Tennis Strings Explained: Poly, Multifilament, Gut and Hybrids
Serving Aces
Most players spend weeks choosing a racquet.
Then let someone else pick the strings in ten seconds.
That's backwards.
Your strings shape how your racquet feels more than almost anything else. The same frame can feel crisp and controlled, or soft and powerful, depending on what's in it.
This guide explains the main types in plain terms, from the team who string at the Australian Open.
We'll cover:
- The five main types of tennis string
- Which one suits your game
- Gauge and tension, explained simply
- How often you should restring
Quick answer: Polyester for spin and control. Multifilament for comfort and power. Natural gut for the best feel and arm comfort. Synthetic gut for beginners on a budget. A hybrid mixes two to get the best of both.
The five types at a glance
| Type | Feel | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Firm, controlled | Spin and big hitters | Stiff on the arm, loses tension fast |
| Multifilament | Soft, powerful | Comfort, touch players | Wears out faster |
| Natural gut | Softest, most lively | Feel and arm comfort | Highest price |
| Synthetic gut | Neutral | Beginners, budget | Less durable, less spin |
| Hybrid | Mix of two | Spin with comfort | Needs the right pairing |
Polyester (poly)
What most tour players use.
Poly is firm. That firmness lets you swing hard and still keep the ball in the court. It also grips the ball, which is where the spin comes from.
The catch: comfort. Poly is stiff, and it loses tension well before it breaks. A poly string can feel dead while it still looks fine.
Suits: intermediate to advanced players with fast swings. Especially in spin racquets like the Yonex VCORE.
Multifilament
Made of hundreds of tiny fibres twisted together.
That makes it soft, comfortable and powerful. It holds tension well and is much kinder on the arm than poly.
It does wear out faster, especially for players who hit with a lot of spin.
Suits: players with arm trouble, touch players, and anyone who wants more free power.
Natural gut
The original tennis string. Still the benchmark for feel.
It's the softest, most lively string you can buy, and it holds tension better than anything else.
It's also the most expensive. A natural gut restring is up to $100 at our shop.
Suits: players who want the best possible feel, and anyone with a sore elbow. See our guide to racquets for tennis elbow.
Synthetic gut
The all-rounder at a budget price.
A single solid core with a wrapping. Neutral feel, decent playability, low cost.
It doesn't last as long or spin as much as the others.
Suits: beginners, juniors and casual players.
Hybrids
Two strings in one racquet.
Usually polyester in the mains (the long strings) and a softer string in the crosses.
You keep most of the spin and control of poly, with a more forgiving feel.
Suits: club players who want spin without the harshness. It's one of the most popular setups we string.
Gauge: thick or thin?
Gauge is the string's thickness, shown in millimetres.
- Thinner (around 1.20 to 1.25mm): more spin and feel, less durable.
- Thicker (around 1.30mm): more durable, a little less spin and feel.
Break strings every few weeks? Go thicker.
Tension: tight or loose?
This is where players overthink it. Here's the short version.
- Lower tension: more power and comfort.
- Higher tension: more control.
Start in the middle of the range printed on your racquet frame, then adjust.
Tip from our stringers: Melbourne weather matters. On hot days the ball flies, so some players go a few pounds tighter. In the cold, a little looser helps with power.
How often should you restring?
A common rule of thumb: restring as many times a year as you play each week.
Play three times a week? Restring three times a year.
If you use polyester, restring more often. It loses tension well before it breaks.
Signs it's time:
- Strings keep moving out of place
- The ball suddenly flies long
- Your racquet feels dull or dead
- Your arm starts to ache after hitting
Still not sure?
Let us pick it for you.
Tell our team how you play and what bothers you about your current setup. We'll recommend a string and tension, and most racquets are ready the next day.
Read more about our racquet restringing service, or browse our tennis strings.
Quick questions
What is the best tennis string?
It depends on your game. Polyester suits spin and big hitters, multifilament suits comfort and touch, and natural gut offers the best feel. Many club players do best with a hybrid.
Is polyester or multifilament better?
Polyester gives more spin and control but is harsher on the arm. Multifilament is softer and more powerful. If you have arm pain, choose multifilament.
How much does it cost to restring a tennis racquet?
At Serving Aces, most restrings are $40 to $60 including string. Natural gut is up to $100, and labour only is $25 to $30 if you bring your own string.
How long does a restring take?
At our Moonee Ponds shop, usually next day. Up to 3 days in busy periods.