Ask any tennis pro, and they will say that strings matter just as much (if not more) than the racquet itself. Finding the right set of strings can really change the way a player performs on the court.
For intermediate players, it can sometimes be a challenge to find the perfect fit. They don’t want an entry-level string that breaks easily because they’re hitting too hard, but they might not perform at a level that they get the most out of the top options.
What are the seven best tennis strings for intermediate players? The list below is a good starting point for anyone considering a purchase.
1. Babolat RPM Blast
One of the standards for polyester strings these days is RPM Blast from Babolat. It’s meant to provide the best spin potential in tennis, but other attributes draw players to the string as well. Players will notice that it holds up very well from a durability standpoint.
Like a lot of polyester strings, intermediate players need to know how to hit with this in the beginning so that they are not overwhelmed.
Once they start to dial in with polyester and get the right tension, they have the opportunity to thrive as a modern tennis player.
Anyone who has aspirations to take their tennis to the next level can start to ease into Babolat RPM Blast by using a hybrid setup with something a little more playable.
Keep in mind that Babolat offers different variations of the RPM Blast string. One particularly popular option is the Rough version. With added texture, it’s a little easier to create massive spin.
Pros
- Outstanding spin potential
- Very durable
- Provides good power for those who have a fast swing
Cons
- Not that arm friendly
- Requires a bit of a learning curve
2. Wilson NXT
A very popular string at all levels of play is Wilson NXT. They use ultra flexible fibers that bond together with polyurethane to create a very comfortable string overall. A lot of softer strings are out there, but they usually need breaking in a bit.
Available in a few different variations, the multifilament is right at the head of the class as far as comfort and playability are concerned. Intermediate players will find this to be a great option when trying to move up in levels.
Players might be tempted to look at the Wilson Sensation since it’s roughly half the cost. While also a multifilament, players are going to notice a significant difference in quality.
Try the Sensation first to truly do a comparison. What many intermediate players will find is that it’s just not good enough for their skill level.
Pros
- One of the best overall multifilaments on the market
- Several different colors
- More durable than people think
Cons
- Not much spin potential
- Control could be better
3. Wilson Revolve
A big knock on polyester strings is that they are more expensive than some of the other intermediate options. The Wilson Revolve breaks that mold a bit and provides a budget solution from a name brand.
Wilson Revolve plays similarly to options from Babolat and Luxilon. Coming in a standard and twist option, players will get a lot of the same benefits that they do from other polyester strings at a discounted rate.
Another bonus is that Wilson Revolve feels just a little bit softer than the standard polyester. This helps intermediate players who are trying out polyester for the first time. Instead of potentially having serious arm issues, they can feel a bit more comfortable.
Pros
- Inexpensive polyester
- Provides some comfort
- Spin potential is high
Cons
- Doesn’t last as long as other polyesters
- Limited colors
4. Luxilon ALU Power
Polyester strings are used a lot on the pro tours. For intermediate players, it can also provide value if a player is looking for spin, control, and durability. A good polyester string offers all of that, and it doesn’t get much better than the Luxilon ALU Power.
Players need to have a specific type of style of play to excel with this string. What a lot of people find when they first move to polyester is that it feels way too stiff. It’s also severely underpowered, as players need to have fast strokes to make it work.
In the right hands, polyesters feel perfect for players. They try once and never use anything else. Others will run far away and feel like it’s a complete letdown. Intermediate players should give it a try if they are trying to take their game to the next level as well.
Pros
- Outstanding spin potential
- Quality control
- Very durable
Cons
- Underpowered for some intermediate players
- Strings feel stiff
5. Solinco Tour Bite
Another polyester that caught on about a decade ago is Solinco Tour Bite. Intermediate players who want a stiffer string to control big shots should fall in love with this. It’s definitely a more advanced string, but that’s the case with most polyesters.
Players won’t have to burn through a lot of string with polyester like this. It’s very durable and textured enough to provide bite on the ball.
That little bit of extra spin keeps topspin balls in. It also flusters opponents as it kicks violently off the court.
Pros
- Durable
- Extra bite on spin shots
- Powerful
Cons
- Limited color choices
- Textured strings break faster
6. Babolat Touch VS
Intermediate players who must play with a natural gut should go ahead and invest in the best value currently.
No natural gut option is particularly inexpensive, so the Babolat Touch VS will set a person back a bit of money. However, they’ve been wowing people with this for years, and it continues to perform well.
Intermediate players love the feel, comfort, and power that they get from Babolat Touch VS. Anyone who strings at a high tension will also feel like they can get more comfort than they do with other natural guts.
Constant string breakers probably need to look elsewhere, as the cost becomes too much for them to handle.
It also provides a lot of power that players used to polyester strings won’t need. Natural gut isn’t for everyone, but this is a great intermediate option since its playability is so great.
Pros
- Outstanding feel
- Great comfort
- Easy power
Cons
- Very expensive
- Lacks a ton of durability
7. Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
Tennis players have looked at this as a starter string option for quite a long time. Not only is it very affordable, but it has all-around playability that is tough to match for a synthetic gut.
A player isn’t going to get the same type of feel with this option as they would with natural gut, but it’s a nice option for intermediate players who started with it early on in their career and liked how it performed. It comes in a variety of colors so that people can get the look they want.
Give Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex a try to see how it plays. If a person hits a flatter ball, they will likely enjoy it more than someone who hits with topspin.
The durability drops when the strings are moving around on the racquet. It comes in a little lower on the list since most players eventually feel like they need a slightly better string to take the next step.
Pros
- Excellent value
- All-around playability
- Several color choices
Cons
- Durability isn’t the greatest
- Players hitting shots with spin won’t create enough action
Why Finding the Right Tennis String Makes a Difference
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to tennis strings. What works for a professional player might be horrible for a recreational player.
Even at the professional level, athletes use many different types of string. Then, they string the racquets at different weights.
Take the time to find a string that performs well. Also play around with tension, as it can greatly impact how it performs. There’s no right or wrong answer to string as long as a player feels comfortable with what they use.