The Right Strings
Choosing the right strings for your racquet is one of the most important things you can do, however, determining which strings are right for you is really a matter of the individual player, your preferences, and the type of performance you want out on the court. Different strings provide differing capabilities for your racquet's performance, so whether your a seasoned pro or just beginning, we'll be able to provide you with everything from the most precision customization of your racquet to helping you choose the best strings possible for your individual playing style. Call us today and let let us help you with any of your stringing needs. Call 207-899-5767
Characteristics of Strings
Durability
Simply put, the durability of your strings refers to how strong they are. If you have stronger strings it means they will last longer and are less likely to break. It's important to keep in mind though, that as the durability of your strings increases, the less feeling you'll receive from your strings and more forces will be transmitted to your racquet and arms during play—increasing the risk for a common issue like tennis elbow. For players seeking higher durability strings, polyester tends to be the most durable, but you should consult with us as your local USRSA Certified Stringer (CS) before making and final decisions.
Elasticity
Elasticity refers to how flexible and responsive your strings are during play. Generally speaking, having more flexibility in your strings lends itself to having more power when you play which can be a real advantage for those players who like some good bounce after hitting the ball. Nylon strings tend to be the most elastic and are well suited to players who prefer this kind of responsiveness in their racquet.
Tension
Depending on what type of string you have on you racquet will usually determine what level of tension you want on your strings as different string types have various preferred tensions. If your a player who wants more power then you will likely go with lower tension. If you like more control when you play then higher tension strings will serve you much better. Whether higher or lower tension, each come with their advantages and disadvantages. Lower tension strings lead to the risk of breaking strings easier and higher tension strings transfer more force onto the player causing possible injury in the form of tennis elbow. As with most aspects of you strings, the tension you choose will be based highly upon your preferred style of play.
String Gauge
The gauge is the actual thickness of the string. A higher gauge means a thinner string while a lower gauge refers to a thicker string. Like any other characteristic regarding strings, your choice of gauge will determine the playability of your racquet. A lower and thicker gauge will increase durability and power while a higher and thinner gauge will increase the overall responsiveness and feel of your racquet. Your style of play and preferences will guide you towards which gauge is right for your racquet.
String Types
Natural Gut
Still a favorite of pros and purists today, natural gut are the strings that the manufactures originally strung on their racquets in the early days. Natural gut strings are known for their eloquent combination of power, spin, and control due to the natural materials they're made from (such as sheep gut), and though other man-made materials have come close to matching their quality, many say that there is nothing that feels quite the same as natural gut. As a downside, these strings do tend to break easier and are usually a more expensive type of string. That just means that you may find yourself buying strings more often and these stings do require consistent maintenance. Despite the expense, there are still far more reasons why many pros consistently choose the quality of natural gut on their racquets.
Synthetic Gut
These strings are easily one of the most popular and best-selling strings amongst many players due to their all around versatility. Designed to feel like a natural gut string despite being made of man-made nylon, these strings provide a clean response with balanced power, making them ideal for the majority of players. Most pre-strung racquets you find in the stores are equipped with synthetic gut strings and they are generally very affordable for those with a tighter budget. With the versatile qualities and overall comfort of play these strings provide, its not had to see why these strings are a winner for many players.
Polyester
Polyester strings are known for being very strong and stiff strings—ideal for players who are use to breaking a lot of strings using other types of materials. For those who are not opposed to losing some of the feel during play, polyester can provide a significant amount of topspin to put into your shots and will give you plenty of control. They will lose tension faster than most strings however, so consistent maintenance will be necessary to keep you at the top of your game.
Kevlar
More commonly known for its use in bulletproof vests, it's not hard to see why the durability of a material that can stop a bullet may be useful in the hands a player who regularly puts holes in their racquet. Kevlar strings are extremely durable and are excellent strings that deliver power and control to your game. Don't expect to get the pure feel of natural gut with kevlar on your racquet, but for those seeking quality control in their game along with plenty of durability, then kevlar just may be the fit for you.
