Tennis strings for tennis elbow and comfort
If you've ever finished a session with sore elbow or wrist, your strings are probably half the cause. Multifilament strings — woven from hundreds of fine fibres — and natural gut behave like miniature shock absorbers, compressing on contact and dampening the impact transmitted to your arm. Both are dramatically more arm-friendly than polyester. The strings in this collection are the ones we recommend for players managing tennis elbow or who simply prioritise comfort: Tecnifibre X-One Biphase, NRG2 and Multifeel; Babolat Addixion; Wilson NXT and Sensation; and Yonex multifilaments.
How to choose
Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is the gold standard multifilament — used by ATP pros for its softness. Babolat Addixion is the brand's premium multifilament. For natural gut, look at Wilson Natural Gut or Babolat Touch VS. Pair with an arm-friendly racquet for best results.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most arm-friendly tennis string?
Natural gut, by a clear margin. Among synthetics, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase and Wilson NXT are widely considered the most comfortable.
Should I avoid polyester if I have tennis elbow?
Yes — full polyester set-ups are the most common contributor to tennis elbow. Switch to a multifilament or hybrid (multi mains, poly crosses).
What tension should I string for arm comfort?
Lower — typically 45-50lbs. Lower tensions reduce shock at contact while still providing control.
How often should I restring multifilament?
Multifilaments hold tension well — most players restring every 25-30 hours of play, longer than polys.
Is natural gut worth the price?
Many players think so — it's the highest-performing string in tennis. Downsides: expensive (~$80/set) and humidity-sensitive.
