String comparison
Syn Gut vs Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
Babolat Syn Gut against Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are synthetic gut strings. Syn Gut leads on control, durability and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (4/5).
Ratings
Power
Spin
Control
Comfort
Durability
Tension hold
Ratings are on a 1–10 scale. The higher score is in bold when they differ.
Pick Syn Gut if…
- You want more control (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more durability (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 6 vs 8)
- Best for: young beginners (6+)
- Best for: recreational players
- Best for: hybrid crosses with poly mains
Pick Synthetic Gut with Duraflex if…
- Best for: beginning and intermediate juniors
- Best for: players wanting comfort without premium price
- Best for: hybrid cross string with poly mains
Specs side by side
| Spec | Syn Gut | Synthetic Gut with Duraflex |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic gut | Synthetic gut |
| Construction | Solid core with single polyamide wrap | Solid nylon core with single outer wrap and Nomex wear-resistant Duraflex fibers |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 15L, 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Low |
| Set price | $6–8 | $5–8 |
| Reel price | $60–80 | $60–80 |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 6 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Play styles | All court, Beginner | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 50-55 lbs for juniors. Forgiving at various tensions. | 52-58 lbs for juniors. Can string higher (58-60) for more control without sacrificing comfort. |
Syn Gut in short
Babolat Syn Gut is the perfect option for players who want great all-around playability at a budget-friendly price. Constructed with a solid central core and a nylon outer wrap, it offers a strong blend of comfort, power, durability, and spin. The single wrap polyamide structure provides good tension maintenance. Ideal for beginners and intermediate players. Also excellent as economical crosses in a hybrid setup to soften up polyester mains without breaking the bank. Made in France with Babolat quality.
Synthetic Gut with Duraflex in short
Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex is one of the best value strings of all time. The solid nylon core with Duraflex (Nomex wear-resistant fibers) provides consistency and durability at an unbeatable price. While not as soft as multifilaments, it offers plenty of comfort along with decent power. The Duraflex technology softens the string to almost multifilament comfort levels while providing a "blank canvas" feel that appeals to a wide range of players. Perfect starter string for developing juniors.
Syn Gut vs Synthetic Gut with Duraflex: quick answers
Which has more spin, Syn Gut or Synthetic Gut with Duraflex?
They tie on our spin rating (5/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 4/5. Syn Gut is recommended from age 6 and Synthetic Gut with Duraflex from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat Syn Gut rates 7/10 for durability against 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
Syn Gut costs about $6–8 a set and Synthetic Gut with Duraflex about $5–8, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Syn Gut) and 2025-01 (Synthetic Gut with Duraflex).