17 gauge (1.25mm) tennis strings
17 gauge — 1.25mm — is the most popular thickness on the modern professional tour. The thinner construction grips the ball more aggressively at contact, creating noticeably more spin and touch than 16 gauge. The trade-off is durability: 17 gauge breaks faster, particularly under heavy hitters with aggressive swing patterns. For most intermediate-to-advanced players, the spin and feel benefits justify slightly more frequent restringing. The 17 gauge sets here include Babolat RPM Hurricane and RPM Team, Wilson Luxilon ALU Power, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase, and Yonex Poly Tour Pro.
How to choose
17 gauge is the all-round modern choice. If you break strings often, step up to 16 gauge for durability. For dedicated spin specialists, drop to 18 gauge. Browse the wider Babolat string range.
Frequently asked questions
Is 17 gauge the same as 1.25mm?
Yes — they're the same measurement. 17 is the gauge number; 1.25mm is the metric equivalent.
How long does 17 gauge string last?
Typically 10-15 hours of regular play, less if you're a heavy spin player who chews through poly.
Why do pros use 17 gauge?
Better spin, better touch, better feel. The faster string fatigue is a non-issue for pros who restring after every match anyway.
Should I switch from 16 to 17 gauge?
If your priority is spin and you don't mind restringing more often, yes. If durability matters most, stay with 16.
Is 17 gauge more expensive?
Same per-set price as 16 gauge in most ranges — the cost difference is in restring frequency, not the string itself.
