. If the racket feels dull and you want more feel, go one gauge thinner.
Hybrid strings
A hybrid uses two different strings: usually a durable string in the mains (vertical) and a soft string in the crosses (horizontal). The idea is to combine the life and control of polyester with the comfort of a string your arm likes. It is a common fix for players who like polyester but have arm pain.
A short recommendation by level
- If you are new: Synthetic gut or multifilament. Both are easy on the arm and cheap.
- If you are intermediate: Multifilament or a hybrid. If you break strings often, try polyester.
- If you swing fast: Polyester, or polyester mains with soft crosses.
- If your arm hurts: Multifilament or natural gut at the low end of the tension range. See the tennis elbow guide for more.
Common mistakes
- Buying the string your favourite pro uses. Pros swing very fast and restring every match.
- Trying a very stiff polyester on a recommendation. Stiff strings tire a beginner's arm quickly.
- Never restringing. A string that has not broken can still be dead; if it feels hard and lifeless it is time.
- Thinking about strings and racket separately. A stiff frame with a stiff string puts more load on the arm. For the racket side, see the guide to choosing a racket.
How often to restring
A practical rule: restring as many times a year as the days you play per week. If you play three days a week, restring three times a year. Do it more often with polyester or if you hit hard. Do not judge strings by whether they have broken; if the racket has stiffened or the ball is getting away from you, they are done.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best string for a beginner?
Synthetic gut or multifilament. Both are soft, easy on the arm and cheaper than polyester. You do not need polyester in the first months.
Does polyester hurt your arm?
Polyester is stiffer than other materials and passes more vibration to the arm. If your arm hurts or you are new, multifilament or natural gut is a better fit. A hybrid is a middle ground.
Should my string be 1.25 mm or 1.30 mm?
1.25 mm balances feel and power. If you break strings often, 1.30 mm lasts longer. If you want more feel, go down to about 1.20 mm.
What is a hybrid string setup?
Two different strings in the mains and crosses of the racket. Usually a durable string in the mains and a soft string in the crosses.
How often should I restring?
As many times a year as the days you play per week. If you play three days a week, restring three times a year. If the racket feels hard and lifeless, restring even if the strings have not broken.