Stringing

String is the most important equipment a tennis player utilizes.  The particular gauge, texture, tension and string material all have a direct impact on how a tennis ball reacts when hit. 

Gauge – It is important to remember that the thinner the gauge (18-thinnest, 15-thickest) the more spin, feel and power a player will be able to access.  However, thinner string breaks faster than thicker string.  

Texture – Strings come in many different textures.  Often times, this texture will help produce spin.  However, it is important that a player not rely on texture for spin.  If it adds a bit of spin that’s great but a player must learn to impart spin on the ball through proper form.

Tension –  Tension is a huge consideration when stringing.  Generally speaking, the lower the tension (looser) the more power and the higher the tension (tighter) the more control.  Looser tension is easier on the arm and it is recommended that all polyester or kevlar strings be strung 10% looser than normal due to the stiff characteristics of these materials.  Below I will discuss the different materials that are used in modern strings and how they perform.

Synthetic- Synthetic gut was the successor to natural gut string.  Synthetic gut comes in a couple of different variations (see below) but in general it is powerful, playable and arm friendly.  Synthetic gut is by far the most popular and widely used tennis string today.

• Multifilament– Multis are the closest to gut in terms of arm friendliness and playability.  For this reason, they are the most expensive synthetic gut strings on the market (though still much cheaper than gut).  Multifilaments strings are composed of thousands of strands of microfibers.  This construction makes the string very soft and playable.  However, it also contributes to a lower level of durability (breaks faster than other synthetics).  Most multifilament strings will fray and then eventually snap.   Many people will use multifilament strings in a “hybrid” stringing arrangement.  See more in the polyester section about “hybrid” stringing.
• Monofilament (Nylon)–  Monofilament synthetic strings are composed of a solid core of nylon.  That is why these strings are often referred to as nylon strings.  Monofilament or nylon synthetic strings are “crisper” and “firmer” in feel than multifilament synthetic strings.  They also have better durability (last longer) and are cheaper than a multifilament.  On the downside, these strings have a little less feel and are less arm friendly than a multifilament type of string.
• Tweener– Tweener strings are usually a monofilament string (solid nylon core) with one or two wraps of textured nylon on the outside.  These strings combine the benefits of monofilament and multifilament strings.   They are a bit softer than monofilament/nylon but not as soft as multis.  Likewise, these strings don’t last as long as other monofilament nylons but do last longer than multis. This type of string is generally cheaper than a multifilament but more expensive than a monofilament nylon.

Polyester- Polyester strings are all the rage these days.  Polys are very stiff.  For this reason they are durable, control oriented and harder on the arm.  Polyester string is a great choice for a player who hits hard, creates a lot of spin and breaks a lot of strings.  Due to the rigid construction and resulting control of a polyester string, a player who uses poly can hit with a full swing and have less worries of missing deep.  This string material has great durability and will last a long time.  If anyone has arm or wrist pain, a polyester string is not a good option.  A player who has arm/wrist/shoulder issues and is still sold on using poly strings should drop the tension 10-15% lower than what they would normally string a synthetic gut. 

A good option for string breakers who want the durability and control of poly but the touch, feel and arm friendliness of a synthetic is to “hybrid” string.  This is where polyester is used in the mains (up and down) of the racquet and a softer synthetic is used in the crosses (side to side).  Normally mains break first so by putting a durable poly in the mains the player will have added durability as compared to using a full bed of synthetic (whole racquet).  Again, polyester string is great but must be used with caution.

Kevlar- Kevlar is a material that is very, very stiff.  It is used for its durability.  Kevlar has been replaced for the most part today by polyester strings, although some people still use it.  I would suggest trying polyester before moving to kevlar.  Kevlar should only be used if someone is breaking strings at a rapid pace and enjoys a harsh/dead feel which results in no power but plenty of control.

Gut- Gut is an all natural string made from the intestines of animals.  Don’t be scared off by this though, as gut is the original tennis string and is still the standard by which tennis string performance is measured.  This type of string is the most playable and powerful string on the market.  It is also very expensive.  Due to its unique makeup, gut is very sensitive to dampness and changes in temperature.  If a player has gut in their racquet they must make sure not to get it wet or expose it to extreme temperatures.  Many pros use gut in a hybrid format.  They usually put it in the crosses with a polyester or more durable, control oriented string in the mains.