When to restring, which strings to choose, and what tension is right for your game.
VKS Rackets · Est. 1973 · Professional Restringing Service Available In Store
Strings are the single most important variable in how your racket performs. The frame just holds them. Whether you are a beginner looking for comfort or an advanced player chasing spin and control, getting the right string at the right tension makes a measurable difference. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Section 01
When to Restring
Strings lose tension and elasticity over time, even if they haven't broken. A dead string bed reduces feel, power and control without you necessarily noticing -- it happens gradually. Here is how to know when it's time.
The Rule
Easy to remember
Restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play twice a week, restring twice a year. Play four times a week, restring four times a year. It sounds simple because it is -- and it works as a reliable baseline for most players.
Signs It's Time
What to look for
Strings feel stiff or dead rather than lively. The ball doesn't respond the way it used to. You are mishitting more than usual. Strings have moved out of position and won't return to alignment after a shot. Any fraying, notching or discolouration along the main strings.
Broken Strings
Don't keep playing
If a string breaks, stop playing with the racket immediately. The uneven tension puts stress on the frame and can cause warping or cracking over time. Bring it in as soon as possible -- we offer a same-day restringing service at VKS in most cases.
VKS Advice: Most club players are playing on dead strings without realising it. If you can't remember the last time you restrung, it's probably overdue. Fresh strings make a bigger difference than most players expect.
Section 02
Types of String
There are four main string categories. Understanding what each one does is the starting point for finding the right string for your game.
String Type
Synthetic Gut
All-round comfort
A solid all-round option offering good power, comfort and playability at an accessible price. The most popular choice for beginners and recreational players. Loses tension faster than poly but is much more arm-friendly.
✓Best for: Beginners, recreational players
✓Feel: Comfortable, lively
✓Durability: Moderate
✓From our range: Babolat Pro Last, Babolat Pro Xtreme
String Type
Multifilament
Comfort & power
Made from hundreds of intertwined fibres, multifilament strings are the closest thing to natural gut at a fraction of the cost. The best choice for players with arm sensitivity or tennis elbow. Excellent power and feel, though less durable than poly.
✓Best for: Arm sensitivity, club players
✓Feel: Soft, powerful, natural
✓Durability: Moderate (less than poly)
✓From our range: Head Lynx Touch, Babolat XCel, Yonex Poly Tour Air, Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
String Type
Polyester
Control & spin
Stiff, low-powered and durable. Poly strings excel at control and spin generation, especially shaped or textured varieties. The choice of most intermediate and advanced players who generate their own power. Not recommended for players with arm sensitivity or slow swing speeds.
✓Best for: Intermediate to advanced, heavy hitters
✓Feel: Firm, controlled, spin-friendly
✓Durability: Best of all string types
✓From our range: Babolat RPM Blast, Babolat RPM Rough Spin Max, Head Lynx Tour, Luxilon ALU Power, Solinco Hyper-G, Solinco Confidential, Solinco Vanquish, Yonex Poly Tour Pro, Yonex Poly Tour Spin
String Type
Hybrid
Best of both
A hybrid uses different strings on the mains (vertical) and crosses (horizontal) -- typically poly mains for control and durability combined with multifilament crosses for comfort and feel. Popular with advanced players who want spin and control without sacrificing all comfort.
Not sure which string is right for you? Find your profile below.
Beginner / Recreational
Comfort first
You want something comfortable, forgiving and easy to play with. Synthetic gut is the natural starting point -- affordable, comfortable and works with any racket. If arm comfort is a priority, step up to a multifilament like Babolat XCel or Head Lynx Touch. Tension: 52–56 lbs.
Club Player / Improver
Versatility
You play regularly and want a string that rewards better technique. A softer poly or multifilament like Solinco Vanquish, Yonex Poly Tour Air or Head Lynx Touch gives good spin and feel without being punishing on the arm. Tension: 52–56 lbs.
Heavy Topspin Player
Spin & snapback
You want maximum spin generation. A shaped or textured poly is your best option -- Solinco Hyper-G (pentagonal shape), Babolat RPM Rough Spin Max or Yonex Poly Tour Spin. The angles on the string bite into the ball on contact and snap back quickly for heavy topspin. Tension: 50–54 lbs.
Control / Flat Hitter
Precision
You hit with a flat, penetrating ball and want precision over spin. Luxilon ALU Power or Head Lynx Tour give the firm, crisp response that flat hitters prefer. These strings also maintain tension well, keeping the response consistent over time. Tension: 54–58 lbs.
Arm Sensitivity / Tennis Elbow
Arm-friendly
Avoid stiff poly strings entirely. Multifilament is the best choice -- Babolat XCel, Head Lynx Touch or Yonex Poly Tour Air (despite the name, it is a very soft string). Keep tension lower (45–52 lbs) to maximise shock absorption. If you still want to use poly, consider a hybrid with poly mains and multifilament crosses.
String Breaker
Durability
If you break strings regularly, poly is the answer. Solinco Confidential, Luxilon ALU Power or Babolat RPM Blast are among the most durable options in our range. A thicker gauge (1.30 vs 1.25mm) will also help significantly. Alternatively, consider a hybrid with poly mains to extend string life while keeping some comfort in the crosses.
Section 04
Tension Guide
Tension affects power, control and comfort. The standard range for most adult players is 45–65 lbs, with 52–56 lbs working well as a mid-range starting point for most string types.
Lower Tension
45–52 lbs
More power and a larger effective sweet spot. The strings deflect more on contact and spring back, generating extra pace. Better for players with shorter swings, arm sensitivity, or those using stiff poly strings. Lower tension = more power, less control.
Mid Tension
52–58 lbs
The sweet spot for most players. Balances power and control well across all string types. 52–56 lbs is the most common range we restring at for club and recreational players. 56–58 lbs suits advanced players who generate good pace and want more precision.
Higher Tension
58–65 lbs
Maximum control and a crisp, board-like response. Suited to advanced players with fast, complete swings who want precision over power. Not recommended for arm-sensitive players as higher tension transmits more shock to the arm and elbow.
VKS Advice: If you are unsure what tension to use, start in the middle of your racket's recommended range and adjust from there. Most rackets print the recommended range on the frame. When in doubt, ask us in store and we will advise based on your string choice and playing style.
Section 05
Quick Reference
Use this table to match your situation to the right string direction. All strings listed are from our in-store range at VKS.
What the player says
String direction
From our range
"Just give me something comfortable"
Synthetic gut or multifilament
Babolat Pro Last, Prince Synthetic Gut, Babolat XCel
Luxilon ALU Power, Head Lynx Tour, Solinco Confidential
"I keep breaking strings"
Durable poly, thicker gauge
Solinco Confidential 1.30, Luxilon ALU Power 1.30, Babolat RPM Blast
"I want spin but my arm is sensitive"
Hybrid setup
Solinco Hyper-G mains + Babolat XCel crosses
"I want something premium / like the pros"
Premium poly or hybrid
Luxilon ALU Power, Babolat RPM Blast, or hybrid with natural gut crosses
"I'm on a budget"
Synthetic gut
Babolat Pro Last, Babolat Pro Xtreme, Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
Not sure? Come in to VKS at 31 Bond Street, Ealing and speak to our team. We will ask a few quick questions about how you play and recommend the right string and tension for your game. We carry all of the strings listed here in store.
Book a Restring at VKS
We offer a professional restringing service in store at 31 Bond Street, Ealing. Next-day restringing available in most cases. All strings from our full range available.
