Some strings are the talk of the tennis world: Luxilon ALU Power, Solinco Hyper-G, and RPM Blast. However, if you spend enough time experimenting with strings, you’ll soon discover that there are plenty of lesser-known alternatives that work just as well – sometimes even better.
I’ve tested a lot of strings over the last few seasons that consistently produce amazing performance but don’t always receive the same excitement. These strings, which offer excellent playability yet are still going unnoticed, are what I think are truly hidden jewels.
Based on my personal testing experience, these five under-appreciated polyester strings are ranked in no particular order of hype.
Top hidden gems strings ranked
| Rank | String | Why It’s Great | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis Hexa Infinite Black 1.23 | Excellent balance of spin, comfort and tension stability | Players wanting a reliable shaped poly that performs consistently |
| 2 | Laserfibre Laser Edge Black 1.29 | Crisp response with strong spin and predictable control | Players who like a connected stringbed feel and directional accuracy |
| 3 | Mantis Tri Spin Black 1.25 | Aggressive bite on the ball with heavy topspin potential | Baseline players who rely on spin-heavy groundstrokes |
| 4 | Robin Söderling RS Paris Silver 1.25 | Excellent spin and control with strong durability | Aggressive players who swing big and generate their own power |
| 5 | String Kong Banana Bite Yellow 1.25 | Lively snapback with strong spin and great value | Spin-focused players looking for an underrated performance poly |
Genesis Hexa Infinite Black 1.23
Hexa Infinite is one of the clearest illustrations of why Genesis strings have quietly established a name among string fans. This hexagonal co-polyester string is made to be comfortable while giving spin, control, and tension stability.
Hexa Infinite’s outstanding balance across all performance domains caught my attention right away. Because of its hexagonal shape, it holds the ball nicely and doesn’t seem as harsh as certain shaped polys.
What is notable:
• Outstanding spin generation
• Excellent tension control
• A poly feels cozy.
It’s the kind of string that just works reliably and has no significant flaws.
Laserfibre Laser Edge Black 1.29
Although they don’t usually receive much attention, Laserfibre has made some great strings over the years. The shaped co-poly Laser Edge Black is intended to provide spin and control, and it does just that.
The clear responsiveness and steady trajectory caught my attention. During extended rallies, you can easily trust your shots because the ball consistently and neatly leaves the strings.
Essential characteristics:
• The potential for sharp spin
• A responsive, sharp feel
• Dependable control
For players who like a more connected stringbed response, it’s an excellent option.
Mantis Tri Spin Black 1.25
Mantis is another brand that tends to fly under the radar, but Tri Spin deserves more recognition.
This string uses a triangular shaped profile, which helps it grip the ball aggressively and produce heavy topspin.
From the baseline, the spin potential was immediately noticeable. The string really grabs the ball and creates a heavy, dipping trajectory, which makes it easier to hit aggressively with margin.
What makes it stand out:
- excellent bite on the ball
- strong spin production
- controlled launch angle
If you enjoy spin-heavy baseline tennis, this string is definitely worth trying.
Robin Söderling Paris Silver 1.25
After retiring, former French Open finalist Robin Söderling founded the RS Tennis brand, and some of their strings have quietly gained a devoted fanbase.
The octagonal form of the RS Paris string maximizes ball bite and spin. The string feels reasonably comfortable for a curved poly and provides a really excellent blend of spin and control.
The main benefits are:
• The octagonal shape’s powerful spin
• Outstanding control during full swings
• Sturdy durability
This is a very dependable string for players that prefer to swing aggressively.
String Kong Banana Bite Yellow 1.25
Banana Bite (image on top) is a very serious string, despite being the most playful name on the list.
Recently, String Kong has been making some intriguing polyesters, and Banana Bite is notable for its vibrant feel and spin-friendly character.
The string’s distinct snapback effect keeps the ball diving into the court and contributes to spin.
What caught my attention:
• Excellent spin and snapback
• Excellent responsiveness
• Very good control
• Great tension holding
When you hit it for the first time, it’s the kind of string that surprises you how consistent it is.
Final thoughts
Finding undiscovered gems that function just as well as the better-known possibilities is one of the most fun aspects of exploring with tennis strings.
Genesis Hexa Infinite, Mantis Tri Spin, and RS Paris are just a few examples of strings that demonstrate that you don’t always need to select the most well-known brand in order to achieve great performance.
Sometimes lesser-known strings that just work make the best settings. If you like experimenting with new equipment, you might find your next favorite string by trying one of these under the radar strings.