6 Best Multifilament Tennis Strings For Junior Rackets That Reduce Arm Shock

Your child comes off the tennis court after a fun lesson, but instead of talking about their new backhand, they’re rubbing a sore elbow. As a parent, you immediately wonder if it’s their form, their racket, or something else entirely. Often, the answer is hiding in plain sight: the tennis strings, which play a huge role in how much shock travels from the racket to a developing arm.

Protecting Junior Arms with Multifilament Strings

You’ve probably heard the pros on TV talk about their powerful polyester strings. It’s tempting to think that’s what your aspiring player needs, but for a child’s developing bones, joints, and muscles, those strings are far too stiff and unforgiving. The vibrations they create can lead to discomfort and even injury, turning a fun sport into a painful chore. This is where multifilament strings become a parent’s best friend.

Think of a multifilament string as thousands of tiny, flexible fibers bundled together inside a soft outer coating, much like a natural rope. This construction allows the string to absorb impact shock incredibly well, cushioning the ball’s impact and protecting your child’s arm. By choosing a multifilament, you aren’t just buying equipment; you are investing in your child’s physical well-being and their long-term enjoyment of the game. It ensures they associate tennis with fun and skill-building, not aches and pains.

Tecnifibre NRG2: Top-Tier Comfort and Power

If your child, typically in the 10-14 age range, is playing several times a week and showing real passion for the sport, Tecnifibre NRG2 is a premium choice. It’s known for offering an exceptional combination of arm-friendly comfort and the kind of power that helps them see the results of their improving technique. This string gives them a "lively" feel, making the game more exciting as they start hitting with more pace.

The investment here is a bit higher, so it’s best suited for the junior player who has moved beyond the casual beginner stage. You wouldn’t put high-performance tires on a tricycle, and the same logic applies here. For the dedicated young player, however, NRG2 provides a professional-level feel that can boost confidence and help them execute more advanced shots without putting their arm at risk. It’s a fantastic string to grow with as their game matures.

Wilson NXT Comfort: Ultimate Arm Shock Absorption

Does your child complain about a "buzzing" feeling in their arm after hitting? Or have they mentioned a sore wrist or elbow? Wilson NXT Comfort is engineered specifically to address this. It is one of the softest, most vibration-dampening strings on the market, making it an outstanding choice for any junior player, especially those who are sensitive to impact.

This string is a perfect first upgrade from the generic factory strings that come pre-strung on most junior rackets. It provides an immediate and noticeable improvement in comfort, which can be a game-changer for younger players (ages 7-11) who are still building the strength to handle repeated impacts. By maximizing shock absorption, NXT Comfort helps ensure your child’s focus remains on their footwork and swing, not on a jarring sensation in their arm.

Head Velocity MLT: A Softer Feel for Young Arms

Head Velocity MLT hits a sweet spot between performance, comfort, and value. It’s a workhorse multifilament that provides a significantly softer and more forgiving response than standard synthetic gut strings, making it an excellent all-around choice for a wide range of junior players. It’s less about generating massive power and more about providing a comfortable, controlled experience.

This is a smart, practical upgrade for the child who is playing consistently in clinics or on a school team. It offers the arm protection they need while also providing good "ball pocketing"–a feeling of the ball sinking into the strings–which helps them develop feel and control. For parents, it delivers top-tier arm safety without the premium price tag of some other high-end multifilaments, making it a wise investment in their development.

Babolat Xcel: Premium Playability and Comfort

As junior players (ages 11-14) begin to refine their strokes, they need a string that offers both comfort and clear feedback. Babolat Xcel delivers just that. It’s a high-end multifilament that feels crisp and responsive on contact, allowing your child to feel more connected to the ball. This enhanced feel helps them understand how their swing affects the ball’s spin and direction.

While providing this excellent playability, Xcel remains exceptionally comfortable and easy on the arm. It’s a great option for the intermediate junior who is starting to compete or is taking their game more seriously. It bridges the gap between pure comfort strings and more performance-oriented options, supporting their skill progression without sacrificing the essential element of arm safety.

Gamma TNT2: A Great All-Around Junior String

When you’re looking for a noticeable improvement over factory strings without breaking the bank, Gamma TNT2 is a fantastic and popular choice. It’s known for its lively feel and solid all-around performance, offering a great blend of power and control that kids love. More importantly, its construction is far more forgiving on the arm than basic nylon or synthetic gut.

This string is the perfect "first real re-string" for a junior player of almost any age or skill level. It’s a cost-effective way to make their racket feel better and play better, which can be a huge motivator. Because it’s not a top-tier investment, it’s a low-risk choice for a child whose commitment level might still be evolving. You’re giving them a better tool to enjoy the game without over-investing too early.

Prince Premier Control: For Feel and Arm Safety

The name says it all. Prince Premier Control is designed for players who are learning to do more than just hit the ball over the net; they’re learning to place it. This string uses flexible filaments to create a soft, arm-friendly stringbed that also offers an outstanding sense of touch and control. It helps your child feel the ball on the strings, an essential part of developing more nuanced shots like drop shots and angles.

This is an ideal string for the thoughtful player who is transitioning from just rallying to constructing points. It provides the arm safety needed for long practice sessions while rewarding their attempts at more precise shot-making. By giving them the feedback they need to connect their swing to a specific result, Premier Control can accelerate their understanding of the game’s strategy.

Choosing the Right String Tension for Your Child

Selecting the right string is only half the battle; the tension at which it’s installed is just as important for a junior player. In simple terms, string tension is how tightly the strings are pulled in the racket. A higher tension offers more control, while a lower tension provides more comfort, more power, and a larger sweet spot.

For a junior player, especially one using a soft multifilament string, always err on the side of lower tension. Their smaller frames and developing muscles benefit immensely from the added forgiveness and shock absorption. Most junior rackets have a recommended tension range printed on the frame (e.g., 48-58 lbs). A great rule of thumb is to start at the very bottom of that range, or even a couple of pounds below it.

• For beginners (ages 6-10): Ask the stringer to go low. This maximizes comfort and makes it easier for them to get the ball over the net, which builds confidence.
• For intermediate players (ages 11-14): You can start in the low-to-mid part of the recommended range. As they get stronger and their preferences develop, you can have a conversation with them and their coach about slight adjustments.

Never be afraid to ask the pro at your local tennis shop for their recommendation. They string rackets for kids all day long and can provide invaluable guidance based on your child’s age, racket, and playing style.

Ultimately, choosing the right string is a simple but powerful way to protect your child and nurture their love for tennis. By prioritizing comfort with a soft multifilament at a lower tension, you’re not just preventing injury—you’re ensuring the court remains a place of joy, growth, and fun for years to come.