Choosing The Right Strings
String Types
Natural Gut
This premium tennis string offers unmatched tension maintenance and feel, suitable for all players. Made from serosa fibers, it’s expensive but highly effective. While once sensitive to weather, modern coatings have improved its durability. No other string matches natural gut for tension and power.Multifilament
Made from nylon filaments bound with polyurethane, offer more power and comfort than solid-core strings. They mimic natural gut's performance at a lower cost, making them ideal for players with sensitive arms and elbows, though they lose tension faster compared to natural gut.Monofilament
Made from a single extruded material, they are durable but offer less power and comfort than other strings. Co-polyester monofilaments are slightly softer, providing control and spin for players with fast swings. Preferred by intermediate and advanced players, they lose tension faster than other string types.Synthetic Gut
Synthetic gut strings, made from nylon with a solid core and outer filaments, offer affordable, all-around performance. They balance tension maintenance with improved feel and are suitable for players of various levels.Hybrid
Hybrid stringing combines two different types or gauges of string in one racquet, often mixing stiff polyester with softer synthetic or natural gut. This blend improves comfort and playability while maintaining durability and spin, making it popular for extending string life.Choosing The Right Gauge Strength
| String Gauge | Elasticity | Durability | Spin | Feel | Comfort |
| Thinner | More | Less | More | More | More |
| Thicker | Less | More | Less | Less | Less |
This is the diameter of the string, commonly expressed in millimeters and/or gauge numbers (the higher the gauge number, the thinner the string, and vice versa). Thinner strings tend to provide more power, feel and spin potential than a larger diameter string of the same type, although the thicker string will provide more control and durability.
Choosing The Right Tension
| String Tension | Power | Control | Durability | Feel | Comfort |
| Lower | More | Less | Less | More | More |
| Higher | Less | More | More | Less | Less |
String tension is crucial for racquet playability, typically ranging from 40-70 pounds (18-32 kilograms). The recommended tension range is usually indicated near the racquet's throat. Higher tension offers more control but less power, while lower tension provides more power with less feel and control. Starting in the middle of this range is ideal. Strings lose tension rapidly after installation, often by 10% within 24 hours, reducing elasticity and requiring more player-generated power. To maintain optimal performance, restring your racquet regularly—at least every six months or as many times per year as you play per week.
