Equipment · Strings
Hybrid tennis strings: everything you need to know
Hybrid tennis strings combine two different strings: one for the mains (vertical strings) and one for the crosses (horizontal strings). Most often, a polyester monofilament provides control and durability while a multifilament or natural gut adds comfort and power. Mains are usually strung at 24 to 26 kg (53 to 57 lb) and crosses 1 to 2 kg lower.
Key takeaways
- Principle: two different strings, one in the mains and one in the crosses, to combine their qualities.
- Classic combination: polyester mains, multifilament or gut crosses.
- Reverse hybrid: gut or multifilament mains, polyester crosses; the set-up used by Djokovic and Federer.
- Tensions: mains around 24 to 26 kg, crosses around 22 to 24 kg.
- Who for: players who want control without giving up comfort, or who break a soft string too often.
What are hybrid tennis strings?
A hybrid uses two different strings for the mains (vertical strings) and the crosses (horizontal strings). In the most common version, a monofilament (usually polyester, stiff and durable) goes in the mains for control and durability, and a multifilament or natural gut goes in the crosses for comfort, elasticity and power.
This combination lets you benefit from both materials and build a set-up tailored to you. To get to know each string before pairing them, start with our guide to tennis racquet strings.
Why choose hybrid strings?
- Greater durability: the mains, which move the most and break first, are tough polyester, so the string bed lasts longer than a multifilament or gut on its own.
- Balanced power and control: the soft string brings power and touch, the monofilament ensures precision.
- Better comfort: polyester alone can be very stiff and painful for the arm; paired with a soft string, it transmits less vibration.
- Tailored feel: by playing with the two materials, gauges and tensions, you can fine-tune precision, power and comfort.
Which hybrid string combination should you choose?
| Combination | Mains | Crosses | Aim | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester + gut | Polyester | Natural gut | Control, break resistance and comfort | Demanding competitors |
| Polyester + multifilament | Polyester | Multifilament | Same logic, more affordable | Regular players who break strings often |
| Reverse hybrid (gut or multi + polyester) | Gut or multifilament | Polyester | Maximum touch and comfort, decent lifespan | Players who put feel first |
| Kevlar + nylon | Kevlar | Nylon or a soft string | Maximum durability | Chronic string breakers |
The reverse hybrid, a favourite of many pros
In a so-called reverse hybrid, the mains are gut or multifilament and the crosses polyester. You gain softness and touch at the cost of some lifespan. Yet it is the set-up chosen by several tour players: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem pair natural gut mains with polyester crosses. Their exact settings are listed in our article on pro players’ strings and tension.
To learn more about each string, read our articles on natural gut and polyester strings. Kevlar, for its part, is only ever played in a hybrid: see our article on Kevlar strings.
Which tension for hybrid strings?
The usual rule: string the mains a little tighter for control and the crosses slightly lower for power and softness.
- Mains (vertical strings): generally 24 to 26 kg (53 to 57 lb) for players looking for control.
- Crosses (horizontal strings): slightly lower, 22 to 24 kg (48 to 53 lb), for more power and softness.
If one of the two strings is polyester, allow for its stiffness: it is usually strung lower than a soft string. The full logic is explained in our guide to tennis string tension.
AdultsFull daysAll levelsPerformance Camp AdultA week of intensive tennis, 4 players per coach: technique, match play, physical and mental training.DISCOVER How do you string a racquet with a hybrid?
- Choose the two strings: usually a polyester monofilament for the mains and a multifilament or natural gut for the crosses.
- String the mains: stiffer, they ensure control and lifespan. Polyesters from brands such as Babolat or Luxilon are often used for their durability.
- String the crosses: softer, they improve comfort and shock absorption and soften the stiffness of the mains.
- Set the two tensions separately, usually 1 to 2 kg lower in the crosses.
On durability, the hybrid wins: polyester protects the mains, which are usually the first to break, while the soft crosses improve playability. The string bed therefore lasts longer than a multifilament or gut alone.
How do you know if your hybrid setup suits you?
Test your hybrid over at least three sessions and compare it with your usual setup on the same drills: crosscourt rallies, high balls, volleys. If you gain comfort without losing control, keep it. If the ball lacks depth, raise the cross tension slightly; if your arm tires, lower the tension of the polyester mains. Write down the settings for every restring. For a softer option, see nylon strings.
On our tennis camps on the French Riviera (Biot, near Nice), coaches help each player tune their equipment to their game, in line with the individualisation at the heart of the Mouratoglou Method.
Frequently asked questions
Are hybrid strings suitable for recreational players?
Yes, they are an excellent solution for a regular player who keeps breaking multifilament or finds polyester too harsh. A hybrid adds durability and control without sacrificing all the comfort.
What tension should I use for a hybrid?
Generally 24 to 26 kg (53 to 57 lb) for the mains and 22 to 24 kg (48 to 53 lb) for the crosses. The stiffer string, usually the polyester, is strung somewhat lower than the soft one.
Should polyester go in the mains or the crosses?
In the mains if durability and control are your priority: it is the most common set-up. In the crosses if you prefer touch and comfort, as Djokovic and Federer do with natural gut mains.
Can a multifilament replace gut in a hybrid?
Yes. A polyester and multifilament hybrid is more affordable than one with natural gut and stays comfortable. It is often the best choice for a club player.
Is a hybrid string useful for an intensive camp weekend?
Yes, if you hit a lot in a short time: polyester gives control on heavy shots while the softer string limits arm fatigue. Have it strung a few days before so it settles. The Performance Weekend Camp Adult is a good test to validate your setup under intensive conditions.
