Selecting a Tennis Racquet String

Selecting a String for a New Tennis Racquet

(First Published June 2005)

Let’s face it – we are all looking for that extra something, that “edge” to help us get to the next NTRP ranking level, and if there’s something out there that can help us, we’re willing to consider it. So why are strings one of the last places we turn to when we are looking for an answer to our tennis problems? The old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fit it” is definitely not a rule of thumb to follow in racquet strings, and in fact, your unbroken strings can actually be a huge factor in what’s not working. Even after only 40 hours of play your strings won’t have the same feel and control compared to when they were new. This means that you have to work harder to make the shot than you would have to with strings that are still fresh.

To start from the beginning, there are four main types of string for us try: natural gut, nylon, polyester and Kevlar. Within these four categories, there are further differences between the strings, such as construction, gauge, and texture, which help to pinpoint what each tennis player may be looking for.

Natural gut is the Cadillac of the string world, with exceptional feel and vibration- dampening properties. This string is 100% natural fibre, derived entirely from the intestine of an adult steer. Close inspection of this string shows that it is comprised of many individual fibers all wound together, and this is why it is so adept at dampening vibration. Anyone suffering from tendonitis or arm pain can benefit greatly by using these. Today, gut strings are treated to be less affected by moisture and humidity as they were previously, however, that doesn’t mean that this expensive choice doesn’t need to be handled with respect and temperate climates. Leaving your gut string job in the trunk of your car on a hot or cold day is quickest way to throw away your investment.

Nylon strings are where you find the greatest variety with regard to texture, construction, gauge and even colour. These strings range from 15 to 18 gauge, 15g being the thickest and 18g being the thinnest. Clearly, the thicker gauge will offer the best durability for chronic string breakers, but will unfortunately offer the player less feel. Inversely, the thinner the gauge, the better feel you have and the more spin you will be able to generate, but your durability decreases. You will see these strings constructed with a solid core for a lively response or in multi-fibre construction to help again with vibration dampening. Some strings will have smooth coatings, some will have a braided wrap coating and some will have extremely rough textures, all in an effort to control and affect spin on the ball.

Kevlar is used in making strings for players who require even more durability than what a 15g string can offer. This super stiff string is made of the same fibers used to make bullet-proof vests, and when paired with a more resilient string in the same string job (ie: Kevlar in your main strings and synthetic gut in your cross strings), can help the toughest string breaker. Some string companies even offer prepackaged hybrid strings which are very popular but any accredited stringer will be able to create a custom Kevlar hybrid combination.

The rising star in the string world is without a doubt, polyester. These strings have very little string movement, hence, less friction and less string breakage. An important note is that this type of string doesn’t feel like the more common synthetic gut or nylon strings and can actually feel a bit on the “boardy” side, so it is recommended to drop your stinging tension by 5 to 10% when giving this a try. A recent check of what strings are being used on the pro tour show that polyester is definitely the most popular choice among the top players because they offer exceptional durability and great control and feel. Players who don’t like the feel of a racquet strung entirely with polyester may want to try a polyester hybrid option –ie: any brand of polyester on the main strings and a multifilament or natural gut on the crosses. This will result in a great blend of durability and feel and is definitely worth a try.

Now, having said all of this about strings, it is important to realize that certain strings or types of strings will perform best in certain types of racquets. You may have noticed that many companies that produce racquets will invariably offer a companion string which will optimize the performance of the racquet when used together. There is often sound logic in this and you shouldn’t automatically discount this as just a marketing ploy.

Trying to put together the best racquet and string and tension combination for your game is trial and error, but with a bit research and help from your professional racquet technician, you should be able to come up with some options. Here is a list of what some of the top players were using at the Australian Open Tournament this year.

Roger Federer – using a Wilson nSix One Tour (90 sq in head) strung at 55/52 lbs. (25/23.5 kg.) with a combination of Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough Polyester string in the mains and Natural Gut 16L in the cross strings.

Leyton Hewitt – using a Yonex RDX-500 (90 sq in head) strung at 56 lbs. with a combination of Babolat VS Team Natural Gut in the main strings and Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 16L Polyester string in the cross strings.

Andy Roddick – using a Babolat Pure Drive + (100 sq in head) strung at 73 lbs. with a combination of Babolat Pro Hurricane Polyester and VS Team 16g Natural Gut.

Andre Agassi – using a Head Flexpoint Radical OS (107 sq in head) strung at 66 lbs. with Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 16L Polyester.

Guillermo Coria – using a Prince 03 Tour (100 sq in head) strung at 52 lbs. with Luxilon Big Banger Original 16g Polyester.

Lindsay Davenport – using a Wilson nTour (95 sq. in head) strung at 63/64 lbs with Babolat VS Touch 15L Natural Gut.

Serena Williams – using a Wilson n3 (110 sq in head) strung at 67 lbs with Wilson Natural Gut 16g.

Amelie Mauresmo – using a Dunlop 300G (98 sq in head) strung at 57.2 lbs with Babolat VS Touch 16g Natural Gut.

To keep things real, we have given our own staff picks for strings, including their reasons why.

Dave: 3.5 – 4.0 player level – USRSA Certified Master Racquet Technician.
- plays with a Head Liquidmetal Radical OS strung with Head PPS Syngut 16 g.
“I prefer this Head string because if has the greatest versatility in terms of playability and performance, durability and feel. It doesn’t play as firm as some other solid core synthetic gut strings.”

Conor: 4.5 – 5.0 player level – USRSA Certified Master Racquet Technician
- plays with a Babolat Pure Control strung with Babolat VS Team 17 Natural Gut or Wilson NXT 17
“I prefer natural gut or a high end multifilament string such as the Wilson NXT for its’ superior play, feel and comfort. It has very high resiliency and great power.”

Al: 5.0 level player – USRSA Certified Master Racquet Technician
- plays with Head Liquidmetal Instinct Mid+ strung with Head Ultra Tour 17g polyester.
“This string has minimal string movement, good durability and lots of control and feel. It allows me to really hit out on the ball without losing control”

Finally, the most important thing to remember is that a bad string job will make even the best racquet play badly, so make sure your racquet stringer is experienced, reputable and will guarantee their work. If possible, try to string with a certified stringer so that you can have the confidence that comes with knowing that your racquet is in good hands.

Look at Courtside Sports selection of Tennis Strings