THE BEST STRINGS FOR ME

We explain elsewhere why “durability” in the sense of “tear resistance” is only of real benefit for those of us who are powerful, aggressive club players. For the mayority of recreational tennis players the strings have lost their initial elasticity long before they actually break. For these players, completely different criteria are relevant when choosing the right string.

BUT WHAT ARE THE RELEVANT CRITERIA WHEN CHOOSING THE “RIGHT” TENNIS STRING FOR YOU?

The character of a tennis string results from the combination of different properties, one of which is normally the dominant one. First of all you need to be clear about this main characteristic or particular strength you expect from your string.

vibration dampening (for playing comfort and feel)
repulsion power (for players with less strength and/or technique)
control (for powerful, accurate players)
sensitive feel (for variable players with a wide range of strokes)
spin (for extreme topspin and slice effect)
tension maintenance (for long playing enjoyment)
durability (for powerful, aggressive players)

Based on the particular strength of the string, it is then worth taking a look at the secondary property in order to make your final string selection.

MONITOR THE LOSS OF TENSION

AND ELASTICITY OF YOUR STRINGS

OVER THE COURSE OF TIME!

Get your free download: the stringster app checks the condition of your strings by their sound.

WHEN DO HYBRID STRINGS MAKE SENSE FOR YOU?

In order to combine the strengths of several types of strings, so-called hybrid strings are increasingly being used. This is a combination of different main strings (often monofilament) and cross strings (often multifilament).

Advantage: Players with high string wear, for example, do not have to completely forego playing comfort.
Risk: Not every string combination that makes sense in theory delivers a harmonious feel in reality.

In any case, the basic character of your strings should support or complement the properties of your racquet – and not counteract them. A frame designed for comfort should therefore not be combined with a thick, rigid polyester or even Kevlar string.

FINE TUNING STRING TENSION LEVEL.

After you have found a suitable string or string combination for you and your racquet, you can experiment a little with the string tension level the next time you get you racquet strung.

You are looking for a little more control in your strokes? Then the next time you have to string 1–1.5 kg harder .

You would appreciate a little more power and playing comfort? Then the next time you have to string 1–1.5 kg softer. This improves the trampoline effect and enlarges the sweet spot.

WHAT MAKES YOUR GAME EVEN BETTER.

With the right combination of string type and string tension, you can tune your racquet perfectly to your needs and maximise playing enjoyment. But this alone wont make you a better tennis player. Strings and tension may account for 10% of your success, but good technique, training, and dedication are the only ways to really improve your game.