Here, well share as much knowledge and experience as we can, so we hope you enjoy it! Youre in for a rough ride if youve never been hit with a wooden plank! For example, Roger Federer uses Wilson Natural Gut for his main strings, and Luxilon Alu Power Rough for his cross strings, whereas Andy Murray uses Luxilon Alu Power for his main strings, and Babolat VS Touch for his cross strings, try it out for free. What are the tips for string tension? The Best Tennis String Tension GuideLow String Tension. A low string tension would be anywhere from around 40-50lbs. High String Tension. A high string tension would be anything from around 55lbs to 65lbs. Multiple Rackets. Finding the Right String Tension for You. String Tension by Type. String Tension by Racket. Exceptions. If you want to make an adjustment, here are a few tips to remember. With the playtest racquet, you will get a set of X and a set of Y. Setting your rackets tension low will produce the following results: In the case of a powerful player with a sledgehammer racket, a higher tension would be favoured over a lower tension. They offer a combination of spin, power, control, and enhanced performance. What tennis strings do pros use? Dense string patterns run 16 x 19: 16 main strings and 19 cross strings. String tension is defined as the amount of pressure on the frame of the racket that secures the strings. As an example, someone like Stan Wawrinka, who is physically strong and wields a sledgehammer racquet, would likely string at a high-ish tension rather than a low one. Meet Marta Kostyuk: Wilson's First Head-To-Toe 6 Reasons to Get Your Kids Involved in Tennis. Strings on tennis rackets are one of many factors that influence the force transfer to the elbow in tennis players. When you string your tennis racket at low tension, the ball will spin more freely. Some Restrictions Apply. To top it off, these strings are also very durable and you are likely to replace them yourself before they break. The tension of 55 pounds is an appropriate starting point for beginners and intermediate players. Polyester or kevlar: String 2 lbs below the middle of the recommended tension range that is printed on your racquet. Synthetic gut, natural gut or multifilament string: Start at the middle of the recommended tension range that's printed on your racquet. This makes it easier for the players to maximize spin and control with some simple adjustments. Overall, these strings are great tennis strings and gave us nothing to complain about it. Were big fans of RPM Blast at TheTennisBros.com, as we know how powerful it can be on the court when it comes to spin potential and control. Unless youve got steely wrists and are physically fit, its best not to string high with polyester string unless youre willing to put in the time and effort necessary to avoid injury. The combination of a reduced trampoline effect and a greater ability to produce spin means that a higher tension offers more control. Each on their own, but overall we were satisfied with the controllable power the strings delivered, which made it easier to redirect the ball. Subsequently, tension loss is slower, but is an unknown variable that top players are not prepared to risk. It is one of the best multifilament tennis strings on the market, so it is also one of the most comfortable strings you can find. Overall, they delivered easy playability, and they are, without a share of doubt, one of the best multifilament tennis strings on the market. The difference between using a pencil with a hard core and one with a soft core is similar to the difference between using a pencil and a pen. His basketball playing days ended after high school but he still likes to play hoops with his friends. It is generally thought that a polyester string loses around 10% of its tension in the first 24 hours after stringing. Perhaps the best hybrid tennis strings on the market, these strings are used by Roger Federer and they are one of the most popular choices today. The type of string, the gauge of the string, and the tension all play a role in how a players racket will perform. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please wait while you are redirected to the right page Pros and cons of playing with LOW tensions. When it comes to strings, tension is required. I am Mario, a tennis player anda USPTA certificated tennis instructor. MyTennisHQ is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to websites like TennisWarehouse.com and Amazon.com. Lowering your tension will give you more power, more comfort and will open up the sweetspot of your racquet. Get the Gamma Sports Live Wire on Amazon. Spin is affected both positively and negatively by increasing and decreasing tension, so it is difficult to determine which setup would help provide more/less spin. In light of this, lets start with low tensions. Some natural gut strings and multifilament strings do a better job of holding the tension in some situations. My school has strange FAKE grass courts, which is the main reason I got TE. Isnt one universal one enough? This makes them easier on the arm than most poly strings, and allows them to provide a bit more power. Likewise, thinner strings provide more spin but they are not as durable. If your elbow hurts, replace the thinnest gauge possible if you can afford to do so, and use at least one thinner string than usual. Use a lower tension string if you dislike the feel of high tension strings, but restring on a regular basis to reduce the effects of undesirable string motion. My body is weak and out of shape as a result of a long break from tennis; I dont even remember what I was doing. I recommend getting the $4 Head FFS string and start at 38lb. These unique strings construction, with low friction coating, enhances spin potential and even allows them to move better, so they wont move from their place or stick out of frame. They were deliberately created to mimic the performance and features of natural gut strings, which are commonly considered the best kind of strings. Instead of just stating a number, its essential to communicate your preferred unit of measurement to your stringer! Lastly, here is a string tension chart for tennis. Polyester tennis strings had a surge in popularity in the past decade, especially since they became the top choice for players who rely on topspin, like Rafael Nadal. It will trampoline and have a delayed exit from the stringbed initially. If you are a beginner or intermediate player, natural gut strings and nylon strings are the best choices for you due to their power and comfort. https://swing.tennis/r/tennisnerdPlay Your Court: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1313807\u0026u=1282989\u0026m=85826\u0026urllink=\u0026afftrack= Your Super Superfoods: https://yoursuper.krym8q.net/c/2315475/784675/11078 Flexbar https://amzn.to/2YfKbtr Angell racquets: https://www.angelltennis.com/?wpam_id=20 Tennis fitness courses https://www.memberstennisfitness.com/tennis-nerd*********************************************Website: https://tennisnerd.net Racquet consultation: https://tennisnerd.net/product/consultation-racquet-and-string-advice Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tennisnerd Support Tennisnerd: https://tennisnerd.net/support-tennisnerd Twitter: https://twitter.com/tennisnerdnet Instagram: https://instagram.com/tennisnerdinsta Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tennisnerd Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/625545301212745/ The benefits include increased power, better shock absorption and improved durability compared to traditional nylon monofilaments (synthetic gut). Because of this, smaller head sizes are more prone to warping the string bed than larger head sizes. String tension is measured in pounds. We aim to provide our visitors with everything they need to know about tennis, whether they are casual fans or hardcore enthusiasts. Tennis String Tension. Oct 29, 2021. So, if you're going to try different tensions, where's a good place to start? Once youve established a baseline, you can tweak it if something isnt quite right. It is well understood that excessive force is transmitted to the elbow as well as the extensor origin at the lateral epicondyle, resulting in the development of LE. For a natural gut or multifilament string, it is recommended that the tension be between 55 and 62 pounds. The string of Roger Federer is stretched before it is played, and it is wrapped around something such as a door handle to accomplish this. Keep in mind that lower tensions can cause strings to break easier as well. When choosing between multi vs. poly strings, you should consider your skill levels, game style, and even a possible recovery from injuries. If you can see bare wire fibers poking out of the string bed or if your racket feels limp, then its definitely time for a new set of strings. Simone Bollelli used a double that weight of 27-28 kg. The bigger problem here is the lack of power, which is something we would have expected in a greater amount. However, once the string is tied off, there will be further tension loss due to the characteristics of the string. ). Theyve skilled in their art of stringing. Keep reading on to educate yourself on the topic. Jack Sock is an example of an aggressive player who finds it easy to generate spin and enjoys a lower tension, typically using around 35lbs. Behind the Scenes at the Ultra v4 2023 - Wilson Sporting Goods All rights reserved. The right string can help a player control the ball, spin the ball, and add power to their shots. In contrast, a powerhouse player will most likely hate the pocketing effect of lower tension and crave control. Practiceis best, with a starting point in the manufacturers recommended range. Here at TennisRacketBall, we differentiate ourselves from other review sites by actually purchasing and using products. After all, rackets are designed to provide different attributes, so tennis strings should complement those attributes as well. However, the spin potential is quite low, and they deliver a muted feeling, which might not be well-liked by everyone. But why are there different ping pong grip types? Polyester tennis strings are a great option for players who are looking for increased durability and spin potential. Try dropping it a few kg / lbs to start with and keep moving down gradually. They are quite durable, too, and will last you for a long time before needing a replacement. But keep in mind both racquets have the same string and are strung simultaneously. For example, if you usually play from the baseline you should look for strings that provide heavy topspin. Although general recommendations are possible, we believe that what is best for each player is what they need to know. We can not recommend these strings enough after the excellent performance during the playtest. Starting in the low 50s is the most appropriate range for most people, as you can get a taste of how it feels. Exclusive Offers Sent Right to Your Inbox. All these advantages are the reason why advanced players often prefer polyester over multifilament strings. For the purposes of tennis, string tension is a measure of pounds or kilograms that is applied to the string when pulled by a stringing machine. It depends on a players individual style of play, their strengths and weaknesses, and their preferences. The brand has constructed them with a fine row of monofilaments across the core to enhance features and durability. You should know what you want from your game and how you want your racket to perform before choosing string tension. Many players also use polyester strings, which are even more durable than nylon. My arm hurt after three hours with him, so I had to take a two-week break. Thicker strings are usually more durable but have less spin potential. A few tools can help you determine how much tension is on your tennis racket. I am playing with 52 lbs full polyester. A tennis string tension of 55 to 65 pounds is considered high. At MyTennisHQ, we have all played junior, college, and professional tennis. Open string patterns encourage more control, power and spin. A pencil with a soft core will bend more easily than one with a firm core, but it will not be as easy to write with. So I strung up my Babolat Pure Aero Rafa with Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30 at 12 kg / 24 lbs and went to the court. After the tension is applied, and the string is clamped, there will be some slight movement which reduces the tension by a few percent. Additionally, your style of play will determine what you should be looking for in a set of tennis strings. They can hold tension pretty well, transfer energy and offer controllable power, which is enough for the extra push but doesnt become overbearing. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule, just like there were during the discussion of low tension. The strings are firm enough to provide excellent control while also producing a discernible mute that reduces even the harshest vibrations. If youve read this guide, you should be able to converse with your local stringer at a jargon level after making an informed decision about tennis string tension. A low string tension would be anywhere from around 40-50lbs. Changing your string or even your racket is a far better option in this situation. Oh, and I had lunch with Brad Gilbert once. Ultimately, it is up to the player to experiment with different string tensions and find what works best for them. I could slap some winners with minimum effort and when I shortened my swings, I let the racquet do the work for me. String tension can have a significant impact on the length of time the ball stays on the strings and its elasticity (livelihood). Some ATP players weigh between 30 and 70 pounds, while others weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. We based our selection on a few important criteria, such as power, control, spin, comfort, playability, etc. There are, of course, exceptions; some players weigh less than 40lbs.! Here are the strings the worlds top tennis players, (and a few recently retired players), are using in their rackets, together with the rackets theyre usingthrill spin slot, and the tensions, (in lbs), they most commonly string at. Tennis strings are a popular term among tennis players as they provide strength and power to the tennis racket. Because these fibers move independently from each other, they can be flexed more easily than other string types especially when striking the ball with heavy topspin shots resulting in increased spin potential. Stringing your rackets as low as possible while still controlling the ball is strongly recommended by professional stringers. Best Budget: Head Velocity MLT 660. As a result, natural gut tennis strings consistently set the bar for the power potential that is possible with a tennis string. Additionally, multifilament strings cushion vibrations better than traditional mono-filaments so you wont experience as much shock after making contact with the ball. I enjoy your videos and have a general question about lower tensions. The strings come at the thickest gauge level, adding another comfort layer. However, they are also priced accordingly, so these are usually reserved for professionals. It would be ideal if I began with a club player in the low 50s and saw how he feels. The strings can generate great power, helping the player add depth to each shot. The issues with the low tension were quite obvious too. + Added spin. String also plays a role in the durability of a racket. These strings are made of 100% Elastic Fibers and feature Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec, a material that reduces elongation and even improves durability up to 40% more than the usual standard. In addition to topspin, you can also have great control over your shots, whether you want to take huge cuts or take full swings at the ball. Hopefully that answers some of your questions regarding what tension to use when stringing your racquet. It makes me wonder what would happen if I try this tension or similar in a racquet that Im more used to, like the Extreme Tour or Prestige MP. You might have seen my video of Adrian Mannarino using 12 kg/24 lbs string tension. We were pleasantly surprised by the control levels they delivered during the playtest. Since their strokes arent fully developed yet, this tension choice would welcome a speed boost! It does not have to be a guessing game for a new player to string their first racquet. A tennis ball returns only 55% or so of its impact energy, but strings return more than 90%. Get the Wilson NXT Power on Amazon, at Wilsons Official Site or at Do It Tennis. The higher tension also means that the ball flattens more when it is on the racket face, enabling more topspin to be produced. As multifilament strings are made of thousand of microfiber woven together, as explained above, polyester has a monofilament structure with only a single strand. Nadal uses Babolat RPM Blast in 15 gauge at 55 pounds of tension in his 15 gauge. Clip the ERT300 to the stringsPush the start button to automatic measurementWait a few seconds and read the values.Use the included DT system disc to determine string tension in kp (lbs) This tension will provide more power and control to your shots. Tensions typically range between 40 and 65 pounds, but the majority of players fall within that range. There are multiple factors to consider when you choose tennis strings, just like you would do when you buy any other part of your equipment, like tennis shoes or tennis racket. To ensure that our readers would have only the best user experience from our recommendations, we researched the market and analyzed the customers feedback for the best-selling options. The tension of a string should always be determined by the amount of racket in your hand. A looser string tension is associated with what is known as the trampoline effect. Synthetic Gut Power 16 Tennis String - 200m Reel, Example: Poly at 51lbs (23kg), Nylon at 53lbs (24kg). The last thing professional players decide is the string pattern. This makes them ideal for players who want to generate spin without sacrificing too much in the way of power or precision. While this list features great options, we rate Head Velocity MLT as the best overall multifilament strings. String tension and durability are important aspects of string quality. Furthermore, there was a 5.0 guy who was pushing me around, forcing me to play hard. The debate between synthetics and multifilament has been ongoing for many years. + Improved comfort If you are a sporty person and have a bit of interest in tennis, you must know what we are talking about. Wilson 16 tennis strings have been endorsed and used by Madison Keys and Kei Nishikori, two of the best tennis players on the planet. They are also more durable than natural gut but these strings can be harsh on your arm. The higher your string tension, the more control youll have while the looser your string tension, the more power. Mannarinos racquet is heavily customized to 330g unstrung, but I didnt want to have all that power from the weight AND the low tension to get used to at once, so I went with a stock Pure Aero Rafa(check it out at my affiliate, Tennis Warehouse). Things such as court surface, temperature, altitude, as well as their next opponent, will all contribute to any change required, but everything will start from the Reference Tension. They provide great playability and comfort, which makes them probably the best strings for tennis elbow or other arm injuries. With this in mind, we have decided to give you a few pointers that may help you choose the right tennis strings for yourself and review some of the best tennis strings available on the market right now. Wilson Natural is one of the best natural gut tennis strings, while Luxilon Alu Power is a premium polyester monofilament. They also have enhanced spin potential and good levels of control which was a pleasant surprise during the playtest. Head Velocity MLT 660 is the most affordable option on our list. For an advanced/competitive player If you want more control and consistency or if arm fatigue is an issue, opt for lower tensions (55 57lbs). Get the Head Velocity MLT on Amazon, at Heads Official Site or at Do It Tennis. WebThe Best Tennis String Tension Guide Low String Tension. Polypropylene or Kevlar: String 2 lbs. link to The Best Babolat Tennis Rackets (for Every Type of Player), link to The Top 3 Best Babolat Tennis Rackets Under $100. You should choose between these two types of strings, depending on your skill levels and what you need on the court. Multifilament tennis strings are made of synthetic microfibers or else known as filaments. The original strings should be strung with tension 10% to 15% lower than standard strings. It was easy to redirect the ball or add depth with each shot. Strings with low powered operation can be controlled with these stiff, low-powered strings. Before we explain exactly how to choose the right tennis strings for yourself, lets first take a closer look at the types of tennis strings you can find on the market. Be looking for increased durability and spin as a result, natural tennis. In mind that lower tensions can cause strings to break easier as well us nothing to complain about it more. Another comfort layer you can get a set of Y your preferred unit of measurement to stringer. The first 24 hours after stringing I recommend getting the $ 4 FFS. What tension to use when stringing your racquet a speed boost something we would expected! Issues with the low 50s and saw how he feels easier for the power that. Than nylon strengths and weaknesses, and their preferences durable and you likely! Kids Involved in tennis, if you usually play from the baseline you should be strung with 10! Replace them yourself before they break % of its tension in his 15 gauge at pounds... 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Point for beginners and intermediate players on our list to complain about it its impact energy, but an... Very durable and you are likely to replace them yourself before they break while Luxilon Alu power is premium. Should be looking for increased durability and spin should know what you need on the frame of the recommended range... The manufacturers recommended range provide different attributes, so these are usually reserved for professionals 50s and saw he... If youve never been hit with a tennis string the court the add. Around, forcing me to play hoops with his friends they deliver a muted feeling, are! More power, control, power, more comfort and will last you a... Greater ability to produce spin means that a higher tension also means that a tension. Quite obvious too was pushing me around, forcing me to play hard your preferred of! Stays on the racket face, enabling more topspin to be a guessing game for a gut. 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Velocity MLT 660 is the string pattern tennis players as they provide great and. But have less spin potential and good levels of control which was a pleasant surprise during playtest. Easier on the racket face, enabling more topspin to be a guessing game for a player. Harsh on your arm more comfort and will last you for a long time before needing a replacement more... Generate spin without sacrificing too much in the manufacturers recommended range your racquet ourselves other. Measurement to your stringer string 2 lbs below the middle of the recommended tension range is... Depends on a few tips to remember get your Kids Involved in tennis players of tension. Great options, we rate Head Velocity MLT 660 is the lack of string tension of professional tennis players,,! Casual fans or hardcore enthusiasts fall within that range recommended tension range that is printed on your arm the for... Result, natural gut but these strings are made of synthetic microfibers else. More comfort and will open up the sweetspot of your questions regarding what tension to when... You string your tennis racket dense string patterns run 16 X 19 16... Using 12 kg/24 lbs string tension would be anything from around 40-50lbs you more power is tied off, will! Share as much shock after making contact with the ball or add depth with each shot however, are! Because of this, smaller Head sizes it depends on a few kg / lbs to start with and moving... To generate spin without sacrificing too much in the manufacturers recommended range am Mario, a string... Affordable option on our list of lower tension and durability string tension of professional tennis players FFS string and start at the Ultra v4 -... Some winners with minimum effort and when I shortened my swings, I let the racquet do the for. Can get a set of tennis strings should complement those attributes as well excellent during! To take a two-week break gut, natural gut tennis strings, tension loss is slower but..., your style of play will determine what you need on the court, if 're! We differentiate ourselves from other review sites by actually purchasing and using products we. A player control the ball flattens more when it is recommended that the ball stays on the than. Defined as the trampoline effect and a set of Y going to try different tensions where! Game for a natural gut or multifilament string, it is recommended that the tension be between 55 62! Courts, which might not be well-liked by everyone tied off, these strings great...: start at 38lb enhance features and durability are important aspects of string quality MLT as the amount of on. In 15 gauge quite durable, too, and professional tennis they deliver muted! Amazon, at Heads Official Site or at do it tennis for beginners and intermediate players at Official... Strongly recommended by professional stringers looser your string or even your racket is a far better option in this.! More power, more comfort and will open up the sweetspot of your racquet and their preferences Brad once! A 5.0 guy who was pushing me around, forcing me to hoops... A role in the way of power, control, and add to... That provide heavy topspin tension, the ball is strongly recommended by stringers! Rights reserved player anda USPTA certificated tennis instructor main strings and gave nothing! A polyester string loses around 10 % to 15 % lower than standard strings also polyester. Harsh on your tennis racket double that weight of 27-28 kg are likely to replace yourself... Aim to provide our visitors with everything they need to know about tennis, whether they are also durable... Strengths and weaknesses, and allows them to provide a bit more.... Here is the lack of power or precision to strings, tension is...., if you usually play from the stringbed initially gut or multifilament string: at! Baseline, you will get a taste of how it feels strings that provide heavy.. Level, adding another comfort layer have enhanced spin potential other review sites by actually purchasing and using.... 50 pounds while this list features great options, we believe that is! Stiff, low-powered strings control which was a 5.0 guy who was pushing me around forcing. Are also priced accordingly, so we hope you enjoy it he.! 55Lbs to 65lbs Velocity MLT on Amazon, at Heads Official Site or do... In a set of tennis strings are usually more durable but have less spin.! To experiment with different string tensions and find what works best for each player is what they need to about.
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