Choosing the right tennis string is often more important than you think - it has a significant impact on control, power, spin and feel. But with so many different materials, stringing hardnesses and string types, the question quickly arises: Which tennis string actually suits my playing style?
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about tennis strings - from natural gut to modern hybrid setups. So that you can get the most out of your game!
Why the right tennis string is so important
Many tennis players focus exclusively on the tennis racket - yet the tennis strings make up around 50% of the feel of the game. The right tennis string influences:
- Impact comfort
- Ball control
- Spin potential
- Arm protection (keyword: tennis elbow)
- Durability
💡Remember: Not every string suits every playing style. What professionals play is not always ideal for recreational or club players.
The different tennis strings at a glance
🏅 Recommendation: Babolat VS Touch
- Why: The reference among natural gut strings - extremely elastic, excellent touch, maximum arm protection.
- Ideal for: Technical players, professionals, injury-prone players.
- Special features: Played by many professionals as a hybrid (e.g. Federer: VS Touch x Luxilon).
🛒 Note: Natural gut is sensitive to moisture and considerably more expensive, but offers an incomparable playing feel.
🏅 Recommendation: Luxilon ALU Power
- Why: One of the most played polyester strings on tour. Excellent control, high durability, great spin potential.
- Ideal for: Advanced to professional players with a fast swing motion.
- Special features: Played by Novak Djokovic and, in the past, Roger Federer (in hybrid).
🛒 Alternative: Solinco Hyper-G - for extra spin & a slightly softer feel.
🛒 Good value: Babolat RPM Blast - also very popular with aggressive players (e.g. Rafael Nadal).
🏅 Recommendation: Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
- Why: Very elastic, vibration-damping and ideal for players with arm problems or a sensitive hitting hand.
- Ideal for: Hobby players, seniors, players with tennis elbow or those looking for comfort.
- Special features: Very close to the feel of natural gut, but cheaper and easier to clean.
🛒 Alternative: Wilson NXT - Another premium multifilament string with great comfort.
🛒 Great value: Head Velocity MLT - good performance with a good price-performance ratio.
🏅 Recommendation: Luxilon ALU Power + Wilson Natural Good
- Why: One of the most popular hybrid combinations in tennis. Luxilon for control and spin, Natural Gut for touch and arm protection.
- Ideal for: Advanced players who want the best of both worlds.
- Special features: Particularly useful for players who generate a lot of power but don't want to compromise on comfort.
🛒 Alternative: Solinco Tour Bite + Tecnifibre NRG² - spin-heavy hybrid solution with more comfort.
🛒 Budget combo: Babolat RPM Soft + Head Velocity - for solid all-rounders with a good price-performance ratio.
Which tennis string suits your style of play?
Recommended string: Polyester
Features: Control & Spin
Recommended string: Multifilament or hybrid
Features: Comfort & versatility
Recommended string: natural gut or hybrid
Features: feel & precision
Recommended string: Multifilament
Features: Arm-friendly & forgiving
Recommended string: Hybrid or Polyester
Features: Performance & Durability
The right string hardness - fine tuning for your playing
- Low hardness (20-23 kg): More power and comfort
- High hardness (24-28 kg): More control and feel for the ball
Tip: Beginners should choose softer, low-tension tennis strings, tournament players often choose harder strings.
Frequently asked questions about the choice of tennis string
Rule of thumb: As often per year as you play per week (e.g. 2x/week = 2x/year at least).
Multifilament or natural gut strings - soft, elastic, damping.
👉 Find out everything you need to know about how to beat tennis elbow in this article!
No - the perfect string always depends on playing style, playing level and individual physique.
Conclusion: The best tennis string is the one that suits you
Whether you are a tournament player or an ambitious recreational player - choosing the right tennis string can noticeably improve your game. Invest in a string that meets your requirements and try out different options. Try out what feels right for you - your arm and your game will thank you!
Fancy an individual string consultation?
You are welcome to test our string advisor or come to our Tennis-Point Store store. Our team of experts will help you find the perfect combination of racket, string and tension - tailor-made for your tennis game.
