[Monday, January 9, 2023 10:54 AM]

The ABCs of Strings: String types and other important parameters for your optimal stringing

What types of strings are there? Which parameters are actually important and relevant for choosing a string? What do you need to consider when stringing your racket? Questions upon questions... and who among you knows the answers to all of them? For everyone who's now looking a bit puzzled, we've created a short string ABC that will give you a quick and concise overview of the basics of tennis strings and stringing. If that's not enough, feel free to send your string questions directly to us and our string expert, Sandra Kirschbaum. So that absolutely no string question remains unanswered and you find your perfect stringing setup!

String types

Broadly speaking, the strings available on the market can be divided into four different types , although there are also many hybrid forms:

NATURAL GUT STRINGS

Arm-friendly, high playing feel, lots of touch,
short lifespan, expensive

NYLON STRINGS

Lots of power, cheap,
less control, strings slipping

MULTIFILAMENT STRINGS

Arm-friendly, lots of power, great feel
, short lifespan, expensive, low spin potential, strings slip.

MONOFILAMENT STRINGS

Lots of control and spin potential, inexpensive, no string slippage,
not very arm-friendly, average power

Other important parameters

Rackets : The stiffness of the racket frame should influence your choice of string. A stiff frame should be strung with a softer string, while a softer, more flexible frame should be strung with a heavier string. The RA value indicates the frame stiffness.
Playing style : This is where it gets interesting, because depending on whether your playing style is aggressive or defensive, with a lot or little spin, whether you are the ambitious young player or more of a relaxed hobby player, the right choice of strings can be important.
String tension : Generally speaking, the tighter the string tension, the more control you have. The looser the string tension, the more power and feel you can achieve. The size of the racket head is also relevant for determining the correct string tension.
Arm protection : Many of you are familiar with tennis elbow. Incorrect string tension can also be a trigger. Therefore, one criterion for a string is how well it absorbs the impact of the ball and the resulting vibrations.

Durability : How many hours can/do you want to play with one string? The different types of strings vary enormously in this respect. This is an important decision criterion for frequent players.
Spin : A string can also impart spin to a ball, especially if the string itself has a profile. Various designs exist that enhance spin effects.
String diameter : This is crucial in determining which of the above-mentioned criteria truly come into play. As a general rule of thumb: the thinner the string, the more power and spin, but also the less durability and control.

How do you find the perfect string? Who can advise you?

Find a string expert and get comprehensive advice. This could be at a sports shop or an online retailer. For example, the long-established company Kirschbaum offers free and completely personalized string consultations.

Test each string multiple times, ideally under the same conditions (temperature, playing partner, etc.). If you have several identical rackets, you can also test different strings one after the other for a better comparison.

If nothing suitable is available, consult a string expert and, for example, change the string tension.

Do you have questions about tennis strings and stringing?

Then take a look at our string world or ask your "string question" directly to our string expert Sandra Kirschbaum from Kirschbaum Strings & Grips.

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Sandra Kirschbaum