The Beginners Guide to Tennis Strings

Strings are often overlooked when you’re starting out, but they have a massive impact on how your racket plays (spin, power, control, trampoline, snapback, feel, etc.).

Here’s what you need to know.

(In a hurry? Read our quick guide)

Poly vs Multi

Most tennis strings fall into two big categories:

Poly (polyester)

Firmer feel with slick coatings that help the strings snap back into place after contact, which can increase spin + control.

• • Best for: fast swings, confident ball striking, heavier hitters
  • Downside: can feel harsh, loses tension faster than most people realize

Multi (multifilament)

Comfort-focused construction that gives you easy power and a softer feel.

• • Best for: Arm-friendliness or developing players
  • Downside: less durable, less consistent when swinging big

Quick takeaway:

• • Poly = performance / control
  • Multi = comfort / power
    

What’s a “synthetic gut”?

Synthetic gut is the classic “starter” string for a reason: it’s simple, affordable, and playable.

It typically sits between poly and multi:

• • more comfort than poly
  • more durability than many multis
  • good all-around performance without a huge learning curve

Note: Synthetic gut is usually solid-core nylon wrapped in fibers, which is slightly different from multifilament (multi = lots of tiny fibers without the solid core).

If you don’t know where to start and you don’t want to overthink it, synthetic gut is a great move.

What’s a “hybrid”?

A hybrid setup is when you string the mains (vertical strings) and the crosses (horizontal strings) with different strings.

The most common hybrid is: Poly in the mains + Multi in the crosses

This setup is popular because it gives you:

• • poly’s spin + control
  • multi’s comfort + feel

Basically: modern performance, without beating up your arm.

Are natural gut strings still a thing? 

Short answer: yes, but it’s a niche choice.

Natural gut is still considered the gold standard for feel, comfort, and tension maintenance, and some pros still use it (often in hybrids).

That said:

• • it’s very expensive
  • not very moisture friendly
  • not ideal for players who break strings often

So no, it’s not the mainstream choice, but it absolutely still exists for a small number of players.

How do you choose tension?

Most rackets recommend a range like 45–60 lbs.

If you’re not sure what you like: start in the middle.

Most recreational players fall between 50 and 55 lbs, and we generally recommend starting at: 52 lbs, then adjust from there.

More tension

• • firmer feel
  • less trampoline
  • more control
  • less power

Less tension

• • more pocketing + dwell time
  • more power + comfort
  • easier depth
  • can feel a little less precise

Simple adjustment rule:

• • If your shots fly long: go up 2 lbs
  • If your shots land short: go down 2 lbs
  • If your arm feels sore: lower tension and/or change string type

Where do you begin?

If you’re new to strings, don’t complicate it.

Step 1. Start with the right string

Start with either a synthetic gut or a multifilament.

Step 2: Use a safe tension

String around 52 lbs, or in the middle of your racket’s recommendation. 

Step 3: Upgrade when ready

When you’re ready to dial it in, begin testing hybrid setups. You’ll usually notice:

• • more spin
  • more control
  • more “modern” response

If you’re looking to maximize spin and your arm allows for it, you can test full poly setups. Just know that poly is less forgiving and needs more frequent restringing.

The best way to find your setup is to try a few and see what matches your swing and your comfort level, then fine tune from there.

Tips and tricks

Watch for fraying

Multis are made of hundreds of tiny fibers. As the coating wears down, you’ll start to see fraying. That’s usually the sign you’re near the end of the string’s life.

Avoid rough poly + multi

Some polys come in “rough” versions to increase bite. They can shred a multi cross quickly as the strings slide against each other.

Polys lose tension fast

Poly strings can feel amazing early on, but they lose tension faster than multis and often go “dead” before they break. If your setup suddenly feels “boardy”, inconsistent, or harsh, it’s probably time.

Restring more often than you think

A common rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week.
Example: play 2x/week → restring ~2x/year minimum
(Poly users typically need more frequency.)

Want softer feel + more snapback?

If you’re running a hybrid and want more comfort / pop: drop the cross tension 2–3 lbs. It can increase main-string movement and improve the “release” off the stringbed.