Important: this guide is about equipment only and is not medical advice. If you have elbow, forearm or wrist pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe, see a doctor or a physiotherapist. Rest, rehabilitation exercises and technique work are usually the core of recovery; equipment changes support them.
"Tennis elbow" — lateral epicondylitis in medical terms — is a painful irritation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is common among recreational players, and despite the name it also affects people who have never held a racket. In tennis, the usual contributing factors are technique (especially a late, wristy backhand), sudden increases in playing time, and equipment that sends more shock and vibration into the arm than necessary.
Equipment is the easiest of these to change. Here is what matters, in order of impact.
1. Strings and tension: the biggest quick win
If you only change one thing, change the strings. They are the first element to absorb the ball's impact.
- Avoid full polyester if your arm is sensitive. Poly is stiff, and once it loses its elasticity (often after a few weeks of regular play) it becomes even harsher. It is the most common string-related culprit.
- Choose natural gut or a soft multifilament. Both are elastic and absorb impact. Natural gut is the most comfortable string of all and keeps its tension well; good multifilaments come close for less money.
- Lower the tension. Stringing 1–2 kg (2–4 lb) below your usual tension makes the string bed softer and the sweet spot more forgiving. The trade-off is a little less control.
- Restring regularly. Dead strings transmit more shock. As a rule of thumb, restring at least as many times per year as you play per week — sooner if you use any polyester.
- Consider a thicker or softer hybrid if you break multifilaments too often: gut or multifilament in the main strings, a soft polyester in the crosses.
Our tennis strings guide explains every string type in more detail.
2. Frame stiffness (RA rating)
Racket stiffness is measured as an RA value, typically between about 55 and 75. Stiffer frames return more energy to the ball but also transmit more shock to the hand and arm. For a sensitive elbow:
- Look for an RA in the low-to-mid 60s or below.
- Be wary of very stiff "power" frames in the 70s.
- Some ranges are specifically marketed for comfort and flexibility — the Wilson Clash family, for example, is known for its low stiffness rating.
Note that RA is measured on the frame alone; strings and tension change how stiff the racket actually feels.
3. Weight and balance: lighter is not always better
It is tempting to think a lighter racket is easier on the arm. Often the opposite is true. When a heavy-ish racket meets the ball, its mass absorbs more of the impact; a very light racket is pushed back and twists more, so your arm does the absorbing.
- Aim for the heaviest racket you can swing comfortably through a whole session — for many adults, 285–300 g unstrung.
- Head-light or even balance tends to put less strain on the forearm than a light, very head-heavy frame.
- Do not jump straight to a much heavier frame: a sudden change can overload the arm too. Small steps (for example lead tape added gradually by a stringer) are safer.
4. Head size and sweet spot
Off-centre hits make the racket twist, and that twisting is felt in the forearm. A larger head (100 in² or more) offers a bigger sweet spot and more stability against twisting, which helps players whose contact point varies. Very small heads (95 in² and below) demand clean contact.
5. Grip size
A grip that is too small forces you to squeeze; one that is too big strains the hand. Both increase forearm tension. Check yours with our grip size guide. A cushioned replacement grip can also take the edge off vibrations.
Myths and minor factors
Vibration dampeners
The small rubber dampener between the strings removes the "ping" and some high-frequency buzz. Many players like the feel, but it has little effect on the impact shock that matters for the elbow. Use one if you like it — just do not count on it as a fix.
Elbow straps (counterforce braces)
Some players find a strap below the elbow reduces pain while playing. Whether one is suitable for you is something to ask a doctor or physio.
Old balls
Flat, worn-out balls and heavy pressureless balls feel "dead" and can make you swing harder. Fresh balls of the right type for your court are kinder to the arm. See our tennis balls guide.
A sample arm-friendly setup
| Element | Arm-friendly choice |
|---|---|
| Frame stiffness | RA around 65 or lower |
| Weight | 285–300 g unstrung, if you can swing it comfortably |
| Balance | Even to slightly head-light |
| Head size | 100 in² or more |
| Strings | Natural gut or soft multifilament (or gut/multi hybrid) |
| Tension | Lower half of the frame's recommended range |
| Grip | Correct size, cushioned replacement grip |
Don't forget technique and load
Equipment is only part of the picture. Hitting the ball late, leading with the elbow on the backhand, or "arming" the serve without using the legs and trunk all load the tendons. So does going from one session a week to five. A few lessons focused on technique, a gradual increase in playing time and a proper warm-up are as important as anything in your bag — and a physiotherapist can give you specific strengthening exercises.
If you are choosing a new frame anyway, our racket buying guide explains how all these specs fit together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best string for tennis elbow?
Natural gut is generally considered the most arm-friendly string, followed by soft multifilaments. Both absorb more impact than polyester. A hybrid with gut or multifilament in the mains and a soft polyester in the crosses is a compromise for players who need more control or durability.
Do vibration dampeners help tennis elbow?
Mostly no. A small dampener in the strings changes the sound and the high-frequency buzz you feel, but it has little effect on the impact shock that travels through the frame into the arm. Frame flexibility, weight, strings and tension matter far more.
Is a lighter racket better for tennis elbow?
Not necessarily. A very light racket absorbs less shock and twists more on off-centre hits, so more of the impact goes into your arm. A moderately heavier, flexible frame that you can still swing comfortably is often kinder to the elbow.
Should I keep playing with tennis elbow?
That is a question for a doctor or physiotherapist, who can assess the injury and give you a return-to-play plan. Playing through significant pain usually makes the condition last longer.