The gauge, or thickness, of the strings on your tennis racket might have an effect on your performance and playing style. If you are new to tennis, the most effective approach is to try various rackets that have different string gauges and construction. The goal is to find a racket that allows you to hit powerful and accurate shots consistently.
Function
The lower the gauge, the thicker the string. Typical string gauges include 15, 16 and 17. Most amateur and recreational players use 16-gauge strings because they offer the best compromise between durability and playability. Thicker strings, such as 15-gauge, are durable but do not have the elasticity of thinner strings, so they don’t feel as resilient, making it harder to apply spin to the ball. Some tennis strings come in light versions that are slightly thinner than the particular gauge. For example, a light 15-gauge string is thinner than a normal 15-gauge string but thicker than a 16-gauge string.
Significance
Professional and advanced players typically prefer 17-gauge strings. The thinner strings are elastic enough to give experts superior ball control. However, rackets with thin strings don’t last very long. For that reason, professional tennis players often must switch rackets several times during a match, especially if they tend to hit the ball hard.
Recommendations
Beginners don’t need to perform many difficult shots, so they won’t require the fine control that the higher-gauge rackets provide. If you’re new to the sport, you might benefit more from paying attention to the type of material the strings are made of. For example, top tennis players tend to avoid polyester strings because they feel dead, meaning the ball makes a dull thud when hit. Instead, many professionals choose natural-gut strings because they have a superior feel and response when you hit the ball.
Considerations
Once you decide what string gauge works best with your playing style, you must select a string tension. Like with string gauges, you must choose a balance between playability and durability. High string tensions provide the average player with more control, but if the strings are too tight, they won’t rebound enough, weakening your shot. A loose string tension rebounds enough to add force, but if it is too loose, it will not give you the right measure of control. For most players, a midrange tension provides the best balance between control and power, though you should restring your racket every three months to maintain the desired tension.
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