INFORMATION ABOUT TENNIS STRINGS

 

Just as important as the tennis racket are the tennis strings - maybe even more important. The set up of a racket for ones individual needs and preferences through choice of strings, thickness of strings, stringing tension etc, requires a number of attempts. Once the right combination has been found nothing stands in your way of your tennis enjoyment. In the following chapters we give the basic information about the different string types that we offer in our shop and the recommended stringing suggestions. Further details can also be found in the manufacturers links.

 

Basic string issues

 

Stringing tension:
General rules:- the harder the tension the less power and more control one has. On the other hand a softer stringing tension produces more power but reduced control. The harder tension creates less feeling for the ball and is harder on the arm. The recommended string tension is written on the rackets frame.

 

String thickness (gauge):
Thin strings provide more elasticity, ball feeling, spin and are easier on the arm. At the same time the durability and tensions stability is reduced. Thicker strings have the opposite properties.

 

Stringing interval:
Tennis strings lose elasticity with time. Therefore playability and the players arm suffers, players with a sensitive elbow will feel this effect more. One should restring their racket after around 20 hours of play at the latest.

 

Natural Gut strings

 

High quality natural gut strings are produced with cow gut. They have a second to none elasticity, life span and keep their original tension longer. On the other hand these strings are expensive and sensitive to moisture. Many professionals play with natural gut or with a combination of natural gut and synthetic strings. Lower quality natural gut strings are manufactured from sheep gut. Natural gut strings are the most elastic strings available and are extremely kind to the arm. The strings are double so elastic compared to synthetic strings, that means to achieve a stretch of 1%  only half as much power is needed by gut strings as opposed to synthetic strings. This advantage is more noticable by rackets with a smaller frame size as the strings reaction time is demanded. The natural gut strings can achieve this while they have no glued, twisted or multi filamented construction.

 

Synthetic strings

 

These are now days a high tech product and are constantly being developed and match with some qualities the natural gut strings. The most important advantages of synthetic strings are the price, durability, control and lower sensitivity in adverse weather conditions. Depending on which string properties are wished one can find the ideal string and/or combination of strings. There is a long list of different synthetic strings in relation to construction, structure and material.

 

Polyester strings (monofile strings)
The simplest construction of strings consists of a single filament or polyester cord and eventually with a thin coating. the range in thickness or gauge ranges from 1,10 to 1,38mm and offer relative good durability therefore a thinner string can be chosen. Modern high tech strings such as Luxillon Big Banger compared to older string models offer over a longer playing period better elasticity and hold their tension longer. Up until the last 1 or 2 years polyester strings where only recommended for players that regularly break strings, but today more players are choosing thinner strings between 1,18 and 1,25 mm. Also the modern polyester strings do not move, even with extreme topspin. Polyester strings offer the best durability and great control but are not as elastic and are harder on the arm.

 

Synthetic strings
This type of string are plastic and are offered with a single filamented core and one or multiple coatings consisting of thin fibres made from a variety of materials. The more coating the higher the quality and more expensive the strings become. The additional coatings reduce the loss in tension that often occurs with these strings. This construction method offers increased elasticity and is friendly to the arm, at the same time less durability. To increase the durability of these strings a kevlar fibre is woven into the string, Because of the balance of the string quality and the relatively cheaper price, this string type is loved by players with a flat base line strokes, also as a cross string option to polyester strings.

 

Multi filemented strings
The so called multi filemented string consist of a core made of thousands of single fibres that are twisted or woven together and are generally finished with a durable outer coating. Due to the complicated manufacturing process these strings are not exactly cheap. They are however a good solution for players with tennis elbow or other arm problems.

 

Structured single filament strings
Through a different technic the multi filamented core is woven over with fibres of diverse thickness and then provided with a protective outer material which achieves a structural outer surface, therefor more spin is produced. These strings are suitable for harder hitting players that like to restring their own rackets.

 
Structured multi filament strings
Through a different technic the multi filamented core is woven over with fibres of diverse thickness and then provided with a protective outer material which achieves a structural outer surface, therefore more spin is produced. These strings are suitable for harder hitting players that like to restring their own rackets.

Hybrid strings

These are a combination of two different string types. One for the mains and one for the cross strings. As the mains move more and break before the cross strings it is common to use a more durable string, eg, polyester mains and as a compensation an elastic string such as a synthetic for the cross strings. The playing qualities of such hybrid strings are good and easy on the arm but at the same time durable. There are many possible comdinations for hybrid strings. We recommend a polyester for the mains and a synthetic or natural gut option for the cross strings.