{"id":96,"date":"2021-01-10T16:36:42","date_gmt":"2021-01-10T16:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tennisweb.org\/?p=96"},"modified":"2022-01-04T13:34:04","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T13:34:04","slug":"best-tennis-strings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tennisweb.org\/best-tennis-strings\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Tennis Strings | Guide and Reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

The advanced tennis player who has invested in a premium racket<\/a> needs to seriously start thinking about tennis strings. If you are completely unfamiliar with tennis strings, it is high time you brush up on the basics and keep an extra pack of strings in your tennis bag<\/a>. We have put together an in-depth guide to introduce you to the main types of tennis strings available, allowing you to pick the best string for your exacting needs. After all, the best tennis strings can seriously improve your performance and help reduce the chance you falling foul of strains and other injuries.<\/p>\n

It is also important to string your racket correctly and we really recommend you learn how to string your tennis racket correctly<\/a> or take it to a professional to ensure you get the most out of your new tennis strings!<\/p>\n

Natural Gut Strings<\/h2>\n

There are two main varieties of tennis strings out there. The first of these is natural gut strings<\/a>. For many years, this was only the type of tennis string available. Natural gut strings begin life as cow intestines. Only after an exhaustive process are they suitable to be used to string tennis rackets. Natural gut strings have been used in tennis since the 1800s. Even today when synthetic alternatives are available, many tennis purists turn to natural gut strings as their preferred option. This natural material is incredibly elastic, providing you with impressive power, superior comfort and feel. Natural gut strings also maintain tension for considerable amounts of time. Even the best synthetic alternatives struggle to match the tensioning performance of natural gut.<\/p>\n

There are however some drawbacks to natural gut strings. Compared to synthetic strings, natural gut strings are not that durable, especially if moisture gets a foothold. They are also far more expensive than synthetic strings, locking most tennis enthusiasts out of the market. However, if you are at an advanced enough playing level, can afford the considerable outlying cost and are prepared to maintain them, natural gut strings are something to think about.<\/p>\n

Synthetic Alternatives<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t have the budget for natural gut strings? Not to worry. Synthetic tennis strings<\/a> have come a long way in recent years, providing you with plenty of variety and exceptional levels of performance. These artificial strings are made from a range of high-grade synthetic materials that have been carefully tailored to provide you with superb durability, comfort, spin performance and power.<\/p>\n

Synthetic strings are usually made from three main types of material. The most commonly encountered synthetic strings are made from nylon. This material itself actually refers to a broader family of synthetics that include a diverse of materials of varying grades.<\/p>\n

Synthetic gut strings are also popular. Considering the name, you would be forgiven for expecting these strings to perform similarly to conventional gut strings. However, these strings are among the cheapest on the market and are usually the least desirable option for tennis players. They are best suited to occasional tennis players with less demanding requirements, especially if they do not wish to spend that much money.<\/p>\n

As with nylon strings, synthetic gut strings actually refer to a much broader variety. The vast majority of synthetic gut strings have a solid core, with the cheapest options including a single wrap. More expensive synthetic gut strings include multiple outer wraps. The more wraps a string has, the more durable it will be. Additional wraps also enhance the level of cushioning of a string, making any rackets kitted out with them more comfortable to handle.<\/p>\n

Multi-filament Strings<\/h2>\n

Multi-filament stings are another key type you can expect to find on the market. This variety of string was originally designed to offer a premium alternative to synthetic gut strings. The best multi-filament strings on the market combine the best of natural gut and synthetic gut strings. You can expect the superior power, comfort and feel of natural gut, with the enhanced durability of synthetic strings. Nowadays, multi-filament strings are manufactured to a very high standard. Hundreds, if not thousands, of individual fibres can be weaved together to produce an authentic imitation of natural gut strings.<\/p>\n

Polyester Strings<\/h2>\n

Polyester tennis strings are also common. This type of tennis string has been around since the 1990s. Polyester strings allow the player to hit with more force and with greater levels of topspin and are initially a go-to option for many professional players. Although very durable, when compared to other options, polyester strings are relatively low when it comes to power. However, this allows the player to hit the ball with significant force, producing significant topspin, without the worry of damaging strings or compromising on control. Unlike other varieties, polyester strings also snap back into place with surprising efficiency, which further enhances topspin performance. The stiff nature of polyester strings means they can put significant strain on a player. To minimize the chance of players suffering from tennis elbow and similar ailments, polyester strings are often combined with other string types to make the racket more forgiving. If you are an experienced player with a powerful playing style, polyester strings might prove the perfect option.<\/p>\n

Kevlar Tennis Strings<\/h2>\n

Those looking for strings that deliver superior levels of strength should look to Kevlar fibers. This robust string material provides you with incredible strength and first-rate durability. If you have little luck with other materials and consistently break strings, Kevlar strings are an avenue worth exploring. However, to compensate for the harsh nature of Kevlar, these strings are often used alongside other materials for a better feel. Nylon strings are the most commonly used companion for Kevlar, resulting in a composite string that delivers a much better feel. In addition to durability, the key benefits of Kevlar strings are enhanced control and improved tensioning. Additional drawbacks include some sacrifices when it comes to spin.<\/p>\n

Selecting the Right Strings for You<\/h2>\n

Do not feel daunted by the sheer amount of available tennis strings out there. This diverse range might take some investigating, but the variety on offer means you should have no trouble eventually finding a string that is perfected suited to your style of play and individual preferences. A key thing to remember about strings is that each variety has its own benefits and drawbacks. Assess the pros and cons of each type and make an informed decision based on what is most important to you. Another thing to bear in mind is that you will no doubt have to spend some time experimenting with various string types before you hone in on the best match for you.<\/p>\n