A restring can cost less than a can of balls—or more than a new overgrip and a fresh tube of strings. The difference comes down to the string itself, whether you buy a set or a reel, and how often you break or replace it. Compare the cost per restring, not just the sticker price, and it becomes easier to find a setup that suits both your game and your budget.
The prices below are approximate U.S. retail ranges for a standard 40-foot set, not live quotes. Retailers, sales, gauge, and availability can change the price. They also exclude stringing labor, which is often around $15–$30 per racket.
Quick tennis string price comparison
| String | Type | Approximate price per set | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex | Synthetic gut | $5–$8 | Budget-minded players and frequent restringers |
| Wilson Sensation | Multifilament | $10–$15 | Comfort without a premium price |
| HEAD Velocity MLT | Multifilament | $10–$15 | Players seeking a comfortable, versatile string |
| Solinco Hyper-G | Polyester | $12–$17 | Spin-focused players who restring regularly |
| Luxilon ALU Power | Polyester | $18–$24 | Players who want a firm, controlled response |
| Tecnifibre X-One Biphase | Premium multifilament | $20–$27 | Players prioritizing comfort and feel |
What drives the price?
String material is the biggest factor. Synthetic gut is usually the least expensive option. Multifilaments use many fine fibers to create a more comfortable, lively feel, and typically cost more. Polyester strings, often called poly, are popular for control and spin; prices range from affordable to premium. Natural gut generally costs the most, but it offers unusual comfort and tension maintenance.
Construction and brand positioning matter, too. A string with specialized coatings or more elaborate construction may cost more than a basic nylon string. Buying a well-known model does not automatically make it the right choice: a cheaper string that suits your arm and playing style can be a better value than a premium string you dislike or need to replace quickly.
Six strings worth comparing
1. Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex: the low-cost workhorse
At roughly $5–$8 a set, this is a sensible place to start if you want a traditional, straightforward string without spending much. It offers a familiar balance of playability and durability for many recreational players. It will not feel as plush as a premium multifilament, and hard hitters may break it relatively quickly, but the low set price makes experimentation affordable.
- Pros: Low price, versatile feel, useful for testing tension or gauge.
- Cons: Less comfort and refinement than many multifilaments; not especially durable for heavy string breakers.
2. Wilson Sensation: an accessible comfort upgrade
Wilson Sensation commonly falls around $10–$15 per set. Its multifilament construction makes it a more comfortable choice than many basic synthetic-gut options, particularly for players who find a stiff setup unpleasant. It is a reasonable middle ground when you want a softer response but do not want to pay premium-string prices.
- Pros: Comfortable feel for the price; a practical option for recreational players.
- Cons: Can fray or break sooner than tougher strings, especially with heavy topspin.
3. HEAD Velocity MLT: a versatile multifilament value
Usually priced around $10–$15, Velocity MLT is another approachable multifilament. It suits players looking for a comfortable string with a controlled-enough response for everyday hitting. If you are moving away from a stiff polyester setup, it can be a more arm-friendly option to try, though the change in feel may take some adjustment.
- Pros: Good comfort-to-price balance; versatile for a wide range of club players.
- Cons: Not as crisp as some premium multifilaments; heavy hitters may wear through it quickly.
4. Solinco Hyper-G: a popular poly without a luxury price
A set of Hyper-G is often about $12–$17, depending on gauge and retailer. It is a shaped polyester string favored by players who want a firm, controlled response and help generating spin. Its price is moderate for poly, but the real value depends on how often you restring: a string that goes dead quickly can become costly even if the set itself is inexpensive.
- Pros: Strong control and spin-oriented feel; less expensive than some premium polys.
- Cons: Firm response may not suit every arm; poly performance can fade before the string breaks.
5. Luxilon ALU Power: premium poly, premium per-set cost
ALU Power often costs around $18–$24 per set. Players choose it for a firm, precise response, but its higher price does not mean it will last longer or suit more players than a less expensive poly. If you are curious, try a single set before buying a reel. Its feel is quite different from a soft multifilament or synthetic gut.
- Pros: Crisp response and control; widely used by competitive players.
- Cons: Higher set price; can feel stiff, and frequent restringing adds up.
6. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase: premium comfort
At roughly $20–$27 per set, X-One Biphase sits near the top of the multifilament price range. It is aimed at players who value a lively, comfortable feel and are willing to pay extra for it. For someone who rarely breaks strings and appreciates a softer response, the higher upfront cost may be worthwhile. Frequent string breakers may find the cost harder to justify.
- Pros: Plush, lively feel; a premium option for players seeking comfort.
- Cons: Expensive per set; may not be durable enough for heavy hitters.
Set or reel: which is cheaper?
A reel generally costs more upfront but less per restring. Divide the reel price by the number of racket-length sets it contains to compare fairly. For example, if a reel costs $150 and supplies 16 usable sets, the string works out to about $9.38 per racket before labor. Compare that with the price of a single set at your local shop.
Check the reel length and your racket’s stringing requirements before doing the math. Some reels are sold as 660 feet or 200 meters, and the number of full restring jobs you get can vary with racket size, string pattern, and how much your stringer needs to work with. Do not buy a reel just to save money if you have not yet confirmed you like the string.
Include labor in your real cost
The string’s price is only part of the bill. If a $7 set costs $20 to install, your total is about $27. A $14 set with the same labor comes to about $34. That difference is noticeable, but restringing frequency can matter more: a player who breaks a string every few weeks spends far more over a season than someone whose strings last several months.
Also consider whether the string has gone stale before it breaks. Polyester can lose its crisp response with use, so a poly setup that stays in the racket for a long time may not deliver the feel you paid for. If you play recreationally and do not break strings, a comfortable synthetic gut or multifilament may be a more practical choice than copying a competitive player’s poly setup.
How to get better value
- Match the string to your needs. Choose comfort if your arm is sensitive, durability if you break strings often, or a controlled poly only if its feel suits you.
- Ask about hybrid pricing. Pairing poly in the mains with a softer cross can change the feel and cost, though the total depends on the two strings used and the shop’s labor charge.
- Try one set before buying a reel. A bargain reel is no bargain if the string does not work for your game.
- Compare installed prices. Ask whether the quoted price includes labor, string, and any extra charge for a hybrid or urgent service.
- Track restringing frequency. A simple note of the string, tension, date, and hours played helps you judge the actual cost per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reasonable price for tennis strings?
For a standard set, many options fall between about $5 and $25. Basic synthetic gut is usually at the lower end; premium multifilament and some polyester strings cost more. Add stringing labor when estimating the total cost of a restring.
Are expensive tennis strings worth it?
They can be, if you notice and value the particular feel, comfort, or response they offer. A higher price does not guarantee longer life or better performance for every player. Try a single set before committing to a reel or making it your regular string.
Is a reel always cheaper than buying sets?
Usually it lowers the cost per restring, but check the reel price, usable length, and your stringer’s fees. It makes the most sense when you already know you like that string and expect to use it regularly.
How much does it cost to restring a tennis racket?
The total is the string price plus labor. With labor often around $15–$30, an inexpensive set might produce a total near $20–$38, while a premium set can push the bill higher. Ask your local stringer for an installed quote.
Final Thoughts
The best-value tennis string is not necessarily the cheapest set or the most expensive model. Compare the cost of a complete restring, consider how long the string remains playable for you, and choose a feel that matches your game. For an affordable starting point, look at synthetic gut; for more comfort, compare Sensation or Velocity MLT; and treat premium options like ALU Power or X-One Biphase as targeted choices rather than automatic upgrades.
