At the net, you rarely get time to fix a bad stringbed. A volley may be little more than a firm block, while a return can arrive before you have finished setting your feet. For doubles, a good string setup should give you predictable response on compact swings, enough comfort for repeated contact, and the confidence to swing freely on serves and returns.
There is no one doubles string that suits everyone. Your playing level, racket, arm comfort, and how often you restring matter as much as the format. Still, doubles players can use a few reliable principles to narrow the choices—and several strings are especially worth considering.
What doubles players should look for
Predictability on short swings is valuable at the net and on fast returns. A stringbed that launches the ball at a consistent angle helps you direct a firm volley without taking a full cut. That does not mean choosing the stiffest string you can find: a harsh or poorly maintained setup may make touch shots and defensive blocks harder to judge.
Comfort and feel matter because doubles involves frequent serves, quick exchanges, and often a lot of tennis across a season. If your elbow or shoulder is sensitive, prioritize a softer string and avoid using a full bed of stiff polyester just because it is popular. Strings cannot prevent injury, but a more comfortable setup may make playing easier on your arm.
Durability and maintenance are practical concerns. A frequent string-breaker may prefer a thicker gauge or a durable polyester. A player who does not break strings may need to replace them because they have lost their fresh feel—not because they snapped. Polyester in particular can become less lively with use, so leaving it in for months is not a good way to save money or protect comfort.
Five strings worth considering
The options below suit different players; they are not a ranking from best to worst. Gauge, racket pattern, and tension can change how any string performs.
| String | Best fit | Main strengths | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Velocity MLT | Comfort and value | Soft feel, easy power, versatile response | Less durable for frequent string-breakers |
| Wilson NXT | Arm comfort and touch | Comfortable, lively, responsive around the net | Can fray or break sooner than polyester |
| Tecnifibre X-One Biphase | Premium multifilament feel | Excellent comfort and crisp feedback | Higher cost; not the longest-lasting choice |
| Yonex Poly Tour Pro | Controlled, softer-feeling polyester | Predictable response and useful spin | Still firmer than multifilament |
| Solinco Hyper-G | Spin and firm control | Good bite and directional confidence | Can feel too firm for sensitive arms |
Head Velocity MLT: a sensible starting point
Velocity MLT is a multifilament string that offers a comfortable, lively response without the premium price of some alternatives. It can suit a club doubles player who wants easy depth from the baseline but still needs a forgiving feel for blocks and touch volleys. It is also a reasonable first choice if you are moving away from an uncomfortable polyester setup. Players who hit hard and break strings often may find it wears through too quickly.
Wilson NXT: comfort for all-court play
NXT is a popular multifilament option for players who value a soft response and feel. In doubles, that can be appealing when you are shaping a drop volley, cushioning a hard ball, or serving repeatedly through a long match. It provides more easy power than many polyester strings, so a player who already hits a very lively ball may prefer a lower-powered option. It can also fray and break sooner than a durable poly, depending on your strokes and string pattern.
Tecnifibre X-One Biphase: a premium feel-first choice
X-One Biphase is another multifilament, often chosen for its crisp, comfortable response. It is a strong option for a player who wants to feel the ball clearly on serves, volleys, and touch shots, and who is willing to pay more for that feel. Like other multifilaments, it is not the obvious pick for someone who breaks strings every few sessions. If you rarely break strings, its comfort may be more useful than the extra durability of a stiff polyester.
Yonex Poly Tour Pro: controlled without going extremely firm
For a player who wants polyester’s more controlled, spin-friendly response, Poly Tour Pro is a reasonable place to start. It can help a strong hitter keep returns and passing shots from sailing long, while still feeling more manageable than some very firm polys. It is not as soft as a multifilament, however. If you have arm discomfort or take short, compact swings, try it in a hybrid or compare it with a multifilament before committing to a full bed.
Solinco Hyper-G: for players who swing fast
Hyper-G is a shaped polyester designed to help players generate spin and control. A confident baseliner who uses heavy topspin to set up a poach or drive a return may appreciate its firm, connected response. The same firmness can be a drawback for someone who relies on feel, has a sensitive arm, or plays mostly with compact strokes at the net. Consider a thinner gauge for extra feel, but remember that thinner strings usually wear through faster.
Choosing a string type and tension
Multifilament strings are generally a good starting point for comfort, easy power, and touch. Polyester can suit harder hitters seeking spin and a more controlled response, but it is firmer and usually needs more frequent replacement. A hybrid combines two string types—for example, polyester in the mains and multifilament in the crosses—to balance control and comfort. The result depends on the specific strings and layout, so a hybrid is worth testing rather than assuming it will feel a certain way.
For tension, stay within the range printed on your racket and change only one variable at a time. If your current setup feels board-like or makes volleys come off too sharply, try dropping tension by a few pounds. If the ball launches too high or long, a small increase may help, though technique and string type also affect trajectory. Ask your stringer for the same string at two nearby tensions and compare them during normal play.
Gauge is another useful adjustment. A thicker 16-gauge string is often more durable, while a thinner 17-gauge version can feel livelier and offer more bite. For a doubles player who does not break strings, comfort and freshness may matter more than maximizing lifespan. For a frequent breaker, durability becomes a more important part of the decision.
A simple way to test your setup
Keep your racket and string type the same while testing small tension changes. During practice, notice whether you can block a hard return deep, control a firm volley, and serve without feeling extra shock in your arm. Write down the string, gauge, tension, and date. That simple record is more useful than changing strings, tension, and racket at once and trying to guess what helped.
If you play with a partner, ask them to feed you fast balls at the net and hit returns from both sides. Those drills expose whether the setup feels predictable on compact contact. A string that feels great on a full groundstroke may not be the one that gives you confidence in a quick exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is polyester a good string for doubles?
It can be, especially for a strong hitter who wants a controlled response and uses substantial spin. It is not automatically the best choice for net play. If comfort and touch are priorities, try a multifilament or a hybrid, and replace polyester when it loses its lively feel.
What tension should I use for doubles?
There is no doubles-specific tension. Start within your racket’s recommended range, then adjust in small steps based on comfort, control, and launch angle. A few pounds can make a noticeable difference, so avoid making a large change based on one practice session.
Are multifilament strings better for volleys?
Not for every player. Multifilaments are generally comfortable and lively, which many players like for touch and feel. Polyester may give a harder hitter a more controlled response. Try the string that lets you place both a soft volley and a firm punch volley reliably.
How often should a doubles player restring?
Restring when the string breaks, loses its feel, or begins to affect comfort and control. Players using polyester should pay particular attention to performance rather than waiting for a break. If you are unsure, ask your stringer to inspect the strings and note how long each setup lasts.
Final Thoughts
For many recreational doubles players, a comfortable multifilament such as Head Velocity MLT, Wilson NXT, or Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is a practical starting point. Players who hit hard and want more control can test Yonex Poly Tour Pro or Solinco Hyper-G, while keeping comfort and restringing frequency in mind. Choose for the shots you actually play—quick returns, blocks, serves, and touch at the net—and make small, recorded adjustments until the stringbed feels predictable in a hurry.
