String Theory 101

SYNTHETICS:

    Nylon: The most common and often referred 

    to as Synthetic Gut. Nylon strings come in two

    common varieties, Wrap (basic syngut) or

    Multifilament.   

    Polyester (Copolyester): Spin/Durability 

    Kevlar: Most durable but like fax machine.....

    all but extinct!!! 

NATRUAL GUT: The OG and still King of strings 

Wrap is more inexpensive string and its just a thick core wrapped by thin strands of nylon.  It is easy to manufacture and comes at low price point with variety of colors and brands.  It holds tension relatively well and is ok at absorbing vibrations.

Multis are just the thin strands of nylon without the core (like a rope), so they are harder to manufacture, but absorb more vibration and hold tension better.  They vary slightly in quality, but generally are the best synthetic strings for maintaining tension and stopping vibrations.  Therefore, they are recommended for players that suffer pain associated with tennis.  Only drawback is that they are not as durable for players that play with lots of power. 

As name indicates, they are made of of polyester like your Nike Dryfit shirt, but they are composed like a single core material and not tiny strands wrapped together.  Newer polys are sometimes called CoPolys because they may combine two different polyester densities or coatings.  They also can come in variety of shapes (triangle, gear, octagon, etc) for more ball grab.  Polys are the newest type of strings, but also the most popular stings in the world among advanced players or pros. Benefits include higher spin potential, more durability, firmer and more connected feel, inexpensive options. Cons: harsher feel (don't absorb vibrations as well) and loss of tension.   

This name is also a proper indicator of that it is.  Its both natural (from animal) and its gut (animal gut). Current natural gut strings are almost exclusively made out of Cow Gut, and it does take two whole cows to make one set of natural gut string enough to string up one racquet! Its also very labor intensive to manufacture gut sting, therefore its by far the most expensive string.  Their cross section is similar to multifilaments and its just tiny strands wrapped together. However, nature is still smarter that people so natural gut strings are still far supreme over any synthetics in feel (ball pocketing) tension maintenance, elasticity, and vibration absorption.  Their durability is similar to multifilaments, but they are more sensitive to temperature changes and moisture.  So don't leave your racquet in the car or play in the rain and durability will not be a factor.  

This is where experts like me come in. By describing your style, playing ability, racquet, wants and needs, and future aspirations, I will be able to recommend the best possible string, or string combo, best tension for that string and racquet, and most important, the color that matches the racquet!!!