Choosing the correct tennis string is just as important as choosing the right frame since it is the first to contact the tennis ball directly. Indeed, the choice of the string determines 50% of the performance of your game. Like the frame, it influences the ball's reaction on impact and allows you to have more or less power, control, comfort, feel, touch or spin.
To select the best tennis strings for power and control, there are several things to consider depending on what you are looking for: the type of material, the gauge, the tension, and the string pattern. Discover our tips for making the best choice.
Top 5 Tennis Strings For Power And Control
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Best Tennis Strings For Power And Control - Buying Guide
Maybe getting the right strings for your racketeering is more up to you than you might think.
Your level of play
Perhaps for the more experienced, the idea is to go for very expensive natural gut ropes; they already know a good rope's advantages. But if you are starting, it is better to try the cheaper strings. The newer models offer more strength and durability to evolve and see the changes that each type offers.
Frequency of play
Hybrid, Mixed Strings Stranded, or multifilament players can be a good option for more frequent players, for professionals who play weekly and often.
Remember that the string loses its tension overtime or breaks, so an amateur player shouldn't worry so much about it. On the other hand, the more frequent ones should look at good quality and durability.
Arm injuries
Multifilament or hybrid cords with multifilaments are highly recommended for relieving arm strain, so they are ideal for injured users. In addition, they are durable and very efficient.
Playstyle and personal preferences
This is an excellent thing to consider as it has a lot to do with your expectations when playing. For example, if you want to increase spin, low-caliber strings are very well suited to meet this requirement, while they are ideal if you like to play the baseline most of the time when hitting big shots at the bottom—floor with a lot of topspins.
Types of tennis strings
As you can see, they are available in a wide variety of models which, depending on their materials of manufacture and their different characteristics, are grouped into different types or classifications.
Monofilament string: more control and more resistance
Monofilament strings are part of synthetic ropes and are made of polyester. They are composed of a single fiber with a protective layer, unlike multifilaments. Less elastic, it provides more control than other types of strings. So it is known as the best tennis strings for power and control.
Its main characteristic is its excellent resistance, thanks to its large core. This is why professional players often use it. The polyester monofilament is not recommended for players who have pain in the arms because this type of string absorbs less shock and therefore provides more muscle fatigue when hitting.
Multifilament string: more power and more comfort
Multifilament strings are synthetic ropes and are composed of a protective PU (polyurethane) layer with several filaments inside, themselves made of intermingled microfilaments. Multifilament strings are more elastic, which provides more power; therefore, it is the best tennis strings for power.
The main characteristic of the multifilament is that it is more comfortable to play. This type of string is recommended to avoid pain in the arms or when you suffer from tennis elbow because the multifilament better absorbs shocks and vibrations.
Hybrid string: the perfect combination
If the string pattern allows, you can benefit from the advantages of monofilament and those of multifilament. Indeed, it is possible to string your tennis racket with monofilament on the rising strings (vertical) and multifilament on the horizontal strings. It is better to put a firm line on the rising strings because they break faster than the horizontal ones.
The natural gut string: more sensations and more comfort
The natural casing is the only type of natural rope. It is made from the cow's intestine, which produces collagen and makes the cord very elastic. This rope has many undeniable qualities that give tennis players a better feeling, a comfortable game, and power due to its remarkable elasticity, unlike other ropes.
Where it gets caught up is particularly on resistance and price. Indeed, the natural casing is less solid and is more expensive than synthetic ropes. The cost of manufacture is higher, which explains its often high cost. To benefit from the advantages of this type of string, the tendency is to use a hybrid string, with a natural string for the crosses and another type of more resistant string for the uprights.
Wrapped ropes: more sensations and more spin
Single-wrapped core: The single-wrapped rope comprises two threads with a central part, called the core, and a peripheral part called the cover, made of synthetic (polyester, polyamide, etc.).
Double wrapped core: Double wrapped rope is made the same way as single-wrapped, but instead of having a single thread around the core, it can have several. This type of wrapped string allows to bring more sensations to the players and also allows it to make more spin, to lift.
When to change your tennis string?
Several reasons can explain a change of tennis string:
- Rope wear
- Rope breakage
- Bad feelings
- evolution of your technique
Wear and breakage of the rope
The rope wears naturally. Strings lose elasticity and quality over time whether you play or not. However, when playing, several reasons can affect the life of your string. By knowing the causes, you can take more precautions and extend its longevity:Type of string : depending on the quality of the string or the gauge, the strings will last more or less over time.
Frequency of play: depending on whether you are an occasional, regular, or intensive player, the lifespan of your string will be different.
Style of play: Your style of play also has an impact. If you are a beginner, your repetitive offsets can wear out the strings more quickly. If you are a more advanced player and put a lot of spin in your strikes, that also works. The friction of the strings is more important, which alters the string more quickly.
Temperature variation: Heat tends to soften and relax the ropes. Conversely, the cold stiffens the strings, which ends up damaging them. Temperature variations should therefore be avoided to keep your rope in good condition.
Weakened racquet: If your racquet has cracks or has been impacted, it can have a significant impact on your strings.
String Tension: wrong tension can also be the cause of wear or even breakage of the strings.
The progression of your technique or bad feelings
As you progress technically, your needs change, and you want to perform better. A change of string can then be a wise choice to continue to evolve and improve your performance.
You may also have bad sensations, pain in the arm or wrist. The cause can be a wrong string. This is the case, for example, when junior or beginner players take a monofilament or polyester string that does not correspond to their level or physical condition.
Which tension to choose for your tennis string?
Both low and high voltage have their advantages, which you should consider when setting up your racquet. A standard configuration is approximately 22 and 31 kilos, but at entry-level, it is advisable to start with an intermediate tension.The kilogram is the unit of measurement for the tension of a string. The vertical lines usually have a kilogram more stress on the horizontal chains to be longer.
The lower or lower the voltage, the more power there will be, but less control and durability.The high tension provides consistent resistance, control, and hits, but using too many high tension rackets can result in tennis elbow you won't like at all. In addition, it gives fewer sensations and comfort.
It is recommended to change the strings or the racquet with a specific frequency; some indicators to know that the string has lost tension is the slippage of the performance of your racquet. If you notice that you are starting to exert more effort than usual, this can also be an indicator.
Losing stress can lead to injury, so it's best to avoid them. Some recommend changing the strings or racket as many times a week as you play; that is, if you play three times a week, you should change them three times a year. They also recommend changing them after 40 hours of play, and there are even blood pressure monitors, which are very useful.
How do you know if your string is still good?
More faults: If you commit more faults or your balls go out of the field more than usual. One of the reasons could be loss of tension or wear in your string.
Pain: If you experience pain after a workout or game, it may be poor stringing. Do not hesitate to ask a stringer for advice when you have your racquet recorded in a specialist store.
Less feeling: If you feel that you are losing power, precision, or playing feeling, this may be a sign that your string has lost its qualities or its tension.
Frayed strings: With the naked eye, you may notice wear on the string. If you notice that your strings are fraying, plan to change strings quickly.
How often should you change your string?
As we have seen, the change of string depends on several reasons. Naturally, strings lose their elasticity and tension over time. You will lose feeling, power, or control and all the qualities of the string. We recommend that you do not wait until the last moment to perform well consistently.
If you are a beginner or intermediate player who plays 2 to 3 times per month, plan to change your string between 2 to 3 times per year. If you are a player who plays every week, it is often a good idea to have your racquet recorded at least 3 to 4 times a year to keep the same level of efficiency.
Our advice for maintaining your tennis string and racket
To keep a string in good condition for as long as possible, we recommend that you take care of it but also pay attention to your racquet. Remember to protect your racket from heat, sun, humidity and cold and avoid extreme temperature variations.
Avoid shocks to your frame and your racquet. Suppose your string is broken, cut all strings from the middle of the frame to avoid damaging the racket. Be sure to leave the cut string on the racquet; this will help the stringer to see the racquet's string pattern better.
To protect your equipment, you can put them in a tennis bag, protecting them from shocks, dust, and temperature variations. Some have insulated pockets to keep your tennis racket at the right temperature.