Tennis string evolution has followed a clear path.
Gut strings gave way to synthetic materials, which then diversified into specialized constructions.
Today, we're in the era of shaped poly strings, where we believe the hexagon has emerged as the perfect shape.
In this article, you'll discover why you might want to play with shaped string, why we think hexagonal strings is the best shape and compare our two hexagonal strings: Zero and Vivo.
Why Play With Shaped Strings?
Modern tennis has evolved into a game dominated by aggressive, spin-heavy playing styles that demand more from your strings.
Shaped strings work by creating multiple edges that physically grip the ball's felt during contact. This interaction produces a shorter but more intense contact time between the string and ball, allowing you to manipulate ball trajectory with greater precision.
The result is powerful shots that dip sharply over the net and kick up high on your opponent's side, making returns challenging even for skilled players.
Players who benefit most from shaped strings are aggressive baseliners. They can use the physical shape of the string to turn average swings into devastating winners. For more info, check out our Shaped Tennis Strings: Complete Guide.
So if you’ve decided that you want to play with a shaped string, the question becomes what shape is best?
Hexagonal vs Other Shaped Strings
Today, tennis players have access to a wide spectrum of string shapes, each offering unique performance characteristics.
Round strings provide excellent snapback and movement but offer less bite on the ball. This traditional shape allows for fluid string movement but sacrifices some spin potential that modern players crave.
Square (4-sided) strings sit at the opposite end of the spectrum. They offer maximum bite, but this comes with reduced snapback and potentially harsh feel because there is more abrasion between the strings.
Pentagonal (5-sided) and octagonal (8-sided) strings represent middle ground options with varying characteristics. These shapes attempt to balance spin performance with playability, each offering specific advantages depending on your playing style.
At ReString, we believe that hexagonal (6-sided) strings give the perfect balance between spin generation and snapback capability. They provide enough edges to grip the ball, creating bite and spin, while maintaining enough smoothness for proper string movement, especially when paired with our exceptionally slick coating.
The differences between having one more or one fewer edge might seem marginal, and different manufacturers will make various claims about their particular shapes. However, our testing and player feedback consistently support our position that six sides represent the sweet spot in shaped string technology.
ReString's Hexagonal Strings
Zero: Maximum Power and Spin
Our flagship hexagonal string, Zero, is engineered specifically to maximize both bite and snapback.
This combination delivers exceptional power and spin potential for players who want to dominate from the baseline. The carefully designed six-sided structure creates the optimal balance of grip and movement.
Zero maintains tension remarkably well compared to conventional polyester strings. This superior tension maintenance means your strings will play better for longer, providing consistent performance throughout multiple sessions.
For an independent assessment of Zero's performance, check out this review from TennCom where they put our string through rigorous testing.
Vivo: All-Round Performance
Vivo offers a balanced, crisp and firm feel with controlled snapback for players seeking versatility.
The hexagonal profile provides a consistent, solid connection to the ball across a wide range of shot types. Whether you're hitting flat drives or heavy topspin, Vivo delivers predictable response.
What makes Vivo truly special is that we've created this high-performance string using recycled polyester (rPET) without sacrificing any playability. You get all the benefits of a premium hexagonal string while making a more environmentally conscious choice.
For an expert opinion on Vivo's performance characteristics, read this review from Tennisnerd which explores how the string performs in various playing conditions.
Conclusion
Shaped strings have revolutionized modern tennis, offering increased spin potential and control that traditional round strings simply cannot match.
We believe that hexagonal strings stand out as the perfect sweet spot among the various shapes available. The six-sided design has enough edges to bite into the ball while maintaining enough smoothness for proper string movement.
Experience the hexagonal advantage yourself with Zero for maximum power and spin, or Vivo for balanced, all-round performance made from recycled materials.