Choose Your Strings Like You Buy Your Tires
No matter the style of car, engine performance, or driving talent, the only thing touching the road is the tires. If they are the wrong type, under or over inflated, or in poor condition, the driver could be in serious trouble. No matter the talent of the tennis player, style of game, type of racquet, hopefully the only thing hitting the ball is the strings. We buy tires considering size of vehicle, driving situations, whether we want performance versus endurance. We should buy strings asking many similar questions.
When we select the right strings, there are several questions your stringer should ask (so have the answers ready!).
What type of game do you play?
- Singles or doubles?
- Topspin, flat, or slice shots?
Type of Racquet
- Oversize or mid-plus size?
- Dense or open-weave string bed? How many do you carry?
Performance versus Endurance
- How much do you want to spend per year?
- How often do you play per week per season?
- String tension (loose, medium, or tight)?
Every one of the above variables effects the choice of string and the tension you desire. Work with your stringer. If he/she does not ask the right questions, you provide the answers anyway.
Every string manufacturer has a string to fit any requirements. Expect to pay for the following:
Performance - Gut, multi-fibered or pseudo-core with multi-wraps $25 - $60
Endurance - Kevlar-blend, poly-blend or 15L (heavy gauge) $20 - $30
Standard - any better quality synthetic gut with 18 or more outer wraps $18 - $22
You might be able to save additionally by asking about quantity discounts (more than 20 times per year per family). You might consider purchasing your own string and paying a labor charge ($12 - $15). If you do this, however, your stringer will only guarantee the labor, not the string.
In any case, remember strings and tension will only help to realize your potential. They won’t work miracles! Only hard work, practice and instruction from your favorite tennis pro will help you get to the next level.
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| This article provided by Glenn Brewer. Glenn is from Pro Rep Sports, a GPTA member and knows just about all there is to know about strings and stringing. |
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