Tennis rackets are strung tight with string made of different materials, so that when a ball strikes them, it rebounds in a predictable way. Many rackets designed for recreational players come already strung, while more advanced players buy a frame separately and have it strung by a professional stringer. In earlier times, strings were made from "gut," meaning a part of sheep or cow intestines. It is still a material preferred by pros. However, today, synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester and Kevlar, have largely replaced "natural gut." They cost much less and last longer than gut. Each string material also comes in thinner or thicker gauges. When shops refer to "synthetic gut," they usually mean nylon. Rackets are strung to different tension levels for different kinds of hitting. Beginners probably do not notice the difference in the stringing material or tension.
What to Look for
Recreational players who purchase a racket that is already strung should ask a salesperson what material the strings are and how flexibly or stiffly the racket is strung. When possible, test the strings on one racket versus another and see if you feel a difference in stiffness. The more stiffly the racket is strung, the more control a player has over where a ball goes, and the easier on the player's arm playing is. The more flexible the stringing and frame, the more power the player gets, but the player may feel the racket is putting too much stress on the arm. Most recreational-level players use some form of nylon as their string material.
Common Pitfalls
An old racket with strings that look worn might lead to a broken string or a lack of responsiveness. If you break a string while playing, take your racket to a professional stringer to be restrung. Do not leave a racket exposed to intense sun or heat when not playing, since this can lead to a warped frame. Since rackets can be strung with different kinds of material and at different tensions, tell the shop how you play and ask for a recommendation on what string to use.
Member Comments