Solid strings. More than enough to hold my 130 lb garage door. I had to loosen the door ropes a little to delay the tensioning of the strings. Can maintain full balance from waist to chest. At other heights they tend to pull the door up. That is a good thing. As the strings soften over time, there should be enough room to adjust the door wires. We look forward to many years of good work. Check door cable for damage.