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10+ Best Tennis Strings for 2024

Playtested & Reviewed

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By Jon Crim TennisCompanion

Often overlooked or undervalued, tennis strings are as crucial as the frame you choose, delivering a substantial portion of your racquet’s performance when they come in contact with a ball.

From enhancing spin to improving comfort, power, or control, you can achieve a range of advantages, especially when combined with the optimal tension and guage or thickness for your needs.

To help you find a string you’ll love, I’ve carefully selected my picks of the best tennis strings for 2024, all of which I’ve playtested and reviewed to ensure they reliably deliver your desired playing characteristics.

You’ll have everything necessary to confidently choose your next set, along with practical tips to inform your decision, insight into my rating process, and thoughtfully selected alternatives to expand your options.

Article Contents

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String Comparison Table

How to Use this Guide

Strings for Beginners & Kids

Tips for Selecting Strings

My Selection Process

Best String Guide

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Within this guide, I detail my reviews of the best tennis strings, selecting my top picks for 2024 through an objective rating system that includes eight different attributes.

The table below outlines the 11 stings I reviewed and their ratings for quick and easy comparison.

Scroll left to right to view all ratings, or click any of the links in the table to jump to the section of the article where I discuss that specific string and why it made my list.

Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these strings.

How to Use This Guide

When selecting a new set of tennis strings , I’ve found most players are looking for a specific type of string or performance characteristic, so I’ve organized this guide according to those needs. If you’d like, you can click any of the following links to skip to that section of this article.

The following are the different types of strings that I’ll cover.

• Natural gut

Multifilament

• Soft polyester
• Synthetic gut

Regarding performance, here are the most common characteristics that players seek out when researching new strings.

For each, I’ve provided you with a best-in-class recommendation that I’ve found through my testing to exemplify each category, regardless of which is top of mind for you. For example, if topspin is your main priority, I’m confident that my string selection will deliver that characteristic.

However, it’s important to note that with each string I’ve selected, there will often be tradeoffs in performance. That is, no set of strings delivers exceptional marks across the board. With that in mind, I’ve highlighted each string’s tradeoffs in addition to its strong points.

Furthermore, I’ve taken my recommendations a step further by providing you with a selection of high-quality alternatives to explore for each category to accommodate for factors like a string’s price that may present a roadblock for you to start using it.

If you’re looking to buy a set of tennis strings as a gift , a little patience in listening to the individual you’re buying for can go a long way.

Enquire about what strings they’re already using and how they’ve performed for them, and then use that information to inform your purchase with the help of this guide. Most players are rarely asked these questions and will happily share their thoughts.

Best Strings for Beginners & Children

If you’re new to tennis or a parent helping guide your child, you may be concerned about whether or not your strings are adequate, which is an excellent consideration that I’m happy you’re investigating.

The truth is, beyond restringing periodically , which is good practice, the strings you choose will have little impact on your performance and growth compared to learning the fundamentals and basic techniques.

Furthermore, the differences from one string to the next are more challenging to detect and appreciate when you first learn to play tennis , so there’s no reason to overinvest your hard-earned money early on.

With that in mind, I recommend beginners and children string their racquets with a well-rounded yet inexpensive synthetic gut for balanced performance when first getting involved with the sport.

My pick for the best synthetic gut tennis string, which I cover in greater detail in this guide, is Prince Synthetic Gut. It’s an excellent string with a long-standing positive reputation in the tennis community. Here are a few additional options to consider for beginners and children.

• Head Synthetic Gut PPS
• Gamma Synthetic Gut
• Wilson Synthetic Gut Power
• Goosen OG-Sheep Micro

Each delivers fantastic performance relative to cost, so if you find one cheaper, have an affinity to one of the brands, or enjoy a specific color, then go with that option. It’s hard to go wrong here.

Helpful Tip It’s often tempting for beginners to use polyester tennis strings because they’re popular among professional tennis players. I’d encourage you to steer clear of them as they can be detrimental early on, lacking comfort to protect a player’s arm as they adapt to new movements and the power to achieve sufficient depth of shot.

As your skills develop and you graduate to a more expensive performance tennis racquet , you’ll be in a much better position to benefit from the nuanced performance of a higher-quality tennis string.

Many players make the mistake of not revisiting their string choice as their skills develop, which is one of the many reasons I advocate for helping players learn as much as possible about their gear.

Finally, if you’re not concerned with the cost of strings and restringing, there’s nothing wrong with opting for a premium option like a multifilament or natural gut , which are solid options. Just don’t expect using them to transform your game or flatten the learning curve.

Tips for Selecting a Set of Tennis Strings

To help you get the most out of this guide and select the best set of strings for your needs, here are a handful of helpful concepts to review and consider before making a decision.

String Gauge

Before buying a new string, you’ll have to decide on the gauge or thickness you’d like to use with two key factors to consider.

• Spin potential

All else equal, a thicker string will be more durable and offer less spin potential, while a thinner option will be less durable and provide more spin potential.

Strings are widely available at 17 or 16 gauge, with 17 being a thinner string and 16 thicker. In the spirit of keeping things simple, I suggest players start with one of those options based on whether they’re looking for more durability or spin and then adjust from there.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the topic, check out my article on tennis string gauge , which provides a full explanation.

String Tension

Once you’ve found a new string to try and settled on a guage, you’ll need to decide on an ideal tension.

As a starting point, racquet manufacturers provide players with a recommended tension range for optimal performance, which you’ll find printed on most frames. I recommend players stringing their racquet for the first time to start at the middle of the recommended tension.

For example, if your racquet’s tension range is 50-60 pounds, ask your stinger to string your racquet at 55 pounds. Once you play with your racquet strung at that tension, you’ll develop a baseline for its performance that you can use to make adjustments.

Generally, you’re making a tradeoff between more power with a lower tension or added control with a higher tension. Based on your experience, you can adjust up or down a few pounds if necessary.

Of course, if this isn’t your first time stringing your racquet, you can use your previous tension as a baseline and adjust it up, down, or keep it the same, depending on how you felt it performed.

We’ve just scratched the surface on tension, so if you’d like to learn more about its implications on your racquet’s performance, check out my article on enhancing your game with the ideal tension .

Hybrid Stringing

Players taking advantage of hybrid stringing select two different strings to install in their racquet, one for the mains and another for the crosses.

The result is a blend of string attributes. The string used for the mains will dominate the overall feel, while the crosses play a supporting role and modify the racquet’s feel, giving players more options when stringing.

Some sets of strings, such as Wilson’s Champions Choice, my pick for the best-prepackaged hybrid, include two different types of strings. In this case, Wilson combines a natural gut with a polyester string.

However, you can mix any two types of strings as a hybrid. For example, some players will combine two different gauges of the same string for added durability, improved feel, or enhanced topspin.

Regardless of whether you experiment with hybrid string setups, it’s great to be aware of the option, which has become more popular over the years and is highly underrated.

String Replacement

As you look to buy a new set of tennis strings, it pays to know how frequently you should replace them.

Many players will wait until their strings break before replacing them. Although there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with this approach, it’s helpful to recognize that your strings’ lifespan, or playability duration, is generally far shorter than the time it takes to break them.

Over time, your strings go dead, losing the resilience that helps them deliver optimal performance in power, spin, comfort, and control, so you miss out on these benefits by waiting too long.

As a general rule, you can double the number of times you play per week to determine the minimum number of times you should restring your racquet per year. For example, if you play two times a week, you should restring four times a year or every three months.

However, for a better understanding of when to restring, there are several factors I’d encourage you to consider, including:

• Frequency and length of play
• Style of play
• Level of competition
• Personal preference

I speak to each of these in my dedicated guide on restringing , which I’d encourage you to explore if you’d like to learn more.

Your Style of Play, Preferences, and Opinion

One of the best tips I can offer you when considering a new set of strings is to reflect on your unique attributes as a player and your desired outcome of experimenting with a new set of strings.

I often find players swayed by what the pros are using or a teammate or friend’s advice with little or no consideration for their specific needs or attributes that make them unique as players.

Although there’s a lot you can learn by looking for outside opinions and feedback, you should focus on identifying a string that provides you with the characteristics that would best enhance your game as a priority.

More often than not, when players take the time to evaluate their needs seriously, they’re happier with the strings they choose, even if it takes some time to find the right set.

With that in mind, don’t underestimate the value of experimenting to find the ideal set of strings. Rarely is it a one-and-done scenario to figure out what works best, and while paying for restringing isn’t cheap, it’s a sound investment for players who are serious about their game.

Finally, expect your preferences to change as your skills improve and your style of play evolves. Although I don’t recommend changing strings frequently, it’s worthwhile to consider your options periodically.

To select my 2024 picks for the best tennis strings in each category, I evaluated each set across eight attributes to provide you with the most objective ratings possible.

I playtested each string using the same racquet, rated every attribute on a scale of 1 to 10, and calculated the average score to arrive at the rating.

Here are the attributes I used in my selection process.

Some tennis strings return significantly more energy when striking a ball, making it easier to generate pace.

Higher-power strings will require less effort to increase the ball’s speed, while low-powered strings demand more from the player.

The number one factor influencing spin is racquet head speed, or how fast a player swings their racquet. However, a player’s racquet and strings also have an impact, with some strings providing players with more potential for generating topspin than others.

Strings with high spin ratings enable players to create more topspin, while strings with low spin ratings will have less spin potential. Players can generate topspin with any string regardless of a string’s rating.

A player’s ability to direct and place the ball accurately and confidently is generally perceived as control.

Power and control are inversely related, i.e., a lower-power string will increase control, while a high-powered string will decrease control.

Most players associate touch and feel, or their ability to delicately and accurately place the ball, with finesse.

A higher touch rating will help a player execute with more precision and greater control over the ball. On the other hand, a lower score for this attribute will make hitting finesse shots more challenging, thus requiring additional focus, attention, and innate feel.

The amount of shock and vibration a player feels when hitting with different strings informs comfort.

Some tennis strings are better at absorbing and reducing shock and vibration, resulting in more comfort, while others feel harsh. It’s worth noting that a player’s racquet and technique also influence comfort.

The capacity for a set of strings to limit wear and tear from hitting, moisture, debris, and temperature changes, which can lead to breakage or reduce the lifespan of a string, represents durability.

Playability Duration

The length of time a set of strings can maintain tension and quality play or performance is its playability duration. It’s helpful because some strings are highly durable and resist breakage but require frequent replacement to preserve the quality of the strings’ performance.

Strings that snap back into place after hitting and don’t move much or require constant straightening will have higher movement ratings.

Strings with low scores will move considerably and require players to straighten them continually. There is little evidence to suggest string alignment impacts performance, but it often becomes a nuisance for players trying to keep them straight.

Best Tennis Strings Guide

Below, you’ll find my picks of the best tennis strings for 2024. As you review my selections, keep in mind that I’ll only allow one string to win best of for a single category.

If a string is a candidate for multiple categories, I’ll only elect it for the one where it performs best. With that in mind, many of the strings I’ve selected perform exceptionally well in multiple areas.

Natural Gut

As far as tennis strings go,  natural gut is some of the best (and priciest) on the market, and up until the 90s, most players considered it the gold standard, used by virtually all professionals.

To the surprise of many players, manufacturers create natural gut tennis strings by weaving together several strands of cow intestine.

This type of string works well because it offers ideal characteristics, including exceptional elasticity, long-lasting tension maintenance, and arm-friendly comfort. For 2023, I’ve awarded Babolat VS Touch as the best natural gut tennis string.

Helpful Tip Natural gut tennis strings are the most expensive category available. If you’re a fan of natural gut but can’t justify the cost, consider using string savers to extend its life and reduce the cost of restringing.

Babolat VS Touch

In 1875, Pierre Babolat developed the first tennis string made of sheep gut, and the evolved, more refined Babolat natural gut they’ve worked to perfect has remained the premiere natural gut tennis string ever since.

Players will find Babolat VS Touch delivers power, comfort, and feel. Over the years, the string has also received slight upgrades and revisions to increase its durability and resistance to moisture, which historically are two pitfalls of many natural gut tennis strings.

Why I Love It

Hands down, natural gut is the most powerful string on the market, and Babolat’s VS Touch stands at the head of its class.

The natural elastic fibers with Babolat VS Touch make for a string with unrivaled comfort. However, this string’s unique because it also plays super crisp and doesn’t lose its plush feel at higher tensions.

The cherry on top for Babolat VS Touch is its incredible feel, even when strung at a high tension, which helps aid precision and connection with the ball for exceptional touch.

The downsides to Babolat VS Touch are spin and control, which go hand in hand. It won’t rival the level of spin you’ll get with a quality set of polyester strings, and some players will find it too powerful.

However, one of the strings’ unique attributes is that its performance doesn’t degrade at higher tensions, which is a great way to rein in its built-in power for more control.

Finally, it’s worth noting that this string’s natural fibers will fray. Although common with natural gut and multifilaments, it may be a turnoff for some.

Gauge & Color Variations

• 16 half set

Natural Gut Alternatives

If you like the idea of Babolat VS Touch but want to explore alternative natural gut options, start with Wilson Natural Gut. It’s an excellent string comparable to Babolat’s, delivering similar specs. Another solid pick would be Luxilon’s natural gut, which is a top performer as well.

Volkl V-Icon and the more affordable KLIP Legend Natural Gut are other options worth checking out. Besides the reasonable price, I especially appreciate the range of KLIP options available, making it an excellent starting point for players venturing into the world of gut.

Multifilament tennis strings comprise hundreds or thousands of tiny microfibers woven together to form a single strand similar to natural gut, so it’s a fantastic, less expensive alternative.

In particular, multifilament tennis strings offer above-average playability and exceptional comfort. If you suffer from tennis elbow or any other arm injury, you’ll likely appreciate their ability to reduce shock and vibration.

There are numerous multifilament tennis strings on the market and more than a handful of terrific options. However, Wilson NXT earns the label of the best multifilament for 2023.

I also love that this string comes in two colors, natural white and black; the latter looks as good as it performs.

There’s no doubt that Wilson NXT is a long-standing leader in the multifilament space with a solid following and a proven track record.

Whether stringing a full bed or combining it with another string as a hybrid, this string is an excellent option for players of all ages and levels.

One of Wilson NXT’s standout features is its power, which it delivers through the combined effort of 1,600 individual microfibers. However, arguably, the best part of its power is that it’s not overbearing.

As a result, most players will find the extra power a welcome feature that aids depth of shot without being overbearing.

Wilson NXT is best known for its comfort, which is the feature that Wilson highlights as the string’s strongest asset.

True to that claim, NXT is easy on the arm but doesn’t sacrifice the response and playability that players demand.

While Wilson NXT packs a punch on the power end of the spectrum, it still provides excellent feel and delivers all-around playability that suits a broad range of styles and skill levels.

The main thing you give up with Wilson NXT is durability, easily the biggest complaint about the string. To compensate, I recommend you use the 16 gauge to help extend its life.

Players might also consider string savers to extend this string’s life.

Multifilament Alternatives

If you’re looking for an alternative to Wilson NXT, the good news is you’ve got options. While I give Wilson NXT a slight edge, Technifibre’s X-One Biphase and NRG2 are borderline equivalents, and I’d encourage you to check out all three. For reference, I’d give both of Tecnifibre’s strings the edge if power is high on your list.

Another of my favorite multifilament tennis strings is Head Velocity MLT for its exceptional price and all-around performance. Other options worth checking out are Gamma TNT2 Touch and Babolat Xcel, which are more durable and play with extra control.

Polyester (Poly)

Within the past 10-15 years,  polyester tennis strings have become hugely popular, allowing players like Rafael Nadal to take massive cuts at the ball and redefine our expectations and what’s possible with topspin.

Unlike multifilament tennis strings, consisting of thousands of microfibers, polyester strings are typically monofilament or a single solid filament.

Many players seek polyester strings for their control, spin, and durability. However, this tends to come with the drawback that they aren’t as forgiving and can be harsh on your arm.

My pick for the best polyester tennis string for 2024 is Luxilon ALU Power, which has developed a cult-like following and is wildly popular on the ATP and WTA tours.

• Luxilon ALU Power

Luxilon is by far the most dominant brand in polyester tennis strings, and its popularity among professional and competitive tennis players worldwide speaks volumes regarding its performance.

Without question, Luxilon ALU Power exemplifies what modern players expect from poly in terms of control, spin, and durability.

An exciting development for this time-tested polyester is a slew of new colors available for purchase, including blue, green, red, and lime.

Let’s look at some features that make Luxilon ALU Power popular, especially among intermediate to advanced tennis players.

Luxilon ALU Power delivers outstanding control without sacrificing reliable touch and feel, often a drawback of other polyester tennis strings.

In particular, intermediate to advanced players will love that you can take big swings at the ball without sacrificing control, especially when combined with its ability to help generate spin.

Furthermore, Luxilon ALU Power retains a liveliness, ensuring the string doesn’t feel underpowered or dull.

Luxilon ALU Power also delivers excellent spin potential aided by its ability to snap back into place quickly.

True to most polyester strings, the lower power allows players to accelerate their racquet head faster to generate added spin without fear of sending the ball long.

Luxilon ALU Power doesn’t disappoint in the durability department, one of the polyester category’s trademark features.

Not only is it relatively hard to break, but it also does an excellent job maintaining tension, which helps extend the strings’ overall life.

Despite its name, the most significant tradeoffs with Luxilon ALU Power are power and comfort. However, it’s simply the cost of the spin and control that this category of strings delivers. Unfortunately, ALU power is no exception to these rules.

• 16 (new in 2020)
• 16L Blue, Green, Red, Lime

Polyester Alternatives

Regarding Luxilon ALU Power alternatives, one of my favorite places to look is among the line of Luxilon strings. They have a world-class selection, including Luxilon ALU Power Rough, ALU Power Spin, ALU Power Soft, 4G, and Element.

However, if you’re looking outside the Luxilon family of strings, I recommend you check out the following.

• Babolat RPM Blast
• Babolat Pro Hurricane

Solinco Hyper-G

Solinco confidential.

• Tecnifibre Ice Code
• Tecnifibre Black Code
• Volkl Cyclone
• Volkl V-Torque
• Yonex Poly Tour Pro
• Yonex Poly Tour Spin
• Wilson Revolve

There’s a lot on offer and plenty of options to suit a wide range of player preferences and budgets.

Soft Polyester (Poly)

Polyester tennis strings are some of the best-selling. Unfortunately, with their growing popularity over the past two decades, more and more players have suffered from arm injuries and discomfort, especially when combined with a stiffer tennis racquet.

In response, many string manufacturers have introduced updated formulations of their polyester strings with a softer feel that’s easier on a player’s arm, delivering a more comfortable response.

These strings are fantastic options for players running into arm issues but still demand the performance of polyester or players looking to transition into polys and are concerned about comfort.

It’s worth noting that the comfort associated with softer polys is relative to the classic stiffness of a typical polyester. As a result, they’re not as forgiving as a multifilament or natural gut, so if comfort is a top priority, soft polys will likely be too harsh for your needs.

Considering that, my top pick for the best soft polyester tennis string is Solinco Hyper-G Soft.

Solinco Hyper-G Soft

For years, Hyper-G has delivered exceptional performance in the polyester category, so when Solinco announced a soft version of their string, it was a highly anticipated release.

Thankfully, to the delight of many players, Solinco delivered. Rather than introducing a watered-down version of their flagship string, they retained the essential control and spin you’d expect from a poly with above-average comfort that’s easier on a player’s arm.

Despite its softer formulation, Solinco Hyper-G Soft delivers outstanding spin aided by the string’s shape and slick surface, which quickly snaps back into place to help improve bite and rotation on the ball.

Hyper-G Soft offers more pop than the original, which most players will find translates to marginally less control. Despite that, this feature is undoubtedly one of the string’s standouts, especially when combined with the string’s excellent spin.

Although undoubtedly more comfortable strings are on the market, I’ve found Hyper-G Soft to perform best in this category relative to other soft polys, making it unique. After a few hours on the court, it’s easy to notice how much more forgiving this string is on your arm.

Relative to traditional stiffer polyesters, Hyper-G Soft offers a subtle bump in power, which may turn off players looking for maximum control. Furthermore, due to its softer makeup, the string loses its resilience faster than the original Hyper-G, reducing its playability duration. As a result, players should expect to have to restring more often.

Soft Polyester Alternatives

A few years back, the options for soft polys were sparse. However, that has steadily evolved as more companies recognize the demand, and trends in arm injuries continue to increase.

With that in mind, here are a few quality alternatives to consider if you’re looking for a string that meets these criteria.

• Luxilon 4G Soft
• Tourna Big Hitter Black
• Luxilon ALU Power Soft
• Solinco Tour Bite Soft
• Head Lynx Black
• Babolat RPM Soft*

Each of these strings delivers above-average comfort in this category. If Solinco Hyper-G Soft doesn’t meet your needs, or if you’ve already tried it and are looking for another option, they’re worth exploring further.

*Babolat RPM Soft isn’t technically a polyester. Instead, it’s a polyamide, belonging to the same family of synthetic materials as nylon and aramids. That said, its properties intend to provide players with performance similar to a soft poly.

Synthetic Gut

On the lower end of the performance spectrum, synthetic gut tennis strings give players access to a quality product without the higher price tag of natural gut, multifilament, and polyester strings.

These strings are inexpensive and well-rounded without the enhanced features associated with other types, i.e., the extra comfort available through many multifilaments or control and spin familiar with polyester.

If anything, synthetic gut strings will err on the side of durability, an excellent feature for players looking for an affordable option because they’ll also last, which adds to their value.

Helpful Tip If you’re new to tennis, don’t underestimate synthetic gut tennis strings. They aren’t a string players rave about online, but they’re a terrific option when first starting out or for recreational use.

This year, I’m awarding the best synthetic gut tennis strings to Prince Synthetic Gut, a classic offering that delivers comfort and adequate power at a wallet-friendly price.

Prince Synthetic Gut

For years, Prince Synthetic Gut has provided recreational players of all ages and levels with a time-tested string that delivers all-around playability at an unbeatable price.

While it doesn’t provide the unique strengths of other string categories, Prince Synthetic Gut is a cost-effective choice that will continue to satisfy players worldwide. Plus, it comes in several colors, which is fun for younger players where string performance isn’t a priority.

Can’t decide which color to buy? Check out their latest evolution, dubbed Prism, the same great string in a rainbow of colors.

When it comes to the synthetic gut family of tennis strings, it’s all about value, and Prince Synthetic Gut delivers with an excellent price point.

While you won’t get access to some of the higher-end features available with natural gut, multifilament, or polyester strings, these strings are great all-around performers for the price.

Prince Synthetic Gut offers moderate overall performance but lacks the most in durability, control, and feel.

Generally, this is a terrific option for beginners who still need to develop the technique and skill set to notice a significant difference between strings. They’re also perfect for recreational players who don’t play frequently or occasionally play for exercise.

• 16: Prism (rainbow-colored)
• 16: black, gold, silver, blue, purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, white
• 17: black, gold, red, pink, orange, green, white

Synthetic Gut Alternatives

There are quite a few alternatives to Prince Synthetic Gut. However, a near equivalent and one I often recommend is Gosen’s OG-Sheep Micro, which is even more affordable.

A few others worth considering include:

• Ashaway Synthetic Gut

Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the above strings, so if you have an affinity to a specific brand, don’t hesitate to choose that option.

One of the challenges that players have faced over the years is that strings come with distinct pros and cons. For example, many players will find multifilaments too powerful and lacking in the spin department, while polyesters tend to be harsh on the arm.

To make up for the advantages and disadvantages of different string types, players began to combine strings, one set for the mains and another for the crosses, to get the best of both worlds. Over time, this approach of hybrid stringing became popular for players of all levels.

It’s also worth noting that a hybrid can consist of two gauges of the same string – it doesn’t have to be two entirely different types.

Although you can combine any two strings to form a hybrid, I have found Wilson Champions Choice, a prepackaged combination, to be the best.

With it, you’ll get Wilson’s Natural Gut and Luxilon ALU Power Rough polyester to balance comfort, power, spin, control, and feel.

Wilson Champions Choice Duo

If there’s a defining characteristic of this hybrid string set, it’s the fact that it’s Roger Federer’s choice – one of the game’s greatest players of all time .

Of course, beyond name recognition, combining these two exceptional strings provides a unique balance to suit a wide range of players.

As a reminder, the characteristics of the main strings will dominate the racquet’s feel. I’d recommend stringing the Luxilon in the mains if you’re going for durability and control. At the same time, you’ll find a softer feel and increased playability by using Wilson’s natural gut in the mains.

While it’s different for every player, I found the natural gut in the mains to be the ideal setup with this string set. It’s also the most common approach when stringing a hybrid with gut and polyester.

With Wilson’s Natural Gut in the mains, Champions Choice delivers more than enough power. However, it’s not overbearing because Luxilon ALU Power Rough is a lower-powered string that balances it out.

It’s hard to beat this combination for players looking for excellent spin potential and comfort. While you can undoubtedly achieve more comfort with a full bed of natural gut, the tradeoff with spin and control is significant. As a result, this hybrid delivers it all.

The best part about hybrid string setups is combining the best of two worlds in natural gut and polyester tennis strings. As a result, you get a blend of each string category’s features, providing players with a balance only a hybrid setup can offer.

Hybrid stringing with natural gut and polyester is a double-edged sword. While you get a blend of characteristics, you don’t get the full benefit of either string type and end up meeting somewhere in the middle. For many players, this is an ideal scenario.

However, it may leave others wanting. In particular, players used to full polyester string setups may find Wilson Champions Choice a bit too high-powered and lacking in the spin and control departments, so you’ll need to consider those facets when stringing with this hybrid.

Hybrid Alternatives

For many, the price of this string set is too high. With that in mind, I recommend players check out Wilson’s Control Duo Hybrid, a combination of Wilson NXT Tour and Luxilon ALU Power.

Additional hybrid strings I’d recommend include:

• Babolat Hybrid RPM Blast + VS Gut
• KLIP X-Plosive Gut/Poly Hybrid

Of course, the possibilities are endless, as you can combine any two strings to form your hybrid setup. For example, Babolat VS Touch and Luxilon ALU Power are also excellent.

With players like Rafel Nadal on tour, one of the most sought-after attributes for tennis players is the ability to generate massive topspin.

If you’re looking to follow suit, then there’s no doubt that polyester tennis strings are a fantastic choice. Their slick surface and ability to snap back into place are dynamic combinations to help you generate maximum spin.

However, with more than a handful of polyester strings on the market, one stands out as the best for topspin, and that’s Babolat RPM Blast.

Babolat RPM Blast takes topspin to the max. First, as a polyester tennis string, RPM Blast is slick and quickly snaps back into place upon contact, helping to generate topspin.

However, this string set goes a step further with a unique octagonal shape that helps grab the ball and increase the spin potential even further, which is second to none.

One of Babolat RPM Blast’s unique attributes is that it’s surprisingly comfortable to play with for a polyester tennis string, which makes it a terrific option for anyone looking to test the waters with a poly to help enhance their topspin and control.

Babolat RPM Blast’s defining feature is its ability to help maximize spin, which is immediately apparent when hitting groundstrokes. The ball propels itself off my strings with impressive action and ease.

The spin and low power of RPM Blast allow me to take full swings and significant cuts at the ball, resulting in topspin that enables me to clear the net with confidence that the ball would dip back into the court, and I never feel I have to worry about the ball sailing long.

Together, these attributes give me a strong sense of control, which allows me to dictate points and move players from side to side.

Although durability isn’t always the most exciting feature of a tennis string, Babolat RPM Blast delivers in this category. It’s a string you can count on to resist abrasion and last. Most players will find they’ll cut out RPM Blast to replace them before they break.

As you might expect from a poly, the most significant tradeoff with Babolat RPM Blast is its lower power and comfort relative to other strings. While the low power is part of what makes this string fantastic, it does have the potential to leave some players frustrated with a lack of pace, especially if they’re using a lower-powered racquet.

Furthermore, it’s a stiffer poly and nowhere near what players will find with gut or multifilaments from a comfort standpoint. Therefore, I strongly recommend players consider this facet before trying it.

Alternatives for Topspin

When it comes to maxing out topspin, there are plenty of options. Here are a few of my favorites, which are all polyester strings.

• Diadem Solstice Power
• Luxilon ALU Power Rough
• Luxilon ALU Power Spin
• Volk V-Square
• Volk V-Torque

There’s a lot here to consider with a range of price points, so I’m confident you can find one you’ll love from this mix.

Of course, each has pros and cons, but there are plenty of exceptional options to test and evaluate if you want to enhance spin.

Controlling the ball has become increasingly crucial as tennis has evolved with stronger players and more aggressive shot-making.

A control-oriented string might be a great option if you want to tone down your racquet’s power or reduce the likelihood of overhitting with added topspin that gives you more margin for error to keep the ball in play.

In this regard, polyester tennis strings are excellent low-powered options, making them an ideal fit for players seeking control.

However, not all polyester delivers equal performance, so it pays to know your options. In this case, I’ve named Solinco Hyper-G the best tennis string for control.

If control is a priority, look no further than Solinco Hyper-G – a bright green co-poly that’s developed a cult-like following. What sets it apart from the rest is that it’s firm and ultra-low-powered, which allows you to take massive swings at the ball while maintaining added precision.

Hyper-G is square-shaped, so it has four edges for embedding into and gripping the ball. Combined with a great polyester’s trademark ability to snap back into place and the lower power that allows you to confidently increase your racquet head speed, you end up with loads of topspin to help further dictate placement.

However, Solico Hyper-G is extra special because it delivers on the promise of control while maintaining a superb feel. Only a few polys out there manage to do both well.

A big part of what produces a string with a greater sense of control is a consistent response or knowing what to expect every time the ball leaves the stringbed, and Hyper-G checks the right boxes to make that happen.

Topspin plays a significant role in a player’s control. The more you have, the more you can swing through the ball while maintaining confidence it will clear the net and drop back into the court. Although it doesn’t quite stack up to Babolat RPM Blast in this category, it’s a strong contender and excellent from the back of the court.

When you think of polyester tennis strings, feel might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, within the realm of polys, Solinco Hyper-G delivers a welcome high-end performance that sets it apart from many other low-powered strings. Ultimately, the string’s feel results in a highly predictable option that further aids control.

Although the low-powered performance of Solinco Hyper-G is well suited for intermediate to advanced players, many will find it swings the pendulum too far in this department. Furthermore, it doesn’t offer a high level of comfort, so players with arm issues need to keep that in mind.

Alternatives for Control

Although Solinco Hyper-G is a terrific option for control, several others deliver fantastic performance. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Babolat RPM Hurricane
• Luxilon Big Banger Original
• Tecnifibre Red Code

If you’ve struggled with arm injuries and you’re looking for a string that delivers control, you’ll likely want to steer clear of polyesters or, at a minimum, string it as a hybrid in the crosses.

Of course, while these are some of the best control-oriented strings, others offer enhanced control with a softer feel. Wilson NXT Control is an excellent example.

Unfortunately, we’re not all built with the strength to turn up the heat when we’d like. Perhaps you’re looking to hit a bigger serve or groundstrokes, or you’d like to add a little pop to a more flexible, control-oriented tennis racquet.

If so, a string that naturally brings more power to your shots can be a great option, and Tecnifibre X-One Biphase  delivers precisely that as the best tennis string for power.

• Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

As a multifilament tennis string, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is a technological powerhouse with features like PU 400 and Elastyl that help to deliver more power efficiently.

It’s also an incredibly comfortable string to play with, which makes it an excellent choice for players with tennis elbow and an exceptional option for use as part of a hybrid string setup along with a more control-oriented, spin-friendly polyester.

Tecnifibre X-One Biphase packs a punch and delivers power as a standout feature. From serving to volleying and hitting groundstrokes, players will find the ball aggressively rebounds from their strings.

Some players may even need to tweak the tension upward to find the sweet spot between balance and control.

Generally, multifilaments and the thousands of fibers that make up this family of strings provide an arm-friendly hitting experience.

However, X-One Biphase stands out as an ultra-comfortable string that does a great job absorbing shock and reducing the impact on your arm without losing the liveliness that makes this string a crowd favorite.

While powerful, Tecnifibre gets the ingredients right with a string that delivers excellent feel and touch. This element stands out from all areas of the court, but I found it particularly well-suited up at the net.

The main tradeoff you’ll make with Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is with spin. Like nearly all multifilaments, it doesn’t have the natural ability to snap back into place, an attribute that aids in generating topspin.

Compared with a polyester tennis string, some players may find X-One Biphase overpowering, resulting in less control.

Lastly, while the playability duration or the lifespan of the strings’ performance is impressive, the strings’ durability may be an issue for chronic string breakers.

• 16: natural, red
• 17: natural, red
• 18: natural, red

Alternatives for Power

alternative. Unfortunately, natural gut is often cost-prohibitive for most players, so it’s not usually my first recommendation.

Instead, check out Tecnifibre’s NRG2 and Babolat’s Origin, which will deliver plenty of power with the added benefit of more control. Both are multifilaments with similar playing characteristics to X-One Biphase.

Although Wilson NXT doesn’t deliver quite the punch of the strings mentioned above, it’s a strong contender and my pick for the best multifilament, so worthy of consideration.

If you’re a big hitter who frequently breaks strings or wants to extend each restring’s life, you’ll need a durable option that lasts. After all, restringing too often can become an expensive habit.

Once again, polyester strings enter as the durability leader due to their solid monofilament construction and slick surface that wards off notching.

While you’ll find most polyester tennis strings are considerably more durable than natural gut, multifilament, or synthetic gut, my selection of the best durable string for 2023 is Solinco Confidential.

Solinco Confidential is a newer string released in 2020, but it’s quickly gained popularity as a strong contender for one of the best polys.

Although durability is one of its defining features, it scores well in many other areas, including spin, control, and the duration in which the string holds its performance.

Like some other polys on offer from Solinco, Confidential is a 4-sided string, which offers a bit of extra added bite. If you’re looking for a highly durable poly that doesn’t skimp on performance in other areas, it’s worth checking out in 2023.

If you’re a heavy hitter or chronic string breaker that requires extra durability to prolong the life of your strings, look no further than Solinco Confidential. It’s one of the most durable strings out there.

With its polyester makeup and 4-sided construction, Solinco Confidential delivers terrific access to spin. I particularly enjoyed the heavy topspin I could produce on my groundstrokes and found it helped provide tons of spin on my kick serve, which enhanced the ball’s rebound off the court – well out of most player strike zones.

When a string provides an outstanding balance between spin and feel in a low-powered package, you end up with excellent control. Solinco Confidential delivers on this front, which helped me to dictate points.

For the added durability Solinco Confidential provides, you’ll need to make some concessions – notably, lower power and less comfort.

However, if a low-powered string is appealing and you haven’t experienced any issues with your arm, it will be a good fit.

Alternatives for Durability

There are many fantastic polyester strings, but they sometimes have lower durability than expected.

Here are a few alternatives to Solinco Confidential that deliver reliable durability, and I’d recommend you check them out.

• Head Lynx Tour
• Yonex Poly Tour Strike
• Volkl V-Square

Another dependable option if you’re looking for a thinner gauge poly that doesn’t break easily is Luxilon Big Banger Ace. It only comes in 18 gauge, but it’s a fantastic ultra-durable option.

Consider checking out Ashaway’s Crossfire Kevlar strings if you want maximum durability. They’re super durable but have the drawback of being extremely low on comfort, feel, and spin, which is why I’m more inclined to recommend polyester.

Finally, if you want to enhance any strings’ durability, try string savers. You install these small plastic devices between the cross sections of your strings to prevent wear and tear that leads to breakage.

One of the most common injuries in our sport is  tennis elbow . If you’ve ever experienced it yourself, you’ll know how painful it can be and how it can sideline a player from enjoying the game they love.

Luckily, string manufacturers have continued developing products to ward off the harsh vibrations of playing tennis.

This year, I’ve selected the multifilament Prince Premier Touch as the best comfort-oriented tennis string in this category.

Prince Premier Touch

As a multifilament, Prince Premier Touch combines thousands of individual fibers to build a string resembling natural gut’s makeup.

However, Prince takes things further than most multifilaments, using a spiraled ribbon construction to mimic the serosa fibers in an authentic natural gut more closely.

The result is the softest multifilament I’ve ever tested, which roughly matches the comfort of the best natural gut on the market and is the perfect option for players where comfort is a top priority.

I can’t speak highly enough of this string’s comfort, so it’s a no-brainer for players who require strength in this attribute and are willing to sacrifice in some other areas. However, players who want to strike more balance should consider Prince Premier Touch as part of a hybrid string setup.

Prince Premier Touch also packs a highly respectable level of power. Even at a higher tension, the ball quickly rebounds from the strings. As a result, players who are used to hitting with a stiffer, control-oriented option will likely find this string overpowering.

As with all tennis strings, there’s always a tradeoff, and Prince Premier Touch is no exception. The areas where it gives up the most are the spin, control, and feel departments.

Relative to other tennis strings, I had to work significantly harder to generate topspin, and even my best efforts left me wanting more. Combined with the ultra-soft stringbed that lacked feel, the string kept me on my toes because its response wasn’t as predictable, making it difficult to find control and precision.

Alternatives for Comfort

If you’re looking for an arm-friendly tennis string with excellent comfort and can afford the higher price tag, I recommend you check out a natural gut like Babolat VS Touch or Wilson’s Natural Gut.

However, there are plenty of other tennis strings worth checking out. Here are a few additional multifilaments that I recommend.

• Babolat Origin
• Gamma TNT2 Touch
• Head Reflex MLT
• Tecnifibre NRG2

Unless maximum comfort is critical, I encourage you to explore alternatives that provide plenty of comfort and dramatically better overall performance.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to tennis strings, there are hundreds of options. However, the best align with your needs and deliver the performance-enhancing characteristics you desire.

With that in mind, I hope my list of the best tennis strings for 2024 helped provide you with some options you’d like to explore.

As a closing thought, remember that it usually takes players a few tries to find a string they love. As you experiment, you’ll develop a feel and preference for what’s best for your game, which will undoubtedly evolve as your skills improve and your game develops.

Do you have any questions or want to share your thoughts on any strings you’ve tried? Feel free to post a comment below; I’d love to hear from you.

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No Gamma Gut? Boooo

Haha, no hate for Gamma Gut here! It’s another solid alternative to those I listed. Thanks for chiming in.

All the best, Jon

Nice post, I really enjoyed reading it and agree with most of what you said, Even though, I’m curious to know about why there are no YTEX strings featured? for spin potential, their Ytex Quadro Twist is one of the best strings I’ve used so far, and as for the rest of polys and co-polys, there are many other great strings. You should check them out.

Thank you for sharing your experience with YTEX strings. I’ve played with a few of their strings and they offer some excellent soft polys at a reasonable price. However, from my experience, none of them outclass the strings I’ve recommended.

Of course, that’s the beauty of testing strings. Everyone’s experience is going to be different, so you really do have to try a handful to narrow down the best for you.

wow a very good review.

Have you tried Mantis Comfort Synthetic or Gosen Tour 3? Because I want to know if is worth using them. Thanks

Thanks for dropping by. I’ve played with Mantis Comfort Synthetic, but haven’t experienced Gosen Tour 3.

It was several years ago, but from what I recall, I enjoyed my hit with Mantis. It was a soft multifilament with moderate power and good all-around performance.

I haven’t heard Mantis mentioned in quite a while. Out of curiosity, what turned you on to those strings?

I hope that helps!

Hi, thanks for the reviews.

It would be great if you could publish a table of all the strings you tested and the scores you gave them to help us find the string with the right balance for our needs

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I’ll see what I can do to pull that together.

Hi Looking for a hybird set-up – using rpm or Lux ALU, but cant seem to find the Wilson Gut or VS touch in reels – Is this a thing?

Great question! Natural gut isn’t sold in reels because manufacturers want the string to be sealed from moisture up until the time it’s used. Providing these strings in a reel wouldn’t allow them to control that variable, which is why they don’t offer it.

Thanks for this informative article. I currently use solinco diamond rough cut. I love the spin potential but as I age I would like to add some power and comfort. Any suggestions on what I could mix it with? Thanks

Solinco Tour Bite Diamond is a solid poly. I’d encourage you to check out my post on multifilaments for some great options. If you read through that guide and still want some feedback, let me know. I’d be happy to help.

Hi, i am going to buy my first tennis racket, is head speed mp 2022 a good choice? What is your suggestion about the string for this racket? Head lynx tour is good?

Thanks for your question. The Head Speed MP is an excellent frame, I hope you enjoy it. As a beginner, Head Lynx Tour wouldn’t be my first pick. It’s a stiffer low-powered poly that’s extra durable, but I think you’d do better with something like Head Velocity MLT, which is less expensive and a solid all-around string that will be more forgiving.

I notice Head poly doesn’t make the cut. Has that changed at all since you published this post? I’m specifically wondering how Hawk Power and Lynx Tour might rank on your lists, for example, compared to ALU Power and Hyper-G, respectively, for a less expensive all-around poly and shaped control/spin string? I’d like to try these in a hybrid with a more comfortable, touch oriented multi like Velocity.

I have Head Hawk Power and Lynx Tour listed as excellent alternatives to Solinco Confidential for durability, but they also deliver fantastic control. Of the two, I prefer Head Lynx Tour, which I find has better feel and spin as it’s a shaped poly. Plus, it’s less expensive.

Ultimately, my goal with this list is to provide the cream of the crop for each category independent of price, and there’s a lot of competition out there, so in some cases it does come down to splitting hairs. I certainly wouldn’t shy away from Head’s polys, but in my experience they don’t perform as strong as those I recommend.

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Tennis Racquet & Gear Reviews, Doubles Lessons & News

The 10 Best Tennis Strings: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide for Players of Any Skill Level

Will Boucek · May 18, 2024

When you buy a product through our links below, we may earn money from our affiliate partners to help support the site. However, this does not affect our evaluation or recommendation of each product.  See our list of partners & how we get paid here . You can also learn our process for reviewing tennis gear here .

In this review guide of the best tennis strings, we will show you the 10 best strings on the market, and how to choose the perfect string for your game.

Our expert team has decades of experience playing tennis and stringing racquets professionally. We play-tested, analyzed, and reviewed each string on our list based on several factors, including Price, Durability, Comfort, Control, Feel, and Power .

Our goal is to teach you everything you need to know about tennis strings and help you find the string best suited for you. Whether you’re a highly competitive, advanced tennis player, or a beginner just starting out, we’ve reviewed a tennis string for you below.

Best Tennis Strings by Category & Skill-Level

We reviewed each string in detail below. However, the table below summarizes the 10 best strings by skill level and type.

Stop paying full price for tennis gear! Get deals on shoes, racquets & more up to 70% off .

Reviews of the 10 Best Tennis Strings

Below, we will review the top 10 tennis strings and include specific features of each string, such as:

• Shape | How is the string designed?
• Type | What type of string is it?
• Price | Scale from 1-3 dollar signs.
• Gauge | How thick is the string?

#1 – Solinco Hyper-G Heaven

With its edged shape, Solinco’s Hyper-G provides remarkable spin and control for a polyester string. Strong in almost all areas of playability, it excels, especially in its durability and control.

While other poly strings can be stiff and lose tension quickly, Hyper-G exhibits extraordinary feel and maintains tension after playing. Finally, this is a great alternative for advanced players who are looking for a polyester string that is easy on the arm due to the thinner gauges available.

As a competitive player who struggled with tennis elbow while playing with other polyester strings, Hyper-G helped me recover without sacrificing any quality.

Shape | Square Type | Polyester Price | $ Gauge | 16, 16L, 17, 18, 19, 20

• For a poly string, it offers great feel, control, and is rather durable
• Easy on the arm
• Four-edged string design provides spin
• Lacks power, and probably not suited for beginners
• While better than most polys, the string tension still drops quickly

Other Sellers:

#2 – Luxilon 4G Soft

Round and factory pre-stretched, Luxilon 4G Soft is one of the best control strings. Polyester strings generally don’t have very good tension maintenance, but 4G Soft is pre-stretched in the factory to minimize the tension loss once it is installed in the racquet.

This ‘Soft’ variant is also slightly more arm-friendly than the standard 4G, though those who suffer from tennis elbow will still want to look elsewhere. 4G Soft will not provide much power, but it will give you pinpoint precision on court.

Shape | Round Type | Polyester Price | $$$ Gauge | 16

• Unmatched control
• Best tension maintenance among polyester strings
• Extremely durable
• Harsh feel not suited to those with arm injuries
• As a polyester, lacks power
• Not ideal for beginners or intermediates

#3 – Yonex PolyTour Air

Traditional polyester strings are extremely stiff and not suitable for most players. Yonex PolyTour Air is a newer polyester that is softer and more powerful, helping more players explore the world of polyester strings. Players who have a more sensitive arm but still want the spin potential of a polyester string should give this a try.

While this string does suffer from sub-par tension maintenance like most polyester strings, it does excel by providing above-average power and good spin potential.

Shape | Round Type  | Polyester Price  | $$ Gauge | 16L

• Great power and comfort for a polyester
• Great for intermediate and advanced players
• Sub-par tension maintenance
• Too stiff for most beginners

#4 – Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

Tecnifibre makes some of the best multifilament strings on the market, and X-One Biphase is our favorite. It is one of the softest strings on the market and provides plenty of power.

While durability can be an issue, this string comes in several gauges to let you choose which works best for you. Any player who has suffered arm injuries should seriously consider testing out Tecnifibre X-One Biphase.

Shape  | Round Type | Multifilament Price | $$ Gauge | 15L, 16, 17, 18

• Helps players avoid issues such as tennis elbow
• Great comfort and notable power
• Several gauges to choose from
• Not durable enough for string breakers

#5 – Head Velocity MLT

Head is not only one of the best tennis racquet brands , but also makes some of the best tennis strings. Head Velocity MLT is one of the more affordable multifilament strings. Like most multifilaments, it has exceptional comfort, but it also has a surprising amount of control.

While still not the most durable, Head Velocity is a great option for those with sensitive arms who want a string that is less powerful or more budget-friendly.

Shape  | Round Type | Multifilament Price | $ Gauge | 16, 17

• Very affordable
• Decent feel & control
• Great for newer players
• Several color options
• Not great for advanced players
• Not very durable

#6 – Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex

Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex is a great all-around string. It is a classic synthetic gut string with all-around performance providing a good balance of spin, durability, power, and comfort, all at a very budget-friendly price.

This is the perfect string for beginners and intermediates who want an inexpensive string that they won’t have to restring often.

Shape  | Round Type | Synthetic Gut Price | $ Gauge | 15L, 16, 17

• All-around performance
• Arm-friendly
• Inexpensive compared to other top brands
• Doesn’t excel in any particular area

#7 – Babolat Touch VS

Babolat Touch VS is the sports car of the tennis world; very powerful and fun to use, but expensive and not for everyone. While it comes at a premium, for many it is well worth the cost. It is one of the most powerful and soft strings available, making it perfect for those prone to, or recovering from, injury.

Babolat Touch VS also has a special coating on the strings to increase spin potential and durability. If money is not an issue, this string is definitely worth a try.

Shape  | Round Type  | Natural Gut Price  | $$$ Gauge | 15L, 16, 17

• Special coating increases longevity
• Amazing feel, power, and tension maintenance
• Most arm-friendly string available
• Expensive for non-competitive players

#8 – Gamma Ocho TNT

Gamma Ocho TNT takes the power and comfort from its TNT strings and adds 8 sides to achieve unrivaled spin for a synthetic gut. Intermediate players looking to add a little spin and aren’t quite ready to make the jump to polyester strings should look no further than Gamma Ocho TNT. It works particularly well for spin-loving players who also want an arm-friendly string.

Shape  | Octagonal Type | Synthetic Gut Price | $$ Gauge | 17

• Great power and comfort
• Unmatched spin for a synthetic gut
• Not the most durable

#9 – Tecnifibre HDMX

Tecnifibre HDMX is a very unique offering, combining the construction of a multifilament string with strands of polyester woven in creating what they call poly-fusion. This creates one of the most durable non-polyester strings on the market while still being more arm-friendly than normal polyester strings. It also provides above-average spin and control.

Shape  | Round Type  | Multifilament-Poly Fusion Price  | $$$ Gauge | 15L, 16, 17

• Very durable
• More arm-friendly than normal polyester strings
• Lower spin potential than normal polyester strings

#10 – Wilson Champion’s Choice Duo

Wilson makes some of the best tennis balls and racquets on the market, but they also make some great strings.

Marketed as the string of Roger Federer, the Wilson Champion’s Choice Duo is a perfect balance between natural gut and the rougher polyester. By combining these two fundamental types, this string ranks well among all aspects of performance, including comfort, durability, power, control, and touch.

It comes as a hybrid, so you can choose if you want the more powerful natural gut in the mains or the more control-oriented and durable polyester strings in the mains. This makes it a great option for intermediate and advanced players who don’t mind investing in a premium string with all-around performance.

Shape  | Rough texture (polyester) and round (natural gut) Type  | Polyester and Natural Gut Price  | $$$ Gauge | 16

• Hybrid pack gives you two setup options
• Mixture of gut and poly provides all-around excellence
• Championed by Roger Federer himself

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Tennis String

Before you choose a tennis string to play with, you should ask yourself a few questions.

Do I Want More Power or Control? Comfort or Durability?

When choosing a string, there are several different aspects to consider:

You have to decide which characteristics are most important for you. In general, strings that are powerful also have high levels of comfort and feel, but suffer when it comes to control and durability.

Shaped strings generally have lower durability than round strings, but shape doesn’t have much of an effect on power, control, or comfort.

What is My Skill Level?

Beginners generally don’t want to invest too much money into their strings just yet and have slower swings, so they’ll often look for cheaper strings that give a little power.

• Our top rated beginner tennis string is Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex

Intermediates often are beginning to find their style of play and are swinging more confidently. They may benefit from a little better feel and comfort to help avoid injuries while they refine their technique. Higher intermediates may also begin to search for durability or control.

• Our pick for best non-polyester intermediate string is Gamma Ocho TNT
• The best polyester string for an intermediate is Yonex PolyTour Air

Many advanced players will begin breaking strings more frequently and focus on durability, control, and even shape to enhance spin potential.

• The best string for an advanced player is Solinco Hyper-G

What Type of Tennis String Should I Use?

You might have heard people use terms like poly, multifilament, synthetic gut, natural gut, and hybrid. What does this all mean? Below is a brief description of the characteristics of the most common tennis string types .

• Natural gut : Best for power and recovering from injury
• Multifilament : best for power without breaking the bank
• Synthetic gut : best for beginners & intermediate players
• Polyester : best for advanced players who break strings often
• Hybrid : a combination of 2 different strings, one in the mains and one in the crosses

What is My Budget?

Tennis strings come in a wide range of prices. You can get a set of string for under $5 or you can spend over $50, and that’s not even counting the cost of labor to get your racquet strung (typically $15 to $25 per racquet).

You also need to consider durability when looking at cost. For example, a $10 set of string that breaks after one week may end up being more expensive than a $20 set of string that lasts you a month.

• The best string under $10 is Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
• The best string in the $10-$20 range is Head Velocity MLT
• The best string over $20 is Wilson Champion’s Choice Due

Do I Have Tennis Elbow or tendonitis, or am I at Greater Risk of Injury?

There are several ways to decrease your risk of injury or help you recover from an injury. In general, you will benefit from a softer string setup. The softest strings available are natural gut strings, but they’re also expensive. You might also consider a multifilament string. We’ve also reviewed the best tennis elbow braces which can help alleviate pain from tendonitis.

• The best high-end string for tennis elbow is Babolat Touch VS
• The best string for injury at a mid-tier price is Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

How Often Should I Restring My Racquet?

You can benefit by restringing your racquet before the strings break as well. Playing with old, dead strings can contribute to injuries. A good rule of thumb is to restring at least as many times per year as you play per week. For example, if you play three times per week, you should be stringing at minimum three times per year, or every 4 months.

Note: polyester strings should be avoided if you have tennis elbow, but should be restrung more frequently than other types of strings.

Be sure to consult with your doctor to treat any serious injuries.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Tennis String

With all the different characteristics of strings and the different needs of players, it’s impossible to narrow down the single best tennis string for everyone. You need to determine what characteristics are most important to you, your skill level, what type of string you want, what your budget is, and if you have any injuries.

After taking all that into account, take another look at our list above of the best tennis strings on the market.

Once you have found the perfect string, you have already begun to customize your racquet. If you want to personalize your setup even more, check out how to customize a tennis racquet .

What do you think of our list? Are there any strings you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

About Will Boucek

Will Boucek is the Founder & CEO of Tennis Tribe. With over two decades of experience playing & coaching tennis, Will now works as a doubles strategy analyst for ATP & WTA tour players and coaches. Will helps tennis players at every level play better doubles through smarter strategy. He also has expertise in tennis racquets & gear, testing the latest products from Wilson, Babolat, Head, Prince, and other tennis brands.

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The Best Tennis Strings Available In 2024

Interested in playing tennis but not sure which strings to buy? Get the best tennis strings for your game with our guide!

We’ll help you choose the best tennis string for your racquet and game, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned tennis player. The number of tennis strings on the market is staggering.  The end consumer faces a bewildering selection of materials, features, gauges, and technology as new strings pop up every year.

The good news is that you won’t need to worry about the little things if you are looking for a string this season. We have you covered. Here are the best tennis strings you should look out for in every important category.

• 16-gauge racquet string for improving feel and ball control
• Made of sturdy, resilient co-polymer fluorocarbon resin fibers
• Provides excellent touch and finesse without compromising power
• Used by more than 50 percent of the ATP's top 100 pros
• Aluminum fibers added

• Extruded monofilament with an octogonal profile
• String type: monofilament
• Gauge: 17 (1.25 mm)
• Length: 40 feet
• Color : Black

• Massive Spin from a square shaped co-poly
• Crisp and medium firm
• Permits hard hits with no loss of control
• Ball Explods off strings with high spin

Table of Contents

The 12 Best Tennis Strings

Luxilion alu power.

Babolat RPM Blast

The Babolat RPM Blast is a monofilament played by Rafael Nadal and many other professional tennis players. It offers the ideal balance of power, spin, and feel.

Its ranking as one of the “Best Tennis Strings Overall” by several big-time sellers is also backed by its excellent tension maintenance. Players willing to accelerate and drive the ball with extreme spin can benefit from it in a major way.

Solinco Hyper-G

The vibrant green Hyper-G has been a reliable performer in my string collection for many years. I’ve recently used the Soft version a lot more because it’s a little more arm-friendly, but I like both. Regular Hyper-G plays very well, in my opinion, if you don’t have any arm issues.

However, the playability and feel of a string are purely subjective, as with everything else. I feel connected to the ball since it provides adequate control, spin, and a good feel at contact.

Head Velocity MLT

A great string that provides performance players with the best value available. This control and power string produces above-average spin for comparable multifilaments of a similar size.

This string delivers above-average shock absorption and has a flexible core of 1,000 filaments. A special low-friction coating on the outside wrap increases spin while enhancing the string’s endurance.

Wilson NXT Comfort

• Wilson NXT Power 16 Tennis String - Set, White
• 45% PU by volume
• High crystallinity xycro microfibers
• Ribbon-like co-polymer core increases tensile strength and reduces tension loss
• 15% larger sweet spot and 80% less vibration than traditional synthetic gut string
• #1 rated comfort string by USRSA

Babolat VS Natural Gut

• Recommended tension range: 130/16 : 24 kg/53 lbs - 32 kg/70 lbs.
• Color: Natural
• Gauge: 16/1.30mm
• Item #: 201031-128

Solinco Tour Bite

Beginners will need to skip this one because of its high stiffness. The  Tour Bite will, however, assure you to impose your will if you are a big hitter who wants the option to hit big from the baseline.

The low-friction surface and reinforced structure of this string provide it the toughness needed to endure the violent sliding motion imposed by aggressive mechanics and the ability to snap back at contact. If that isn’t enough to tip your scales, think about this string’s four gripping edges, which give the kind of spin-friendly accuracy that allows the ball to stop on a dime.

Tourna Premium Poly

This string’s softer composition, made with cutting-edge polymers and polyether, absorbs shock and improves comfort. The string can help maintain strength, power, and resistance to movement and control the tension.

Its rough edges can bite the ball upon impact and produce a lot of heavy spin. Additionally, the skin’s roughness might give off a sandpaper-like sensation which helps control the ball. The string comes in sizes ranging from 16G to 18G and various colors.

Head RIP Control

The Head RIP Control is a composite string of copolymer (nylon) fibers and polyolefin ribbons. As a result, the ride is arm-friendly while providing outstanding dampening and unexpected longevity. It is no surprise that RIP Control is one of the best-selling HEAD strings since it offers a unique balance of comfort and control.

Babolat Duo VS Touch

Babolat produces the ideal storm of hybrids by merging Rafael Nadal’s preferred string, RPM Blast, with the premium natural gut VS.

While VS Gut offers superior power, comfort, and feel, RPM Blast creates great control with enormous access to spin. This offers the best of both worlds for players looking for top-notch performance from their string bed.

Solinco Confidential

This co-poly, developed over several years, has passed the specific requirements of top-tier ATP and WTA athletes. This string has outstanding control and a strong spin potential because of its incredibly accurate response and contoured profile.

According to several playtesters, Confidential provides above-average comfort for a poly-based monofilament and rewards full swings with precise targeting. Overall, this is an excellent addition to Solinco’s polyester series.

Tecnifibre Triax

To improve control and minimize stiffness, the string is of a multifilament composition with an equal blend of nylon and polyester fibers. As a result, if you frequently have tennis elbow and are looking for a solution, this one might work for you.

It can stretch up to 40 feet and comes in a natural color. The string can be used with rackets ranging in size from 15L to 17. The  Tecnifibre  Triax is made for you if you enjoy a polyester string’s dependable, occasionally dead feel, but your arm yearns for more comfort and less vibration.

Best natural gut tennis strings

• Best Overall tennis string available
• Ultimate control and feel in every shot
• Excellent tension maintenance for long-term playability
• Durability increases 15% compared to previous versions
• Natural serosa fibers twisted together with special outer coating applied for protection and easier installation

• Luxilon Natural Gut 130 Tennis String - Set, White
• Comprised of 9 serosa ribbons
• Extra ribbons deliver better tension maintenance
• Unique, low-friction coating optimized for hybrids
• Organic, grass-fed cows provide higher collagen level for incredible feel and durability

Best polyester tennis strings

Best hybrid tennis strings.

• Hybrid of Wilson Natural Gut (16/1.30) and Luxilon ALU Power Rough (16L/1.25)
• Roger Federer's string of choice
• Ideal blend of power, spin and feel

• Blend of NXT Power (16/1.30) & ALU Power (17/1.25)
• Ultimate power
• Reduce tension on ALU Power at least 10% for ideal playability

Best synthetic gut Tennis Strings

• Leading edge equipment
• Help you rule the court
• Maximum durability for hours of play

• All-Around Series
• 12 - Inner Pack
• 480 Master Pack
• 16 - 40' Black

• Proven Performance: HEAD, with a rich history in racquet sports innovation, offers top-notch tennis equipment.
• Intermediate Level Excellence: Synthetic Gut PPS is a multifilament string designed for intermediate to club level players.
• Quality Composition: The 16 g string features a solid nylon core surrounded by thicker multifilaments.
• Powerstrip Technology: Incorporates a special polyamide around the core for added resilience and extra speed in shots.
• Racket Compatibility: Ideal for use with HEAD Instinct or Speed rackets for high-level club performance.

best multifilament tennis strings

• HEAD PERFORMANCE: Leaders in sports equipment innovation for skiing and tennis.
• TOURNAMENT LEVEL: Velocity MLT is a top-tier multifilament string for intermediate to advanced players.
• COMPOSITION: 16g string with a multifilament core and thicker filaments for enhanced energy transfer.
• HIGH SPIN POTENTIAL: Low friction coating for consistent control and spin.
• IDEAL PAIRING: Perfect match for HEAD Tour rackets, ensuring top-level performance.

• Gauge: 17 (1.24mm)
• Length: 40 feet (12.2m)
• Composition: Multifilament Construction (100% Elastyl Fibers).
• Features: SPL - Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec additive, which reduces elongation and improves durability by up to 40%
• Color: Black

best tennis strings for power

• Wilson NXT Power 17 Tennis String - Set, White

• Gauge: 17 / 1.24 mm
• Length: 40 ft / 12.2 m
• Construction: Multifilament / Polyurethane / H2C fibers / Biphasic treatment

Best Tennis Strings For control

• Enhanced Playability: Multifilament construction for a higher level of playability.
• Extended Service Life: Features co-polyester material in a multifilament for increased durability.
• Advanced Arm Protection: Polyurethane (HD) ensures 100% flexibility, providing superior arm protection.
• Increased Spin: Highest firmness in a multifilament contributes to a higher level of spin.
• Optimal Gauge: The 1.33 gauge strikes a good compromise between durability and feel.
• Components: Includes 1 x 12m trim.

best tennis strings for spin

• Technology: 8-sided co-polymer monofilament polyester (Co-PET) with silicone coating.
• Length: 40 ft/12 m
• Gauge: 17 (1.25mm)
• Max Tension: 62lbs
• Colors: Black, Yellow, Fluorescent Red

• Rougher version of ALU Power for enhanced spin potential
• Dented, textured surface provides more string flex
• Features same poly-ether-ether and aluminum formulation as ALU Power
• Often used as hybrid with natural gut string

Best Tennis Strings For comfort

• Wilson NXT Soft 16 Tennis String - Set, Bright Blue
• 30% more elongation than original NXT for increased ball dwell time on strings
• Number of filaments increase by 26% compared to original NXT for easy power
• 9% more absorption than original NXT for superior comfort
• PU composition provides traditional soft feel of NXT

best tennis strings for durability

• Head's Sporting Legacy: HEAD, a pioneer in skiing and tennis, continues to deliver top-tier athletic equipment.
• Tournament Excellence: The Hawk Touch, a premium monofilament string, offers high elasticity for precise feedback and exceptional feel.
• Balanced Composition: This 17 g string is crafted from a crystal core co-polyester, providing a well-balanced performance for various play styles.
• Control Emphasis: The larger crystalline inner core enhances control, ensuring precision with every ball contact.
• Racket Compatibility: Perfectly pairs with your preferred HEAD Tour racket for elite-level performance.

• Luxilon 4G 125 Tennis String - Set, Gold
• Molecular chains strategically aligned in a parallel fashion to maximize tension maintenance
• Comprised of Luxilon's famous poly-ether-ether and sprinkled with nucleates for strength and flexibility
• Each set individually numbered for quality assurance
• Completely impervious to atmospheric conditions such as moisture

best tennis strings for Tennis Elbow

• 35% PU by volume
• X-bonded core increases tension maintenance and power
• 10% larger sweet spot and 74% less shock than traditional synthetic gut string
• Original and best-selling high performance multifilament string

best tennis string for beginners

• Wilson Synthetic Gut Power 16 Tennis String - Set, Lime Green
• Classic synthetic gut construction features solid core
• Bi-directional Nomex X-Bands provide responsive energy return
• Lends itself to a variety of playing styles

best tennis string for intermediate players

Best tennis string for advanced players.

Different Types Of Strings

Natural gut.

This kind of string is made from a cow’s gut, offering the best stability, control, and spin of any string you can get.  Although it is one of the most expensive, it is less durable than other synthetic strings.

Natural gut is usually only played by very advanced or professional tennis players due to its high cost. The majority of club and recreational players use nylon or polyester string.

Nylon (synthetic gut)

The construction of synthetic gut strings, also known as nylon strings, has advanced significantly due to the use of various materials to improve playability. The performance of synthetic gut is very solid, giving your shots a crisp feel. Additionally, they are very playable and comfortable.

Synthetic gut strings are available to players at a very reasonable price, but they aren’t quite as good as natural gut strings. These strings are typically more durable than natural gut strings, which is helpful for players because players won’t have to buy new strings a lot.

Polyester (AKA Poly)

These strings often referred to as polys, are among the most popular choices among pros. That’s why you probably find more options in this category than in any other. These strings offer excellent durability and feature a stiffness that allows players to generate more topspin and swing faster without losing control. Moreover, if you strike hard enough, the strings will deform only to snap back into place, further enhancing spin.

Unfortunately, one significant drawback to these strings’ stiffness is comfort. These polyester strings will force you to sacrifice comfort, which increases your risk of getting tennis elbow and causing you discomfort while you play. The need for frequent restringing is another disadvantage.

Unless you try to summon some of the magic and reminisce about Andre Agassi in his early days, Kevlar strings are pretty much out of the picture now, so I encourage you to look for other options instead! Kevlar is an incredibly tough string that offers great durability, but unless you want to risk getting hurt, we don’t feel confident recommending them. Simply put, there are now many more superior string options available.

String Composition

Monofilament.

Monofilament co-polyester strings have taken over the market at the moment. They provide impressive durability for players who frequently break strings with powerful swings. However, not everyone will enjoy them. Unless you can produce consistent racket head speed, getting the strings to move is challenging because of its firm material.

Polyester is largely useless to you if you cannot move the strings. Additionally, players can string with tensions as low as 40 lbs because of their innate stiffness while still maintaining control. Co-polyester strings lose tension more quickly than any other type of string, so even though they won’t break right away, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to be restrung.

Multifilament

In an effort to mimic the playability of natural gut, multifilaments were created. These gut like strings are created by twisting numerous microfibers together and covering them with a durable covering. Although nylon is the predominant material used in their production, some string manufacturers also use polyurethane, Zyex, Vectran, or Kevlar.

Multifilament strings hold tension better, are more elastic, and are more powerful than single-filament synthetic gut. Senior players typically benefit from them because they are softer and less taxing on the arm. Multifilaments have the drawback of being more expensive and less robust. The string will fray and deteriorate as soon as the outer wrapping deteriorates.

Composite tennis strings are made by combining different material types or grades to create a string that shares the advantages of each material. Even though composites are more a method of combining materials to produce specific playing characteristics than a construction, we’ve included them in this section for convenience. Wilson NXT Control is an example of a composite multifilament that combines nylon and polyester.

RPM Blast Rough is an example of how businesses like Babolat have more recently experimented with the shape and texture of monofilament strings. Textured strings can also be made by incorporating a larger wrap inside the outer layer or by adding an outer wrap, which results in a raised band and gives the strings texture. Manufacturers occasionally reverse this strategy by incorporating grooves into strings, which results in a comparable outcome.

String Attributes

You might be perplexed about what gauge or thickness makes the most sense once you locate a set of tennis strings you want to try. Durability and spin potential are the two main aspects to consider when choosing a string gauge. Typically, a string’s spin potential increases with its thickness while its durability decreases with thickness and vice versa.

There are two common gauges of strings: 17 gauge, which is thinner, and 16 gauge, which is thicker. We advise players to start with one string based on whether they want more durability or spin and then tweak from there to find the best match for a string with your racquet and game. This is in the interest of keeping things simple.

Before purchasing a set of strings, tension is frequently the first question players have, whereas string gauge is one of their final concerns. Different strings may call for slightly different considerations, but you have to choose between adding control with higher tension and giving up more power.

The good news is that racket manufacturers offer players a suggested tension range printed on most frames. Usually, the middle of their suggested range is a good place to start. For instance, if your racquet’s tension range is between 50 and 60 lbs, 55 is a good place to start. You’ll be able to determine whether to increase or decrease the tension after playing with your racket strung at that tension.

Durability 

The strength and longevity of a tennis string are referred to as its durability. Durable tennis strings will last you longer. The most resilient tennis string material is usually polyester.

The disadvantage is that you tend to lose connection/feel/touch with these string types because the strings tend to send more shock through your arm and racket. Furthermore, the string’s tension might decline after some time of playing. Therefore, you need to take care of the necessary maintenance and periodically check the string tension.

Elasticity 

The flexibility and responsiveness of your strings are referred to as elasticity. Generally speaking, a flexible string will give you more power. Elasticity will also cause your string to spring back into place after you strike the ball, giving you a satisfying feel for your shots. Nylon strings, which are the most elastic, may be the best option if that’s how you want to play.

Skill Level

If you’re a beginner, you should focus on choosing simple-to-play strings that are forgiving, comfortable, and on the softer side. For beginners, we recommend a polyester string as the most durable and cost-effective variety of string on the market.

Intermediate & advanced

You can switch to more solid strings that give you more control and finesse as you get better. At this point, polyester strings, also known as “poly,” are where you want to be. Advanced and intermediate players with good technique can give up some comfort to increase spin and control.

Clay courts’ slow pace typically calls for a drop in tension, whereas players playing on faster surfaces like hard courts and grass benefit from higher string tensions and, therefore, more control.

Environmental factors also come into play, particularly if you use natural gut, which is popular on the pro circuit. Organic strings are much more sensitive to humidity than synthetic ones, and as a result, tension can decrease as well.

Tennis elbow is a term many of us are familiar with. It’s an elbow-related pain brought on by arthritis. You should be cautious when using a tense racket with high string tension because studies have shown that they exacerbate the effects of tennis elbow in the player.

Choose your racquet carefully, and change your strings frequently. A string isn’t broken, just when it is broken. Once the elasticity is gone, players attempt to make up for it by using their muscles, which causes inflammation around the elbow.

The most well-known brands with solid reputations are Wilson, Babolat, and Luxilon. It’s interesting to note that many different brands specializing in strings are produced in the same factory.

According to experts, avoid low-cost brands because they usually produce a subpar string, which has poor playability and tension maintenance and causes the string to break more quickly. Three brands, MSV, RAB, and Kirschbaum, make excellent strings, cost less than the top brands, and perform just as well.

With so many different kinds of strings available, this might be the quickest method to decide which strings are best for you. When it comes to the string price point, keep these two things in mind: What’s your budget? The price of a string set can range from $5 to $50.

Even though every price point offers the option for any kind of string benefit, keep in mind that higher prices also tend to come with better performance. Generally speaking, we advise beginners to spend between $5 and $10 per set, intermediate players between $10 and $20 per set, and advanced players between $20 and $50 per set.

Sets or reels

What’s the better investment? Sets or reels?  One tennis racket can be strung with a set of tennis strings, whereas 18 rackets can be strung with a reel of tennis string. Players certainly can save money by purchasing reels.

Depending on how frequently you play or break strings, you might or might not benefit from purchasing a reel. Our recommendation is to stick with sets if you only play once a month. We recommend a reel if you play competitively and break strings every week or two.

Buying Guide

As previously mentioned, a player should try a lower tension by a few pounds if he wants his racket to have more power. Greater energy will be returned to the ball as the stringbed deflect more (and the ball less). The stringbed eventually turns into a butterfly net at a point of diminishing returns that is well below any racket’s recommended tension range.

Rafael Nadal’s passing shots are known for their acute angles and sudden inside-line drops on their high-arcing shots, allowing them to fly past their opponents. If you have seen these shots, you have seen the power of spin in action. However, spin isn’t exclusive to the world’s top players. 

It is essential for managing shot trajectory and establishing a safe margin of error when attempting to clear the net. Swinging for power will also enable you to bring the ball down more effectively. The polyester family produces the best spin strings, just like they do for the more control department.

Less energy is produced by a tighter stringbed than a looser one because it deflects the ball less and deforms it more. As a result, when you hit the ball, it won’t travel as far. Increased tension won’t help beginners shanking the ball in all directions.

However, intermediate and advanced players who consistently hit long balls can reduce the depth of their shots without making changes to their swing. Also, the spin potential is increased with higher string tension, giving topspin and slice players even more control.

Volleys, drop shots, and slices are the shots that fit this rating the best. Also, generally, a thinner string, according to many players, offers a better feel, more touch. These types of strings will typically be on the softer side, grabbing the ball and making the player feel more connected.

When using different strings, a player will experience varying levels of shock and vibration, which will be interpreted as high or low comfort. Some tennis strings have a more comfortable feel because they are more efficient at absorbing and reducing shock and vibration than others.

Naturally, a player’s racket and technique also greatly impact comfort, but strings can improve or worsen it. The use of comfort strings is also recommended for senior tennis players who are more susceptible to arm injuries like tennis elbow or those who have previously had arm problems.

Playability

A playable string typically snaps back quickly when the ball hits it. A string’s playability will depend on its composition, design, and thickness. The most playable string is still natural gut (a natural product made from cow intestines).

The latest Multifilament strings make for more than adequate replacements. They are a better option for most players because they are the more durable string and usually last you longer than Natural Gut.

Unfortunately, tennis string durability is typically sacrificed for playability. Compared to their thinner, nylon-based counterparts, thicker string gauges, and abrasion-resistant materials will last longer but are less elastic and resilient.

We advise players to switch to a 15 gauge version of the same string if one is available if they break a 16 gauge synthetic gut. If that doesn’t work, you should try a polyester string, like one of the popular Luxilon or Babolat strings.

This rating is determined by how much the strings move around at contact. While hitting, some strings move quite a bit and need to be adjusted after each point, while others remain in place. It mainly comes down to personal preference, but it impacts how frequently strings snap and how quickly they lose tension.

What is A Hybrid String?

Two distinct strings are combined into the stringbed to create a hybrid; one is used in the main and the other in the cross. By choosing different hybrid combinations, players can adjust a variety of playing characteristics such as comfort, durability, liveliness, control, and power.

Polyester in the mains and multifilament in the cross make up the most typical hybrid used by pros. While softer strings like multifilament or synthetic will soften the string bed and decrease the stiffness in a full polyester bed, polyester string placed in the main will provide good spin and control.

A soft and forgiving setup is created by swapping the hybrid combination, using soft strings in the mains and polyester in the cross. This setup will appeal to players who don’t frequently break strings and prefer a softer feel.

Another benefit of hybrid string setup is that it reduces the price of an expensive string by barely affecting playability. For instance, using synthetic or poly strings will significantly reduce costs if a player prefers natural gut tennis strings or multifilament tennis strings.

What Do I Need to Know About Restringing My Tennis Racket?

Just as important as choosing the right string is knowing how often to restring. An essential component of tennis racket maintenance is string replacement. The performance and playability of tennis racquets are hugely affected by the type of string. Over time, strings wear out and lose tension, which reduces their ability to produce power and control.

You can keep your racquet operating at its peak performance by replacing your strings regularly. Knowing how often to replace your tennis strings is beneficial as you shop for a new set. Many recreational players typically wait until their strings break. The lifespan (also known as playability duration) is generally much shorter than it takes to break a set of strings.

You can safely adopt the following maxim, considering how much money you intend to spend on tennis: racket strings should be changed as many times a year as you play tennis each week. Unless, of course, they break before that.

How Do I Know if My Tennis Strings Are Dead?

There are a few cues that your racket needs to be restrung:

• Your strings unravel quickly.
• After points, your strings move considerably more than usual.
• You hear a ‘thud’ when the ball hits the stringbed.
• You notice that you have less control over the ball than usual.

You should restring your racket if you see any of these signs. You’ll have more fun and play your best if you do this.

How Much Does the Restringing Service Cost?

The cost of a string job typically ranges from $20 to $30, but this depends on where you get your racket strung and the experience level of the stringer. For instance, some pro shops may charge less, while others may charge more if they have to travel to your location. The cost will typically increase with the complexity of the restringing process.

Where Can I Get My Tennis Racket Restrung?

You should be ready to go at this point, but there’s one last step: finding someone to string your tennis racket. There are various places to find a stringer, but for many, your local tennis shop or club will be the most obvious.

You might also check with your local sporting goods store to see if they offer string services as some do. However, make sure that the stringer is well-qualified for the job. You can also check the RacquetTech’s directory of certified tennis stringers , which may include a local tennis pro, instructor, or passionate player who offers the service.

Which Strings Do the Pros Use?

How often do the pros change their set up .

Tour players typically restring their rackets once a day or twice a week. This ensures that their racket is in excellent condition and always has impeccable strings. You probably won’t need to restring your racket as frequently if you’re not a professional.

Restringing will help your racket last longer and ensure you’re always using the best possible strings. Generally speaking, you should restring as often as you play each week each year. If you play twice a week, your racket should be restrung twice a year. Even if you play infrequently, all strings eventually stretch, lose their tension, or simply go dead.

Extra Resource

Check out this scientific paper on “The Effects Of String Stiffness On Muscle Fatigue”

Related Post

• Best Natural Gut Tennis Strings

Christoph Friedrich

Christoph Friedrich is a German tennis player and coach currently residing in Oakland, California. He began his tennis journey at the age of eight and has since dedicated his life to the sport. After working as a tennis coach and hitting partner in New York City for eight years, Christoph decided to share his knowledge and experience with tennis players around the world by creating the My Tennis Expert blog. His goal is to make tennis education accessible to everyone and help players select the best equipment for their game, from racquets and strings to shoes and overgrips. Christoph's extensive research and expertise in tennis technology make him a valuable resource for players of all levels.

• Christoph Friedrich https://mytennisexpert.com/author/christoph-friedrich/ How To Practice Tennis Alone
• Christoph Friedrich https://mytennisexpert.com/author/christoph-friedrich/ Don't Play With A Broken Racket. How Long Do Tennis Rackets Last For?
• Christoph Friedrich https://mytennisexpert.com/author/christoph-friedrich/ Best Natural Gut Tennis Strings
• Christoph Friedrich https://mytennisexpert.com/author/christoph-friedrich/ How to Become a Pro Tennis Player

Solinco Tour Bite 16L String Review

• Too low powered for compact strokes
• Too stiff for some

Solinco Tour Bite is a firm co-polyester designed for advanced players who demand the ultimate in control, durability and spin. Boasting a square profile with sharp edges, it is ideal for aggressive topspin players who like to rip the felt off the ball. This explains why Tour Bite has a growing following at the collegiate level, and it also explains why our testers raved about the spin. Like many poly based strings, Tour Bite puts the onus of power squarely on the player - a fact that gave some of our testers the ability to swing bigger and execute more aggressive shots, while leaving others wanting a little more juice. Our team had mixed opinions on comfort, which is understandable given Tour Bite's firm feel. Like many polys and co-polys, the charms of Tour Bite are not likely to work as well on those with lighter frames and slower strokes. However, with the right combination of stroke speed and technique, this string can deliver the perfect combination of spin and control.

Power - Score: 54

While all of our testers agreed that Tour Bite was low powered, some of them used this fact to great effect. Appreciating the freedom to swing big was Troy . He said, "I liked the low-powered response and great feel on big rips. The ability to swing faster allowed me to load up on spin without fear of hitting long. Even strung at a very low tension, the response was controlled and predictable. This is good news for players who would otherwise be discouraged from softening the feel through lower tensions."

"The power level was low, which is exactly where I like it," said Jose , whose big strokes came easy with Tour Bite. "I didn't have to make any adjustments or hunt for the right swing speed. I could swing out without having to worry. This allowed me to stay aggressive and keep the pressure on my opponent."

Also having to generate his own power was Chris . He said, "I found Tour Bite 16L to be a fairly low-powered string -- even by poly standards. The response is somewhat firm and very controlled, and that doesn't leave much room for power. For me, this is a string to add control to the stringbed. I found myself having to add the power to my shots rather than getting anything for free from the string."

Karly , a fan of softer strings like Wilson NXT, could have used more pop. She said, "Power was definitely not the first thing that came to mind when trying to describe this string. I highly recommend lowering the tension to get more power. I strung a full bed at 47 lbs, but I wish I had gone a little lower. Even with my racquet strung low, the string felt underpowered."

Spin - Score: 94

Tour Bite proved to be an absolute spin machine for our playtest team. Karly noticed the extra bite immediately. She said, "The spin potential of this string was excellent! The string gripped the ball so well that I felt like I could adjust the spin level at will. For me, it was especially great when trying to move my opponent off the baseline. I also tried this in a hybrid, and the bite was still exceptional."

Chris was able get some great action from Tour Bite. He said, "I loved the spin and bite I got on the ball with this string. Tour Bite really lives up to its name. I felt like I was getting a ton of grip on the ball. I was able to get my angle shots to hook nicely and stay inside the lines even when I took a chance by adding pace. I was impressed by the spin I found on my serves, too. I felt like I was getting lots of bite on slice and topspin serves. The spin I got from this string allowed me to hit aggressively because I knew the spin would make my shots drop well inside the lines."

Though initially skeptical, Troy could not deny the extra bite he was getting. He said, "Prior to this test I had not played with a shaped or textured co-poly in quite some time. In fact, I was never completely sold on the concept. Tour Bite turned me into a believer. The shape of this string, coupled with a low tension, made it possible to really grab the ball, especially when serving. When I used this string in a tournament my slice serve was hooking harder on the deuce side, while my kicker was kicking wider on the ad side. Also, I felt I was getting more bite on the ball when hitting dipping cross-court passing shots on forehands and backhands."

Jose agreed with the other playtesters. He said, "I instantly noticed the additional bite, especially on heavy topspin shots and kick serves. The sharp edges of this string really grabbed the ball. The best part was knowing that the ball would drop down inside the lines."

Comfort - Score: 54

Like most stiffer strings from the polyester universe, Tour Bite does not offer a lot of comfort. Commenting on the firm feel, Chris said, "I found this string to be on the firmer side of polys. I liked the crisp and precise feel, but its not one I'd call comfortable. For those reasons I strung Tour Bite down, dropping 3 lbs compared to my normal poly (Volkl Cyclone 16). There was just enough forgiveness that Tour Bite didn't feel brassy, but it was getting close. I hit this string extensively in the Slazenger Pro Braided with an RA in the low 70s, and the stiff frame and stiff string made for a very firm and crisp setup."

Jose could have used a tad more comfort. He said, "The one downside to this string is the low comfort level. Anything hit out of the sweetspot felt uncomfortable and included some vibration. Given the excellent spin and durability, this would make a great hybrid main."

Karly , who typically plays with a comfortable multifilament, had trouble adjusting to the firm response. She said, "Given the stiff feel during installation, I wasn't surprised that Tour Bite played so firmly. I was able to hit with the full stringbed setup for half an hour before my wrist started to ache. I also noticed that the sweetspot was small, which transferred more shock to the arm. After hybridizing it, though, the comfort level improved immediately. And the spin was still there!"

"During this test I had no issues when it came to comfort," said Troy , who figured out a tension strategy to get the right comfort level. "I feel that the combination of a low tension (40 lbs) with a very flexible frame (57 RA stiffness) helped with the comfort. When I first tried this string at 57 lbs in a stiffer frame, I found the string to feel pretty harsh with very little ball-pocketing. After figuring out that it should be strung a little lower than most co-polys, I discovered a great feel."

Control - Score: 91

With its crisp response, incredible bite and low trampoline, Tour Bite gave our playtesters surgical precision over depth and trajectory. Finding all the control he needed was Chris , who said, "The level of control with this string was exceptional. I felt completely dialed into my shots in regards to both depth and direction. I felt very confident taking a huge cut at the ball with this string and did not have to worry about overhitting."

Agreeing with Chris was Troy . He said, "I found the control of this string to be top-notch. The precision was excellent on nearly every shot, from dipping topspin to flat groundstrokes. During long rallies I got exceptional depth-control, hitting heavy spin that landed deep and exploded off the court. When I felt the need to pull the trigger down-the-line I could flatten my shot and take a big rip with confidence. The lack of trampoline upon impact really helped with control, but only heavy-hitters with sound technique and full strokes will unlock the full benefits of this feature."

Also finding great control was Jose . He said, "I use a semi-western grip to generate a lot of topspin off my forehand. With this setup it was really easy to place the ball on a dime. The shape of this string helped give it all the bite necessary to keep the ball in play."

Karly was actually getting too much spin, but she eventually adjusted. She said, "At first the spin was so pronounced that I had a hard time measuring the trajectory of my shots. The added spin made my shots dive drastically before or into the net. But after getting used to the spin I thought the string offered great control. I had a lot of confidence changing the direction and depth of my shots."

Playability Duration - Score: 75

Co-polys tend to lose tension more rapidly than other string materials. While Tour Bite is no exception in this regard, none of our playtesters noted a drastic playability loss, including Chris . He said, "I don't like to hit any poly longer than two weeks, but I was impressed that this string still felt playable even as the tension dropped out."

Agreeing with Chris was Troy , who said, "I tend to get a week of hard hitting out of polyester before it either breaks or becomes unplayable. I was pretty impressed with how well Tour Bite held up after tension loss."

Karly didn't have any problems with the tension loss either. She said, "I didn't notice a huge change in the original stiffness over time. Tour Bite never lost its firm feel. I was able to get decent control and spin after the tension relaxed."

Like the others, Jose was able to get decent spin after the initial tension loss. He said, "I didn't notice a terrible drop off in playability after the tension went down. Spin and control stayed pretty consistent. This is likely due to the firmness of the string, which helps maintain the bite as the tension changes."

Overall - Score: 78

Chris - "Control and excellent spin."

Troy - "The amount of spin I could generate on serves and cross-court dippers."

Jose - "Control, spin and durability."

Karly - "The grip of the string on the ball. I felt like I could really control the amount of spin I put on my strokes."

Chris - "Might be a tad firm for some, but I kinda like that."

Troy - "Can feel harsh or wire-like if strung at high tensions."

Jose - "Not as comfortable as some of the softer co-polys."

Karly - "Not enough comfort. If I were to start using this string I would have to pair it up with a very soft cross and string it at a low tension."

Comparing the string to others they've tried, our testers said:

Chris - "This string reminds me of Luxilon ALU Power in that it is firm and very control oriented. Off the stringer it also reminds me of some of the Kirschbaum strings, like Competition due to its crispness, but this one dropped in tension slightly faster."

Troy - "I found this string to play very similar to Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power Spin. The Luxilon has more ball pocketing and better recoil, which gives it a more powerful feel. Based on the amount of spin, I would also compare Tour Bite to Volkl Cyclone. However, I think Cyclone has a little more elasticity, creating more power. The low powered feel of Tour Bite makes it a pretty unique string."

Jose - "The closest comparison would be to Luxilon ALU Power. Both provide massive spin and control, and they both offer the durability and firmness preferred by advanced players."

Karly - "While more comfortable, Dunlop Black Widow is close to Tour Bite in terms of spin and control."

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester String Setups

Chris: Racquet: Slazenger Pro Braided 95 Usual String: Volkl Cyclone 16g Tension: 55 lbs

Troy: Racquet: Head MicroGEL Radical Midplus Usual String: Co-polyester 16L Tension: 40 lbs

Jose: Racquet: Prince EXO3 Tour 18x20 Usual String: Luxilon ALU Power 16L Tension: 52 lbs

Karly: Racquet: Wilson nTour 95 Usual String: Wilson NXT 16g Tension: 48 lbs

Review date: July 2012. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.

All content copyright 2012 Tennis Warehouse.

The 7 Best Tennis Strings in 2023 (Buyer’s Guide)

Finding the right tennis strings for you is just as hard as finding the right tennis racket.

There are many different types of strings such as polyester, natural gut, multifilament and more! But one thing you need to know is that they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

That is why I have made this guide which reviews the 7 best tennis strings in 2023. Each string has been analyzed in detail discussing all of the pros and cons and who the string is best suited for.

Whether you’re an advanced player or a beginner , this is the guide for you.

Quick Summary

Reviews of the 7 best tennis strings, 1. luxilon alu power.

Price: $$ (40ft) | Type: Polyester | Gauge: 16L | Shape: Round

• Great control
• Tension maintenance
• Not very powerful

The Luxilon ALU Power is my pick for the best string on the market and it doesn’t surprise me that this is one of the most popular strings on the pro tour with the likes of Roger Federer,  Sebastian Korda  and  Tommy Paul  all using it.

Polyester tennis strings are known for their spin and control and let me tell you, the Luxilon ALU Power doesn’t disappoint in either of those categories. The ALU Power offers exceptional spin meaning you can attack your shots more aggressively without sacrificing control. It also gives you a great touch and feel further giving you more control over the placement of the ball on the court.

When looking at durability, the Luxilon ALU Power doesn’t disappoint in this category either. It is a durable string that is relatively hard to break. It is also excellent at maintaining tension which is vital for any tennis player. Even after multiple training sessions, I found that the tension still felt the same.

The only downsides I found when testing out this string were power and comfort due to it being a stiff polyester. This string is made purely for control and durability but if you’re looking for something that adds a bit more power I’d recommend hybridizing the Luxilon ALU Power with a natural or synthetic gut. This will give you the perfect combination of control and power.

The Luxilon ALU Power string is designed for players who hit the ball hard and are looking for something that can control that natural power.

2. Babolat VS Touch

Price: $$$$ (40ft) | Type: Natural Gut | Gauge: 16 | Shape: Round

• Very powerful
• Very comfortable
• Great tension maintenance
• Not very durable

When it comes to natural guts, nothing quite compares to the Babolat VS Touch.

First released in 1925, the Babolat VS Touch has been used by many pros over the years with current players Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem both using it to this day. The VS Touch offers power and comfort like no other and provides a crisp feel off the racket.

Something you may find interesting about natural gut strings is that they don’t lose their tension over long periods of use so you can keep that incredible touch and feel right up until the string breaks. With polyester strings, you’ll find they lose their tension over time which can affect your play.

The downside I found when testing out the Babolat VS Touch was that it didn’t provide much topspin or control. This is why many people may choose a polyester string instead. However, something unique about the VS Touch is that the performance didn’t break down at higher tensions. Many players will increase their tension when using these strings so they can have control of the ball while maintaining that beautiful feel and touch.

3. Wilson Champion’s Choice Duo

Price: $$$$ (40ft) | Type: Natural Gut & Polyester | Shape: Round & Textured

• Excellent all-around performance
• Very expensive

Used by the great Roger Federer , the Wilson Champion’s Choice Duo offers the perfect balance of power and control.

This hybrid set combines two exceptional strings: the Luxilon ALU Power Rough and the Wilson Natural Gut. The Luxilon ALU Power Rough gives this hybrid setup outstanding durability and control whilst the Wilson Natural Gut offers effortless power and control.

By pairing this polyester and natural gut string together, you are getting the best of both worlds and creating a great combo. I’d recommend using the Wilson Natural Gut in the mains as the main strings will characterize the racket’s feel.

However, I still found this combination to be too powerful, but it is all down to preference and what tennis racket you use. Some  tennis rackets  will naturally provide more power than others.

4. Prince Synthetic Gut

Price: $ (40ft) | Type: Synthetic Gut | Gauge: 16 | Shape: Textured

The Prince Synthetic Gut is a great value-for-money string that is perfect for recreational players wanting to try a softer and more lively setup.

Whilst the Prince Synthetic Gut doesn’t come packed with the features of some of the higher-end strings, you’ll get a great all-around performance.

I found it offered plenty of comfort and power which is great for recreational players who aren’t looking to hit the ball with lots of aggression. Comfort is also an important factor for recreational players as it means there is less stress on the arm and reduces the chances of getting tennis elbow.

Players will find that the Prince Synthetic Gut offers good all-around playability. However, it does lack in durability and control which you could combat by increasing the tension or pairing this with a polyester string.

Synthetic gut strings are a great choice for players just starting out in the sport and want something comfortable to use. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for professional tennis players.

5. Yonex PolyTour Pro

• Good control
• Good spin-potential

The Yonex PolyTour Pro is an excellent polyester string that offers great control and spin.

This is the perfect string for more advanced players who want to hit the ball more aggressively and are looking for a string that can help them control that power.

Whilst the Yonex PolyTour Pro may not give as much spin as some other textured polyester strings, it still provides a great bite to the ball and generates a good amount of spin allowing you to hit heavier groundstrokes. As the PolyTour Pro isn’t a textured string, it gives off a good amount of power compared to other polyesters. However, if you’re looking for power I wouldn’t recommend the PolyTour Pro and would go for a softer multifilament string.

I also found that the Yonex PolyTour Pro did a great job at keeping its tension over long periods of use which is a feature I love about this polyester string.

It is no surprise that the Yonex PolyTour Pro is Nick Kygrios’ string of choice.

6. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

Price: $$$ (40ft) | Type: Multifilament | Gauge: 16 | Shape: Round

• Comfortable
• Lacks control
• Not much spin

The Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is an outstanding multifilament string that definitely deserves a place on this list.

The X-One Biphase is packed with technology such as Elastyl and PU 400 which helps deliver effortless power. Some players may find this string too powerful but this can be altered by increasing the tension to add more control.

This string is also extremely comfortable due to its soft feel on the ball and exceptional shock absorption making it very arm-friendly. Whilst it may not be as comfortable as a natural gut string, I was very impressed with how the Tecnifibre X-One Biphase performed.

The downsides I found to this string were spin and control due to it being a multifilament string. The Tecnifibre X-One Biphase does offer more spin and control compared to synthetic and natural guts however it still may not be enough for those players who rely on hitting heavy spin.

Once again, a good idea may be to pair this with a polyester string so you can get a good balance of power and control.

7. Solinco Hyper-G

Price: $$ (40ft) | Type: Polyester | Gauge: 16 | Shape: Round

• Lots of spin
• Decent feel
• Good durability
• Lacks power

The Solinco Hyper-G has been an excellent polyester string for many years.

Whilst the Solinco Hyper-G lacks power, it makes up for it with brilliant control and spin. Like any polyester, the Hyper-G is made for advanced players with powerful strokes who are looking to add more control to their game.

However, one thing that is different about the Solinco Hyper-G compared to other polyester strings is how comfortable it is. It may not be as comfortable as a natural gut, but for a stiff polyester, it doesn’t get much better than this string.

The Hyper-G also offers remarkable feel on the ball which is why it doesn’t surprise me that this is Dustin Brown’s string of choice. But, I did find that this string lacked power and tension maintenance. Even after a few sessions, I could tell that the strings felt a lot looser.

However, the best feature of this string has to be its color. I loved how it looked in my Babolat Pure Drive.

Different Types of Tennis Strings

Different types of tennis strings will provide different amounts of power , control, and feel. Below I’ll walk you through the 5 types of tennis strings and who they are best for:

Polyester strings are typically made out of plastic or a single polymer in a monofilament construction meaning it is made out of one material.

They are one of the most popular types of tennis string offering the best control, spin and durability. However, due to the stiff nature of polyester strings, they lack comfort, power and tension maintenance.

This type of string is very popular amongst intermediate to advanced tennis players as they tend to want to play more aggressively. Polyester strings help them control that power allowing them to keep attacking the ball.

Multifilament

As the name suggests, multifilament strings contain more than one filament with the most common materials being nylon, zyex, vectran, kevlar and many more.

Created as an affordable option to natural gut, multifilament strings are extremely comfortable and are perfect for adding some extra power to your game. This is because they are much softer compared to polyester strings resulting in more power and less stress on your arm.

However, the downsides are control, spin and durability due to its soft nature.

This type of string is perfect for players with a flat-hitting style who don’t require much spin in their game and are looking for some easy power.

Natural Gut

I know this might sound crazy but natural gut strings are actually made from cow intestines!

Natural gut offers the best power, comfort and tension maintenance of any tennis string however lacks control and spin.

During the early days, natural gut was considered the “gold standard” of tennis string however with the adaptations of playing styles and new technology being released, fewer and fewer players are choosing natural gut.

That being said, natural gut is still an excellent choice of string for any player looking for effortless power and comfort. Of course, that is if you can justify the cost.

Natural gut strings are also great for players who suffer from arm injuries due to how soft they are.

Synthetic Gut

Synthetic gut is generally the most affordable type of tennis string on the market.

Typically synthetic gut is a very well-rounded string that is comfortable to use and provides a good amount of power.

However, it does lack durability and does not contain the features of some higher-end options.

Synthetic gut is perfect for beginner to intermediate players who are looking for a wallet-friendly string that does a great job.

Hybrid refers to a stringing method where two strings are combined on a racket. This is done by having one string on the mains and a different string on the crosses. This is very popular on the pro tour.

A challenge that many tennis players face is finding a string that is great in all departments. Polyester strings offer excellent control but lack power and natural gut strings lack control but are extremely powerful.

This is when hybrid stringing becomes useful. This means you can combine the control and spin of a polyester string with the power and comfort of a natural gut string to create the perfect combination.

These types of combinations can be bought in a single package such as the Wilson Champion’s Choice Duo which features the Luxilon ALU Power Rough and the Wilson Natural Gut. This was the setup Roger Federer used!

How to Choose Tennis Strings

There are a few factors worth considering when choosing a tennis string :

Tennis strings can come designed in many different shapes. Most strings will come in a round shape as these tend to play the most consistently and have the best playability duration. However, some strings will come with a textured edge which can add more spin to your game as they grip the ball more.

There are many different types of tennis strings with the most common being polyester, multifilament, natural gut, synthetic gut and hybrid . Each type of string will have its own advantages and disadvantages. To find the best type of string for you, you have to consider your playing style and what you are looking for from a tennis string.

Tennis strings can also come in many different gauge sizes . The most common are 16 (1.30mm) and 16L (1.25mm) however can range from 13 (1.70mm) to 22 (0.65mm). The thicker the gauge, the more control and durability, while the thinner the gauge, the more power and comfort you’ll get.

I’ve included a chart of all the different gauge sizes below:

How often you play and what type of tennis string you use will determine how often you’ll have to get your tennis racket restrung. Some strings may only last a couple of hours which is why you see pros changing their rackets frequently during a match. This can get expensive. Price is an important factor to consider when buying new tennis strings so make sure you aren’t going to break the bank with your new purchase.

What Tennis Strings Do I Use?

I have been using the Yonex PolyTour Pro in my Babolat Pure Drive for over a year now.

My playing style is an aggressive baseliner that hits heavy spin and likes to take big swings. That is why polyester strings are the best option for me as I’ve found that softer strings are too powerful.

The Babolat Pure Drive is a very powerful tennis racket but I’ve found that the Yonex PolyTour Pro reigns in that power perfectly. The PolyTour Pro gives me an excellent feel of the ball and allows me to hit heavy spin with ease. I’ve also been impressed with the amount of comfort I get from this string. It is nowhere near the amount a natural gut string would offer but it is very impressive for a polyester.

While I believe there are better polyester strings on the market, the Yonex PolyTour Pro gives me a good balance that is well-suited to my game.

With so many different tennis strings on the market, it can be hard to find the best one for you. There are so many factors you have to consider such as power, control, durability and many more.

Hopefully, my guide has helped you have a clearer understanding of what to look for in tennis strings and given you some options to consider.

Now get practicing!

Image Source: Everything Tennis

Rory has been playing tennis for 10+ years and has competed in many tournaments around the world. This has led to him creating Tennis Bulldog so he can share his knowledge to help inspire the next generation of tennis players.

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Best Tennis Strings in 2023 for Advanced Players

Main benefits: control, spin potential, touch, durability, and tension maintenance

Babolat RPM Blast

Luxilon Alu Power

Solinco Hyper-G

Recognisable with its neon green colour, the Solinco Hyper-G is one of the best tennis strings of 2023 and one of the favourite strings among the TWE playtesting team. With its square shape, this co-poly offers massive spin potential . It also provides a crisp feel , and impressive precision for a long-lasting string .

Best Tennis Strings in 2023 for Intermediate Players

Main benefits: power, touch, and comfort

Tecnifibre HDMX

The innovative hybrid 3D construction of the Tecnifibre HDMX combines 3 materials in one string : polyurethane material for comfort, polyamide fibers for power, and polyester for control. The above average tension maintenance is a very nice bonus.

Tecnifibre NRG2

The Tecnifibre NRG2 is a premium multifilament made with a huge density of polyurethane, which gives great comfort and an extraordinary power . Players that are not breaking too often will enjoy a playability close to natural gut. Here's one of the best tennis strings in 2023 for players needing an arm friendly option.

Babolat Hybrid RPM Blast + VS

Combining Rafael Nadal 's string of choice, RPM Blast , with the high quality natural gut VS , Babolat creates the perfect storm of hybrids . RPM Blast creates exceptional control with tremendous access to spin while VS Gut provides top-notch power, comfort , and feel . This offers the best of both worlds for the player seeking top performance from their string bed.

Tennis Strings Used By ATP Players (A Complete List)

By: Author Gavin Scott

In the captivating world of tennis, ATP players handpick strings harmonizing with their unique playing styles.

Tennis players can choose everything from natural gut, polyester, multifilament, or hybrid setups, each weaving its own tale of power, control, and finesse on the court.

In this article, we’ll go through what tennis strings the ATP top 100 players use. Let’s get into it!

Before going through what tennis strings each player uses, let’s go through the most popular strings.

Here’s a summary of the most popular tennis strings among pro players:

As you can see in the table above, the Luxilon Alu Power is the most popular string choice on the ATP Tour. Luxilon is huge when it comes to tennis strings, and the Luxilon Alu Power, in particular, has been the no.1 choice on the ATP Tour for many years.

The most popular tennis string brands on the ATP Tour are the following:

As expected, Luxilon is the most popular brand on the ATP Tour regarding strings.

Here’s a complete list of the tennis strings used by the ATP Tour’s top 100 players:

• Carlos Alcaraz – Babolat RPM Blast
• Novak Djokovic – Babolat Natural Gut / Luxilon ALU Power
• Stefanos Tsitsipas – Luxilon 4G
• Casper Ruud – Yonex Poly Tour Spin 125 / Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125
• Daniil Medvedev – Tecnifibre Razor Code White
• Felix Auger-Aliassime – Babolat RPM Blast Rough
• Andrey Rublev – Head Lynx Tour
• Holger Rune – Babolat RPM Blast 130
• Hubert Hurkacz – Solinco Tour Bite / Babolat VS Touch
• Taylor Fritz – Natural Gut / Head Hawk
• Jannik Sinner – Head Hawk Touch
• Cameron Norrie – Luxilon ALU Power 125
• Rafael Nadal – Babolat RPM Blast
• Frances Tiafoe – Yonex Poly Tour Pro 125
• Alexander Zverev – Head Hawk Touch / Natural Gut
• Karen Khachanov – Luxilon Alu Power
• Pablo Carreno Busta – Luxilon Alu Power Rough
• Alex de Minaur – Luxilon Alu Power Rough 130
• Tommy Paul – Babolat RPM Blast / Luxilon Natural Gut
• Borna Coric – Babolat RPM Blast
• Lorenzo Musetti – Head Hawk Touch / Head Lynx Tour
• Marin Cilic – Natural Gut / Luxilon Alu Power
• Matteo Berrettini – Signum Pro Firestorm
• Nick Kyrgios – Yonex Poly Tour Pro
• Alejandro Davidovich Fokina – Head Lynx Tour / Head Hawk Rough
• Sebastian Korda – Luxilon Alu Power 125 / Luxilon Alu Power 120
• Grigor Dimitrov – Natural Gut / Luxilon 4G
• Roberto Bautista Agut – Luxilon 4G 130
• Daniel Evans – Luxilon Alu Power Rough / Natural Gut
• Denis Shapovalov – Yonex Poly Tour Strike
• Fransisco Cerundolo – Kirschbaum Max Power 
• Botic van de Zandschulp – Babolat RPM Blast
• Sebastian Baez – Yonex Polytour Strike
• Yoshihito Nishioka – Babolat VS Gut
• Miomir Kecmanovic – Dunlop Explosive Spin
• Tallon Griekspoor – Tecnifibre Black Code
• Maxime Creesy – Solinco Tour Bite
• Diego Schwartzman – Luxilon ALU Power 125
• Ben Shelton – Yonex Polytour Rev
• Richard Gasquet – Luxilon Big Banger Original
• Bernabe Zapata Miralles – Luxilon Big Banger Original
• David Goffin – Luxilon ALU Power 125
• Jack Draper – Dunlop Explosive Spin
• Jiri Lehecka – Luxilon Big Banger Original / Luxilon Alu Power
• Brandon Nakashima – Yonex Polytour Pro / Yonex Polytour Strike
• John Isner – Tecnifibre Red Code
• Marc-Andrea Huesler – Babolat RPM Blast
• Alexander Bublik – Yonex Polytour Pro
• Benjamin Bonzi – Babolat RPM Blast
• J.J Wolf – Luxilon Alu Power
• Albert Ramos-Vinolas – Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour
• Andy Murray – Luxilon Alu Power / Babolat Natural Gut
• Mikael Ymer – Babolat Hurricane Tour Pro
• Emil Ruusovouri – Head Hawk Power
• Mackenzie Mcdonald – Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power
• Alex Molcan – Luxilon Alu Power Rough
• Nicolas Jarry – Luxilon Alu Power
• Laslo Djere – Luxilon Alu Power Rough
• Lorenzo Sonego – Luxilon Alu Power Soft
• Constant Lestienne – Tecnifibre Razor Code
• Jenson Brooksby – Luxilon Alu Power
• Adrian Mannarino – Luxilon Alu Power
• Pedro Cachin – Yonex Polytour Rev
• Yibing Wu – Luxilon Big Banger Original
• Gregoire Barrere – Tecnifibre Razor Code
• Jaume Munar – Yonex Polytour Pro
• Federico Coria – Luxilon Alu Power Rough
• Nuno Borges – Head Hawk Power
• Corentin Moutet – Luxilon Alu Power Rough
• Jason Kubler – Babolat RPM Blast
• Marcos Giron – Natural Gut / Pro Stinger Blue Steel
• Arthur Rinderknech – Tecnifibre Ice Code
• Tomas Martin Etcheverry – Head Hawk Power
• Marton Fucsovics – Yonex Polytour Pro
• Soonwoo Kwon – Yonex Polytour Strike
• Dusan Lajovic – Luxilon Alu Power
• Filip Krajinovic – Luxilon Alu Power Fluoro
• Ugo Humbert – Luxilon Original Rough
• Quentin Halys – Luxilon Alu Power
• Ilya Ivaskha – Luxilon Alu Power
• Thiago Monteiro – Babolat RPM Blast
• Cristian Garin – Luxilon Big Banger Original
• Jordan Thompson – Babolat vs Touch / Babolat RPM Blast
• Roberto Carballes Baena – Luxilon 4G
• Oscar Otte – Babolat RPM Blast
• Christopher O’Connell – Babolat RPM Blast Rough
• Stan Wawrinka – Babolat RPM Blast
• Juan Pablo Varillas – Babolat vs Touch
• Christopher Eubanks – Tecnifibre Black Code
• Michael Mmoh – Dunlop Explosive Spin
• Fabio Fognini – Babolat RPM Blast
• Aslan Karatsev – Head Hawk
• Alexei Popyrin – Luxilon 4G
• Thanassi Kokkinakis – Luxilon Alu Power
• Reilly Opelka – Luxilon Alu Power
• Arthur Fils – Babolat vs Touch / Babolat RPM Blast
• Daniel Taro – Babolat RPM Blast
• Hugo Gaston – Luxilon Alu Power
• Jan-Lennard Struff – Babolat RPM Blast
• Dominic Thiem – Head Lynx Tour / Head Hawk

If you click on a player’s name, you can read a more in-depth post about their string setup.

I listed the racquets of all the ATP top 100 players in this post .

Best Tennis Strings for 2023 – A Complete Guide

The importance of picking the perfect tennis racquet is sometimes overstated, but a racquet is only as good as its strings. Choosing the perfect tennis string might be difficult because there are so many options. However, this wide range of string possibilities also means that you can select a string with the features you need for the best fit for your racquet , style, and skill level with a bit of research.

The equipment used by athletes has a significant impact on their performance. For example, a high-quality racket is a must-have in tennis since it impacts player performance. On the other hand, Tennis strings are equally crucial because they assist players’ playability.

Tennis strings of good quality aid players in returning shots correctly and controlling ball movement. It also aids in spin generation and adds force to the player’s shots.

Usually, we overlook the strings when purchasing a racket, although they are one of the most significant aspects of tennis. Strings are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Each string has its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Therefore, when purchasing tennis racquet strings, one must have the necessary information and assistance.

12 Best Tennis Strings on the Market 2023:

There are many tennis strings. A few of them are explained below.

• 1. HEAD Lynx Edge Review:
• 2. Luxilon Alu power 125:
• 3. Babolat RPM Blast Review
• 4. Solinco Tour Bite:
• 5. Wilson Champion’s Choice Hybrid 16 String:
• 6. Babolat vs. Touch:
• 7. Prince Synthetic Gut 16/1.30 Duraflex String:
• 8.  Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16/1.30 String:
• 9.  Tecnifibre NRG2 16/1.32 String Natural:
• 10. Solinco Hyper G:
• 11. Head Hawk Touch:
• 12. Wilson NXT:

Conclusion:

1.  head lynx edge review :.

REASON TO BUY

• Control the ball well.
• Spin the ball well
• The durability is excellent.
• The cost is affordable.
• Ideal for versatile topspin player

The Lynx Edge string has a hectogon form, giving aggressive and versatile topspin players more spin. The Lynx Edge can help you combine power and control with additional spin. Its unique hectogon form gives the ball additional bite, making it ideal for the versatile topspin player searching for a little extra spin. In addition, the innovative copolymer blend used in this string provides the vibrant Touch and control required for your aggressive game.

The 17-gauge Head Lynx edge is offered (1.25mm). The Lynx Edge can help you combine power and control with additional spin. Its unique hectogon form gives the ball additional bite, making it ideal for the versatile topspin player searching for a little extra spin. In addition, the innovative copolymer blend used in this string provides the vibrant Touch and control required for your aggressive game.

The Head Lynx string is a co-polyester string that gives aggressive players the control they need to attack the ball. Unlike regular polyester strings, Lynx is produced with specific additions that increase comfort, power, and Touch, allowing it to be used by a broader range of players. Lynx lived up to its reputation as a pleasant control string among our playtesters. 

We tried both the yellow and black colors and found that the yellow variant was more playable overall. The highest score was given to spin, backed up by outstanding results in the TW University String Lab. According to one playtester, the most significant disadvantage was poor tension maintenance, which is a usual trade-off with soft polys.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• It produces less energy

FINAL VERDICT:

This tennis string is highly affordable. Not only affordable, but it also has impressive features. It spins the ball well and is highly durable. This is ideal for a versatile topspin player. It controls the ball well. Its unique hectogon form gives the ball an additional bite.

2.  Luxilon Alu power 125 :

• The string creates power on its own
• Luxilon Alu Power 125 is an excellent spinner
• Control on spin
• Feels comfort

In 16L gauge, Luxilon Alu Power 125 is available. The string aids in the generation of power and is suitable for spinning. It’s also long-lasting. This string offers a “best-in-class” combination of control, spin, durability, and feel, and it’s still one of the finest choices for experienced players who use long, quick strokes.

If the tennis business has a formula similar to that of Coca-Cola, it’s most likely in the Luxilon ALU Power formulation. Despite numerous attempts to imitate or improve it, this string remains the professional tour’s gold standard. Pete Sampras was reportedly taken aback by how viciously the ball plunged at his feet when it first appeared that he called it “cheat along.”

As a result, our team was treated to surgical precision from the backcourt, interrupted by balls that dropped so unexpectedly that they seemed to defy physics. This remarkable precision is achieved by the ALU Power algorithm, which distinguishes ALU Power from previous generations of polys. This fantastic feeling gave our team a better sense of the ball, and it earned ALU Power a fantastic touch score.

This helps to explain why ALU Power was one of the first polys to gain widespread popularity. ALU Power has acquired its name as one of the most iconic strings in tennis history by dramatically increasing the playability and feel of copolymer monofilaments.

This is the original polyester string, and it is widely credited with revolutionizing and changing the way high-level tennis is taught and played. However, it’s hard to believe that this string has been around for more than two decades and is still a regular on professional tours.

• Sub-Department Racket String
• Length Reel: 330 feet / 100 meter
• Amateurs will find it challenging to handle

This string is highly durable. They feel very comfortable and have great control over spin. The string has its fantastic feature: it creates its power on its own. This string is an excellent spinner. However, the armatures will find it slightly tricky to handle.

3.  Babolat RPM Blast Review

• Because the string is heavy, it will last a long time.
• This allows for more control while playing.
• It’s both soft and comfortable at the same time.
• Great for those who love heavy topspin
• Smooth surface

The Babolat RPM blast is available in 16, 17, and 18 gauge. The Babolat RPM blast string is ideal for players who enjoy heavy hits. In addition, the RPM Blast has a smooth surface that helps the shot spin. While all co-polyester monofilaments offer some degree of spin, RPM Blast stands out.

Compared to regular polyester strings, they have a softer feel. It’s an excellent option for solid hitters that want the most control, durability, and spin out of their racquets. This 17-gram variant has a little more spin and feels than the 16g.

Everyone felt intrigued by this unusual new string with its ostensibly miraculous abilities. After some time has passed, the playtest team decided to investigate why so much of the initial excitement has persisted. It didn’t take them long to figure out, especially considering the 97 out of 100 spin scores. The comfort, which most of the crew rated very high for a co-poly, was even more astounding, though not a little surprising.

The outstanding control, which allowed for tremendous precision on quick swings, was unsurprising. RPM Blast outperformed standard polyester when it came to power, but they discovered that full strokes were required to reap the full benefits.

While beginners and intermediates with shorter strokes may struggle to uncover the magic of RPM Blast, more advanced players, particularly those who love heavy topspin, should have a great time with it. RPM Blast’s lower power level was great for our playtesters, who all swing hard and want to produce their power. This isn’t to say that RPM Blast isn’t alive. Andy’s broad strokes, on the other hand, discovered something additional.

• Tension: 52 pounds
• Forehead grip: semi-western
• Backhand: two-handed
• Slow strokes are not recommended.
• Amateur players will find it challenging to handle.

This string is heavy, so these last for a longer time. This makes them highly durable. In addition, these have more control while playing the game. The features that make it super unique are that it is soft and comfortable at the same time. This string is perfect for those who prefer heavy topspin.

4.  Solinco Tour Bite :

• Excellent for spin and power
• The duration of playability is satisfactory
• It gives you a lot of control
• It contains intense spin
• It offers excellent tension maintenance

The Solinco Tour Bite string is the most popular in India, and it ranks first in Racquets4U’s analysis. This string is constructed of polyester monofilament, explicitly intended for outstanding performance. In addition, the Solinco Tour Bite is created using an innovative and composite formula.

Tour Bite comes in three gauges: 16, 16L, and 17 gauge. The diameters of each gauge are different. For example, the diameter of 16 gauge is 1.30mm, the diameter of 16 gauge is 1.28mm, and so on.

If you want more durability, 16G is the way to go, but if you want more performance, 18G is the way to go, as international players also use it.

The bite strings on the Solinco Tour are gentler. Softer strings have more power. As a result, the tour bite is conducive to power-hitting. Furthermore, the tour bite delivers exceptional control and spin.

This solinco tennis string is not only ideal for players looking for better control and spin, but it also delivers a punch for those who want a hefty bill.

Many players in the ATP and WTA tournaments use Solinco Tour Bite. It’s a spin-friendly, control-oriented string that does exactly what it says on the tin: it offers the ball more bite and rotations. I’ve been using Solinco Tour Bite, and Solinco Tour Bite Soft is my go-to strings for a while now, but I’ve never given them a thorough review.

Solinco Tour Bite is a rigid poly that provides control and spin to players. It is not the string for you if you have trouble setting your tempo or if you have elbow or wrist problems. However, the Solinco Tour Bite is one of the best strings on the market if you are a pro player who likes to swing firmly yet maintain control.

• Length: 660 feet/200 meter
• Co-polyester monofilament string
• Offering high performance
• Designed to generate power
• Feelings aren’t fantastic
• The level of comfort is low

This string is perfect for high-speed spinners. It contains an immense amount of power. The fantastic feature is it gives you a lot of control. The best thing this string offers is excellent tension maintenance. This string gives good playability while playing the game.

5.  Wilson Champion’s Choice Hybrid 16 String:

• It is good for control
• Gives smooth Touch
• Spins very fast
• Holds much power
• Feels amazing

As used by Roger Federer , Wilson’s Champion’s Choice is in a league of its own. This hybrid gives about every benefit a player could want, including irresistible levels of control, power, spin, and comfort, by combining the surgical and spin-friendly precision of Luxilon ALU Power Rough with the incredible comfort and power of Wilson Natural Gut. 

Not only does this hybrid have a unique combination of characteristics, but it also has a wide range of applications. Unlike a single set of strings, Champion’s Choice allows the player to fine-tune the performance based on whatever main and cross strings are chosen. So start here if you want a string with fewer trade-offs.

It is all in the name. Wilson Champions Choice is a cross between Wilson Natural Gut and Luxilon ALU Power Rough, two of the most popular strings on tour. The player gets the best of both worlds by combining the optimum playability of a high-quality. Use the Luxilon ALU Power Rough for durability and control in the mains. 

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has dedicated itself for more than a century to developing and distributing goods that help tennis players achieve their full potential on any platform. Wilson has been a part of more than 500 Grand Slams and continues to push the boundaries of innovation to provide championship-caliber equipment and a winning mentality to players .

• Length: strings measure 20 feet/6.1 meter
• Composition: Natural gut/Co-polymer (nylon) + Flu carbon resin + aluminum fibers
• Color: Natural/Grey
• Some full-bed poly gamers may find it too powerful
• For some budgets, it’s too expensive

This string holds excellent control. It is straightforward to handle. The best feature of this string is that it spins very fast. It holds much power and is best for the advanced player. This string is best when it comes to power and control.

6.  Babolat vs. Touch :

• Gives you a lot of control and stability
• It’s great for spinning the ball
• Stay pleasant
• Feels fantastic while playing

Babolat Vs. touch the top-of-the-line Natural Gut in a thin and sensitive 17 gauge. It’s made with BT7 and Thermogut technology, a high-temperature finishing process that improves the fiber cohesiveness down to the center of the string. This string is currently ranked 5th on our list. Only the 16-gauge Babolat Vs. Touch is available.

While playing, the string gives excellent stability, spin, and control. Top touring pros and golfers can use this product who want the best feel and control. The gauge tolerance on VS Natural Gut is much tighter. The BT7 technology, a novel layering structure that increases durability by 15%, is used. It has a more rigid feel, yet it is still the “ Gold Standard ” in comfort and playability.

It is challenging to overstate Babolat VS Touch’s influence on tennis. Babolat VS Touch has been around since 1925, and the list of legendary tennis players who have used it, as well as the number of historic matches it has graced, is legendary. However, the composition of this string is what distinguishes it. The most pleasant and robust string we’ve tried so far is VS Touch, which is made of incredibly elastic natural fibers. But it’s not simply gentle and robust. The sensation is what distinguishes VS Touch. 

Unlike synthetic fiber strings , VS Touch not only feels fantastic, but it also manages to stay pleasant and responsive even at very high tensions. Aside from the high price and regular fraying associated with natural gut, our major criticism of VS Touch was that was lacking the spin that a complete bed of stiff polyester provides.

• Color: Black, Natural
• Gauge: 1.35mm (15Litre), 1.30mm (16gram)
• Length: 12.2 meter (40 feet)
• The cost is high

This string is highly durable, which makes it a fantastic option. This string is the best option for beginners because it has a lot of control and stability. It’s the perfect choice for the best spinning of balls. Not only spinning, but it also feels great while playing.

7.  Prince Synthetic Gut 16/1.30 Duraflex String :

• Playability in general
• Excellent value
• Ideal for beginners
• Several color options
• Great spin power

This legendary beginner string, one of the most enduring bestsellers of all time, combines an easy learning curve with an unbeatable price. Although Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex lacks the beautiful feel of natural gut or the otherworldly spin of stiff polyester, it offers a beguiling degree of all-around performance, making it suitable for seasoned value hunters and newcomers to the game. In addition, it comes with more color options than almost any other string, which is a good plus.

Like other synthetic gut strings, Prince Synthetic Gut is a soft string, which typically results in less control than you’d expect from a polyester. However, the string is unquestionably built for greater tension and players looking for power more than control. The string seemed a little loose at lower tensions, especially after an initial tension reduction, and we found ourselves hitting slightly long on a few occasions. However, it did not cause any issues when strung at higher tensions.

It is refreshing to see a true classic, Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex, persevere in an industry where new strings are constantly introduced. However, unlike Babolat RPM Blast, Prince Synthetic Gut does not have a high-tech silicone coating to maximize spin. It also doesn’t have over a thousand fibers to soften ball impact and increase power, unlike the Wilson NXT Tour.

The Prince Synthetic Gut is an excellent “starting string” for players who require reasonable comfort, spin, power, and control but not outstanding excellence in any of these areas. The true allure of Prince Synthetic Gut is that it has a devoted following of players who have been playing with it for years and have yet to find a reason to switch to another string.

• String material: synthetic gut
• Unique feature: Duraflex for enhanced durability
• String gauge: 17 Gauge (1.25 mm) / 16 Gauge (1.30 mm) / 15L Gauge (1.35 mm)
• For polygonal gamers, there isn’t enough durability and control
• For multifilament players, there isn’t enough comfort or power

This tennis string is ideal for beginners. It is of great value and comes in a range of various colors. It has excellent spin power. It is a fantastic option for the players who have just started playing and need a hold on the game.

8.   Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16/1.30 String :

• It gives comfort
• Holds a lot of power
• Gives nice feeling
• Holds tension maintenance
• More affordable

Tecnifibre X-One Biphase tops the power list for many players, although Babolat Touch VS has more raw power than any other string in our guide. X-One Biphase is spring-loaded on groundstrokes and volleys, making it simpler to hit with depth and endpoints with a bang thanks to its highly flexible fibers and elastic polyurethane resin. In its lengthy history, this popular multifilament has seen nearly no modifications, but that’s because there’s nothing to improve.

Some tennis strings are pretty simple. For example, consider the guts of traditional poly or synthetic guts. These strings are made up of only one or two components and do not focus on the more expensive indulgences of comfort, feel, or power. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase, on the other hand, is a string with several carefully picked and methodically organized pieces. 

Like the natural gut, X-One Biphase is a little pricy, but that’s to be expected with the amount of technology crammed into this string. The price, in our opinion, is worth it for the player who wants a highly arm-friendly string with a lot of pop.

While X-One Biphase isn’t a natural gut, it provided our team with a level of comfort, feel tension maintenance, and power that few other multis can match. The negatives of this string for our two heavy hitters were less spin potential and control, especially when compared to their Favorite polys. Finally, the X-One Biphase is simply one of the most excellent solutions available for players who desire outstanding shock absorption and a delightful (but beautifully sharp) feel.

• String Type: Multifilament
• String length: 40 feet (12 meters)
• Available Colors: Natural white and red
• For poly gamers, it’s too powerful
• For certain heavy topspin players, there isn’t enough spin potential

This string is highly affordable. The affordability factors make it accessible to everyone. It holds a lot of power and gives a pleasant feeling while playing. Not only this, it holds a lot of tension maintenance which is very important when it comes to tennis.

9.   Tecnifibre NRG2 16/1.32 String Natural :

• It indeed holds a lot of comforts
• It holds a lot of power
• It’s extremely affordable
• It doesn’t get stuck
• It holds tension maintenance

Although it is hard to duplicate the natural gut’s excellent feel and incredible power, Tecnifibre NRG2 offers an inexpensive option for many players. NRG2 not only offers quick power and a buttery feel to any racquet, but it also avoids the No. 1 problem of multifilament strings: getting caught out of place, thanks to an army of highly plastic filaments drenched in elastic polyurethane. In addition, because it lasts longer than most of its competitors, you get more bang for your buck.

NRG2 is a premium-quality multifilament synthetic string with playability so close to the natural gut that you’ll want to examine the packet for hoof prints. The Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec additive’s durability benefits are matched by a long-lasting feel and comfort, ensuring continued use.

NRG2, one of the most popular multifilament’s ever, is now available in black! This black version, which has a little stiffer feel than the natural hue, provides world-class comfort, playability, and vibration dampening. Flexible polyurethane is combined with robust, easy fibers and an abrasion-resistant finish to provide a great feel that is both pleasant and sharp. As a result, NRG2 is second only to the natural gut in terms of comfort, power, and feel when used as a whole set or a hybrid cross.

Ultimate Feel and Power. NRG2 is a high-end synthetic multifilament string that mimics the feel of the genuine gut. Designed for enhanced performance and feel to keep you on top of the game today. The Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec additive’s durability benefits are complimented with a long-lasting feel and comfort, ensuring ongoing performance for the avid gamer.

• Gauge: 16/1.32milimeter
• Length: 40feet/12.2meter
• Color: Black
• For advanced polyester players, this is too powerful

It is the best multifilament tennis string for a spin. It’s incredibly affordable and holds a lot of power. Being affordable doesn’t mean it is less than other strings. It holds a lot of comfort and doesn’t get stuck.

10.  Solinco Hyper G :

• Great spinning
• Gives a lot of comfort
• High durability
• Pliability duration

Solinco Hyper-G is a square-shaped co-polyester string that combines spin with precision uniquely. This string is ranked 7th on the list. In 16 gauge, Solinco Hyper g is offered (1.30mm). Solinco Hyper G was developed for an ATP top 50 player and is superb for control and spin, allowing strong hitters to take enormous cuts at the ball without worrying about overhitting. All topspin players should enjoy this string because it aids in accurate and precise returns.

The Hyper-G is a brilliant green co-poly string from Solinco that was developed with the cooperation of a notable ATP tour pro. Solina’s most popular string, Hyper-G, features a square form and four gripping edges, similar to Tour Bite. 

This string, like Tour Bite, gave our team incredible accuracy on full swings, as seen by the near-perfect control score we gave Hyper-G. Spin was, predictably, a noteworthy feature, and it helps explain why shaping the trajectory and angle of our shots was so simple. However, the feel of Hyper-G was maybe the most surprising characteristic, as it extremely forgave for a high-duty co-poly. Granted, for novices, this string is probably too stiff and weak.

Another notable characteristic was maintaining tension, which is usually the most significant drawback of co-polys. In terms of playability, the Hyper-G outlasted most of the strings in its class. Solinco finds it increasingly challenging to outdo itself with near-iconic co-polys like Tour Bite in its growing range of great strings. However, after a few weeks at Hyper-G, we believe the industry’s fastest-growing star has shifted the needle once more.

• Material: polyester
• Length: 200 meters
• The string is far too stiff

This string is highly durable. This is the best string for intermediate players. It gives excellent spinning and gives a lot of comfortable. It has a high pliability duration. It’s the best string when it comes to power and comfort.

11.  Head Hawk Touch :

• Gives you complete control over your shots
• The sense of Touch is excellent
• Holds great power
• Luxurious feel

Head Hawk Touch is one of the most significant heads tennis strings, coming fourth in our ranking. It’s a spherical string created from a co-polyester monofilament with Crystal Core Technology.

It has a larger crystalline inner core that gives you complete control over your game. Head Hawk Touch String comes in 17 and 18 gauge. Head Hawk Touch is one of the top strings on the circuit, designed for high-level tour and tournament players. However, many professional players, like Alexander Zverev , Ashley Barty , Taylor Slrits , and others use it.

The suppleness of the string gives precise feedback and a luxurious feel, allowing you to continue playing your diverse game while maintaining complete control over each stroke and, ultimately, the game.

Head Hawk is around co-poly that focuses on giving large hitters the control they need to attack the ball. It was developed with feedback from top touring pros. Unlike many basic polyesters, the center of this string was engineered to be more muted and comfier. The result for the playtest team was a string that had the control of a stiff poly without being unpleasant. Hawk’s most notable trait was its incredible predictability. High-level players looking for strings that deliver ultimate Touch and accurate feedback for their diverse games will appreciate the Hawk Touch Tour string.

You’d better have everything under control before you put these strings on your racquet. The HAWK TOUCH monofilament string boasts a larger crystalline inner core responsible for offering ultimate control to your game thanks to the unique Crystal Core Technology. In addition, this manufacturing method allows you to adjust each string’s balance between power and control.

• String Type: Monofilament
• Playability: Power, Control
• Material: Polyester
• It generates less spin

This string is highly durable and gives an excellent touch sense. It gives you complete control over your shots. It gives a luxurious feel. This string is the best for big hitters. It allows you to adjust each string’s balance between power and control.

12.  Wilson NXT :

• It provides a lot of comforts
• It gives a pleasant feel
• It has high durability
• It has a multifilament string type

Wilson NXT is without a doubt a long-standing pioneer in the multifilament space, with a loyal following and a successful track record. This string is a fantastic option for many players, whether you’re stringing a whole bed or combining it with another string as a hybrid. The following are the main reasons why I adore this string. Over a two-week playtest, we discovered why Wilson NXT is such a popular string.

This multifilament caters to many players by offering something for every skill level and playing style. NXT is a strong contender if you’re searching for a combination of comfort, power, and feel.

Remember that hitting the ball in the court requires a mix of power and control, so don’t get too excited, but this string has a lot of power. 

This is a nice feature for players who want a little more force from their strings, but it may take some getting used to for players who are used to more control. It feels like there is such a thing as an overly powerful string, but Wilson NXT worked fine. Although it is a little more potent than players prefer, it is believed reasonable for a power-friendly string.

The NXT had a little more pop, which detracted from the control, but it wasn’t far behind. Many multifilaments struggle with spin and receive scores of 5 out of 10, but this proves that NXT is a superb string because even its weaker parts receive high marks.

• String type: multifilament
• String length: a single set
• A little difficult to handle

It’s the best multifilament string. This string is also very preferable for big hitters. It is highly durable and long-lasting. It provides a lot of comforts. It holds a lot of power and gives a nice and pleasant feel.

Buying Guide of Best Budget Tennis Strings

The strings on a racket are the racket’s life and soul. On the other hand, Racket strings are an afterthought for most people, who spend months researching rackets but just a few seconds selecting strings. We’re not suggesting that you spend months trying out every string available, but if you take a few minutes to read through this, you might learn a lot about the strings in your racket. Not all strings (and string tensions) are appropriate for each player. Each participant has their own set of requirements and preferences. Here are some guidelines to help you choose.

Playability:

• A string’s playability is influenced by its material, manufacture, and thickness.
• Natural gut is still the most incredible string for playability right now (a natural product made from beef intestines).
• Some of the most recent multifilament strings are more than suitable equivalents because they are more durable than natural gut.
• Babolat X-Cel and Tecnifibre X-One Biphase are two of the most popular playability strings. However, these strings can also be used with polymer strings to get the best of both worlds.
• Unfortunately, enhanced tennis string durability usually comes at the sacrifice of playability.
• Although thicker gauges and abrasion-resistant materials will last longer, they will be less elastic and resilient than their thinner, nylon-based counterparts.
• If a player’s 16-gauge synthetic gut string is breaking, we recommend switching to a 15-gauge version of the identical string if one is available.
• If it fails, a polyester string, such as Babolat Ballistic or one popular Luxilon string, would be the next step.

All-round Strings:

• If you’re unsure what you want or need, these are excellent options.
• After all these years, Prince Synthetic Gut is still one of our most popular strings.
• Soft polys are a relatively new route for string manufacturers. Still, they’re a terrific option for people who want poly strings’ power, restitution, and longevity without arm fatigue.

String Gauge Guide:

• Thinner strings are generally better for playability, whereas thicker strings are better for durability.
• Tennis string gauges range from 15 (thickest) to 19 (thinnest), with half-gauges denoted by an L (15L, 16L, etc.).
• Thinner strings also allow the strings to embed more profoundly into the ball , increasing spin potential.
• Obviously, the thinner the gauge, the stronger and spin-capable the string. However, the string will be less robust, which you can compensate for by using a skinny, durable string.
• Tennis is played using a gauge of 15 (1.35 mm).
• The most common gauge for tennis is 16 (1.30 mm) (optimum level of durability and power).

Hopefully, you found the list helpful, or at the very least, it helped you find what you were looking for. As the last point, keep in mind that “best” is subjective and susceptible to personal preference for many players. You’ll develop a preference for what is best for your game over time, which will most likely vary as your game progresses.

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• Recommended Strings

You might already have your racquet of choice. Perhaps one of our recommended racquets . But what are some recommended strings?

Recommended strings

The string jungle is vast and expanding. There are so many different types of strings on the market and many more brands to consider than when it comes to racquets. You need to consider material, shape, gauge , and tension . We will focus on the type of player you are. If you want to learn more about tennis strings, we recommend this video and post.

Strings for beginners and comfort strings

In my opinion, beginners should use multifilament strings . These are softer, more comfortable strings that give good power. The downside is a little lack of spin and control. I actually don’t see any reason why more advanced players cannot use multifilament strings either, especially if they put a premium on comfort or maybe have a history of tennis elbow.

I think a more control-oriented and durable multifilament string will give you better playability and will still offer good comfort. I think a tension around 55 lbs or 25 kg is useful as a starting point. These options are all good:

HEAD Velocity MLT

I have always enjoyed the version with black coating, but a few players have pointed out that when the coating wears off, the strings start locking a bit. I have noticed at that a bit myself recently on hybrid string setups. But in a full bed, it plays great in either color. The price is also comparatively low. I always have a reel of Velocity at home.

You can purchase Velocity MLT from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only and Amazon .

Wilson NXT Control

NXT is a classic and now comes in many different shapes and sizes, power, comfort, control and Duramax (maximum durability). I haven’t tested all of them but generally recommend players to go for a more control-oriented multifilament in a thicker gauge. If not the Duramax, I think the 1.32 NXT Control is excellent.

You can purchase Wilson NXT Control from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only,   Wilson and Amazon .

Tecnifibre NRG2

Tecnifibre make a solid selection of excellent multifilament strings. For players looking for even more control, I’d check out the 1.38 gauge Triax . Tecnifibre X-One Bi-Phase is good for power and works well in hybrids, but NRG2 is a good blend of those strings.

You can purchase Tecnifibre NRG2 from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only and Amazon .

Prince Premier Control

It’s another very solid multifilament string that works well in a full bed but really well in hybrids.

You can purchase Prince Premier Control from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , and  Tennis Only.

Babolat Xcel

Babolat also have a solid range of multifilament strings. This one is a bit more powerful than the strings mentioned above.

You can purchase Babolat Xcel from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only  and Amazon .

Yonex Rexis Speed

Speed is the name of the more control-oriented multifilament in the Rexis line-up. I think it’s also the best choice for most players.

You can purchase Yonex Rexis from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only  and Amazon .

Babolat VS Touch Natural gut

Natural gut strings are fantastic in playability (except for the spin potential) and hold tension much better but come at a more premium price point. The Babolat VS Touch is the Rolls Royce of natural gut strings, but Luxilon Natural gut and Wilson Natural Gut are also good.

You can purchase Babolat VS Touch natural gut from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only  , and Amazon .

You might want to try a softer polyester string when you pass the beginner and lower-level intermediate stages.

Intermediate strings

One thing to note about polyester strings over multifilaments (or gut) is that they give you better control and spin potential, but the tension drops quicker and will need a restring even if the string doesn’t break.

Softer polyesters are more comfortable on the arm than firm polys but drop tension even faster. So be aware that you need to restring after 8-15 hours of play depending on how hard you hit and what racquet you use it in.

Remember to not string a poly too high! A tension around 50 lbs is a good reference tension. Many players can go lower, down to 48, 45, or even 40 lbs. Try it and see how it plays.

Recommended strings:

Solinco Hyper-G Soft

One of our favorite softer polys that is relatively arm-friendly and remains playable for a decent amount of time. Check out our Solinco Hyper G Soft review .

You can purchase Solinco Hyper G Soft natural gut from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

Yonex Poly Tour Air

It is a very arm-friendly poly with good spin potential. It’s even softer than Hyper-G Soft but drops tension a little quicker.

You can purchase Yonex Poly Tour Air from Tennis Warehouse ,  Tennis Only , and Amazon .

Isospeed Cream

Well, the name says everything! A creamy string in looks and feel. Not as spin-friendly as the strings above, but with an excellent feel.

You can purchase Isospeed Cream from Tennis Warehouse  and  Tennis Warehouse Europe.

Volkl Cyclone Tour

While Cyclone is a great string for players that hit big, Cyclone Tour is a lot softer and more springy. Might not be for control freaks, but if you need a little extra help while maintaining good spin potential, this is a good choice.

You can purchase Volkl Cyclone Tour from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

Wilson Revolve Spin

It is another tension-dropper, but until then, it plays great with excellent spin and control.

You can purchase Wilson Revolve Spin from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , Wilson and Amazon .

Toroline Caviar

I enjoy Toroline strings, and their Caviar is my favorite. Soft, spin-friendly, and with a nice feel. I also like the Wasabi and I’m trying some hybrids right now. Check out our Toroline string review.

You can purchase Toroline Caviar from their official website . Use the code TENNISNERD for a discount.

Advanced strings

You don’t need to be an advanced player to use these strings if you string them low, let’s say at 45 lbs or lower. That way you also open up some more comfort and power from the string. High-level players that hit big will likely go with higher tensions as they seek the bite and control these strings provide.

If you don’t have a fast swing speed, these strings might be too stiff.

Solinco Confidential

This string has been growing on me ever since I created my Solinco Confidential review . It has excellent control and snapback, and it feels like your shots keep dipping in at the last second over and over again. I use the thinner gauge (1.20) to as it is slightly less stiff and gives amazing spin. You can applaud Solinco for Hyper-G and Tour Bite , but Confidential has become my favorite.

You can purchase Solinco Confidential from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

HEAD Lynx Tour

Another relatively stiff string that offers brilliant spin potential and control. One of the most solid strings out there. It is quite heavy, so can add some swing weight to your racquet depending on which string you used before. Check out our HEAD Lynx Tour review here. This string is used by many pros like Roman Safiullin and Andrey Rublev, to mention two.

You can purchase HEAD Lynx Tour from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

It is one of the stiffest strings on the market but with an excellent responsive feel and fantastic control. From the first impact, you feel that this is a premium string. Used by many pros like Stefanos Tsitsipas , Grigor Dimitrov, and Alex de Minaur . We need to update our Luxilon 4G review.

You can purchase Luxilon 4G from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , Wilson and Amazon .

Babolat RPM Blast

Rafa Nadal’s string choice have ended up in many Pure Aero’s over the years. Not sure it’s a great idea if you are not swinging fast, though. It’s a great string for the right player with longer and faster strokes. For intermediate players, I would string it at 45 lbs or lower for better comfort, but it of course, depends on the player’s style and level. Check out our review.

You can purchase Babolat RPM Blast from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

Volkl Cyclone

Cyclone was one of my favorite strings and still belongs on the list. Dependable and controlled with excellent spin potential. Relatively stiff, so sensitive arms should probably look away, but that comment is similar for most strings in this category.

You can purchase Volkl Cyclone from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

HEAD Hawk Power

A relatively new string on the market that plays with great control and not too stiff of a feel. It’s very similar to Luxilon’s flagship, Alu Power. Good pocketing and feel for a poly. Check out our HEAD Hawk Power review .

You can purchase HEAD Hawk Power from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

Luxilon Alu Power

Luxilon Alu Power is a legend and one of the most used strings on the ATP and WTA Tours. You can read some Alu Power history here (which started with Big Banger Original). It offers good pocketing and excellent control with a slightly deader response than 4G (it’s not quite as stiff, though).

You can purchase Luxilon Alu Power from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , Wilson and Amazon .

Yonex Poly Tour Pro

This is Yonex’s most popular string on the tour with players like Nick Kyrgios , Marton Fucsovics , Ben Shelton and many others. It’s somewhere in the middle of a softer and a firmer poly and plays with a good blend of control, feel and comfort. Check out our Yonex Poly Tour Pro review .

You can purchase Yonex Poly Tour Pro from Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe , Tennis Only , and Amazon .

MSV Co Focus Hex

MSV is a budget-friendly brand, and Co Focus Hex is a very popular string among advanced players. It’s firm, so not really for players with arm issues, but gives you good control and spin potential. AND at a great price.

Lesser known strings

There are some up-and-coming string brands that we want to shout out in this space. They make some excellent strings and are worth considering.

Grapplesnake

Grapplesnake offers some excellent strings like Tour M8 and Tour Sniper , both control strings with a medium soft response. Check them out at Grapplesnake

Restring Zero

Zero is a new string offering good spin potential and snapback in a slightly softer string than the ones above.

String Project

Italian String Project has some excellent strings like the softer Magic for players looking for an arm-friendly poly.

Velociti Catalyst is the first biodegradable tennis string (which I’m aware of) on the market. It plays with good control and spin, so it’s a solid choice.

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Solinco Tour Bite 16G Silver Tennis String

Very durable

The best feel I have had. Thanks Don

Have been using these strings for about 3 years now. Great mix of durability, feel, and value. Not too expensive like other brands but will last many games. Never using other strings! Get it.

Great playability…durable

Produces good spin on topspin and slice

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Solinco-Tour Bite Tennis String Silver-()

• Gauge: 16L (1.25mm)
• Length: 40 feet (12.2m)
• Construction: Co-polyester
• Color: Silver

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Product Description

A newly developed, high-performance and versatile co-poly string designed to generate extreme power and intense spin and bite. The Tour Bite utilizes an innovative, high-powered co-polyester monofilament designed and shaped to generate maximum power while amplifying the spin and bite intensity of the ball.

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Customers say

Customers like the quality, spin, comfort and control of the tennis strings. For example, they mention it's durable, has a nice pocket feel and provides more ball control. That said, they appreciate the longevity, performance, and power. Opinions are mixed on stiffness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the strings. For example, they say they're durable, consistent, and reliable. Some mention that the strings are thin and have great spin potential.

" Good string , performs as advertised. Shipper had it to me VERY quickly." Read more

" Great thinner strings (vs 17g) with great spin potential.If you dont break poly strings regularly its a good option." Read more

"... Completely reliable an extremely long lasting - but like most polysters 'drops off a cliff' tensionwise when it reaches end of life - which for me..." Read more

"For the price, this is a very high quality string ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the spin of the tennis racket. They mention that it has good spin potential, and is great for spin and control. Some say that the string allows them to get more spin.

"Great thinner strings (vs 17g) with great spin potential .If you dont break poly strings regularly its a good option." Read more

"...The string isn’t stiff and it’s got a good feel. I like the spin & power I can generate with it. Package came unscathed and fast." Read more

"...The feel is just slightly less than LW 16. My top spin backhand was more consistent and I could drive the ball with control and pace...." Read more

"...The strings generate good spin and its easy on the arms. I would definitely buy another set when the time comes to replace them...." Read more

Customers find the tennis ball comfortable and easy to use. They mention that the light gauge gives a nice soft feel, and the pocket feel is solid. Some say that the string is stiffened and not so soft, so they don't have joint issues. Overall, customers are satisfied with the comfort and performance of the product.

"...The string isn’t stiff and it’s got a good feel . I like the spin & power I can generate with it. Package came unscathed and fast." Read more

"...They are comfortable /arm friendly. Strung Prince Ex03 Tour 100 at 58 lbs with Technifiber X-one crosses." Read more

"...The strings generate good spin and its easy on the arms . I would definitely buy another set when the time comes to replace them...." Read more

"These strung up without issue. I strung it at 59 and it still feels very tight (Head Liquid Metal 8), and I'm using the built-in vibration dampener..." Read more

Customers say the strings provide more ball control than natural gut. They also say it allows them to hit the ball with more power and maintain control.

"...; stiff, unelastic, doesn't move in the string bed and high levels of control ...." Read more

"...This string is amazing. It allowed me to hit out while maintaining control , and spin. The feel is just slightly less than LW 16...." Read more

"...comfort when I hit my flat serves and returning big hitters, overall the control , power, and comfort is all there...." Read more

"...It does not have the touch like natural gut but it gives more ball control ." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the longevity of the product. They mention that it is extremely long-lasting, has good playability and endurance, and wears well. Some appreciate the consistency and power of the tennis racket.

"...Completely reliable an extremely long lasting - but like most polysters 'drops off a cliff' tensionwise when it reaches end of life - which for me..." Read more

"...It last longer that expected , so you will be saving money on strings and labor. I like the string I will buy it again." Read more

"...These play well, spin well and wear well . They haven't broken in probably close to 30 sessions so far and I tend to hit with a lot of spin...." Read more

"Good bite. Last much longer than nylon . However it takes getting used to the no elasticity...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the golf string. They mention that it performs as advertised, plays well, spins well, and wears well. Some appreciate the fast shipping and great service.

"Good string, performs as advertised . Shipper had it to me VERY quickly." Read more

"...These play well , spin well and wear well. They haven't broken in probably close to 30 sessions so far and I tend to hit with a lot of spin...." Read more

"I am a USRSA Certified Stringer and have been very pleased with the performance and durability of the tour bite string." Read more

"all around good performance , spin, power and feel. stronger than 17G although loses tension after a month of play, would recomend" Read more

Customers like the power of the string. They mention it has good power, and is consistent. Some say it's a good string for low power, with good spin potential.

"...I hit my flat serves and returning big hitters, overall the control, power , and comfort is all there. I recommend these for the intermediate and up...." Read more

"...I love it . I would give it a 10 on feel and an 8 on power . Haven't had it in my raquet long but if it lasts very long it will be my new brand." Read more

"I string this on my Wilson Pro Staff 97 at 60 pounds. Great power , decent feel and still playing solid after 8 hours of competitive play...." Read more

" good string for low power which I prefer good spin potential" Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the stiffness of the tennis string. Some say it's stiff and unelastic, while others say it holds its tension for a lot longer. Some customers also mention that it takes getting used to the no elasticity.

"This polyester has all the traits of a polyester; stiff , unelastic, doesn't move in the string bed and high levels of control...." Read more

"Good bite. Last much longer than nylon. However it takes getting used to the no elasticity ...." Read more

"... Holds it's tension for a lot longer and very durable." Read more

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11 Best Tennis Strings For Spin

Players at different levels are always looking for opportunities to add as much spin as possible. Not only does topspin help a lot with kicking a ball up and giving a player an advantage, but it helps to keep the ball inside the court as well.

Any tennis coach will tell a player that the biggest key to spin is knowing how to hit the ball the right way. With that being said, certain strings help out individual players more than others.

Before we go into the review. These are the 11 best tennis strings for spin.

• Babolat RPM Blast
• Luxilon ALU Power Spin
• Solinco Tour Bite 19
• Technifiber Black Code 4S 16
• Volkl Cyclone 16
• Kirschbaum Xplosive Speed 16
• Wilson Revolve Spin 16
• Turna Poly Big Hitter Black 7
• Gamma AMP Moto 16
• Head Sonic Pro Edge 16
• Yonex Poly Tour Spin

It’s very tough to recommend one specific string for all players, but some help with spin more than others. Below is a look at some of those best options, and from there, players should try at least a few that are interesting once before fully committing.

1. Babolat RPM Blast

Rpm Blast is arguably the most popular string on both the ATP and WTA tour right now . It seems like at least every other player is using this co-polyester monofilament option. It comes in 15, 16, 17, and 18 gauge, allowing a player to get the perfect thickness for their style of play. Generally speaking, the thicker the gauge, the longer the strings will last from a durability standpoint.

What makes RPM blast stand out so much compared to other strings? Part of it comes down to marketing for sure, but Bob lot is a strain company first and foremost. They were making string long before they were making racquets, and now they are putting out a killer combination.

RPM Blast offers basically everything a person could ask for out of a spin-friendly string . The eight-sided string is very slick to touch, which is designed to help improve the spin-off of the string bed. It’s very durable, Allowing players to hit a little longer without losing tension compared to most other co-polys.

What To Expect

With the proper topspin strokes, a player can hit a very heavy ball that stays on the court. Increasing the RPM on the ball allows it to jump off the court and put the opposition in a very tough position . It’s one of the best ways to turn defense into offense.

If there is one negative to RPM Blast, it is the stiffness of the string. Players who have arm trouble feel like it is next to impossible to jump to something like RPM Blast. There is a learning curve for sure when first trying it out, but most people are willing to go through the adjustment.

For some added spin, try the RPM Blast Rough. It is a variation of the same string, but with a roughness to it that helps grab the ball and spin it a little bit more. You can read our full review of the Babolat RPM Blast in this post.

2. Luxilon ALU Power Spin 127

With a lot of different Luxilon ALU Power strings available, the spin option is obviously the best to get that extra amount of RPM on the ball . Some people will use the string in their entire racquet, while others will only use it as part of a hybrid option.

What makes this a little more spin-friendly? It comes down to the shape of the string, which is pentagonal. After every stroke, players will notice the strings doing a lot of extra work. They feel pretty much the exact same as other ALU Power options, but players generally feel like they can swing a little bigger without worrying about the ball going out.

Durability is once again not much of a concern at all with the string. Some people feel that it lacks just a little bit of power, but most people using this string will have a fast swing anyway. They may not necessarily need extra power, but instead extra spin and control.

If this is used as part of a hybrid, look for a softer and more powerful string to pair with it. This will help to balance out the racquet a little more and give a player more feel. The one tough thing about any co-polyester is that it is pretty tough on the arm. Having half of the racquet strong with a softer string will keep things comfortable.

3. Solinco Tour Bite 19

Solanco has a number of different gauges for people to try out, but they are one of the few companies to offer a 19 gauge of co-polyester . This might be entirely too thin for some people, but those looking for the ultimate amount of spin will enjoy an even more open string pattern thanks to this thin option.

This string has really taken off at the college level, as players have the ability to tinker with different strings a little more than the casual player. Even though this is a more affordable option compared to Babolat and Luxilon, a 19 gauge string is only going to last a few hours of play at best. After that, the string might need cut out, or it might just snap.

If a player gets a very little spin on their shots right now, and they don’t necessarily break a lot of strings, this is an option worth looking into . Be prepared to notice the difference from the very first stroke. A 19 gauge string is one of the thinnest options on the market.

4. Tecnifibre Black Code 4S 16

Another square-shaped string designed specifically for developing spin, Tecnifibre has been producing some variation of their Black Code string for quite a while. It is a very low-powered string that does a very good job of holding its tension a little longer than most competitors .

Another thing that stands out with Black Code 4S is the string is a little softer than most of its competition. It’s very difficult to find a truly soft string made of co-polyester monofilament, but the company uses Thermal Core Technology to soften things up a bit. They do this by using a heating technique that softens the string ever so slightly and helps reduce vibrations with every single shot.

The 16 gauge version is probably the best one to try out since it will offer the best durability . It also helps that Technifiber is a little cheaper than Babolat and Luxilon, which allows people to try it out and compare on their own.

5. Volkl Cyclone 16

The Volkl company has slept on quite a bit when it comes to the rackets, and the same goes for the string . They don’t quite have the same presence as some of the other big names in tennis at the highest level, but they produce a lot of great products the people have grown to trust.

For under $10 a lot of times, a person can purchase Volkl Cyclone 16 string for a single racquet. That is considerably less than some of the top options on the market, allowing for people to easily sample the string and see if it is a good fit for them.

Volkl has a slightly different shape of string that they use, going for a gear-inspired look. It is extremely friendly for those first making the switch to a co-polyester multifilament. Players can sit behind the baseline all day long and hit powerful strokes without struggling at all. There is enough power behind the strokes to penetrate the court, and the spin prevents The opposition from moving up without paying dearly.

The field is above average with a strain, and doubles players, in particular, seem to really love this option . If looking for a new type of string to try out, now is the time to do so.

6. Kirschbaum Xplosive Speed 16

Kirschbaum is a well-respected name in the stringing industry, and this latest release from them is already proving to be a very popular option among players of all ages . It has a pentagon old profile, and it allows for the strings to grab the ball with each stroke and load up with a lot of spin. The company spent a lot of time making sure that they still offer one of the most comfortable co-polyester multifilaments in the game.

Their Thermal Fusion Technology allows them to soften up the string just enough to make it a little more friendly for the arms of players around the world. This is good news for anyone moving to a co-polyester, because a string that is too stiff can do some serious damage.

Kirschbaum has a number of other options available for people who are looking for Spain, but this new release is very promising. It seems like they have focused on feedback from customers in the past, and they have put together one of the finest options for people to use now. The best news is they are still firmly in the below-average price range for people in need of string that fits their game.

7. Wilson Revolve Spin 16

Wilson isn’t known too much for their branded strings, but the Revolve Spin is a budget option for anyone looking to try a new option out . The UHMW material that the company uses allows for the string to give a ball that extra snap for added spin. Many people who try it for the first time are pleasantly surprised.

A lot of intermediate players enjoy using this string because it is affordable, and the playability is pretty high. It has a good amount of control, and it’s a little more powerful than a lot of other similar options. Most tennis players seem to overlook Wilson as a stringing company, but this is one option to check out and see what it provides.

8. Tourna Big Hitter Black 7

Seven different edges on the string make for a pretty spinny option for heavy hitters. The company is known mostly for its overgrips, but they have developed an affordable string that is comfortable for any type of player.

Spin is something that just comes very easy with the string overall . Flat hitters with a little bit of adjustment will notice that they can add some additional spin to their service and their groundstrokes. This is very beneficial for someone who needs to add a different level to their plate.

One thing to note is that the string does very well for any player who likes to string their racquets at very low tensions. It will still perform at a high level, and comfort will never be sacrificed . Players should always be tinkering with what they can to get the perfect fit for them.

9. Gamma AMP Moto 16

Currently, this string is perhaps the most affordable, spin-friendly polyester out there for players to consider. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get great spin on the ball with the proper strain.

The string is very firm and is generally not recommended to people who have any type of arm issues currently. With seven different sharp edges, there is a lot of bite to every ball that is hit. It also does very well at lowering tensions, not losing any of the playability that people love about it in the first place.

This might not be the first option for people to turn to when they are trying polyester strings out initially, but it’s a move to make to save some money and try a seven-sided string option. It performs as well as many of the other strings in this list, and at a fraction of the price.

10. Head Sonic Pro Edge 16

There is some obvious spin potential with the string, but as far as its main selling feature, it has to be controlled . Out of every string listed in this article, the Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 might have the best control on any type of shot.

Another added bonus for players at any level s\is the overall comfort level. Players can put the ball where they want to, and their arm doesn’t pay the price for it. Some players take advantage of all the spin potential, while others simply like to capitalize on the control feature. It really is a good option for multiple reasons.

Jumping to polyester is always a bit of a gamble for any type of tennis player . Consider this option a perfect way to enter the world. Nobody wants to mess up their arm with the very first type of strain, but the softer option will generally be just fine.

This string works very well with any Head racquet, but it also works perfectly fine with other companies as well . Head doesn’t always get the attention it deserves when it comes to putting out quality strings, but it is worth looking into for anyone attempting something new.

11. Yonex Poly Tour Spin

The final string to make this list is a fairly popular option on the ATP and WTA tours . It plays a lot like several other options listed above that are pentagon shape, but yeah nexus found a way to provide just a little bit more durability. If a player is burning through strings left and right, this might be an option worth looking into. The 16 gauge option is perfect for a lot of people for durability, but the thinner options will provide slightly more spin.

It is somewhat of a low-powered string, so it might not be the best for any player who doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard currently. It’s meant more for the ability to take risks and really take strong swings at the ball. Trusting that the ball will stay in with added control means that the string is doing its job.

How To Do A Proper String Test

Finding the right string that fits a person’s game might not seem like the biggest task in the world, but there are a lot of quality options to choose from. Where does a person begin? A lot of it comes down to self-analyzing.

Is the amount of spin already high? How powerful are the strokes off the ground and serves? Are balls actually staying in the court? Certain spin-friendly strings also focus on other aspects of the game.

After that, usually, people are left with a handful of different string options to try out. Polyester strings don’t last all that long, so trying out a few different options makes a lot of sense. Buying one set and then putting them in multiple racquets at the same time, if possible, will speed up the trial process. Most people will have the string of their choice figured out in just a few months.

The name of the game in tennis is spin, but never sacrifice long-term health for it . Jumping right into using polyester and playing a lot can lead to elbow problems that will be a major setback. Ease into everything and it will work out just fine.

I'm Fred, the guy behind TennisPredict. Apart from writing here, I play tennis on a semi-professional level and coach upcoming talents.

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Best tennis rackets to hit the court with for beginners to advanced players 2024

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Choosing the right tennis racket can be a minefield.

These days, you are spoilt for choice with a wide variety of models for beginners all the way through to advanced playing standards with a baffling array of specifications to understand.

On top of that, there are other variables that can be considered, namely racket length, grip size, string choice, pattern and tension (not to mention balance, swing weight, beam width and lead tape if you wanna be really specific) - which could make all a difference to your game.

Price is also part of the process, and before making that final move, you might consider the aesthetic factors and whether the racket has any star player endorsements.

You will find that tennis rackets come in three main categories:

• Beginner: These are all about forgiveness. Usually, players opt for a lighter-weight racket (approx 260-280g) and a larger racket head size (100-110sq in) to hit shots with ease.
• Intermediate: Stepping it up a notch, consider both control and power. Look in the medium weight category (approx 275-300g) and a racket head size of around 98-100sq in. These are for players who aim to hit with more power, spin, accuracy and depth.
• Advanced: Control is still important but so is feel. Heavier rackets (approx 295-325g), thinner frame beams (19-22mm) and smaller head sizes (97-100sq in) are ideal for players who are looking to hit with accuracy, spin and depth producing their own power with a long swing action.

A heavier racket produces more stability and mass, which in turn creates more power. A thinner frame beam and smaller racket head size/closed string pattern (18x20) give more stability, feel and control to a player. An open string pattern (16x19) offers extra spin and power capability.

Ashley Neaves , former UK Coach of the Year and Content Creator - The Tennis Mentor on YouTube and Instagram explains it simply: “For a player, their racket is an extension of their body and is very personal. Finding the right one can make the difference between playing with what feels like Harry Potter’s wand or Thor’s hammer.

“Using the right equipment is not only vital for your enjoyment and your performance, but also injury prevention. Rackets may seem expensive upon initial inspection, but if you find the right one, it will last years. When you compare to golfers having to invest in a set of 14 clubs, you just need one racket to play tennis (or two if you want a backup)”.

Shop our selection of some totally wicked frames to get your hands on - happy hitting!

Best Padel tennis gear 2024: Essential guide to rackets, shoes, bags and more

Best women’s tennis shoes for casual or competitive players

Best tennis bags for a stylish way to get your gear to the court

Babolat Pure Strike 100

• Weight : 305g
• Headsize : 100sq in
• String Pattern : 16x19 hybrid strings
• Beam : 21-23-21mm

Before hitting with this control frame, I was aware of its popularity with upper intermediate/advanced players. So, naturally, I was inquisitive about the long-awaited and hyped new Pure Strike Gen4 version (as used by our very Cameron Norrie).

This particular racket has a history of being rigid and hard to handle, but the introduction of NF2- Tech, according to Babolat, will reward the player with improved feel and comfort.

At first, I had a series of blips with its handling and unlocking its potential. Some frames take a bit more playtime to understand, but once you find yourself on the same page, it will be worth the wait.

The directional control and creativity on sweeping groundstrokes and deft slices is something to behold. I found the return of serves (especially pouncing on slower second serves) and mid-court crushers a dream to set up and the result was always a winning shot.

Serves produced fabulous dipping spin, depth and angles with a decent peppering of power, while on the volley, it is stable and a joy to kill the point off with.

One of our play testing team had been using the 2019 version for several years and in comparison, found the new Gen 4 more forgiving.

You’ll receive a seamless connection from racket to arm and a devastating amount of mass to unleash at pinpoint accuracy, providing you hit the sweet spot with effortless timing.

Be warned as balance-wise, there is a slightly head-heavy drop to assist with its fierce swing path – which is more suited to experienced hitters.

The 100sq 16x19 in my opinion is the top dog in its line, the dynamics produce an excellent launch angle (not too high or low) from all corners making this way more playable than I thought.

This Babolat baby also boasts an attractive white and orange colourway with embossed Japanese manga-style lettering neatly positioned along the throat of the racket.

So, before you next step on the tennis court, are you ready to (pure) strike?

Other rackets in the brand’s range include the ever-popular Pure Drive , Pure Aero Rafe Origin , Evo and Boost – which cater for a wide spectrum of playing abilities.

Babolat Pure Aero

• Weight: 300g
• Headsize: 100sq in
• String pattern: 16x19 with Babolat RPM Blast 130 strings at 54lbs
• Beam: 23-26-23mm

So, you like to put some deadly spin into your game? Well, look no further than the 8th gen Pure Aero 100. This racket unleashes maximum sting when it comes to slice and top spin, together with its cool angular aerodynamic frame and wasp-like colour block finish.

Fans of Carlos Alcaraz will happily boast about this gem from Babolat all day long and for years to come, as it is endorsed by the man himself and youngest world number one in ATP history.

Aimed towards hitters who can handle mixing up their shots and tactics consistently in full tilt game mode, it will certainly make some positive moves on court and be a treasured delight in your tennis bag. When armed with this beast, I produced some quite frankly ridiculous revolutions, throwing opponents toward the back fence. Sure, I had to get some control issues locked in, but that all fell into place fairly quickly.

I seemed to hit a completely new level of execution and creativity. The ball gave me stupendous bite feedback off my strings and kept extremely low off the ground on slice. Serves kicked up a real storm, especially when whizzing in wide angles on the deuce court. I can see why Alcaraz loves this line so much.

Playing Standard: Intermediate/Advanced

Star Endorsement: Carlos Alcaraz

Wilson Clash v2

• Weight: 295g
• String pattern: 16x19 with Luxilon Smart 125 strings used at 46lbs tension
• Beam: 24.5mm

There has been some positive talk about the Clash in my tennis club recently, so we wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Here we have the brand’s 2.0 version stealing the show with its fiery metallic red and matt black colourway and embossed logo.

Wilson has also created a dynamite range of special editions in collaboration with Roland Garros, Brazilian Artist Britto and The Minions to name a few.

Essentially, this piece is aimed at the all-rounder. However, there are quite a few advanced players who also adore it.

Once I got to grips with the racket, I could see why. Firstly, it’s well balanced and easy to take a huge cut on the ball without hurting your arm. Some may notice that it has a slightly stiffer feel on rapid groundstrokes than its predecessor.

The large sweet spot is forgiving, yet yields tremendous potential to put away shots in a blink of an eye. Swatting pretty much every shot in the book can be a accomplished with pure enjoyment - even if you are on the back foot.

This awe-inspiring line ranges from a more precise 98sq in head size through to a whopping 108sq in. So, will naturally attract a wide variety of players.

Playing Standard: All-rounder

Yonex VCore 98

• Weight: 305g
• Headsize: 98sq in
• String pattern: 16x19 and Yonex Poly Tour Spin strings used at 53lbs tension
• Beam: 23-23-21mm

From the first ball, we could tell that the new VCore 98 provided outrageous spin thanks to Yonex’s signature engineering and open string pattern. From that point on, we knew we were in for a ball!

The isometric head has a larger - and more forgiving - sweetspot for any off-centre shots and produces a balanced blend of control, power and feel.

Players of high intermediate to advanced standard will be lured in by the incredible all round mobility.

Yonex claims on this model that new Aero Fin technology creates a faster, thinner frame for increased ball-pocketing. It certainly delivers the goods on court and is a pleasure to hit with.

The scarlet/blue finish will also add a splash of colour to your shot-making for extra measure.

This VCore in our estimation fits inbetween the more control-orientated 97 VCore Pro (310g), which is due for refresh in August 2023 and the powerful yet plush EZone 98 (305g) within the brand’s range.

One of our doubles and volley specialist hitters, Chris A, who has never used this brand before remarked at “how well weighted and balanced the racket is with outstanding aspects of control, power and spin”.

Yonex has an unrivalled reputation on precision build quality and they continue to impress both in the lab and on the court.

Star Endorsement: Denis Shapovalov/Caroline Garcia

HEAD Radical MP

• String pattern: 16x19 and HEAD Lynx Tour strings used at 54lbs tension
• Beam: 20-23-21mm

Ok, you want to be the centre of attention and are seeking a little extra statement design while you strut your stuff on the court. Look no further than the aptly dubbed ‘People’s Racket’ with its all-star makeover.

Its striking appearance will have eyes popping from the clubhouse and beyond. Flashes of bright orange are complimented by matt blue making this leagues ahead of any other frame in the HEAD range - and there’s a fair amount of competition.

It has a fluid feel, making this new Radical easy to pick up and play. It’s even more accessible than the HEAD Speed MP and the Wilson Blade in our humble opinion.

HEAD have plugged in a new Auxetic construction which as they say “increases the racket’s optimal impact feel and gives highly accurate feedback”. This ran true in our play tests where we found a lot of joy in digging out a wide variety of shots from tramline to tramline. It cut the mustard nicely at the net too. Overhead shots may take a bit of getting used to due to differences in balance.

Intermediate to advanced hitters should be on high alert, this is an attractive proposition for their gameplay. Although some (advanced) players might find the softness of the beam and forgiving sensation upon ball impact a bit of turn-off. Others will be bouncing at its versatility.

I can see why this racket has such a cult following and is an all-round bestseller.

Star Endorsement: Taylor Fritz, Diego Schwartzman

Wilson Blade 98 v8

• String pattern: 16x19 and Luxilon Eco Power 125 strings used at 53.5lbs tension
• Beam: 20.6mm

One of the most popular rackets on the pro circuit has just had an interesting refresh.

The new Blade v9 frame has a glittering metallic finish with a lush deep forest green makeover showcasing cleaner and embossed graphic decals. Aesthetically, though, this does feel less unique than the copper and olive hue that we have come to know and love.

Performance-wise, the introduction of Stablefeel tech is said to increase stability, feel and control.

There is also a ‘click and go’ bumper guard and grommet system which allegedly expands the life of the racket. I don’t doubt this, but only time will tell if this is the case and if it becomes standard across the Wilson range.

So, how does this offering match up on court against the previous incarnation? Well, there is definitely a boost in stability and the racket feels more solid without any loss of fluidity. Power levels have also jumped up a notch or two with no compromise on control.

The Blade prides itself on the feel factor and whilst it ripples through your shots nicely, aficionados may notice a slightly dampened sensation compared to that of the v8. It didn’t affect the overall performance factor – as was echoed by our team of playtesters.

That said, it retains the samurai sharpness and playability as a major tour de force.

However, if the Blade doesn’t suit your match play, Wilson has an extensive offering with the Ultra for power, SHIFT for spin, Clash for comfort and Pro Staff for control in their range.

Star Endorsement: Emma Raducanu, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep

Babolat Pure Drive

• String pattern: 16x19 with Babolat RPM Blast 130 and Xcel 130 strings at 44.5lbs tension
• Beam: 21-23-21mm

Originally introduced in 1994, Babolat’s Pure Drive is still going strong and enters its 10th generation phase. In keeping with its roots, the familiar blue tones are still evident, but have been jazzed up with a cool bit of metallic glitz and glamour.

I previously tested an early Pure Drive (when it first launched) and was curious to see now if its solid foundation for huge groundstrokes and serves remains.

Here we go then! The racket feels light in hand, comfortable and ultra-fast in every swing, creating devastating and effortless power. The 98sq in head keeps things in complete cruise control.

On the volley, I was interested to find out if it could match performance on groundstrokes - and I’m pleased to say it duly delivered. A strong contender at the net, it also sparkled on low tricky air balls hovering around the service line.

For players who enjoy smashing down serves and overheads with gusto, this racket doesn’t disappoint. It’s a firecracker. Just remember not to get too over-excited.

Star Endorsement: Garbine Muguruza

Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 Isoflex

• String pattern: 18x19 with Tecnifibre Razor Soft 125 strings used at 52.5lbs tension
• Beam: 23-23-22.5mm

The racket of choice for Daniil Medvedev has a cleaner, more minimalistic look than the brand’s TF-40 305. The French Tricolore colours remain front and centre, as does the exquisite feel and ball pocketing - albeit with a slightly stiffer beam.

According to the lab boffins at Tecnifbre, the new Isolflex innovation provides “an evolving stiffness around the frame associated with each string [...] to increase tolerance and stability to impact”.

Our playtest found direction and control is where it really shines with great plough through (how the racket pushes the ball through the court). You will need to produce your own power and utilise a full-flowing swing.

Once you have mastered that, challenging yourself to hit ridiculous targets and angles within the lines will be the game to play, no matter your opponent. The 18x19 tight string bed will be your trusty co-pilot for this and (hopefully) keep those restringing costs down.

I’d usually expect a slight drop in comfort with these kinds of advanced rackets. However, this new stick (much like the TF-40 305) doesn’t shudder through the arm or elbow. The sensation is smooth and the performance is spot on. You may also notice the higher price point too.

Club players looking for a more all-round performer should check out the Tecnifibre TF-X1 family, you’ll experience wicked power, playability in your hands, plus cool control together with substantial stability. There’s also a vibration-dampening system positioned within the butt to reduce shock and fatigue. Clever stuff huh!

Playing Standard: Advanced

Star Endorsement: Daniil Medvedev

Yonex EZone

• String pattern : 16x19 with Yonex Poly Tour Strike 125 strings used at 53lbs tension
• Beam: 23.5-24.5-19.5mm

Having a few big names like Andy Murray, Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios behind the EZone is without a doubt an excellent head start. But will this be the perfect pick in your hands?

To kick off with, the lush angular frame is something to behold - incorporating an aero-shaped tapered design for extra softness and an oval pressed shaft, which increases flex and dwell time on ball impact. We also applauded the ice-cool blue finish whilst twiddling and spinning the racket.

During our test drive, we enjoyed this feisty but friendly character throwing in a catalogue of topspin and slice. Not only that, but experienced a delightful fluidity at the net.

The baseline groundstrokes dished out silky smooth shots with an awesome dose of power. Tracking and targeting overheads seemed to be executed well with controlled acceleration.

This range from Yonex is slightly more forgiving than the VCore range and centres on a bit more oomph. Hitters who regard themselves at the upper intermediate and advanced level should size this one up.

Star Endorsement: Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray

Artengo TR960 Control Tour

• Headsize: 97.6sq in
• String Pattern: 18x20
• Beam: 22 mm

Do you want a top-drawer control-orientated tennis racket with a stellar name attached to it and rather not shell out a boatload of cash? You’re in luck.

Artengo has teamed up with show court favourite, flying Frenchman Gael Monfils to create a cracking high-performance frame for under £100.

The paint job might not be the highest quality finish, but as a platform product straight off the shop shelf, it has the makings to be stiff competition against the brand leaders in how it performs on the court.

When I say platform product, I mean the racket requires a little customisation (adding weight to increase its stability). You can use either lead tape or better still, the copper version.

Don’t get me wrong, it still performs well in all departments without any tinkering - I found it resembled the Wilson Blade - but applying some personal specs will take this racket to another level.

Yes, this may be a slight hassle, but once it’s done, you should find it boosts directional control, stability and power.

For any top club-level players on the hunt for a brand new beam on a budget, this could be bang on target. More forgiving options are available in their range with the likes of the TR930, which possesses the ability to unleash spin shots at will or for power meets comfort, look no further than the TR500 .

Star Endorsement: Gael Monfils

Wilson Ultra v4

• String pattern: 16x19 with factory standard strings and tension
• Beam: 24-26.5-24.25mm

Looking for dynamite in your hands whilst playing tennis? Well, here is something explosive in the form of the revamped and popular Ultra. Kicking on from the previous version, the v4 has a supremely more solid feel and an improved all-court shot-making boost.

My natural game is focused on going on the offense and pinning players into a defensive position looking for that winning shot into the open court or forcing them into an error (where and when I can) - and that’s exactly where this weapon excels. The sheer force you can gain whilst swiping forehands, backhands and overheads is venomous. The bite you get from baseline to baseline is on another level and will have your opponent (or friend) stuck to the back fence.

While power is the key factor, control thankfully has not been left by the wayside. Comfort is also a major player here. The Ultra v4 is arm-friendly and easy to handle - which provides you with immediate confidence. This was expertly tested by my 80-year-old dad, who doesn’t stop raving about his exploits on court.

Don’t be fooled that this is just a perfect fit for seniors. A host players of across all levels will enjoy playing with the Ultra v4. Pro player Maria Sakkari (currently World ranked #6 on the WTA singles tour) endorses this line, among many others.

What’s more, the plush iridescent ocean blue and purple haze colourway is something to behold and cherish - and prepare to cue the compliments as you unleash this ruthless beauty out of your trusty court bag .

Playing Standard: All-Levels

Star Endorsement: Maria Sakkari, Borna Coric, Ajla Tomljanovic

HEAD Speed Team L

• Weight: 265g
• String pattern: 16x19 with HEAD Lynx 130 strings used at 55lbs tension

The Speed series has been around for many years and it has mostly kept to its distinctive and minimal black and white pattern right through to the modern day. Look closely and you’ll admire the clean white gloss and matt black cosmetic with copper details.

The Speed Team L uses ‘Auxetic’ materials which stiffen the frame on fast swinging groundstrokes, giving more stability and softening slice and drop shots for more flexibility, ultimately giving a ”sensational” feel, according to HEAD.

This racket leans towards power on the brand’s scale metric and would suit a junior or casual player seeking a baseline boost. It’s easy to handle, very light on the arm but packs a high playability rating producing an outstanding mix of power, spin and control.

Playing Standard: Beginner/Casual Enthusiast

Star Endorsement: Novak Djokovic

Wilson Burn v5

• Beam : 23.5-25.23.5mm

There are two main features that you will notice about the Wilson Burn v5 before even hitting a ball. The fiery burnt orange paint job will get set your pulse racing, while the cosmetic finish is electric and will have you burning to hit the court.

Then you got the price point, which sits at under £150. Now, for a brand new tennis racket, this is an extremely enticing prospect.

Usually, this is where things fall apart, you take your first swing and find that its user-friendliness is way below average to reflect the cost. Think again.

The Burn v5 plays out great and has a likeness to Wilson’s Ultra range. For power, it packs a decent punch in the arms of a medium to fast full-swing player and produces a lively spin. The latter is due to parallel drilling technology which Wilson says generates extra spin, and power and reduces vibration.

After an extensive run out with our test hitters, we agreed our groundstrokes felt fluid on both the fore and backhand. Moving up towards the net resulted in lively and versatile volleys. Overhead shots (serving and smashes) seemed to flow with a devasting impact on the fly.

As an advanced player, the shots, at times, seemed to somewhat trampoline out of the string bed pocket and we experienced a few control issues. However, Wilson’s Burn v5 is geared towards beginners and thus, most players in this category should not be affected by this.

The frame is quite stiff and looking at the specs, could potentially turn players away who suffer from elbow or arm injuries. Surprisingly, I did not encounter any problems and enjoyed a comfortable all-round drive.

Wrapping up, this model is a great mid-range value-for-money option. With prices rocketing up, snapping up a quality bargain comes very welcome.

Playing Standard: Beginner/Improver

Tecnifbre Tempo 270

• Weight: 270g
• String pattern: 16x19 with Tecnifibre TGV 135 strings at 54lbs tension
• Beam: 24.2-26-25.4mm

This stylish racket is predominantly aimed at the female player and forms part of a range recommended by Iga Swiatek. It could easily be a unisex option for juniors, new starters and improvers alike.

Most adult rackets tend to be a length of 27in. You can move to a + size (up to 29in) which will offer more on serve and hitting from the backcourt, but perhaps be a bit trickier to pounce on volleys.

Here, we have a unique 26.5-inch version, which can hold its own from all areas and be extra agile when moving forward.

Performance-wise, it proved to be a real delight, being on balance between delicate and devilish. The open 16x19 string pattern with its 100sq-in head size benefits this model with marvellous access to power and spin (without that, I fear a player would need to work really hard for each point). Thankfully, this isn’t the case and you can pep up your skills technically with this compact beauty.

Tecnifibre has quite clearly engineered and mastered a finely tuned choice here, which will appeal to the masses.

Star Endorsement: Iga Swiatek

Babolat Evo Drive

• Headsize: 104sq in
• String Pattern: 16x17 with Babolat RPM Power 130 strings at 58lbs tension

The first thing you might notice about this offering from Babolat is the massive 104sq head. It gives the player the opportunity to slap balls left, right and centre with pure ease. I honestly felt like I couldn’t miss a shot! You’ll hardly notice your racket in your hand either due to its lightweight nature.

The Evo Drive can muster up absolute turbo serves. Monster groundstrokes are on also hand, together with explosive spin and the potential to execute that killer slice you desire.

This attractive blue, black and white toned racket has got a real rocket booster feel about it - which is down to the advanced SWX Evo Feel technology (used in the aerospace industry) dampening vibrations in three key areas of the frame.

If you searching for something with power and comfort at an affordable price - this could be right up your street.

Dunlop FX JR 21

Fans of rising British pro player Jack Draper will love this!

A premium junior tennis racket made from aluminium is an outstanding value-for-money choice perfect to introduce kids from 4–6 years old (21” version) and assist with their development of the game.

This range is available also for a spectrum of other ages, so you can learn, and grow into the full adult version when you are good and ready!

The blue and black frame finish is the very same as the full adult beam - so having big fun on the court and dreaming of playing like Jack Draper is in your grasp.

Playing Standard: Juniors (4-12 years old)

Recommended

Serving style: all of zendaya’s tennis-themed ‘challengers’ red carpet looks.

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This star was born to serve.

While fashion fans might have thought Zendaya mastered the art of themed dressing during the “Dune: Part Two” press tour, she took things up a notch by wearing one tennis-themed outfit after the next to promote “Challengers” in spring 2024.

Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach , collaborated on a number of court-ready looks as the “Greatest Showman” star hit the red carpet in iconic cities like Paris, London, Sydney and Milan.

In the film, which hits theaters April 26, she plays a former tennis pro turned coach who finds herself in a love triangle between her husband and ex-boyfriend — and the “Spider-Man: Homecoming” star made sure to nail home the sporty theme with plenty of on-the-nose ‘fits.

And while she kicked things off in quite a literal way by wearing a tennis ball green gown with an image of a player on the front, the former Disney star has also gone with a more subtle approach during other tour stops.

From crisp white suits to glittering gowns, check out all of Zendaya’s standout looks from the “Challengers” press tour, below.

Serving in Sydney

Zendaya got the party started in Sydney, Australia in March — and set the tone for the entire press tour — by sporting a custom green Loewe gown featuring a graphic of a tennis player holding a racquet.

The plunging sequined dress also included a thigh-high slit and a tennis ball design just below her chest, and she wore her newly dyed blond hair in a side-swept updo.

The “Dune” star rocked another custom ‘fit for a photo call in Sydney, wearing a white crop top and matching high-waisted briefs by Lacoste. She covered up the hot pants with a sheer white maxi skirt featuring metallic silver thread, adding Bulgari jewels as she posed on a sunny rooftop.

Vintage vibes

The actress — who is dating Tom Holland — went for a 1960s-inspired look during a “Challengers” photo op in Paris, wearing a checkered Louis Vuitton coat dress from its spring/summer 2013 ready-to-wear collection.

Zendaya paired the swinging sixties mini with a pair of white pumps, further committing to the retro aesthetic by wearing her hair in a side-swept ‘do that was pulled back with a white headband.

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Tennis ball green

Zendaya chose another lime green look (and archival Louis Vuitton piece) for a different photo call the same day, rocking a shiny button-down shirt and matching trousers that mimicked once again the color of a tennis ball.

She showed off her toned abs by leaving the bottom three buttons of her spring/summer 1999 Louis Vuitton top undone, teaming the look with metallic platform heels.

Parisian glam

Zendaya went for tennis whites again when she wore a custom Louis Vuitton creation to walk the red carpet at the “Challengers” premiere in Paris . She wore the style — which featured a strapless corset top and sheer skirt sweeping into a train — with a wide white belt worn low on her hips.

The movie star also showed off long blond hair extensions for the night, styling her new ‘do in soft waves and accessorizing with a Bulgari diamond statement necklace and coordinating rings and earrings.

Well-heeled

She went for a more literal look with a pair of white Loewe pumps featuring real tennis balls spiked through the heels, wearing the tennis-themed ‘fit to an April 2024 photo call in Rome.

While she might not have been able to play in her custom shoes, the “Euphoria” star looked ready to hit the court in a sparkling silver tennis dress (also by Loewe) featuring a plunging neckline, drop waist and pleated skirt.

No top, no problem

The “Shake It Up” alum definitely shook up her red carpet style when she arrived to the “Challengers” premiere in Rome later the same night. Zendaya went braless under a custom white Calvin Klein blazer for the occasion, pairing her bare look with a long white maxi skirt.

And while she went sans top with her jacket, it only put a bigger spotlight on the dazzling Bulgari snake necklace she wore wrapped around her neck.

Tennis whites

Zendaya rocked another custom creation at the “Challengers” premiere in London on April 10, wearing a Wimbledon-inspired white drop-waisted gown with a polo-shirt style neckline.

The chic Thom Browne gown — which featured a high slit and red and navy stripes at the bottom— was covered in a tonal tennis racquet print that gave a nod to the Wimbledon logo. She added white pumps, Bulgari diamonds and an on-trend hair bow to her red carpet look.

Stripes and feathers

The actress went in a much different reaction for a photo call in London, wearing a red, white and blue striped set by Vivienne Westwood featuring a whimsical feathered tail attached to the bottom.

The outfit was another vintage piece sourced by Law Roach, with the vest and miniskirt hailing from the designer’s spring/summer 1994 ready-to-wear collection. Zendaya wore her blond hair pulled back in a Barbie-like curled ponytail with clip-in bangs and sported white pumps for the event.

Honoring the greats

Zendaya showed off a chic white sleeveless top and a pleated skirt while promoting the film in Monaco — and her look honored the classic tennis ensembles worn by Althea Gibson, the first black tennis player to win a Grand Slam.

“THANK YOU to the team at @on running for recreating the ICONIC tennis white of Althea Gibson,” Roach posted on Instagram April 13, tagging athletic retailer On, which also designed her white sneakers.

Country club classic

The “Euphoria” star went for a preppy two-piece look as she posed in a white cable-knit Brunello Cucinelli sweater and maxi skirt amid the tennis action at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Zendaya took photographs high above the court at the Monte-Carlo Country Club while sporting the collared knitwear and a cream-colored skirt with a high slit.

The “Challengers” star — who wore her hair down in side-swept waves — showed off some leg in the pics, revealing her beige pumps as she attended the match.

Supermodel style

Zendaya wore another vintage ‘fit for a “Challengers” photo call in Milan on April 14, rocking a simple white split-necked dress once worn by Cindy Crawford on the Ralph Lauren runway in 1991. She teamed the full-skirted minidress with her go-to white pumps and beloved Bulgari jewelry once again, wearing her hair in a voluminous wavy style.

Crawford herself shared praise for the look on her Instagram Story, writing, “@zendaya serving it up in one of my favorite @poloralphlauren dresses!”

Bubblegum ballgown

Zendaya broke away from her tennis whites and greens with a surprisingly sensual pink look at the movie’s Los Angeles premiere on April 16.

The “Something New” singer sported a lingerie-inspired pink-and-black Vera Wang ballgown on the red carpet, with the custom piece featuring a black corseted top with sheer lace panels and garter details. Its voluminous pink skirt split in front to reveal black tulle detail and the Bulgari ambassador accessorized with the designer’s glittering diamond earrings.

Afterparty baller

Once inside the theater, Zendaya changed into a more suitable-for-sitting style, swapping her Vera Wang gown for a racy Celia Kritharioti dress designed in the same color as a tennis ball.

She also wore the ultra-plunging look — which featured a real tennis ball attached to the front — to the movie’s afterparty in Beverly Hills, keeping the rest of her ‘fit simple to let her naval-grazing gown do the talking.

Serena and Venus vibes

Zendaya nodded to more tennis greats when she expertly recreated Serena and Venus Williams’ 1998 Vogue shoot in photos Roach shared on Instagram April 18.

The movie star wore a black-and-white striped gown designed by Carolina Herrera’s creative director, Wes Gordon, in the stunning snaps, and even copied the Williams sisters’ bead-covered braids. Venus herself jumped in to praise the recreation, commenting, “Wow. No words! So much love for you.”

The “Challengers” star chose another tennis ball-hued design to attend a screening of the movie in Los Angeles hosted by BAFTA on April 18. She sported a silky lime shirtdress with a high slit for the event, showing off plenty of leg as she sat on stage to discuss her latest film.

Zendaya accessorized with a pair of $11,500 Blugari diamond viper earrings and a white gold ring from the designer, wearing her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail for the event.

No pants, no problem

She finished off a busy day of press — and rocked the pantsless trend — for an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Zendaya turned a spring/summer 1992 Ralph Lauren blazer into a dress for her late-night interview, ditching pants and wearing the jacket buttoned up with just a shirt and tie underneath.

The style star wore white pumps yet again, wearing her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail as she chatted with Kimmel.

Pretty in pink

She gave a tennis polo a striking twist in a custom Jacquemus look on April 20, posing in an ab-baring pink dress for a photo call in Beverly Hills. Zendaya’s cropped polo was attached to an A-line skirt with a garter-like clip that attached to the skirt’s bow.

The star sported a pale pink version of the designer’s Les Slingbacks Cubisto Hautes heels ($945) with bow trim that matched her dress, wearing her hair pulled back in a matching pink headband.

Morning blooms

Zendaya rocked a 1950s-style look for an April 23 appearance on “Good Morning America,” wearing a custom version of one of Erdem’s fall/winter 2024 dresses. The white floral style featured a green tape-like design crisscrossing the bodice and skirt, and she added a white tulle petticoat underneath.

The A-lister added white pumps and Bulgari diamonds to her look, wearing her hair down in a retro flipped-up style.

The actress made a quick change after her “GMA” appearance, swapping out her full-skirted dress for a sleek Mugler skirt suit.

The vintage lime green blazer — which she wore for a “Live with Kelly and Mark” interview — brought back memories of 1980s power suits, and the plunging style closed with a sparkling arrow pin. Zendaya traded her typical white pumps for lime green heels and kept her hair in the same sleek blowout.

Tennis girlie

Zendaya looked like she was off to tennis practice as she sported a custom Longchamp look on April 24. She went into full “Challengers” mode with the outfit, which consisted of a pleated white tennis skirt with a green stripe at the bottom and a cropped black quarter-zip sweatshirt with coordinating stripes.

The “Replay” singer added white sneakers by On and a tote from the Black Girls Tennis Club ahead of a special screening of her movie held by the organization.

Screening sleek

Later that day, she made a surprise appearance at the Black Girls Tennis Club screening of “Challengers” while wearing a crisp white jumpsuit. Its sleeveless top featured a polo-style collar and plunging front, and the bottom featured extra-wide, flowy trousers.

Zendaya gave the look a casual twist with her same white sneakers and wore her hair in a sleek pony, accessorizing with a Bulgari pendant and stud earrings.

Wowing in white

Zendaya made yet another outfit change for the “Challengers Trio Kickoff Summer Movie Season” event that night, showing off a hooded white Alaïa maxi dress. The custom look featured short sleeves and a body-skimming silhouette, finishing off with a sporty hood.

She added a pair of ankle-strap white pumps by Alaïa with the look, adding piles of Bulgari diamond bracelets.

Lovely lime

The “Rewrite the Stars” singer wasn’t finished changing outfits just yet, wearing a final tennis-themed look as she arrived at Zero Bond on April 24. This time, she stopped traffic in a vintage 1930s dress and matching cape in a shade of tennis ball green.

Zendaya paired the ladylike ensemble with open-toed sparkly green heels and diamond studs as she enjoyed a well-deserved night out.

Crisp for Kelly

The “Challengers” star continued her whirlwind movie promo tour on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” April 25, sporting a custom Christian Siriano ‘fit. The top featured a bright green string tie that crisscrossed in back, giving a subtle nod to her fave tennis ball green shade.

Zendaya — who kept her hair in the same flipped-up blowout as she wore earlier that week —  wore matching wide-legged ivory trousers for her talk show appearance.

Sweater weather

Zendaya headed to another talk show on April 25, changing into a bright green skirt set from Alexander McQueen’s fall 2024 collection.

The lime look featured an oversized cardigan and bra top with a matching midi skirt, and the star paired her chunky knits with diamond hoops and the same Bulgari necklace she donned at the Black Girls Tennis Club screening.

Poster girl

When it came time to wrap up her NYC press tour Zendaya went with quite a literal look, ditching the white and green ‘fits to wear the “Challengers” movie poster on a crystal-covered minidress.

Roach shared a photo of the custom Celia Kritharioti piece, which featured long bell sleeves and a graphic of the actress’ face wearing a pair of sunglasses. She teamed the bold mini with a pair of equally sparkly white pumps, accessorizing with Bulgari studs.

“@challengersmovie but make it FASHION…..Tashi Made Her Wear It,” Roach captioned his post. “Thank you @celiakritharioti for bringing the Challengers Movie Poster to life.”

What styles will Zendaya serve up next? Only time will tell.

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Spain’s David Puig rallies after first round to make US Open cut, secure spot at the Paris Olympics

David Puig, of Spain, reacts after missing a putt on the 16th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Friday, June 14, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Scottie Scheffler reacts after missing a putt on the seventh hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Friday, June 14, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Brooks Koepka hits his tee shot on the 11th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Tiger Woods wipes his face on the 16th hole during weather warnings in second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Friday, June 14, 2024, in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

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PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — David Puig was fully aware that he needed to make the cut at the U.S. Open to make the Spanish team for the Paris Olympics, and he had a whole lot of work to do after opening with a 76 at Pinehurst No. 2.

But the 22-year-old Puig answered the call Friday with four birdies on the front nine, and he balanced a bogey that again put him on the ropes with another birdie on the back side. The result was a second-round 68 that left him at 4 over for the championship and inside the cut line, which moved to plus-5 late in the day when Brooks Koepka stumbled on his final hole.

“There was not a mindset at all. I hit terrible yesterday and just, you know, worked on the range. The mindset was just try to hit it good,” said Puig, who left Arizona State to turn pro and join the LIV tour. “I think I did a good job today.”

Puig wasn’t the only one who exhaled in relief at the end of a tough day at brutally hot Pinehurst.

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player by a wide margin , followed a first-round 71 with a 74 to make the cut on the number. Cameron Young, Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry — and Koepka — also were 5 over heading to the weekend.

Sahith Theegala had perhaps the most impressive rally, following his opening 77 with a round of 68 on Friday.

There were plenty of big names headed home, too.

Viktor Hovland shot 68 on Friday but still missed the cut by one. So did Max Homa and former champ Justin Rose. Tiger Woods was in the group another shot back , and said afterward he doesn’t know what the future holds for him at the U.S. Open.

“In order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut. I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating,” Woods said after his 13th consecutive round without breaking par in a major. “It just didn’t work out. As far as my last Open Championship or U.S. Open Championship, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be.”

Justin Thomas, who got some advice on the range from Woods after his opening 77, fared little better with a 74 that left him 11 over for the championship. The two-time PGA champion has missed the cut in five of his last seven majors.

There were three amateurs among the 74 players who made the cut. Gunnar Broin, who plays collegiately at Kansas, was at 3 over after a second-round 68. Neal Shipley also was at 3 over and Luke Clanton at 5 over.

Ludvig Aberg held the lead heading into the weekend. He was at 5 under, one shot clear of Bryson DeChambeau, Thomas Detry and Patrick Cantlay.

As for Puig, the decision to turn pro and join LIV came with some ramifications.

Olympic teams are decided by the world ranking, but points are not rewarded for results on the Saudi-backed tour. And players on LIV are ineligible to play in PGA Tour events, the most straightforward way to rack them up.

Puig had a plan, though. He could still play the Asian Tour on weekends off from LIV. So, he began a globe-trekking march in which he played just about everywhere from Malaysia and Oman to Hong Kong and Macau. Along with a string good results, his wins at the International Series event in Singapore and the Malaysian Open vaulted him up the world ranking.

With two-time major winner Jon Rahm already assured of one of Spain’s spots at Le Golf National, Puig had to make the cut to jump Jorge Campillo, who began this week one spot ahead in the world ranking but did not qualify for the U.S. Open.

“You know, at some points I was thinking about it,” Puig said of his round Friday. “Those little thoughts kind of come and go, and at the end of the day, you know, if you’re thinking about it, it’s good, because it means you’re doing the right thing.”

Puig did just enough right at Pinehurst on Friday. And now, he can call himself an Olympian.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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Taylor Swift Thanks Edinburgh Eras Tour Crowds for Record-Breaking Attendance: ‘Truly Blew Me Away’

"Love you, all 220,000 of you!!!" the pop star added.

By Hannah Dailey

Hannah Dailey

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Taylor Swift is anything but down bad after three successful Eras Tour shows in Scotland, shortly after which she thanked fans for showing up in record-breaking numbers in a heartfelt post on Instagram Monday (June 10).

Taylor Swift Scores Seventh Straight Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 With ‘The Tortured Poets…

Sharing a slew of photos from her performances at Murrayfield Stadium, the pop star excitedly wrote, “Edinburgh!!! You truly blew me away this weekend.”

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Edinburgh’s surprise song selections also included mashups of “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” and “I Know Places”; “’Tis the Damn Season” and “Daylight”; “The Bolter” and “Getaway Car”; “It’s Nice to Have a Friend” and “Dorothea”; and “Haunted” and “Exile.”

Swift’s next performances on the Eras trek’s European leg are slated for June 13-15 in Liverpool. The city has been preparing for her arrival for months, with officials temporarily renaming it “Taylor Town” and working with local artists to install 11 spaced out interactive exhibits in honor of each of the star’s albums.

The 14-time Grammy winner will continue touring Europe through mid August. In October, she’ll return to the U.S. and Canada for a second round of North American dates.

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From Taylor Swift to Beyonce: How pop music took over football stadiums

Wembley: home to the big one this summer. Thousands descending on the stadium for the event of 2024. A career pinnacle for many of those involved, the stands full and tickets going for thousands.

Also, the Champions League final was held there a few weeks ago.

Wembley may be England’s national stadium, and the self-styled ‘home of football’, but for many others it is most famous as a music venue — and, therefore, the natural choice for the extraordinary phenomenon of Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ tour when picking a venue for next week’s concerts in London.

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Swift is not alone. Wembley will also host Bruce Springsteen, Green Day and AC/DC this summer, just some of 14 concerts taking place there in 2024 — more than the scheduled number of football games.

Plenty of other football grounds will get in on the act, too. Tonight, Swift plays the first gig of the English leg of her tour at Anfield, the home of Liverpool and, for many, just as iconic a venue as Wembley.

Billy Hogan: Anfield delays, the LeBron effect and why Liverpool need Taylor Swift

Later this summer, Pink, Pearl Jam and Travis Scott all have shows at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Foo Fighters and Burna Boy will take to the stage at the London Stadium in June. Take That played at the City Ground in Nottingham in May, while the Emirates, Old Trafford, St James’ Park and Villa Park have been regular destinations for big artists in the past.

It’s no wonder that the venues are so keen to welcome the world’s biggest musical acts. Depending on the configuration of the stage, you can usually get a few more people in for a concert than a match, tickets might well be more expensive and people can drink for much longer — all good news for the bottom line.

Tottenham hosted a five-night run of Beyonce concerts in 2023, which they say brought in £5million ($6.4m) profit, just from food and drink and a cut of the merchandise sales. In an era when expensive modern stadiums have to be paid for, these events are baked into the business plan.

But what of the artists? Why might musicians want to play in a venue which is, in theory, built for sport rather than concerts?

Most people will tell you that the Beatles started the phenomenon of pop concerts being played at sports grounds. This is sort of true, but it depends on what you define as a stadium: Elvis Presley, for example, played concerts as early as 1956 at venues also used for basketball and ice hockey, but these were indoor arenas with a more limited capacity.

If we are to define a stadium as a large outdoor arena primarily used for sport, then the Beatles were indeed the first, when they first played at Shea Stadium, the former home of the New York Mets, in 1965. It was an innovation that stemmed from necessity: they were so popular that no indoor venue was big enough, so Shea Stadium it was, even though the sound was terrible and they played on a stage 100 yards away from the actual crowd, most of whom were screaming so loudly that nobody — not least the band — could hear the music.

A few years later, the Festival for Peace was held at Shea, featuring Janis Joplin, Miles Davis, Paul Simon and others. After that, huge sports stadiums became a status symbol for big artists: Springsteen, The Who, Elton John, The Rolling Stones and The Police all played at Shea.

Billy Joel played the last shows there in 2008, joined for one last song by Paul McCartney, before it was demolished to make way for the New York Mets’ new home, Citi Field, which has continued the legacy. McCartney played the first show there in 2009, and this year, Blink-182 and Def Leppard will follow in his footsteps.

These things are always slightly tricky to pin down, but the first pop concert to be held at a football stadium in the UK is thought to be an Oxfam charity show in 1969 at Wembley, featuring Status Quo, Yes and Love Affair. From then, the national stadium became a regular stop for the world’s biggest acts as they passed through the UK, including Michael Jackson (15 times, no less), Madonna, Wham! and Queen, the latter having been one of the star acts at Live Aid in 1985. When Freddie Mercury died in 1991, Wembley was the natural place for his tribute concert.

The main reason an artist might choose a stadium over a more purpose-built arena is relatively simple: scale. The biggest indoor arena in the UK is the newly-opened Co-op Live arena in Manchester, which holds around 23,500 people. You can get twice that into even a relatively modest football ground, which is good news in terms of kudos and revenue for the artist — not just because there are more people, but it’s clearly much more efficient to play to 50,000 people in one night rather than 12,000 over four.

Plus, there’s greater scope for bigger and more elaborate sets. Try getting U2’s stage from their ‘360 Degree’ tour in 2009, which cost a reported $31million and featured a giant four-legged structure they called ‘The Claw’, into a standard arena.

The presence of at least one 40,000-plus capacity stadium within a couple of hours’ drive of most people in the UK also affords artists to play places they might otherwise not have been able to. Beyonce played at the Stadium of Light in 2023, leading to the slightly unexpected sight of the biggest pop star of the last 20 years striding onto the stage and bellowing: “SUNDERLAND. WELCOME. I LOVE YOU.”

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There’s also a sense that playing at a football stadium is just a little more special for bands. For a start, because you can actually tell where you are, as opposed to doing your thing in one of many glorified aircraft hangers.

“When you do an arena, it’s one date in a string of arenas,” says Ricky Wilson, singer from the Leeds band The Kaiser Chiefs. “You wake up under them on a tour bus, and you could be anywhere. Stadiums are different.”

It’s not all emotion and glamour. The Kaiser Chiefs have played a couple of shows at Elland Road, home of Leeds United, which Wilson remembers fondly but recalls one or two drawbacks.

“If you’re in U2, they probably arrive last minute, come off stage, someone puts a dressing gown on them and they get into a car and are whisked away. But when you play your hometown stadium, there’s a lot of people calling up and saying, ‘I’m at Gate B, talking to a man with a moustache and he doesn’t know where I’m supposed to be going’. I don’t think Bono has to go through that.”

“But you are quite important for a day, which is nice. Usually, when you go to a football stadium you really aren’t important. It’s really nice when someone on security doesn’t know who you are, just for that moment where you can point at the poster and go: ‘I’m the one in the middle’.”

There are challenges when it comes to converting football grounds to concert venues.

“It can vary, depending on the scale of the football match taking place prior, but typically, 12-15 hours after the final whistle, we can have concert trucks driving onto the pitch ready to start erecting the stage,” says Ross McMeekin, senior events manager at Wembley Stadium.

“Once the pitch is clear we will begin to lay the concert floor and start the removal of the stadium stage pocket (the area of the lower tier on the west side of the stadium) to provide space for the stage to sit in.

“A lot of the work is usually done through the night. You could leave the stadium at 6pm after a football game and by the time you come back in the morning it will be concert-ready. It’s incredible how quickly it can be turned around.”

Most concerts at football stadiums tend to be held in the summer, for favourable weather conditions, but mainly to avoid too much of a clash with actual football games. In July 2017, U2 played at the Amsterdam Arena just two days before Ajax hosted a Champions League qualifying game against Nice, severely curtailing the time the club had to transform its home ground. Carve yourself out four minutes to watch this clip: it’s strangely hypnotic and fascinating.

Slightly surprisingly, McKeekin says that football games tend to be a bigger logistical challenge than concerts, largely because a touring act will generally arrive with a very well-drilled team that will sweep in and install the sets. From there, getting people in and out of the venue tends to be relatively straightforward.

A football match involves a wide range of ‘stakeholders’ who all want a hand in how the occasion is run — teams, organising bodies, local football associations, councils, government, police and broadcasters. Years of planning went into Wembley’s Champions League final, and while a big concert isn’t exactly a last-minute job, it tends to be much more ‘plug and play’.

There have been occasions when things haven’t gone so smoothly, though. In 2009, Fabio Capello, then England ’s manager, was reportedly upset about the damage that a Coldplay show had done to the Wembley turf. This year, fans of the K-pop band Seventeen were blamed for ruining the surface of the Macau Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Some slightly more implausible rows were caused at Tynecastle, the home of Scottish Premiership side Hearts , after their pitch was apparently “destroyed” by the marauding fans of… the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

A Taylor Swift love story: How pop icon is bringing a new, young audience to the NFL

A gig held at Huddersfield Town’s Kirklees Stadium in 2018 caused one of football’s more unlikely beefs: David Wagner vs Little Mix. Huddersfield ’s manager at the time said that someone had “obviously made a big, big mistake” when a show by the pop quartet had apparently made a dreadful mess of one end of the ground. “This is not satisfactory and not what I expect when we play in the best and biggest competition in the world,” said a livid Wagner.

These days, at regular concert venues like Wembley, possible issues are mitigated by having a ‘concert season’ (when sports events take a back seat) and improvements in pitch technology that make it much easier to fix the damage done by a concert.

“Once concert season has come to an end, the old pitch is dug up and replaced,” says Paul Smyth , Wembley Stadium general manager. “Wembley now operates a ‘lay and play’ pitch system, which allows us to grow new pitches at a turf farm away from the stadium.

“Lay and play is a game-changer for a multi-purpose venue like Wembley Stadium. Previously, we grew the pitch from seed. In the summer months, it takes up to five weeks after a concert to get a pitch ready for a football fixture. Now it can be done in a week. It has allowed us to open up new dates and extend our traditional concert season significantly.”

Away from commercial considerations, there are still kudos for artists playing in renowned stadiums, particularly when they have a bond with the venue.

One of Oasis’ defining gigs at the height of their mid-1990s fame was at Maine Road, then home of Manchester City , the team the Gallagher brothers support. Newcastle United fan Sam Fender’s show at St James’s Park in the summer of 2023 looked like a quasi-religious experience.

When Take That played at Anfield in 2019, they brought Jerry Marsden onto the stage to sing You’ll Never Walk Alone — a shrewd way for lads from Manchester to ingratiate themselves with the locals.

Going back down the years brings another, slightly curious footballing connection to the music world. The Who played a famous concert at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley in 1974, which was partly arranged by their manager, Bill Curbishley, and helped out by his brother… Alan Curbishley, future club legend.

Sometimes there can be some slightly more unusual instances. It’s not technically a concert but a 1994 edition of Songs Of Praise (for the uninitiated: a long-running British TV show aired on Sunday nights, consisting of mainly Christian hymns and music, usually filmed in a church) was recorded at Old Trafford. The mosh pit must have been absolutely out of control.

On rare occasions, concerts have effectively taken priority over the host team. In July 2008, Manchester City had to play a UEFA Cup qualifying tie against Faroe Islands outfit EB Streymur at Barnsley’s Oakwell because their pitch wasn’t ready following concerts by Foo Fighters and Bon Jovi. That was Mark Hughes’s first official ‘home’ game as manager and a few weeks before Sheikh Mansour bought the club.

The idea of a concert even being on the same level of priority as a football match can be enough to rile the game’s more traditional gatekeepers. But when Taylor Swift steps onto the Anfield stage tonight, she will be just as at home there as Mohamed Salah .

(Top photo: Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)

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Nick Miller is a football writer for the Athletic and the Totally Football Show. He previously worked as a freelancer for the Guardian, ESPN and Eurosport, plus anyone else who would have him.