Your Complete Tennis String Guide —
Made Interactive
Your strings are the only part of the racket that actually touches the ball — yet most players never think about them past "can I get it restrung?". This guide covers every decision that matters: which type of string suits your game, what tension to ask for, which gauge to choose, and how to fix common problems. Every concept has a live widget so you can explore it yourself, not just read about it.
String Types — Which One Is Right for You?
Every string in every shop falls into one of five families. Each has a distinct personality for power, control, comfort and durability. The wrong type can make a perfect tension feel awful — and the right type can transform a racket you almost gave up on. Tap any string below to see its full performance profile.
Not sure where to start? Our polyester vs multifilament guide breaks down the two most popular types in depth.
Inside a String — Mono vs Multi Explained
Two strings can look identical from the outside yet feel completely different when you hit. The reason is what's inside. A single solid core behaves entirely differently from hundreds of tiny bundled fibres. Switch below to see the cross-section and understand what it means for your game.
Tension — The Setting That Changes Everything
Tension is the one number you give your stringer — and the most misunderstood setting in tennis. Most players assume higher tension means better performance. It doesn't. Lower tension means a bigger sweet spot, more power, and less shock to your arm. Higher tension means more control, but a smaller sweet spot and a stiffer feel.
Drag the slider and watch the string bed change live. For a deep dive, see our full tension guide.
Gauge — How Thick Should Your String Be?
Gauge is the diameter of the string. It runs from 15 (thickest, most durable) down to 18 (thinnest, most feel and spin). The right gauge for you depends on one simple question: do you break strings often? If yes, go thicker. If not, you can afford to go thinner for better feel and spin.
Pick a gauge below and see exactly what you get and what you give up.
String Pattern — Open vs Dense
Your racket's string pattern — the number of mains and crosses — was decided when the frame was made. You can't change it. But understanding it helps you choose the right string to work with your frame rather than against it. An open pattern creates more spin and power; a dense pattern offers more control.
Switch between them to see the difference visually.
Hybrids — Mix Two Strings for the Best of Both
A hybrid stringing uses two different strings in the same racket — one for the mains (vertical) and one for the crosses (horizontal). The mains shape the feel more, because they contact the ball first and move the most. Federer used natural gut mains with polyester crosses. Nadal uses polyester everywhere.
You don't have to play like a pro to benefit. Gut or multifilament mains with a poly cross is a popular choice for club players who want control without giving up their arm. Try any combination below.
Not sure which type to ask your stringer for?
Get my personalised string recommendation in 90 seconds →What's Wrong With My Strings?
Something feels off but you can't put your finger on it? Most string problems have a simple, fixable cause. Tap your symptom below and find out what's actually happening and what to ask for next time.
If arm pain is the main issue, our guide to the best tennis strings for arm pain covers exactly which strings and tensions to ask for — and which to avoid.
Get Your Personalised String Setup
Answer five quick questions about your game and get a matched string type, gauge and tension — with a plain-English explanation of why it suits you. No account needed.
Tennis String Myths — Flip to Reveal the Truth
There is a lot of misinformation floating around tennis clubs about strings. Tap any card to flip it and find out if what you've heard is actually true.
Know What You Need — Now Find It
Our full recommender analyses your game in 90 seconds and matches you to the exact string, gauge and tension from 157 strings across tennis, badminton and squash.
Get my string recommendation →Common Questions About Tennis Strings
What tension should a beginner use?
Start at the middle of the tension range printed on your racket — usually around 55 lbs. Drop 2–3 lbs for more power and comfort; raise 2–3 lbs for more control. As a beginner, erring slightly lower helps you generate more power while you build your technique.
Is polyester bad for your arm?
Polyester is the stiffest string type and transmits the most shock through the racket to your arm. If you have any elbow or shoulder pain, switch to a multifilament or natural gut string and lower your tension a few pounds. Avoid full polyester until the pain is resolved.
What is the best tennis string for tennis elbow?
Multifilament strings — and natural gut if budget allows — are the safest choices for tennis elbow. They are soft, lively and absorb shock rather than transmit it. Pair them with a tension 3–5 lbs lower than you would normally use. Avoid stiff polyester strings entirely while you are experiencing pain.
Does a thinner string give more spin?
Yes. A thinner gauge (17 or 18) bites into the ball more on impact, which increases spin. The trade-off is that thinner strings break sooner. Most spin-focused players settle on gauge 17 polyester to balance spin generation and durability.
How often should I restring my racket?
A simple rule: restring as many times per year as you play sessions per week. Three sessions a week means at least three restrings a year. Polyester in particular goes dead within the first few sessions and needs changing on a schedule — don't wait for it to snap.
What is a hybrid string setup and should I try one?
A hybrid uses two different strings — one for the mains, one for the crosses. The classic example is natural gut mains with polyester crosses: gut gives power and arm comfort while poly adds control and durability. It is worth trying if you like the feel of a soft string but want more control or durability.