Best Black Tennis Strings: 5 Top Picks Compared for Spin and Feel

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Black tennis strings come in several constructions, from shaped polyester designed to help generate spin to round co-polyester built for a more even response. The right pick depends on your preferred feel, string gauge, and whether you want a single set or a full reel. These five options cover a range of profiles and formats, so you can compare their specifications before choosing.

Quick Comparison: Best Black Tennis Strings

Our Picks: Best Black Tennis Strings reviews

1. Dunlop Sports Black Widow: A Shaped Polyester Reel for Spin

Dunlop Black Widow is a polyester monofilament string with a heptagonal profile. Its shaped design is intended to bite into the ball and support spin generation, while the product description also highlights power, control, and durability. At 18 gauge and 1.20 mm, it is the thinner-gauge option among the two reel products listed here.

The 660-foot (200-meter) reel makes sense if you string racquets often or want a larger supply on hand. It is less practical if you only need string for one racquet, since a full reel is a substantial commitment. As with other polyester monofilaments, players who prefer a softer, more forgiving string feel may want to compare it with non-polyester options before choosing.

Pros:

• Heptagonal profile is designed to help generate spin.
• Thin 18-gauge construction.
• 660-foot reel offers a large supply for repeat stringing.
• High-tensile polyester construction is described as durable.

Cons:

• A full reel may be more string than occasional players need.
• Polyester may feel firm compared with softer string types.

Verdict: Choose Black Widow if you want a shaped, spin-oriented polyester string in a bulk reel; consider a set instead if you only need one restring.

2. Tecnifibre Black Code 17: A Versatile Single-Set Gauge

This Black Code set uses high-quality copolymer monofilament/polyester construction and is listed in 17 gauge, or 1.24 mm. It comes in a 40-foot length, which makes it a more focused purchase than a full reel when you need string for a single racquet.

The 17-gauge size sits between the thinner 18-gauge Tecnifibre set and the thicker 16-gauge OEHMS Classic. That makes it a useful option if you want Black Code in a middle gauge without buying a reel. The listing also identifies Thermocore technology, but does not provide more detail about how it changes the playing feel, so players should base their choice mainly on the stated construction and gauge.

Pros:

• 40-foot set suits a single restring better than a full reel.
• 17-gauge, 1.24 mm size offers a middle option in this lineup.
• Copolymer monofilament/polyester construction.
• Thermocore technology is specified in the product details.

Cons:

• Not as cost-efficient for frequent stringing as a reel may be.
• Does not list a shaped profile or specific spin feature.

Verdict: Pick the 17-gauge Black Code set if you want a one-set purchase and prefer a gauge between the thinner 18 and thicker 16 options.

3. Tecnifibre Black Code 18: A Thinner Gauge in a 40-Foot Set

This version of Tecnifibre Black Code has the same listed copolymer monofilament/polyester composition and 40-foot set length as the 17-gauge option, but it is thinner at 18 gauge and 1.18 mm. That gives you a straightforward way to choose between two gauges within the same named string line.

A thinner string can be a fit for players who specifically want an 18-gauge polyester setup, but gauge alone does not determine how a string will feel in your racquet. Your racquet, tension, and playing style also matter. If you have not used a thinner polyester string before, ask a stringer about whether it fits your setup rather than assuming it will suit every player.

Pros:

• Thinner 18-gauge, 1.18 mm option.
• 40-foot length is suited to a single restring.
• Shares the listed Black Code composition with the 17-gauge set.
• Useful when you want to compare Black Code gauges directly.

Cons:

• May not suit players who prefer a thicker string.
• Single-set format is less convenient for frequent restringing than a reel.

Verdict: Choose this Black Code set if you want the thinner 18-gauge version; select the 17-gauge set if you prefer a slightly thicker option in the same line.

4. OEHMS Black Pearl Classic: A Round Co-Polyester Reel

Black Pearl Classic is a round-profile co-polyester string in 16L gauge, listed at 1.26 mm. Unlike the shaped Dunlop and grooved OEHMS options, its round profile is intended to provide a consistent response. The product description also highlights a lively feel and a balance of power and comfort.

The 200-meter reel is the largest format among these five listings, so it is best suited to regular stringing rather than a one-time trial. OEHMS describes it as suitable for players from beginner through advanced levels and gives an NTRP range up to 5.0. Those details make it a broader-use option on paper than the Rough model, which is aimed at advanced players.

Pros:

• Round profile for a consistent string shape.
• Listed as a lively, power-and-comfort-focused co-polyester.
• 200-meter reel suits players who restring often.
• Described as suitable for beginner through advanced players.

Cons:

• Bulk reel may be excessive if you only need one set.
• Round profile is less specifically spin-focused than the grooved options.

Verdict: Black Pearl Classic is the better OEHMS fit if you prefer a round string profile and want a large reel with a stated focus on power and comfort.

5. OEHMS Black Pearl Rough: A Grooved Reel for Spin and Power

Black Pearl Rough is a 17-gauge, 1.23 mm co-polyester string with eight grooves. OEHMS says the grooved shape is designed to increase ball contact and support spin, with a lively composition intended to balance spin and power. It is the shaped alternative to the round Black Pearl Classic in this lineup.

The 200-meter reel (660 feet) is intended for players who expect to use the string repeatedly. OEHMS positions Rough for advanced players, with a stated range of NTRP 4.0 to 6.0. That makes it a more specialized choice than the Classic; players looking for a general-purpose option or a single set may want to consider another product here.

Pros:

• Eight-groove profile is designed to help produce spin.
• 17-gauge size offers a middle ground among the listed gauges.
• Product description highlights a balance of spin and power.
• 200-meter reel provides a large supply for regular stringing.

Cons:

• Reel format is a large purchase for players who restring infrequently.
• Its stated player range is geared toward advanced players.

Verdict: Choose Black Pearl Rough if you want a grooved co-polyester reel aimed at spin and power and your playing level matches its stated advanced-player range.

How to Choose Black Tennis Strings

Match the string construction to your preferred feel

All five choices are polyester or co-polyester monofilaments. The Dunlop and OEHMS Rough use shaped profiles, while OEHMS Classic has a round profile. The Tecnifibre listings identify their copolymer monofilament/polyester construction but do not specify a shaped profile. Polyester strings are often chosen for their firm response and durability, but they may feel less forgiving than softer string types. If comfort is a priority, discuss your setup with a qualified stringer before switching to a full bed of polyester.

Choose a gauge that fits your priorities

The listed gauges run from 16L at 1.26 mm for OEHMS Classic to 18 gauge at 1.18 mm for Tecnifibre Black Code. The 17-gauge options measure 1.23 mm for OEHMS Rough and 1.24 mm for Tecnifibre Black Code, while Dunlop Black Widow is listed as 18 gauge at 1.20 mm. A thinner string may be appealing if you specifically want a thinner setup; a thicker string may be a better fit if that is what you already use. Gauge is only one part of the feel, so consider your racquet and playing style too.

Decide whether you want a shaped or round profile

Shaped strings have edges or grooves intended to interact with the ball and support spin. Black Widow has a heptagonal profile, and Black Pearl Rough has eight grooves. Black Pearl Classic is round and is described as offering a consistent response. If you want the most explicitly spin-focused designs in this group, compare the shaped options. If you prefer a round profile, the OEHMS Classic is the clear match.

Pick a set or reel based on how often you string

The two Tecnifibre Black Code products are 40-foot sets, which are practical when you need a single restring. Dunlop Black Widow and both OEHMS products come in reels of about 660 feet or 200 meters. A reel makes more sense if you string regularly or plan to use the same string over time. Before buying a bulk format, make sure you are comfortable committing to that string.

Consider your playing level and setup

OEHMS describes Black Pearl Classic as suitable for beginners through advanced players and Black Pearl Rough as a choice for advanced players. The product descriptions do not give equivalent player-level guidance for the other strings. If you are new to polyester or unsure which gauge is right for your racquet, ask your stringer for advice. They can help you choose a setup that makes sense for your preferences and playing needs.

Check the product format and listing details

These choices include both single sets and full reels, and their gauges are not identical. Confirm the gauge, length, and product variant on the listing before ordering—especially when comparing the two Tecnifibre sets. Availability can also vary, so check the listing before planning around a particular reel or set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which string here is most focused on spin?

Dunlop Black Widow and OEHMS Black Pearl Rough have the clearest spin-oriented designs in their descriptions. Black Widow uses a heptagonal profile, while Rough has eight grooves. Both are sold in reel formats.

What is the difference between Tecnifibre Black Code 17 and 18?

Both are 40-foot sets with the same stated copolymer monofilament/polyester composition. The 17-gauge set is listed at 1.24 mm, while the 18-gauge set is listed at 1.18 mm.

Is OEHMS Black Pearl Classic shaped?

No. The product description identifies Classic as a round-profile co-polyester string. The shaped OEHMS option in this group is Black Pearl Rough, which has eight grooves.

Which options come as a full reel?

Dunlop Black Widow is listed as a 660-foot (200-meter) reel. OEHMS Black Pearl Classic and Black Pearl Rough are each listed as 200-meter reels, with Rough also described as 660 feet.

Are these strings suitable for beginners?

OEHMS describes Black Pearl Classic as suitable for beginners and advanced players. It positions Black Pearl Rough for advanced players. The other product descriptions do not state a player-level range, so consider your experience and ask a stringer if you are unsure about using polyester.

Does the black color determine how a string plays?

Color alone does not tell you the string’s profile, gauge, or construction. Compare those specifications instead: for example, the options here range from round to grooved profiles and from 16L to 18 gauge.

Final Recommendation

For a shaped polyester reel with an explicit spin focus, start with Dunlop Black Widow. If you want a single set, compare the two Tecnifibre Black Code gauges: 17 for 1.24 mm or 18 for 1.18 mm. Choose OEHMS Black Pearl Classic for a round co-polyester reel, or Black Pearl Rough for a grooved reel aimed at spin and power. Match the string to your preferred gauge, feel, and buying format, and check the listing for the exact variant before ordering.