- Joan Hahn
- June 12, 2021
- Last Updated on
Before you buy a new tennis racquet, you may want to change your tennis strings first. It’ll save you hundreds of dollars while improving your gameplay.
Finding the best tennis strings that suit your playstyle requires a lot of trial and error.
Luckily for you, we’ve tried and tested the best tennis strings to save you time and money.
- Embeds and grips the balls
- Delivers precision
- Plenty of topspin
- Fast head speed
- Control oriented strings
- High-speed response
- It gives you full swings
- Delivers big cuts
- Comfortable to use
- Increases topspin
- Prevents tennis elbow
- Maintain control
- Generates topspin
- Long tennis string life
- Consistent ball pace
Top 10 Racquet Strings for Tennis
1. Solinco Hyper-G (Editor's Choice)
Why We Picked It:
The Solinco Hyper-G features a bright green co-poly that’s firm and low-powered, meaning it enables you to have massive cuts at the ball while you maintain precision.
The string is square-shaped, which means it comes with four edges that embed and grips the ball. As a result, it’s one of the more popular strings in the market.
Who Should Use It:
The Solinco Hyper-G strings are the right string for intermediate and advanced players who can generate their power. It’s one of the best tennis strings that deliver precision and control, so beginners find it hard to produce enough power to hit a winner.
String Type: Co-polyester Monofilament strings
Best For: Control
Summary:
The Solinco Hyper-G is a co-polyester string that delivers precision. The string increases the head speed while giving you plenty of topspin in your shots.
Overall, the Hyper-G string brings a lot of benefits to advanced players who live for precision.
PROS
- Embeds and grips the balls
- Delivers precision
- Plenty of topspin
- Fast head speed
- Control oriented strings
CONS
- Low in power
2. Babolat RPM Blast
Why We Picked It:
Babolat RPM Blast is a step further than similar tennis strings with its unique octagonal shape. In addition, it grabs the tennis ball to increase the spin potential in your shots.
It’s a high-density co-polyester monofilament string that gives you a superb feel with a powerful, high-speed response, making it one of the best tennis strings on the list.
The string RPM Blast is a mixture of spin and low power to make full swings and big cuts at the tennis ball.
Who Should Use It:
The Babolat RPM Blast is a suitable option for intermediate and advanced players. The topspin lets you clear the net with confidence that the tennis ball will drop back into the tennis court, so you have a strong sense of control.
String Type: Co-polyester Monofilament
Best For: Control
Summary:
These are comfortable polyester strings. It’s a good choice for players who want to try using poly to increase their topspin. However, beginners are going to long for more power.
PROS
- High-speed response
- It gives you full swings
- Delivers big cuts
- Comfortable to use
- Increases topspin
CONS
- Some may want more power
- A little overpriced
3. Solinco-Tour Bite
Why We Picked It:
The Solinco-Tour Bite lasts longer than any other polyester string we’ve tried on the list, which makes this a keeper if you value durability more than anything else.
The Tour Bite gives you lesser power in exchange for more spin. In a match, it allows you to maintain control and spin.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and arm-friendly string, the Solinco-Tour Bite does well for you.
Who Should Use It:
The Solinco-Tour Bite is for intermediate players who rely on their groundstroke game and topspin in their play as the tennis strings complement your strengths.
String Type: Co-polyester Monofilament
Best For: Topspin
Summary:
The Solinco-Tour Bite prevents tennis elbow, making it an excellent option for players who are suffering from tennis elbow.
You can maintain the control and spin of the tennis ball and set a nice pace. However, if you don’t play a big groundstroke game, it’s not for you.
PROS
- Prevents tennis elbow
- Maintain control
- Generates topspin
- Long tennis string life
- Consistent ball pace
CONS
- Stretches under warm conditions
4. Solinco Confidential
Why We Picked It:
Durability is one of the Confidential’s defining features. However, it does well in other areas as well, including spin and control.
Similar to the other strings that Solinco offers, this variety is a four-sided string that delivers an additional bite.
However, unlike the other best tennis strings mentioned above, the Solinco Confidential lacks power and gives you lesser comfort.
Who Should Use It:
The tennis string is for advanced players who haven’t experienced any issues with the arm. If you put durability over comfort, give it a go with this tennis string.
String Type: Co-polyester Monofilament
Best For: Topspin
Summary:
The Solinco Confidential string holds a low-powered tennis string that gives you plenty of topspin and control at the cost of comfort. These are great strings that do not lose tension quickly.
PROS
- Durable strings
- Plenty of topspin
- Gives you control
- Enhanced tension maintenance
- Delivers optimal snap
CONS
- Not arm-friendly
- Lacks power
5. Babolat VS Touch
Why We Picked It:
The Babolat VS Touch is a natural gut tennis string.
It’s well-known because of its playability, power, control, and comfort, making it a go-to option for professionals.
Unlike the Solinco Confidential, the Babolat VS Touch delivers soft strings, which absorb unwanted vibrations.
As a result, it’s a good option for players with elbow and shoulder issues.
Who Should Use It:
The VS Touch is for professional tennis players who are after superior performance. Unfortunately, it’s a little pricey, so the market is mainly for competitive tennis players.
String Type: Natural Gut string
Best For: Feel
Summary:
The natural tennis string is a premium purchase that delivers excellent playability. It gives you the right amount of power, control, and comfort. It’s one of the best tennis strings if you’re okay with paying more for quality.
PROS
- BT7 Technology ensures durable string
- Softer string
- Absorbs unwanted vibration
- Easy on the arms
- Excellent playability
CONS
- A bit pricey
6. Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour
Why We Picked It:
The Babolat Pro Hurricane features octagonal-shaped co-poly strings, giving the big hitters great control. The Hurricane Tour shines the most because of its precision on the big swings with an exceptional bite.
It’s easy to control the angle and trajectory of the tennis ball with shots and spins.
Who Should Use It:
The Pro Hurricane Tour is for advanced players with stronger swings. However, the string is on the firm and dead side, so it does not suit beginners.
String Type: Co-polyester Monofilament
Best For: Precision
PROS
- Precision on big swings
- Delivers topspin
- Easy to control trajectory
- Clean upward cuts
- Durable Co-polyester Monofilament
CONS
- Not for weaker players
7. Wilson NXT 40-Feet String
Wilson NXT that features thinner strings, gives you plenty of power because of its 1,600 individual microfibers. However, despite its power, it does not feel overbearing.
As a result, players do not have to worry about overhitting. The Wilson NXT is quite comfortable as well to use. The rich string is easy on the arm but does not sacrifice playability.
multifilament string
Who Should Use It:
The Wilson NXT is a good option for beginners who need power to make sure the ball goes to the opposing court without overhitting it.
String Type: Multifilament
Best For: Playability
Summary
The Wilson NXT is made from a high-end multifilament string that generates enough power for an amateur player. It is easy on the arm and gives a decent performance.
PROS
- Delivers good power
- Does not overhit the ball
- Maintain playability
- Easy on the arm
- For all ranges and styles
CONS
- Strings start to fray
8. Wilson Champions Choice
Why We Picked It:
The Champion Choice features two remarkable strings in combination as a hybrid.
As a result, it delivers a unique balance that fits well for a wide range of players.
The main string characteristics dominate the racket’s feel.
It gives you enough power to hit winners while delivering spin and power alongside comfort.
Who Should Use It:
The Wilson Champions Choice is a good fit for players of all styles and skill levels. It works a little better with beginners, though, because of how much power it can generate.
String Type: Natural Gut + Luxilon Alu Power Rough
Best For: Feel
Summary
The Champion Choice combines natural gut strings and many poly strings, meaning it gives you the best of both worlds. The poly string and natural gut give you spin, control, and power, but it’s a bit low on durability.
PROS
- Delivers good response
- Nice playability
- It fits for all skill levels
- Adequate spin and control
- Generates a lot of power
CONS
- Not a durable string
9. Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
Why We Picked It:
What makes Prince Synthetic stand out is how cost-effective it is.
In addition, it features a wide variety of colors so that you can showcase your style and personality on the tennis court.
Aside from that, though, the Prince Synthetic Gut does not score high in any particular category, meaning it lacks durability, control, and feel.
Who Should Use It:
The Prince Synthetic Gut is a good option for beginners and kids who have not developed a skill set in the game.
String Type: Synthetic Gut strings
Best For: Power
Summary
Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex gives you a colorful option, but it doesn’t provide you with anything else. If you’re a recreational player looking for a cheap alternative, you may benefit a lot from a synthetic gut.
PROS
- Available in different colors
- Great for beginners
- Cost-effective
- Easy on the arm
- Delivers crisp pop
CONS
- Lacks power, feel, control
10. Tecnifibre X-One BiPhase
Why We Picked It:
The X-One BiPhase is an affordable alternative to natural gut. It’s made from ultra pliable filaments, which are bathed in stretchy polyurethane. As a result, it increases extra power and a buttery feel to your racket.
It retains its tension for a period, and the string doesn’t get stuck out of the position.
Who Should Use It:
It is a good option for beginners as it’s too powerful for experienced players.
String Type: Synthetic gut strings
Best For: Power
Summary:
The Tecnifibre is a cost-efficient option for new players looking for a cheaper alternative to natural gut.
PROS
- Powerful swings when playing tennis
- Tension maintenance
- Inexpensive string
- Easy on the arms
- Stays in position
CONS
- Too powerful for advanced players
Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
Playing Level
Purchase a string that matches your playing level. For example, intermediate players prefer strings that give them control. Meanwhile, beginners are better off with a powerful string.
String Design
The best tennis strings feature a 16×19 string pattern because it gives you power. On the other hand, the 18 x 20 tennis strings deliver more spin and power for fast-paced games.
You may want to avoid using the same string and experiment with other string designs.
What’s the String Made of?
Racquet strings are made of different materials. Below are the most popular:
- Synthetic gut tennis strings – Synthetic strings have all-around playability & value.
- Multifilament tennis strings – Multifilament string material is for comfort, power, and feel
- Natural gut tennis strings – The gut string is for maximum comfort, power, feel, tension maintenance to avoid breaking strings
- Hybrid tennis strings – These are best strings for maximum possibilities, fewer trade-offs
- Polyester tennis strings – Polyester strings deliver maximum control, spin, durability.
How Thick is the Tennis String?
The thickness of the string plays a factor in the playability of the string. For the most common range, it is between 1.20-1.30 mm.
A thicker string gives you more control and durability. Meanwhile, softer strings produce more power, like nylon strings.
String Tension?
The recommended tension range is between 55 to 62 lbs for most tennis string gauge. The string gauge works for the natural gut and the multifilament strings.
The lower tension gives you more power, but you’ll notice a lack of control and feel with this string tension. Check out what tension Roger Federer uses here.
What’s Your Budget?
Natural gut string is the most expensive, but it does give you the best feeling. However, a hybrid string, a combination of natural gut and polyester string in the cross strings, is cheaper and delivers a nice blend of power and control. (1)
String manufacturers also have different prices. So it’s important to choose the best string within the budget to play tennis at your best.
The Selection Process
Power, Spin & Control
There are powerful strings, which makes it a good fit for beginners in a tennis game.
Meanwhile, spin and control are from low-powered strings, designed for more control and precision professionals.
Comfort & Feel
Strings that reduce vibration make it easy on the arm, an excellent option for people with tennis elbow. Elbow braces and vibration dampeners also play a huge part in ensuring comfort when playing.
The feel of the string means how the play can precisely place the tennis ball with finesse and command.
Playability & Movement
The better the playability of the strings, the longer a racquet can maintain tension and keep its play quality.
As for movement, strings that snap back into position after hitting a winner means it requires lesser maintenance time.
The lesser the movement with that one string, the better the quality, and the less likely you’ll break strings, especially if you’re a chronic string breaker.
And the #1 Tennis String is…
After days of playtesting and researching, the best tennis string is Solinco Hyper-G.
Together with the polyester’s ability, it can return into place and cut power to increase the head speed. While it does that, it delivers plenty of topspin too.
Another feature that makes it a notch above the rest is that it gives you control while giving you a nice feel, which only a few polys can successfully pull off.
OUR # 1 Recommendation
Solinco Hyper-G
- Delivers massive spin
- Crisp and medium strings
- Control for hard hitters
- Maintains the precision
