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

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

• 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.