For 2023, I've awarded Babolat VS Touch as the best natural gut tennis string. Luxilon ALU Power - Control, Spin. We cover everything from improving your tennis game to the latest gear reviews. Weight: 10.8 oz. Ultimately, the strings feel results in a highly predictable option that further aids control. With that in mind, my top pick for the best soft polyester tennis string is Solinco Hyper-G Soft. In general, this refers to how well connected you are to the ball. 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. There is little evidence to suggest string alignment impacts performance, but it often becomes a nuisance for players trying to keep them straight. It offers great precision in a softer string thats easier on the arm. Your email address will not be published. If you are not a string breaker, we typically recommend 17 gauge, otherwise use 16 gauge for a little more durability. Head Rip Control is one of the more comfortable control-oriented strings. All tennis racquets come with a recommended string tension range (usually around 40 60 lbs). unstrung; Head Size: 98 square inches; Length: 27 inches; Balance: 320 mm; String Pattern: 16 x 20; The Elevate Tour is 11.1 oz. Players might also consider string savers to extend this strings life. But if youre looking to maximize control, precision, and accuracy, try a higher string tension. Enquire about what strings theyre already using and how theyve performed for them, and then use that information to inform your purchase with the help of this guide. Players taking advantage of hybrid stringing select two different strings to install in their racquet, one for the mains and another for the crosses. They also tend to be the most expensive strings, and therefore usually only used by advanced players. If you're a fan of natural gut but can't justify the cost, consider using string savers to extend its life and reduce the cost of restringing. For starters, the look is revamped with an anodized infrared finish and embossed Clash logo. Stiffer, lower power strings with less shock absorption tend to offer greater precision and control. alternative. Luxilon Natural Gut in 1.30 in Mains with Tecnifibre MultiFeel Black 1.30 in crosses 52/50 LBs. Here is the short and summerized advice -. Intermediate and advanced players For players who want ultimate control, we recommend the Solinco Hyper-G and the Babolat RPM Blast. As a multifilament, Prince Premier Touch combines thousands of individual fibers to build a string resembling natural guts makeup. Theres a lot of emphasis on choosing the right tennis racquet, but a racquet is only as good as its strings. 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. 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. WILSON Synthetic Gut Power 40-Feet Tennis String Set. This means you wont need to replace them very often, and dont need strings that are especially durable. Like nearly all multifilaments, it doesnt have the natural ability to snap back into place, an attribute that aids in generating topspin. 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 youd like, you can click any of the following links to skip to that section of this article. 8 offers from $12.00. Check out their latest evolution, dubbed Prism, the same great string in a rainbow of colors. 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. A lower tension will provide more power, but also less feel and control. 4 Top 5 Best Tennis Strings Review. A players ability to direct and place the ball accurately and confidently is generally perceived as control, especially when swinging hard. 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. 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. Babolat RPM Blast 17, String. Feel free to post a comment below; Id love to hear from you. When a string provides an outstanding balance between spin and feel in a low-powered package, you end up with excellent control. Furthermore, Luxilon ALU Power retains a liveliness, ensuring the string doesnt feel underpowered or dull. If you are a beginner or intermediate player, its unlikely that you will be breaking strings or needing to replace them very often. Of course, each has its pros and cons, but there are plenty of exceptional options to test and evaluate if you want to enhance spin. Ive played with Mantis Comfort Synthetic, but havent experienced Gosen Tour 3. Many players seek polyester strings for their control, spin, and durability. Some players may even need to tweak the tension upward to find the sweet spot between balance and control. Discussion Boards 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. Synthetic gut strings are made of nylon or other synthetic fibers. Try it at a lower tension like 45-51 lbs. Like some of the other polys on offer from Solinco, Confidential is a 4-sided string, which offers a bit of extra added bite. Tension maintenance refers to how long a string holds its tension before it needs to be replaced. The ball propels itself off my strings with impressive action and ease. 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. 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. When it comes to Luxilon ALU Power alternatives, one of my favorite places to look is among the line of Luxilon strings. Same with the Prince Synthetic Gut, the Wilson Synthetic Gut Power is a great all-around string. Their slick surface and ability to snap back into place are dynamic combinations to help you generate maximum spin. Your email address will not be published. Zverev who endorses the racquet uses a hybrid of poly/gut. A few years back, the options for soft polys were sparse. The middle of the recommended tension range is a good place to start on the quest for the perfect racquet tension. They tend to be softer (less stiff) and are easier on the arm. Co-poly strings are polyester strings with other material additives. In particular, multifilament tennis strings offer above-average playability and exceptional comfort. Elite cricket stars are demigods in India, with millions influenced by the activities and recommendations of these cricket icons. 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. Head RIP Control Tennis Racket String 40' Set - 17 Gauge Multifilament Racquet String, Natural. There are quite a few alternatives to Prince Synthetic Gut. More control often comes at the expense of other playability features like power, spin, and comfort. These strings are thinner than the corresponding number, but . For reference, I play with a Head MGPP, strung with NRG2 16. Volkl V-Icon and the more affordable KLIP Legend Natural Gut are a few other options worth checking out. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase packs a punch and delivers power as a standout feature. Wilson`s FortyFive frame technology . Conversely, lower ball-on-string friction means less spin. Because I want to know if is worth using them. Yesterday, I added one of my favorite polyester strings . I havent heard Mantis mentioned in quite a while. 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. However, Wilson NXT earns the label of the best multifilament for 2023. However, its simply the cost of the spin and control that this category of strings delivers. Strings with low scores will move considerably and require players to straighten them continually. As the name suggests, composite tennis strings are manufactured with more than one material, including polyester, nylon, etc. This means you can string your racquet tight to improve control, without losing power (rebound efficiency). This 'softening' effect is more pronounced than what can be obtained by using a nylon based solid-core string in the crosses. While every player is different, a good starting point can get people moving in the right direction. Composite. You really get a crisp feel from this string set up, whilst being able to access as much . From the time the string is installed, it will begin to lose . Polyester and Co-poly - for advanced players who break strings often. Previously named Wilson Extreme Octane, this string is actually very similar to Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex (our top pick for the best value string). Hyper-G Soft offers more pop than the original, which most players will find translates to marginally less control. I created a custom vibration dampener thats compatible with all racquets and string patterns. Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe Tennis Warehouse Europe. Its worth noting that the comfort associated with softer polys is relative to the classic stiffness of a typical polyester. Cant decide which color to buy? The natural elastic fibers with Babolat VS Touch make for a string with unrivaled comfort. Stiffer, thicker strings are highly durable, but offer less playability (which includes features like power, spin, control, comfort). 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. Only a few polys out there manage to do both well. The closer to the top of the range, the more control and less pop a player will experience. These strings offer a ton of control and spin, are very durable, and are surprisingly comfortable for stiffer, control-oriented strings. Beginners and recreational players If youre looking for a comfortable string that provides some easy power, we recommend an inexpensive, all-around performance string like the Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex or the Wilson Synthetic Gut Power. As a result, players should expect to have to restring more often. If control is a priority, look no further than Solinco Hyper-G a bright green co-poly thats developed a cult-like following. 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. Once again, lowering the tension at which you string your racquet can also help to make your strings more comfortable. Unfortunately, were not all built with the strength to turn up the heat when wed like. 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. S = Short Side Main String Measurement (Used For One Piece Stringing) We don't recommend going over 60Ibs unless you want an injury. Short advice - Always string as low tension as you can. Due to its amazing performance and best hybrid string steup, many players recommend it as the best tennis strings for Wilson. Here are a few alternatives to Solinco Confidential that deliver reliable durability, and Id recommend you checkout. With so many different tennis strings on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. 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. Once again, polyester strings enter as the durability leader due to their solid monofilament construction and slick surface that wards off notching. 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. 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. After a few hours on the court, its easy to notice how much more forgiving this string is on your arm. Unless you want an injury coming your way though, we wouldn't advise you to go over 60lbs. The last comment and 20 other comment(s) need to be approved. Plus, it comes in a wide array of colors, which is fun for younger players where string performance isnt a priority. Before buying a new string, youll have to decide on the gauge or thickness youd like to use with two key factors to consider. 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. Its an excellent string and comparable to Babolats, delivering similar specs overall. Recommendations. With the Clash V2 100 Pro Tennis Racquet, Wilson improves on their most flexible performance frame. OUR HISTORY 145 YEARS YOUNG. 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. An inexpensive string with a good blend of comfort, control, power, and spin. Furthermore, it doesnt offer a high level of comfort, so players with arm issues need to keep that in mind. The final string to make this list is Dynawire, which is one of the best values for any type of tennis player who enjoys playing with a nylon monofilament. While I give Wilson NXT a slight edge, Technifibres X-One Biphase and NRG2 are borderline equivalents, and Id encourage you to check out all three. True to that claim, NXT is easy on the arm but doesnt sacrifice the response and playability that players demand. . A combination of low string-on-string friction and high ball-on-string friction allows for maximum spin potential. 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. Heres a recap of some of our recommendations. Manufactured in the United States, the HAWK POWER TENNIS STRINGS are designed for high-performance players who want to add even more explosive power to their games. With that kind of powerful racquet, a full bed of poly might be best to control it and add spin. Some players prefer a stiffer, dead-feeling, low power string, which usually means more control. This string is the best choice for players fond of topspin or underspin. However, it may leave others wanting. Its also the most common approach when stringing a hybrid with gut and polyester. 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. A tennis string tension of 55 to 65 pounds is considered high. Tennis warehouse forums are definitely the best place for gear questions. Strings selling at a price less than $10 are recommended for beginners. For one thing, as a beginner you most likely wont be breaking strings with your play. For 2023, Ive awarded Babolat VS Touch as the best natural gut tennis string. 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. Frays a little too easily when hitting hard. Contents [ hide] 1 Best Tennis Strings: Characteristics. The main factors that you will want to consider are power, spin, comfort, control, touch, string movement, playability duration, and . The feel or touch offered by tennis strings is a highly subjective measure, which is why we leave it out of our string review ratings. When you think of polyester tennis strings, feel might not be the first thing that comes to mind. The properties of the string are greatly diminished when you have to string your racket so tightly unless it is . Furthermore, Ive taken my recommendations a step further by providing you with a selection of high-quality alternatives to explore for each category to accommodate for factors like a strings price that may present a roadblock for you to start using it. Natural gut tennis strings are the most expensive category available. Stiffer strings offer less power, more control, and less shock absorption. Not only is it relatively hard to break, but it also does an excellent job maintaining tension, which helps extend the strings overall life. The perforated grip will also help to improve the grip on the racket and prevent your hand from slipping. Based on your experience, you can adjust up or down a few pounds if necessary. Hands down, natural gut is the most powerful string on the market, and Babolats VS Touch stands at the head of its class. Best Seller. As your skills develop and you graduate to a more expensive performance tennis racquet, youll be in a much better position to benefit from the nuanced performance of a higher-quality tennis string. Intermediate and advanced players might opt for a more durable string, to save money by not replacing them as often. Wilson NXT is best known for its comfort, which is the feature that Wilson highlights as the strings strongest asset. If theres a defining characteristic of this hybrid string set, its the fact that its Roger Federers choice one of if not the games greatest player of all time. Gauge. I also love that this string comes in two colors, natural white and black; the latter looks as good as it performs. In other words, if you play 1-to-2 times per week, you should . enhancing your game with the ideal tension, 16: black, gold, silver, blue, purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, white, 17: black, gold, red, pink, orange, green, white. Prince Premier Touch also packs a highly respectable level of power. #5. A high string tension would be anything from around 55lbs to 65lbs. While you can undoubtedly achieve more comfort with a full bed of natural gut, the tradeoff with spin and control is significant. Instead, check out Tecnifibres NRG2 and Babolats Origin, which will deliver plenty of power with the added benefit of more control. As a general rule of thumb, you can double the number of times you play per week to come up with the minimum number of times you should restring your racquet per year. The areas where it gives up the most are the spin, control, and feel departments. First, here are our top picks. ( Generally the sweet spot for most people in in-between medium and low tension. 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. Power and control are inversely related, i.e., a lower power string will increase control, while a high-powered string will decrease control. The more the strings can grip the ball, the more spin they will generate. 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. This includes my recommendations for both racquets and strings and covers all levels and styles of play. In general, strings that are more playable tend to be less durable, and vice versa. With Wilsons Natural Gut in the mains, Champions Choice delivers more than enough power. 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. Besides the reasonable price, I especially appreciate the range of KLIP options available, making it an excellent starting point for players venturing into the world of gut. Thinner strings generally offer higher performance (more spin) but are not as durable thicker strings. Wilson Champion's Choice Duo - Premium Option, Power, Comfort. Tennis String Tension screenshorts. $16.00. Specifications: Brand Name: WILSON. As with all tennis strings, theres always a tradeoff, and Prince Premier Touch is no exception. There are many fantastic polyester strings, but they sometimes have lower durability than expected. Combined with the ultra-soft stringbed that lacked feel, the string keeps me on my toes because its response isnt as predictable, making it difficult to find control and precision. However, if youre looking outside the Luxilon family of strings, I recommend you check out the following strings. Thinner strings also have more elasticity which is what makes a string play better. Strings that snap back into place after hitting and dont move much or require constant straightening will have higher movement ratings. Finally, expect your preferences to change as your skills improve and your style of play evolves. 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. The spin potential of a string is determined by friction. Cons. However, a near equivalent and one I often recommend is Gosens OG-Sheep Micro, which is even more affordable. www.prokennex.com. With players like Rafel Nadal on tour, one of the most sought-after attributes for tennis players is the ability to generate massive topspin. However, for a better understanding of when to restring, there are several factors Id encourage you to consider, including: I speak to each of these in my dedicated guide on restringing, which Id encourage you to explore if youd like to learn more. MwSt. The main tradeoff youll make with Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is with spin. Beginners. So if you play four times a week, then restring you racquet four times a year. I hope you enjoy the resources. Some tennis strings are better at absorbing and reducing shock and vibration, resulting in more comfort, while others feel harsh. Thickness: 16g. Solinco Confidential delivers on this front, which helped me to dictate points. 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. 6. This post was written by the Tennis Department staff. 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. Unfortunately, natural gut is often cost-prohibitive for most players, so its not usually my first recommendation. unstrung with a balance of 315mm. Color . Theres a lot on offer and plenty of options to suit a wide range of player preferences and budgets. Polyester strings are a stiff string and tend to be harder on the arm. 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. Although Wilson NXT doesnt deliver quite the punch of the strings mentioned above, its a strong contender and my pick for the best multifilament, so worthy of consideration. The length of time a set of strings can maintain tension and quality play or performance is its playability duration. More often than not, when players take the time to evaluate their needs seriously, theyre happier with the strings they choose, even if it takes some time to find the right set. C = Cross String. Thinner strings (17-18) will generally provide more power and spin, while sacrificing some durability. As you look to buy a new set of tennis strings, it pays to know how frequently you should replace them. 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. The amount of shock and vibration a player feels when hitting with different strings informs comfort. The truth is, beyond restringing periodically, which is good practice, the strings you choose will have little impact on your performance and growth compared to learning the fundamentals and basic techniques. 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. . For most players, we recommend one of these options. 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. I totally read that as inches not feet. 4. Recommendations For Different Levels of Players. Over a year, you should restring your racquet the number of times you play in a week. With that in mind, dont underestimate the value of experimenting to find the right set of strings. 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. One of the most common injuries in our sport istennis elbow. For example, many players will find multifilaments too powerful and lacking in the spin department, while polyesters tend to be harsh on the arm. Generally, youre making a tradeoff between more power with a lower tension or added control with a higher tension. 16L/1.28mm: Medium gauge found in Luxilon strings; best for competitive players looking for . 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. For reference, Id give both of Tecnifibres strings the edge if power is high on your list. First, as a polyester tennis string, RPM Blast is slick and quickly snaps back into place upon contact, helping to generate topspin. Thankfully, to the delight of many players, Solinco delivered. 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. Another one of my favorite multifilament tennis strings for its exceptional price combined with all-around performance is Head Velocity MLT. 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. Wilson Champions Choice Duo is a premium string that blends natural gut with Luxilon ALU Power Rough tennis string. 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. It's a highly crystalline microfiber specialized in providing feel & power. That said, its properties intend to provide players with performance similar to a soft poly. Stringing your racquet towards the lower end of your tension range will give your strings more power, spin, durability, feel, and comfort. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for visiting my site. Strings are widely available at 17 or 16 gauge, with 17 being a thinner string and 16 thicker. With its square shape, this co-poly offers massive spin potential. They tend to offer a lot of control, and are better suited for experienced players. Thanks for dropping by. The very soft multi-filament crosses effectively moderate the sometimes undesirable co-polyesters' stiffness. One of the most popular strings of all time, Wilson NXT has a well-deserved reputation as the king of comfort. But this premium monofilament delivers more comfort .