Tennis String

Often overlooked and under-appreciated, tennis strings are the unsung hero of gear in the world of tennis gear. While there’s no doubt that tennis racquets are typically the primary focus, tennis strings and the tension at which you string them can have huge implications on a player’s game.

So why is it that emphasis on tennis strings falls to the wayside? For one, manufacturers tend to place significantly less marketing emphasis on strings than on other products, such as racquets and shoes. As a result, tennis strings receive substantially less exposure than other tennis gear.

However, beyond general awareness, knowledge about tennis strings tends to be lacking, and there are very few places where tennis players can go to learn more about them and how they impact their ability to perform.

The good news is that learning about tennis strings isn’t all that complex. Let’s look at some aspects of tennis strings that players should consider.

Types

Without a doubt, the easiest place to start is with the different types of tennis strings. Generally speaking, we can classify tennis strings into two groups based on the materials used to create them: natural gut and synthetic.

Natural gut strings, made from cow gut, are the original tennis strings and are considered by many to be the highest-quality tennis strings. They tend to provide excellent playability. However, due to their high cost and lack of durability, natural gut strings are rarely used by recreational players, not even the majority of competitive players.

Conversely, synthetic tennis strings offer players a wide range of options. Various materials, including nylon, polyester, and kevlar, make it easy to find a durable set that is significantly less expensive than natural gut.

Construction

Beyond the materials used in tennis string, the construction of strings can also affect how strings feel and how durable they are. Here’s a quick look at the different types of string construction available:

• Solid core with outer wrap(s) – the most common, multiple wraps are used for durability
• Monofilament – the most basic string construction, typically polyester
• Multifilament – considered by many to be the next best string after natural gut
• Textured – extra texture provided to help generate spin
• Composites – combines multiple materials or grades of materials
• Hybrid – the use of two different types of strings to string a single racquet

Whichever strings a player selects can depend on various factors, including their level, frequency of play, style of play, personal preferences, and even whether they suffer from arm injuries. Check out our article on the different types of tennis strings to learn more about strings and find the best strings for you.

Gauge

Another element of tennis strings to consider is the gauge or thickness of the tennis string. As with most aspects of tennis string, the gauge can also significantly impact overall performance. Here’s a look at the different gauges of strings available today.

• 15 / 1.41-1.49 mm
• 17 / 1.20-1.24 mm
• 15L / 1.34-1.40 mm
• 17L / 1.16-1.20 mm
• 16 / 1.26-1.33 mm
• 18 / 1.10-1.16 mm
• 16L / 1.22-1.26 mm
• 19 / 1.00-1.10 mm

Thicker strings will provide players with more durability. In comparison, thinner strings will typically provide players with greater spin potential because the strings have more “bite” when coming in contact with a tennis ball.

Tension

Even after selecting strings, it’s important to consider the tension in which we string our racquets. Thankfully, racquet manufacturers do much of the work for us by providing a recommended range to string any given racquet. However, within this range, typically 5 – 10 lbs, players will experience a significant difference in overall feel.

Players can string their racquet a few pounds looser to generate additional power or a bit tighter to give themselves slightly more control when hitting. Additionally, the overall feel of a racquet changes as the tension changes.

Racquets tend to feel looser or softer when strings are strung at lower tensions, while racquets that are strung at a higher tension tend to feel stiffer. Experimenting with different tensions to find the best fit for you is highly recommended.

Finding The Best Strings

If you’re in search of the very best tennis strings, then it’s important not to fall into the trap of using one string because another player is in love with it. Everyone is different, and what works for one person or what feels great to another may not work or make sense to you.

With that said, you should learn as much as you can about tennis strings, carefully consider the different aspects, and decide based on your goals, style, and frequency of play. Most importantly, you should test different strings to gain a point of reference for what you like and don’t like.

Of course, that’s not to say you should completely ignore what others have to say. Tennis string reviews and feedback from coaches or friends can be great information. Just be sure to make a decision armed with the correct information, which will ultimately mean finding the best tennis strings for you.

Replacing Your Strings

One of the most common questions about tennis strings is, “How often should they be replaced?” It’s a great question that most players don’t consider much. Instead, it’s common for players to see how long their strings will last. Some players even have a sense of pride when they tell people that their strings have lasted for over a year, which is way too long.

The truth is that strings wear down from play and lose their elasticity and tension, and as they continue to wear, you risk breaking a string mid-play and losing a point.

Over the years, I’ve found that the most common reason players don’t want to restring their racquet is that it costs money, which is understandable. However, costs aside, players serious about improving their game and competing regularly should monitor their strings’ health.

In tennis, there are a host of different variables that you can’t control during a match. The brightness and direction of the sun, the strength of the wind, and the temperature, to name a few. As a result, it pays for players to ensure they take the reigns and control the variables that they can, and there’s no doubt that changing strings is one of those variables.

The best part is that you’ll automatically have an advantage over most other players who don’t take the time to ensure they’re adequately equipped.