Let’s talk about string tension

In the world of racquet stringing, there are a multitude of debatable subjects that always stir more interest than others. One such subject is that of string tension. A player may know what he wants in the racquet based on what was done last time, but what happens when that player takes his racquet somewhere else for service? If they asked for 60 lbs on their last visit, are they going to get the same results this time? Experienced stringers know exactly what to do in a situation like this and as a player, you should learn to recognize the difference between reference and actual tension to help mitigate this problem.

Since there are differences in machines and stringer technique, these two factors alone are going to play a key role. Other factors are at work and should be considered as well.

• Know what works best for you and to learn what this is going to take some trial and error on your part. If you switch strings often and are up and down the reference tension range this is going to make this task much harder and in fact, nearly impossible.
• Assuming that you’re using the same string/racquet combination the process is relatively easy. It becomes a matter of finding what tension works best for your style of play.
• Once you know your string/tension preference then it becomes the responsibility of the technician installing the string. Ask about their qualifications. Do they have any certifications? Have they attended periodic training sessions and kept up to date on the best techniques and products? Ultimately you will have the last word and if you’re not happy you’ll need to talk with your stringer and work out the kinks.
• Using a trained professional has many advantages. Sure, the kid down the street has a stringing machine and he can do it for $5. This has always been the case and will never change. However, what that kid can’t offer you is the expertise required to meet your demands. He’ll never have a good selection of all types off strings nor will he have a thorough understanding of why and when to use a specific string. A trained professional will, and not only will they be able to match you up with the right string and tension, they’ll be enthusiastic about doing it.
• As a professional racquet technician I can’t begin to tell you how many times a client of mine has taken the bait and tried something else just because they were convinced that they didn’t need to use a professional and they could get a real cheap string job. Personally, I welcome this because in nearly every case where this has happened to me, that client will be back wanting me to fix their racquet. “It just doesn’t play the way it did when you strung it Tim, can you help me out?” Of course the answer is always yes and everyone is happy once again

In summary keep these points in mind:

1. Your number one goal is satisfaction and maximum performance out of your racquet
2. Keep good records and know what string & gauge you’re using and what tension works best for you
3. Remember that if you change strings you’ll need to start the process all over again. No two strings are identical.
4. Maintain your equipment by preventing extreme temperature changes. Don’t keep your racquet in the car in the summer when it’s 90 degrees outside and the same goes for cold weather. Temperature changes won’t have an adverse effect on your racquet but they can be killers on the string!
5. Communicate with your stringer to get the information needed to get your racquet set up properly
6. Quality is the key and the number one ingredient when it comes to quality is consistency. That means using a professionally trained technician