It also provides a crisp feel, and impressive precision for a long lasting string. While you can undoubtedly achieve more comfort with a full bed of natural gut, the tradeoff with spin and control is significant. If youre looking for maximum durability, consider checking out Ashaways Crossfire Kevlar strings. Free shipping for many products! 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. 5 Point Friday Zverev who endorses the racquet uses a hybrid of poly/gut. Most players associate touch and feel, or their ability to delicately and accurately place the ball, with finesse. In fact, some have claimed that the strings have identical construction. Polyester tennis strings are some of the best-selling. Best for Spin: Babolat RPM Blast. Buy Now. But this premium monofilament delivers more comfort . The best part about hybrid string setups is combining the best of two worlds in natural gut and polyester tennis strings. With its square shape, this co-poly offers massive spin potential. Unlike multifilament tennis strings, consisting of thousands of microfibers, polyester strings are typically monofilament or a single solid filament. A 16 gauge for one company might be a 16L (L stands for "light," which basically means it's halfway between two gauges, think of a 16L as a 16.5) for another. alternative. 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. Theyre also perfect for recreational players that dont play frequently or occasionally play for exercise. Theres a lot of emphasis on choosing the right tennis racquet, but a racquet is only as good as its strings. In general, strings that are more playable tend to be less durable, and vice versa. Softer, more powerful strings will also be more forgiving if you arent able to hit the ball in the middle of the racquet, which improves accuracy (in addition to power) for beginners. The types of string that you will want to consider are Polyester, natural gut, synthetic gut, multifilament, and hybrid. Best Hybrid Tennis Strings Prince Premier Touch also packs a highly respectable level of power. Regardless of whether you experiment with hybrid string setups, its great to be aware of the option, which has become more popular over the years and is highly underrated. How to Plan an Effective Table Tennis Training Session. S = Short Side Main String Measurement (Used For One Piece Stringing) 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. Most tennis strings are between 15 gauge (thickest) and 18 gauge (thinnest). Traditionally monofilament strings offer benefits to control and durability. While I give Wilson NXT a slight edge, Technifibres X-One Biphase and NRG2 are borderline equivalents, and Id encourage you to check out all three. The downsides to Babolat VS Touch are spin and control, which go hand in hand. enhancing your game with the ideal tension, 16: black, gold, silver, blue, purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, white, 17: black, gold, red, pink, orange, green, white. *Babolat RPM Soft isnt technically a polyester. I cant speak highly enough of this strings comfort, so its a no-brainer for players who require strength in this attribute and are willing to sacrifice in some other areas. My pick for the best synthetic gut tennis string, which I cover in greater detail in this guide, is Prince Synthetic Gut. Try it at a lower tension like 45-51 lbs. 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 youll need to consider those facets when stringing with this hybrid. If youre 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 Wilsons Natural Gut. However, this tends to come with the drawback that they arent as forgiving and can be harsh on your arm. 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. Perhaps youre looking to hit a bigger serve or groundstrokes, or youd like to add a little pop to a more flexible, control-oriented tennis racquet. A players ability to direct and place the ball accurately and confidently is generally perceived as control, especially when swinging hard. It was several years ago, but from what I recall, I enjoyed my hit with Mantis. Furthermore, Ive 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 strings price that may present a roadblock for you to start using it. In this case, Wilson combines a natural gut with a polyester string. As a multifilament, Prince Premier Touch combines thousands of individual fibers to build a string resembling natural guts makeup. From serving to volleying and hitting groundstrokes, players will find the ball aggressively rebounds from their strings. While you get a blend of characteristics, you dont get the full benefit of either string type, and you end up meeting somewhere in the middle. WILSON Synthetic Gut Power 40-Feet Tennis String Set. 2) Compatability. Over a year, you should restring your racquet the number of times you play in a week. What sets it apart from the rest is that its firm and ultra-low powered, which allows you to take massive swings at the ball while maintaining added precision. Unfortunately, natural gut is often cost-prohibitive for most players, so its not usually my first recommendation. Although common with natural gut and multifilaments, it may be a turnoff for some. Is the Diadem Elevate Tennis Racquet Right for You? . Head Synthetic Gut PPS. I found H-G too difficult to get power. When a string provides an outstanding balance between spin and feel in a low-powered package, you end up with excellent control. Softer strings offer more power, less control, and more shock absorption (more comfortable and easier on the arm). Weight: 10.8 oz. I also love that this string comes in two colors, natural white and black; the latter looks as good as it performs. Step 3: Drill Bolt Holes. Best comfort string: Wilson NXT. If you are not a string breaker, we typically recommend 17 gauge, otherwise use 16 gauge for a little more durability. So if you play four times a week, then restring you racquet four times a year. Helpful Tip 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. Over the past few weeks we let players, who usually string their rackets very tight (between 60-62 lbs, these guys are high level 17 year old junior players) test strings at 47lbs. Intermediate and advanced players might opt for a more durable string, to save money by not replacing them as often. If youre looking to buy a set of tennis strings as a gift, a little patience in listening to the individual youre buying for can go a long way. Enquire about what strings theyre already using and how theyve performed for them, and then use that information to inform your purchase with the help of this guide. However, not all polyester delivers equal performance, so it pays to know your options. This string is similar in some ways to the Wilson NXT, in that its a very comfortable string that offers a lot of power and sacrifices some control and spin. For one thing, as a beginner you most likely wont be breaking strings with your play. Finally, its worth noting that this strings natural fibers will fray. Same with the Prince Synthetic Gut, the Wilson Synthetic Gut Power is a great all-around string. Upgraded with Parallel Drilling for a larger sweet spot and Braided Graphite + Basalt for even greater feel on every shot, the Blade 98 16x19 more open string pattern has a forgiving feel and crisp responsiveness. However, if youre looking outside the Luxilon family of strings, I recommend you check out the following strings. As your skills develop and you graduate to a more expensive performance tennis racquet, youll be in a much better position to benefit from the nuanced performance of a higher-quality tennis string. Natural gut strings are the softest, most comfortable string, and remain soft even at high tensions. The vast majority of players use 16 or 17 gauge. Thinner, softer strings tend to hold their tension better. Strings with low scores will move considerably and require players to straighten them continually. A higher touch rating will help a player execute with more precision and greater control over the ball. Along with practical tips to inform your decision, insight into my rating process, and thoughtfully selected alternatives to expand your options, youll have everything necessary to confidently choose your next set. If you're shopping for strings online then you will see each string has a number with it, this is usually between 15 and 20 with the most common being 16, 17 and 18. Although theres 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. Theres a lot on offer and plenty of options to suit a wide range of player preferences and budgets. Many players make the mistake of not revisiting their string choice as their skills develop, which is one of the many reasons Im an advocate for helping players learn as much as possible about their gear. Although Solinco Hyper-G is a terrific option for control, several others deliver fantastic performance. Today's co-polyester monofilament strings also deliver increased power and comfort depending on the additives used. These strings are very durable and generate a lot of spin. The middle of the recommended tension range is a good place to start on the quest for the perfect racquet tension. Manufactured in the United States, the HAWK POWER TENNIS STRINGS are designed for high-performance players who want to add even more explosive power to their games. Heavy spin players will feel limited. Before we get into the characteristics of tennis strings, lets talk about string tension. Of course, if this isnt your first time stringing your racquet, you can use your previous tension as a baseline and adjust up, down, or keep it the same depending on how you felt it performed. Beginners. In the spirit of keeping things simple, I suggest players start with one of those options based on whether theyre looking for more durability or spin and then adjust from there. When you think of polyester tennis strings, feel might not be the first thing that comes to mind. In response, many string manufacturers have introduced updated formulations of their polyester strings with a softer feel thats easier on a players arm, delivering a more comfortable response. Each of these strings delivers above-average comfort in this category. Luxilon ALU Power delivers outstanding control without sacrificing reliable touch and feel, often a drawback of other polyester tennis strings. It wont rival the level of spin youll get with a quality set of polyester strings, and some players will find it too powerful. 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for tennis strings at the best online prices at eBay! The more the strings can grip the ball, the more spin they will generate. A combination of low string-on-string friction and high ball-on-string friction allows for maximum spin potential. As a result, most players will find the extra power a welcome feature that aids depth of shot without being overbearing. Wilson Champions Choice Duo is a premium string that blends natural gut with Luxilon ALU Power Rough tennis string. Strings selling at a price less than $10 are recommended for beginners. This means you wont need to replace them very often, and dont need strings that are especially durable. Once again, lowering the tension at which you string your racquet can also help to make your strings more comfortable. Its also worth noting that a hybrid can consist of two gauges of the same string it doesnt have to be two entirely different types. 2 The Different String Types. Lets look at some of the features that make Luxilon ALU Power so popular, especially among intermediate to advanced tennis players. Without question, Luxilon ALU Power exemplifies what modern players expect from a poly in terms of control, spin, and durability. For reference, I play with a Head MGPP, strung with NRG2 16. The string used for the mains will dominate the overall feel, while the crosses play a supporting role and modify the racquets feel, giving players more options when stringing. If youre a heavy hitter or chronic string breaker that requires extra durability to prolong the life of your strings, look no further than Solinco Confidential. We cover everything from improving your tennis game to the latest gear reviews. Furthermore, its a stiffer poly and nowhere near what players will find with gut or multifilaments from a comfort standpoint. One word to describe this string would be power. This is an extremely powerful, comfortable string. My Absolute Favorite. Many consider natural gut strings to be the best strings to provide maximum power without sacrificing control and spin. If youre going for durability and control, Id recommend stringing the Luxilon in the mains. When pecking, consider pausing the retraction after a very slight retract-say 0. At the same time, youll find a softer feel and increased playability by using Wilsons natural gut in the mains. 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. Here are the most common gauges and who we'd recommend each for: 15/1.40mm: Thickest gauge; best for advanced players looking for maximum durability and control. HEAD Hawk Tennis String. Thinner strings (17-18) will generally provide more power and spin, while sacrificing some durability. True to that claim, NXT is easy on the arm but doesnt sacrifice the response and playability that players demand. Synthetic gut strings are made of nylon or other synthetic fibers. Stiffer, lower power strings with less shock absorption tend to offer greater precision and control. If so, a string that naturally brings more power to your shots can be a great option, and Tecnifibre X-One Biphasedelivers precisely that as the best tennis string for power. Tourna Poly Big Hitter Black 7. 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. As a result, theyre 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. Unless maximum comfort is a must for you, I encourage you to explore alternatives that will provide plenty of comfort and dramatically better overall performance. 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 theyre using a lower-powered racquet. Here are a few additional options to consider for beginners and children. One of Babolat RPM Blasts unique attributes is that its 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. Lower string-on-string friction means more spin, as the strings snap back into place quickly after being displaced by the ball. The following are the different types of strings that Ill cover. For intermediate players that suffer from tennis elbow, the Wilson NXT Soft is the perfect choice because of the good mixture of comfort and power. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule, just like there were during the discussion of low tension. Specifications: Brand Name: WILSON. Id encourage you to steer clear of them as they can be detrimental early on, lacking comfort to protect a players arm as they adapt to new movements and the power to achieve sufficient depth of shot. While powerful, Tecnifibre gets the ingredients right with a string that delivers excellent feel and touch. 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. Its one of the most durable strings out there. For each, Ive provided you with a best-in-class recommendation that Ive found through my testing to exemplify each category, regardless of which is top of mind for you. In this case, Ive named Solinco Hyper-G the best tennis string for control. Required fields are marked *. Volkl V-Icon and the more affordable KLIP Legend Natural Gut are a few other options worth checking out. This element stands out from all areas of the court, but I found it particularly well-suited up at the net. For example, I adjust and add to my suggestions based on new reviews. C = Cross String. Made from quality and durable materials, Wilson Federer Adult Tennis Racket is a great tennis racket for tennis elbow. As a closing thought, remember that it usually takes players a few tries to find a string they love. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase packs a punch and delivers power as a standout feature. Here is the short and summerized advice -. One of Wilson NXTs standout features is its power, which it delivers through the combined effort of 1,600 individual microfibers. Home > Gear > Strings > Best Tennis Strings, Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players. If theres a defining characteristic of this hybrid string set, its the fact that its Roger Federers choice one of if not the games greatest player of all time. As with all tennis strings, theres always a tradeoff, and Prince Premier Touch is no exception. 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. Although there are undoubtedly more comfortable strings on the market, Ive found Hyper-G Soft to perform best in this category relative to other soft polys, which makes it unique. More control often comes at the expense of other playability features like power, spin, and comfort. Just as a good pair of court tennis shoes can prevent foot and ankle pain and injury, a good racquet and strings can alleviate arm and wrist pain, and prevent injuries like tennis elbow. Notably, lower power and less comfort. HEAD Hawk Touch Tennis String. Tension loss results from the strings stretching over time and with impact. Gamma Sports Live Wire Tennis Racket String Multifilament Series- Softer Cushioned Feel For Exceptional Power and Greater Control . We concluded that our Tour Status string performs best between 42-52 lbs which is quite lower tha the usual recommended string tension on rackets. This post was written by the Tennis Department staff.