How to Choose Tennis Strings - Buying Guide by tennisnuts.com
Polyester
- More durability
- More control
Multifilament
- More comfort
- More power
Synthetic Gut
- More comfort
- Good value
Hybrid
- More control
- More power
Natural Gut
- More control
- More power
A Short Guide to String Guages
Generally speaking, thinner strings offer improved playability while thicker strings offer enhanced durability.
Tennis string gauges range from 15 (thickest) to 19 (thinnest), with half-gauges identified with an L (15L, 16L, etc), which is short for “light”. Obviously, the thinner the gauge, the more powerful the string, with lots of spin potential. BUT the string will be less durable, but you could allow for that by going for a really thin, durable string.
- Gauge 15 (1.35 mm) is the standard gauge for tennis.
- Gauge 16 (1.30 mm) is the most popular gauge for tennis (optimum level of durability and power)
- Gauge 17 (1.25 mm) is "thinner than normal" gauge for tennis.
- Gauge 18 (1.20 mm) is the thinnest gauge for tennis.
Stringing Tension Guidelines (Mains & Crosses)
Each racket has its own tension range (shown in the technical spec of each racket). The optimum tension for the majority of people is mid-tension. We would recommend picking a tension 1 or 2 lbs more than mid, as rackets lose tension fairly quickly.
Generally speaking, the higher the tension, you get more control but less power. The lower the tension, you get more power but less control.
- The higher the tension, the more impact on your arm.
- If you go for a durable polyester string for both mains and crosses, you should reduce the tension by up to 10% as poly strings have no give in them, and can cause arm issues.
- For the majority of people, the SAME mains and crosses are ideal, but you can ask for custom mains and crosses, i.e. a Hybrid
- Or you can pick from a selection of Pre-selected Hybrid sets.
