I’ve spent a lot of time playing around with the Restring lineup in the past year, and Restring Vivo and Restring Zero are two strings that keep coming up in conversations with players and stringers.
They look the same on paper because they are both modern polyester strings made for players who like to spin the ball, but they play very differently on the court.
After trying both out in a few racquets and talking to other players and coaches, here’s a detailed comparison of how they actually play and which one you should get. Want more readin on these strings? Check our review for Restring Zero and also our Restring Vivo review.
Key Differences Between Restring Vivo and Restring Zero
At first glance, Restring Vivo and Restring Zero look a lot alike. Both are hexagonal co-polyester strings that are shaped to make the ball bite and spin more. This makes both strings respond in a modern way that works well with the aggressive baseline game of today.
The way they deliver that performance is where they start to differ. Restring Vivo definitely feels more lively and powerful. The stringbed feels a little more flexible and responsive, which makes it easier to get depth and speed without having to swing as hard.
Restring Zero, on the other hand, is more about control and being able to predict what will happen. It has a response that is a little firmer and more controlled. The hexagonal shape and strong snapback features still make it great for spinning, but the overall feel is more for accuracy than power.
To put it simply:
• Vivo: More power and easier depth
• Zero: More control and a response that is a little firmer
Visit the Restring official site here and use code TENNISNERD10 at checkout for a 10% discount.
My Playtest Experience
I tested both strings in the following racquets::
Tension range: 47–50 lbs.
Restring Vivo
Vivo surprised me straight away. The string has a crisp but controlled feel, with excellent directional feedback.
What stood out most was how predictable the launch angle felt. Even at lower tensions it stayed controlled, something not all polys manage. The shaped profile also gives the string nice ball bite, particularly noticeable on topspin forehands and kick serves.
Restring Zero
Zero feels very different. The first thing you notice is how easily the strings slide and snap back, which helps generate spin. Snapback seemed to stay consistent, even as tension drops.
On court it felt:
- more powerful
- slightly softer on impact
- very spin-friendly
But it also felt a bit less precise than Vivo, particularly when flattening out shots.
Best Racquets for Each String
Best Racquets for Restring Vivo
Because of its control and crisp feel, Vivo works best in powerful modern frames.
Great matches include:
These racquets already produce plenty of power, so Vivo’s control helps keep the ball inside the lines.
Best Racquets for Restring Zero
Zero tends to work better in control-oriented racquets where the extra spin and power are welcome.
Great matches include:
- Wilson Blade 98
- Head Radical MP
- Yonex Percept 97
- Dunlop CX 200
These racquets benefit from Zero’s easy snapback and added depth.
What Type of Player Each String Suits
Players Who Will Love Vivo
- Aggressive baseliners
- Players who value control and precision
- Players who flatten the ball occasionally
- Intermediate to advanced players
Vivo rewards clean contact and confident swings.
Players Who Will Love Zero
- Heavy topspin hitters
- Modern baseline grinders
- Players who like a lively stringbed
- Players who break strings frequently
Zero suits players who rely heavily on spin and racquet head speed.
Pros and Cons of each string
Restring Vivo
Pros
- Easier power and depth than most control polys
- Very good spin from the hexagonal shape
- Comfortable for a polyester string
- Lively and responsive stringbed
- Good balance between power, spin and control
Cons
- Slightly less precise than control-focused polys
- Can launch a little higher in powerful racquets
- Not the most durable option for frequent string breakers
- Players who hit very flat may find it slightly lively
Restring Zero
Pros
- Excellent control and predictable launch angle
- Strong spin potential from the hexagonal profile
- Very good snapback which helps maintain spin over time
- Solid tension stability
- Works very well in control-oriented racquets
Cons
- Lower power compared with Vivo
- Can feel firmer or stiffer at higher tensions
- Requires faster swing speeds to generate depth
- Some players may find the feel slightly muted
Final Verdict
If I had to summarise the difference in one sentence:
- Restring Vivo = control and precision with added power
- Restring Zero = spin and snapback
Personally, I find myself reaching for Vivo more often in powerful racquets, while Zero shines in more control-oriented frames where you want a little extra pop and spin.
Both are excellent modern polys, it simply depends on whether your game benefits more from control or spin.
