The (Quick) Beginner’s Guide to Tennis Strings

Strings are the most overlooked part of a tennis setup, but they have a huge impact on power, spin, control, and comfort. Here’s the simple breakdown.

Poly vs Multi

Poly (Polyester): firm, low-powered, great for spin + control (best for faster swings).

Multi (Multifilament): softer, more forgiving, adds comfort + easy power (best for beginners + arm comfort).

What’s “synthetic gut”?

A classic, affordable nylon string that’s a true “middle ground.”

Good playability, decent comfort, and a great starting point if you don’t want to overthink it.

What’s a “hybrid”?

A hybrid setup uses different strings for mains and crosses.

Most common combo: poly mains + multi crosses for spin/control with comfort.

Are natural gut strings still a thing?

Yes, but it’s niche. Natural gut offers elite feel and comfort, but it’s expensive and not very durable. Most players don’t need it.

How do you choose tension?

Most rackets recommend 45–60 lbs.

If you’re unsure, start at 52 lbs.

Higher tension: more control, less power

Lower tension: more power + comfort, less control

Where do you begin?

Start simple: Synthetic gut or multi @ ~52 lbs

When you want more performance, test a hybrid setup, then explore full poly only if your arm tolerates it.

(Want more? Read the full beginners guide here)