Polyester vs Multifilament: Which String to Choose for Your Racket?
Choosing the right string for your racket is as important as choosing the ideal tension. Among the most popular options are polyester (poly) and multifilament strings, each with unique characteristics that suit different player profiles.
In this complete guide, we'll explore the differences between these two string types, their pros and cons, and help you decide which is the best option for your game.
Polyester Strings: The Competitor's Favorite
Main Characteristics
Polyester strings are made from a single filament of synthetic material, usually with a polygonal shape (pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.). They revolutionized modern tennis and are the predominant choice among competitive players.
Main advantages:
- Exceptional control: The material's stiffness allows greater precision in shots
- Superior durability: Better resistance to friction and wear
- Enhanced spin: The surface and shape facilitate ball "bite", generating more rotation
- Great response: Firm and direct feel on ball contact
Disadvantages to consider:
- Less comfort: Stiffness can cause arm discomfort in sensitive players
- Rapid tension loss: 10-15% losses in the first 10 hours of play are common
- Less natural power: Requires more technique and player strength to generate speed
Who Is It Recommended For?
Polyester strings are ideal for:
- Intermediate to advanced players with good technique
- Athletes who naturally generate a lot of power
- Competitors seeking to maximize control and spin
- Players who break strings frequently (poly lasts longer)
- Aggressive playing styles with heavy strokes
Warning: Beginners and players with elbow problems (tennis elbow) should avoid pure polyester strings, especially at high tensions.
Multifilament Strings: Comfort and Power
Main Characteristics
Multifilament strings are composed of hundreds or thousands of synthetic microfibers intertwined, mimicking the structure of natural gut. They offer a softer and more comfortable playing experience.
Main advantages:
- Exceptional comfort: Better impact absorption, protecting arms and elbows
- Natural power: Elasticity helps generate ball speed with less effort
- Soft feel: Pleasant feedback on ball contact
- Good tension maintenance: Maintains characteristics longer than poly
Disadvantages to consider:
- Less durability: Wear faster, especially for spin players
- Less control: Elasticity can hinder precision at high speeds
- Cost-benefit: Generally more expensive and last less than polyester strings
Who Is It Recommended For?
Multifilament strings are ideal for:
- Beginner to intermediate players
- Athletes recovering from arm injuries
- Players with shorter strokes who need extra power
- Playing styles based on consistency and rhythm
- Those who prioritize comfort above all
Direct Comparison: Poly vs Multifilament
| Characteristic | Polyester | Multifilament | |----------------|-----------|---------------| | Control | 5/5 | 3/5 | | Power | 2/5 | 5/5 | | Comfort | 2/5 | 5/5 | | Durability | 5/5 | 3/5 | | Spin | 5/5 | 3/5 | | Tension Maintenance | 2/5 | 4/5 | | Price | $ | $$ |
The Third Option: Hybrid Setup
Many players have discovered that the best solution is to combine the best of both worlds: hybrid setup.
How does it work?
In a hybrid setup, you use:
- Polyester in the main strings (verticals): To maximize control and spin
- Multifilament in the crosses (horizontals): To add comfort and power
This combination offers approximately 70% of poly benefits (control and spin) with 30% of multi benefits (comfort and power).
Famous players who use hybrid:
- Roger Federer (natural gut + poly)
- Juan Martin del Potro (multi + poly)
- Many other professionals adjust according to the tournament
How to Decide? The Practical Test
Follow this checklist to make your decision:
Choose Polyester if:
- You have intermediate or advanced level
- You generate a lot of power in your strokes
- You want to maximize control and spin
- You have no history of arm injuries
- You play at least 2-3x per week
Choose Multifilament if:
- You are a beginner or intermediate
- You need more power in your strokes
- You have or have had tennis elbow
- You prioritize comfort and feel
- You play recreationally
Consider Hybrid if:
- You want to experience the best of both worlds
- You have advanced intermediate level
- You're willing to invest more in stringing
- You want to customize your setup further
Tension Tips for Each Type
The ideal tension varies according to string type:
Polyester:
- Beginners: 20-22 kg (45-48 lbs)
- Intermediate: 22-24 kg (48-52 lbs)
- Advanced: 24-27 kg (52-60 lbs)
Multifilament:
- Beginners: 21-23 kg (46-50 lbs)
- Intermediate: 23-25 kg (50-55 lbs)
- Advanced: 25-27 kg (55-60 lbs)
Hybrid:
- Main (poly): 1-2 kg above your standard
- Cross (multi): same tension or 0.5-1 kg below
Conclusion: There's No Wrong Choice
The choice between polyester and multifilament depends on your level, playing style, physical condition, and goals. The most important thing is to experiment and record your impressions.
Use StringLab to document each stringing: string type, tension, date, and your feedback on performance. Over time, you'll have concrete data to identify exactly which setup maximizes your potential.
Remember: even professionals change strings as their game evolves. Be open to experimenting and adjusting!
Next step: Chose your string? Now discover when it's time to change strings to always maintain the best performance.