The 9 Top Rated Tennis String That Sharpens Your Racquet: 2018 Review

Becoming a pro in a tennis comes with making the right choice for your tennis kits. And your tennis kits especially your racquet do the talking when you have an exceptional string that fits it. The string has that full potential to either step you up or round you up to a starting point.

To help you find that best string to step up your game, I have come up with these 9 top rated tennis strings with the capacity to improve your performance. The information here is based on research I did and my experience with some of them. I hope you find what you’re looking for by the time you get to the bottom of this article.

The Selected Strings and Why They are the Best

The strings I’ve reviewed made it to this list based on my experience, information gathered from product source and feedback comments from people that have used them. So, you have a comprehensive information to help decide on what type of tennis string to go for.

Your best tennis strings available to your selection are:

• Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut 16 string
• Babolat RPM Blast 17
• Luxilon ALU Power 16L String
• Luxilon 4G 16 String
• Solinco Hyper-G
• Solinco-Tour Bite Tennis String
• Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
• Wilson NXT Power String
• Tecnifibre NRG2 16 String

 

Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut 16 string, The Stuff of Legend

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price Range: $ 42.95 – 44.95

My Overall Ranking: 9.7 out of 10

Overview of the Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut 16

It’s one of the iconic strings from Babolat which came into limelight in 1925 and has contributed immensely to the performance of most tennis Pros. It’s also graced some legendary games of some great players in the history of tennis.

This string is endorsed by most ATP and WTP Pros who enjoy power without sacrificing comfortability. It’s a top-rated tennis string good for top-level players as well as beginners who would want to enjoy their game without worrying about arm pains.

It’s made from natural fibres and offers an outstanding combination of power, comfort and irresistible feel. As described by Babolat, the technologies – Thermogut and BT7 technologies backing this string are unmatched in durability and playability.

I love this string although it’s a bit expensive (common to all natural guts) compared to other synthetic guts but I think it’s a good one because you can’t settle for something less and welcome arm pains anytime you play.

String Technical Specification

The distinctive feature of this string is summarized below:

Gauge: 16 / 1.30 mm

Length: 40 ft / 12 m

Composition: Natural Gut (with Thermogut & BT7 Technology)

Colour: Natural

You can also find some with black colour. The technologies of the string are to improve the deficiencies found in most natural guts.

Thermogut Technology: it’s a finishing touch that boosts the string to resist moisture translating to its durability.

BT7 Technology: it’s a layer structure designed to improve on the durability of the string.

Why Would You Buy Babolat VS touch Natural Gut 16?

Pros

• It has an unmatched combination of power, comfort and feel.
• If you have issues with elbow, shoulder or general arm problems, then this is the best choice for you.
• It has good vibration mechanisms to neutralize effects on the arm.

Cons

• It’s comparatively expensive to the synthetic guts which are common with natural guts.
• It has inadequate spin and control as compared to polyester strings. This can be solved by using higher tensions or stringing it in a hybrid.

Price

The Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut 16 String is sold at $ 42.95 at Amazon (free shipping) and Tennis Warehouse. It’s comparatively expensive though, but its usage saves you from arm pains.

You will make a right choice by going for this if you’re in search of the above qualities discussed. In addition to this, assessment by tennis warehouse and customers authenticates the value it can offer you.

Pros Endorsing This Item

With the unique qualities shared above, it’s of no doubts that Alexander Zverev, Bryan Brothers and Marin Cilic are great fans of this string.

Finally, if you’re looking for a string with this 3 maximums – maximum power, maximum comfort and maximum tension maintenance, then I think Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut will serve you well.

 

Babolat RPM Blast 17

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price: $ 17.95

My Overall Ranking: 8.9 out of 10

Overview of the Babolat RPM Blast 17, Unbeatable String in the World of Tennis

Another iconic string from Babolat. It’s a co-polyester monofilament string with an exceptional spin. The fame of this string went viral when Rafael Nadal first used it at the Australian Open in 2010. It has long attracted customers not only because Rafael Nadal used it, but its exceptional features to most traditional strings.

Like most polyester strings which are stiffer, the Babolat RPM Blast 17 is a little thinner than 16 and has a softer feel than the traditional polyester strings. Its octagonal shape gives it an amazing touch for one to create more spin without losing control over the ball.

The Babolat RPM Blast 17 is durable and less elastic but very difficult to break during playing. You don’t have to also worry about rearranging your strings very often when playing with this string. It’s a good choice for players who wield heavy racquets and would love to generate greater spin as well as a better control without compromising on durability.

String Technical Specification

• Gauge: 17/1.25mm
• Length: 40ft/12m
• Composition: Co-polyester Monofilament
• Shape: 8-Sided
• Colour: Black

Why Would You Spend Money on RPM Blast 17?

Pros

• It’s the best choice when it comes to creating more topspin and having better control at the same time.
• It’s very durable and gives you value for your money as it lasts long too.
• It also performs well when used in hybrids with natural guts.
• It’s averagely inexpensive.

Cons

• Beginner and intermediate players with shorter strokes may not exploit the full potentials of this string.

Price

You can find Babolat RPM Blast 17 at Amazon at $ 17.95 and it’s the cheapest price you can get. This is not cheap and not a too expensive string, considering the quality it comes with.

I would recommend it to any player who would want to generate more topspin.

Pros Endorsing this String

As stated earlier, Rafael Nadal is the iconic player using this string with other Pros such as Julia Goerges and Heather Watson.

Finally, if you want to feel the blast in your spins with better control, then you might want to grab yours.

 

Luxilon ALU Power 16L String

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price: $ 17.95

My Overall Ranking: 9.6 out of 10

Overview of the Luxilon ALU Power 16L

It’s one of the most popular strings found among the professional players on the ATP tour and has contributed massively to the polyester string revolution. With the great blend of fibres and polymers, it’s no surprise of the exceptional combination of spin, control and durability without trading off the amazing feeling it comes with.

It’s said to be a gold standard on the professional tour and hasn’t failed in any way in its quality. Intermediate and advanced players who would love more of control in their game are good to go in for it.

String Technical Specification

• Gauge: 16L/1.25mm
• Length: 40ft/12.2m
• Composition: Co-polymer (nylon) + Fluocarbon resin + aluminum fibers
• Colour: Silver, Ice

Pros

• It is very durable and enables one to generate amazing spins without losing control.
• It provides players with a good feel for the racquet when playing.
• It’s a premium string and thus fits the price.

Cons

• It’s averagely expensive.
• It’s might be too firm for beginners.

Pros Endorsing this String

On the ATP tour, the professionals you will come across with this string are Jeremy Chardy, Marin Cilic and Borna Coric.

If it’s good for these professional players, then you’re not making a mistake if you should buy it. Grab yours here.

 

Luxilon 4G 16 String, The Tension Holder

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price Range: $ 16.80 – $ 43.00

My Overall Ranking: 8.7 out of 10

Overview of the Luxilon 4G 16

It’s a co-polyester string designed to specifically prolong its tension maintenance ability. Unlike most strings which lose their shock absorption in a short time, this has an extended high-tension property making it a great choice for players with aggressive play style to enjoy longer playability.

It’s durable and quite stiff but provides a great feel for players to be comfortable with. So, if you’re looking for a long-lasting string of high tension maintenance which can provide you with great spin as well as control, then this string can do that job.

String Technical Specification

• Gauge: 16L/1.25mm & 16/1.30 mm
• Length: 40ft/12.2m
• Composition: Co-polymer Monofilament
• Colour: Gold

Why Buy This String?

Pros

• It has an exceptional tension maintenance.
• You can create more spin and still have a control over it.
• It’s very comfortable to use.

Cons

• Generating more power would cost you an extra effort.

Price

It ranges from $ 16.80 to $ 43.00 on Amazon so it provides you with that flexibility. You can get it at tennis warehouse too at $ 17.79 for the 16L/1.25, so I think your best deal will be Amazon.

Although, averagely it’s a little expensive but a cool price for what it can offer you.

Pros Using It

You can find Grigor Dimitrov, Alexandr Dolgopolov and Gilles Muller in the ATP tour using this string. With these great players embracing it, you’re assured of its potential.

In brief, if you want to have a longer playing time without losing the tension of your string in a short time, then you don’t have to blink in buying this.

 

Solinco Hyper-G

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price Range: $ 11.95 – $ 15.99

My Overall Ranking: 9.2 out of 10

Overview of the Solinco Hyper-G

It’s a square-shaped string designed from a copolyester material. It’s found to have been developed for top 50 players of the ATP tour and has risen in the market for its quality. It’s moderately firm which gives a muted and softer feel making it more forgiving to the arm.

It’s not much of power but can generate outstanding spins with excellent tension maintenance. It’s a great string for topspin players who project the ball sharply into the court without having to worry about overhitting.

String Technical Specification

• Gauge: 16L – 20
• Length: 40ft/12.2 m
• Composition: Co-polyester Monofilament
• Colour: Green

It has about 5 gauges with different diameters providing you with a good option of cost.

Why Buy This String?

Pros

• It has high tension maintenance.
• It’s a good option for players with arm pain.
• It’s provides muted and softer feel than most polyester string.
• It’s very durable and hence longer playability.

Cons

• Its power generation might be less for beginners.

Price

The Solinco Hyper-G comes in different diameters giving rise to the price range $ 11.95 – $ 15.99 and you can get it at Amazon (cheapest) and tennis warehouse.

I think the price is manageable compared to other strings which cannot even match it in terms of quality.

Pros Endorsing This String

If you want to find professionals using this string, then you would check out Bryan Brothers, Sam Querrey and Donald Young. Again, this string was designed with the help of a prominent ATP touring professional so you have got all the goodies in it.

For arm friendly string with great topspin, this should be your last stop.

 

Solinco-Tour Bite Tennis String

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price Range: $ 7.45 – $ 15.99

My Overall Ranking: 8.3 out of 10

Overview of the Solinco-Tour Bite

It’s a co-polyester string designed to fit advanced players who seek a complete blend of control, durability and spin. It has a growing popularity at the collegiate level because of the great profiles created with the topspins.

It’s not a string for massive power shots but in the right hands, it can produce very heavy balls through the spin at precise angles. I will say it’s an accessory for players who would want to place the ball deep into the court with faster strokes.

String Technical Specification

• Length: 40ft/12.2m
• Composition: Co-polyester Monofilament
• Colour: Silver

The gauge varies for the version you would choose and it ranges from 1.10 mm to 1.35 mm.

Why Buy This String?

Pros

• It provides a perfect combination of spin, control and durability.
• It’s ideal for aggressive players who like to smash the ball
• It’s last quite long in playing.

Cons

• It’s underpowered for players at beginner level.
• It’s a little stiff to some people.

Price

You can have the best deal of this string at Amazon ranging from $ 7.45 to $ 15.99, which is a cool price on the average.

It comes with free shipping, so you might want to secure your cut to enjoy your game.

Pros

So far in the professional tennis game, you will come across Sloane Stephens using this string.

For big hitters seeking great loads on head speed, a copy of this string will make your game shine. You can get it here.

 

Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price Range: $ 4.75 – $ 10.00

My Overall Ranking: 7.9 out of 10

Overview of the Prince Synthetic Gut

It’s one of the cheapest strings that are in high purchase throughout the year. It’s not that soft but a little easier on the elbow and its solid core synthetic fibre provide all round playability. It’s not only an ideal choice for budget-minded players who seek all-round performance but it makes a great hybrid with other strings too.

Its design is of decent combination in spin, power, comfort and control but not of exceptional performance in one area. Compared to its original, it’s durable and offers great value to its followers who find no reason to switch to other strings since the time they started using.

String Technical Specification

• Gauge: 16 /1.30mm
• Length: 40ft/12.2m
• Composition: Solid Core Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex
• Colour: Black, Blue, Gold, Red, Purple, Silver, White, Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink

Provides a good range of colours for a perfect racquet colour combination.

Pros

• It’s very cheap compared to most of the strings
• It’s a little easier on the arm with its soft feel.
• It’s also durable and offers a decent power.

Cons

• It doesn’t offer an outright excellence in one area of string performance.

Price

The lowest price you can get is $ 4.75 and the highest price is $ 10.00 at Amazon. This is indeed a great value of string for players who don’t want to spend beyond their budgets.

Finally, if you’re looking for a decent blend of spin, power, control and good feel of the string without overshooting your budget, then get your cut here.

 

Wilson NXT Power String

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price Range: $ 19.80 – $ 19.95

My Overall Ranking: 7.7 out of 10

Overview of the Wilson NXT Power

You have to note that this string was formerly named Wilson NXT Tour. It’s one of the iconic strings this brand produces. It’s the softest among this brand and was developed for an exceptional feature of power and reduced vibrations for great arm comfort.

Its polyurethane bonding enhances the durability of the string and adds to the feel of string contact providing a similar feel with the natural gut. Its great power delivery and awesome comfort make it an ideal choice for all class of players.

String Technical Specification

• Gauge: 17/1.26mm
• Length: 40ft/12.2m
• Composition: Multifilament (Xycro Micro fibres bonded with polyurethane)
• Colour: Natural

Pros

It’s good for players who seek outright excellence in power and comfort.

Its great feeling makes it very forgiving to the arm and thus a good choice for players with arm pains.

It’s 80 % less in vibrations than traditional synthetic guts.

Cons

• It requires extra effort for one to generate much spin and have better control as well.

Price

The price ranges from $ 19.80 – $ 19.95 on Amazon. It’s a bit pricey but it’s worth a premier string of the brand and thus makes it a cool price for such a popular string.

In short, if you’re a player who wants to produce shots with explosive power without offsetting comfort in your game, then grab your copy here.

 

Tecnifibre NRG2 16 String

Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com

Price Range: $ 17.95

My Overall Ranking: 8.5 out of 10

Overview of the Tecnifibre NRG2, Awfully Hard to Beat

It’s a premium quality string made from synthetic fibres and comes close to natural guts in terms of playability. With it’s Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec (SPL) technology, you can be assured of durability and exceptional comfort of play without trading off the power.

Not only does it have a large following for its ultra-comfort, touch and power when strung in full bed but makes a perfect combination with other strings in a hybrid. It’s a good choice for all levels of players who are more concerned with the elbow or arm pains but seek the explosive power of their shots.

String Technical Specification

• Gauge: 16/1.32mm
• Length: 40ft/12.2m
• Composition: Multifilament (100% Elastic Fibers, SPL – Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec additive)
• Colour: Natural

The unique property of the SPL additive is to control elongation of the strings which adds to its durability by 40%.

Pros

• It’s relatively soft compared with most synthetic strings and provides great relief for players with wrist, elbow and arm injuries.
• It has longer playing time.
• It’s ultra-comfortable to use without compromising on power.

Cons

• Its control and spin properties might not be enough for big hitters.

Price

It goes for a cool price of $ 17.95 at Amazon. The price is worth for a premium quality like this and you will hardly get it below that amount anywhere. In my opinion, its superb feel is worth the money and should be a good reason to grab your copy if you seek that.

If you’re seeking great power as well as amazing comfort in your play then you don’t have to ignore this string. Get yours here.

Conclusion – Have You Found Your Choice?

I believe by now you have found the right string to end your frustrations. Producing the right shots with great momentum to throw off your opponent is what keeps up going in the tennis game so having the appropriate surface is very essential. So, let me know by dropping a comment to know if this article was helpful to you in any way and I will be glad to get back to you.

You can also share your experience by leaving a comment below if you have used or after trying any of the strings reviewed above. Feel the strings as you enjoy your game!