Hybrid tennis strings: how to choose, fit and tension them

In short: a hybrid combines two different strings in one racket. Most often a monofilament (polyester) in the mains, the vertical strings that break first, and a multifilament or natural gut in the crosses, which are softer. On tension, the sources don't agree, even on the direction of the gap between mains and crosses: the safest approach is to start from your usual tension and adjust in small steps with your stringer. And a hybrid isn't necessarily more expensive: ready-to-fit hybrid sets can be found from around ten euros in Belgium.

What a hybrid is, and what it changes

In a string bed, the vertical strings (the mains) and the horizontal strings (the crosses) don't work the same way, and the mains are the ones that break first. The idea behind a hybrid is to give each the string that suits it: a strong material in the mains, a softer one in the crosses. Mouratoglou Academy, which devotes an article to it, sees it as a popular option from amateurs to professionals, to find a balance between power, comfort, durability and control.

For the properties of each family before combining them, see which tennis string should you choose and our comparison monofilament or multifilament. Here we deal with the setup itself.

The most common combinations

Decathlon adds a variant: playing on gauges too, with thicker vertical strings for resistance and thinner horizontal ones for power, if the string bed allows it. An important nuance from a Belgian retailer: two excellent strings combined can give very poor feel, while two cheap strings can give an excellent result. The match between the two matters more than their price.

For gauge, see which tennis string gauge should you choose.

For the combination with gut (conditions, price, precautions), see natural gut tennis strings.

What tension for a hybrid? The sources differ

This is where the advice contradicts itself the most, even on the direction of the gap. Three identifiable sources give three answers:

These gaps aren't mistakes: each source starts from a different philosophy (polyester's stiffness, the feel sought, the type of player). So there is no universal rule, and the right answer depends on your racket, your strings and your arm.

In practice: start from the tension you normally use, ask your stringer for their view on the direction of the gap for your combination, then adjust in small steps, changing only one parameter at a time. Note the string, gauge and tension each time: a hybrid is tuned through successive trials.

To settle on your starting tension: what tension should you choose for your tennis racket.

How much does a hybrid cost?

A hybrid doesn't necessarily cost more than a standard string job; it depends on the two strings chosen. A few Belgian reference points, taken in October 2026:

If you put together your own hybrid, the price depends on the two strings. As an illustration, based on Decathlon Belgium's listed prices, buying a full set of monofilament (€8.99 to €15) and a full set of multifilament (€10.99 to €30) or natural gut (€47.99) would come to roughly €20 to €63 of string, before labour. Ask your shop whether it can fit only part of each set, or offers half sets.

For the price of labour and turnaround, see our survey restringing cost and turnaround.

What to ask your stringer for a hybrid

A hybrid is ordered with more precision than a single string. Give your stringer, or ask them to note:

• Mains: which string, which gauge, which tension in kilograms?
• Crosses: which string, which gauge, which tension in kilograms?
• Does the shop fit two different strings, and at what rate?
• Can it fit only part of each set?

To judge the quality of the service more broadly: how to choose a tennis stringer.

Should you switch to a hybrid?

A hybrid mainly suits players who find a monofilament alone too harsh, or a multifilament alone too fragile. If you often break strings or want more comfort without giving up durability, it's worth testing. If you're a beginner or your budget is tight, a single string is easier to tune: with two strings and two tensions, there are more parameters to adjust.

To know when to replace a setup, see when should you restring your tennis racket.

Keeping track of what works for you

Tuning a hybrid is done by trial: a string, a tension, feedback on the feel, then an adjustment. You still have to remember what you tried last time.

That's exactly what Tension wants to make easier: keeping the history of your restrings (string, tension used) so you no longer have to remember, and finding an available stringer near you. Tension is coming to Belgium in late 2026, and you can already get notified at launch.

Are you a stringer or a shop? Tension Pro is designed to manage your orders, customers and stringing jobs, while letting new players find and book you. For the big picture, see our tennis stringing guide.