5 Best High-Tension Tennis Strings for Power & Control

1. HEAD Synthetic Gut Tennis String: Black, 16 Gauge (40ft)

About 7.62 USD

Elevate your tennis game with the HEAD Synthetic Gut PPS tennis string (16 gauge, black, 40ft). This durable, 100% nylon string, made in the USA, offers a winning combination of power and control, perfect for players from beginner to club level. Its solid nylon core, wrapped in thicker multifilaments and a special polyamide layer, delivers enhanced resilience and impressive speed. Ideal for pairing with your HEAD racquet, this 16/1.30 gauge string provides added durability for consistent performance across your weekend matches and training sessions. Experience the difference superior quality and American craftsmanship can make in your game.

2. GOSEN LuXair Assist: Durable, Natural-Feeling Multifilament Tennis String

About $15.99 USD

Experience unparalleled comfort and control with the GOSEN LuXair Assist tennis string, a 16L/1.25mm multifilament marvel. This 40ft (12.2m) string, boasting a 3 islands X Multi filament X LFS coating and Umishima structured monofilament, delivers exceptional tension retention thanks to its heat-resistant polyamide fibers. Ideal for doubles players, its thinner gauge enhances feel, perfect for executing wide kick serves and hard slices. Building on Gosen's 70+ year legacy of innovative synthetic fiber technology, LuXair Assist provides a superior playing experience surpassing even natural gut, embodying Gosen's commitment to originality and performance.

The GOSEN LuXair Assist tennis string offers a winning combination of comfort and playability. Users consistently praised its exceptional arm and elbow friendliness, significantly reducing tennis elbow pain and fatigue even during extended play (two to three hours of doubles). Many found it superior in comfort to both synthetic gut and polyester strings like Solinco Hyper-G Soft, while still delivering good power and controllable tension maintenance. The string's ease of stringing is another notable advantage, described as "smooth sailing" even for experienced stringers. While spin generation may be slightly less than some higher-end options, the overall feel and lively response, comparable to a quality mid-level multifilament (like Wilson NXT), make it a strong contender. The durability, though not exceeding the longevity of some polyester strings, is considered respectable for a multifilament, providing many hours of enjoyable play on racquets such as the Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.0. The 16 gauge option is also noted for potentially increasing string life.

3. GOSEN LuXair Bite: Natural Control, Long-Lasting Multifilament Tennis String

About $15.99 USD

Experience superior comfort and control with the GOSEN LuXair Bite, a 16/1.30mm multifilament tennis string perfect for discerning players. This innovative string, featuring 19 islands X Multifilament construction and a unique LFS coating, provides exceptional tension retention and spin, thanks to its Umishima structured monofilament and heat-resistant polyamide fibers. Its thinner gauge enhances feel, making it ideal for high-level doubles play, especially when executing wide kick serves or hard slices. Built on Gosen's decades-long legacy of crafting high-performance synthetic strings—a legacy that began in 1951, surpassing even natural gut—the LuXair Bite delivers a natural, comfortable feel with impressive power and control. The 40ft (12.2m) length ensures ample string for multiple racquets.

The Gosen LuXair Bite tennis string offers a surprisingly comfortable playing experience, particularly praised for its arm-friendly feel and ease of stringing. Many users found the tension maintenance to be quite good, exceeding expectations for a string in its price range. While spin generation wasn't a standout feature, the string delivers decent power and a pleasant, soft feel, making it ideal for players who prioritize comfort. Its durability also impressed several users, with some noting its longevity even under demanding play. The string's smooth surface, while contributing to a less aggressive spin, provides a consistent, predictable ball response. This makes the LuXair Bite a strong contender for recreational players and those seeking a forgiving string for their Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 or Prince Ignite 95 racquets, among others. Although some users experienced quicker breakage than anticipated and noted a slightly less crisp feel compared to some higher-end multifilaments, the overall consensus points towards a reliable and comfortable option for a wide range of players.

4. Alu Pearl Rough Tennis String: 200m Co-poly Reel

Exceptional spin, control, and comfort—at a great price!

About $59.95 USD

Highly rated
• Value for money
• String quality
• Comfort
• Durability
• Playability
• Spin
• Tension maintenance

Experience superior performance with OEHMS Alu Pearl Rough tennis string, a 200m (660ft) reel of grooved co-poly offering exceptional control and spin. Its hexagonal shape, featuring eight external grooves, provides enhanced grip and power, delivering a unique playing experience. Customer reviews consistently praise its performance, averaging 4.4 stars. The Alu Pearl Rough boasts a comfortable feel despite its high power rating (around 8-10, depending on gauge), making it suitable for various playing styles. This co-poly string's exceptional value combines impressive durability with a noticeably enhanced spin potential, making it a top choice for players seeking an upgrade.

OEHMS Alu Pearl Rough tennis string delivers exceptional performance and value, rivaling top brands like Luxilon ALU Power and Hyper G at a significantly lower price point. Users consistently praise its excellent spin potential, exceptional control, and comfortable feel, often describing the ball pocketing as superb. Many comment on its surprisingly long playability duration, exceeding expectations for a poly string, even with frequent play (4-5 times a week). While some users note the power level is slightly lower than some alternatives (such as Hyper G, though still considered mid-to-low), the overall balance of comfort, spin, control, and exceptional value makes this string a compelling choice for players using racquets like the Babolat Pure Drive, Head Speed, or Wilson RF97. The string’s compatibility with various stringing machines (like the Gamma X-Stringer) is also noted. Although some users experienced shorter string life in thinner gauges (1.25), the overall consensus points to a highly recommended product that provides a great playing experience at an unbeatable price.

5. Ghost Wire: Ultra-Soft, Arm-Friendly Tennis String

About $10.99 USD

Experience unparalleled comfort and control with Ghost Wire, the super-soft co-polyester tennis string from TRU PRO (formerly Tier One Sports). Designed for players of all levels, from beginner to pro, this arm-friendly string delivers maximum durability and exceptional tension stability. Its innovative, new-generation polyester compound provides precise directional control and depth, while the round, slick surface makes it ideal for hybrid setups. Available in 16g, 17g, and 18g gauges (1.27mm, 1.22mm, 1.17mm respectively), in both 40ft sets and 656ft reels (200m), Ghost Wire's white color enhances its sleek appearance. Enjoy the benefits of a co-polyester without the harshness – choose Ghost Wire for a softer, more comfortable game.

Ghost Wire offers an incredibly soft and comfortable feel, making it the perfect complement to a stiffer main string such as a high-spin poly. Its low-powered nature, while not ideal for a full-bed setup or as a primary string, contributes to a remarkably pleasant playing experience. The noticeably smooth feel during play is a standout feature, ensuring optimal comfort and control. This string is ideal for players seeking enhanced touch and feel in their game.