Two players can use the same racket and have completely different experiences purely because of their strings. Strings are the cheapest way to transform how a racket plays — and the most common cause of gear-related arm pain. The two decisions are tension (how tightly the strings are pulled) and type (what the strings are made of). Most recreational players string too tight with too stiff a string, hurting both their game and their arm. Here’s how to do it right.
How tension works
String tension is measured in pounds (or kilograms) and is usually set within the racket’s recommended range (often 50–60 lbs). The counterintuitive truth:
- Lower tension = MORE power. Looser strings act like a trampoline, returning more energy to the ball. They’re also softer and more comfortable.
- Higher tension = MORE control. Tighter strings deflect less, so the ball stays on the stringbed less and launches with less power — giving you more control, but more shock to the arm.
The common mistake: Players string tight chasing “control,” then wonder why they have no power and a sore arm. For most recreational and intermediate players, stringing at the lower-to-middle of the recommended range gives more power, more comfort, and a larger sweet spot — with control loss that most players won’t even notice.
How string type works
String material matters as much as tension — especially for comfort:
- Multifilament: hundreds of soft fibres. Comfortable, powerful, arm-friendly. Best for most recreational players.
- Polyester (co-poly): a single stiff filament. Maximum control, spin, and durability — but stiff and harsh. For advanced players with big swings only.
- Synthetic gut: a nylon all-rounder. Balanced and cheap. Good default for beginners.
- Natural gut: premium cow-gut. The best feel, power, and comfort — but expensive and less durable.
- Hybrid: poly mains + multi/gut crosses. Blends control with comfort.
For a full ranked breakdown with specific products, see best tennis strings.
The arm-comfort connection
This is the part players ignore until their elbow hurts. The harshest setup for your arm is stiff polyester strung at high tension in a stiff frame — it transmits maximum shock with every hit. If you have any arm pain or want to prevent it:
- Use a multifilament (or hybrid), not full polyester.
- String at lower tension (a few pounds below the middle of the range).
- Consider an arm-friendly frame — see rackets for tennis elbow.
How often to restring
Strings lose tension and feel over time, even if they don’t break. A popular rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play three times a week? Aim for roughly three restrings a year. Polyester in particular goes “dead” quickly and should be replaced more often than its durability suggests.
Quick recommendations
| If you want… | Tension | String type |
|---|---|---|
| More power | Lower | Multifilament |
| More control | Higher | Polyester (if advanced) |
| More comfort / less arm pain | Lower | Multifilament |
| More spin | Mid | Polyester (open pattern) |
| Best value / starting out | Mid | Synthetic gut |
The bottom line
Lower tension for power and comfort; higher tension for control. Choose multifilament unless you’re an advanced player who needs polyester’s control and spin. Most recreational players string too tight and too stiff — going softer will likely improve both your game and your arm. Experiment within the safe range to find your feel.
Ready to pick a string? See best tennis strings. Protecting your arm? Read best rackets for tennis elbow, and make sure your racket and grip size fit you.