If your arms hurt or you just want to be more comfortable, using multifilament strings is the best choice. My go to is usually the Tecnifibre Multifeel strings but I would say it is more on the power end of multifilaments. Overall, most multis feel great, but they don’t have control which I know some players crave.
On the flip side, most control strings (polys more so) do risk hurting your arm. So I set about testing over 10 different multis to try and find the best ones that still give you good access to control.
To that end, these are the 3 criteria I have prioritized::
- Elasticity (comfort)
- Tension stability (control)
- String response (predictability)
The following strings are the ones for me that deliver on all of the above.
Best Overall – Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
This is still the benchmark (although it is a little pricey for some wallets). That said, X-One Biphase is widely considered one of the best multis ever made, and it is hard to disagree with its claim that it comes closest to natural gut.
Why it stands out for me:
- Plush, arm-friendly feel (feels premium)
- Excellent pocketing and responsiveness
- Possibly best control of all the multis I have tested
If budget isn’t an issue, this is the best overall choice! Find it available at Tennis Warehouse or Tennis Warehouse Europe.
Best Budget Control Multi – Head Velocity MLT
This is probably still the most requested string from my customer base. Velocity MLT is one of the few multis that leans toward control over power.
It’s a tad firmer than most multis, which helps in this aspect I think:
- reduced launch angle (some multis can feel over powered)
- consistent response (less erratic which some multis can be)
- Does a good job of minimising that trampoline effect
A lot of my juniors stick with this string for good reason, as they love the control and transition using this with a softer poly as a hybrid setup which works well.
Best Soft Feel – Solinco Vanquish
A bit of an underrated string for me, Vanquish is all about comfort and easy playability. It’s softer and more powerful than Velocity for comparison, but still predictable enough for controlled hitting.
What you get:
- Very arm-friendly response (nice plush feel)
- Easy depth and power
- Smooth feel on contact
I tend to offer this one for adults getting arm pain with poly and seems to really help. Sometimes I go full bed, but equally works really well with a softer round poly like Poly Tour Pro.
Best Value Premium Alternative – String Project Gold
String Project Gold is a bit of a hidden gem (their USP is arm friendly polys but this muti is worth a look).
It offers:
- similar feel to X-One (genuinely surprised at how premium this feels)
- strong durability for a multi (I have heavy hitting adults still using over several sessions)
- offers decent value vs premium options like X-One
In playtesting with some of the coaches I work with, it’s been noted as a serious alternative to X-One, offering similar feel with slightly less spin but far better on the wallet!
Best Balanced Option – Volkl Power Fiber Pro
I don’t want to say ‘steady eddy’ but Volkl Power Fiber Pro sits right in the middle. It really is very sold option and if it was just a bit cheaper I might use this more often. However worth looking at as it offers:
- good comfort levels
- solid control for multi (not x-one levels but still decent)
- decent durability I would say (better than xcel or sensation)
It’s slightly firmer than softer multis, which helps maintain control. A safe, balanced choice for all-round players for the most part!
Comparison Table
| String | Comfort | Control | Power | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tecnifibre X-One Biphase | Excellent | Very good | High | Plush and premium | Players wanting the best all-round multifilament |
| Solinco Vanquish | Excellent | Good | High | Soft and lively | Players prioritising comfort and easy power |
| Head Velocity MLT | Very good | Excellent | Medium | Slightly firmer and controlled | Players wanting a more control-oriented multi |
| Volkl Power Fiber Pro | Very good | Very good | Medium | Balanced and solid | Players wanting a safe all-round comfort setup |
| String Project Gold | Excellent | Very good | Medium-high | Smooth and premium | Players wanting premium feel at better value |
Final Thoughts
Multifilaments are often dismissed as “too powerful” or “too soft”, but for me that’s slightly outdated thinking. Yes they aren’t going to be your first choice for control, but there are many players that simply find polys too harsh. I often steer them towards the strings in this list as you get the arm comfort you need, but you don’t have to sacrifice too much control. I find that you can workaround this a bit too by increasing tension where needed to add a bit more control. If you’re coming from poly or dealing with arm issues, this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.
