Expert Recommendations
String Guide
I've been stringing racquets since the 1980s and have lived through the evolution of tennis string technology firsthand. As a competitive junior player, I used Prince Nylon when I needed durability and Prince Synthetic Gut when I was competing because of its superior feel and playability. The downside? Synthetic Gut often lasted only a couple of sets before breaking.
Today's players have more options than ever, from powerful multifilaments to spin-friendly polyester strings — but the challenge remains the same: finding the setup that best fits your game. This guide reflects what I've learned over decades of playing, stringing, and helping players find the right combination.
Section 1
Understanding Modern Tennis Strings
A good string can make a noticeable difference in how your racquet feels and performs. Today's string setups generally fall into four categories, each with its own strengths.
Value Synthetic Gut
Best For
Most recreational players.
Why Choose It?
Comfortable
Easy to play
Great value
My Recommendation
Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
Polyester
Best For
Intermediate to advanced players looking for more spin, control, and durability.
Pros
Excellent spin
Great control
Very durable
Keep in Mind:Polyester is firmer than traditional strings. Players benefit from stringing it 3–5 pounds lower than synthetic gut or multifilament strings.
Multifilament
Best For
Players seeking maximum comfort, easy power, and arm-friendly performance.
Pros
Softest feel
Excellent comfort
Easy depth
Great for tennis elbow
Hybrid
Best For
Players who want to combine the strengths of two different string types.
Examples
Hyper-G mains / Synthetic Gut crosses
ALU Power mains / NRG2 crosses
Hybrid stringing is available upon request.
Section 2
Key Features That Affect Performance
Once you've chosen a string type, several additional features can influence how your racquet feels and performs. These are some of the details I often discuss with players when recommending a setup.
Gauge (String Thickness)
Gauge refers to the thickness of the string, which affects durability, feel, and playability. In the United States, the most common gauges are:
| US Gauge | Approximate Diameter |
|---|---|
| 15, 15L | > 1.32 mm |
| 16 | ~ 1.30 mm |
| 16L (16 Light) | ~ 1.25 mm |
| 17 | ~ 1.20–1.24 mm |
Outside the U.S., strings are usually labeled by their diameter in millimeters rather than gauge.
As a general rule:
Thicker strings (15, 15L, and 16) are typically more durable and resist breaking longer.
Thinner strings (16L and 17) generally provide more feel, better ball pocketing, and slightly greater spin potential, but usually wear out or break sooner.
String Shape
Not all polyester strings are round. Many modern performance strings feature square, hexagonal, octagonal, or other shaped profiles that help the strings grip the ball and snap back during impact.
The result can be:
Increased spin potential
Improved control
More aggressive ball bite
Shaped strings — Solinco Hyper-G (square profile), Solinco Tour Bite, and Babolat RPM Blast feature sharper-edged designs developed to maximize spin.
Round strings — Luxilon ALU Power and Yonex Poly Tour Pro tend to provide a smoother, more predictable feel while still delivering outstanding performance.
Softer Polyester Strings
Traditional polyester strings are known for their exceptional control, spin, and durability — but they can also feel firm and may be less forgiving on the arm, particularly at higher tensions.
In recent years, manufacturers have developed new materials and construction techniques that create softer polyester strings. These strings are designed to retain many of the performance benefits of traditional polyester while offering a more comfortable feel and improved shock absorption.
If you're interested in polyester but are concerned about comfort, softer versions such as Hyper-G Soft or Tour Bite Soft can be excellent alternatives.
Tension Matters
The same string can play very differently depending on how it's strung. As a general guideline:
Lower tension
Softer feel, more power, and a larger sweet spot.
Higher tension
Firmer response and greater control.
Ben's Tip:One of the most common recommendations I make is to string polyester strings about 10% lower than synthetic gut or multifilament strings. Many players are surprised by how much better polyester performs at these lower tensions.
Section 3
Choosing the Right String for Your Game
Power
If you're looking for easier depth and pace, you generally have two choices. Premium multifilaments produce effortless power and comfort, while polyester rewards longer, more aggressive swings with explosive response.
Ben's Picks
Comfort
Arm soreness? Tennis elbow? Or simply prefer a softer feel? Multifilament strings provide excellent comfort while maintaining impressive playability.
Ben's Picks
Spin
Players can benefit from shaped polyester strings that grip the ball and snap back quickly for heavier topspin.
Ben's Picks
Control
Looking for confidence on full swings? Polyester strings allow aggressive players to swing faster while keeping the ball inside the lines.
Ben's Picks
Durability
If you're a frequent string breaker, polyester strings are significantly more durable than synthetic gut or multifilament.
Ben's Picks
Quick Reference
Popular Setups
Player Type
New to Tennis
Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
Affordable, comfortable, and forgiving.
Player Type
Recreational Adult
Prince Synthetic Gut or Tecnifibre NRG2
Comfort and easy playability.
Player Type
League Player
Hyper-G
A great balance of spin, control, and durability.
Player Type
Competitive Player
Luxilon ALU Power, Solinco Tour Bite, or Yonex Poly Tour Pro
Maximum performance.
Player Type
Arm Comfort
NRG2 or Prince Synthetic Gut
If comfort is your priority.
Looking for the Best of Both Worlds?
Ask me about hybrid stringing.
Still Not Sure?
Fill in the Request Stringing form to tell me about your game, racquet, and goals — including your preferred contact method — and I'll recommend a setup that's right for you.
Or, just reach out directly!