How to Choose a Tennis Racquet String

There are several factors to consider when choosing tennis racket string. Your style of play, the type of racket you use, your potential for arm problems and your budget should all be taken into consideration during the selection process. It can be a trial-and-error process, but finding the right string can make a world of difference in your game and save you money.

Things You'll Need

  • Tennis racket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine your current tennis racket. Notice the string pattern. Is it a dense pattern? This means that the squares that are formed by the long main strings and the cross strings are small. A dense pattern helps strings last longer. With a wide pattern, there is more movement between the main and cross strings. This causes the strings to gnaw into each other and break. If this is the case and you are concerned with frequent string breakage and restringing costs, choose a string that is more durable. Thicker gauge strings, such as 15L or 15-gauge and polyester strings are good durable choices.

    • 2

      String your racket with thicker gauge synthetic gut strings, polyester strings or a kevlar hybrid string if you are a big hitter, play with a lot of spin on the ball and you are a frequent string breaker. Hybrid stringing uses two different kinds of string. The main strings are typically kevlar and the cross strings are a synthetic gut string. This cuts down on early string breakage and restringing costs.

    • 3

      Choose a softer string, a multi-filament core string, such as natural gut, if you are susceptible to having arm problems. This is also a good choice if your style of play requires a lot of feel for the ball. These strings usually are more expensive and do not last as long as a synthetic gut string or a polyester string.

    • 4

      String your racket with thinner gauge strings, such as 17 or 18 gauge, if you want more "bite" on the ball. More bite is when the string digs into the nap of the ball, allowing a player to put more spin on the ball. Thinner gauge strings are not durable and do not last long. If you choose a thin gauge string, be prepared for frequent restringing and the associated costs.

    • 5

      Consult with a certified United States Racquet Stringers Association Master Racquet Technician if you are not sure which string to choose. They can recommend a string that suits your game and budget. You can locate a MRT by visiting the USRSA website.