Re stringing Guide : Ski and Tennis Shop

A quick guide to strings

The strings you use have a big impact on your game, for better or worse. Finding the right string can be a confusing task given the huge array of strings on the market these days. With this in mind, we’d like to give you some information that will help you choose the right string for your style of play.

Natural gut	The benchmark for tennis strings, natural gut is still the choice of many pros today. Made from cow or sheep gut, it has a very ‘elastic’ quality and gives players great control and feel. Unfortunately, it is also very expensive and sensitive to weather and for these reasons it is not the most practical string for club players.
Polyester or Monofilament	Commonly known as “Poly , this type of string has become very popular in recent times with professionals and club players alike. Poly strings are made of a thin polyester fiber (hence monofilament) and wrapped in a thin coating. They are generally very durable strings and are popular with players looking to maximize spin and power. On the downside, they tend to have a “stiff” feel and may not suit players who rely on finesse and control or who suffer tennis elbow.
Multifilament	Often referred to as “synthetic gut”, multifilament strings consist of a series of microfibers twisted around a core and then wrapped in a resistant cover. They aim to reproduce the “lively” feel of natural gut and are popular with players looking to maximize control and feel. Although they do last longer than natural gut, they are not as durable as “poly” strings.
Hybrids	A hybrid refers to a combination of 2 types of string for mains and crosses. They have become popular in recent times as players have looked to combine the best characteristics of the different types of string. The most common hybrid consists of a durable “poly” string in the mains, where strings are most likely to break, and a softer natural gut or multifilament in the crosses for comfort and feel. There are many variations – Roger Federer chooses a different configuration, using natural gut in the mains and a poly string in the crosses. There are many possibilities with hybrids and they are well worth considering.
String gauge?	Strings come in varying diameters ( gauges ) and it helps to know what the trade-off is. A thick string will certainly be more durable than it’s thinner counterparts but will be unlikely to match them for spin and feel. Conversely, a thinner string will give more spin and feel but will be less durable.
String tension?	Having chosen a string you must now consider the tension your racquet will be strung at. As a general rule, the tighter your strings the more control you will get. The looser the strings, the more power and feel you will get.
When to restring?	All strings will lose their tension and elasticity over time. Given this, here is a useful rule of thumb: string your racquet as many times per year as you play per week, but never less than twice per year. So, if you play 3 times a week, have your racket strung 3 times a year. Feel free to talk to Jonathan on 01423 858584 if you want to discuss any of this further.