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Home > String Explained
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There
are basically three things that you need to consider when deciding what
string to choose. The first is the material the string is made from,
the second is how the string is constructed from that material, and
finally, the gauge of the string. which determines the thickness of the
string. All three are explained below.
STRING MATERIALS
Nylon (Synthetic Gut)
Nylon
strings, also known as Sythetic Gut, are available in a large variety
of blends and constructions. They are used by most club and
recreational players, providing a good combination of durability and
playability, as well as being affordable. They last longer than Natural
Gut, however not as long as Polyester of Kevlar.
Natural gut
Natural
gut strings are made from animal intestines and offer the best feel and
control among all strings. They offer both excellent playability and
power. They also feature a slight texture which grips the ball for
enhanced spin. Natural gut is still used today by some of the world's
leading tennis
players, however the generally high price means that most club or
recreational players do not use them. They can be easily damaged by
water, humidity, and other environmental factors, which gives them a
relatively short lifespan. Due to the superior feel they offer players,
they are ideal for players with tennis elbow and other such related
injuries. They are most commonly used today as the cross strings in a
Hybrid set-up.
Polyester
Polyester strings
are very durable, however they offer less feel and power to the player.
A racket strung with Polyester loses tension more quickly, therefore
many players have them strung at a higher initial tension. Whilst these
strings are ideal for string breakers they are being more commonly used
today as part of a Hybrid string set.
Kevlar
Kevlar
is the most durable string on the market, however it is a very stiff
string and provides the least amount of power. Kevlar is not commonly
used and is usually combined with nylon to reduce the string bed
stiffness. Although used by chronic string breakers, it can be harmful
for your arm and wrist, therefore it is not recommended for players
with arm injuries or for juniors or beginners.
STRING CONSTRUCTION
Monofilament
A solid one piece construction of extruded material, generally consisting of polyester or polyether. Produces a durable string.
Solid Core with Single Wrap
This
is one of the most commonly used constructions and consists of a thin
monofilament core with a single layer
of fibres twisted around the outside. The solid core gives durability
and reduces tension loss, whilst the outer single wrap protects the
core and improves playability of the standard monofilament string.
Solid Core with Double Wrap
This
string
construction consists of a monofilament core with a two layers of
fibres twisted around the outside. The sold core on this string is
thinner than the one with the single wrapped construction, therefore
durability is not quite as good, however the two wraps give the string
a 'softer feel' which results in greater playability than both the
monofilament or single wrapped construction.
Multifilament
This
string has no centre core, but instead is made up from multifibres
which are then coated for added protection. Multifilament strings are
very similar in construction to Natural Gut, therefore they offer both
excellent playability and shock absorption, making them a good choice
with players with tennis elbow. They do however tend to lose tension
more quickly than a string with a centre core.
Multicore with Single Wrap
As the name suggests, this string consists of a smaller multifilament core with an outer multifilament
wrap. It gives enhanced playability and elasticity, with added
durability and is proving a popular construction for many of the latest
strings on the market.
Composites
This
string is a combination of nylon and aramid fibres, which increases
durability whilst not impairing playability. Ideal for chronic string
breakers.
Textured
This string is the same
construction as a solid core with a single wrap, however it has an
added outer wrap or wraps giving string extra texture for grip. It is
therefore generally used to create more spin on the ball.
Natural Gut
Natural gut strings are made from animal intestines and offer the best
feel and control among all strings. They offer both excellent
playability and
power. They also feature a slight texture which grips the ball for
enhanced spin. Natural gut is still used today by some of the world's
leading tennis
players, however the generally high price means that most club or
recreational players do not use them. They can be easily damaged by
water, humidity, and other environmental factors, which gives them a
relatively short lifespan. Due to the superior feel they offer players,
they are ideal for players with tennis elbow and other such related
injuries. They are most commonly used today as the cross strings in a
Hybrid set-up.
Hybrids
Hybrid
strings are a combination of one type of string for the main strings,
and another type for the cross strings. Generally a more durable
string, such as a monofilament, is used for the mains, with a softer,
more elastic string being used for the cross string, giving some
playability. It is an ideal combination for chronic string breakers as
the enhanced durability increases the time between string breakages.
Many of the world's top players use their own combination of Hybrid strings.
STRING GAUGE
The
gauge of a string refers to the thickness. It is usually identified by
a code number, or in millimetres. Below is a table outlining the
various gauges of string.
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