Choosing Your Tennis Strings
Selecting the right tennis strings is not something to be taken lightly. A poor choice can leave you playing with equipment that doesn’t suit your style, match your game's characteristics, or worse, strain your arm and joints.
To help you make the best decision, here are some essential tips to guide you based on your racket and your personal needs.
#1: Choose Strings That Suit Your Racket
Strings and rackets are inseparable. The string complements the racket, adapting to its weight and structure.
If your racket weighs less than 300 grams, it generates more vibration (about 18% more) in the forearm compared to a racket weighing over 300 grams, which can lead to greater muscle fatigue.
Lighter rackets offer better maneuverability, while heavier ones provide more power.
- Opt for a Multifilament String for lighter rackets under 300g. These strings are more elastic and provide extra power while reducing arm fatigue.
- For rackets over 300g, a Polyester String offers better control, though it can cause more arm fatigue due to its stiffness.
- If you want a combination of both, choose a Hybrid / Poly-Fusion, these offer you the chance to have the benefits of both string types with more options to tailor the playability to the outcomes you are looking for.
Summary:
- Heavy racket? Use a Polyester string to harness the racket’s power and gain more control.
- Light racket? Choose a multifilament string to boost power and reduce the stress on your arm.
- Best of both? Choose a Poly-Fusion (mix of Polyester and Multifilament in one string), or customise with a hybrid (half your racket is Polyester and half is Multifilament)
#2: Tailor Your Stringing to Your Playing Style
Another crucial factor in choosing the right string is your playing style and physical abilities. Just because your favorite pro uses a certain string or racket doesn't mean it will suit you.
Since hitting the ball generates significant vibrations (up to 100G at 70km/h), selecting the right string is key. You’ll need to consider not only your gender, age, and frequency of play, but also your physical condition and style of play (whether you rely on powerful shots, strong defense, or a powerful serve).
Here are a few scenarios to consider:
Power
If you want sharper, more aggressive shots with a lower trajectory, go for a string like the Duramix, or TGV for comfort. You can also reduce string tension to increase the "trampoline effect" and add power.
Control
If you aim to reduce mistakes and need more control, increase the string tension. A more flexible polyester string, like the Black Code or Razor Code, could be a good option—but be cautious, as these strings are harder on the forearm and not ideal for younger players who are still growing.
Comfort
If you're prone to injury or want to avoid strain, choose a multifilament string like Multifeel or TGV. It’s more flexible and powerful but less focused on control, reducing vibrations for better comfort.
Summary
Want more power? Opt for a multifilament or Poly-Fusion string like Multifeel, Duramix or TGV.
Need comfort and injury prevention? Stick with multifilament strings, which provide flexibility and reduce vibrations like Multifeel or TGV.
Seeking control and experience no arm discomfort? Go for a polyester string like Razor Code, Ice Code, Black Code, or Red Code.
#3: Don’t Settle for the First String You See—Know the Types
Polyester: Ideal for control, but avoid if you lack power or suffer from arm pain.
These strings are made entirely of polyester, offering durability and control but at the expense of comfort. These strings should be avoided if you have arm pain or if you're a young, frequent player, as they can cause injury.
Remember: Polyester is 38% more rigid than multifilament and causes 22% more muscle fatigue during play!
Hybrid stringing: You can combine polyester’s strength and control with the power and flexibility of multifilament, increasing comfort and ball control.
Multifilament Strings
Great for comfort and power.
Multifilament strings are composed of many intertwined fibers, which makes them more elastic and comfortable. They offer excellent power and comfort but are less durable. These strings are similar to natural gut, which is more expensive but offers even better playability.
Poly-Fusioin / Hybrid stringing
Multifilament can be paired with polyester for a blend of comfort and durability, often with multifilament strings placed horizontally and polyester vertically to balance durability and power.
Poly-Fusion is a string type that combines both Polyester and Multifilament within one single string.
Final Thoughts
When choosing your strings, consider your style of play, your body type, and your racket.
Most importantly, try out different strings to see how they feel and perform in your game before making a final decision.