The Complete Package for the Recreational Player – Part 5 – When to Re-String

One of the most common questions we get as racquet technicians is “How often should I string my racquet?” The old adage is to re-string your racquet as many times in one year as you play each week. For example, if you play twice a week, then you should restring every six months.

The reasoning I use that makes that statement a non-starter is a process of looking at all factors that have an effect on string like the following:
1. We are not all physically identical?
A man who is 6’4″ tall and weighs 220 pounds will strike the ball much differently that a woman who weighs 110 pounds and is 5’4″ tall
2. We do not all play the same length of time each time we play
Some play an hour and a half once a week and some play 2 hours a day 6 days a week
3. Some of us play doubles, some play singles and some play a mixture of both
Singles play 3 times a week for 1 1/2 hours means you’re hitting more balls than playing doubles for the same amount of time
4. We do not all hit the ball exactly the same.
Some of you hit with tremendous pace while others hit with less. Some hit flat while others hit with slice & topspin.  
5. We do not all use the same racquet
A Wilson spin racquet with a 16×15 string pattern is going to be harder on strings than a racquet with a 16×19 pattern. The strings are going to move around much more due to the openness of the pattern
6. We do not all use the same string
String choice will affect playability and longevity. Finding a string that offers both is akin to the Holy Grail of string. For the most part, you can’t have your cake and eat it to when it comes to string.
7. We do not all play under the same weather conditions
Weather can have a huge impact on strings. Heat and humidity are no friend to strings nor is cold weather
8. Some players are more sensitive to tension loss in strings than others
If you’re a player who has a keen sense of feel then you can tell when your shots are going awry and you know it’s time to re-string. Still, others are not as sensitive and will only re-string when the string breaks or after 5 years of play, whichever comes first …. OUCH!

So, when you take all of the above into consideration how is it possible to apply one blanket statement to a variety of players and playing styles? The answer, IMHO. is you can’t. So what’s a poor tennis player to do? Here’s a couple of tips that can go a long way in helping you determine when to re-string.

Find a qualified racquet technician to guide you through the process
You can go HERE to use our directory of stringers to help you locate one in your area. Finding a good reliable technician is the absolute best thing you can do to get all of your equipment needs taken care of, not just re-stringing

What can you live with?
Establish a baseline with your racquet technician so that each of you knows what to expect from the other. What are your personal expectations regarding string life? Some of you will prefer feel and comfort over durability and if that’s the case, explain that to your technician so they can make a proper recommendation for string as well as offering some thoughts on what to expect. If you opt for feel and playability there will most likely be a sacrifice in durability. Some of you will demand the most durable string available because you do not want to re-string that often. If so, then expect to lose in the area of feel and playability but feel at ease that your string is going to last for quite some time. Either way, this is, IMHO, one of the most important questions that needs to be answered when choosing a string. If you fail to set a baseline of what you’re willing to live with your technician is not going to be able to satisfy you. Give them a target and they’ll do their utmost to hit it!

Stringing software and string bed testing devices-does your technician have them?
There are stringing software programs available that technicians can use to keep very accurate records of each racquet service performed. When this is done it allows your technician to be very consistent in the services they provide. They can log:
1. Reference tension used to string the racquet
2. The actual tension in the racquet after the job is completed
3. The type and gauge of string used
4. Number of recommended days for re-stringing reminders. This time frame can be adjusted over a period of stringings

There are many other statistics that can be logged depending on the program used but the above are some of the most important with regards to consistency from stringing to stringing. The most popular testing device on the market is the Babolat RDC and if your tech has one you know immediately that you’re in good hands.

Just remember that no two people are the same and if you can establish a baseline for you and your technician you’ll find that answering that age old question of “When should I re-string my racquet” just got a lot easier!