Is polyester or multifilament better for beginners?

Multifilament (or synthetic gut) is usually better. Polyester is stiff, harder on the arm and less forgiving when your timing is still developing.

Do polyester strings cause tennis elbow?

They can contribute. Stiff poly at high tension transmits more shock. Softer strings, a slightly lower tension and good technique all reduce that load.

What is a hybrid string job?

Using one string type in the mains and another in the crosses, often polyester mains with a multifilament or gut cross for a mix of spin and comfort.

Polyester vs Multifilament Tennis Strings

4 video lessons

Poly for spin and control; multifilament for comfort and power.

Quick answer & tips ▾

Polyester (poly) strings are stiff and durable. They help stronger hitters get spin and control, but they lose tension relatively fast and send more shock into the arm. Multifilament strings are built from many soft fibers, so they feel livelier and kinder on the arm, with more power and comfort and less bite on the ball.

Most beginners, recreational players and anyone with a history of tennis elbow do better on multifilament or synthetic gut. Competitive players who generate their own pace often prefer poly, usually strung a few pounds lower than they would a soft string. A hybrid (poly mains with a softer cross, or the reverse) is a middle path many club players like.

Key tips

Arm issues or just starting out: choose multifilament or synthetic gut.
Want more spin and a firmer response? Try polyester a few pounds lower.
Hybrid setups let you mix control on the mains with comfort on the crosses.
Restring poly sooner than soft strings; it goes dead before it breaks.

FAQ

Is polyester or multifilament better for beginners?: Multifilament (or synthetic gut) is usually better. Polyester is stiff, harder on the arm and less forgiving when your timing is still developing.
Do polyester strings cause tennis elbow?: They can contribute. Stiff poly at high tension transmits more shock. Softer strings, a slightly lower tension and good technique all reduce that load.
What is a hybrid string job?: Using one string type in the mains and another in the crosses, often polyester mains with a multifilament or gut cross for a mix of spin and comfort.