Tennis String Types
Also known as: types of tennis strings, tennis string types, string material, synthetic gut, synthetic gut string, nylon strings, multifilament, multifilament string, hybrid stringing, hybrid string setup
Tennis strings come in four main types. Synthetic gut (nylon) is cheap and all-round. Multifilament is softer and plays closest to natural gut. Polyester is stiff and gives fast swingers control and spin. Natural gut is the most comfortable and holds tension best. Most beginners start with synthetic gut or multifilament.
Synthetic gut is usually nylon. It is a good all-round choice at a low price, without standing out in any one area. Multifilament strings are made from hundreds of tiny fibers wound together. They play most like natural gut, are softer on the arm and hold tension well. Some feel a little mushy, and big hitters may break them sooner.
Polyester is a stiffer string that gives intermediate and advanced players with fast swings more control and spin. It is durable but loses tension faster and is harsher on the arm. Tennis Warehouse does not usually recommend it for most beginners. Natural gut is made from cow intestine. It offers the best playability and arm comfort, holds tension best and is the most expensive.
A hybrid uses one string in the mains and another in the crosses. A common setup pairs polyester with a softer multifilament or gut. The aim is to keep some of the poly's control while softening the feel. Choose by what you need most. Players with sore arms usually do better with multifilament or gut. Frequent string breakers often look at polyester or a thicker gauge. Whatever you pick, restring once it goes dead.
Tips by skill level
Start with a synthetic gut or multifilament in the middle of your racquet's recommended tension range.
If you want poly's control but your arm complains, try a hybrid with multifilament or gut in the crosses before giving up on poly entirely.
Example
A new adult player's racquet comes with a synthetic gut. After a season she switches to a multifilament because her forearm feels better, and she keeps the same tension.
Why it matters
String type changes comfort, control and how long a stringing lasts, often more than the racquet itself. The right type can protect your arm.
Common mistakes
- Copying a pro's full polyester setup as a beginner
- Leaving polyester in the racquet long after it has lost tension
- Assuming the factory string that came with the racquet suits you
- Changing string type and tension at the same time
Frequently asked questions
Which tennis strings should a beginner use?
Synthetic gut or multifilament. Synthetic gut is cheap and all-round. Multifilament is softer on the arm. Polyester is usually not recommended for beginners because it is stiff and loses tension quickly.
What is the difference between synthetic gut and multifilament?
Synthetic gut is usually a solid nylon string, cheap and all-round. Multifilament is made from hundreds of fine fibers, plays more like natural gut and is softer on the arm, but costs more.
What is a hybrid string setup?
Using one string in the mains and a different one in the crosses. A common pairing is polyester with multifilament or natural gut, for some of poly's control with a softer feel.
Sources
Related terms
- Polyester StringPolyester is a stiff, durable monofilament string built for spin. But it transmits more shock to the arm compared to natural gut or multifilament strings.
- Natural Gut StringNatural gut is made from cow intestine. It offers the most elasticity, tension retention, and comfort of any string, but costs more and is less durable.
- String TensionString tension is how tightly a racquet is strung, in pounds or kilograms. It shapes the string bed's trampoline effect, control, and power.
- String GaugeString gauge is the thickness of a tennis string measured in millimetres or gauge numbers, with thinner strings providing more spin and feel and thicker strings offering greater durability.
- RestringingA common rule of thumb is to restring as many times a year as you play each week. Playing three times a week means about three restrings a year. Polyester loses tension faster and usually needs restringing more often. Restring when the strings feel dead or lose control, even if they have not broken.
- Tennis ElbowTennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, linked to overuse of the forearm tendons that attach there. In tennis, contributing factors can include a late, wristy one-handed backhand, tight or very stiff strings, a sudden jump in hitting or serving volume and a tight grip. If it hurts, stop playing, and see a qualified medical professional if the pain persists.
Related guides & benchmarks
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