The 7 Best Polyester Tennis Strings in 2023 | Buyer’s Guide

In the world of tennis, the choice of string can significantly impact a player’s performance on the court.

Polyester tennis strings have emerged as a popular and versatile option, catering to a wide range of playing styles and preferences.

Renowned for their durability, control, and spin-enhancing qualities, these strings have attracted the attention of players seeking a competitive edge.

In this article, we will take a look at polyester tennis strings, exploring their distinct characteristics and highlighting the best polyester tennis strings to elevate your game to new heights.

Quick Summary

7 Best Polyester Tennis Strings (2023)

1. Luxilon ALU Power

Price: $$$ | Gauge: 16L

The Luxilon ALU Power is my pick for the best polyester tennis string in 2023.

Released in 1994, the Luxilon ALU Power is a very popular string with the likes of Roger Federer, Sebastian Korda, and Andy Murray using it.

Where this string excels is precision. This is due to the firm monofilament construction that allows you to take huge swings at the ball without losing control. This makes this string perfect for players who can easily generate their own power and need a string that can help them control that power.

The ALU Power also has exceptional durability. This means you’ll save a lot of money because you won’t have to restring as frequently. Compared to many other polyesters, I did find that this string had better tension maintenance.

However, I did find that this string lacked power and comfort. But, as it is a polyester, this was to be expected.

2. Solinco Hyper-G

Price: $$ | Gauge: 16

The Solinco Hyper-G is another excellent polyester string that I’d recommend all tennis players try.

While it does lack power, I found that the Hyper-G delivers lots of control making it ideal for players who like to hit big from the baseline. I also loved how crisp it felt on the racket, providing a good responsive feel.

Furthermore, the Solinco Hyper-G has a square-shaped profile, allowing you to generate loads of spin. It’s no surprise that I rated the Hyper-G the best tennis string for spin.

My favorite feature of this string has to be its comfort. Polyester tennis strings are known for not being arm-friendly, however, this is not the case when it comes to the Solinco Hyper-G. While it isn’t as comfortable as a natural gut, I would rate it the most comfortable polyester string on the market.

3. Babolat RPM Blast

Price: $$$ | Gauge: 17

If you’re an aggressive player who’s looking to add more control and spin to their game, you should consider the Babolat RPM Blast.

The RPM Blast has an octagonal-shaped profile that cuts at the ball like no other. This spin helps you to control your powerful strokes and make them heavier. This makes it a lot easier to move your opponent off the court.

I was also very impressed by the durability of this string as it lasted over many sessions before breaking.

However, the downside is power and comfort. I found that the Babolat RPM Blast requires the most energy to hit the ball fast.

4. Solinco Confidential

Price: $$ | Gauge: 16L

The Confidential is a new tennis string made by Solinco and it doesn’t disappoint.

When it comes to durability, you won’t find many strings that can top the Solinco Confidential. While most polyesters tend to have good durability, the Solinco Confidential excels as one of the best. If you’re a heavy hitter, then this string is ideal, as you won’t have to restring very regularly.

Furthermore, the Confidential is excellent at controlling the ball. Combined with its shaped profile to enhance spin, I felt like I had the confidence to hit the ball as hard as I wanted.

However, it does lack power.

5. Yonex PolyTour Pro

Price: $$$ | Gauge: 16L

The Yonex PolyTour Pro is another very popular polyester tennis string.

Compared to the other polyester strings on this list, I found that the Yonex PolyTour Pro could generate a good amount of power. This was useful when I wanted to add an extra pop to the ball and move my opponent around the court.

Plus, I also found this string to be spin-friendly, allowing me to hit heavier baseline shots. But, my favorite feature has to be its comfort. It is rare to find a polyester tennis string that is so arm-friendly.

However, the main downside I found with this string was its tension maintenance. Even after a couple of sessions, I could feel the drop in performance. But, if you’re fine with restringing your racket regularly, then this won’t be an issue for you.

It’s no surprise that this is the string of choice for Nick Kyrgios.

6. Volkl Cyclone

Price: $ | Gauge: 16

If you’re looking for a string that is more affordable, but still excellent quality, then I’d recommend the Volkl Cyclone.

The Volkl Cyclone is another shaped string making it a great choice if you’re looking to generate spin. Furthermore, I also found that the Cyclone offers a lot more feel than many other polyester strings, helping you place the ball with more accuracy.

I also liked how arm-friendly the Volkl Cyclone was.

However, it did lack power and didn’t have the best tension maintenance.

7. Head Hawk

Price: $$ | Gauge: 17

Head has produced many excellent tennis strings over the years, but one of my favorites has to be the Head Hawk.

Due to how stiff it is, the Head Hawk is designed for players who can easily generate their own power and want to improve their control.

While it is stiff, I found it to be arm-friendly, which surprised me. This is due to a unique manufacturing process that helps to improve the comfort of the string. Head also claims that this process improves the touch, helping you be more precise with your shots.

However, I wouldn’t recommend this string for beginners due to how low-powered it is.

What is a Polyester Tennis String?

Polyester tennis strings have revolutionized the game of tennis with their unique characteristics and performance benefits.

Dating back to the late 20th century, polyester strings emerged as a game-changer in tennis technology. Unlike traditional natural gut strings, polyester strings are composed of synthetic materials, offering players enhanced durability, control, and spin.

Initially, polyester strings were introduced as a more durable alternative to natural gut, capable of withstanding the rigorous demands of modern tennis. Over the years, technological advancements have refined polyester string composition, resulting in strings with varying levels of stiffness, texture, and thickness.

This evolution has allowed players to tailor their string setup to their playing style, optimizing power and precision.

Advantages of Polyester Tennis Strings

• Durability: polyester strings are renowned for their exceptional durability, making them a favored option for players seeking strings that can withstand the rigors of intense play. The robust nature of polyester materials allows them to resist wear and tear, maintaining consistent performance over extended periods.

• Control and Precision: precision is super important in tennis, and polyester strings excel in offering enhanced control over your shots. With their low elasticity and stiffer composition, polyester strings allow players to control the direction, spin, and depth of their shots with remarkable accuracy.

• Spin Generation: polyester strings possess a unique ability to generate exceptional spin on the ball which is a quality many modern tennis players want. The polyester materials create lots of bite on the ball, enabling players to generate maximum spin and rotation.

Disadvantages of Polyester Tennis Strings

• Stiffness and Comfort: one of the primary drawbacks of polyester tennis strings is their stiffness. While this stiffness contributes to the string’s control and durability, it can also result in reduced comfort for players. Polyester strings tend to transmit more of the ball’s impact vibrations to the player’s arm, potentially leading to discomfort, fatigue, and even the risk of developing tennis elbow.

• Lack of Power: unlike some other string materials that excel in power generation, polyester strings are known for their relatively lower power potential. Players who rely on a power-based playing style might find that polyester strings require more effort to generate pace on their shots.

• Tension Loss: Polyester strings don’t have the best tension maintenance. Extended use and frequent impacts can lead to a gradual decrease in tension, potentially affecting the string’s playability and overall performance. Players who value consistent and precise shots may need to monitor and adjust the string tension more frequently to maintain optimal play.

What to Consider When Looking For a Polyester String

Selecting the right tennis string can significantly impact your game. Polyester strings have gained popularity among players for their durability, control, and spin potential. Here are several key factors to consider when choosing the best polyester tennis string for your racket:

Playing Style and Skill Level

First, you must look at your playing style and skill level. Polyester strings are known for offering excellent control and spin, making them a favorite among aggressive players who generate their own power.

If you’re an advanced player who relies on spin and precision shots, polyester strings can improve your strengths.

However, beginners might find the stiffness of polyester strings less forgiving, making them better suited for intermediate to advanced levels.

String Gauge

Polyester strings are available in various gauges. Thicker gauges offer more durability and control, making them ideal for heavy hitters.

On the other hand, thinner gauges provide enhanced feel and spin potential, but they may sacrifice some durability. Consider your playing style and how often you’re willing to restring your racket when choosing the appropriate gauge.

Arm Comfort

While polyester strings offer control and spin benefits, they are generally stiffer than other string materials.

This can potentially lead to increased impact shock and discomfort, especially for players with sensitive arms. To combat this, consider hybrid stringing (pairing polyester mains with softer crosses) or choosing polyester strings with added comfort technologies.

String Texture and Coatings

Polyester strings often feature different textures and coatings that influence their playing characteristics.

Some strings have a rough surface, enhancing spin potential, while others are smoother for a crisp feel.

Coatings can also affect durability and string movement. Experimenting with various textures and coatings can help you find the perfect combination for your game.

Environmental Conditions

The playing environment, including the weather and court surface, can impact string performance.

Polyester strings may lose some of their playability in cold weather due to increased stiffness, so consider this if you frequently play in colder climates.

FAQ

Does Federer Use Poly Strings?

Roger Federer uses the Wilson Champions Choice Duo which is a hybrid setup combining the Wilson Natural Gut and Luxilon ALU Power Rough.

The Luxilon ALU Power Rough is an excellent polyester string that is very popular on the ATP Tour.

Do Polyester Strings Lose Tension?

Polyester strings tend to lose tension over time compared to other tennis strings. The sturdy composition and firm feel that make them durable also lead to tension loss.

Regular restringing is recommended to maintain optimal performance and feel on the court.

Do Pros Use Polyester Strings?

Many professional tennis players opt for polyester strings due to their exceptional control and spin potential.

The durability and control of polyester strings suit the aggressive playing style of pros, helping them generate powerful shots and precise ball placement on the court.

Final Words

I hope you have found this article useful.

By selecting the best polyester strings tailored to your style, you’re ready to unlock your full potential on the court.

Now get out there!