There are several different types of tennis strings available in the market, including Natural Gut, Polyester, Synthetic Gut, and Multifilament, which is what we are discussing in this article today. As a player, the type of string that you opt for determines a lot of things regarding the racket that you use. Some of the most common string features that players expect from multifilament strings include topspin, control, power, durability, and comfort. Additionally, a good multifilament string enables you to prevent various tennis-related conditions such as tennis elbow or any other arm pain that may occur as a result of engaging in the game. The market is saturated with many multifilament strings by different brands and choosing a single one can get complicated really fast. However, to help you figure out which multifilament string you should opt for, we have curated a list of the best multifilament strings for individuals of various budgets.
Tecnifibre NRG2 SPL Tennis String
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One of the last multifilament tennis strings that have been used in professional tennis games, the Tecnifibre NRG2 SPL Tennis String is one of the strongest and high-quality strings that you can come across. This string uses Elastyl fibers by Tenchnifire that is 12% stronger than the standard synthetic polyamide string as the fiber is then bonded together using polyurethane resin. It also includes Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec (SPL) which acts as a scratch-resistant coating and, therefore, facilitates the resistance and durability of the tennis racket. This racket plays overly close to a natural gut. The first-class build of the string makes it ideal for tennis players looking for an excellent arm depth and feel on their shots. This multifilament string is highly revered and talked about within the tennis community, and it is with good reason. The string enhances playability, and it is undoubtedly the most sought-after multifilament tennis string.
Pros
- It is incredibly high quality, and its construction makes it 40% stronger than most of its competitors.
- It minimizes shock vibrations due to its high elasticity.
- It is available in different natural gauge sizes.
- It is reasonably priced and therefore, extremely affordable.
Cons
- Not that good for control and spin
- The strings move often and require to be readjusted
Wilson Champions Choice Duo Hybrid
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With players like Rodger Federer choosing to use the Champions choice, Duo hybrid multifilament string, it should be evident by now whey we had to include it in our list. This multifilament string is a combined effort by two brands to create an outstanding hybrid sting that offers players a unique balance between champion’s Luxilon ALU power rough polyester and Wilson’s Natural gut. This combination is unlike anything players have witnessed before as it ensures that the racket using this string offers remarkable spin, power, control, feel, and more importantly, comfort.
Pros
- The amount of power produced by this hybrid string is immense but not overpowering.
- The string does not compromise on the playability that is offered by a racket where it is applied.
- It is incredibly comfortable to use.
Cons
- It is expensive, and as such, it may be out of reach for players who have been restricted by their budget.
- Players do not receive the benefits of each of the string types used to create the hybrid string.
- In comparison to some of its competitors, the amount of control offered by this multifilament string is much lower.
Wilson NXT Comfort
Intro
Constructed using microfibers that have been woven together and bonded together by polyurethane, the Wilson NXT Comfort is arguably the world’s best-selling multifilament string. This string is reminiscent of a natural gut string, and it offers remarkable comfort and playability. Players who suffer arm-related conditions such as tennis elbow are the biggest beneficiaries of this string as the added comfort it offers is something they will appreciate deeply. Madison Keys is one of the professional players who use this string, and this should be a pretty significant indicator of the immense power that the strings offer to players. Moreover, the Wilson NXT Comfort provides all-around playability, and as such, it is suitable for various playing styles and skill level.
Pros
- The string dampens harsh vibrations that occur when the tennis racket hits the ball. Additionally, Wilson’s NXT Comfort features a string technology that offers players a sweet spot that is 10% bigger
- The tennis string is available in three different sizes so players can opt what to choose for. Also, it can be strung alongside other string types to create a string fusion of sorts.
- It is inexpensive and within reach for most if not all players.
- The string is easy on the arm and offers a remarkable topspin.
Cons
- This multifilament string is not durable, and it breaks easily after a couple of games. Nevertheless, this is a problem that can be resolved by choosing the NXT Comfort string with the highest gauge.
Tecnifibre X-One BiPhase
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If we were to rate multifilament tennis strings based on which synthetic string offers the closest playability to natural gut, the Tecnifibre X-One BiPhase would rank extremely high as it is the ultimate synthetic string you can choose from. The string is constructed using Elastyl Fibers as opposed to the conventional polyamide materials that some of the other multifilament strings use. Because of its construction, players get 12% increased power in their shots. Additionally, an innovative Fiber H2C technology is used in the string where it is pre-stretched in high temperatures just to ensure that it maintains tension exceptionally well. This is one of the most reliable tennis multifilament strings you can consider purchasing.
Pros
- The Tecnifibre X-One BiPhase string is extremely durable, which means that players can experience its benefits for even longer.
- The string is quite soft, and it feels great. Even players with arm conditions can use it on their rackets as it is extremely arm friendly.
- It provides excellent spin and solid control to players.
- The string is available in several different gauge sizes, and players can pick whichever one best suits them.
Cons
- Some players may find this string to be somewhat overwhelming.
Babolat Xcel
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Babolat is a brand that has been able to quickly rise up the ranks in the tennis and racquetball worlds even surpassing some well-known brands that were there way before it. The company which does an excellent job in also producing tennis strings is famous with both professional and amateur players. The Babolat Xcel is a tennis multifilament string that is a perfect choice for players plagued by tennis elbow. The string which is constructed using multiple microfibers that have been bonded together using polyurethane is very much like of natural gut strings. It is also quite durable as the company uses an innovative formula to increase its durability. According to several different users, the Babolat Xcel responds beautifully when put to task and offers a nice pop when hit by the ball. This string is so good that even players who typically play using longer strokes get full playability with it. However, it can be used by almost all players.
Pros
- The string is quite durable and does not break easily.
- It is an incredibly soft string which does not compromise on comfort.
- It is reasonably priced.
Cons
- It is available in only one gauge.
Head Reflex MLT Tennis String
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If you are looking for a multifilament string with a gut-like feel and a lot of power, then look no further than the Reflex MLT string by Head. This string is constructed using 1,300 velvet-like filaments and then bonded using PU resin that is flexible. This construction creates a remarkably luxurious and low vibration when the ball hits the string. It is, therefore perfect for players who suffer from arm sensitivity. The string is equipped with a distinctive low friction coating known as Reflex which ensures its durability and facilitates the impressive spins that this string delivers. Providing power comfort and a great feel, the Head Reflex MLT tennis string works perfectly well for most players regardless of their style of play or skill level.
Pros
- It is perfect for players who suffer from tennis elbow and other pain-related conditions.
- Players get great control with the string as it snaps back much faster than some of its other competitors.
Cons
- Several users have complained that the string albeit delivering exceptional performance is not durable as other strings and it breaks easily.
Final Thoughts
The cost of the natural gut can sometimes be a costly affair for casual, amateur, and even some intermediate players. Also, the fact that tennis strings often break the total cost implication of regularly purchasing natural gut string tends to run high. This is where multifilament strings come in as they allow players to save some money and not be bombarded by the substantial costs. Our list above covers the best multifilament tennis strings you can buy and because technological advances have made such that we can replicate the feel and to some extent capability of strings made using natural gut, you will undoubtedly find something in the list above that will work for you without denting your pocket.