Your strings and tension change how your racquet plays as much as the frame does. Too tight and you lose power and hurt your arm. Too loose and the ball flies long. This guide shows you which tension to use for your level, which string type to choose, and when to restring.
Buying an unstrung racquet? Choose your string and tension when you order on prokicksports.com and our team will string it for you.
🎚️ Quick tension guide
| Your level | Tension | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50–55 lbs | Easy power, bigger sweet spot, kind to the arm |
| Intermediate | 53–58 lbs | Balance of power and control |
| Advanced | 55–60+ lbs | More control for big, fast swings |
| Tennis elbow / sore arm | 48–52 lbs | Softer feel, less shock |
Always stay within the tension range printed on your racquet. Polyester strings: go about 2–4 lbs lower.
📖 In this guide
How tension changes your shots
More power, bigger sweet spot, softer feel, easier on the arm. Less precise when you swing hard.
More control and a firmer, crisper feel. Less free power and more shock to the arm.
Start mid-range. Ball going long? Add 2 lbs. Ball landing short or arm hurting? Drop 2 lbs.
Other things also change the feel: a bigger head size or open string pattern (16x19) adds power and spin, while a smaller head or dense pattern (18x20) adds control. Strings also lose tension after stringing, especially polyester, so a racquet strung at 55 lbs will feel looser after a few weeks.
Which string type should you use?
| Type | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic gut (nylon) | All-round, affordable | Beginners and casual players |
| Multifilament | Soft, comfortable, powerful | Beginners, older players, sore arms |
| Polyester / co-poly | Firm, control and spin, durable | Intermediate to advanced hard hitters |
| Hybrid (poly + soft string) | Control with more comfort | Advanced players who want both |
Beginners rarely need polyester. A soft synthetic gut or multifilament string will feel better and protect your arm.
When should you restring?
- Use the simple rule: restring as many times a year as you play each week.
- Restring sooner if the strings feel dead, the ball flies unpredictably, or the strings move out of place a lot.
- Polyester players should restring more often, because poly loses tension faster even if it doesn’t break.
- After a break, always restring. Strings slowly lose tension even when the racquet isn’t used.
Best tennis strings at Prokick
From soft, budget-friendly strings to tour-level co-polyester.
#1 · HEAD
HEAD Master
₹339 ₹399 15% off
- Soft multifilament for comfort
- Durable everyday string
- Lowest-cost restring
Best for: Beginners and casual players who want a soft, comfortable string.
View price & options →
#2 · HEAD
HEAD Synthetic Gut 16
₹512 ₹569 10% off
- Solid-core nylon with an all-round feel
- Durable and consistent
- Great value for regular restrings
Best for: Beginners and improvers who want a reliable all-round string.
View price & options →
#3 · HEAD
HEAD Sonic Pro 16L
₹799 ₹939 15% off
- Durable poly for control and spin
- More comfortable than many polys
- For intermediate to advanced players
Best for: Club players moving to their first polyester string.
View price & options →
#4 · HEAD
HEAD Lynx
₹1,002 ₹1,179 15% off
- Co-polyester monofilament for control and spin
- A favourite style of string for heavy hitters
Best for: Hard hitters who want spin and control.
View price & options →
#5 · Solinco
Solinco Confidential
₹1,199 ₹1,499 20% off
- Co-poly known for holding tension well
- Crisp control for big swings
Best for: Advanced players who break strings often or want consistent tension.
View price & options →
#6 · HEAD
HEAD Hawk Touch
₹1,322 ₹1,469 10% off
- Co-polyester monofilament for control and feel
- Precise, connected response
Best for: Advanced players who want maximum control and touch.
View price & options →Need a new racquet too? Read our guide on how to choose a tennis racquet.
Frequently asked questions
What tension should I string my tennis racquet at?
Most players string between 50 and 60 lbs. Start in the middle of the range printed on your racquet (often 50–60 lbs) and adjust: go lower for more power and comfort, higher for more control.
Does lower tension give more power?
Yes. Lower tension lets the strings stretch more, so the ball comes off faster and the sweet spot feels bigger. Higher tension gives more control and a firmer feel but less free power.
Should polyester strings be strung lower?
Yes. Polyester (co-poly) strings are stiffer, so most players string them about 2–4 lbs lower than a nylon or multifilament string in the same racquet.
What tension is best for tennis elbow?
Use a lower tension (around 48–52 lbs), a soft multifilament or synthetic gut string, and avoid stiff polyester. If pain continues, see a doctor or physio.
How often should I restring my tennis racquet?
A simple rule is to restring as many times a year as you play each week. If you play 3 times a week, restring about 3 times a year. Restring sooner if a string breaks or the strings feel dead.
Can I choose my own tension when I buy online?
Yes. For unstrung racquets you can choose your string and tension when you order, and our team will string it for you. WhatsApp us if you need help choosing.
Not sure which string or tension?
Tell us your level, racquet and playing style and we’ll suggest the right setup.
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