String Types
Types of Tennis Strings
Here at Fromuth Racquet Sports, we offer more than 390 different types of tennis strings. But how do you know which type is right for you? Sean Prokes, Racquet Bar Manager at USTA National Campus, offers these guidelines.
How to Choose the Right Tennis String for Your Racquet
Over the years, tennis strings have evolved from natural gut to synthetic gut and multifilament, to the latest type: polyester. There is always compromise between playability and durability. Natural gut and multifilament tennis strings are the most playable, while polyester tennis strings offer more durability. This has led to a trend of combining different strings (hybrids) on the mains and crosses of tennis racquets. An example of a hybrid is Wilson Champions Choice, endorsed by Roger Federer, a combination of Luxilon ALU Power Rough (monofilament) and Wilson Natural Gut. Not all strings are right for every player. Each player has different needs and preferences.
Natural Gut Tennis String
Natural Gut is a unique tennis string that gives the most feel to tennis players. It holds tension very well, but still requires frequent maintenance as it frays over time. Although it does not give players much spin, natural gut provides great power and is unrivaled when it comes to arm comfort. This is a great tennis string to recommend to players dealing with tennis elbow. Higher tensions give more control, while lower tensions help increase power.
Synthetic Gut Tennis String
The most common type of tennis string, as it is neutral, consistent, and affordable. It is mainly used by beginners and intermediate tennis players because of these characteristics. Higher tensions give more control and lower tensions give more power, allowing players to adjust easily. Synthetic Gut also requires a lot less maintenance than natural gut.
Multifilament Tennis String
Multifilament tennis strings are softer than synthetic gut, but not as soft as natural gut. They offer players a great, more affordable alternative to natural gut. Multifilament tennis strings have similar characteristics: higher tensions for more control and lower tensions for more power. Multifilaments have become very popular in hybrid setups, as well. Hybrid string setup is becoming a more popular string choice amongst players of all ages.
Polyester Tennis String
Polyester tennis strings are designed to give players more spin. These types of strings give more spin than any of the others, which is why they are so popular on the professional level. The easy access to spin allows players to create wider angles to open up the court. Polyester tennis strings are very stiff, and as a result, players with any arm discomfort should seek further advice before making it their choice. Polyester tennis strings are also very durable, making them a popular choice for frequent string-breakers.
Hybrid Tennis String
Hybrid tennis strings offer the best of all worlds. Players can craft their own combination of control, power, feel and spin by combining different string types on the mains and crosses. Hybrid tennis strings are popular on the world tennis tours.
Shop for Tennis Strings at Fromuth
Fromuth Racquet Sports proudly serves tennis pro shops and independent racquet strings across the United States.
Shop at Fromuth for a huge selection of strings, not just for tennis racquets, but squash and racquetball string, as well.
Tennis strings have come a long way, transitioning from natural gut to synthetic gut, multifilament, and now polyester.
This evolution presents a constant trade-off between playability and durability.
Natural gut and multifilament strings are renowned for their playability, whereas polyester strings are celebrated for their durability. This balance has popularized the use of hybrid strings, where different strings are combined on the mains and crosses of tennis racquets. A prime example is Wilson Champions Choice, a hybrid endorsed by Roger Federer, featuring Luxilon ALU Power Rough (monofilament) and Wilson Natural Gut.
It's essential to recognize that not all tennis strings suit every player; individual needs and preferences vary widely. If you have questions about
what type of racquet string is best for your playing needs, contact one of our racquet experts today.
