Choosing the right tennis string can have a significant impact on your playing experience, health and performance. Unfortunately, far too few tennis players are still concerned with choosing the optimal string for their game. We have written this article to give you a concise introduction to the topic of tennis strings and to show you, based on data, that the differences are really big and therefore have an influence on your game and your health. We have analyzed and condensed our database and summarized the key findings in a few graphics. At the end, we show you how to find the right string for you without any effort. But now for the hard facts!

String types

There are four main types of tennis strings that differ significantly in their properties and performance characteristics: Natural Gut, Multifilament, Hybrid and Monofilament. Each type of string has its own strengths and weaknesses, tailored to different playing styles and preferences.

We have determined the average characteristics of each string type based on our StringFinder database.

Fig. 1: Average values of the properties for the individual string types

Fig. 2: Degree of fulfillment (%) of the properties of the individual string types in relation to the mean value of all tennis strings in the database

From the two graphs you can see that the characteristics of the string types differ greatly. Natural Gut strings are the best in terms of power, comfort, touch and consistency, whereas monofilament strings are the best in terms of durability, spin and control.

The string type can give you an initial orientation as to which string suits you best. Unfortunately, the world is a little more complicated, as the differences in properties within a string type are great.

Natural Gut strings

Natural Gut strings are considered the Ferrari of tennis strings. They offer the best power, the most touch, the highest comfort and the best tension stability. They are particularly elastic and can stretch better at high tensions and when in contact with the racket frame, resulting in superior playing comfort. However, Natural Gut strings are also the most expensive and least durable options. They are also very sensitive to moisture, which is why they are mainly used by professional players and players without a large string consumption and sufficient budget.

Fig. 3: Characteristics of Natural Gut strings (min, average, max) compared to the average of all strings (gray)

Due to the small number of Natural Gut strings in the database, the minimum and maximum values are very close to each other.

Multifil strings

Multifil strings try to match the properties of Natural Gut strings. They are considerably cheaper and somewhat more durable than
the original (Natural Gut strings). They consist of many individual fibers and offer a soft feel and high comfort. Multifil strings are an excellent choice for players with arm problems and young players, as they effectively absorb vibrations and are easy on the arm and joints. They offer a good combination of power and control and are suitable for a wide range of playing styles. However, they are less durable than monofilament strings.

Fig. 4: Properties of multifilament strings (min, average, max) in relation to the average value of all strings (gray)

The data shows that there are big differences between the individual multifilament strings. Although the worst multifilament string still has more power than the average, this is no longer the case in terms of comfort, for example. Not every multifilament string has the promised or expected characteristics of comfort and power. There are simply also bad multifilament strings!

Hybrid strings

Hybrid strings are a combination of different strings, typically with a multifilament cross string and a monofilament length string. An exception is Roger Federer, for example, who plays the natural gut string lengthwise and the monofilament string crosswise. The length string is the somewhat dominant
string in a hybrid stringing. The hybrid combination attempts to unite the advantages of different string types in order to achieve a compromise between comfort, power, control and durability. However, hybrid strings bring not only the advantages but also the potential disadvantages of the combined string types.

Fig. 5: Characteristics of hybrid strings (min, average, max) compared to the average of all strings (gray)

There are also hybrid strings that do not meet expectations. In some cases, two monofilament strings are combined and labeled as hybrid.

Monofilament strings

Monofilament strings, often made of polyester, are characterized by their high durability and excellent control. They are ideal for aggressive players who want to hit hard and generate a lot of spin. Monofilament strings are very robust, hardly slip and produce a firm feel.
However, they can be too stiff and uncomfortable for some players, and their power is relatively low and diminishes relatively quickly. Especially here
there is a risk of strings being played for far too long, as they normally hardly break.

Fig. 6: Characteristics of monofilament strings (min, average, max) compared to the average of all strings (gray)

There are really bad monofilament strings that should not be played. The average value of monofilament strings is of course close to the average value
of all strings, as the majority of strings on the market are monofilament.

Conclusion

It is important to emphasize that the differences between the strings of one type can be enormous. Choosing the right string for you is therefore not limited to the string type. Factors such as string diameter, specific material composition (especially with monofilament strings) and manufacturing techniques can also strongly influence the characteristics of a string within its type. Even the color can change the
behavior of the string somewhat.

Ultimately, choosing the perfect tennis string depends on many individual factors, including playing style, experience level, physical condition and personal preference. It’s worth trying out different options to find the ideal combination of performance, comfort and durability.

Our solution for you

We have developed the StringFinder to help you find the right string quickly and without time-consuming internet research and expensive tests.

You have several options for finding your ideal string with the StringFinder .

1. You know your string and would like a recommendation that is similar to your current string, but supports your playing even better in some characteristics.

2. You already play your dream string, but you are are looking for a cheaper or more durable alternative.

3. You have not yet dealt with the subject of strings and would like to find a recommendation for the optimal string for you based on your player type, age, fitness and state of health.

Fig. 7: StringFinder: three steps to the optimum string

1. Selecting the mode

2. Answering four questions (Beginners Mode) or selecting your string (Expert Mode)

3. Display of recommendations with the option of adjusting the desired properties and the upper price limit and comparing the recommendations directly with other strings. Here you can also see directly where you can buy the string.