What makes a good tennis string?
The 7 most important properties of tennis strings
Tennis strings often influence your game more than the frame of the racket. Here are the seven crucial characteristics you should know – simply explained and with examples from the MSV range.
1. Durability
We all want a string with all the advantages. Unfortunately, for example, greater durability often comes at the expense of feel and playability. Strings with a larger diameter and made of a more resilient material are more durable—but less elastic.
Example: If a 1.30 mm nylon string breaks, we recommend a durable nylon string like the MSV SPIN PLUS or a co-polyester string like MSV FOCUS HEX® PLUS 38 .
Tip: Protect from heat, cold and moisture to extend shelf life!
2. Feeling (Touch)
Elastic strings produce a softer feel because the string bed absorbs more energy. Natural gut and polyamide (nylon), in particular, are characterized by their pronounced feel.
3. Acceleration (Power)
You can achieve more power by reducing the stringing by 1–2 kg. The string bed becomes more elastic and transfers more energy. However, too soft can lead to a loss of feel.
Material and construction also influence power. A test by the German Tennis Magazine (October 2014) showed that the MSV HEPTA-TWIST achieved top marks in acceleration and tension stability.
4. Control
The tighter the string bed, the less give there is—the ball flies shorter and more precisely. This is beneficial for advanced players with long swings. Beginners benefit more from softer strings for more tolerance.
5. Spin
A tighter string tension often improves consistency on topspin shots. The key to spin is the snapback effect —that is, how quickly the main string snaps back.
Studies show: A round co-polyester string like the MSV Co Focus sometimes achieves better results than square versions like the Focus Hex , because it creates less friction with the cross string.
6. Comfort / Arm protection
Soft strings and lower tension reduce vibrations and increase the sweet spot. Ideal for players with arm problems or older players. Examples: MSV SOFT TOUCH or FOCUS-HEX® PLUS 38 .
7. Voltage stability
The string loses tension immediately after stringing – both during play and at rest. What matters is how long the string retains its properties. Polyamide/nylon strings are usually more stable than soft co-poly strings.
Stiffer co-polyester models retain their tension longer than elastic ones – ideal for consistent playing feel.
Conclusion: Choosing the right string should always be based on your playing style, comfort requirements, and playing frequency. We're happy to help you choose.
| Characteristic | What does this mean? | Ideal for | MSV recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| durability | How long does the string last before it breaks or becomes unplayable? | Frequent players, aggressive playing style | Focus Hex Plus 38, Hepta Twist |
| Feeling (Touch) | How sensitive is your feedback when you make contact with the ball? | All-rounders, net players | Soft Touch, Multi Q10 |
| Power / Acceleration | How much does the string support ball acceleration? | Recreational players, players with slower swings | Multi Q10, Focus Hex Soft |
| control | How precisely can you place the ball? | Tournament players, aggressive playing style | Focus Hex, Co Focus |
| Spin | How much does the string support your topspin or slice shots? | Topspin players | Hepta Twist, Focus Hex Soft |
| Comfort / arm protection | How comfortable is the gaming experience for your arm, shoulder and wrist? | Players with arm problems | Soft Touch, Focus Hex Plus 38 |
| Voltage stability | How long does the string retain its playing characteristics after stringing? | Consistent feel, rare re-stringing | Spin Plus, Hepta Twist |
Important to know:
- There is no “perfect” string – just the right one for your playing style.
- Many properties influence each other. For example, greater durability often means less comfort.
- Test it out – and note how each string feels!
Further knowledge
Still unsure?
Just send us a message or contact us directly - we'll be happy to advise you personally!