MSV Strings – the Challenger Brand

In a tennis market dominated by brands like Luxilon, Solinco, and Babolat, it’s easy to overlook a quieter, more understated name: MSV (Mauve Sport Versand).

But among string nerds, experienced club players, and anyone who has spent time experimenting with setups, MSV has built a reputation that’s hard to ignore. Their products are trusted by players in over 60 countries, and while they don’t sponsor big-name tour players with enormous cheques, MSV strings are actually played at all Grand Slams and by many top-5 national players worldwide. They also focus on promoting young talent globally.

Who are MSV? And what do they bring to the table?

MSV Tennis is a brand of Mauve Sports-MSV oHG, a family-run company based in Germany. It was founded in 2000 by Dr. Karl-Eberhard Mauve, and has since grown into an internationally recognized supplier of high-quality tennis strings, grip tapes, and training products. Since 2014, the company has been led by Carl-Philipp Mauve, the second generation of the family — and as of 2024, Carl-Nicolas Louis Mauve has joined as Marketing & Sales Manager, making this a three-generation family operation.

That family-run DNA is not just a feel-good backstory — it fundamentally shapes how MSV operates. They are convinced that tennis coaches and stringers do not want more marketing hype, but rather products that deliver what they promise. That’s why first-class, factual quality and a very good price-to-performance ratio are their top priorities. It’s a refreshingly honest philosophy in an industry that often leans hard on flashy endorsements and buzzword-laden marketing copy.

In the early days, MSV tried to offer all products related to the game of tennis. In the following years, the brand underwent major changes and began to focus exclusively on the development and distribution of tennis strings and overgrips. That decision to go narrow and go deep has paid off. By concentrating their energy on strings rather than spreading themselves across rackets, shoes, and apparel like many of their competitors, MSV has been able to develop genuine expertise.

MSV currently offers 130 strings across various materials, profiles, gauges, and colors. That is a remarkable catalogue for a company that describes itself as more David than Goliath. Their products are trusted by players in over 60 countries, and while they don’t sponsor big-name tour players with enormous cheques, they do support athletes with equipment — with a particular focus on developing young talent worldwide.

What has always made MSV stand out to string enthusiasts and serious recreational players is their transparency about how their products actually perform. They back their claims with concrete data from independent sources such as Racketpedia, the stringing association databases of the ERSA and USRSA, and Tennis Warehouse University. For example, MSV Focus Hex 1.23 scores 100% for control, 95% for spin, and 90% for tension stability. The MSV Hepta Twist scored the highest acceleration in a string test conducted by the German tennis magazine tennisMAGAZIN, while the European Restringers Association wrote of MSV Swift that many test players said its comfort was better than any other polyester string they had played with before.

MSV is also a member of the most important stringing associations worldwide — the ERSA, GRSA, and USRSA — keeping them close to professional stringers and allowing them to bring that expertise directly to players on the court.

Here at Tennisnerd, we’ve long been fans of what MSV brings to the table. One of the most appreciated things about MSV is that they offer quality strings at a relatively low retail price compared to the main brands — you can get a whole 200m reel of their bestselling Focus Hex for €89 on their official website. For a club player or a stringer looking to stock quality string without breaking the bank, that kind of value is hard to beat.

So who is MSV? They are a three-generation German family business that decided to do one thing and do it exceptionally well. Over 25 years in, the results speak for themselves. Now let’s get into the strings, which some of our favorites from their large selection.

MSV Strings – a review

You can watch our video review below or keep reading to find out what we think about the most popular MSV strings.

MSV offer many good strings, but there are a few standouts

As I write above, MSV takes a more traditional approach, letting their products spread through word-of-mouth instead of player endorsements and aggressive marketing. Thanks to good products at excellent prices they have created a strong fanbase of players from all levels of the game. I know plenty of players on the Futures tour that swear by MSV Focus Hex, but it is also pretty popular on the club level, especially now that they have softer poly options like MSV Focus Hex Soft and Ultra.

Focus Hex

If there’s one string that defines MSV, it’s Focus Hex. This is their best-seller and a hexagonal co-poly that is available in many colors and gauges. It is a firm string, but not harsh and will give the advanced player reliable spin and control. It is not a “flashy” string in that it excels in any one area, but rather a dependable workhorse, which is what most players are looking for. Its appeal comes partly from its excellent control, with a power level that sits right in the middle — not too dead like some traditional polys, nor too springy like the most elastic co-polys. The hexagonal profile gives the string its bite and spin potential, though it is worth being clear-eyed about where it sits: compared to other shaped strings like Volkl Cyclone or Solinco Tour Bite, it doesn’t grab quite as much, but the spin potential is still good.

Where Focus Hex genuinely excels is in its consistency and durability. This string remained quite playable even after the typical tension loss, and comfort was never a concern — a great sign for a firm string that errs on the side of durability and control. Playing two to three times a week, many players find it lasts at least three weeks and often more than a month of consistent tennis. Add to that one of the most competitive price points in the poly market, and it is easy to see why this string has accumulated millions of happy rackets. Best suited to: control-oriented baseliners who generate their own pace and want a dependable, no-nonsense poly that won’t break the bank

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Focus Hex Soft

If regular Focus Hex feels a bit too firm, Focus Hex Soft is where things get interesting. The “Soft” version takes the familiar hexagonal shape of the flagship string and engineers more elasticity and plushness into the compound, resulting in a string that bridges the gap between a firm control poly and something genuinely comfortable. On paper, its stiffness sits on the higher end of the spectrum, which means it doesn’t slot neatly into the typical “soft polyester” category. However, it breaks in very effectively, resulting in a soft feel without the usual compromises in playability that come with tension loss.

In testing, the control proved to be a standout quality — players reported exceptional control and the ability to place shots with great confidence and intent, with the stringbed never feeling dead or too lively. Spin access is solid, with the six-sided shape doing its job of biting the ball. While perhaps not in the absolute highest tier of spin strings, Focus Hex Soft still spins the ball very effectively, with the hexagonal shape grabbing onto the ball noticeably on topspin groundstrokes and drop shots. For players who love what the Focus Hex does but find the standard version a touch harsh in stiffer frames, the Soft variant is the natural step — all the control and spin access, with a more forgiving character through the arm.

Focus Hex Ultra

This is my personal favorite in their line-up. The Focus Hex Ultra is the performance-first evolution of the Focus Hex line, engineered for players who want maximum bite and the best possible tension retention. It is a spin-first co-poly with exceptional tension holding and dependable control. On court, it feels crisp and firm, with a controlled response that rewards fast, full swings. The hexagonal shape bites into the ball, producing excellent topspin and biting slices, while kick serves jump with confidence. The tension stability numbers are remarkable — lab testing shows it scoring 100% for tension holding and 95% for spin, meaning it keeps playability consistent for longer than most competing polys, with no sudden dead drop-off and performance tapering gradually. Some players find this string stiffer than regular Focus Hex, but on the MSV scale it is actually softer. I have not had any comfort issues with Hex Ultra and if you are worried about comfort, a hybrid with a softer cross string is a good option.

Co-Focus

The Co-Focus is the round-profile sibling of the Focus Hex. It’s made from the same co-polyester compound but without the hexagonal geometry. The result is a string that trades some raw spin potential for a smoother, more connected feel. It is a monofilament co-polyester noted for its durability and resilience, with a glossy finish and a round profile that allows for a consistent feel and response from all angles. Control is where this string makes its case. Regardless of the power behind strokes, the Co-Focus allows for remarkable precision — evident on all shots, including groundstrokes, volleys, and serves, with backhand slices coming out sharper and serves landing with greater accuracy.

While the round profile may not generate as much spin as geometric profiles (slippery round strings sometimes provide better spin potential as the strings snap back fast, but the shaped ones usually offer better “bite”), it still provides ample spin potential, with topspin groundstrokes carrying a good dip and slice shots staying low. The Co-Focus offers a comfortably firm feel with less vibration, making it ideal for players who prefer a solid connection with the ball. Think of it as the more refined, predictable alternative for players who find shaped strings too snappy or unpredictable in feel.

Other Noteworthy Options

We have tested pretty much every MSV string and although the Hex Ultra remains our favorite, these are some highly playable strings. It also shows the versatility and width of their selection. There is a lot to choose from and the overall quality is high.

MSV Swift

This string is an excellent softer round poly with solid snapback and feel. We wrote about it in more depth here. The Swift is MSV’s comfort-first offering, launched in 2022, and it quickly became a favourite at Tennisnerd. The ERSA tested the Swift with 20 players and published a clear recommendation, with the string scoring above average in almost all important parameters and being recommended for normal and narrow string bed patterns (put it in a Blade 98 18/20 and you understand :)). The standout feature is the tension stability and consistent string behaviour after the first hour of play, which is surprising for a polyester that is this soft.

On court, it delivers a relaxed and smooth hitting experience. Swift is a soft monofilament co-polyester known for its comfort and gentle feel on impact. Advanced players seeking to finish points with big acceleration from the baseline may find it lacking in control at times, but for club players, all-court tacticians, and anyone with arm sensitivity, the Swift punches well above its weight.

MSV Go Max

We reviewed this one a while ago: MSV Go Max, but lets get into the nuts and bolts of what it provides.

The Go Max is a round co-polyester that occupies a comfortable middle ground in the MSV lineup. It is softer and more arm-friendly than the stiffer options, while still delivering the control and durability the brand is known for. In testing at 23 kg, the Go Max remained playable for more than 12 hours of hitting, demonstrating solid durability for a softer string. The character of this string is smooth and reliable rather than flashy. The Go Max is softer and more comfortable than Co-Focus Hex, but doesn’t deliver quite the same level of spin.

That is the core trade-off: you gain a more forgiving, accessible feel at the expense of some of the edge bite and spin potential you get from shaped or stiffer options. Where the Go Max really shines is in hybrid setups. In a Focus Hex mains and Go Max crosses combination, the Go Max complements the hexagonal main string well, contributing to a playable hybrid that combines spin and control with a softer overall stringbed response. As a full-bed option, it suits players who want a dependable co-poly that is easy on the arm without completely sacrificing the feel and feedback of a polyester string

MSV Bussard

We did write about this one in a more detailed review in the post together with MSV Swift. The Bussard is MSV’s most spin-focused round co-polyester. It is a stiffer, more technical string aimed at experienced players who want precision and high-level tension stability in a round profile. Performance-wise, the Bussard generates a lot of spin while maintaining good control, with minimal effort needed to produce a significant amount of spin, and control and spin are confirmed as the main features of the string. It is a co-polyester monofilament known for its exceptional spin, control, and outstanding tension maintenance.

It is a firm string by nature. Compared to other round polys like Alu Power, Hawk Power, and Top Spin Cyberflash, its tension maintenance is slightly better than Alu Power and more similar to RS Lyon. The coated, slick surface also makes the Bussard a strong candidate for hybrid use. The round and coated construction means it won’t cut into a gut or multifilament cross string, and the added movement will improve spin potential — making it an excellent option in a hybrid setup. Players switching from a shaped string expecting a loss of spin will likely be pleasantly surprised; the Bussard generates impressive spin for a round string. However, it is worth noting that this one is best left to advanced players — big topspin hitters will break it after a few hours, and it is positioned more for advanced players, where Swift is a better option for recreational use.

MSV Hybrids

Hybrid string setups are becoming more and more popular on tour and on the club level. The gut/poly hybrid is still a stable among advanced players, but we also see plenty of poly/poly hybrids on all levels. The interesting part about poly/poly hybrids is that you can experiment quite a lot with different strings. One of our contributors made a specific article about MSV Hybrids that you can test. Overall, from my perspective, I like using a shaped string in the mains and a round string in the crosses. The round string will allow the mains to move more, creating a so-called snapback effect. To achieve that with an MSV setup, I would go Focus Hex Ultra in the mains and Swift in the crosses, that would be my preferred way of hybriding MSV strings.

A softer option would be to put a string like MSV Spin Plus (a solid multifilament) in the mains and a MSV Go Max in the crosses. You won’t get quite the same spin potential, but the comfort level will be high and it can be a way for players who are concerned with arm issues to use a poly/hybrid.

Summary

MSV is simply a must-try. Since they offer many excellent strings at highly competitive prices, it is kind of difficult to argue against that unless you already have a favorite string. Whether you like a round poly, a soft multi or a shaped spin string, they do have something in the line-up that can fit the bill. I have enjoyed most of the strings I have tested from them and found it to be a really dependable brand with a solid array of products. I know the string jungle is dense, but MSV deserves to be high on the list of strings to consider.

Let me know what you think about MSV strings in the comments below.