The Evolution of Tennis Strings: My Journey with String Technology

Over the past 20–30 years, we’ve all seen how much racket technology has advanced in the sport of tennis. But in my experience, the last 10–15 years have brought just as much—if not more—change through new developments in string technology.

Let's start with an understanding of what string types there are:

1. NATURAL GUT

Material: Made from serosa (a layer of cow intestine), known for its exceptional elasticity.

Key Traits:

• Premium feel and power

• Superior tension maintenance

• High cost and weather sensitivity

Pros:

Cons:

2. SYNTHETIC GUT

Material: Typically made from nylon with a solid core and wraps.

Key Traits:

• Balanced performance at an affordable price

• Suitable for a wide range of players

Pros:

Cons:

3. POLYESTER (Poly)

Material: Durable, stiff monofilament, often co-poly blends now used for added feel.

Key Traits:

• Designed for control and durability

• Popular among advanced and competitive players

Pros:

Cons:

String gauge refers to the thickness of a tennis string. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the string. A 15 gauge is thicker and more durable, while an 18 gauge is thinner, offering more spin and feel but at the cost of reduced durability. Most players use 16 or 17 gauge as a balance between playability and longevity.

In summary:

• Thicker strings (15–16g) = more durability, less feel/spin.

• Thinner strings (17–18g) = more feel/spin, less durability.

  
  

Over the past decade, major brands have continually pushed the limits of string technology. Alongside them, a wave of emerging companies—and the resurgence of some familiar names—has expanded the landscape of options for players. Today, strings once priced between $14–18 per set now compete with high-performance alternatives at far more accessible prices.

I remember a moment in 2011 that completely shifted how I approached my string setup.

At the time, I was testing two headline-making strings from the same brand:

• Babolat RPM Blast

• Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour

RPM Blast had built a massive reputation, especially with Rafael Nadal using it on tour. Its unique octagonal shape was hailed as a spin machine—some commentators even suggested it was so effective, it bordered on "cheating."

Naturally, I had to give it a try.

But after a few hours of hitting, I just couldn’t connect with it. The feel wasn’t right for my game, and I ended up cutting out the $17 string the same day.

Next up: Pro Hurricane Tour. I didn’t have time to test it before competition, so I strung it up for an Atlanta flex league match, unaware of who I’d be playing. That match turned into a defining moment—I beat the no. 1 player in the league, one of the dominant names in our local scene. For me, as a newcomer to that competitive tier, it was a huge confidence boost.

That match also set me on a journey to find the ideal polyester string for my game. I began experimenting with hybrid setups—pairing polyester with synthetic gut. While it offered great feel and responsiveness, the synthetic gut would often break quickly. Eventually, I found success in hybrid setups using two different polyester strings, striking a better balance of durability and performance.

Back in 2010–2011, while preparing for ITF Futures and USTA National events and finishing my architecture degree at Georgia Tech, I tested a wide range of options:

• Kirschbaum polys (our college team string)

• Synthetic guts (which often broke within hours)

• Babolat Pro Hurricane (the standard version)

• Wilson strings (various models)

None of them truly matched my game at the time.

Before returning full-time to competition, I found a lesser-known gem on tour: Tecnifibre Black Code—a pentagon-shaped polyester that delivered a unique blend of spin, control, and feel. It became my go-to string from 2014–2017 in a full poly setup, strung slightly below mid-tension.

Transitioning to Coaching & Discovering Diadem

In 2016, I accepted the Head Coach position at SCAD Atlanta for the Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs. The role opened doors to partnerships with industry giants like Wilson, Head, Nike, and Prince. Amidst all the established names, one brand stood out: Diadem—a company I had remembered from its early days.

I connected with one of the founders, and soon after, Diadem sent a sample pack of their poly strings for the team to test. The unanimous favorite? Diadem Solstice, known for its distinctive asterisk-shaped profile that delivered incredible spin. Personally, I preferred Diadem Flash—a softer poly that offered consistent feel and long-lasting durability.

My Current Setup (Since 2020):

• Racquet: Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV

• Strings: Diadem Flash 16g (Mains) / Tecnifibre Black Code 16g (Crosses) @ 53 lbs

• Weight: 336g (11.85 oz), customized with lead tape at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock

• Extras: Wilson “W” dampener

  
  

This setup has provided the ideal balance for my playing style—enough feel and control, with the durability to handle extended sessions.

It’s become my standard configuration for all competitive play and training. With it, I’ve played three full seasons of local league tennis, countless matches with friends across Atlanta, and logged hundreds of hours on court. Nearly all of my online match play and stroke analysis content features this setup—and for good reason. It delivers a solid 6–8 hours of high-performance play every time I step on court.

Recap + Recommendations:

As a coach, I often recommend hybrid string combinations to my students—both youth and adults—tailored to their specific game styles and needs.

Here are a few of my top recommendations, all personally tested and approved:

Polyester Recommendations:

• Tecnifibre Black Code

• Diadem Flash

• Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour

• Babolat Pro Hurricane

• Diadem Solstice

Synthetic Gut Recommendations:

• Prince SynGut Duraflex

• Babolat Synthetic Gut

Monofilament Recommendations:

• Diadem Evolution

Other Considerations:

• Wilson NXT

Strings I personally didn’t like (but many others do):

• Solinco

• Luxilon

At the end of the day, strings can make a significant difference in your game. If they didn’t, we wouldn’t see so many companies innovating and offering a wide variety of options.

Leave a comment below or ask a question about what strings you use—or if you want a personalized recommendation!