Why Strings Matter More Than Most Players Think
A racquet without strings is just a frame. What actually transfers energy from your swing to the ball is the string bed — its material, gauge, and tension all shape how the ball leaves your racquet.
Different string types behave in fundamentally different ways:
- Polyester (poly) strings are the dominant choice at the competitive level. They offer exceptional spin potential and control, hold tension well over time relative to other types, and are very durable. The downside: they are stiff, and that stiffness translates directly into shock on impact. For players with any arm sensitivity, poly can be brutal.
- Natural gut remains the gold standard for arm-friendliness. It's elastic, lively, and remarkably forgiving. The tradeoff is cost and durability — it's expensive and not ideal for heavy topspin players who eat through strings fast.
- Multifilament strings are the practical middle ground. Designed to mimic the feel of natural gut at a fraction of the price, they're significantly softer than poly and a solid choice for club players or anyone managing arm issues.
- Hybrid setups — typically natural gut or multifilament in the mains with poly in the crosses — are popular with many pros for a reason. You get the arm comfort and feel of gut with the added spin and durability control of poly.
The Tension Equation
String type is half the story. Tension is the other half — and it's where even experienced players make costly errors.
The common assumption is that higher tension = more control. And while there's truth to that at the extremes, the relationship is more nuanced:
- Higher tension makes the string bed stiffer. The ball spends less time on the strings, and less energy is transferred back. You get a tighter, more precise feel — but more shock goes into your arm.
- Lower tension increases dwell time on the strings, generates more power, and — crucially — absorbs more shock. It's more forgiving on the arm.
The sweet spot depends on your racquet, your string type, your swing speed, and your physical condition. A 56 lb poly setup that feels controlled to one player can be a recipe for tennis elbow in another.
Arm problems from string and tension choices are far more common than people realise — and they tend to creep up gradually. By the time you feel it, you've often been compounding the problem for weeks.
Practical Guidelines by Player Profile
A multifilament or natural gut string at mid-to-low tension (around 50–54 lbs) will give you comfort and playability without punishing your arm.
A poly or hybrid setup makes sense, but don't go too tight. Many players assume they need 55+ lbs — dropping to 48–52 lbs often improves spin generation and feel while being kinder on your body.
Avoid full poly until the issue resolves. Natural gut or a quality multifilament, strung in the low-to-mid range, is the move. Pair it with a frame that isn't too stiff.
How Often Should You Restring?
Strings don't snap before they lose playability — especially poly. Within 10–20 hours of play, poly strings lose a significant portion of their tension. A "dead" poly string loses its elastic properties and becomes even stiffer and less forgiving than when fresh. The old rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week.
The Takeaway
If you're investing time and money into finding the right racquet, apply the same scrutiny to what goes inside it. The difference between the right string at the right tension and the wrong combination isn't just a matter of feel — it can determine whether you're playing pain-free or sitting out.
Use our String Advisor to find the right string for your game, or explore the String Comparison page to dig into the specs side by side.