The string and tension you use in your tennis racquet can have a big impact on its playability. So it goes without saying that they are a critical component of your equipment that must be carefully monitored.
In reality, buying a tennis racquet requires just as much thought as selecting a string. Why pay upwards of £100 or $150 on a new frame simply to save money on strings?
The type of string used has an impact on spin, power, comfort, control, and durability. However, strings are sometimes disregarded, with players stringing their frames with whatever cheap reels the local stringer has on hand or just opting for a pre-stung frame.
So, what are you supposed to know about strings? What kinds of strings are used for tennis? Tennis strings are made of what? What kinds of strings ought you to pick? Let’s have a look.
History of Tennis Racket Strings
In the 1870s, Pierre Babolat had started a company in France that produced musical instrument strings. He started creating racket strings out of sheep intestines in 1875 after focusing on the recently popularized sport of lawn tennis. These were the original “natural gut” tennis strings, and some top players continue to use their contemporary counterparts.
Up until the 1950s, when synthetic strings offered a more affordable alternative, natural gut was the most popular. Around this time, the usage of cow intestines was substituted for natural gut strings to increase their longevity. The usage of polyester strings became widely accepted after Gustavo Kuerten’s incredible success in the late 1990s.
The majority of tennis strings are composed of multifilament, synthetic gut, or natural gut. The conventional choice, natural gut strings, work best in favorable atmospheric circumstances. For novices, synthetic gut strings provide an inexpensive, nylon-based alternative. Multifilament offers superior feel and cushioning thanks to its blend of fibers.
Many players employ hybrids, inserting different strings as mains and crosses, even though the most basic choice is to use the same strings throughout the racket.
What are Tennis Racket Strings Made of?
Depending on the type of string, tennis racket strings are composed of various materials.
Natural gut, nylon, polyester, and hybrid strings are the four primary varieties of tennis racket strings. Let’s examine each material separately.
Natural Gut Strings
These strings have been the preferred string for almost all serious players since M. Babolat first used them in a racket. Natural gut strings are made from the serosa (outer intestinal layer) of bovine, specifically from cow intestines. The fibers are processed, dried, and woven together to create a string with exceptional elasticity and tension retention.
Leading players like Federer and Djokovic continue to utilize natural gut as part of their string set because it provides excellent feel, comfort, and power. Due to its numerous drawbacks, it is currently extremely uncommon to find someone playing with natural gut strings outside of the major professional tours.
First of all, it performs poorly in moist or cold environments. In any case, it is not very robust and is prone to fraying as it wears. In addition, natural gut is very costly; even before you pay your stringer, a set can cost $40 or more.
The pros can profit from natural gut since they play in favorable conditions nearly all the time and get their rackets restrung whenever they play, regardless of the cost. Other solutions are perhaps better for the rest of us.
Pros
- Superior feel and comfort
- Great tension maintenance
- High power and control balance
- Excellent shock absorption
Cons
- More pricy than synthetic options
- Prone to breaking faster than polyester
Synthetic Gut Strings
Although they may sound similar, synthetic gut is substantially different from natural gut. It is a nylon string that typically has an exterior coating to enhance its playing qualities. The main materials used to make synthetic strings are polyester, nylon (polyamide), or a mix of the two. To improve performance and durability, some strings use high-tech fibers like Kevlar.
Some producers provide reels for less than $2 per set, demonstrating how inexpensive synthetic gut can be.
Due to its affordable pricing and decent all-around playing qualities, it is widely considered the best string for beginners. Synthetic gut is probably less satisfying for more seasoned players who want to produce more spin or strike the ball harder. For larger players, in particular, its lack of durability is probably going to be an issue.
Pros
- Much cheaper than natural gut
- Excellent durability
- Variety of choices
- Weather resistance
- Easy to string
Cons
- Lack of premium feel
- Tension loss over time
- Not ideal for all players
Multifilament Tennis Strings
This category of multifilament tennis strings includes a variety of strings that are made by weaving together many fibers in an effort to create something better than synthetic gut. The power, control, and feel of a well-made multifilament string are all good.
Since multifilament is often softer than the majority of other synthetic string types, it can be especially helpful for players who have experienced tennis elbow. There are two serious drawbacks to these strings. First of all, they are somewhat costly, and secondly, big players who hit a lot of spin typically find them to be insufficiently durable. Their primary function for more experienced players may be as a component of a hybrid string set.
Pros
- Excellent comfort and soft feel
- Great for players with tennis elbow
- High power
- Good tension maintenance
- Enhanced touch and feel
- Better than synthetic gut
Cons
- Less durable compared to polyester
- Expensive compared to polyester
- Limited spin potential
Hybrid Tennis Strings
In an attempt to capitalize on the finest features of each string type, the majority of elite players frequently combine two different string types in their racket. These sets are likely to have polyester strings since they are strong and allow players to generate a lot of spin with the correct technique.
Others would rather partially thread their racket with something that offers more feel. Nadal, for instance, employs a polyester string in both mains and crosses. Both Djokovic and Federer utilize a polyester crossstring and natural gut for their main strings. They do this because they want the sensation of a natural gut and the primary string has the biggest impact on feel.
However, as the primary strings are the most likely to break and utilizing natural gut there would necessitate frequent and costly restrings, this type of setup would not be appropriate for the majority of amateurs. Usually, the ideal compromise is to add feel by using a softer cross string, like multifilament, with a strong polyester main string.
Pros
- Best for balance power, control, durability, and comfort
- Enhanced durability
- Improved spin potential
- Better comfort and arm-friendliness
- Customizable to playing style
Cons
- More expensive than full synthetic setups
- Not as soft as full multifilament or natural gut
- Setups require more effort and knowledge
Polyester Tennis strings
The majority of professionals on the ATP and WTA tours use polyester strings. For instance, Rafael Nadal uses polyester while stringing, although this is probably not the kind of string that typical club players should use.
A polyester string, in contrast to multifilaments, is made of a single polyester fiber with a thin coating. This string is categorized as “monofilament,” and its elasticity and endurance vary depending on the gauge (1.10-1.35mm).
In general, polyester strings feel stiffer and have less suppleness than multifilament and synthetic gut strings. A poly string can help you generate wicked amounts of topspin if you have the racquet head speed because they are much more durable and can be made at much smaller gauges.
They do, however, have a tendency to lose tension really rapidly, which lowers your control level and makes the string feel lifeless. Additionally, poly is not recommended for anyone with arm problems or injuries. Try using a softer string if a poly starts to hurt your arm.
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Excellent spin potential
- Great control and precision
- Ideal for hard-hitting and competitive players
Cons
- Lower power
- Tension loss over time
- Not ideal for beginners
Kevlar Tennis Strings
Since Kevlar is the strongest and most resilient string on the market, it’s a good choice for string breakers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on restrings every week.
Although Kevlar is one of the roughest strings on the body and is likely to induce tennis elbow, it has great tension-holding qualities.
In order to combine the qualities of both strings, Kevlar is sometimes strung in a hybrid configuration with another string type. I’ve never used it, and I can only suggest it if you don’t have arm problems and other kinds of string aren’t holding up well.
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Great for chronic string breakers
- Can be used in hybrid setups to extend string life
Cons
- Very stiff
- Low power
Impact of String Material
The material used in tennis racket strings directly influences several key aspects of your game:
Power
The tension and elasticity of the strings determine how much power you can generate on your shots. String materials with higher elasticity, like natural gut and multifilament strings, offer greater power potential.
Control
Control refers to your ability to place the ball accurately and consistently. String materials with lower elasticity, like polyester strings, provide greater control and accuracy.
Feel
The feel of the strings refers to the feedback you receive from the ball when you hit it. Natural gut strings are renowned for their exceptional feel, providing a sensitive and responsive playing experience.
Durability
Your playing style and the type of material you use will determine how long your strings last. Natural gut strings are typically the least durable, whereas polyester strings are typically the most resilient.
How To Choose The Right Strings For Your Game?
How your racket feels when you hit the ball, how quickly the ball leaves the racket, and how much spin you impart are all greatly influenced by the materials and construction of your tennis strings. You have a lot of options, but if you are a big hitter without a lot of money, your only choice is to include at least some polyester in your string set.
You should try out different kinds of hybrid sets, most likely with polyester mains, to determine which one is ideal for you. Essentially, you will have to balance the longevity of a string set with its quality. A beginner will find synthetic gut more than sufficient, but a multifilament would be a nice option if you are a light hitter.
Future of Tennis Racket Strings
Innovation in tennis racket string technology is still being sought after. In an effort to increase durability and performance, manufacturers are continuously experimenting with novel materials and building methods. Among the encouraging developments are:
- Bio-based materials: Studies are being conducted to create environmentally friendly and sustainable tennis racket strings using renewable resources.
- Smart strings: These strings have sensors built into them that can provide you real-time information on performance indicators like impact force and string tension.
- Strings with self-healing properties: These strings are made to fix themselves after slight injury, increasing their longevity.
What About String Gauge & Tension?
String Gauge (Thickness): Affects Durability & Playability
Tennis strings come in different thicknesses, or gauges, typically ranging from 15 (thicker) to 19 (thinner).
- Thicker (15-16 gauge): More durable but less spin potential.
- Thinner (17-19 gauge): More spin and feel, but breaks faster.
String Tension: Affects Power & Control
- Lower tension (50 lbs or lower): More power and comfort, but less control.
- Higher tension (55-65 lbs): More control, but less power and comfort.
Final Words
Understanding what tennis racket strings made of is critical for improving your game. You may improve your power, control, feel, and durability by selecting the proper string material, structure, and tension. Finding the ideal strings for your game is a fascinating process that involves a lot of trial and error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my tennis racket strings?
The material, your playing style, and how often you play all affect how long your strings last. Generally speaking, you should change your strings every 4-6 weeks or every 6-12 hours of play, whichever occurs first.
What is the best way to string my tennis racket?
Hiring a professional stringer to string your racket is highly recommended. They have the know-how and tools necessary to guarantee the right tension and string pattern, enhancing your performance and lowering the possibility of racket damage.
What is the difference between natural gut and synthetic strings?
It is well known that natural gut strings have remarkable feel, reactivity, and shock-absorbing capacity. However, compared to synthetic strings, they are more costly and less resilient. At a lower cost, synthetic strings provide additional possibilities in terms of control, power, and longevity.
How do I know what string tension is right for me?
Your playing style, racket size, and personal preferences all influence the optimal string tension. To determine what suits you best, it is best to try out various tensions. A skilled string player can offer advice and assist you in determining the ideal level of tension for your game.
