Important: Equipment choices may affect playing comfort, but tennis strings cannot treat or rehabilitate tennis elbow.
The best tennis strings for players concerned about tennis elbow are generally natural gut and soft multifilaments. These materials stretch more readily than firm polyester or aramid, creating a more forgiving impact and easier depth without requiring the player to swing harder for every ball.
A string cannot treat tennis elbow, repair a tendon or guarantee that pain will not return. Lateral elbow pain can involve training load, technique, grip force, racket setup and other factors. Persistent, worsening or activity-limiting symptoms should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
This guide focuses on five comfortable strings with distinct strengths. Babolat Touch VS provides the highest overall elasticity, Tecnifibre NRG2 offers exceptional synthetic power, Wilson NXT is a balanced premium multifilament, Babolat Xcel prioritizes plush comfort, and Head Velocity MLT provides control and value.
How These Strings Were Selected
The selections are based on:
- Verified natural-gut or multifilament construction
- Strong comfort results in independent evaluation
- A useful role that distinguishes each product from the others
- Current gauge and package information
- Suitability for a full bed without requiring polyester
Comfort ratings compare the complete tennis-string market. They do not represent medical outcomes or promise pain relief.
Quick Comparison
| String | Best for | Type | Power | Spin | Comfort | Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babolat Touch VS | Best overall comfort and performance | Natural gut | 10/10 | 7.5/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Tecnifibre NRG2 | Easy power and plush synthetic feel | Multifilament | 9/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Wilson NXT | Balanced premium multifilament | Multifilament | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Babolat Xcel | Maximum muted comfort from a synthetic | Multifilament | 8/10 | 7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Head Velocity MLT | Control and value | Multifilament | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
The highest comfort score is not automatically the right purchase. Price, humidity, breakage rate, racket power and preferred feel all matter.
1. Babolat Touch VS: Best Overall
Babolat Touch VS is a natural-gut string made from twisted natural fibers. It earns the top position because it combines exceptional elasticity, comfort, power, feel and tension stability more completely than any synthetic option in this guide.
Natural gut remains expensive and requires more care around moisture and installation. For a player who does not break strings frequently, its long-lasting elastic response can make the high initial price easier to justify.
Read the complete Babolat Touch VS review for a product-specific explanation.
Babolat Touch VS Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 10/10 |
| Spin | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 10/10 |
| Control | 8/10 |
Construction and Performance
Touch VS uses natural collagen fibers twisted into a round string. Its elasticity returns substantial energy to the ball and maintains a responsive feel across a much longer period than typical polyester.
Independent testing has given it outstanding power, comfort, feel and playability-duration scores. A full bed offers easy depth and a forgiving impact, although fast topspin hitters may want more launch control and snapback.
Natural gut also holds tension exceptionally well. Its physical surface can fray before the string breaks, but visible fraying does not automatically mean its playability has ended.
Who Should Choose Touch VS?
Choose Touch VS if maximum comfort and long-lasting elasticity matter more than purchase price. It is especially suitable for players with compact or moderate swings, touch-oriented all-court games and rackets that feel too firm with synthetic strings.
Avoid it if cost, wet-weather use or frequent breakage makes natural gut impractical. A shaped polyester cross can improve control in a hybrid, but it also makes the setup firmer and can saw through the gut.
2. Tecnifibre NRG2: Best for Easy Synthetic Power
Tecnifibre NRG2 is a premium multifilament built from more than 1,200 Elastyl microfilaments in a highly elastic polyurethane matrix. It is the best synthetic power choice because it produces easy depth, plush pocketing and excellent category comfort.
NRG2 is less expensive and less moisture sensitive than natural gut. It can also become too lively for a fast swinger and may fray as the fibers rub at the intersections.
The expanded Tecnifibre NRG2 review covers its gauges and construction in detail.
Tecnifibre NRG2 Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 9/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Comfort | 9/10 |
| Control | 7/10 |
Construction and Performance
NRG2 combines Elastyl microfilaments with PU 400 polyurethane and an SPL anti-abrasion finish. The fiber bundle stretches readily, while the smooth surface helps reduce friction and supports string return while fresh.
Independent playtesting confirms exceptional power and comfort. Control and spin are more dependent on the player, with some fast swingers finding the launch too lively.
The 16 / 1.32mm gauge supplies more stability and wear resistance. The 17 / 1.24mm version is more responsive, while the thin 18 / 1.18mm option favors feel over physical durability.
Who Should Choose NRG2?
Choose NRG2 if easy depth and a buttery synthetic response are the priorities. It suits compact to medium swings, doubles players, serve-and-volley games and anyone moving away from a demanding polyester.
Avoid it if you break multifilaments quickly or need a very low launch for repeated full-speed swings. A thicker gauge can improve stability without changing the string’s basic character.
3. Wilson NXT: Best Balanced Premium Multifilament
Wilson NXT is an X-bonded multifilament made with Xycro microfibers and polyurethane. It earns the balanced position because it combines power and comfort with useful all-court control, without leaning as heavily toward rebound as NRG2.
NXT is one of the category’s established reference strings. It is still less durable than polyester and can fray or notch under heavy topspin.
Read the full Wilson NXT review for its material and setup options.
Wilson NXT Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8.5/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Comfort | 9/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
Construction and Performance
Wilson bonds fine Xycro fibers with a flexible polyurethane resin. The resulting round string stretches more than a polyester monofilament and creates a larger, more forgiving response.
Independent evaluation supports NXT’s comfort, power and feel. Spin is adequate for general play but cannot match a shaped polyester, and durability is a trade-off for frequent breakers.
The 16 / 1.30mm gauge provides the best stability and physical resistance. The 17 / 1.24mm version adds response and feel but can wear faster.
Who Should Choose NXT?
Choose NXT if you want a proven premium multifilament with no extreme performance bias. It works well for recreational and competitive club players, moderate swings and all-court games.
Avoid it if maximum break resistance or a very low-powered response is essential. Players leaving polyester should expect more launch and should change only one setup variable at a time.
4. Babolat Xcel: Best for Plush, Muted Comfort
Babolat Xcel is a premium multifilament made from twisted polyamide fibers in a polyurethane matrix. It is the plushest synthetic choice in this guide and suits players who prefer a soft, dampened impact over crisp feedback.
Babolat positions Xcel as its closest synthetic alternative to natural gut. That describes the target combination of comfort and elasticity, but Xcel does not duplicate natural gut’s tension stability or material response.
The complete Babolat Xcel review explains its performance and gauge trade-offs.
Babolat Xcel Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
Construction and Performance
Xcel’s twisted fibers and flexible matrix create substantial pocketing and shock absorption. Its response is powerful enough to help shorter swings but somewhat more controlled than the liveliest premium multifilaments.
Independent evaluation has highlighted exceptional comfort, touch and manageable power. Its smooth round surface does not add geometric bite, and the fibers can fray with use.
The 1.30mm gauge favors durability and stability. The 1.25mm version adds feel and response.
Who Should Choose Xcel?
Choose Xcel if the main priority is a plush, quiet and forgiving synthetic stringbed. It can be especially useful in a stiff racket or for a player who dislikes the crisp impact of NXT.
Avoid it if you want maximum direct feedback, shaped-string spin or polyester-level break resistance. A player who hits with heavy topspin may wear through the surface quickly.
5. Head Velocity MLT: Best Control and Value
Head Velocity MLT is a round multifilament designed to combine power and comfort with a more controlled response than many premium multis. It earns the value position because it is commonly priced below the other synthetic choices while offering practical tension stability and above-average multifilament spin.
Velocity MLT is not the softest string in this list. Its slightly firmer, lower-powered feel can be an advantage for a player leaving polyester who does not want an immediate jump to a very springy stringbed.
Read the expanded Head Velocity MLT review for a full comparison with Velocity MLT Power.
Head Velocity MLT Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 7.5/10 |
| Spin | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 8.5/10 |
| Control | 8/10 |
Construction and Performance
Velocity MLT uses thousands of synthetic microfilaments in a resin matrix and a smooth round exterior. Head offers it in 16 / 1.30mm and 17 / 1.25mm gauges, with several colors depending on market.
Independent evaluation positions it as a comfortable, controlled and spin-friendly multifilament with strong value. It supplies less easy power and plushness than NRG2 or Xcel.
The 1.30mm version is the safer general choice for durability. The 1.25mm version adds response and easier spin access.
Who Should Choose Velocity MLT?
Choose Velocity MLT if you want a comfortable full bed without the highest premium-string cost or launch. It is a practical transition for players who find polyester too firm but still prefer a controlled response.
Avoid it if maximum easy power or the plushest possible impact is the goal. Velocity MLT Power is the more responsive family alternative.
Which String Type Is Most Comfortable?
| String type | General comfort | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gut | Highest | Elasticity, feel and tension stability | Price and moisture care |
| Multifilament | Very high | Synthetic comfort and accessible power | Fraying and lower break resistance |
| Synthetic gut | Moderate to high | Value and balanced response | Less plush than premium multifilament |
| Polyester | Low to moderate | Control, spin and break resistance | Firmness and declining elasticity |
| Aramid | Lowest | Maximum break resistance | Extremely firm response |
Natural gut is the strongest performance choice when budget and care are acceptable. Multifilament offers the most practical combination of comfort, availability and price for many players.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup?
Full Bed of Natural Gut or Multifilament
A full bed keeps the setup as forgiving as possible. It is the clearest starting point for a player who is replacing a firm string because comfort has become a priority.
The main trade-offs are higher launch and lower resistance to abrasion. Thicker gauges can improve stability.
Soft Mains With Polyester Crosses
Natural-gut or multifilament mains preserve much of the soft string’s power and feel, while a smooth polyester cross reduces launch and improves string movement.
This setup is firmer than a full bed of soft string. It should not be described as equivalent in comfort, and the polyester can notch the mains.
Polyester Mains With Soft Crosses
Polyester mains dominate the response, so adding a soft cross does not transform the setup into an arm-friendly stringbed. It remains most suitable for players who specifically need polyester control and tolerate it well.
For a player already experiencing pain, removing polyester entirely is the more conservative equipment change.
General Tension and Setup Guidance
Lower tension generally allows more stringbed deflection and can reduce the harshness of impact. An excessively high reference can make even a comfortable string feel less forgiving.
The racket’s stiffness, weight, head size, pattern and grip also affect the overall experience. A string change cannot compensate for every technique or equipment problem.
Use the racket manufacturer’s range as the boundary. The Tennis String Tension Calculator can provide a general starting point, but it is not medical guidance.
Pros and Trade-Offs
| String | Main advantages | Main trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Babolat Touch VS | Maximum comfort, elasticity, power and tension stability | Highest price, moisture care, moderate spin in a full bed |
| Tecnifibre NRG2 | Easy power, plush feel and strong category comfort | Can be lively and may fray |
| Wilson NXT | Balanced premium performance and proven comfort | Moderate durability and premium price |
| Babolat Xcel | Exceptionally soft, muted impact | Less crisp feedback and limited heavy-spin durability |
| Head Velocity MLT | Control, value and useful multifilament spin | Less plush and powerful than premium alternatives |
Final Verdict
Babolat Touch VS is the best overall string in this guide because natural gut delivers the strongest combination of elasticity, comfort, feel and tension stability. Its price and care requirements make it impractical for some players.
Tecnifibre NRG2 is the best synthetic option for easy power, Wilson NXT provides the most balanced premium multifilament response, and Babolat Xcel offers the plushest muted feel. Head Velocity MLT is the best value and control choice.
No string treats tennis elbow. Equipment can change impact feel and effort, but persistent symptoms require appropriate load management and professional assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tennis strings cure tennis elbow?
No. A softer string may create a more forgiving setup, but it cannot repair an injured tendon or replace diagnosis and treatment.
Should a player with elbow pain use polyester?
Polyester is generally firmer and less elastic than natural gut or multifilament. A full bed of a soft string is the more conservative equipment choice when comfort is the priority.
Is natural gut worth the price?
It can be for players who do not break strings frequently and value long-lasting elasticity. Frequent breakers, wet-weather players and tight budgets may make multifilament more practical.
Which multifilament has the most power?
Tecnifibre NRG2 is the most power-focused synthetic choice in this guide. Wilson NXT and Babolat Xcel are also lively but offer different feel profiles.
Which option provides the most control?
Head Velocity MLT provides the most controlled multifilament response here. Touch VS can also be precise when its power is matched correctly to the racket and tension.
Should a softer string be installed at a high tension for control?
Not automatically. A major increase can remove some comfort benefit. Begin within the racket manufacturer’s range and make small changes based on launch and feel.
When should elbow pain be assessed?
Pain that persists, worsens, limits daily activity or does not improve with self-care should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.