Choosing a String

The first question people will ask when they come in for a re-string is, "What kind of string should I get?". The answer is always, "It depends." The most important thing to consider when choosing what type of string to get is, how often do you break strings. If you are breaking strings within 20 hours of playing time then a full polyester bed of string is highly recommended for the sake of your wallet. If you are averaging more around 35-40 hours of playtime before breaking a hybrid set up is recommended. If you are not a frequent string breaker than we recommend a multifilament or natural gut bed of string.

Speaking of hybrid set ups there are two ways to use a hybrid. The mains, which are the strings that run vertically, are the strings that you will feel most in a hybrid set up. If you have just started breaking strings within 40 hours of playing time, then we recommend having a 16 gauge multifilament in the mains. This will increase the durability of your string job without sacrificing as much feel. This is called a reverse hybrid. Once you begin breaking the reverse hybrid within 40 hours of on court playtime we would then put the polyester string in the mains giving you a standard hybrid. Once you start breaking the hybrid regularly it is time for what any good stringer calls the "Nuclear Option" a full bed of polyester string.

When it comes to multifilaments which string and gauge you choose largely comes down to your individual needs. A string is called softer when it is closer in feel to natural gut and very easy on the arm, however softer strings sacrifice durability for the increased feel. Also the gauge of string determines it's thickness, the higher the number the thinner the string. 17 gauge is considered standard, however if durability is an issue then a 16 gauge can be used for more durability with only a slight loss in feel. Synthetic gut is the most basic of strings, and is a good string for beginners and players without a history of arm/elbow issues.

Finally we get to Natural gut, the most expensive string option. In our opinion the price is certainly worth the difference. Unfortunately because of the incredible feel available with gut strings the durability is very low, and the string itself is more reactive to temperatures and humidity. Contrary to the urban myth, Gut string is not made of cat gut, it is made of cow intestine, tennis warehouse went of a tour of the Babolat factory in France, and is a fascinating watch for anyone interested.

One final note, strings don't always break because of playing wear and tear. If you find your strings breaking near the edge of the frame, rather than towards the middle of the string bed, it could mean several things. First it could mean that the grommet has developed an edge and is cutting into your string, second it could indicate there is something inside the grommet itself wearing on the string or that the string itself was a faulty set, this does happen time to time. Finally sometimes all it takes is one mishit near the edge of the frame to grind the string against a grommet and result in string break. When your strings do break we recommend either cutting them out all at once of leaving them in your racquet for us to remove before stringing to ensure that is no uneven pressures applied to your frame.

If you have any questions regarding what string to choose for yourself please contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you in choosing the right string for your game.