The right tennis string can completely change how your racquet plays — more spin, more control, more comfort, or more power. This guide explains how to choose the best tennis string for your game in 2026, with our top picks in stock in Canada. And because we run a 24-hour professional stringing service, we can install it for you fast.
How to choose a tennis string
1. String type (material) — the biggest decision
- Polyester (poly) — the choice of most competitive and advanced players. Stiff and durable, poly delivers the best spin and control, letting you swing fast and keep the ball in. Slightly harsh on the arm. Examples: Solinco Hyper-G, Luxilon ALU Power, Babolat RPM Blast.
- Multifilament — hundreds of soft fibres that mimic natural gut. The best choice for comfort and power, and for players with tennis elbow or arm issues. Examples: Wilson NXT, Babolat Xcel.
- Natural gut — the premium option: unmatched feel, power and comfort, but expensive and less durable. Often used in a hybrid.
- Synthetic gut — an affordable all-rounder, great for beginners and recreational players. Example: Head Synthetic Gut.
- Hybrid — poly in one direction for spin/durability and gut or multi in the other for comfort. The setup many pros use. Example: Babolat RPM Blast + VS gut.
2. Gauge (thickness)
String gauge runs from about 15 (thickest) to 18 (thinnest):
- Thinner (17–18 / 1.20–1.25 mm) — more spin, feel and power. Breaks faster.
- Thicker (15–16 / 1.30–1.35 mm) — more durability and control. Best if you break strings often.
3. Tension
Most racquets are strung between 48 and 58 lbs. As a rule:
- Lower tension = more power (and a bigger sweet spot).
- Higher tension = more control (and more precision).
- With stiff poly strings, drop your tension 2–4 lbs vs a multifilament for comfort.
Not sure what tension to use? Our stringers will recommend the right tension for your racquet and level.
Watch: how we string a racquet
Best tennis strings in Canada 2026
? Best spin & control — Solinco Hyper-G
Solinco Hyper-G ($19.99) is one of the most popular polys in the world — massive spin, sharp control and a soft-for-poly feel. A perfect first poly.
? Best pro control — Luxilon ALU Power
Luxilon ALU Power ($19.99) is the most-used string on the pro tour — crisp, precise and consistent. The benchmark for control players.
? Best heavy spin — Babolat RPM Blast
Babolat RPM Blast ($24.99), famously used by Rafael Nadal, bites the ball for huge topspin and heavy, dipping shots.
? Best soft poly — Tecnifibre Razor Code
Tecnifibre Razor Code ($27.95) blends spin and control with a more comfortable, arm-friendly feel than most polys.
? Best comfort & arm-friendly — Wilson NXT & Babolat Xcel
For tennis elbow or a softer feel, go multifilament: Wilson NXT ($34.99) and Babolat Xcel ($29.99) deliver power and comfort close to natural gut.
? Best value poly — Völkl Cyclone
Völkl Cyclone (from $9.57) is a shaped poly that gives serious spin and control for a fraction of the price — unbeatable value.
? Best for beginners — Head Synthetic Gut
Head Synthetic Gut ($12.95) is a comfortable, durable all-rounder — the ideal string for recreational and beginner players.
? Best hybrid — Babolat RPM Blast + VS gut
The pro setup: Babolat Hybrid RPM Blast + VS ($57.99) combines poly spin with natural-gut comfort and power.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tennis string for spin?
Shaped polyester strings produce the most spin. Solinco Hyper-G, Babolat RPM Blast and Völkl Cyclone are top spin strings.
What tennis string is best for tennis elbow?
Choose a soft multifilament or natural gut. Wilson NXT and Babolat Xcel are excellent arm-friendly strings. Avoid stiff polyester if you have arm pain.
What gauge tennis string should I use?
Use a thinner gauge (17–18) for more spin and feel, or a thicker gauge (15–16) for more durability if you break strings often. Most players use 16 or 17 gauge.
How often should I restring my racquet?
A common rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Competitive players restring every 2–4 weeks; recreational players a few times per season. Poly strings lose tension quickly and should be replaced even if unbroken.
Can you string my racquet for me?
Yes — Tennis ProSport offers professional stringing in 24 hours for $18 + tax. Bring your racquet and string (or buy from us) and our pros will do the rest. Book stringing here.
Not sure which string is right for you? Our stringing pros will match string and tension to your game. Shop all tennis strings or book our 24-hour stringing service — 2330 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec.