Guides

Are Natural Gut Strings Worth The Price?

September 10, 2025 Juan

There’s no doubting that natural gut feels great and is gentle on your arm.

The question is does the extra cost makes sense for how you play?

For most recreational players, the short answer is no.

You can get similar results for less with smart alternatives. But there may be a situation where you could consider trying it in a natural gut and polyester hybrid setup.

We’ll dive into everything you need to know in this guide.

What Are Natural Gut Strings?

Natural gut is tennis string made from purified cow intestine fibers called bovine serosa. The fibers are cleaned, twisted and coated to form a playable string.

It is the original string and it still has a uniquely plush and connected feel. You get touch on drop shots and a lively response on slower swings.

Synthetics have improved but are still some way off of matching that sensation.

Why Do Pros Use Natural Gut?

Pros choose natural gut most often in a gut and poly hybrid. You get the comfort and power of gut and the control and spin of polyester.

At the top level it is almost always a hybrid rather than a full bed. Players want the blend of feedback, control and spin that a slick poly like Sync adds.

Cost is not a blocker for pros because sponsorships and on site stringing make frequent restringing easy. What matters most is consistent performance day after day.

There is nothing quite like a quality gut and poly combo when you want both comfort and high performance.

Does Natural Gut Make Sense For You?

Yes, Give it a Go

Try natural gut if budget is not a problem and you have money to spend on comfort, feel and softness. A half set of gut in a hybrid can be a smart test.

No, Not Really

Skip natural gut if you break strings often or you need to manage costs. It is many times more expensive per set than poly or multi and it asks for careful care.

Pass on it if you cannot clearly feel a benefit over good synthetic options. For many non pros that is common once you choose the right setup.

Better Value String Setups

The most popular and cost effective routes are full poly, full multifilament, or a poly and multi hybrid. Each path has a clear use case.

Polyester

A full poly setup gives you more control over launch, spin and depth. For example Zero leans toward power and spin while Sync focuses on control and feel. Same material family, very different on court results.

Multifilament

Multifilament strings are softer than polyester and suit juniors, elders and new players. If you play a few times a month and want a comfy ride, multi keeps things simple.

Hybrid

Choose a poly and multi hybrid if you want the best of both worlds. Use polyester mains and a multifilament cross to blend spin, control and durability with comfort and easy depth. It suits players who like a firmer, more controlled response with a friendlier feel than full poly.

Conclusion

Natural gut is special and it will likely remain the softest and most responsive option. However, for most recreational players it is not the best value.

If budget allows try it once, ideally as a gut and poly hybrid like the pros. Otherwise pick one of the better value setups above and dial tension to match your swing speed and goals.

About the Author: Juan is the co-founder of ReString. He was born in Argentina, raised in Japan, and moved to the US to pursue college tennis. He now plays as an ATP & WTA hitting partner.