If youre a beginner or intermediate player, youll most likely just use the strings that came with their racquet. On the lower end of the performance spectrum, synthetic gut tennis strings give players access to a quality product without the higher price tag of natural gut, multifilament, and polyester strings. One of Wilson NXTs standout features is its power, which it delivers through the combined effort of 1,600 individual microfibers. Most tennis strings are between 15 gauge (thickest) and 18 gauge (thinnest). However, Wilson NXT earns the label of the best multifilament for 2023. Conventional wisdom evolved to matching string replacement over the course of a year with the amount of times played in a week. Like some of the other polys on offer from Solinco, Confidential is a 4-sided string, which offers a bit of extra added bite. 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. These strings are inexpensive and well-rounded without the enhanced features associated with other types, i.e., the extra comfort available through many multifilaments or control and spin familiar with polyester. Higher power strings will require less effort to increase the balls speed, while low-powered strings demand more from the player. The main tradeoff youll make with Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is with spin. Although common with natural gut and multifilaments, it may be a turnoff for some. Frays a little too easily when hitting hard. Most players will find theyll cut out RPM Blast to replace them before they break. If youd like, you can click any of the following links to skip to that section of this article. The Solinco Tour Bite is a tennis string for players who want ultimate control. $16.00. After you selected a tennis string, you're almost across the finish line, but there are a few more things to keep in mind, starting with tension. 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. That is, no set of strings delivers exceptional marks across the board. 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. Here are a few of my favorites. When selecting a new set of tennis strings, Ive found most players are looking for a specific type of string or performance characteristic, so Ive organized this guide according to those needs. With that in mind, I recommend beginners and children string their racquets with a well-rounded yet inexpensive synthetic gut for balanced performance when first getting involved with the sport. Deutsch . However, with more than a handful of polyester strings on the market, one stands out as the best for topspin, and thats Babolat RPM Blast. As a result, this hybrid delivers it all. 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. At the same time, youll find a softer feel and increased playability by using Wilsons natural gut in the mains. 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. There are many fantastic polyester strings, but they sometimes have lower durability than expected. To select my 2023 picks for the best tennis strings in each category, I evaluated each set across eight attributes to provide you with the most objective ratings possible. Once you play with your racquet strung at that tension, youll start to develop a baseline for its performance that you can use to make adjustments. Babolat RPM Blast 17, String. I recommend players stringing their racquet for the first time to start at the middle of the recommended tension. Helpful Tip. For example, I adjust and add to my suggestions based on new reviews. In general, thinner string will provide more power and spin, while thicker strings provide more control and durability. Within the past 10-15 years,polyester tennis strings have become hugely popular, allowing players like Rafael Nadal to take massive cuts at the ball and redefine our expectations and whats possible with topspin. A control-oriented string might be a great option if you want to tone down your racquets power or reduce the likelihood of overhitting with added topspin that gives you more margin for error to keep the ball in play. Similarly to what we talked about during the low tension section, there are exceptions to this too - some players opting for even higher tensions! If a string is a candidate for multiple categories, Ill only elect it for the one where it performs best. While Wilson NXT packs a punch on the power end of the spectrum, it still provides excellent feel and delivers all-around playability that suits a broad range of styles and skill levels. 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. 2) Compatability. The most common materials are synthetic gut, multifilament, and monofilament. Hands down, natural gut is the most powerful string on the market, and Babolats VS Touch stands at the head of its class. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule, just like there were during the discussion of low tension. Lets take a look at some of the best tennis strings on the market in 2022, and review the factors that you should be looking for in a string. Recommendations. Additional hybrid strings Id recommend include: Of course, keep in mind that the possibilities are endless, as you can combine any two strings to form your hybrid setup. If control is a priority, look no further than Solinco Hyper-G a bright green co-poly thats developed a cult-like following. Is the Diadem Elevate Tennis Racquet Right for You? My Absolute Favorite. Best Overall: Babolat VS Touch. The amount of shock and vibration a player feels when hitting with different strings informs comfort. Finally, its worth noting that this strings natural fibers will fray. Despite its name, the most significant tradeoffs with Luxilon ALU Power are power and comfort. Its an excellent string and comparable to Babolats, delivering similar specs overall. In particular, multifilament tennis strings offer above-average playability and exceptional comfort. Furthermore, Luxilon ALU Power retains a liveliness, ensuring the string doesnt feel underpowered or dull. Wilson`s FortyFive frame technology . If youre new to tennis, dont underestimate synthetic gut tennis strings. In this case, Wilson combines a natural gut with a polyester string. The Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex is maybe the ideal starter string. Its perfect for players who want a good mix of comfort, control, spin, and power, but dont need exceptional quality in any one category. Have you tried Mantis Comfort Synthetic or Gosen Tour 3? Its a useful measure because some strings are highly durable and resist breakage but require frequent replacement to preserve the quality of the strings performance. Thanks. 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. MYTH #1: Tennis elbow is most often caused by improper technique and bad mechanics. Our recommendation: Wilson Synthetic Gut Power is an excellent choice for recreational players who want an inexpensive, comfortable, and all-around adequate tennis string. 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. 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. Strings with low scores will move considerably and require players to straighten them continually. 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. Unfortunately, were not all built with the strength to turn up the heat when wed like. Heres a recap of some of our recommendations. However, if youre looking outside the Luxilon family of strings, I recommend you check out the following strings. A players ability to direct and place the ball accurately and confidently is generally perceived as control, especially when swinging hard. In fact, some have claimed that the strings have identical construction. Its one of the most durable strings out there. Generally, this is a terrific option for beginners who still need to develop the technique and skill set to notice a significant difference between strings. When it comes to Luxilon ALU Power alternatives, one of my favorite places to look is among the line of Luxilon strings. Its hard to beat this combination for players looking for excellent spin potential and comfort. Thinner strings (17-18) will generally provide more power and spin, while sacrificing some durability. Your email address will not be published. Thinner strings bite into the ball, which will give the player a little bit more control. Some tennis strings return significantly more energy when striking a ball, making it easier to generate pace. T = Top of Frame. 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. There are no absolutes when it comes to string tension; what is most important is that you can control the ball while playing the game. Some tennis strings are better at absorbing and reducing shock and vibration, resulting in more comfort, while others feel harsh. Babolat RPM Blast takes topspin to the max. For example, if your racquets tension range is 50-60 pounds, ask your stinger to string your racquet at 55 pounds. While you wont get access to some of the higher-end features available with natural gut, multifilament, or polyester strings, you should find that these strings are great all-around performers for the price. Tension maintenance refers to how long a string holds its tension before it needs to be replaced. Recognizable with its neon green color, the Solinco Hyper-G is one of the best tennis string of 2020 and one of the favorite strings among the TW playtesting team. Specifications: Brand Name: WILSON. Each delivers fantastic performance relative to cost, so if you find one cheaper, have an affinity to one of the brands, or enjoy a specific color, then go with that option. For example, Babolat VS Touch and Luxilon ALU Power are also excellent. Check out their latest evolution, dubbed Prism, the same great string in a rainbow of colors. 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. Color: Silver or Blue. Generally, multifilaments and the thousands of fibers that make up this family of strings provide an arm-friendly hitting experience. However, there are plenty of other tennis strings worth checking out. You can also check out our Summary & Recommendations at the end of this post, for the best strings for beginner, recreational, intermediate, and advanced players. In other words, if you play 1-to-2 times per week, you should . These strings offer a ton of control and spin, are very durable, and are surprisingly comfortable for stiffer, control-oriented 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. . However, its not overbearing because Luxilon ALU Power Rough is a lower-powered string that balances it out. All else equal, a thicker string will be more durable and offer less spin potential, while a thinner option will be less durable and provide more spin potential. For starters, the look is revamped with an anodized infrared finish and embossed Clash logo. 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. The perforated grip will also help to improve the grip on the racket and prevent your hand from slipping. I particularly enjoyed the heavy topspin I could produce on my groundstrokes and found it helped provide tons of spin on my kick serve, which enhanced the balls rebound off the court well out of most player strike zones. Together, these attributes give me a strong sense of control, which allows me to dictate points and move players from side to side. Best Hybrid Tennis Strings It also provides a crisp feel, and impressive precision for a long lasting string. Softer strings offer more power, less control, and more shock absorption (more comfortable and easier on the arm). Its an excellent string with a long-standing positive reputation in the tennis community. Luxilon 4G 16L String. Theres a lot on offer and plenty of options to suit a wide range of player preferences and budgets. However, one of the strings unique attributes is that its performance doesnt degrade at higher tensions, which is a great way to rein in its built-in power for more control. The more the strings can grip the ball, the more spin they will generate. 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. Create a free account and explore my latest videos below. However, a players racquet and strings also have an impact, with some strings providing players with more potential for generating topspin than others. As a reminder, the main strings characteristics will dominate the racquets feel. One of the most popular strings of all time, Wilson NXT has a well-deserved reputation as the king of comfort. Let's dive in! 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. There are numerous multifilament tennis strings on the market and more than a handful of terrific options. However, its simply the cost of the spin and control that this category of strings delivers. These strings are thinner than the corresponding number, but . Indeed, these cricket influencers, as regularly featured on top bookmaker apps like Dafabet, are high-authority sources of information and guidance when their followers want to make buying decisions relating to . Some players prefer a stiffer, dead-feeling, low power string, which usually means more control. Intermediate levelers need to invest in $10-$20 strings, while the pro gamers will require heavy-duty designs costing around more than $20 for a set. This 'softening' effect is more pronounced than what can be obtained by using a nylon based solid-core string in the crosses. Value Polyesters. In general, this refers to how well connected you are to the ball. Kirschbaum Super Smash 17 String. 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 youd like to dive deeper into the topic, check out my article on tennis string gauge, which provides a full explanation. Its often tempting for beginners to use polyester tennis strings because theyre popular among professional tennis players. Premium Polyesters. Its worth noting that a players racquet and technique also influence comfort. String tension is a measure of how tightly a stringer pulls your strings as they're attached to your racquet. 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. Best Seller. As a closing thought, remember that it usually takes players a few tries to find a string they love. Hybrid. With it, youll get Wilsons Natural Gut and Luxilon ALU Power Rough polyester to strike an exceptional balance between comfort, power, spin, control, and feel. Lastly, while the playability duration or the lifespan of the strings performance is impressive, the strings durability may be an issue for chronic string breakers. True to most polyester strings, the lower power allows players to accelerate their racquet head faster to generate added spin without fear of sending the ball long. Its worth noting that the comfort associated with softer polys is relative to the classic stiffness of a typical polyester. There are quite a few alternatives to Prince Synthetic Gut. The spin potential of a string is determined by friction. Luxilon ALU Power - Control, Spin. . Check Price On Amazon. From the time the string is installed, it will begin to lose . Below youll find my picks of the best tennis strings for 2023. 1875: BABOLAT INVENTS TENNIS STRING And we've been innovating ever since. Although durability is one of its defining features, it scores well in many other areas, including spin, control, and the duration in which the string holds its performance. Like nearly all multifilaments, it doesnt have the natural ability to snap back into place, an attribute that aids in generating topspin. Exploring products for our tennis strings guide, we discovered that they retail anywhere from $4 to $40. I would normally wait, but these strings are going to get in either the day before or the day of a national tournament, so that's no good. For 2023, I've awarded Babolat VS Touch as the best natural gut tennis string. In-depth Resources Wilson NXT is best known for its comfort, which is the feature that Wilson highlights as the strings strongest asset. Buy Solinco Hyper G. One of the challenges that players have faced over the years is that strings come with distinct pros and cons. The main thing you give up with Wilson NXT is durability, which is easily the biggest complaint about the string. But even then, youll need to replace the strings if yours break, lose tension, or go dead. Here are the important things to keep in mind when choosing a string and restringing your racquet. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase packs a punch and delivers power as a standout feature. Buy Now. So if youre looking for a little extra pop or spin from your strings, or if you want them to last longer and feel better on your arm, then try dropping the tension a few pounds to the lower end of your racquets recommended tension range. You can also check out our Summary & Recommendations at the end of this post, for the best strings for beginner, recreational, intermediate, and advanced players. It's simply a shaped version of the ALU Power, and maintains the same incredible precision and feel for which it's known. iPhone; ASO analyse Tennis String Tension app for iPhone and iPad . Weight: 10.8 oz. Thanks for dropping by. Co-poly strings have also grown in popularity in recent years, and are a great choice for a range of skills levels and styles of play. However, you can mix any two types of strings as a hybrid. Conversely, lower ball-on-string friction means less spin. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for tennis strings at the best online prices at eBay! All tennis racquets come with a recommended string tension range (usually around 40 60 lbs). While it doesnt provide the unique strengths of other string categories, Prince Synthetic Gut is a cost-effective choice that will continue to satisfy players worldwide. Here are a few additional multifilaments that I recommend. With that in mind, here are a few quality alternatives to consider if youre looking for a string that meets these criteria. Before buying a new string, youll have to decide on the gauge or thickness youd like to use with two key factors to consider. Wilson Champions Choice Duo is a premium string that blends natural gut with Luxilon ALU Power Rough tennis string. This year, Ive selected the multifilament Prince Premier Touch as the best comfort-oriented tennis string in this category. 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. Because I want to know if is worth using them. It means these types of tennis strings are best for experienced players, and not for beginners. The gauge of string you choose should be based on your playing style and the level of competition you are playing in. While its different for every player, I found the natural gut in the mains to serve as the ideal setup with this string set. unstrung with a balance of 315mm. It offers great precision in a softer string thats easier on the arm. As a general rule, the softer the string, the more power it has. The following are the different types of strings that Ill cover. Required fields are marked *. Cant decide which color to buy? Unfortunately, natural gut is often cost-prohibitive for most players, so its not usually my first recommendation. To compensate, I recommend you use the 16 gauge to help extend its life. 3. Here is the short and summerized advice -. The types of string that you will want to consider are Polyester, natural gut, synthetic gut, multifilament, and hybrid. As a result, players who are used to hitting with a stiffer, control-oriented option will likely find this string overpowering. How to Plan an Effective Table Tennis Training Session. Combined with a great polyesters trademark ability to snap back into place and the lower power that allows you to increase your racquet head speed confidently, you end up with loads of topspin to help further dictate placement. They tend to offer a lot of control, and are better suited for experienced players. If you are a Beginner in the game of tennis, consider reducing tension a little to compensate for stiffness. Ive played with Mantis Comfort Synthetic, but havent experienced Gosen Tour 3. As a multifilament, Prince Premier Touch combines thousands of individual fibers to build a string resembling natural guts makeup. When a string provides an outstanding balance between spin and feel in a low-powered package, you end up with excellent control. If you have not had a fresh string bed in six months, then I would say it's time to freshen things up. Natural gut strings are the softest, most comfortable string, and remain soft even at high tensions. When it comes to maxing out topspin, there are plenty of options. Weve just scratched the surface on the topic of tension, so if youd like to learn more about its implications on your racquets performance, check out my article on enhancing your game with the ideal tension. Based on your experience, you can adjust up or down a few pounds if necessary. WILSON Synthetic Gut Power 40-Feet Tennis String Set. 6. As tennis has evolved with stronger players and more aggressive shot-making, controlling the ball has become increasingly important. Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe. Head RIP Control Tennis Racket String 40' Set - 17 Gauge Multifilament Racquet String, Natural. Many consider natural gut strings to be the best strings to provide maximum power without sacrificing control and spin. AUTHORIZED DEALER for Adidas, Asics, Babolat, Wilson, Head, Yonex, Dunlop, Volkl, Donnay, K-Swiss, Luxilon, Gamma, Tecnifibre, Kirschbaum, Tourna, Solinco, Slingerbag and . For example, many players will find multifilaments too powerful and lacking in the spin department, while polyesters tend to be harsh on the arm. In 1875, Pierre Babolat developed the first tennis string made of sheep gut, and the evolved, more refined Babolat natural gut theyve worked to perfect has remained the premiere natural gut tennis string ever since. Due to its amazing performance and best hybrid string steup, many players recommend it as the best tennis strings for Wilson. Most tennis racquets will have the recommended range listed somewhere near the throat of the racquet. Furthermore, it doesnt offer a high level of comfort, so players with arm issues need to keep that in mind. Furthermore, the differences from one string to the next are harder to detect and appreciate when you first learn to play tennis, so theres no reason to overinvest your hard-earned money early on. . S = Short Side Main String Measurement (Used For One Piece Stringing) Compared to the Wilson NXT, it may also be a bit more durable.