Courtwise blog

Best Soft Multifilament String for Tennis Elbow: Adult Beginners

Amir · 2026-10-17

For most adult beginners with tennis elbow, the best soft multifilament string is a proven, arm-friendly option like Wilson NXT or Tecnifibre X-One Biphase, strung at the low end of your racquet's recommended tension. If you want something a bit more durable and budget-friendly, Head Velocity MLT or Babolat Xcel are excellent alternatives that still feel plush on contact.

As a coach, I've strung a lot of these for club players with sore elbows. Here's how to choose, and what else matters just as much as the string.

Why Multifilament Helps a Sore Elbow

A multifilament is built from hundreds of tiny fibres bundled together, a lot like natural gut. That construction stretches and gives on impact instead of sending the shock straight up your forearm.

  • Lower stiffness: less vibration and jolt reaching the elbow
  • Bigger sweet spot feel: off-centre hits (common for beginners) sting less
  • Easy power: you don't need to muscle the ball, which reduces strain
  • Comfort over spin: you trade some spin and control, but at the beginner stage that's a good deal

The string you want to avoid is polyester ("poly"). Many shops and stronger players use it, and it's often what comes in a racquet off the rack. Poly is stiff and loses its elasticity quickly, which is a common aggravator for tennis elbow.

My Top Soft Multifilament Picks

Most comfortable: Wilson NXT or Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

Both are premium multis with a famously soft, cushioned response. If your elbow is already flaring up, start here.

Best all-rounders: Head Velocity MLT or Babolat Xcel

Still very comfortable, a touch more durable, and great for players hitting a few times a week.

Gauge: 16 vs. 17

  • 17 gauge (thinner): slightly softer and livelier, wears faster
  • 16 gauge (thicker): more durable, still very comfortable

For a beginner, 16 is usually the sensible choice.

Tension Matters as Much as the String

A soft string strung tight still feels harsh. Ask your stringer to go toward the lower end of the racquet's recommended range. Lower tension means a softer, more forgiving stringbed and more free power.

You may lose a little control at first. That's normal, and your strokes will adjust within a few sessions.

Ontario Reality: Bubbles, Hard Courts and Restringing

Tennis here really runs on two seasons:

  • Indoor bubble season (roughly fall through spring): cooler air makes balls feel heavier and strings feel firmer. Many players drop their tension slightly for winter.
  • Summer outdoor hard courts: fast, hot conditions and lots of play mean multis fray and lose tension faster.

Multifilaments don't usually snap suddenly. Instead, they fray and go "dead." A good rule of thumb: restring roughly as many times a year as you play per week, and sooner if you see heavy fraying or the bed feels mushy.

Beyond Strings: Other Arm-Friendly Fixes

Strings help, but they're one piece of the puzzle. Before you buy anything else, check these:

  • Racquet weight: ultralight frames can actually transmit more shock to the arm. The lighter 27" frames on our Adult Transition tier are designed for growing juniors moving up, while adults with a sore elbow often do better with a bit more mass and a flexible frame.
  • Grip size: a grip that's too small makes you squeeze harder. A fresh overgrip can also add cushioning.
  • Technique: late contact and wristy backhands are classic elbow triggers. A few lessons with a certified coach at your local club can do more than any string.
  • Medical advice: if pain lingers, see a physiotherapist or doctor. Gear supports recovery but doesn't replace treatment.

And an honest note: if your current racquet already has a soft multi in it and your elbow is fine, you don't need to change anything yet.

Get a Personalized Setup

At Courtwise, an online tennis advisory and pro shop based in Vaughan, I combine years of coaching in Ontario's club network with practical gear advice for juniors and adult club players alike. Instead of guessing between strings, tensions and frames, try the free Courtwise Virtual Coach. Answer a few quick questions and get an instant, personalized gear recommendation with links to verified picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is natural gut better than multifilament for tennis elbow?

Natural gut is the softest, most arm-friendly string available, but it's expensive and sensitive to moisture. A quality multifilament gives you most of that comfort at a more beginner-friendly cost.

Can I use a hybrid of poly and multifilament?

Hybrids are popular, but if your elbow is sore, a full multifilament setup is the safer choice. Consider a hybrid only once your arm feels healthy and you want more spin and durability.

Do vibration dampeners help tennis elbow?

A dampener mainly changes the sound and feel of the strings and does little to reduce the shock that reaches your arm. Softer strings, lower tension and better technique make a much bigger difference.

How do I know when my multifilament needs restringing?

Look for visible fraying, strings that stay out of place, or a stringbed that feels dead and mushy. For most recreational players, that's a sign it's time for a fresh set.