Equipment · Strings
Nylon tennis strings: a versatile choice for every player
Nylon tennis strings, often sold as “synthetic gut”, are the most common synthetic strings: soft, comfortable, affordable and versatile. They are perfect for beginners, recreational players and sensitive arms. On the other hand, they do not last as long as polyester and offer big hitters less control.
Key takeaways
- Definition: a synthetic string made of nylon fibres, the most common and one of the cheapest on the market.
- Strengths: comfort, easy power, versatility and excellent value for money.
- Limits: average durability, less stable tension and less control than polyester.
- Who for: beginners, intermediate and recreational players, players with sensitive arms.
- Suggested tension: fairly low, 22 to 25 kg (48 to 55 lb), to make the most of its power.
What are nylon tennis strings?
Nylon strings are made of synthetic fibres combined into a strong, elastic string. Nylon is the most popular non-natural material: synthetic gut strings and most multifilaments are nylon. The quality of the nylon and the manufacturing process are what set models apart.
They are among the cheapest and most widely available strings. Nylon does not have the prestige of natural gut, but it performs very well for a fraction of the cost. To see where nylon fits among all strings, read our guide to tennis racquet strings.
What are the benefits of nylon strings?
- Affordability: one of the cheapest strings, ideal if you break often or restring regularly on a budget.
- Versatility: it suits a wide range of styles thanks to a good mix of power and control, perfect for intermediate and recreational players.
- Comfort: much softer than polyester, it reduces vibration at impact. A good choice if your arm hurts or you feel tired after long matches.
- Power: its elasticity returns energy to the ball, so you can hit harder with less effort.
- Adequate durability: less robust than polyester, but tough enough for players who do not play hard every day.
Who are nylon strings for?
- Beginners and intermediates: their comfort and playability help you improve without excessive physical effort.
- Players looking for comfort: with sore joints, nylon is much gentler than polyester. For a really painful arm, a multifilament or gut will be even more comfortable; see also racquets and tennis elbow.
- Recreational players: if you play at a moderate pace, it is an excellent balance of enjoyment, durability and budget.
Nylon suits competitors who hit hard with heavy topspin less well: they generally prefer polyester, which is more controllable and durable.
AdultsMorningsAll levelsPlayer Camp AdultCoached tennis mornings to progress at your own pace, with afternoons free on the French Riviera.DISCOVER Nylon, polyester, gut, hybrid: how does nylon compare?
| String | Comfort | Power | Control | Durability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Good | Good | Average | Average | Low |
| Polyester | Low | Average | Excellent | Very good | Medium |
| Natural gut | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Low | High |
| Hybrid (polyester + nylon) | Good | Good | Good | Good | Medium |
- Nylon or polyester? Advanced players prefer polyester for its durability and control, but it is much stiffer. Full details in our article on polyester strings.
- Nylon or natural gut? Gut is the ultimate in touch and comfort, but costs far more. Nylon is the sensible option on a limited budget.
- Nylon or multifilament? Multifilament is also nylon, but made of thousands of micro-fibres: more comfortable and closer to gut, slightly more expensive. See our multifilament string explainer.
- Nylon or hybrid? A polyester / nylon hybrid gains durability and control; nylon alone stays softer, especially for a recreational player.
How to choose nylon strings
Gauge (thickness)
A thinner gauge gives more feel and power but wears out sooner. A thicker gauge lasts longer at the cost of some playability. If you break strings often, go up a thickness.
Tension
To make the most of nylon’s power, a fairly low tension is recommended, 22 to 25 kg (48 to 55 lb). For more control, go slightly higher, at the expense of comfort. The full method is in our guide to tennis string tension.
Coating
Some nylons have a coating that improves durability or reduces friction between the strings. A good choice if you want your strings to last longer while staying pleasant to play with.
How do you test nylon strings in real conditions?
A string is judged over several sessions, not a few balls. Note three things after each practice: arm comfort, length control and how well the tension holds over the days. If the ball flies longer and longer after two weeks, the nylon has lost its tension and it is time to restring. If your arm still hurts with nylon, check the racquet too, and where you put the dampener.
At the Mouratoglou Academy on the French Riviera (Biot, near Nice), equipment is fitted to the player rather than the other way round, following the Mouratoglou Method. Find all our guides in the tennis equipment section.
Frequently asked questions
Are nylon strings a good choice for competition?
They mainly suit intermediate and recreational players. Competitors who hit hard generally prefer polyester, which offers more control and durability, or a hybrid.
What is the main advantage of nylon over polyester?
Comfort. Nylon is much softer than polyester, so it is gentler on the arm, and it gives more easy power. It is also cheaper.
What tension should nylon strings be strung at?
Generally 22 to 25 kg (48 to 55 lb). The lower end of that range maximises power and comfort; go slightly higher if your balls fly long too often.
How long do nylon strings last?
It depends on how often and how hard you play. They break sooner than polyester for big hitters, but for a recreational player it is mostly the loss of tension that calls for a restring, roughly as many times a year as you play each week.
Are nylon strings a good choice for children and beginners at camp?
Often the best one: soft, comfortable and affordable, nylon forgives off-centre hits and protects the arm during weeks when hitting volume goes up. A moderate tension is enough. On the Player Camp Junior, coaches check equipment on day one and advise restringing if needed.
