Polyester vs Multifilament:
Which String Type Is Right for You?
The debate between polyester and multifilament strings is one of the most common in tennis. Each type has distinct characteristics that suit different playing styles. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed choice.
Quick Comparison
Polyester
Control & spin for fast swingers
- Superior control and precision
- Maximum spin potential
- Excellent durability
- Stiffer, less arm-friendly
- Requires fast swing to activate
Multifilament
Power & comfort for all levels
- Soft, arm-friendly feel
- Natural power assistance
- Great for all swing speeds
- Less durable than poly
- Less control at high speeds
What Are Polyester Strings?
Polyester (often called "poly" or "co-poly") strings are made from a single solid filament of polyester material. They're the dominant string type on the professional tour and among competitive club players.
Key Characteristics
Control: Polyester's stiffness creates a firm hitting surface that returns energy predictably. Fast swingers can place shots precisely without fear of the ball flying long.
Spin: Poly strings snap back into place after ball contact, creating more spin than multifilament. Shaped polys (hexagonal, square profiles) enhance this effect further.
Durability: The solid construction makes poly strings highly resistant to notching and breakage. Frequent players save money on restringing costs.
Tension loss: The downside: poly loses tension faster than multifilament. Most players notice a change in feel after 10-15 hours of play, even if the strings haven't broken.
Popular Polyester Strings
Luxilon ALU Power, Babolat RPM Blast, Solinco Tour Bite, Solinco Hyper-G, Yonex Poly Tour Pro
What Are Multifilament Strings?
Multifilament strings are made from hundreds or thousands of tiny fibers bundled together. This construction mimics the feel of natural gut while being more affordable and durable.
Key Characteristics
Comfort: The multi-fiber construction absorbs shock effectively, making these strings ideal for players with arm pain, tennis elbow, or anyone who prioritizes comfort.
Power: Multifilament strings have more "trampoline effect" than poly, launching the ball with less effort. Perfect for players who don't generate huge swing speeds.
Feel: Many players describe multifilament as having the best feel after natural gut. You can sense the ball pocketing into the strings.
Tension maintenance: Unlike poly, multifilament holds tension well over time. The playability stays consistent longer.
Popular Multifilament Strings
Wilson NXT, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase, Tecnifibre NRG2, Babolat Xcel, Head Velocity MLT
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Polyester | Multifilament |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Excellent (9/10) | Good (7/10) |
| Spin | Excellent (9/10) | Moderate (6/10) |
| Power | Low (5/10) | High (8/10) |
| Comfort | Low (4/10) | Excellent (9/10) |
| Durability | Excellent (9/10) | Moderate (6/10) |
| Arm Safety | Risky for arm issues | Very arm-friendly |
| Best For | Fast swingers, advanced | All levels, arm pain |
| Price | $10-25/set | $15-30/set |
Who Should Use Each Type?
Use Polyester If You:
- Have a fast swing speed
- Are intermediate to advanced level
- Want maximum control and spin
- Don't have arm issues
- Break strings frequently
- Generate your own power
Use Multifilament If You:
- Are a beginner or recreational player
- Have arm pain, tennis elbow, or wrist issues
- Have a slower to moderate swing speed
- Want more power from your strings
- Prioritize comfort and feel
- Are a senior player
There's no universally "better" string type. Polyester rewards fast swingers with control and spin. Multifilament rewards smoother swingers with power and comfort. The right choice depends entirely on your game. StringMatch factors in your swing speed, level, and arm health when recommending strings.
What About Hybrid Setups?
Can't decide? Try a hybrid: polyester in the mains (vertical strings) and multifilament in the crosses (horizontal strings). This setup gives you:
- Spin and control benefits from the poly mains
- Improved comfort from the multifilament crosses
- Better arm protection than full poly
- More control than full multifilament
Many recreational players find hybrids to be the perfect middle ground. Professional players often use natural gut mains with poly crosses for similar reasons.
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Get my string recommendation →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between polyester and multifilament strings?
Polyester strings are stiffer, more durable, and provide better control and spin — ideal for advanced players with fast swings. Multifilament strings are softer, more arm-friendly, and generate more power — better for beginners, seniors, and players with arm issues.
Should I use polyester or multifilament strings?
Use polyester if you're an intermediate to advanced player with a fast swing who wants control and spin. Use multifilament if you're a beginner, have arm pain, swing slower, or prioritize comfort and power.
Can beginners use polyester strings?
Beginners should generally avoid polyester. Poly requires fast swing speeds to activate and can cause arm strain. Beginners benefit from multifilament or synthetic gut strings that provide power assistance and better arm protection.
Are multifilament strings good for tennis elbow?
Yes, multifilament strings are one of the best choices for tennis elbow. Their multi-fiber construction absorbs shock and reduces strain on the arm. Look for strings with low ERT (stiffness) ratings, like Tecnifibre X-One Biphase or Wilson NXT.
Which lasts longer: polyester or multifilament?
Polyester lasts longer in terms of breakage resistance. However, poly loses tension faster than multifilament. So while the string itself may survive longer, the playing characteristics change sooner with poly.