Gear · 7 min
Tennis strings explained: multifilament, poly, hybrid and tension
Strings change a racket's feel more than the frame does. Here's what the different types do, what tension to use, and when to restring.
Last updated: 12 June 2026
Key takeaways
- Multifilament = soft, arm-friendly, ideal for beginners and anyone with elbow issues.
- Polyester = stiff, spin-friendly, durable - for advanced players with clean technique.
- Hybrid (poly mains + multi crosses) is the standard club setup.
- Restring at least once a year, even if strings haven't broken.
The string job is the single most underrated decision in tennis. The same frame can feel like two completely different rackets with different strings at different tensions. And yet most club players string once when they buy the racket and never again.
The three string families
Natural gut
Made from cow intestine. Best feel, best power, best comfort, by miles. Also: £35+ per string job, snaps easily, and not vegetarian. Used by Federer and almost no club players. Skip.
Multifilament (synthetic gut)
Hundreds of thin nylon fibres bundled together. Soft, comfortable, arm-friendly. Loses tension over time but gives a 'natural' feel. The right choice for beginners and anyone with elbow issues.
Polyester (poly)
Single stiff monofilament strand. Spin-friendly, durable, harsh on the arm. The string almost every pro uses. Brutal for beginners - causes most amateur tennis elbow.
Hybrid
Poly in the mains (vertical strings), multi or natural gut in the crosses. Combines durability and spin (mains) with comfort and feel (crosses). The de-facto club standard for intermediates and above.
Side-by-side
| Type | Comfort | Spin | Durability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multifilament | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Beginners, arm-sensitive players |
| Polyester | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Advanced spin players |
| Hybrid | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Most intermediates |
| Natural gut | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Pros and the wealthy |
Tension explained
Lower tension = more power and more comfort. Higher tension = more control and a 'crisper' feel.
- Multifilament: 24–26 kg (53–57 lbs)
- Polyester: 21–23 kg (46–51 lbs) - always lower than multi
- Hybrid: poly mains at 22 kg, multi crosses at 24 kg is a solid starting point
Recommended setups by level
Beginner
Full multifilament (e.g. Wilson NXT, Head Velocity MLT, Babolat Xcel) at 24–25 kg. Restring annually.
Improving club player
Hybrid: cheap poly main (Luxilon Alu Power or Solinco Hyper-G) + multi cross at 22/24 kg. Restring every 3–4 months.
Advanced / competition
Full poly at 21–23 kg, or premium hybrid (poly + natural gut). Restring every 15–25 hours of play.
When to restring
There's an old coaching rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play twice a week? Restring twice a year, minimum. Most club players string once and play with dead strings for 18 months.
- Strings don't have to break to be dead - they lose tension and elasticity within weeks.
- Polyester goes dead fastest - often within 15–20 hours of play.
- Multifilament holds tension better but breaks faster on poly hitters.
What it costs in the UK
| Setup | Stringing cost (typical UK) | Strings per year (2× weekly play) |
|---|---|---|
| Full multi | £15–£25 | 1–2 |
| Full poly | £15–£25 | 3–4 |
| Hybrid (poly + multi) | £20–£30 | 3–4 |
| Natural gut hybrid | £35–£60 | 3–4 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my strings are dead?
They feel 'pingy' or 'boardy'. The ball jumps off unpredictably. You're hitting more frame shots. Visually, the strings sit fixed instead of snapping back after each hit.
Are gauge numbers important?
Thinner gauge (higher number) = more feel and spin but breaks faster. Most players want 16 (1.30mm) or 17 (1.25mm).
Should I restring before a tournament?
Yes - 3–5 days before, not the day of. Fresh strings need a session or two to settle.
Can I string my own rackets?
Yes, but a decent stringing machine costs £300+ and there's a learning curve. Most club players use a local stringer.