Tennis String EXPLAINED! (what’s best)

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Tennis gear can be extremely confusing. Racquets, balls, strings? In this video, we are breaking down what strings we're recommending for you based on your level and playing style. Check out the breakdown and let us know what strings you're currently using, and if you think you might switch!
#tennis #strings #racquets
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#tennis #essentialtennis #tennislesson

[@EssentialTennis]

Get 15% off ALL Diadem racquets, strings, grips and balls here: diademsports.com/discount/ET15 All their gear is incredibly high quality!

[@boblawrence37]

I’m a “3.5 ascending” and play poly/multi combo and that generates terrific spin/control. Thanks for the video.

[@EssentialTennis]

Very welcome!

[@lisatucci386]

Thank you for the video. Each brand has so many choices so it is confusing but this video is a great start. I would be interested in a video discussing string tension, how often to restring, etc. Thank you Ian for helping the tennis community---you are awesome!!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for the suggestions and for the support. So glad you appreciate the videos!

[@turnerhibbs2002]

I’m a stringer at my local club and I love talking about string and string options with everyone. Your video is definitely a resource I’ll be sharing for players that come to me wanting more wholistic information about string types, how they play, and who they’re good for. Great Vid! Thanks for sharing!

[@stevenstolbom8681]

Thanks for posting this video! Great information!

[@amstringing1]

Aloha Ian, Great content and presentation! I was pleasantly surprised to see a video clip from my video on natural gut stringing. Thanks for featuring it here in your video! I've been a fan of your work and appreciate the passion you bring to the game of tennis! Have a Happy New Year!!

[@lambo9143]

Been a fan of your various channels since 2020. You all helped me get back into tennis after 25 plus years. Much appreciated! Your videos are always insightful! Please keep it up!

[@maryannlaselva7825]

Great information! Will definitely change it up next time I have my racquets re-strung. Thanks so much!

[@raulrodrigueznyc]

Great video. Thanks for the info!!

[@gulrajmatharu7350]

Another great video from ET/Ian simplifying a difficult topic! Understand strings much better now and will certainly try out some different ones in the future! Thanks and keep making such great videos please!

[@alexandragheran927]

Thank you Ian for another great video! There is so much to learn from you!

[@yutooober]

Thanks for the refresh of this important info

[@johnlelevier9464]

Great stuff Ian! I am a High School coach who is always trying to advise players on tension and string types. This helps a lot. I hope there is another video coming on tension, gauge and hybrid use. Love your stuff!

[@Krwler]

Great video. Informative

[@jorgetirado3201]

Great video! Very clear

[@Fedebello73]

Excellent video! Enjoyed it from beginning to end and will definitely try some multi philament now. Thank you

[@vanderszpak]

great one! I've been following the channel for 10+ years and it's great to see that you keep it up :)

[@tennis954]

great explainer video, always wanted to try the different types

[@andrewmrozek5778]

Love videos like these! Thanks y'all.

[@jackimalin8082]

Good information that finally helps me understand the string options. Confirms my choice. Your videos are always helpful and appreciated!

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad to hear it was helpful! What strings are you leaning towards?

[@dunsdonjone1537]

@@EssentialTennis 4:02 "very very slick. there is not a lot of snap back" Isn't that contradictory? Slickness and low friction would ENCOURAGE snap back wouldn't it? Then at 4:16 the same person say that "people that rely on heavy spin" "really should not try this" yet Jim Courier used Nylon to win multiple French Opens and hit with very heavy stopspin...

[@aaronperna3390]

Great video, thanks!

[@Mark-wn7nq]

Fun video. I would definitely like to try the each of these strings!

[@iaminbetweendays]

Thanks for the information.

[@JovanniG678]

Great video. Strings are such a rabbit hole of pros/cons of information and how the effect both the player and ball. I look forward to your next videos on string.

[@lynneaoyama2213]

Great video on different types of string types!

[@jongoranson1922]

Great content! Thanks. I use Diadem's co-poly (Solstice) and love the combo of feel and power.

[@user-zf1qy3gy6e]

Really liked this video and would look forward to a video on string tensions. So many tennis players need to know more about the strings and how it can help their game.

[@dc-ki7dt]

Great info. thanks

[@billtepsick4604]

Ian, thanks for to you and your friends for the enlightening string education.

[@ThomasBoyce-ue1wx]

Great piece. Looking forward to hearing more about tension and hybrids, including different vs same tension of mains and crosses. Thanks, Ian.

[@larrymilask8729]

Hey, very good. I am a stringer and so next topic has to be hybrid setups, as well as different string textures. Have to take a look at the Diadems.

[@veetzai]

Customizing racquets and figuring out specs! Great vid as always. Still trying to dial in my preferred tension on my racquets though

[@aznwong1]

Thanks for sharing. I haven't tried diadem strings yet. I'll have to very soon

[@MWeinberg]

Great initial video on the different string types.

[@wyldsmurf2889]

This was a great non specific video to learn about string types to match to player type thanks and it is always fun to see it happening at my home club

[@howarddavidson2559]

As always engaging content delivery. This was actually a very good explanation of the string types delivered by players in a relevant way (always love Scott and Mark's wordplay!). Would have been helpful to get into a discussion of string tension to close out. Thanks!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the suggestion!

[@mescey5059]

Thanks, it is so nice to start to understand the options we have

[@fernandorazoiii3881]

thank you for this

[@ThaiNguyen-qp9dq]

Very nice and informative presentation of the different string types. Hopefully, you guys will do a video on the recommended string tensions for each string type too.

[@robstevens4712]

Good info. Thx

[@CH-yp5by]

Great video for newbies to strings! I'm no newbie so for my circumstances I have to settle on a Hybrid Setup - Gut on mains for comfort, more power (to compensate for small racquet head size and getting old), and touch / feel strung at 52lbs (pre stretched) and a stiff polyester (Round RPM Blast or Lux 4G) with a mid tension like 44lbs on the crosses for added control. When the poly dies you only need to change the cross as the gut last a hell of a lot longer and maintains its tension so it turns out not to be to expensive over the course of a year.

[@davidhorkoff902]

Multi-filament is interesting. I'm going to check it out! Thanks!

[@rtatennis86]

Very informational, clearly explained in detail and perfect for mainly newer tennis players. Would love to test out the natural gut or multifilament string from Diadem.

[@davidmurphy6661]

Very informative. I am a 3.5 doubles player with a one handed backhand so polyester is out for me. I have used synthetic gut for years. After watching the video, I would be interested in experimenting with a multifilament nylon string.

[@EssentialTennis]

Yup, sounds like you're on the right track, David. Multifilament is definitely worth a shot! It's all personal preference, but you may love the feel.

[@MrHitthespot]

This was the best string review I’ve seen so far. Much better explanation of who should generally be using each string.

[@davidma2489]

Great info thanks so much Ian. How about the string tensions with different type of strings Thanks

[@IcYDeF]

Another great video. For me, natural gut is number one and multifilament is number two.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great to hear you've found what works best for you! Natural feels so amazing, some multifilaments get close!

[@yueyouliu7545]

Very helpful video. Could you please also make a video about what features different hybrid strings have? Looking forward to it!

[@davidle9951]

Thanks for posting! Found it very helpful as a KZbin 3.5 ;) might try out a multi-filament now. I've only known polys and co-polys so far.

[@astyrrian17]

Like the various descriptions. Follow up question - effect of high vs low tension per string

[@rwgallup]

Thank you for another great video. I'm so confused! That helped some. With different racquets, strings, tensions, string age etc. it's impossible to wrap my brain around the subject.

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad this was helpful! You're right - it gets super, super confusing.

[@elmac2127]

Good info. I have arthritis will give multi a try. Also. If I choke up on racket it seems to Be less painful. But thinking tennis could be done. Need the strings and racket to absorb The hit. Thx for info.

[@EssentialTennis]

So sorry to hear you're having pain! If you've been using Synthetic Gut this whole time then DEFINITELY give a really soft multifilament a try. It might help a lot. I'd also highly, highly recommend recording yourself to check out what swings/techniques might be causing the pain. Hope you find a solution!

[@rktechio]

Thanks for the video. I’m following your channel long time. It’s very helpful. I read your book as well. It’s very informative and well explained. I played with syn gut, multi, poly… but I like hybrid setup. Syn gut lasted for very long time 2 to 3 months.. just played with damaged strings.. next switched to multi, I felt more comfort than syn gut but it got frayed in a month.. then switched to hybrid setup, poly in mains and multi in cross.. it very nice and like it till now… having more control compared to syn gut and multi but less comfort.. adding multi in cross gaves comfort .. I’ll go with hybrid setup in future as it worked best for me.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks so much for all your support, I really appreciate it! Love hearing about your string journey. Glad you've found what works best for you.

[@redanna01]

Hey well explained. All makes sense now

[@josemanueljimenezrodriguez2765]

Thank you for the video and the information, please make another about string tension.

[@EssentialTennis]

You're welcome, thanks for the suggestion!

[@paulevans2230]

Thank you for this great explanation as to the different string types. As others have mentioned touching on tension and string size would be very helpful. I had been using a multi and went to a poly. By stringing the poly at 48-50 pounds, versus 56 pounds for the multi, and using a 17 gauge poly, I find it to be very comfortable with decent power and good spin.

[@meganfenn8997]

Great information on the differences between natural gut, nylon and poly.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craigfischer2753]

Hi Ian. Great intro video on the basics. I often try various hybrid approaches and would love your comments on varying the tension between the crosses and mains whether in a hybrid set up or a single string set up. In hybrid set ups it seems most put a softer string in the crosses. Do you agree? It would be great to get comments on the hybrid set up when switching the strings between cross and main (e.g., poly in mains for spin with multi in crosses compared to multi in mains and poly in crosses). As always, I appreciate all your content and devotion to educating the tennis community. I have absolutely improved following much of your teaching and may have achieved a higher level of play if this content was available in the 70s when I was learning the game (even the 80s).

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks so much for the support and kind words, Craig! Yes, you're correct, the more stiff/longer lasting string almost always gets put in the mains (parallel to the grip) because somebody who hits with lots of spin usually breaks those first. Thanks for the suggestions, great stuff.

[@_ejay]

Started stringing my own rackets recently and loving the ability to test some of the different shaped poly's on a (relative!) whim. though not tried natural, multi's or any of the diadems yet. Its a rabbit hole for sure and its great to see the views and comparisons from the tacobell car park and the angry old man's lawn side by side! Sometimes a stray word or off the cuff remark coming from experience is worth more to me as a learner than anything else. Cheers fellas!

[@EssentialTennis]

😆😆 Tacos and shotguns!

[@PrecisionPointTennis]

After using Luxilon Alu Power I developed some arm issues, so I’m going to try a full bed of multifilament. Great video. Thanks again / happy new year 🥳

[@michaelmilles318]

Aloha Ian, Very grateful you are still sticking around wife and I always enjoy your videos. Anyway, just watch your video on strings. Hopefully I’m the big winner. Mahalo for your time and effort. Mike @Tennis808.

[@hankpeng]

great info, looking forward to a follow-up (tension, gauge, hybrid).

[@EssentialTennis]

Hopefully we'll expand on this soon! Thanks for watching.

[@jemhansen7888]

good info

[@mchesnutty]

Thanks , great info. If I am using Ali power rough but want to get a little more power what would be your suggestion to try? Thank you.

[@fixit.makeit.buildit.1926]

Nice helpful vid. I'd also like to hear about combining strings, tension and how long to keep strings before swapping them out (playing and if you're leaving your racket in the basement for a couple o months...)

[@James-qv1dr]

I really enjoy the feel of multifilament strings. I'm prone to shoulder issues so they are a welcome break from poly from time to time. Well made video guys 🎉

[@wiggy71]

Excellent video. After having tennis elbow for a while I switched to a multifilament string and I've had no problems ever since.

[@Ali4sz]

Great video! A great part two would be having them test hybrid combinations of these strings.

[@lisatucci386]

Great video. It is very confusing and this is a great start to understand strings. I would be interested in a video discussing the pro/cons of different string tension, how often should you restring, etc.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great suggestions, thank you! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@mikegottemoller4275]

Thank you for this video. I had tennis elbow for a couple of years and I'm finally over it (though I still wear some protective gear. I think I will try some natural gut.

[@EssentialTennis]

Hope you find a long term solution to the pain, Mike!

[@SomthinBIG1]

I've always wanted to try Diadem string!

[@whrenluft]

Thanks. Would love to find out about string tension.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for letting us know!

[@tennis_saga]

Thanks for this great video explanation of strings in the market. How would you advise on Hybrid setup? would Poly in mains and Multifilament in cross works for spin, comfort, control and power? Cheers!

[@jimburke4110]

Thnx4 making this simple. Multi seems best for me. 3.0 easy swing.

[@coachjacob]

Really good info on this one, learned that at times I have been using strings not the best suited for my game. I am not a poly guy at this stage since doubles and net tennis is my style. Heading over to buy a new set and cut out the ones in the racket I am not using often...now I know why! Thanks #Ian@essentialtennis

[@teresalee1342]

Have to try the multi now!

[@frankweigand3654]

Thanks for the review, Guys! I'm 72 and have had elbow issues for decades. I use multifilament strings and have been very happy with them. As noted, they do wear out quickly, especially working with a ball machine, but that's a small price to pay for being able to play without risking injury.

[@EssentialTennis]

Minimizing pain is definitely worth the extra price! I'd strongly recommend recording yourself to see where you may have technical flaws resulting in that pain. Keep up the great work!

[@tomsd8656]

Based on my experience, elbow issue is due primarily to technique and string tension. I was playing with a hybrid string (multi in the cross, poly main) at 50 lbs without any problem. Then I experimented with 52 lbs (on the same frame), and I felt the different tension right away, but it was still OK. Then I played a lazy backhand (one handed), met the ball late and also missed the sweet spot by a lot, and it happened. I had to go back to the old tension but it took a long time to get better. I still am not back to 100% but a lot better than before. Then now I am experimenting again with all poly (Kirchsbaum string) at 45 lbs. That tension did not worsen my elbow but I think lower would better. So it depends on a lot of factors, not just multi or poly. The racquet that you use also is a factor. There is no one single answer, and each player is different, so you have to experiment. The one sure thing is bad technique, form, timing will likely do you in, especially the one handed backhand.

[@philheft8465]

nicely put together -- appreciate the simple explanation though the range in each category always in confusing. Matching strings to racquets also confusing - not to mention hybrids Thanks as always

[@EssentialTennis]

Yup, there's a million possibilities! Glad this was helpful.

[@pattistanton9977]

Love this! Strings are a mystery, but I think the multi might be what I need. Will check on that! 🙂

[@nathanmiller6051]

I like the crispy crunch sound of synthetic gut at a higher tension at contact with the ball!! 😊

[@onefitrd]

Thank you for this! I’m a 3.0 player with a history of some elbow issues, this helped me understand why the pro at my club strings my racket with multifilament😊 Agree with the comments requesting a video with a similar approach addressing string tension - would love to understand that better as well

[@krillisterz]

Thanks for this! It would be great to hear a bit more about tension maintenance and how often we need to restring.

[@lukas.540]

This was a helpful video. I absolutely love the feel of poly but I'm not sure I like how often it's supposed to be restrung. As an "ascending 3.5/4.0" I'm in a tricky spot and I think i'll just need to demo more.

[@billyschreiber4856]

Good video. It would also be helpful to know the stiffness rating of those strings. I’d love to see another video with the guys testing poly strings of different gauges and get their feedback on how that affects spin, power, control, comfort, etc.

[@mikec4834]

Now I know why I was unhappy with the last restring. They used poly! Definitely having it done with the multi string. Just picked up a pro staff classic 6.1 si , I'll have to try the multi in it! Great video!

[@thomasrebotier1741]

Great video! Other con not mentioned on natural gut: really doesn't like moisture

[@meganfenn8997]

I think I need to switch to multi filament or natural gut due to sore elbow. Thanks for the information on the differences. Quite informative.

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad to hear it was helpful, Megan!

[@robg7892]

How about hybrid? I'm thinking of multi plus poly. Thanks for the videos!

[@secondserve3213]

I'm looking for a multifilament string for my partner who is a female 3.0 player currently using a polyester string. Not that she swings with too low racquet speed, but just wanted to try how it goes with one that actually helps a lot with power. Great video just in time, really! Thank you for the awesome comparison video.

[@nickbaratta8664]

Love to hear a hybrid discussion.

[@EssentialTennis]

We'll put that on the list!

[@kibudi9159]

Thanks for the video. Been experimenting with strings/ hybrid setups and now trying full bed of polys. (2 types on 2 racquets string at different tensions) trying to determine which may be best. What are your thoughts on gut in a hybrid with poly? Which would be strung tighter? Wondering if that might soften the stiffness of poly. I’m open to trying anything. It’s a quest to find the perfect setup. Currently trying Babolat RPM Spin in one racquet and Solinico tour bite in other. Babolat at 54 and Solinico at 50. Would like to try the Diadem strings as well. All part of the journey…

[@ronaldwoong8182]

Great explanations and demonstrations of string types. I’m an 80 year old, 3.5, with shoulder problems and I’m going to avoid polyester strings from now on. Ron

[@AlexTennisChannel]

You should try natural gut or multi!

[@dougsmith5920]

Hey Ian thanks for posting the video. I was a 2.5-3 player a number of years ago. And I have touched a racquet since I had some wrist/hand injuries. Now that I’m thinking about coming back. I’m guessing natural gut or multi filament is probably the way to go. Thanks

[@scottnelson7365]

As a kid, I played with wood rackets & loved natural gut. Since then, I've played with several metal rackets with synthetic gut. I have a tendency to hit the ball long which I rarely did as a kid. I want to go back to natural gut & see how it works.

[@EssentialTennis]

Definitely worth a shot! If you don't want to spend that much you could try a good quality multifilament first as well.

[@Thompa124]

Nothing compares to natural gut but don't get it damp or wet!

[@EssentialTennis]

That's for sure!

[@dpadron]

Hi Ian, would like to test the multifilament based on the reviews by Scott and Mark, thanks.

[@crespot]

Thanks for the video. I have a one-handed backhand and I'm curious as to why a poly string is not recommended for it and which type of string would be. BTW, I play with a hybrid setup (poly in the mains and syn gut in the crosses) at a relatively low tension.

[@yogawithgauri]

Thanks Ian! In my tennis community we agree strings are mysterious. I have a gut in the mains and possibly poly as the other string. I’ve b counsel by our local shop pro to only use gut in the mains because it will not be beneficial to do the whole racket in gut. Could you explain why a combination string is more beneficial? Our local pro at the shop says it comes down to a cost benefit. Also I know nothing about the tension I should string my racket at. I am a female 3.5 and considered a heavy hitter. I would like to generate more spin, and I ioccasionally have elbow issues. I'm working on touch shots. I play exclusively doubles and have been to many USTA regional and national tournaments. thank you for sharing your wisdom .

[@joshuacox7483]

Hey Ian, I’m looking for some advice on my coaching. I’m wanting to incorporate more slow motion video analysis as well as comparison with pro examples to help my students develop their strokes. Obviously all the pros have fantastic technique but they have such different styles- what player(s) would you recommend I compare my students to that would best help them know where to improve on, especially for the major strokes (forehand, backhand, serve, etc). Thanks!

[@RollinLeonard]

ideas for string videos: 1) one string, different colors. strings with more pigment or different kinds of pigment have slightly different properties. it's most noticeable between black and undyed string. diadem has "evolution" which comes in a few colors including natural and a screaming hot pink (my fav). 2) one string, different gauges. tiny tiny measured differences with rather significant differences in feel, durability, and effect. 3) one string, different tensions. it's insane to me when i find out a high level player has never experimented with a low tension poly. everybody kinda gets stuck at 55 and it makes me very sad. this video can feature mark ranting while he strings.

[@fpolanc]

Would definitely love to hear more about the benefits of "soft" polys and about hybrid setups from the perspective of you kings