String Theory Series: Post 1 - String Types

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Choosing a tennis racket restring which is right for you is no easy task! Tennis rackets can be strung at different tensions, in different setups, on different machines and by stringers with varying levels of expertise. Tennis strings are available in different materials, gauges, shapes and textures. In this post I want to talk about String Types. When deciding on a restring, players should consider whether they require more power, spin or control. Certain players may need a string that protects or prevents arm injuries. Furthermore, advanced players often need to a string that does not break too frequently.  In this article we discuss the popular tennis strings on the market and offer practical advice on which string could be best for you.

REGULAR RESTRINGING

One of the biggest mistakes tennis players make is neglecting to restring their racket on a regular basis. Even if your strings do not break, they will lose tension, elasticity and crispness over time. This will have an adverse effect on your ability to control the ball. A popular rule of thumb states that a player should get their racket restrung as many times per year as they play per week. For example, if you play three times per week, you should restring your racket every four months. Polyester strings do not hold tension as well as softer more elastic strings and should be replaced with a higher frequency than the general rule of thumb suggests.

STRING TYPES

Manufacturers use a variety of materials to make tennis strings. These materials exhibit significantly different levels of elasticity, tension retention, power and durability.  This article discusses the commonly used string types: natural gut, synthetic gut, multi-filament and polyester.

NATURAL GUT

Natural gut strings are generally made from the intestine of cows. Natural gut is synonymous with “catgut”, with the ‘cat’ merely being short for cattle. Natural gut was reportedly first used for stringing tennis rackets in 1875 by Pierre Babalot and the company he inspired still produces one of, if not the best, natural guts on the market. Many players and commentators agree that natural gut is the “best” tennis string available. All efforts to replicate and emulate its feel, tension retention, elasticity, forgiveness and power level appear to be in vain. Natural gut will also remain relatively elastic and responsive even when strung at a high tension. Most manufacturers use a slightly textured coating around the outer fibres of the natural gut to increase longevity and allow for the easier imparting of spin on the ball. Players who try or regularly use natural gut, will often refer to the idea of a greater and enhanced “feel” and “playability”. Not surprisingly, natural gut is the string of choice for many professionals, most of whom will mix natural gut in the crosses with a polyester in the mains (see “Hybrid Setup” section below).

However, there are certain considerable drawbacks that the potential consumer should be aware of. Firstly, because of the high manufacturing costs involved, natural gut is expensive. It will often be twice as expensive as most other string types. The other significant drawback is its lack of durability. For a heavy topspinner, it may only last between five and ten matches. Also, if natural gut becomes wet, its fibres will be adversely affected and most likely break imminently. Finally, natural gut can easily be damaged during the stringing process. If natural gut appears to be crimped, torn or obviously damaged after a fresh restring, we advise you to ask your stringer to string it up again.


Recommended in this category: Babolat VS Natural Gut.

SYNTHETIC GUT

In terms of string type, synthetic gut is another “soft” and flexible string. Although synthetic guts will not have the feel or playability of natural gut or multi-filaments, they will last substantially longer and will generally cost less per restring. Therefore, for players who play regularly and hit with a lot of spin, synthetic gut is often the best option. Indeed, one of the most popular ways of stringing tennis rackets is to use a polyester in the mains (the vertical string) and a synthetic gut in the crosses. The synthetic gut’s elasticity and softness helps to balance out the stiffness of the polyester and provides a longer lasting alternative to a multi-filament or natural gut.

This string is recommended for the following players:

  • players looking for a more cost effective string;

  • players seeking enhanced durability whilst maintaining a softer feel;

  • players who feel like they get too much power and/or a soft spongy feel from multi-filaments;

  • the younger generation of players (approximately 14 years of age and younger).

Synthetic guts are also available in a multitude of colours (pink, neon green, blue).

Recommended in this category: Prince Synthetic Gut

MULTI-FILAMENT

Multi-filament tennis strings are constructed with more than one filament and  will often contain hundreds or even thousands of flexible ultra thin fibres bound together and coated. This unique construction produces a playability and feel close to that of natural gut. Multi-filament strings in the full string bed are recommended for players wishing to recover from or prevent arm injuries, particularly tennis and golfer’s elbow. This type of string is also quite powerful due to its ability to flex and produce a considerable trampoline effect.

At our pro shop (JC Tennis), multi-filament strings are the most common choice for our clients. The only slight drawback to multi-filament strings is a lack of durability; however, regular string breakage of multi-filament strings is only a problem for the more advanced heavy top-spinners.

Recommended in this category: Wilson Sensation, Solinco Vanquish, Babolat Addiction.

POLYESTER STRINGS

Polyester tennis strings are considerably different to the three string types discussed above (the “soft” strings). Essentially, polyesters (“polys”) are “hard” strings:  physically stiffer, less forgiving and tougher on the arm. Most of the popularly used polyester strings are technically co-polyesters as they are combined and blended with extra materials and chemicals to reduce the stiffness typical of pure polyester. For a certain type of player, polyester strings can offer more spin and control than they would obtain from the “softer” strings; this type of player is the physically stronger and more technically advanced player. Furthermore, it is this precise type of player that may, by necessity, have to use a polyester string, as the softer strings simply may not last long enough.

Polyester’s capacity to produce enhanced spin and its durable nature has led the vast majority of advanced and professional players to use it, either in the full string bed, or in a hybrid set up. These advanced players will also generally have the strength to make this string flex and increase its rebound efficiency, ie. power.

Recommended in this category: Yonex Poly Tour Pro, Technifibre Black Code, Luxilon Big Banger, Solinco Tour Bite, Babalot RPM Blast.

The strings in your racket are the only thing that makes contact with the ball, thousands of times during a tennis match - they can help you generate spin, power and control every time you hit the ball. They can give you a edge over your opponent, assist injury recovery and make the sport more enjoyable to play. They are the soul of the racket - don’t ignore them! In the next post in this series, I’ll discuss String Gauges, Tension, Shape and Texture.

- JC Tennis.

James ColhounComment