You want to improve your game by trying new tennis strings.
But where do you start?
There are hundreds of strings to choose from.
In this article, you'll learn how to assess your game, the three string factors you need to consider and how to put it all together to make the right choice for you.
First Assess Your Game
Before you can find the perfect tennis string for your racket, you need to take an honest look at your game.
Start by evaluating your current tennis level. Are you just picking up a racket for the first time, or have you been playing for years? Your skill level directly impacts what type of string will work best for you.
If you are a beginner, focus on comfort and affordability. Intermediate players need to balance performance with replacement costs. While advanced players can prioritize specific performance attributes that enhance their strengths.
Next, think about your playing style. Some players love to camp out at the baseline and grind out long rallies. Others prefer to rush the net and finish points quickly. Maybe you're somewhere in between, mixing up your game based on what your opponent gives you.
Also consider what aspects of your game you want to improve. If you're looking for more power on your shots, you'll want different strings than someone seeking better control. And if you're dealing with arm discomfort, comfort should be your top priority.
Don't forget to consider practical factors like how often you play and your budget. If you're on the court five times a week, you'll go through strings faster than someone who plays once a week. This affects both your string choice and how much you're willing to spend on restringing throughout the year.
Now you’ve assessed your game, let’s help you choose the best tennis string for you. We’ll do this by explaining material, thickness and tension.
Choose Your String Material
Tennis strings come in three main materials, each with distinct characteristics that affect how you play.
Polyester: Professional Performance
Polyester strings dominate the professional game.
Almost every pro and collegiate player uses poly because it delivers exceptional control and spin potential.
For example, Zero and Sync are used on the ATP and WTA tours and are at the cutting edge of string innovation.
The stiff polyester material allows you to swing hard without losing precision, making it perfect for aggressive baseline play.
Multifilament and Nylon: Affordable Comfort
Multifilament strings offer a softer feel at a reasonable price.
These strings use hundreds of tiny fibers woven together to create a more forgiving response. They're easier on your arm than polyester and provide good power without sacrificing too much control.
Popular options like Head Velocity MLT and Diadem Evolution give recreational players the comfort they need without the premium price tag of natural gut.
Natural Gut: Premium Comfort
Natural gut remains the gold standard for comfort and feel.
Made from cow intestine, it provides unmatched elasticity and power. While it's the most expensive option, players with arm issues often find it worth the investment.
Babolat VS Touch is the most popular natural gut, though most players today use it in hybrid setups rather than full string beds. Combining gut with a polyester cross string gives you the best of both worlds.
String Characteristics To Consider
Beyond material, pay attention to string stiffness, shape, and sustainability. Stiffness affects power, control, and comfort. Hexagonal strings like Zero grab the ball for extra spin, while round strings like Sync provide better feel and control.
If environmental impact matters to you, consider eco-friendly options like Vivo, made from recycled polyester without compromising performance.
Choose Your String Thickness
Now you’ve chosen your string material, the next thing to consider is how thick that string should be.
Tennis string thickness is called gauge, and it has a big impact on how your strings perform.
How Gauge Affects Your Performance
Thicker gauges (15-16G) give you more power and durability.
The thicker string has more mass, which translates to more energy transfer to the ball. You'll also get less feel and spin potential because the string doesn't bite into the ball as much.
Thinner gauges (17-18G) offer better control, spin potential, and feel. The thinner string embeds into the ball more, creating extra grip and rotation. However, these strings break more easily and lose tension faster.
Choosing Gauge by Player Level
Beginners should start with 16G for better tension maintenance. Since you're still developing your technique, the slightly thicker string will hold its playability longer and give you more consistent performance as you learn.
Intermediate players can experiment with 17G for balanced performance. This gauge gives you good access to spin without sacrificing too much durability.
Advanced players often prefer 17-18G for enhanced feel and control. At this level, you can take advantage of the extra spin and precision that thinner strings provide. Some players stick with 16G if they break strings frequently and need the extra durability.
Matching Gauge to Playing Style
Baseline players benefit from different gauges depending on their priorities. Thinner gauges maximize spin potential for heavy topspin shots, whereas those who tend to break strings more often will prefer thicker gauges for durability.
Serve and volley players typically prefer thinner gauges for improved touch at the net. The extra feel helps with drop volleys and precise placement.
All-court players often find 17G offers the best versatility. It provides enough spin for groundstrokes while maintaining good feel for net play.
Choose Your String Tension
After selecting your string material and gauge, tension is the final piece of the puzzle.
String tension is the pulling force (measured in pounds or kg) applied when installing strings in your racket.
Most players string between 40-65 pounds, with a modern trend toward lower tensions for more power and spin.
Higher Tensions (Above 52 lbs)
Higher tensions provide enhanced control and precision. The tighter string bed creates a more predictable response, allowing you to place the ball exactly where you want it.
This setup works best for players who generate their own power. If you have fast swing speeds and solid technique, higher tension helps you harness that power into controlled shots.
Lower Tensions (Below 52 lbs)
Lower tensions increase power and spin potential. The looser string bed creates a trampoline effect that adds extra pop to your shots.
You'll also find lower tensions more arm-friendly and comfortable. The strings absorb more shock at impact, reducing stress on your elbow and shoulder.
Finding Your Ideal Tension
Start with a comfortable baseline tension and make small adjustments from there. If you want more control, go up a few pounds. If you need more power or comfort, drop the tension slightly.
Remember that strings lose tension over time, especially natural gut and multifilament. Factor this into your initial stringing tension. If you know your strings will drop 5 pounds in the first week, you might string them slightly higher to compensate.
For Zero and Sync specifically, we recommend stringing 2-3 pounds lower than your usual tension to maximize the performance of both strings. Their unique construction performs best with slightly lower tensions than traditional polyester strings.
Putting It All Together
Finding your perfect string takes experimentation. Start with one setup and play with it for at least a week before making changes. Keep notes on what works and what doesn't to refine your preferences over time.
You'll know you've found the right string when it feels comfortable throughout your hitting sessions and enhances your strengths without exposing weaknesses.
If you have any specific questions about choosing a string, especially Zero, Sync or Vivo, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.