'The right tennis string for every type of player: everything you need to know about the different string types and playing characteristics'. An explanation of the different string types and their playing characteristics. A must for every tennis player and stringer!

In this article we will discuss the different types of tennis strings and their playing characteristics, so that you can make a better assessment of which type of string is most suitable for you and your game. Nylon The most basic type of string on the market is nylon. You can already play a nylon string from roughly €15. Nylon strings are generally quite flexible. Note: Synthetic Gut strings also fall into this category. Contrary to what their name suggests, these strings have nothing to do with gut (see below). The price and quality of nylon strings increases as more extras are added to the string, such as a contour or coating, for extra grip on the ball or durability of the string. There are also synthetic strings that are made up of multiple filaments, namely the multifilament strings.

Multifilament

Multifilament strings come closest to gut. The big advantage of this type of string compared to regular nylon strings is extra comfort, vibration dampening and a clearly better retention of tension. The more filaments, the better the playing characteristics of the string. A nice multifilament string costs between €25 and €50. Nylon and multifilament strings are, despite the catch-up race of the 'user-friendly' polyester strings, still the absolute best choice for the majority of tennis players. This is due to the comfortable and user-friendly nature of these strings.

Polyester

There has been a major development in polyester strings in recent years. In the past, polyester strings were built purely and solely for durability, but that has changed considerably in recent years. The advantage of polyester strings is that they hardly or never slide (or return very well to their original position), have good durability and offer a lot of control. The disadvantage of polyester is that the strings are somewhat snappier on the arm. Polyester strings are particularly suitable for players who regularly knock out a stringing. Polyester strings vary in price roughly between €20 and €35. Polyester strings are also often used in a hybrid setup, where different length and width strings are used (see below).

The Diadem Solstice Power has a star-shaped construction for more ball bite and provides extra snapback[/caption] The advice for polyester strings is to string them at least 5 to 10% (in some cases even 20%) lighter than normal. The 'new' polyester strings come in all kinds of variations: smooth, sharp (angled, star-shaped) or rough. But also (traditionally) stiff or somewhat more elastic such as the soft polyester strings. The rough string gives more grip on the ball, where the sharp strings give more snapback which is good for extra acceleration. Smooth strings, which can also be sharp, give more ball rotation for spin. Due to the constant development within the polyester strings, there are also softer and more elastic polys that can be played by a wider audience. Please note: polyester strings remain stiff and are therefore not recommended for players with arm or shoulder complaints!

Intestine (Natural Gut)

Still a favorite among many top players (usually used as a hybrid setup; see below) is gut/natural gut. These strings remain unsurpassed in terms of tension retention, playing feel, power and vibration damping. Gut strings are quite expensive (€60,- to €80 for a full stringing), but due to the excellent tension retention, the playing characteristics of gut remain good for much longer. In terms of durability, a gut string lasts between 3 and 6 times longer than multifilament strings, which makes the string relatively less expensive than a multifilament. Nowadays, gut strings have a coating, which makes them playable in somewhat damp weather.
The Babolat VS Touch 16 gut string remains unsurpassed in feel, comfort, elasticity and tension retention.

Hybrid stringings

Hybrid stringings are a mix of 2 string types. Different length and width strings are used, allowing you to combine the advantages of both string types. Common hybrids are: gut and polyester, polyester and multifilament and two types of polyester combined with each other. Gut or a nice multifilament in the length provides power, comfort and feel. The polyester width string can add extra control or spin. Conversely, polyester in the length provides extra durability and control, while the softer gut or multifilament string in the width provides extra comfort. In our webshop you will find a wide range of strings in nylon, multifilament and polyester. NB the indication of the prices for the above-mentioned strings include 'stringing costs'.