Best Tennis Strings for Arm Pain (2025 Guide)

Why strings matter more than most players think

The strings are the only part of the racket that actually contacts the ball. String stiffness directly determines how much shock is transmitted to your arm. A stiffer string deflects less on impact, sending more vibration up the frame and into your elbow.

Tennis Warehouse University (TWU) measures string stiffness in lb/in. A string measuring 220+ lb/in is stiff. Anything under 160 lb/in is genuinely soft and arm-friendly.

The worst strings for arm pain

Standard polyester strings (co-poly) are the biggest culprit. They're stiff, lose tension quickly, and transmit significant shock. Popular strings like Luxilon ALU Power (209 lb/in) and Babolat RPM Blast (232 lb/in) are excellent for healthy arms but risky if you're already experiencing discomfort. If you're currently using a full bed of polyester and have arm issues — this is almost certainly contributing.

Best string types for arm pain

1. Natural gut (best option, most expensive)

Natural gut has the best combination of low stiffness (~90–110 lb/in), excellent energy return, and the most arm-friendly feel of any string. It holds tension better than any synthetic. The downsides: it's expensive (£35–50 a set) and not durable in wet conditions. Babolat VS Team and Pacific Prime Natural Gut are the most tested options.

2. Multifilament (best value for arm issues)

Multifilament strings mimic natural gut's feel at a much lower price point. They're made from hundreds of intertwined fibres, which distributes shock effectively. TWU stiffness ratings typically sit between 100–150 lb/in. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase and Wilson NXT are consistently rated among the softest and most comfortable available.

3. Soft polyester at low tension (if you must use poly)

If you break strings frequently or your game relies on heavy topspin, a soft co-poly strung 10–15% below recommended tension is a reasonable compromise. Look for strings with stiffness under 180 lb/in — Yonex Poly Tour Pro (188 lb/in) and HEAD Hawk Touch are softer options in the poly category. String them at 48–52 lbs rather than the typical 54–58.

4. Natural gut mains / soft poly crosses (hybrid)

This is what many tour players with arm histories use. Natural gut mains give you the comfort and feel, while a soft polyester in the crosses adds durability and some spin. It's the best of both worlds if budget allows.

Tension matters too

Lower tension = more string deflection = less shock to the arm. If you're experiencing discomfort, drop your tension by 4–6 lbs from where you currently play. You'll lose a little control but gain significant comfort. Most recreational players string too tight anyway.

Racket matters alongside strings

Strings alone won't fix severe arm issues if your racket has a high RA stiffness rating. Pair soft strings with a flexible racket (RA 62–65) for the best result. The Wilson Blade 98, HEAD Gravity MP, and Yonex Percept 100 are all arm-friendly frames in this range.