Quick answer: choose the string material for your style (polyester for big hitters, multifilament for comfort and club play), the gauge for durability (1.25mm is the best starting point), and the tension for your conditions (most club players do well at 50–54lbs, dropping a couple of pounds for cold winter courts).
Nothing transforms your game faster, or cheaper, than the right strings at the right tension. Most club players spend hundreds on a racket, then play it with a string setup that fights against their game. This tennis string guide explains the differences between polyester, multifilament and synthetic gut, how gauge changes feel and durability, and what tension suits UK conditions, especially on cold indoor and winter courts. You will also find our recommended strings for 2026, in stock at Central Sports.
Why your tennis strings matter more than your racket
Strings are the only part of your racket that touches the ball, yet they are the last thing most players think about. A fresh, well-chosen string bed gives you more control, spin and comfort than any frame upgrade at a fraction of the price. Strings also lose tension from the moment they are strung, even if they don't break. A dead string bed feels boardy, launches the ball unpredictably and sends more shock into your arm. The old club rule still holds: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Anyone playing through the British winter on cold courts should restring more often, as low temperatures speed up tension loss.
Polyester vs multifilament vs synthetic gut
Polyester (poly) strings are firm, durable and low-powered — that low power is a feature, because it lets big hitters swing hard with heavy spin and keep the ball in. The trade-off is comfort: poly is stiff and loses playability quickly, so it suits stronger, frequent players. Multifilament strings are built from hundreds of tiny fibres to mimic natural gut. They are powerful, soft and arm-friendly — the best choice for club players, juniors and anyone who has had elbow or shoulder trouble. Synthetic gut sits in the middle: a solid-core budget all-rounder. Many stronger players use a hybrid — poly mains with a multifilament cross — for spin with a softer feel. If you are unsure, our stringing team will recommend a setup for your game.
String gauge: what 1.25mm vs 1.30mm means
Gauge is string thickness. Thinner strings (1.20–1.25mm, or 17–18 gauge) bite the ball better for more spin and a livelier feel, but break sooner. Thicker strings (1.30mm and up, or 15–16 gauge) last longer and hold tension better, at the cost of a little feel. For most UK club players, 1.25mm in a poly or 1.30mm in a multifilament is the sweet spot. Frequent string breakers should go thicker; touch players and spin-heavy hitters should go thinner.
What tension should you string at in the UK?
Most rackets recommend roughly 48–58lbs (21–26kg). Lower tension gives more power, comfort and a bigger sweet spot; higher tension gives more control for fast, full swings. On cold outdoor or unheated indoor courts through autumn and winter, string beds play stiffer, so dropping 2lbs below your summer tension keeps the feel consistent. Club doubles players and improvers do well at 50–54lbs with a multifilament; aggressive baseliners using poly should string 46–52lbs, because poly plays firmer than its tension suggests. If you suffer from tennis elbow, drop tension and choose a softer string first — see our guide to arm-friendly rackets and our tennis elbow support guide.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Wilson Repel 17 string set — £9.87: a soft, powerful multifilament that is kind on the arm, ideal for club players and anyone managing elbow niggles.
- Yonex Rexis Speed 1.30mm 12m set — £32: Yonex's premium multifilament with a crisp response and excellent tension maintenance.
- Yonex Polytour Strike 1.25mm 200m reel — £138.50: the control poly trusted on tour, in a reel that works out far cheaper per restring for frequent players and club stringers.
- Wilson Revolve Spin 17 reel — £107: a spin-focused poly reel for players who live on heavy topspin.
Prices checked 4 November 2026 and may change. Browse every set and reel in our strings collection.
How often should you restring, and signs it is time
Beyond the play-per-week rule, watch for strings that move out of place and stay there, a dull "thud" instead of a crisp pop, balls flying long with no change in your swing, or new tingling in your forearm after playing. Any of these means your string bed is dead, even if nothing has snapped. Pick up strings, grips and dampeners in one order.
FAQs
What tension should a club player string a tennis racket?
Around 50–54lbs with a multifilament for most club players, or 46–52lbs with a polyester string.
Is polyester or multifilament better?
Polyester suits strong, frequent hitters who want spin and control. Multifilament suits club players, juniors and anyone with arm problems.
How often should I restring my tennis racket?
As many times a year as you play per week, and more often on cold winter courts.
Get the right setup for your game
Choosing tennis strings comes down to three decisions: material for your style, gauge for durability, and tension for your conditions. Get those right and your racket finally plays the way it was designed to. Shop tennis strings, or book our restringing service and we will match a setup to your game.
