Best Tennis Strings: Top Picks & Reviews

If you just want my quick recommendation for the best tennis string overall, I’d recommend the Babolat RPM Blast. These strings are affordable and give all of your shots a great mixture of power and spin.

The strings on your racquet are like its heart and soul – it’s impossible to overstate just how important they are.

Despite this, however, they are often the thing we think about least when buying our tennis equipment. Often an afterthought, we spend hours choosing racquets and clothes but mere minutes on the strings.

Why are the strings we put on our racquet so crucial? Although it might seem like it, not all strings are created equal and this means different strings are better at different things. Depending on your individual game, your choice of tennis string could greatly help your game.

Taking this into account, you can see just why we should spend as much time thinking about our strings as we do about everything else. It could be the difference between you playing amazing and winning every match versus having just an “okay” day. That’s why we present to you, the best tennis strings 2022!

Best Tennis Strings: Characteristics

Price

The price of tennis strings can vary depending on the material they are made out of and the brand. Typically they will go from around $5 to $15 for synthetic tennis strings to around $25 to $50 for a set of natural gut tennis strings.

The price can also depend on factors such as the gauge of the string(how thick or thin it is) and if they are sold by the individual set or on a reel.

If you break a lot of strings, buying a reel of string may be cheaper in the long run then buying an individual set every time.

Durability

Tennis String durability is simply how strong tennis strings are and how long they last before they break. The more durable the more tennis string, the longer it lasts. The most durable best tennis strings tend to be made out of polyester.

The disadvantage is that as the durability increases, you lose more feeling from the strings and they tend to transmit more forces to the racquet and to your arm.

You can also lose tension in the strings after playing with the same ones for a while so it’s important to check and maintain your string tension often.

Tension

Different types of string have different preferred tensions but you can also make manual adjustments also. Lower tension will give you more power but you’re at higher risk of strings breaking.

Using a higher tension string will avoid this and give you greater control on the court but higher tensions tend to transmit more vibrations, leading to the possibility of tennis elbow.

The tension you will play with in your strings is to some extent a personal choice based on what you want from your racquet. Whether you want more power or more control will inform what tension you decide to go for.

Elasticity

This refers to the flexibility in your strings and how responsive they are. In general, the more flexible they are the more power they will give you.

The string elasticity can also give a nice feel to your shots as they will spring back from hitting the ball to their original position easier.

Strings such as Nylon are known for being most elastic and this may be the way to go if this is suited to the way you want to play.

String Gauge

In tennis, strings all have a gauge that ranges from the thinnest (19) to the thickest (15). Yes, it’s backwards! The lower the gauge, the thicker the string!

The gauge of your string will affect the way your racquet plays and how you strike the ball.

Thinner strings will give you more spin and feel which in turns improves the playability of the racquet.

If you go for a thicker string it will be more durable and give you extra power. As a general rule, thinner strings will break more easily because (duh), they’re thinner.

As with a lot of things in the game, you need to choose a gauge based on your individual game.

The Different String Types

Natural Gut

These are the original strings manufacturers strung their racquets with back in the day. Still popular in the modern age, they are made from natural material such as sheep gut.

While some man made strings come close to matching their qualities, there’s nothing that quite feels the same.

A lot of pro’s and tennis purists love using natural gut strings due to the mix of power, control and spin. The natural material they are made contains these qualities and explain why they offer this to your game.

The best string for tennis racket examples currently are made by Wilson and Babolat.

One of the downsides with these strings is that they are not the most durable and can snap easily. This simply means you will have to spend more money buying replacements and more time repairing your racquet.

These are also usually the most expensive type of string which may be a consideration for some players. Most pro’s play with natural gut because money isn’t a problem. For the rest of us, it may not be worth it.

Synthetic Gut

As the name would suggest these strings are designed to give the same feel as natural gut but are man-made from Nylon instead.

One of my favorite examples of this sort is the Prince Synthetic Gut string which is very popular with frequent tennis players.

These are the ideal strings for the majority of players as they give a crisp feel to your shots and good power.

This all-round appeal makes them one of the best strings for tennis racket around and you will usually find pre-strung racquets sold with Synthetic Gut strings.

In addition, they are very playable and comfortable which is a result of the effort to make them as close to natural gut as possible. Synthetic Gut Strings are also relatively cheap which is a bonus for the budget conscious player.

While they offer more strength then natural gut they are not as durable as a polyester string so they will break more easily than them. Although they come close, they don’t quite give the feel of a natural gut string.

Polyester

Polyester tennis strings are very strong and stiff which can be ideal for players who break strings a lot with other materials, especially professionals.

Another great feature of Polyester tennis strings is that they give you loads of topspin to put into your shots.

The payoff for this though is that you lose a certain amount of feel in your play which might be a big thing for some players.

They can also lose tension quite quickly which will affect the performance of the racquet if they’re not tightened up again. With being a bit stiffer, they can also be hard on the arm if you’re not careful.

Kevlar

The latest development in tennis string technology is Kevlar. They originally became popular with players looking for less breakage and tension loss during matches. Gradually, they have filtered to amateur players who appreciate the benefits they bring.

These are fantastic strings for the power and control they give to your game. Tennis strings made out of Kevlar also give you loads of spin and make it easy to add it to your shots.

The main reason for using Kevlar tennis strings is for their durability. If you’re a chronic string breaker, these are the strings that will finally be able to keep up with you.

The price of these best tennis racket strings is average in comparison to others.

One drawback of their durability is that they are quite hard on the arm so Kevlar strings are not too suitable for junior players or anyone who uses a tennis elbow brace.

Also, the added durability does come at the expense of the touch and feel of the racket being dampened.

Hybrids

In some ways this isn’t a string in its own right but a combination of two different strings on one racquet. It is still worth considering though as stringing your racquet in this way can give you the benefits of each type of string to suit your play.

When stringing this way you use one string going horizontal which is called the cross and the other going vertical which is called the main.

Typically, you would have a durable string as the main to reduce string breakage and a more natural string on the cross for comfort.

The main drawback with this method is that it is expensive as you need around 20ft of each string to do it. It is also tricky to put on and time-consuming so you might need a professional to do it for you.

How Do Tennis Strings Affect Your Game

Your choice of the most popular tennis strings can affect every part of your game. From the power your racquet generates to the amount of spin you can put on the ball, your tennis strings matter.

To help you in your search for tennis strings, I’ve listed my personal choice for tennis strings based on what you want in your tennis game.

Best Tennis Strings For Power

If you’re looking to add some power to your racquet, you’ll want a tennis string that is thin yet durable and able to withstand powerful shots. The best tennis strings for power I’ve played with have been the Technifibre X Biphase Tennis Strings.

The best tennis racket strings for power combine durability and power for an extra kick on each shot you make.

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These strings are actually a multifilament mix which claim to be the closest synthetic strings to replicating the feel of natural gut at a third of the price. Playing on the court, you’ll feel the difference from these strings immediately.

They’ll certainly put some extra oomph into each of your shots. As a side effect of their unique manufacturing, they’ll also last longer than other synthetic strings.

Best Tennis Strings for Control

When looking for strings to help you control the tennis ball, you want to look for firm polyester strings. These strings will bite deep into the tennis ball creating a “ball pocket” which will allow you to place the ball anywhere on the court with ease.

For control, I’ve particularly liked the Wilson Revolve tennis strings.

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These strings are made out of polyester which makes them highly durable. One feature which makes this tennis strings perfect for control is that they feature a low friction coating designed to help the strings create amazing spin and accuracy.

Best Tennis Strings for Topspin

If Nadal can use these strings and produce an insane amount of topspin, so can you. The Solinco Tour Bite Tennis Strings are uniquely suited to producing topspin.

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With a special shape, each of the strings can impact the ball hard enough to create massive topspin overwhelming your opponent.

Best Tennis Strings for Tennis Elbow

Your choice of tennis strings can drastically affect how bad your tennis elbow flares up or how long you can play tennis before getting tennis elbow.

For tennis elbow, you want especially soft strings that prioritize comfort and minimizing vibrations above everything else.

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If my elbow starts hurting, I like to use these Wilson NXT 16 Strings. I’ve found these to be the best tennis strings for tennis elbow.

I can feel the difference instantly on the court. These strings mute the response from the racquet minimizing any pain to your joints.

If your tennis elbow gets worse, you may want to try the use of a tennis elbow brace as well. For more detailed suggestions, check out our guide to tennis elbow here.

Top 5 Best Tennis Strings Review

1. Solinco Tour Bite Tennis Strings

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When it comes to purchasing high-quality tennis strings, Solinco is one of the best brands for the job – with their Tour Bite soft strings remaining a popular choice among advanced players. Made from a poly (monofilament) material, these strings deliver a fast and considerable pace on fast swings and can even accentuate natural spin.

If you are the kind of person who relies heavily on topspin techniques and aggressive strikes during gameplay, then these strings are the ideal choice for you.

Distinguished by their comfortable feel, the soft strings are known to be easier on the arms and wrists, which will help to reduce the risk of injury or long-term physical damage.

Because of this, the strings are also perfectly paired with players suffering from conditions such as tennis elbow, as the string’s soft and pleasant handling will make gameplay more enjoyable and efficient.

Overall, the Solinco Tour Bite soft strings are compatible with most tennis rackets and can be utilized for any tension between 48 and 54.

Considered a hidden treasure of the tennis world, these strings are suitable for beginner and advanced players alike and promise to deliver a performance unlike any other.

2. Tecnifibre NRG2 Tennis Strings

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Tecnifibre is a leading company known for its wide selection of sports equipment, with one of its finest products being its NRG2 tennis strings.

Made using high-quality elastic fibers, these strings are known for their powerful performance and nature, while also providing a comfortable handle and reducing the risks of long term injury.

So if you are the kind of tennis player who prefers to feel confident and powerful during your time on the court, then these strings are the perfect choice for you.

Featuring an anti-abrasion coating, these innovative tennis strings are capable of withstanding damage and overuse, providing a durable service that will stand the test of time.

Compatible with most racket models and sizes, the NRG2 strings can also be strung at low tensions, while still delivering a soft and professional feel.

Overall, Tecnifibre’s NRG2 tennis strings are the perfect product for tennis players who choose to utilize strength and power during gameplay, while also preferring a comfortable racket that leaves little impact or damage.

3. Wilson Synthetic Gut Power String

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The Wilson Synthetic Gut Power String is a synthetic tennis string from Wilson who use Nylon as their material of choice in producing it. A great choice for the majority of players, this is truly one of the best tennis strings on the market today. It is priced on the cheaper end of the scale for tennis strings but don’t be fooled – this is not at the expense of quality.

The elastic feel and response you get when playing a shot with these strings on your racquet is superb and very similar to natural gut. They are more durable than natural gut though which is great news for all players, whatever their level.

While similar in feel to natural strings, they don’t give quite the same amount of spin or sensitivity. Also, they are not quite as arm friendly although certainly not uncomfortable to use.

4. Head Rip Control Tennis Strings

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If you have been searching for a tennis string that can only be described as unique, then look no further than Head Rip Control. Made using a combination of polypropylene ribbons and core multifilament, this tennis string is capable of providing maximum power and ultimate control during gameplay.

Thanks to its advanced and creative design, the string also enhances the manipulation of the tennis ball, making it the preferred choice of players who enjoy a level of control during the execution of shot techniques.

Capable of providing a top-level spin, the Head Rip Control tennis string is known for its fine appearance and can be used to soften the impact of incoming tennis balls, as well as a variety of other objects.

Sporting a comfortable feel, the string also allows players to execute powerful strikes without causing lasting physical damage and comes with an elastic quality that sets it apart from other tennis strings currently available on the market.

The only negative setback is that the strings are not very stable in their design, making them prone to damage during use.

However, the Head Rip Control tennis string is still a stellar choice for tennis enthusiasts and can be utilized by both beginners and advanced players to improve their overall performance and skill during sessions.

5. Babolat RPM Blast

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A polyester string, the Babolat RPM Blast is very popular within tennis, due in no small part to being Rafael Nadal endorsed. These best tennis strings are superb and one that a lot of people use and love.

The main feature with these strings is the power and spin they give. You can really get a generous amount of each using them especially if your technique is good. As with all polyester strings they are durable and will last you a long time.

The drawback with the Babolat RPM Blast tennis strings  being so strong and stiff is that you lose a certain amount of touch and feel with them compared to other types of string.  These strings are definitely an impulse buy with a low price point.

6. Solinco Hyper-G Heaven Tennis Strings

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When it comes to choosing a product that can only be described as remarkable, then nothing beats the Solinco Hyper-G Heaven tennis string. Made from high-quality polyester, these tennis strings promise to deliver maximum control during gameplay and are particularly strong in all areas of playability.

Distinguished by their long-lasting and durable design, these strings are unlike any other polyester strings on the market and are known to provide an extraordinary feel during tennis sessions.

Traditionally, polyester strings have been known to lose their stiffness and tension over short periods of time, but with the Solinco Hyper-G Heaven, you will never have to worry about this particular problem again.

Not only do these tennis strings deliver a high-pressure performance but they are also capable of producing a fast and powerful spin, as well as a professional and comfortable experience.

So if you are an advanced player, then these tennis strings are the product that you need, for they have been designed to be easy on your arms and wrists.

They are also ideal for players with previous injuries or tennis elbows, as they can be used to deliver powerful shots without creating a harmful or unwanted impact.

7. Volkl Cyclone Tour Tennis Strings

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In the world of tennis equipment, Volkl is another underrated brand that is often overlooked by players and professionals alike, but all it takes is a simple playtest to understand just how effective these strings can be.

Made using a unique and innovative design, these tennis strings adopt a distinctive twist-like shape, which offers shake and grip during gameplay to deliver powerful and efficient shots. So if you are a tennis player who has been looking to step up your game, then these strings are the ideal choice for you.

Offering support and comfort, Volkl Cyclone Tour tennis strings do not sacrifice original qualities to improve their performance and promise to deliver secure handling during practice and gameplay.

The only setback is that the tennis strings are not very durable in their design, which means they are prone to damage and may need to be replaced throughout the year.

Overall, Volkl Cyclone Tour tennis strings are considered a more effective product than their predecessor (Volkl Cyclone Original) and are a great string for beginners and advanced players who want to improve their skills and overall performance.

8. Tourna PS-200-16 Tennis Strings

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If you are the kind of tennis player who prefers heavy and powerful gameplay, then Tourna PS-200-16 tennis string is the product you’ve been searching for.

Made using high-quality polyester materials, these synthetic tennis strings are soft in texture and come with multifilament guts to deliver a solid performance.

Capable of manipulating the ball during practice, the strings can also be used to deliver a professional topspin, while also producing the correct velocity to execute a winning shot.

Featuring a powerful spring, Toruna PS-200-16 tennis strings can register the ball at high speeds, resulting in a spinning rate that can be felt by other players without breaking or damaging the durable strings.

Sporting a pearlescent tone, the strings are also strong enough to withstand high-powered shots and are the ideal product for advanced players who wish to utilize their strength and confidence during court-based gameplay.

9. Head Synthetic Gut PPS

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If you are a newbie to the world of tennis, then chances are this synthetic gut tennis string by Head may interest you. Featuring a soft nylon core, this tennis string delivers a crisper feel to the racket, making gameplay smoother and more comfortable.

Made using a material called polyamide, the strings are also incredibly durable in nature and allow for a slightly increased speed during impact with the ball.

The only issue is that the inexpensive strings are not as stable as other pricier brands and may be prone to damage over short periods of time.

However, this does not mean that the strings are useless, as they are a solid choice for any novice player looking to improve their performance and technique.

So if you are the kind of person who is always looking to improve your skills, then this tennis string by Head is the product you need to consider.

Best Tennis Strings: Afterthoughts

The strings you put on your racquet will make a huge difference to your game and how you play.

Do yourself a favor and take your time to think about which strings would suit you best and help you become better.

If you do, then you will see the benefit in terms of your racquet being strung with something to help rather than hinder you.