Selecting the Correct Tennis Racket String Tension and Gauge

Choosing the right string tension and gauge for your tennis racket is a crucial factor in maximising your performance and enjoying your time on the court. The right setup can help you strike the perfect balance between power and control, protect against injury, and ensure your racket feels just right for your style of play. This guide will walk you through the essentials of string tension and gauge selection, helping you make informed choices tailored to your needs.aying style.

String tension plays a major role in how your racket performs. The basic principle is simple: lower tension (looser strings) tends to deliver more power, while higher tension (tighter strings) gives you greater control. Here’s how it works:

·  Power vs. Control: Looser strings act like a trampoline, propelling the ball with more force but offering less precision. Tighter strings provide a firmer surface, allowing you to direct shots more accurately but with less inherent power.

·  Feel and Response: Lower tensions offer a softer feel and more ‘give’, which can be more comfortable, especially for those sensitive to vibration. Higher tensions provide a crisper, more immediate response..

Your playing style is a key factor in choosing the right string tension:

·  Power Players: If you generate plenty of your own power and want to keep the ball in play with accuracy, a higher tension (towards the top of your racket’s recommended range) may suit you best.

·  Control Players: If you rely more on placement and spin, or find it hard to hit big shots, a lower tension can help you add power and depth to your game.

·  Personal Preferences: Some players prefer a softer feel for comfort, while others like a stiffer string bed for quick feedback. Don’t be afraid to experiment within the recommended range to see what feels best for you.

Every racket comes with a recommended string tension range, usually printed on the frame. It’s wise to start within this range, as it’s designed to get the best performance and durability from your racket. Stringing outside of this range can risk damaging your frame or voiding warranties. If you’re unsure, ask your stringer or coach for advice.

Finding your perfect tension often involves a bit of trial and error. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1.  Begin with the middle of your racket’s recommended range.

2.  Play several sessions and pay attention to comfort, power, and control.

3.  If you want more power, reduce the tension by 1–2 kg (2–5 lbs). For more control, increase it by the same amount.

4.  Keep notes on how each adjustment feels and performs.

5.  Repeat until you find the tension that works best for your game.

Weather can affect string performance. In hot weather, strings tend to loosen, while in cold weather, they become stiffer. High humidity can also soften strings. If you play outdoors year-round:

·  Consider increasing tension slightly in hot weather to maintain control.

·  Decrease tension a little in cold conditions for added comfort and power.

·  If you travel or play in different climates, be prepared to adjust your tension to suit the environment.

String tension isn’t just about performance – it’s also about comfort and protecting your body. Too high a tension can lead to arm, wrist, or shoulder discomfort, especially if you’re prone to tennis elbow. Signs your tension may be too high include soreness, excessive vibration, or a harsh feel on impact. Listen to your body and don’t hesitate to lower tension if you feel discomfort. Softer strings (such as multifilament or natural gut) can also help reduce impact shock.

String gauge refers to the thickness of the string, usually measured in millimetres or a numbered system (common gauges range from 15 to 19, with 15 being the thickest and 19 the thinnest).

·  Thicker Strings (Lower Gauge): More durable and longer lasting but may offer less spin and feel.

·  Thinner Strings (Higher Gauge): Provide more spin and a softer feel but tend to break more quickly.

·  Power, Spin, Durability: Thinner strings are better for spin and touch; thicker strings are better for players who break strings often and need extra durability.

To choose the best gauge:

·  If you break strings frequently, go for a thicker string (gauge 15 or 16).

·  If you want more spin and feel, and don’t mind restringing more often, try a thinner gauge (17 or 18).

·  Intermediate options (16L or 17) can offer a balance between durability and playability.

Gauge choice is also a matter of preference, so don’t hesitate to try different options until you find your ideal setup.

Selecting the right string tension and gauge is highly personal. Start with your racket’s recommendations, be mindful of your playing style and environment, and listen to your body’s feedback. Don’t be afraid to experiment – a few small adjustments can make a significant difference to your comfort and performance. Remember, the right setup is the one that helps you play your best and enjoy your tennis to the fullest.

Choosing the right tennis strings can be a daunting task, given the sheer number of options available. Whether you're a power player seeking control, a beginner looking for comfort and pop, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you navigate the world of tennis strings. At Bespoke, our aim is to make your string selection process enjoyable and informative, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your playing style.

Many players are unaware that tennis strings and their tension can account for at least half the performance of your racket. All strings lose tension over time, which impacts playability and control. It's essential to string your racket within the recommended tension range to maintain peak performance. When tension drops below this range, you may find your racket harder to control and less effective on court.

Let’s explore the main categories of tennis strings, their construction, playing properties, and the pros and cons associated with each.

Synthetic gut strings are typically made from nylon, featuring a solid core surrounded by wrapped fibres. These are commonly found in factory-strung rackets due to their affordability and reasonable playability. Synthetic gut is ideal for beginners and intermediate players, offering comfort and good access to power. However, it’s less durable for advanced players who hit with more spin, though it does hold tension relatively well over time.

·  Pros: Inexpensive, maintains tension well, good power, comfortable feel

·  Cons: Limited playability, little spin potential, not highly durable

Polyester strings consist of a single solid core made from polymer, resulting in a stiffer string. These have become the standard on the pro tour, particularly among advanced players who value control and spin. Polyester strings are available in various shapes (round, hexagonal, pentagonal, square) to enhance spin potential by gripping the ball better. Due to their stiffness, they’re not recommended for beginners or those with arm issues, as they offer little power and transmit more shock to the arm. However, they are exceptionally durable, though prone to losing tension faster than other string types.

·  Pros: Excellent spin, superior control, very durable

·  Cons: Low power, harsh on the arm, lose tension quickly

Multifilament strings are made from hundreds of tiny fibres woven together, providing a soft and comfortable playing experience. They are often seen as the closest alternative to natural gut, but at a more accessible price point. Multifilament’s offer great power and are gentle on the arm, making them perfect for players with existing arm problems. They also maintain tension well but are less durable, suiting players who prioritise comfort and playability over longevity.

·  Pros: Excellent power, very comfortable, high-tension maintenance, wide price range, closest to natural gut

·  Cons: Reduced control, not very durable

Natural gut strings have been the gold standard for power and comfort since the 1800s. Made from tightly woven cow intestine fibres, they offer unmatched playability and tension maintenance. Favoured by professionals in hybrid setups, natural gut provides superb comfort and can be strung at high tensions for added control and spin. The main drawback is cost, as it’s the most expensive option and still less durable than polyester.

·  Pros: Ultimate playability, great tension maintenance, superb comfort, can be strung at high tension

·  Cons: Most expensive option, less durable than polyester

Hybrid setups combine two different string types, most commonly natural gut and polyester. This approach boosts durability while enhancing playability, allowing players to customise their string bed to suit their preferences. Typically, the durable string is placed in the mains and the power/comfort string in the crosses. While hybrids offer a personalised experience, they may not excel in any single category and can be more expensive, especially if premium strings are used.

·  Pros: Combines properties of different string types, personalisation, improved durability and playability

·  Cons: Not the best in any single category, potentially higher cost

It’s time to restring your racket when:

·  The string breaks, either from wear in the centre or from a mishit near the frame

·  The string snaps due to contact with the ground, especially if the head guard is worn

·  Tension drops, leading to a loss in playability

·  Multifilament strings start to fray excessively, causing tension loss

The general rule of thumb: the number of times you play per week is the number of times you should restring per year. As a minimum, all strings should be changed every three months. Even if your racket sits unused, the strings lose tension, so recreational players should aim for at least one restring every six months.

We hope this guide has made the process of choosing tennis strings clearer and less intimidating. For more detailed advice on string tension and gauge, just drop us a message.