This page offers more information about the different types of strings available today and our suggested strings within each category. Please contact us if you have any questions.
NYLON
Nylon (polyamide) strings are the most commonly used and least expensive strings available. They have a solid core with various wraps around it to provide resistance to tension loss. Because they typically come in a thicker gauge and use economical materials, they have a tendency to feel stiffer than other strings. But these are an excellent choice for recreational players.
SYNTHETIC GUT
Synthetic gut strings are also made of nylon and use the same core/wrap construction, but the material is typically higher quality and softer, and therefore provides more crispness and feel than strings that are identified simply as “nylon.” These strings cost slightly more, but are still a very economical option.
SOLID CORE WITH MULTIFILAMENT WRAPS
These strings are an ideal middle ground between a pure (less expensive) synthetic gut and a pure (more expensive) multifilament. They offer a more responsive feel than a regular synthetic gut due to the multifilament wraps, and at the same time offer greater durability than a regular multifilament string because of the solid core.
POLYESTER/CO-POLYMER MONOFILAMENT
Both John McEnroe and Andre Agassi have said that, as important as racket technology has been, advances in string technology have had a bigger impact on the game of tennis. Polyester (or co-polymer) monofilament strings consist of a single fiber with a thin coating. They are extremely durable (hence good for frequent string breakers). They also create a very stiff string bed, which allows the player to swing very hard but not lose control of the ball. (Because they are so stiff, they are often combined in a “hybrid” with softer strings. See “Hybrid” below.)
MULTIFILAMENT
Multifilament strings are the softest synthetic strings available and therefore give the best playability and have the best elasticity and tension maintenance short of natural gut. To simulate natural gut as much as possible, many filaments are wound together then covered by a more resilient outer layer to provide durability. (Because they are soft and susceptible to breakage by hard hitters, they are often combined in a hybrid with monofilament strings. See “Hybrid” below.)
NATURAL GUT
Natural gut is the Rolls Royce of tennis strings. It is made from long strands of cow intenstines wound together. For a very high price, you get unparalleled elasticity, tension maintenance, crispness, and feel. Because of its high cost, many people choose to use natural gut in a hybrid with synthetic gut, multifilament, or monofilament main strings.
HYBRID STRINGING
Hybrid stringing capitalizes on the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of different types of string. Typically, a hybrid string job will use a polyester monofilament on the main (up and down) strings for firmness and durability, and a synthetic gut, multifilament, or natural gut on the cross (side-to-side) strings for power and feel. Roger Federer and some others, however, do use natural gut on the main strings and a monofilament on the cross strings for more feel and power. You can combine any two strings we sell, so many possibilities are available (see our price list for suggestions).
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