Every string in the Tennis Cube catalogue is rated from 1–5 across six performance categories. The goal is simple: to give you a consistent way to compare strings based on how they actually perform — not just on marketing claims.
No string is perfect at everything. The ratings help you see where a string excels, where it compromises, and which options best match your game.
The six categories
- Power — how much energy the stringbed returns to the ball on a medium-speed swing. Higher power helps you generate depth with less effort; lower power gives players who generate their own pace more control over the ball.
- Spin — how much spin potential the string offers through ball grip, string movement, and snap-back. Shaped and spin-oriented co-polys generally score higher, while smooth strings tend to score lower.
- Control — how predictable the stringbed feels from shot to shot, particularly when controlling depth and trajectory. Firmer, lower-powered strings generally provide a more controlled response.
- Comfort — how soft and forgiving the stringbed feels at impact, including the amount of vibration transmitted through the racquet. This is particularly important for players who prioritise arm comfort.
- Durability — how well the string withstands wear and maintains its playing characteristics before breaking or becoming significantly less playable. Gauge, construction, and string material all influence durability.
- Tension Stability — how well the string maintains its tension and playing characteristics over time. Natural gut and many high-quality multifilaments generally perform well here, while some co-polys lose tension more quickly.
Where the scores come from
Our ratings are built using a consistent evaluation model that combines several sources of evidence: manufacturer specifications, published playtests, and feedback from experienced stringers.
No brand pays for a rating, and price or commercial relationships do not influence the scores. A €7 string is evaluated by the same principles as a €30 string.
We’re also continuously testing and reviewing the catalogue ourselves. As we gather more playtesting data and real-world customer feedback, individual ratings can be refined and updated.
The result is a system that gets better as the database grows.
How to use the ratings
Don’t look for the string with the highest score in every category. Start with the characteristics that matter most to your game.
A player with a fast swing who wants more comfort might prioritise Comfort, then compare the Spin and Control scores of the most comfortable options.
A frequent string breaker might start with Durability, then narrow the choice by Spin or Control.
A player looking for a lively, powerful setup might prioritise Power and Comfort, while a control-oriented player may focus on Control and Spin.
Once you’ve identified your priorities, use the ratings to create a shortlist of two or three strings worth trying.
That’s where the Tennis Cube ratings become useful: instead of choosing from hundreds of strings, you can quickly narrow the catalogue down to the options that best fit your game and your priorities.
Want us to do the filtering for you? Use the Tennis Cube String Finder and answer a few simple questions to get personalised recommendations.