Tennis String Guide: Types and Tension Explained (India)
Confused by tennis strings? This India guide explains string types and tension — power vs control, spin and arm comfort — with picks.
Tennis string guide: types and tension explained
The racket gets all the attention, but the strings are what actually touch the ball — and they shape power, spin, control and comfort more than most players realise. If string charts have ever left you baffled, this India-focused tennis string guide breaks down the types and tension in plain language so you can choose with confidence.
The four main tennis string types
Natural gut offers the best feel, power and arm comfort, holds tension well, and carries a premium price — it is the connoisseur's choice. Polyester (also called poly) is durable and spin-friendly, which is why it dominates the pro tour; the trade-off is a stiffer feel and faster tension loss. A spin-oriented poly like the Yonex Polytour Rev (₹800) or the control-focused Tecnifibre Black Code (₹765) suits players with fast, full swings.
Multifilament weaves hundreds of fibres into a soft, powerful, arm-friendly string — ideal if you value comfort or have had elbow trouble. A softer poly such as the Solinco Tourbite Soft (₹720) bridges the gap between bite and comfort. Synthetic gut is nylon-based, the most affordable category, and a sensible all-round choice for beginners.
How tension changes your game
Tension is measured in pounds (lbs) and every racket lists a recommended range. The rule of thumb: lower tension = more power and comfort (the stringbed flexes more, like a trampoline), while higher tension = more control and a crisper feel (but less free power). If you struggle to generate pace, string a little lower; if your shots fly long, string a little higher.
Matching string to player
Soft strings — synthetic gut and multifilament — generally feel best strung a touch higher because they produce little snapback on their own. Polyester is the opposite: it suits players who supply their own power and want durability and spin. Beginners and improvers in India are usually happiest with synthetic gut or a soft multifilament in the middle of the racket's range.
When to restring
A common guideline is to restring as many times per year as you play per week — so twice a week means roughly twice a year, even if the string has not snapped. Strings lose tension and liveliness over time, so a fresh restring can make an old racket feel new again.
Shop the gear
- Yonex Polytour Rev Tennis String — ₹800
- Solinco Tourbite Soft Tennis String — ₹720
- Tecnifibre Black Code Tennis String — ₹765
Related reading
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- Babolat WZRD Pickleball Paddle Review & Buying Guide (India)
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of tennis strings?
There are four main categories: natural gut (most comfort and feel, premium price), polyester (durable, high spin, popular with advanced players), multifilament (soft and powerful, arm-friendly) and synthetic gut (affordable all-rounder, great for beginners).
Does lower string tension give more power or control?
Lower tension generally gives more power and a softer, more comfortable feel, because the stringbed acts like a trampoline. Higher tension gives more control and a crisper response but less free power. Most club players start in the middle of the racket's recommended range.
Which tennis string is best for a beginner in India?
Beginners are usually best served by a synthetic gut or a soft multifilament, strung in the middle of the racket's recommended tension. These offer comfort and decent all-round performance. Move to polyester later if you swing fast and break strings often.