Direct comparison
| Characteristic | Polyester | Multifilament |
|---|---|---|
| Basic feel | firmer and more direct | more elastic and softer |
| Free depth | lower | higher |
| Spin response | good snapback with an active swing | solid, but notching can restrict movement |
| Comfort | lower, especially at high tension | usually higher |
| Useful life | may lose performance before breaking | frays visibly and often stays elastic longer |
When polyester makes sense
Polyester suits players who swing quickly, move strings aggressively or break softer strings often. Its lower rebound can encourage confident acceleration. Do not assume it remains playable until it snaps: tension and elasticity may fall much earlier.
When multifilament is the better choice
Multifilament offers accessible depth and comfort for moderate swings. Beginners, doubles players and anyone avoiding a very firm response may prefer it. Advanced players also use multifilament when feel and comfort matter more than maximum abrasion resistance.
Do not copy tension directly
Polyester is commonly installed at a lower reference tension than an elastic multifilament. The exact number still depends on the racket range, gauge, head size and player preference. Change one variable at a time and record the result.
Hybrid as a middle ground
A hybrid combines two materials. Polyester mains emphasise control and snapback while a softer cross can moderate feel. Reversing the layout gives the elastic main string more influence, but may reduce abrasion resistance.
Simple decision guide
- You break multifilament frequently and swing fast: test polyester or a hybrid.
- You play occasionally and want easy depth and comfort: start with multifilament.
- You want to try polyester: choose a relatively soft version, moderate tension and a fresh replacement cycle.
- You do not know how old the string is: restring before judging the frame.