Did You Know that the type of tennis string you use and the tension at which it is installed is equally or perhaps more important than the type of racquet you use!
String Information
How often should you restring your racquet?
If your strings don't break, restringing throughout the year should occur as frequently as you play tennis each week, or at least once a year; for example, if you play tennis three times a week, you should restring your racquet three times a year
String Thickness
Tennis string comes in several different gauges. The lower the gauge the thicker, the higher the gauge the thinner. The thickest string sold is 15 gauge which has a diameter of 1.41 to 1.49 millimeters, while the thinnest string typically found is 19 gauge (thinner string has been made) which has a diameter of 1 to 1.1 millimeters. An L (for light) is used to denote half gauges. For example, 17L is between 17 and 18 gauge, and 16L is between 16 and 17 gauge. All else equal, thick strings last longer but have less feel and less power. In addition to added power and feel, thinner string digs into the ball more, enhancing spin potential. If you can afford the shortened lifetime, thinner strings are the way to go.
String Tension
The tension is the amount of force used to pull the strings when they are tied into the racquet, and is typically given in pounds. The higher the tension the tighter, and the less flexible the strings will be. This results in a stiffer feel with a lower power level. Looser strings (lower tensions) provide more power and a softer, more comfortable touch, but are detrimental to a player's depth control (ability to control how far the ball travels when hit).
A racquet should be strung at a tension within the range specified by the manufacturer. This range is usually printed on the throat of the racquet. If you're not sure what tension to string your racquet at, a good bet is to use the middle of the manufacturer's recommended range. If the manufacturer recommends 50-60lbs, then try 55 lbs. If you are a hard hitter, need added depth control, and have no arm problems you might want to use a higher tension. If you want added power or a softer feel to avoid arm problems then use lower tensions
String Facts
Higher string tensions: more control, less power, more shock
Lower string tension: more power, less control, less shock
Thinner string (higher gauge): more power, more spin, more feel, less shock, less durable
Softer string: less shock, more feel, less durable (better for tennis elbow problems)
Racquet Storage
Do not leave your racquets in the trunk of your car or in direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures (high or low) can reduce string tension by as much as 40%
- If you are unsure about which strings and tension would work best for you, contact me and I can give you recommendations.
- I can pick up and drop of racquets in High River, Okotoks and Calgary or can meet in a mutually agreed place.
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