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Contact:
Dan Gaskell
email: dan@advantagestringing.com
316.573.7302 phone
316.773.1383 fax
AS can string your racquetball frames!
Check out my blog for string reviews!
Dan Gaskell
email: dan@advantagestringing.com
316.573.7302 phone
316.773.1383 fax
AS can string your racquetball frames!
Check out my blog for string reviews!
Member:
Education
On this page, I wanted to give you as much information as possible to help you with your string decision. Many times, much more time is spent figuring out what frame to buy but string choices are made based on color, price or "just what was in my other racquet". Every racquet has their own playing characteristics and have the optimal string for your game.
Here's some guidelines for you in deciding what works best for you.
First, let's talk about the kinds of strings available.
Natural Gut
This is the crème de la crème of strings. Generally, gut strings are made from cows but can also be made from sheep intestines. Cats are never used! Gut strings are made from intestines in a very complex process and because of this, it is the most expensive string on the market. Gut strings are very popular among professional players because of its elasticity, tension stability and liveliness. Gut has the least amount of tension loss of any string in the market, except Kevlar. But Kevlar is very stiff and can be harsh on your arm. Gut is the most forgiving string out there and anyone with arm issues can generally continue to play if they play with gut strings. Gut can be sensitive to moisture and precautions should be taken to limit the exposure to it. Usually, gut will play excellent all the way up to the point of breaking. Gut has it all - power, control, spin and good durability. But, it is easily the most expensive string available.
Example: Babolat VS Natural Gut
Nylon
Generally, every string other than natural gut and kevlar fall into this category. However, there are several sub-categories of nylon:
Synthetic Gut
A good all-around string category. This is the basic, and most popular string choice in tennis. It also happens to be one of the cheapest. It has a crisper feel compared with Multifilaments, good, but not as gentle on the arm as Multi or Gut. It's reasonably durable and holds tension well. A good category of string when you're looking for power and control.
Example: Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex
Polyester
A very durable string for better players. Generally, poly strings are for players who already have the power but are looking for additional spin and control. Most professionals use polyester strings either in a full bed or as a hybrid. Good players swing the racquet fast and poly strings provide a "dead" feeling string bed which adds control and subtracts power. This is very beneficial to the good players and professionals since they can supply their own power but are looking for additional control. Some polys, especially the early ones, are extremely stiff and could be hard on the arm. That's why they are an excellent string for hybrid situations. Many times, polys are used in the mains for the control with a synthetic or natural gut in the cross is to provide a softer feel. Polyester strings could be anything from smooth to textured. Not recommended for beginning players or players with arm injuries.
Example: Genesis Black Magic
Kevlar
The most durable and stiffest string available. Kevlar strings are similar to polyester in that they are used for better players who need additional control and spin. There are also used for chronic string breakers. However, Kevlar is so stiff that they are never used in a full bed set up. They are usually combined with a soft synthetic to reduce the shock and vibration to the arm. Tension should be reduced by at least 10% from your normal setup when using Kevlar strings. Not recommended for beginners or players with arm injuries.
Example: Ashaway Kevlar
Multifilaments
Multi-filament strings, known commonly as "multis" are strings that have more than one filament. Multi-filament strings offer better elasticity than single filament strings, but usually inferior durability. No multi-filament string holds its tension as well as natural gut, and none of them are as soft. However, in comparison to mono-filament "synthetic gut", multi-filament strings can offer a much closer approximation of natural gut's performance.
Example: Wilson Sensation
Next, let's look at the gauge, or thickness of the string and how it affects your game.
Gauge (Thick/Thin)
Gauge is an important factor when determining the correct string for your racquet. As you can see from the table below, there are trade-offs by going to different gauges of string.
Thinner gauges play better, and deliver more power, more control and/or spin (better bite on the ball). They simply feel better... and are less stressful on your arm. Obviously, the problem with thinner strings are that they are less durable. Thinner strings are great but if they don't last very long it can get expensive to restring every week or two. It is best to start out at a 16gauge and see where the durability is with your game. If it seems to last beyond the point of good playability, perhaps you should go to a thinner string (17gauge). If not, go to a thicker (15 or 15L gauge) string and decide upon the playability of that gauge. Keep in mind that today's racquets are stiffer and the phenomenon of string sheer happens when a ball hits near the tip of the racquet and the string will break prematurely.
Now, let's discuss tension.
Tension
Tension effects spin, durability, comfort, feel, and power. Basically, the tension you select affects every part of the playability of the string. Let's look at the table below for general guidelines.
As you can see, higher tensions can increase your control but you lose in the other areas. However, if control is an issue for you, a higher tension may be perfect for you. Also, there are several strings available that "feel" good even at higher tensions. Also, the type of string that you play will make a difference in which tension you use. For example, if you use a synthetic gut at 60 pounds and switched to a poly, 60 pounds will probably not be ideal for you. It will feel to stiff, uncomfortable and less powerful. Certainly, the "playability" will not be the same. The fix for this is to dial down the tension by approximately 10%. Another example is if you're going from a poly strings to a multifilament, the power increase will be substantial and you'll have to dial up the tension. You'll need to be very careful not to get discouraged when you switch strings because there is a process of "dialing in" the proper tension. As with any change, whether it be a frame, string or tension, patience is a virtue.
Finally, let's wrap up our discussion of strings with a discussion of arm issues, the racquet model you use, your playing style and finally, a discussion of hybrid stringing.
Arm Issues
When deciding on a string, another factor to consider is the "softness" of the string and how it affects the shock and vibration to your arm. Younger players should rarely, if ever use a Kevlar or even many of the poly strings. Their arms are still developing and a natural gut or a non-poly synthetic should be the only strings considered.
Also, older players can develop arm issues with stiffer strings, too. As we get older, we have a tendency to develop injuries and stiff strings can contribute towards those injuries. If you feel arm pain, you should immediately stop, rest and possibly see the doctor. At a minimum, you should switch to a multifilament (such as Wilson Sensation), a soft nylon or natural gut. If you are currently playing with one of these type of strings, you should lower the tension by at least 10%. Yes, you may lose control of the ball somewhat but you'll still be playing!
Generally speaking, higher tensions and stiffer strings are harder on arms and lower tensions and softer strings are easier on arms. Also, a lighter racquet can be harder on your arm and can be helped by adding weight to the frame.
Racquet Model
Light racquets versus heavier racquets. Light racquets allow you to move through the ball at a quicker pace which may cause control problems. They also are generally not as powerful as heavier racquets which helps compensate for the loss of control. When choosing a string for your particular frame, you'll need to know how powerful the racquet is and if the type of string that you choose needs to be one that is more powerful with less than or less powerful with more spin.
Playing Style
If you are a serve and volley player, your string needs will be different than a baseliner. Serve and volley players generally like to have more "feel" at the net and may prefer a natural gut, nylon or multifilament. Baseliners are looking to hit groundstrokes and may rarely, if ever go to the net. These type of players may be better served by a stiffer string that will provide more spin and control that allows them to stay at the baseline to rally. All-court players may need a good combination of a "feel" and spin. Many of these type of players play with a hybrid set up. A hybrid set up can benefit most any type of player.
Hybrid Stringing
Hybrid stringing consists of using different strings in the main and cross strings of a racquet. Hybrid stringing can be as simple as varying string thickness between the main and cross string, to using completely different string materials.
Why Should I use a Hybrid String?
Hybrid stringing is gaining popularity as more players are looking for a blend of string qualities. By selecting different hybrid combinations of string, players can fine-tune the playability, comfort, durability, liveliness and control offered by the stringbed. For instance, heavy hitting players can find a good combination of durability and playability with a polyester main string and natural gut or premium synthetic cross string hybrid.
Selecting the Main String
When choosing a hybrid, note that the main string will dominate the overall feel and playability of the two strings. For example, if you are seeking durability, then the most durable of the two strings selected should be chosen as the main string. If your overall goal is playability, then the string with the most desirable playing characteristics should be chosen as the main string. For playability, select a thinner gauge as the main string such as 17 or 18 gauge. For durability, select a thicker main string such 15L or 16 gauge. You can mix gauges between mains and crosses.
Selecting the Cross String
Think of the cross string as having an influence on the main string. While you will not get the full benefit of the string's playing characteristics, the overall feel of the stringbed will be altered. For example, a soft and forgiving cross string, such as natural gut or multifilament synthetic, can soften-up a stiff and durable main string, such as polyester or Kevlar.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a string. Advantage Stringing can help you get through the thousands of different brands and types of string to find the perfect string that matches your game and your racquet.
On this page, I wanted to give you as much information as possible to help you with your string decision. Many times, much more time is spent figuring out what frame to buy but string choices are made based on color, price or "just what was in my other racquet". Every racquet has their own playing characteristics and have the optimal string for your game.
Here's some guidelines for you in deciding what works best for you.
First, let's talk about the kinds of strings available.
Natural Gut
This is the crème de la crème of strings. Generally, gut strings are made from cows but can also be made from sheep intestines. Cats are never used! Gut strings are made from intestines in a very complex process and because of this, it is the most expensive string on the market. Gut strings are very popular among professional players because of its elasticity, tension stability and liveliness. Gut has the least amount of tension loss of any string in the market, except Kevlar. But Kevlar is very stiff and can be harsh on your arm. Gut is the most forgiving string out there and anyone with arm issues can generally continue to play if they play with gut strings. Gut can be sensitive to moisture and precautions should be taken to limit the exposure to it. Usually, gut will play excellent all the way up to the point of breaking. Gut has it all - power, control, spin and good durability. But, it is easily the most expensive string available.
Example: Babolat VS Natural Gut
Nylon
Generally, every string other than natural gut and kevlar fall into this category. However, there are several sub-categories of nylon:
Synthetic Gut
A good all-around string category. This is the basic, and most popular string choice in tennis. It also happens to be one of the cheapest. It has a crisper feel compared with Multifilaments, good, but not as gentle on the arm as Multi or Gut. It's reasonably durable and holds tension well. A good category of string when you're looking for power and control.
Example: Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex
Polyester
A very durable string for better players. Generally, poly strings are for players who already have the power but are looking for additional spin and control. Most professionals use polyester strings either in a full bed or as a hybrid. Good players swing the racquet fast and poly strings provide a "dead" feeling string bed which adds control and subtracts power. This is very beneficial to the good players and professionals since they can supply their own power but are looking for additional control. Some polys, especially the early ones, are extremely stiff and could be hard on the arm. That's why they are an excellent string for hybrid situations. Many times, polys are used in the mains for the control with a synthetic or natural gut in the cross is to provide a softer feel. Polyester strings could be anything from smooth to textured. Not recommended for beginning players or players with arm injuries.
Example: Genesis Black Magic
Kevlar
The most durable and stiffest string available. Kevlar strings are similar to polyester in that they are used for better players who need additional control and spin. There are also used for chronic string breakers. However, Kevlar is so stiff that they are never used in a full bed set up. They are usually combined with a soft synthetic to reduce the shock and vibration to the arm. Tension should be reduced by at least 10% from your normal setup when using Kevlar strings. Not recommended for beginners or players with arm injuries.
Example: Ashaway Kevlar
Multifilaments
Multi-filament strings, known commonly as "multis" are strings that have more than one filament. Multi-filament strings offer better elasticity than single filament strings, but usually inferior durability. No multi-filament string holds its tension as well as natural gut, and none of them are as soft. However, in comparison to mono-filament "synthetic gut", multi-filament strings can offer a much closer approximation of natural gut's performance.
Example: Wilson Sensation
Next, let's look at the gauge, or thickness of the string and how it affects your game.
Gauge (Thick/Thin)
Gauge is an important factor when determining the correct string for your racquet. As you can see from the table below, there are trade-offs by going to different gauges of string.
Thinner gauges play better, and deliver more power, more control and/or spin (better bite on the ball). They simply feel better... and are less stressful on your arm. Obviously, the problem with thinner strings are that they are less durable. Thinner strings are great but if they don't last very long it can get expensive to restring every week or two. It is best to start out at a 16gauge and see where the durability is with your game. If it seems to last beyond the point of good playability, perhaps you should go to a thinner string (17gauge). If not, go to a thicker (15 or 15L gauge) string and decide upon the playability of that gauge. Keep in mind that today's racquets are stiffer and the phenomenon of string sheer happens when a ball hits near the tip of the racquet and the string will break prematurely.
Now, let's discuss tension.
Tension
Tension effects spin, durability, comfort, feel, and power. Basically, the tension you select affects every part of the playability of the string. Let's look at the table below for general guidelines.
As you can see, higher tensions can increase your control but you lose in the other areas. However, if control is an issue for you, a higher tension may be perfect for you. Also, there are several strings available that "feel" good even at higher tensions. Also, the type of string that you play will make a difference in which tension you use. For example, if you use a synthetic gut at 60 pounds and switched to a poly, 60 pounds will probably not be ideal for you. It will feel to stiff, uncomfortable and less powerful. Certainly, the "playability" will not be the same. The fix for this is to dial down the tension by approximately 10%. Another example is if you're going from a poly strings to a multifilament, the power increase will be substantial and you'll have to dial up the tension. You'll need to be very careful not to get discouraged when you switch strings because there is a process of "dialing in" the proper tension. As with any change, whether it be a frame, string or tension, patience is a virtue.
Finally, let's wrap up our discussion of strings with a discussion of arm issues, the racquet model you use, your playing style and finally, a discussion of hybrid stringing.
Arm Issues
When deciding on a string, another factor to consider is the "softness" of the string and how it affects the shock and vibration to your arm. Younger players should rarely, if ever use a Kevlar or even many of the poly strings. Their arms are still developing and a natural gut or a non-poly synthetic should be the only strings considered.
Also, older players can develop arm issues with stiffer strings, too. As we get older, we have a tendency to develop injuries and stiff strings can contribute towards those injuries. If you feel arm pain, you should immediately stop, rest and possibly see the doctor. At a minimum, you should switch to a multifilament (such as Wilson Sensation), a soft nylon or natural gut. If you are currently playing with one of these type of strings, you should lower the tension by at least 10%. Yes, you may lose control of the ball somewhat but you'll still be playing!
Generally speaking, higher tensions and stiffer strings are harder on arms and lower tensions and softer strings are easier on arms. Also, a lighter racquet can be harder on your arm and can be helped by adding weight to the frame.
Racquet Model
Light racquets versus heavier racquets. Light racquets allow you to move through the ball at a quicker pace which may cause control problems. They also are generally not as powerful as heavier racquets which helps compensate for the loss of control. When choosing a string for your particular frame, you'll need to know how powerful the racquet is and if the type of string that you choose needs to be one that is more powerful with less than or less powerful with more spin.
Playing Style
If you are a serve and volley player, your string needs will be different than a baseliner. Serve and volley players generally like to have more "feel" at the net and may prefer a natural gut, nylon or multifilament. Baseliners are looking to hit groundstrokes and may rarely, if ever go to the net. These type of players may be better served by a stiffer string that will provide more spin and control that allows them to stay at the baseline to rally. All-court players may need a good combination of a "feel" and spin. Many of these type of players play with a hybrid set up. A hybrid set up can benefit most any type of player.
Hybrid Stringing
Hybrid stringing consists of using different strings in the main and cross strings of a racquet. Hybrid stringing can be as simple as varying string thickness between the main and cross string, to using completely different string materials.
Why Should I use a Hybrid String?
Hybrid stringing is gaining popularity as more players are looking for a blend of string qualities. By selecting different hybrid combinations of string, players can fine-tune the playability, comfort, durability, liveliness and control offered by the stringbed. For instance, heavy hitting players can find a good combination of durability and playability with a polyester main string and natural gut or premium synthetic cross string hybrid.
Selecting the Main String
When choosing a hybrid, note that the main string will dominate the overall feel and playability of the two strings. For example, if you are seeking durability, then the most durable of the two strings selected should be chosen as the main string. If your overall goal is playability, then the string with the most desirable playing characteristics should be chosen as the main string. For playability, select a thinner gauge as the main string such as 17 or 18 gauge. For durability, select a thicker main string such 15L or 16 gauge. You can mix gauges between mains and crosses.
Selecting the Cross String
Think of the cross string as having an influence on the main string. While you will not get the full benefit of the string's playing characteristics, the overall feel of the stringbed will be altered. For example, a soft and forgiving cross string, such as natural gut or multifilament synthetic, can soften-up a stiff and durable main string, such as polyester or Kevlar.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a string. Advantage Stringing can help you get through the thousands of different brands and types of string to find the perfect string that matches your game and your racquet.
| Gauge | Spin | Elasticity | Durability | Comfort | Feel | Power |
| Thicker | Less | Less | More | Less | Less | Less |
| Thinner | More | More | Less | More | More | More |
| Tension | Power | Control | Durability | Comfort | Feel |
| Higher | Less | More | Less | Less | Less |
| Lower | More | Less | More | More | More |