Singles rewards players who can change the shape and pace of a rally without losing control. The right string can help you swing freely on a heavy forehand, keep a defensive ball deep, or add comfort when a match stretches on. But there is no single “singles string”: your stroke, racquet, and tolerance for stiffness matter more than the format alone.
For many competitive baseliners, a polyester string or a hybrid is a useful starting point because it can offer control on full swings. Players who value comfort, touch, or arm health may be better served by multifilament or synthetic gut. Here’s how to choose—and six strings worth considering.
What singles players should look for
Singles often involves repeated groundstroke exchanges, changes of direction, and the need to hit both a safe rally ball and an aggressive shot from the same position. A string setup should let you swing confidently while giving you the feel and comfort you need to last through a full match.
- Control: Helpful when you accelerate through the ball and need to keep shots inside the baseline.
- Spin response: A string’s movement and snapback can support topspin, though technique and racquet setup matter more than the string alone.
- Comfort: Important if you have arm sensitivity, play frequently, or use a stiff racquet.
- Tension maintenance: Some strings lose their original response faster than others. A setup that feels good on day one may not feel the same several hours later.
Polyester is popular among strong, frequent hitters because its firm response can suit fast swings. It is not automatically the best choice for every singles player. A recreational player who swings moderately may find a softer string easier to use, while a player with elbow or shoulder discomfort should be cautious with a full bed of poly.
Six string options for singles
These are different types of setups, not a universal ranking. Gauge, racquet, tension, and individual feel all affect the result.
| String | Type | Good fit for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solinco Hyper-G | Polyester monofilament | Baseline players seeking a shaped, controlled response | Firm feel; comfort may not suit everyone |
| Luxilon ALU Power | Polyester monofilament | Fast swingers who want a crisp, direct response | Can lose its liveliest feel with use |
| Babolat RPM Blast | Polyester monofilament | Players who like a firm, spin-oriented setup | Not the softest option, especially in a full bed |
| HEAD Lynx Tour | Polyester monofilament | Players looking for control with a shaped profile | Still a poly, so it may feel demanding for some arms |
| Yonex Poly Tour Pro | Polyester monofilament | Players wanting a comparatively smooth, controlled feel | May feel less crisp than firmer alternatives |
| Wilson NXT | Multifilament | Comfort-focused players and moderate swingers | Less durable for frequent string breakers |
Solinco Hyper-G
Hyper-G is a shaped polyester often chosen by players who like to take a full cut at the ball and aim with topspin. It can suit a singles player who wants a controlled response from the baseline. The firm feel is not for everyone, though; if comfort is a priority, try it at a conservative tension or consider a hybrid rather than starting with a tight full bed.
Luxilon ALU Power
ALU Power has a crisp, lively response that many aggressive hitters enjoy when redirecting pace or attacking a shorter ball. It is a useful option for someone who wants a direct connection to the shot. Its performance feel can change as the string ages, so players who are sensitive to a drop in response should keep track of playing hours and restring when the bed no longer feels predictable.
Babolat RPM Blast
RPM Blast is a firm, shaped polyester associated with a spin-friendly playing style. It may suit a player who creates racket-head speed and wants to drive a heavy crosscourt ball before changing direction down the line. It does not create spin by itself, and a player who relies on compact swings may find it less forgiving than a softer string.
HEAD Lynx Tour
Lynx Tour is another shaped poly worth testing if you want a controlled feel for rallying and attacking. It can work well for a singles player who varies height and direction rather than hitting every ball at maximum pace. As with any polyester, comfort and tension are personal: a lower tension may feel more playable, but there is no one setting that works for every racquet and player.
Yonex Poly Tour Pro
Poly Tour Pro is a smooth polyester option for players looking for control without the pronounced shaped-string feel. It can be a sensible test for a frequent hitter who wants a more composed response. If it feels too muted or firm, compare it with a multifilament or use it in the mains with a softer cross string.
Wilson NXT
NXT is a multifilament, making it a comfort-oriented alternative to a full bed of polyester. It can suit a developing player, a moderate swinger, or someone who wants a softer feel on volleys and touch shots. The trade-off is durability: frequent string breakers may need to restring more often than they would with poly.
Full bed, hybrid, or softer string?
A full bed of polyester is most sensible for players who swing quickly, play regularly, and can comfortably handle its firmer response. If you do not break strings but the bed starts feeling harsh or unpredictable, do not keep using it just because it has not snapped.
A hybrid combines two strings, commonly polyester in the mains and multifilament or synthetic gut in the crosses. It can give a strong hitter some of the control they want with a less severe overall feel. The softer string can wear faster, and the result depends on the combination, so it may take a couple of trials to find a balance.
If comfort matters more than maximum durability, try a multifilament or synthetic gut in a full bed. You may need to add more spin through racquet-head speed and height over the net, but a comfortable setup you can swing freely is more useful than a control string that makes you guide the ball.
How to choose tension and gauge
Start within the tension range printed on your racquet, then adjust in small steps—often around 2 pounds at a time. Lower tension can make the string bed feel more lively and comfortable; higher tension can feel firmer and more controlled. These are tendencies, not guarantees, because string type and racquet design also shape the response.
Thinner gauges can offer a livelier feel and may help with access to spin, but they usually break sooner. Thicker gauges often last longer. If you are unsure, a middle gauge is a practical baseline. When testing a new string, change only one thing at a time and note the string, gauge, tension, and how it felt after several hours of play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is polyester the best string for singles?
Not for everyone. It can suit frequent hitters with fast swings who want a controlled response, but multifilament or synthetic gut may be more comfortable and playable for moderate swingers or players with arm sensitivity.
What string should a singles beginner use?
A multifilament or synthetic gut is a sensible starting point for many beginners because it offers a softer feel without requiring a very fast swing. If you are already a powerful hitter, ask a stringer to help you compare a hybrid before choosing a full bed of poly.
How often should I restring?
Restring when the strings break or when the response has clearly changed. Polyester can lose its original feel before it breaks, so frequent players should pay attention to control, comfort, and tension rather than waiting for a snapped string. Your playing hours and string choice determine the schedule.
Can I use a full bed of polyester if my arm hurts?
It is wiser to try a softer setup and address the discomfort rather than simply stringing poly at a different tension. A multifilament or a hybrid may feel more comfortable, but persistent pain deserves advice from a qualified medical professional.
Final Thoughts
For an aggressive singles player who swings fast, Hyper-G, ALU Power, RPM Blast, Lynx Tour, or Poly Tour Pro are all reasonable strings to test, each with a different feel. For comfort, Wilson NXT or a hybrid may be a better match. Begin with your playing style and arm comfort, make one change at a time, and judge the setup by how confidently you can play—not by the string’s reputation.
