THE STRING IS THE THING
We can characterize tennis string into four basic types based upon materials and design
-
Natural Gut- Still the best string money can buy featuring superb tension maintenance, feel and elasticity. Expensive and weather sensitive.
- Multi-Filament- Usually nylon, wrapped or braided with a urethane binding agent. Excellent elasticity and comfort. Players with arm, elbow or shoulder problems prefer the softer feel of the multi. Durable but loses tension faster than gut. ( Gamma Live Wire or TNT)
- Mono-Filament- One material (often polyester) extruded through a shaped dye to form a solid piece, Ideal for durability with spin. Its lower elasticity ( read "stiff") requires a full, fast swing. Loses tension very quickly. (Volki Cyclone, Kirshbaum Pro Line II)
- Synthetic Gut- Most economical of strings and a fine choice for most club and recreational players. Nylon based solid core with one or more resistance coatings. Good tension maintenance. (Technifibre Synthetic Gut)
Hybrid Stringing combines two different type of strings, capitalizing on each strings best characteristics. These usually utilize a stiffer "spin" string on the mains (to increase control), with a softer multi or synthetic gut on the crosses to soften the overall feel and increase power.
Increasing Tension through the rackets recommended range affects performance factors
TENSION POWER CONTROL DURABILITY FEEL COMFORT
lower more less more more more
higher less more less less less
Gauge (Thickness) affects performance factors
GAUGE ELASTICITY DURABILITY SPIN FEEL COMFORT
thinner more less more more more
thicker less more less less less
Recent improvements in string materials and performance have changed the way tennis is played today. More spin, more power, less strain on the arm, elbow and shoulder all significantly impact todays game. Take advantage of EVERY opportunity to add to your game. Take the time to talk to your stringer. That person should be a valuable tool to get the most enjoyment from every tennis experience. I'm sure most stringers feel as I do...my passion is to get your game to the top by utilizing tech improvements in all aspects of the game. I do the research, you get the benefit. All I ask is...ask me "what's best for me ?"
dfrsr (don't forget ralph strings rackets)
sources:
tennis express.com ("how to choose the best string")
stringforum.net ("string types")
COMING SOON
OPEN VS CLOSED STRING PATTERNS
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHY DOES IT MATTER ?
I FOUND THIS ARTICLE IN USTA MAGAZINE THAT WAS TAKEN FROM TENNIS MAGAZINE!! MAY HELP RALPH!
How do I select the right strings?
Courtesy of TENNIS Magazine | January 1, 2017
Much like finding the right spouse, when it comes to selecting strings, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A string that feels soft and forgiving to one player can seem mushy and dead to another. With so much being left to perception, it would make sense that, just as with a racquet, players spend a lot of time experimenting with various strings to find the perfect fit.
Yet strings don’t get anywhere near the consideration that racquets do. Players routinely leave strings in their frames far too long and use varieties that don’t mesh their playing style or needs.
When it comes to materials, the following make up the vast majority of strings: natural gut, nylon (multifilament synthetics) and polyester. From a playability standpoint, gut provides the most feel and comfort, polyester the greatest durability and control, and nylon is generally a balance between the two.
Since stiff, powerful frames and aggressive baseline play have risen in popularity, so has the prevalence of polyester strings. Polys tend to be firm, resilient – good for string-breakers – and underpowered, which appeals to hard hitters who can use their fast swings to apply heavy topspin for control.
Natural gut is the softest string, and offers great playability, but it has a short lifespan. Throw in the high expense and it’s why you don’t see it much at the recreational level.
Softer multifilament’s are not quite as plush as gut but are more elastic and generally more comfortable at contact than polys. Their affordability also make them attractive for all-court players, net-rushers, doubles specialists or anyone with arm troubles who appreciate added feel and flex.
All that said, the best way to find the ideal match for your game is through trial and error. While strings can make claims of extra power, spin or control, it only matters how it feels to you. If you like the way a string plays, regardless of its composition, that will cause you to play with more confidence. And when you’re looking for the right mate, you want one you can believe in.
For more on the latest gear and tennis technology, visit TENNIS.com.