Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is one of the most common injuries in the sport. It’s often caused by repetitive stress and vibration traveling from the racquet to the arm — and while technique and equipment play major roles, your string choice can make a huge difference.
Using softer strings and lowering your string tension helps absorb impact, minimize vibration, and protect your arm from further strain. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best strings for tennis elbow, why your tension setup matters, and which strings from Sam’s Strings deliver the best combination of comfort and performance.
Why String Choice Matters for Tennis Elbow
Many players assume the racquet is solely responsible for discomfort, but strings are the direct connection between your hand and the ball. Choosing the wrong setup — particularly stiff polyester strings strung too tightly — can amplify shock and fatigue.
1. Softer Materials = Less Shock
Multifilament and synthetic gut strings compress more on impact, acting like a cushion. They’re engineered to mimic the elasticity of natural gut, offering comfort and easy power without harsh vibrations.
2. Lower Tension = More Flex and Comfort
Tension determines how tightly the stringbed resists the ball. Lowering tension (typically 45–52 lbs) lets strings flex more, reducing stiffness and easing pressure on the arm.
3. Thinner Gauges = Softer Feel
Thinner strings (1.25mm or less) tend to be more elastic and forgiving. While they may wear out slightly faster, the trade-off in comfort is worth it for most players with elbow pain.
4. Hybrid Setups Offer a Middle Ground
If you enjoy the control of polyester strings but need comfort, try a hybrid setup — a soft multifilament or synthetic gut in the mains, and a soft co-poly in the crosses. This balances feel, control, and durability.
Recommended Strings for Tennis Elbow
Here are some top strings available at Sam’s Strings, grouped by category to suit different preferences and playing styles.
1. Maximum Comfort — Multifilament and Synthetic Gut
Wilson Sensation
One of the most popular comfort strings ever made. Its soft multifilament construction absorbs shock effectively while offering excellent feel and power. Ideal for players returning from elbow pain.
Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut
A great value string with a lively, crisp feel. Its solid core and elastic outer wraps make it forgiving on impact and easy to control.
Solinco Vanquish
Premium multifilament designed for ultimate softness and responsiveness. Perfect for players seeking a plush, arm-friendly experience without sacrificing precision.
2. Balanced Comfort and Control — Hybrid Options
Solinco Mach-10
A softer co-poly string that pairs well in hybrid setups with a multifilament. Offers enhanced control and spin while remaining playable and forgiving.
Combine it with Solinco Vanquish or Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut for the best of both worlds — power and comfort from the main strings, control and spin from the crosses.
3. Softer Co-Polyesters — For Players Who Prefer Spin & Control
If you’re an experienced player who loves the feel of polyester strings but wants something gentler on the arm, choose a soft co-poly formulation. These maintain control and spin potential while minimizing harsh vibration.
Yonex Poly Tour Pro
A smooth, arm-friendly co-poly offering superb control and excellent tension maintenance. Ideal for players transitioning from softer strings but still managing arm discomfort.
Solinco Hyper-G Soft
A more elastic version of the popular Hyper-G string. It retains the famous spin and bite but with added comfort and feel, making it one of the most forgiving polys on the market.
Recommended Tension Ranges
| String Type | Recommended Tension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multifilament / Synthetic Gut | 45–52 lbs (20–24 kg) | Maximum comfort and shock absorption |
| Hybrid (Soft Main + Co-poly Cross) | 46–52 lbs (21–24 kg) | Balanced feel and control |
| Soft Co-poly | 44–50 lbs (20–23 kg) | Lower tension helps maintain comfort |
Always start on the lower side of your racquet’s recommended range. You can gradually adjust upwards once you’ve found a comfortable setup.
Additional Tips for Reducing Tennis Elbow Pain
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Prioritize comfort over durability. Replace strings more often if needed — dead strings can transmit more shock.
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Avoid stiff polys. Even advanced players may benefit from switching to softer setups during recovery.
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Check your grip size and technique. Improper grip size or late contact points can worsen symptoms.
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Use a dampener. While not a cure, vibration dampeners can slightly reduce stringbed vibration.
- Restring regularly. Strings lose elasticity over time, even if they don’t break.
Tennis elbow doesn’t have to end your enjoyment of the game. By switching to softer strings, lowering your tension, and choosing the right setup for your playing style, you can dramatically reduce discomfort and protect your arm.
Whether you’re looking for plush comfort from Wilson Sensation or Solinco Vanquish, a balanced hybrid with Solinco Mach-10, or a soft poly like Yonex Poly Tour Pro or Hyper-G Soft, Sam’s Strings has you covered.
Written for Sam’s Strings — your trusted source for expert tennis string advice and premium restringing solutions.
