Stringing
Rino Dube
Racquet Stringer
rino.dube@rogers.com
455-2550
Which tennis string should I choose?
Do we spend enough time choosing a string? Is there more to it than matching the string colour to a frame? Are different string types better suited for a specific game style? The purpose of this article is to answer the above questions and shed some light on the world of strings and stringing.
The answer to the first question is, without surprise, a big “No”. Most tennis players will spend a lot more time when selecting a new frame or racquet then when choosing a string. It is normal to do some research on frame specifications like head size, grip size, length, stiffness (especially for tennis elbow sufferer), balance point, etc. but why do some players mostly base their string selection on the colour and cost to restring? Tennis players have to realize that the strings are like the engine of the racquet and that the proper string and string tension in a frame for a player has a direct effect in the power, control, spin and feel level of any tennis racquet.
There is no specific string type for a specific game style. You will find below suggestions on where to start your string search depending on your game style. Please refer to my articles in the June 2009 CRTA Newsletter for the characteristics of each string type.
Counter-punchers: Depending on the player level he/she will benefit more from using a regular synthetic gut or a multifilament synthetic gut (higher end synthetic gut offering more feel but less durable). Natural gut would be the ideal choice for the most advanced player if he/ she is not a string breaker.
Aggressive Baseliners: A good quality synthetic gut or multifilament string would be a good fit for the flat hitter. The frequent string breaker should consider the following choices in their specific order: a thicker gauge synthetic gut (15L or 15), a polyester/synthetic gut hybrid or a full polyester. A kevlar/synthetic gut hybrid should only be considered as a last resort if the above choices do not provide enough durability to the chronic string breaker.
Serve and Volleyers: Most players will benefit from a mutifilament synthetic gut as it generally provides more power and feel than the regular synthetic string. The hard hitter could look at a softer polyester/synthetic gut set up or even better a soft polyester/multifilament hybrid for more durability while retaining a decent amount of power and feel. The frequent string breaker could consider a full stringbed of a soft polyester if the above hybrids are not durable enough.
All-Court Players: The suggestions for the Counter-puncher apply to this type of player. The frequent string breaker could try a thicker gauge of string (15 L or
15) or a soft polyester/synthetic gut hybrid.
I hope that this article will help you identify the proper string for your game. You probably already know that there are several brands of strings such as Ashaway, Wilson, Prince, Head, Luxilon, Dunlop, Gamma, Gosen, Kirschbaum, Unique, Weiss Cannon, Topspin, Pro Supex, Tecnifibre, Yonex, etc. on the market that offer several models of each string type. It is important that you mention to your stringer what you are looking for in a string and tell him/her about your game so he/ she can suggest strings that will be a good match for you.
Here is a quote that I find says a lot: “Strings are the Soul of a Racquet” (author unknown).
Enjoy the tennis season and keep the ball in play!
Rino Dubé
Racquet Stringer
rino.dube@rogers.com
455-2550