Technical Information

1. String Tension
2. When Should I Restring My Racquet?

1. String Tension
This is a concept that is often misunderstood. Every racket comes with a recommended stringing tension and if you are a beginner in your chosen sport then you should pick either the middle tension level or even 1 or 2 pounds lower. As a beginner, the off center hits will probably be high and you will need that forgiveness that lower racquet string tension offers. The recommended racket string tension is usually listed on the throat of most rackets. Email us if you are unsure craig@scotstrings.co.uk and we will endeavour to find the best tension for your type of game. For the intermediate and advanced players, the rule of thumb is the higher or tighter your racquet string tension, the more control you will have. A lower string tension provides more power but reduces control.The tighter the string, the more the string acts like a board or brick wall. The ball hits the string and because the string is tight and not forgiving, the ball flattens out and more of the surface area is in contact with the string. This allows the string to bite the ball better, giving you more control. If your racquet string tension is lower, it is more forgiving and now acts more like a trampoline. When the ball hits your racket, the string forms a small pocket around the ball and then, with your swing, shoots the ball out of the pocket, giving you more power.It is also important to keep in mind that every racket comes with its own recommended stringing tension. It really becomes a matter of personal preference and trial and error. Many players want more control, but they don’t like the board like feel that tight strings have. When in doubt use the middle of the recommended string tension and then adjust based on playability and your liking.

2. When Should I Restring My Racquet?

Learn to pay attention to your strings. They are your most important piece of equipment. Remember, the strings are the only part of the racquet to contact the ball. At least that is our goal! If your racquet is starting to feel dead; if you have to swing harder to get the ball deep; if you are making good contact, but getting fewer solid hits; if your strings sound different when contact is made; or if it feels as though the sweetspot has disappeared, then it is probably time to restring.

Strings may feel tight, but play dead. This is because strings lose their elasticity and resilience, which is their ability to return energy to the ball. When strings wear out, the string stretches further, but rebounds slower with less force. The strings return less energy to the ball, resulting in less power to the shot. Strings don't have to break to be worn out (dead). How often you restring depends on your racquet, string type, style of play,and frequency of play. A good rule of thumb is to restring as many times each year as you average playing each week. If you average playing four times per week, you should restring every 3 months or 4 times per year. As a minimum, you should restring every six months because strings will go dead in this time regardless of the frequency of play.