Selecting the right strings for your tennis racket can be a complicated endeavor as you try to wade through the dozens of brands and styles available. Different gauges, materials and manufacturing techniques create strings with very different playing characteristics. Even the tension at which you string the racket can change the playing characteristics of the string you buy. Knowing a few things about your playing style will help you choose the right strings for your game.
Step 1
Determine your playing style. If you have a faster swing, you need to generate less power from your strings and might want a string that provides more control. If you have a slower swing, you want a more elastic string to create more power. If you have heavy topspin, you want a thinner gauge. If you break strings frequently, you want a thicker gauge.
Step 2
Determine your racket's playing characteristics. If you have a stiffer racket, you produce less power, more control and more shock, so you want a string that offsets rather than duplicates these characteristics. If you have a flexible racket, you want your strings to provide more control.
Step 3
Choose nylon strings if you are a less-skilled player. Nylon strings offer durability and control, and they are more affordable. A rougher outer surface creates more friction for more control, while smoother strings produce more topspin.
Step 4
Choose Kevlar strings if you need durability. These stiff strings provide more power, but less control.
Step 5
Choose polyester strings if you need more control than power. Highly skilled players often use polyester.
Step 6
Choose natural gut if you are a have tennis elbow or are a top player looking for the best feel. Gut strings are the most expensive and are sensitive to humidity and weather extremes.
Step 7
String your racket using two different strings, or a hybrid pattern, to increase your control and power. You can pair Kevlar strings with nylon strings to decrease their stiff feel and give more control. Top players often pair polyester strings with synthetic or natural gut to reduce stiffness.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't buy strings based on price. Higher-priced strings might not be best for your playing style.
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