Elbow history?
- Start multi or hybrid
- Avoid max poly tension
- Sore arm note →
Chooser guide
Pick the family first — then gauge & tension
Most players overthink brand names. Start with polyester, multifilament, natural gut, or hybrid based on swing speed and arm comfort. Then lock a gauge and a sensible tension.
Mobile Racket — Wake County, North Carolina only
Book a professional restring at mobileracket.com.
Service area is Wake County, NC only (not nationwide).
Bring a closed / sealed (unopened) set for $20 BYO labor — separate from Diadem-included $35 / $45 / $65 packages.
Wake County, North Carolina only
Polyester / co-poly
Built for modern baseline games: control, spin, and durability under heavy cuts. Co-polys add softeners so they are more playable than early stiff polys — still firmer than multi.
- Best for: full swings, spin seekers, frequent breakers of soft string.
- Watch for: arm/elbow feedback; deadness (loss of snap/bite) before a visible break.
- Next: verified poly sets or soften with a hybrid.
Multifilament
Many fine fibers bundled for comfort and power. Closer to gut feel than poly, with more shock absorption — ideal when the arm needs a break.
- Best for: arm-sensitive players, juniors, compact swings, all-court touch.
- Watch for: notching and earlier breaks if you are a heavy cutter.
- Next: verified multi sets.
Natural gut
Still the gold standard for feel, power, and tension maintenance. Expensive and less happy in wet weather — many players use gut only in a hybrid (gut mains / poly crosses or the reverse).
- Best for: premium comfort, doubles touch, players who restring on schedule.
- Watch for: cost and humidity; confirm listing carefully on Amazon.
- Shop tip: no gut buy card on this site yet. Hybrid is the practical first buy. See hybrid setups.
Hybrid setups
Two different strings in one bed. Club default: poly mains + multi (or gut) crosses for spin with a softer pocket. Label packages clearly for your stringer.
- Buy two sealed sets (or a labeled hybrid pack).
- Tell Mobile Racket which string is mains vs crosses and your target tension.
- Open hybrid recipes →
Decision shortcuts
Break soft string fast?
- Full poly or poly mains hybrid
- See 4.0+ picks
Want max spin?
- Shaped poly (Hyper-G)
- Or poly mains hybrid
Juniors / comfort first?
- NXT 17 for kids
- Velocity for rec adults
- Junior vs adult rec →
FAQ — choosing string
Can I copy a tour player’s string?
You can copy the family, not always the exact tension or gauge. Tour players restring constantly and tolerate stiff setups most club players do not.
Should I change string and tension at once?
Change one variable at a time so you know what helped. New string family or ±2–3 lbs — not both on day one.
Where do I get it installed?
Mobile Racket — Wake County, North Carolina only. Sealed BYO labor is $20.