How to Choose the Best Tennis Strings for Spin

Shaped polyester strings with integrated low-friction coatings at a thin gauge maximize spin. Zero delivers on all of those requirements, making it our top recommendation for spin-focused players.

Spin has transformed modern tennis with players like Nadal and Alcaraz generating over 3,000 RPM on their forehands, more than double what was typical in the 1980s.

This evolution has changed how players at every level approach the game, meaning that choosing a spin-optimized tennis string is an important decision.

In this guide, you'll learn about the two factors that create spin, which string features maximize spin, and a look at the best tennis strings for spin in the ReString lineup.

How To Pick Tennis Strings That Generate Spin

Spin comes from the interaction between your strings and the ball during contact. Two factors determine spin potential during this interaction: bite and snapback.

String Bite

String bite describes how well your strings grip the ball at impact. Think of it like tire tread gripping pavement. Better grip means better performance.

When you swing with spin, your strings need to bite into the ball's felt surface to create the initial rotation. The more effectively your strings can grip the ball, the more spin you can generate.

String Snapback

Snapback refers to how quickly strings return to their original position after displacement. When you hit the ball, your strings stretch and move. As the ball leaves your racket, these displaced strings snap back to position.

This snapback motion adds additional rotation to the ball beyond the initial bite. The quality of snapback depends on friction between strings. Lower friction means smoother movement and faster snapback.

String Features That Maximize Bite

String Material

Polyester is the string material that dominates spin generation. The relative stiffness of polyester allows consistent bite on the ball. When you swing through contact, the firm material maintains its shape to grip effectively.

Multifilament, synthetic gut, and natural gut are too soft for maximum spin. These materials compress too easily at impact, reducing their ability to bite into the ball's felt surface.

String Shape

Shaped profiles like hexagonal, pentagonal, and octagonal designs have edges that dig into the ball's felt. These geometric shapes create multiple contact points with the ball's surface, increasing grip and rotation.

Round profiles are great for snapback but less effective for bite. They slide more easily during contact but don't grip the ball in the same aggressive way as shaped strings.

String Gauge

Thinner strings dig into the ball more easily than thicker options. The reduced diameter allows the string to penetrate deeper into the felt, creating more bite.

The trade-off comes down to spin potential versus longevity. A thinner 18G string (1.20mm) offers more bite but breaks faster under heavy use. Whereas a thicker 16G string (1.30mm) delivers less bite but lasts longer.

String Features That Maximize Snapback

String Coating

First-generation polyester strings used surface coatings that wore off quickly. Within a few hours of play, the slippery coating would deteriorate, reducing snapback performance.

The next evolution saw companies integrating coatings throughout the string during manufacturing. This provided longer-lasting snapback as the coating remained present even as the string's outer layer wore down.

We've innovated on this integrated approach with our ultra-slippery low-friction signature snapback coating. It maintains slipperiness throughout the string's life from your first hit to your last. Zero and Sync both feature this coating technology.

Beyond maximizing snapback, integrated coatings offer a durability advantage. Lower friction reduces notching at crossing points, helping strings play better for longer.

String Shape

Round strings allow smoother string movement than shaped profiles. The circular cross-section creates less friction between round surfaces, letting strings slide and snap back more freely.

Shaped strings prioritize bite over snapback. The edges that create excellent grip also increase friction between strings, potentially limiting movement. However, when paired with the right coating technology, shaped strings can deliver both characteristics effectively.

Setup Factors That Maximize Spin

String Pattern

Open patterns like 16x19 allow more string movement for spin generation. The wider spacing between strings gives them more room to displace and snap back during contact.

Dense patterns like 18x20 restrict movement but add control. The closer string spacing limits how far strings can move, reducing potential spin but providing a more predictable response.

For more spin, choose a racket with a more open pattern.

String Tension

Lower tensions below 52 lbs allow more string movement and spin. When strings have more room to displace, they can generate greater snapback and rotation.

Higher tensions above 52 lbs increase control but limit snapback. Tighter strings move less during contact, reducing the snapback effect that adds extra rotation.

For more spin, test out lower tensions.

String Maintenance

Fresh strings generate more spin than worn strings.

As strings age, they lose bite and snapback characteristics. To keep your spin level high, replace strings when you notice a drop in performance, even if they haven't broken.

Check for notching where strings cross and other signs your strings are dead. These grooves indicate reduced movement and grip.

Best ReString Strings for Spin

ReString Zero - 10/10 Spin

Zero offers maximum spin potential through its hexagonal shape and signature snapback coating. This combination delivers both best-in-class bite and snapback in one string.

Zero is best for aggressive baseliners who rely on heavy topspin. The shaped profile grips the ball effectively while the coating ensures consistent snapback throughout the string's life.

Available in 17G and 16G gauges, Zero is used by WTA player Cristina Bucsa in a hybrid setup with Sync.

ReString Sync - 9/10 Spin

Sync features a round profile that optimizes snapback with our signature coating.

Sync is best for players wanting to combine spin and feel. The round shape provides excellent pocketing and connection with your shots while still generating solid rotation.

Available in 18G, 17G, and 16G, Sync offers the most gauge options in our lineup.

ReString Vivo - 9/10 Spin

Vivo combines a hexagonal shape for strong bite with recycled polyester construction.

Vivo is best for players wanting spin and control. The shaped profile provides excellent grip on the ball while the recycled material reduces environmental impact.

Available in 17G and 16G gauges, Vivo offers the most sustainable spin option in our lineup.

Conclusion

Maximum spin requires polyester strings that deliver both bite through shaped profiles and thin gauges, plus snapback through integrated coatings and low friction.

Setup factors like open string patterns and lower tensions enhance or limit these string characteristics.

Spin is a key performance focus across our lineup, but Zero is our number one string for spin, optimized for both bite and snapback.

It's used by spin players at all levels, including the pro tour. Players have switched from Babolat RPM Blast and Solinco Hyper-G to Zero and haven't looked back.

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.