To the surprise of many players, manufacturers create natural gut tennis strings by weaving together several strands of cow intestine. And finally, using a string that is too stiff, or strung at too high a tension may also hurt your arm and wrist over time. How to Plan an Effective Table Tennis Training Session. 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 . Your tennis strings are a big factor in determining what you feel in your arm. Even at a higher tension, the ball quickly rebounds from the strings. Once again, polyester strings enter as the durability leader due to their solid monofilament construction and slick surface that wards off notching. Of course, beyond name recognition, combining these two exceptional strings provides a unique balance to suit a wide range of players. Lets look at some of the features that make Luxilon ALU Power so popular, especially among intermediate to advanced tennis players. Despite that, this feature is undoubtedly one of the strings standouts, especially when combined with the strings excellent spin. However, its simply the cost of the spin and control that this category of strings delivers. Its worth noting that a players racquet and technique also influence comfort. The vast majority of players use 16 or 17 gauge. Over the years, the string has also received slight upgrades and revisions to increase its durability and resistance to moisture, which historically are two pitfalls of many natural gut tennis strings. 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. Thinner strings generally offer higher performance (more spin) but are not as durable thicker strings. As long as you still can control your power shots. This means you can string your racquet tight to improve control, without losing power (rebound efficiency). With its square shape, this co-poly offers massive spin potential. One of the most common injuries in our sport istennis elbow. 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. This 'softening' effect is more pronounced than what can be obtained by using a nylon based solid-core string in the crosses. Players will find Babolat VS Touch delivers power, comfort, and feel. Your email address will not be published. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Strings with high spin ratings enable players to create more topspin, while strings with low spin ratings will have less spin potential. It also provides a crisp feel, and impressive precision for a long lasting string. 16/1.30mm: Medium-thick gauge; best for competitive players who break strings frequently. When it comes to Luxilon ALU Power alternatives, one of my favorite places to look is among the line of Luxilon strings. As with all tennis strings, theres always a tradeoff, and Prince Premier Touch is no exception. You can then adjust your requirement appropriately to even tighter or looser (towards the upper or lower end of the range). 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. Join the conversation with other members of the community. Softer strings offer more power, less control, and more shock absorption (more comfortable and easier on the arm). Relative to traditional stiffer polyesters, Hyper-G Soft offers a subtle bump in power, which may turn off players looking for maximum control. 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. Best Hybrid Tennis Strings Another dependable option if youre looking for a thinner gauge poly that doesnt break easily is Luxilon Big Banger Ace. They tend to be softer (less stiff) and are easier on the arm. Premium Polyesters. 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. As the name suggests, composite tennis strings are manufactured with more than one material, including polyester, nylon, etc. Middle-of-the-road gauges (16-17) tend to offer the best mix of power and spin with durability. 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. Natural gut tennis strings are the most expensive category available. Helpful Tip Regarding performance, here are the most common characteristics that players seek out when researching new strings. TennisJrDad said: @eyalw88 My suggestions would be to try the following in the order listed: Full Bed of Luxilon Natural Gut in 1.30 57/55 LBd if healthy, if not 52/50. In this case, Wilson combines a natural gut with a polyester string. 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. Here are a few of my favorites, which are all polyester strings. 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. Many players seek polyester strings for their control, spin, and durability. 16L/1.28mm: Medium gauge found in Luxilon strings; best for competitive players looking for . NOTE: Add 1 foot to each measurement in the LENGTH column when using Co-Poly, Polyester or Kevlar strings. 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. Its worth noting that the comfort associated with softer polys is relative to the classic stiffness of a typical polyester. Elite cricket stars are demigods in India, with millions influenced by the activities and recommendations of these cricket icons. Solinco Confidential delivers on this front, which helped me to dictate points. The best part about hybrid string setups is combining the best of two worlds in natural gut and polyester tennis strings. Material: Syntethic Multifilament. 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. Cons. 5 Point Friday #10. Required fields are marked *. Theres a lot on offer and plenty of options to suit a wide range of player preferences and budgets. Opinions vary, but many say they offer better quality and playability than traditional monofilament nylon strings. With that in mind, many of the strings Ive selected perform exceptionally well in multiple areas. 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. T = Top of Frame. For example, some players will combine two different gauges of the same string for added durability, improved feel, or enhanced topspin. Luxilon Natural Gut in 1.30 in Mains with Tecnifibre MultiFeel Black 1.30 in crosses 52/50 LBs. 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. If youre a beginner to intermediate player, youll probably want to opt for softer (less stiff) strings that prioritize comfort and power over durability. If youre new to tennis, dont underestimate synthetic gut tennis strings. I keep populating the course with new content and added racquet suggestions for doubles players earlier this week. While its different for every player, I found the natural gut in the mains to serve as the ideal setup with this string set. Try it at a lower tension like 45-51 lbs. For many players, this is an ideal scenario. From the time the string is installed, it will begin to lose . In fact, some have claimed that the strings have identical construction. 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. Hybrid. And its lower price tag makes it a great option for beginners and recreational players. Not only is it relatively hard to break, but it also does an excellent job maintaining tension, which helps extend the strings overall life. Here are a few of my favorites. There are also different types of string materials available. This element stands out from all areas of the court, but I found it particularly well-suited up at the net. Although it doesnt quite stack up to Babolat RPM Blast in this category, its a strong contender and excellent from the back of the court. Finally, if youre not concerned with the cost of strings and restringing, theres nothing wrong with opting for a premium option like a multifilament or natural gut, which are solid options. 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. Contents [ hide] 1 Best Tennis Strings: Characteristics. 4. 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. 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. 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. Beginners. The last comment and 20 other comment(s) need to be approved. Generally, multifilaments and the thousands of fibers that make up this family of strings provide an arm-friendly hitting experience. Natural gut tennis strings are the most expensive category available. Below youll find my picks of the best tennis strings for 2023. Yesterday, I added one of my favorite polyester strings . String tension recommendations can be emailed with the touch of a button. When it comes to maxing out topspin, there are plenty of options. $16.00. 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. If youre looking for maximum durability, consider checking out Ashaways Crossfire Kevlar strings. If Solinco Hyper-G Soft doesnt meet your needs, or if youve already tried it and are looking for another option, theyre worth exploring further. 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. Power and control are inversely related, i.e., a lower power string will increase control, while a high-powered string will decrease control. Volkl Psycho Hybrid. 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. As you review my selections, keep in mind that Ill only allow one string to win best of for a single category. MAINS: Co-Polyester more info CROSSES: Multi-Filament more info SUMMARY: The co-polyesters' durability, excellent spin generation and controlled power dominate. Tecnifibre X-One BiPhase - Power, Comfort. When it comes to tennis strings, there are hundreds of options. When it comes to the synthetic gut family of tennis strings, its all about value, and Prince Synthetic Gut delivers with an excellent price point. In particular, intermediate to advanced players will love that you can take big swings at the ball without sacrificing control, especially when combined with its ability to help generate spin. I often find players swayed by what the pros are using or a teammate or friends advice with little or no consideration for their specific needs or attributes that make them unique as a player. These strings are thinner than the corresponding number, but . unstrung; Head Size: 98 square inches; Length: 27 inches; Balance: 320 mm; String Pattern: 16 x 20; The Elevate Tour is 11.1 oz. Lower string-on-string friction means more spin, as the strings snap back into place quickly after being displaced by the ball. Learn with comprehensive resources to help you improve your game. That is, no set of strings delivers exceptional marks across the board. Best Seller. With that in mind, my top pick for the best soft polyester tennis string is Solinco Hyper-G Soft. The following are the different types of strings that Ill cover. Hyper-G is square-shaped, so it has four edges for embedding into and gripping the ball. We therefore recommend that you choose a stiff string for the mains and a flexible string for the crosses. With that in mind, dont underestimate the value of experimenting to find the right set of strings. 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. The downsides to Babolat VS Touch are spin and control, which go hand in hand. Theyre also perfect for recreational players that dont play frequently or occasionally play for exercise. The properties of the string are greatly diminished when you have to string your racket so tightly unless it is . Nylon strings are often the string of choice for beginners and intermediate players, since they are softer, more comfortable, and provide more easy power than polyester or co-poly strings. Instead, check out Tecnifibres NRG2 and Babolats Origin, which will deliver plenty of power with the added benefit of more control. Thanks for dropping by. Our recommendation: Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex is perfect for the average tennis player looking for a low-cost, comfortable string that offers an adequate mix of power, spin, and control. As a multifilament, Prince Premier Touch combines thousands of individual fibers to build a string resembling natural guts makeup. You really get a crisp feel from this string set up, whilst being able to access as much . Luxilon is by far the most dominant brand in polyester tennis strings, and its popularity among professional and competitive tennis players worldwide speaks volumes regarding its performance. OUR BELIEF: When initial research on Tennis Elbow (TE) was conducted flaws in technique and mechanics were often cited as the cause of the discomfort. I found H-G too difficult to get power. Founded in 1875, in Lyon, France, Babolat is the oldest racquet sports company in the world.. Babolat products include racquets, strings, shoes, balls, shuttlecocks, bags, apparel, accessories, and are designed and developed to allow every . I totally read that as inches not feet. Despite its name, the most significant tradeoffs with Luxilon ALU Power are power and comfort. Color: Silver or Blue. 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. Over a year, you should restring your racquet the number of times you play in a week. The Importance Of String Tension In Tennis. C = Cross String. For the added durability Solinco Confidential provides, youll need to make some concessions. 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. 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. The capacity for a set of strings to limit wear and tear from hitting, moisture, debris, and changes in temperature, which can lead to breakage or reduce the lifespan of a string, represents durability. 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. Ultimately, the strings feel results in a highly predictable option that further aids control. Volkl Cyclone Tour Tennis Strings. To help you find a string youll love, Ive carefully selected my picks of the best tennis strings for 2023, all of which Ive playtested and reviewed to ensure they reliably deliver the playing characteristics you desire. So this may not be that important of a factor when choosing a string, since even a more comfortable co-poly, nylon, or natural gut string will be durable enough. 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. 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. . There is little evidence to suggest string alignment impacts performance, but it often becomes a nuisance for players trying to keep them straight. For example, Babolat VS Touch and Luxilon ALU Power are also excellent. With that in mind, I recommend players check out Wilsons Control Duo Hybrid, a combination of Wilson NXT Tour and Luxilon ALU Power. The third racquet might be strung tighter, giving you more control in case of an emergency. Although the low-powered performance of Solinco Hyper-G is well suited for intermediate to advanced players, many will find it swings the pendulum too far in this department. Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe. The natural elastic fibers with Babolat VS Touch make for a string with unrivaled comfort. Let's dive in! The ball propels itself off my strings with impressive action and ease. WILSON Synthetic Gut Power 40-Feet Tennis String Set. Many players will wait until their strings break before replacing them. Tennis strings are usually made up of one or more of these materials: Polyester, Nylon, and Natural Gut. For example, if your racquets tension range is 50-60 pounds, ask your stinger to string your racquet at 55 pounds. Prince Premier Touch also packs a highly respectable level of power. 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. The length of time a set of strings can maintain tension and quality play or performance is its playability duration. Discussion Boards Value Polyesters. 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. Co-poly strings are polyester strings with other material additives. Home > Gear > Strings > Best Tennis Strings, Improve your game alongside our community of tennis players. My pick for the best synthetic gut tennis string, which I cover in greater detail in this guide, is Prince Synthetic Gut. A few years back, the options for soft polys were sparse. For example, many players will find multifilaments too powerful and lacking in the spin department, while polyesters tend to be harsh on the arm. Babolat RPM Blasts defining feature is its ability to help maximize spin, which is immediately apparent when hitting groundstrokes. When a string provides an outstanding balance between spin and feel in a low-powered package, you end up with excellent control. As a multifilament tennis string, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is a technological powerhouse with features like PU 400 and Elastyl that helps to deliver more power efficiently. Cant decide which color to buy? Before you choose a tennis string to play with, you should know which characteristics to look for, including the pros and cons of choosing one over another. However, Solico Hyper-G is extra special because it delivers on the promise of control while maintaining a superb feel. This could be because they added an extra layer to the string to make it last longer. Luckily, string manufacturers have continued developing products that aim to ward off the harsh vibrations of playing tennis. And they are less expensive than natural gut strings. As a result, this hybrid delivers it all. It's a highly crystalline microfiber specialized in providing feel & power. However, if a low-powered string is appealing and you havent experienced any issues with your arm, it will be a good fit. Determine a recommended tennis string tension within the racquets range based on your skill level, degree of arm trouble, and preference for power or control. It's a good practice racket which helps to improve your technique and skills too. Color . Ive played with Mantis Comfort Synthetic, but havent experienced Gosen Tour 3. The main thing you give up with Wilson NXT is durability, which is easily the biggest complaint about the string. I created a custom vibration dampener thats compatible with all racquets and string patterns. So if you play four times a week, then restring you racquet four times a year. When pecking, consider pausing the retraction after a very slight retract-say 0. Despite its softer formulation, Solinco Hyper-G Soft delivers outstanding spin aided by the strings shape and slick surface, which quickly snaps back into place to help improve bite and rotation on the ball. The most common materials are synthetic gut, multifilament, and monofilament. Regardless of a strings rating, players can generate topspin with any string. Wilson NXT Comfort - Power, Comfort. In other words, if you play 1-to-2 times per week, you should . With that in mind, here are a few quality alternatives to consider if youre looking for a string that meets these criteria. we recommend that you . The closer to the top of the range, the more control and less pop a player will experience. We cover everything from improving your tennis game to the latest gear reviews. An inexpensive string with a good blend of comfort, control, power, and spin. The gauge of string you choose should be based on your playing style and the level of competition you are playing in. 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. Finally, its worth noting that this strings natural fibers will fray. However, there are plenty of other tennis strings worth checking out. I also love that this string comes in two colors, natural white and black; the latter looks as good as it performs. HEAD Hawk Tennis String. Its one of the most durable strings out there. Gauge is the thickness of the string. Today's co-polyester monofilament strings also deliver increased power and comfort depending on the additives used. It only comes in 18 gauge, but its a fantastic ultra-durable option. All tennis racquets come with a recommended string tension range (usually around 40 60 lbs). With its polyester makeup and 4-sided construction, Solinco Confidential delivers terrific access to spin. It offers great precision in a softer string thats easier on the arm. However, the best are those that align with your needs and deliver the performance-enhancing characteristics you desire. Although Solinco Hyper-G is a terrific option for control, several others deliver fantastic performance. Strings selling at a price less than $10 are recommended for beginners. Stiffer strings offer less power, more control, and less shock absorption. But this premium monofilament delivers more comfort . One of the most popular strings of all time, Wilson NXT has a well-deserved reputation as the king of comfort. Its also an incredibly comfortable string to play with, which makes it an excellent choice for players with tennis elbow and an exceptional option for use as part of a hybrid string setup along with a more control-oriented, spin-friendly polyester. To compensate, I recommend you use the 16 gauge to help extend its life. 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. Helpful Tip At the same time, youll find a softer feel and increased playability by using Wilsons natural gut in the mains. Used by the pros for its unrivaled performance, power, comfort, and feel. Thanks for reading, and we hope the information in this post has been helpful. Theres a lot here to consider with a range of price points, so Im confident you can find one youll love from this mix. Whats the next step down from Hyper-G in the poly field ? Some players prefer a stiffer, dead-feeling, low power string, which usually means more control. 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. The number one factor influencing spin is racquet head speed, or how fast a player swings their racquet. Some tennis strings are better at absorbing and reducing shock and vibration, resulting in more comfort, while others feel harsh. One of the challenges that players have faced over the years is that strings come with distinct pros and cons. 1. For years, Prince Synthetic Gut has provided recreational players of all ages and levels with a time-tested string that delivers all-around playability at an unbeatable price. Although common with natural gut and multifilaments, it may be a turnoff for some. Recommendations. If youre new to tennis or a parent helping guide your child, you may be concerned about whether or not your strings are adequate, which is an excellent consideration that Im happy youre investigating. Thinner strings (17-18) will generally provide more power and spin, while sacrificing some durability. Babolat RPM Blast takes topspin to the max. 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. In this regard, polyester tennis strings are excellent low-powered options that make them an ideal fit for players seeking control. 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. Another solid pick would be Luxilons natural gut, which is a top performer as well. Its a stiff string, and you might try the Solinco Tour Bite Soft if youre looking for a similarly low-powered, softer, more comfortable string with some of the same emphasis on control and spin. 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. However, players who want to strike more balance should consider Prince Premier Touch as part of a hybrid string setup. Before buying a new string, youll have to decide on the gauge or thickness youd like to use with two key factors to consider. We don't recommend going over 60Ibs unless you want an injury. 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. You will also find half-gauge tennis string labeled with an L after the numbers (15L, 16L, 17L). alternative. Learn more. However, Wilson NXT earns the label of the best multifilament for 2023. Helpful Tip. A softer string will absorb more of the impact of the ball and be more comfortable on your arm. Best for Spin: Babolat RPM Blast. Best comfort string: Wilson NXT. 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. ( Generally the sweet spot for most people in in-between medium and low tension. 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. In general, strings that are more playable tend to be less durable, and vice versa. Although durability isnt always the most exciting feature of a tennis string, Babolat RPM Blast delivers in this category and is a string you can count on to resist abrasion and last. 5) comfort. 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.