Does your elbow ache after a great day on the tennis court? You’re not alone! Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common and frustrating pain that can stop even the most dedicated players in their tracks. It feels like a constant throb that makes swinging your racket feel like a chore, not a joy.
Choosing the right tennis strings can actually make a big difference in easing this pain. But with so many types of strings out there – from polyester to multifilament – it’s tough to know which ones will help your elbow and which might make it worse. You want strings that offer comfort and shock absorption, but you also don’t want to lose the power and control you need to play your best game.
This post is going to break down the best tennis strings for players dealing with tennis elbow. We’ll explore what makes certain strings better for your arm and guide you toward making a choice that lets you get back to enjoying your matches without the nagging pain. Get ready to discover how the right string can be your secret weapon against tennis elbow!
Our Top 5 Tennis Strings For Tennis Elbow Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tennis Strings For Tennis Elbow Detailed Reviews
1. Solinco Heaven Strings Hyper-G Tennis String Set-16g/1.30mm
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to add some serious power and spin to your game with the Solinco Heaven Strings Hyper-G Tennis String Set-16g/1.30mm. These strings are built for players who want to dominate the court with aggressive shots. Their unique square shape helps you put a ton of spin on the ball, making your shots harder to return. You’ll feel a crisp, medium firm response when you hit, which means you can swing hard without losing control. The ball really flies off these strings with amazing spin!
What We Like:
- Massive spin thanks to the square-shaped co-poly design.
- Crisp and medium firm feel for great feedback.
- Allows for powerful shots without sacrificing control.
- Balls explode off the strings with high spin potential.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the medium firm feel a little stiff at first.
- Durability could be a concern for players who hit extremely hard consistently.
If you’re looking to elevate your spin game and hit with more confidence, the Solinco Heaven Strings Hyper-G are a fantastic choice. They deliver a powerful and controlled hitting experience that can truly transform your tennis play.
2. Sleeve Stars Tennis Elbow Brace for Women – Adjustable Tennis Elbow Strap
Rating: 8.6/10
Say goodbye to elbow pain with the Sleeve Stars Tennis Elbow Brace. This adjustable brace offers targeted support for conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and tendonitis. It’s designed for both men and women, providing customizable compression to help you recover faster and get back to your favorite activities.
What We Like:
- Effectively eliminates pain and discomfort by providing customizable compression and protecting tendons.
- Supportive design with fully adjustable straps ensures a secure fit all day long, aiding in faster recovery.
- Made from high-quality, durable materials for long-lasting use, and comes with three straps for varied compression.
- Versatile for various activities, from daily tasks to sports like tennis, golf, and basketball, and even computer use.
- Offers supreme comfort due to breathable materials, allowing for long wear without restricting arm movement.
- Customer satisfaction is a priority, with a dedicated Customer Happiness Team available for support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention specific materials beyond “high-quality” and “breathable,” which could be more detailed.
- While versatility is highlighted, specific examples of how it helps with computer mouse usage could be clearer.
This brace is a fantastic option for anyone suffering from elbow pain. It offers a great balance of support, comfort, and versatility for everyday life and athletic pursuits.
3. Head Velocity MLT Tennis Racket String 40′ Set Multifilament Racquet String – Black
Rating: 9.0/10
The Head Velocity MLT Tennis Racket String 40′ Set Multifilament Racquet String in Black, 17 Gauge, is a great choice for players who want to bring more power and control to their game. Head is a well-known brand in sports equipment. They have a long history of making high-quality gear. This string is designed for players who are serious about tennis and want to improve their performance on the court.
What We Like:
- HEAD Performance: Head has a reputation for top-tier tennis equipment. They know how to make gear that helps athletes perform their best.
- Tournament Level Play: This string is perfect for intermediate to advanced players. It gives your shots more power and a lively feel.
- Enhanced Energy Transfer: The string’s special design helps transfer energy from your swing directly into the ball. This means you can hit the ball harder.
- High Spin Potential: A special coating on the strings helps them slide back into place after each hit. This gives you great control and consistent spin.
- Ideal Pairing: It works very well with Head Tour rackets, creating a top-level performance combination.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability: While good for performance, multifilament strings can sometimes wear out faster than stiffer strings. Players who hit very hard might need to replace them more often.
- Tension Maintenance: Like many multifilament strings, the tension might drop a bit over time, requiring re-stringing sooner than some other string types.
If you’re looking to add some serious pop to your tennis game and gain better control, the Head Velocity MLT strings are a solid option. They deliver on performance and are made by a brand you can trust.
4. Head RIP Control Tennis Racket String 40′ Set – 17 Gauge Multifilament Racquet String
Rating: 8.8/10
Take your tennis game to the next level with the HEAD RIP Control Tennis Racket String. This 40-foot set of 17-gauge multifilament string in sleek black is designed for players who demand precision and a little extra punch. HEAD, a name trusted in sports for years, brings its expertise to this string, offering top-tier equipment for your racquet.
What We Like:
- HEAD PERFORMANCE: You get the best from a brand that knows sports equipment inside and out.
- TOURNAMENT LEVEL: This string is great for players who play often and need a string that can keep up. It helps you hit with more power when you need it.
- RIP TECH: The special RIP Technology gives you amazing control. You can easily change how hard or fast you hit the ball.
- COMPOSITION: Made with a mix of nylon fibers and polyolefin ribbons, this string is tough and feels good on your arm.
- AN IDEAL PAIRING: It works perfectly with HEAD Tour rackets for the best possible results on the court.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers great control, some players might want even more spin potential.
- The 17-gauge thickness is fantastic for control, but very powerful hitters might prefer a slightly thicker string for added durability.
Overall, the HEAD RIP Control string offers a fantastic blend of control and power support for the serious club or tournament player. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their game.
5. Solinco Tour Bite Soft (16-1.30mm) Tennis String (Silver)
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to unleash your best game with the Solinco Tour Bite Soft (16-1.30mm) Tennis String in sleek Silver. This string is made for players who want more power and spin on their shots. It’s also built to last, so you can play more games without worrying about your strings breaking. The cool silver color looks great on any racket.
What We Like:
- It gives you lots of power to hit hard.
- You can put amazing spin on the ball.
- The string is very strong and won’t break easily.
- It comes in different thicknesses (16G, 16L, 17G) to fit your style.
- The silver color looks really sharp.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find it a bit stiff at first.
- It’s a co-polyester string, which can feel harder than some other types.
The Solinco Tour Bite Soft is a fantastic choice for players looking to boost their game. You’ll feel the difference in your power and spin with every swing.
Choosing the Right Tennis Strings for Tennis Elbow Relief
Dealing with tennis elbow can make playing your favorite sport a real pain. But don’t worry! The right tennis strings can make a big difference in reducing discomfort and letting you enjoy your game. This guide will help you find the best strings for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for strings to help with tennis elbow, keep these important features in mind:
a. Comfort and Shock Absorption
This is the most crucial feature. You want strings that feel soft on your arm and absorb a lot of the impact from hitting the ball. This reduces the jarring sensation that can aggravate tennis elbow.
b. Flexibility and Elasticity
Flexible strings stretch more when you hit the ball. This stretchiness helps to cushion the impact. Think of it like a trampoline – it absorbs some of the bounce.
c. Lower Tension Capabilities
Some strings perform better at lower tensions. Lower string tension means the strings are looser in your racquet. This gives the ball more “dwell time” on the strings, and the racquet face bends more, absorbing more shock.
2. Important Materials
The material your strings are made of plays a big role in how they feel and perform. Here are the most common and beneficial materials for tennis elbow sufferers:
a. Multifilament Strings
These strings are designed to mimic the feel of natural gut strings. They are made of thousands of tiny synthetic fibers bundled together. This construction makes them very comfortable and flexible. They offer excellent shock absorption.
- Pros: Very comfortable, good power, great feel.
- Cons: Less durable than other types, can be more expensive.
b. Synthetic Gut (Nylon)
This is a popular and affordable option. It’s made from a single core of nylon fibers surrounded by other fibers. While not as comfortable as multifilament, many synthetic guts offer a good balance of comfort and playability. Look for those with added cushioning technologies.
- Pros: Affordable, good all-around performance.
- Cons: Can be stiffer than multifilament, durability varies.
c. Polyester (With Caution)
Polyester strings are known for their durability and control. However, they are generally stiffer and can transmit more shock. If you use polyester, it’s essential to choose a thinner gauge (like 16L or 17) and string at a significantly lower tension to help mitigate the harshness.
- Pros: Very durable, excellent control.
- Cons: Stiff, can transmit more shock, not ideal for sensitive elbows unless strung very loosely.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can affect how well your strings work for your tennis elbow:
a. String Gauge (Thickness)
Thinner strings (higher gauge number, like 17 or 18) are generally more flexible and comfortable. They allow the ball to sink into the stringbed more, absorbing shock. Thicker strings (lower gauge number, like 15 or 16) are more durable but can be stiffer and transmit more vibration.
b. String Tension
This is a huge factor. Stringing your racquet at a lower tension (e.g., 45-55 lbs) makes the strings more forgiving. The racquet face bends more, and the ball stays on the strings longer, creating a “trampoline effect” that absorbs shock. Avoid high tensions, which can worsen elbow pain.
c. Racquet Type and String Pattern
While the strings are key, your racquet also matters. A more flexible racquet frame can help. An 18×20 string pattern (more strings) is generally stiffer than a 16×19 pattern (fewer strings), which can offer more comfort and power.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
The best strings for tennis elbow are those that prioritize comfort and vibration dampening. Players dealing with tennis elbow often find success with:
- Beginners and Recreational Players: Multifilament or softer synthetic gut strings strung at lower tensions are excellent choices. They provide a forgiving feel and reduce stress on the arm.
- Intermediate Players Seeking Relief: If you’re moving beyond beginner strings, look for advanced multifilaments or hybrid setups where a comfortable string is paired with a more durable one.
- Players Who Value Comfort Above All Else: Natural gut strings are the gold standard for comfort and feel, but they are expensive and less durable. For many, high-quality multifilaments offer a comparable experience at a better price point.
The goal is to find a string that feels soft and forgiving, allowing you to play without that nagging elbow pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Strings for Tennis Elbow
Q1: What is the single best type of string for tennis elbow?
A1: Multifilament strings are generally considered the best for tennis elbow because they are very comfortable and absorb shock well, mimicking the feel of natural gut.
Q2: Should I string my racquet tighter or looser if I have tennis elbow?
A2: You should always string your racquet looser if you have tennis elbow. Lower tension makes the strings more forgiving and absorbs more shock.
Q3: What string gauge is best for tennis elbow?
A3: Thinner strings, like gauge 17 or 18, are usually better. They are more flexible and provide more comfort.
Q4: Are polyester strings good for tennis elbow?
A4: Generally, no. Polyester strings are stiff and can transmit a lot of vibration. If you must use them, choose a thin gauge and string very loosely.
Q5: How often should I change my strings if I have tennis elbow?
A5: You should change your strings more often than usual. Worn-out strings lose their elasticity and can become harsher on your arm.
Q6: Can natural gut strings help with tennis elbow?
A6: Yes, natural gut strings are the most comfortable and offer the best shock absorption. However, they are very expensive and not very durable.
Q7: What is a hybrid string setup?
A7: A hybrid setup uses two different types of strings in your racquet, usually one in the mains (vertical) and another in the crosses (horizontal). You can use a comfortable string in one direction and a more durable one in the other.
Q8: Should I use a different racquet if I have tennis elbow?
A8: While strings are the primary focus, a more flexible racquet frame can also help reduce vibration and be more comfortable.
Q9: How can I tell if my strings are too stiff for my elbow?
A9: If you feel a sharp jolt or vibration up your arm when you hit the ball, your strings might be too stiff or strung too tightly.
Q10: Are there any strings I should absolutely avoid with tennis elbow?
A10: You should generally avoid stiff, thick polyester strings strung at high tensions. These are the most likely to aggravate your tennis elbow.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.