What String Tension should I use in my tennis racket?

In tennis, your string tension is just as important as the type of string you use. How tight or loose the strings are pulled in the frame is just as important as what string you use in your tennis racket. While it can seem even more complicated than choosing your string, there are three easy questions to guide you. These questions build on one another, ensuring you determine the best string tension for your game.

Whether you are using nylon/gut string, polyester string, or a hybrid of half and half makes a big difference. In general, beginners should play with nylon strings or natural gut if you don't mind the cost. Additionally, intermediate players can start to blend with hybrids, and advanced players can take to the court with a full polyester bed.

When it comes to tension, the general rule is to string elastic materials like nylon or natural gut around 50-60lbs, which we'll use as our base recommended tension.

Therefore, if you use a stiffer string material like polyester, we'd recommend stringing looser to avoid arm injuries.

Here are the tension ranges we'd aim for the first time you get your racket strung.

•            Nylon/Gut  -  50-60lbs (22.5 - 27kg)
•            Hybrid  -  46-56lbs (21-25.5kg)  -  Because polyester is a stiffer material, string 2lbs           (1kg) looser than nylon. e.g.  -  Poly at 51lbs (23kg), Nylon at 53lbs (24kg)
•            Polyester  -  44-54lbs (20-24.5kg)

Typically, beginner players with slower racket-head speeds want their strings to add more power to their shots, while advanced players with faster racket-head speeds want their strings to provide more control over their shots.

Furthermore, the higher your string tension, the more control you'll have, while the looser your string tension, the more power.

Here are the above tension ranges again, but adjusted for power or control.

          Nylon/gut  -  50-60lbs (22.5-27kg)

•                Power  -  50-55lbs (22.5-25kg)
•                Control  -  56-60lbs (25.5-27kg)

        Hybrid  -  46-56lbs (21-25.5kg)

•                 Power  -  46-51lbs (21-23kg)
•                 Control  -  52-56lbs (23.5-25.5kg)

          Polyester  -  44-54lbs (20-24.5kg)

•                Power  -  44-49lbs (20-22kg)
•                Control  -  50-54lbs (22.5-24.5kg)

In summary, your skill level on the court is the final question that needs to be addressed to nail down your ideal string tension. Moreover, those tension ranges are again narrowed down even further for each playing level.

Tension Suitable for Beginners: 45–52 lbs (20.4-23.6kg)

If you are just starting out, a lower tension offers more forgiveness, comfort, and power. It helps you keep rallies going while protecting your arm from unnecessary strain.

Tension Suitable for Intermediate Players: 50–55 lbs (22.7-24.9kg)

At this stage, you’ve developed some consistency. A mid-range tension strikes a balance between power and control, giving you confidence to swing freely without sacrificing accuracy.

Tension Suitable for Advanced Players: 55–62 lbs (24.9-28.1kg)

Competitive players usually prefer higher tensions for maximum control. If you generate your own power and rely on precision, stringing tighter can help you paint the lines.

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When players talk about string tension, they often focus only on the number on the stringing machine. But in reality, the type of string you choose is just as important—sometimes even more so. Each material interacts with tension differently, influencing how your racket feels, how much spin you can generate, and how long the setup lasts. Let’s break down the main options.

Polyester (Poly) Strings – Spin and Durability at Lower Tensions

Polyester strings are the go-to choice for many advanced players because they provide excellent spin potential and durability. The trade-off? They tend to lose tension more quickly than other string types and can feel harsh on the arm if strung too tightly.

• Ideal For: Big hitters and spin-heavy baseliners who generate their own power
• Tip: Keep tensions on the lower side to unlock spin without risking arm fatigue.

Best Tension Ranges for Polyester Strings -  44-54lbs (20-24.5kg)

•            Power  -  44-49lbs (20-22kg)
•            Beginner  -  44-45lbs (20-22.5kg)
•             Intermediate  -  46-47lbs (21-21.5kg)
•             Advanced  -  48-49lbs (21.75-22kg)
•             Control  -  50-54lbs (22.5-24.5kg)
•               Beginner  -  50lbs (22.5kg)
•               Intermediate  -  51-52lbs (23-23.5kg)
•                Advanced  -  53-54lbs (24-24.5kg)

Nylon / Gut – Premium Feel That Lasts

Natural gut has been the gold standard for centuries, offering unmatched feel, comfort, and tension maintenance. Unlike poly, gut retains its tension extremely well, meaning you can string it tighter without losing playability over time. Nylon behaves similar in many ways, but is a more budget-friendly option.

• Ideal For: Players seeking maximum comfort, touch, and consistent performance
• Tip: Great for those who want a “set it and forget it” string that stays playable longer.

Best Tension Ranges for Nylon/Gut Strings  -  50-60lbs (22.5-27kg)

•            Power  -  50-55lbs (22.5-25kg)
•            Beginner  -  54-55lbs (24.5-25kg)
•            Intermediate  -  52-53lbs (23.5-24kg)
•            Advanced  -  50-51lbs (22.5-23kg)
•            Control  -  56-60lbs (25.5-27kg)
•            Beginner  -  59-60lbs (26.75-27.25kg)
•            Intermediate  -  57-58lbs (26-26.5kg)
•            Advanced  -  55-56lbs (25-25.5kg)

Hybrid Setups – Balancing Spin and Comfort

Many pros and advanced players use a hybrid setup, combining polyester mains (for spin and control) with natural gut or multifilament crosses (for comfort and power). This creates a string bed that feels balanced, versatile, and adaptable across playing styles.

• Best Range: 50–55 lbs (22.7–24.9 kg)
• Ideal For: Players who want the spin of poly but without sacrificing too much arm comfort
• Tip: Adjust the cross tension slightly higher than the mains for a more even feel.

Best Tension Ranges for Hybrid  Strings -  46-56lbs (21-25.5kg)

•             Power  -  46-51lbs (21-23kg)
•             Beginner  -  50-51lbs (22.5-23kg)
•             Intermediate  -  48-49lbs (21.75-22kg)
•             Advanced  -  46-47lbs (21-21.5kg)
•             Control  -  52-56lbs (23.5-25.5kg)
•            Beginner  -  55-56lbs (25-25.5kg)
•             Intermediate  -  53-54lbs (24-24.5kg)
•              Advanced  -  52lbs (23.5kg) 

One of the biggest mistakes recreational players make is copying someone else’s string setup - or even worse looking up their favourite pro player and using his or her setup for guidance. The level of tension needs to match your personal playing style. It should complement how you naturally hit the ball. A baseliner who rips heavy topspin forehands has very different needs from a serve-and-volleyer who relies on precision at the net. Here’s how to match your setup to your game.

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Big Hitters: Unlocking Controlled Power

If you already generate plenty of pace from your strokes, you don’t need your strings to add even more power. Instead, what you need is more control. That’s why big hitters often benefit from stringing on the lower side of the tension range.

At lower tensions, the string bed absorbs more of the ball’s energy, sending it deeper into the court with less effort. This gives you heavy, penetrating shots that push opponents back. Using a polyester string around 45–52 lbs (20.4–23.6 kg) is common for this style, as it balances durability with spin.

Pro example: Think of Rafael Nadal. His heavy topspin forehand is made possible by a lower-tension poly setup that grabs the ball and launches it with RPMs.

Control-Oriented Players: Precision Over Power

Some players aren’t worried about generating power. They’re more focused on hitting their spots with confidence and precision. If you are the type of player who likes threading the needle down the line or painting the corners on passing shots, then a higher tension setup may suit you best.

Tightening the strings to around 55–62 lbs (24.9–28.1 kg) reduces the trampoline effect, keeping the ball on the strings a fraction longer. This increases feedback and gives you the confidence to swing fully without the ball sailing long. Multifilament or natural gut strings at higher tensions can be especially rewarding for touch and control players.

Pro example: Roger Federer often strung his hybrid setup tighter than baseline grinders, giving him surgical precision on volleys and slices.

Spin Seekers: Making the Ball Bite

For players who live off of topspin, string tension can make the difference between a looping ball that sits up and a heavy shot that kicks up off the court. Spin-seekers usually benefit from slightly lower tensions in polyester strings.

Why? Because looser poly strings create more movement in the string bed, which allows the strings to “snap back” and grab the ball harder. That snapback effect is what generates the RPMs that make the ball dip sharply inside the baseline. A good range here is 48–54 lbs (21.8–24.5 kg) with poly strings.

Pro example: Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic both rely on this principle, using poly at mid-low tensions to create depth and spin without overhitting.

Serve-and-Volley Players: Balance and Versatility

If your game is built on attacking the net, you need a string setup that works for both explosive serves and delicate touch volleys. That means finding a middle ground.

A mid-tension setup, usually around 50–55 lbs (22.7–24.9 kg), provides just enough control for groundstrokes while keeping the string bed soft enough to absorb volleys and half-volleys. Hybrid setups, poly in the mains for spin and natural gut in the crosses for feel are especially popular for this style.

Pro example: Classic serve-and-volleyers like Pete Sampras thrived on mid-tension gut setups, which offered the touch needed to finish points quickly at the net.

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Pro Player: String Tension Level Examples

Just to round it off, and because we know you really want to know this, here are some pro player setups.  Again, keep in mind - copying their setup will NOT make you a better player and as you can see they all have different preferences:

• Rafael Nadal: Strings his poly strings at lower tensions (~55 lbs) for spin and power.
• Roger Federer: Uses a hybrid setup, balancing gut and poly around mid-50s for precision and feel.
• Serena Williams: Often strings tighter to maximize control on her aggressive groundstrokes.

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What is the best string tension for beginners?

For beginners, a lower string tension of 45–52 lbs (20.4–23.6 kg) is usually best. It provides more power, a larger sweet spot, and extra comfort. This helps new players keep rallies going and reduces the risk of arm injuries like tennis elbow.

Does higher string tension give you more control?

Yes. Higher string tension reduces the trampoline effect, which makes the ball stay on the strings a fraction longer. This results in greater precision and control. The trade-off is that you’ll lose some free power and comfort, which can be tough on the arm over time.

What tension is best for generating spin?

Spin is often maximized with slightly lower tensions in polyester strings, around 48–54 lbs (21.8–24.5 kg). Looser poly strings allow more string movement and “snapback,” which helps the ball grip the strings and kick off the court with extra RPMs.

Can string tension help prevent tennis elbow?

Yes. If you’re struggling with tennis elbow or other arm discomfort, stringing at the lower end of the recommended tension range with a softer string (like multifilament or natural gut) can make a big difference. Avoid tight polyester setups, which can feel harsh on the arm.

How often should I restring my racket?

A common rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week. For example, if you play three times a week, aim to restring at least three times per year. Competitive players may need to restring more often, especially with polyester strings that lose tension quickly.

Do weather and conditions affect string tension?

Absolutely. Hot weather can make strings feel looser, while cold weather stiffens them. If you play at altitude, where the ball flies faster, you may want to string 2–3 lbs (≈1 kg) tighter for better control. Indoor players often prefer slightly lower tensions for extra power in controlled environments.

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