String comparison
OG-Sheep Micro vs Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
Gosen OG-Sheep Micro against Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are synthetic gut strings. On our ratings they play almost the same: no rating differs by a full point. They score the same for arm friendliness (4/5). Price is close too, so choose on feel and availability.
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 OG-Sheep Micro if…
- Best for: budget-conscious players at any level
- Best for: juniors developing their game
- Best for: home stringers and high school teams
Pick Synthetic Gut with Duraflex if…
- Best for: beginning and intermediate juniors
- Best for: budget-conscious families
- Best for: players wanting comfort without premium price
Specs side by side
| Spec | OG-Sheep Micro | Synthetic Gut with Duraflex |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic gut | Synthetic gut |
| Construction | Solid core synthetic gut with thinner center core than OG Micro Super | Solid nylon core with single outer wrap and Nomex wear-resistant Duraflex fibers |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 15L, 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $4–6 | $5–8 |
| Reel price | $50–70 | $60–80 |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Play styles | All court, Touch player, Serve and volley | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-58 lbs for juniors. At 56 lbs produces nice "thud" rather than "ping". | 52-58 lbs for juniors. Can string higher (58-60) for more control without sacrificing comfort. |
OG-Sheep Micro in short
Born in 1981, Gosen OG-Sheep Micro has stood the test of time as one of the best value strings available. This Japanese synthetic gut offers great all-around playability with no huge deficits preventing the full range of shots. It's slightly softer and more powerful than OG Micro Super due to its thinner center core. Poly players adapting to it found the transition seamless. For the player who simply wants great all-around playability at an almost unbelievably low price, OG-Sheep Micro is as good as it gets.
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.
OG-Sheep Micro vs Synthetic Gut with Duraflex: quick answers
Which has more spin, OG-Sheep Micro 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. OG-Sheep Micro is recommended from age 8 and Synthetic Gut with Duraflex from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (6/10). Tension maintenance: OG-Sheep Micro 5/10, Synthetic Gut with Duraflex 5/10.
Which is cheaper?
OG-Sheep Micro costs about $4–6 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 (OG-Sheep Micro) and 2025-01 (Synthetic Gut with Duraflex).