THE 3 KEY TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR TENNIS STRING

Choosing the right tennis strings is no small feat. A poor choice can lead to you playing with equipment that doesn't suit you, doesn't match the characteristics of your game, or even tires your arms and joints. So, here are some tips to help you choose your strings, based on your racket and... yourself.

TIP #1: YOUR STRING MUST BE ADAPTED TO THE RACQUET

As we already told you in our previous article, the string is, above all, inseparable from the racket. So we can start there: the string completes the racket, must adapt to it, accommodate its weight and structure.

In a nutshell, if you have a light racket, under 300 grams, it generates more shock (18% exactly) on the forearm than a racket over 300g. And therefore more muscle fatigue. Therefore, we can say that a light racket offers lightness and maneuverability, while a heavier racket guarantees more power. We can then favor:

-A polyurethane multifilament string for a racket under 300g (HDX Tour), which, being more elastic, will generate maximum power for less arm fatigue.

-A polyester monofilament string for a racket weighing more than 300g (Razor Code), a stiffer string which offers better control but also generates more arm fatigue.

IN SUMMARY:

Do you have a heavy racquet? Choose a monofilament string to channel the power induced by the racquet's weight and give you more control.

Do you have a lightweight racquet? Choose a multifilament string to compensate for the power deficit caused by the racquet's lightness.

TIP #2: THE STRING SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT YOUR GAME AND THE TYPE OF PLAYER YOU ARE

Next, one of the important things to remember when choosing strings is that you have to take into account your game and your physical abilities. So, as we will develop in a future article, there is no point in copying the strings (or even the racket!) of your favorite player on the pretext that he plays well with this equipment (put a link after the fact?)

And since the ball arriving at the center of the racket causes very significant vibrations (shock of 100G for a ball thrown at 70km/h), the choice proves decisive.

When we talk about player type, this refers to gender, age, but especially to the frequency of practice and physical abilities (morphology, possible injuries, etc.). The game refers more to the style of play (based on big shots, on very good defense and very good movement, on a big serve, etc.).

Therefore, several situations may suit you:

-You are looking for power. You would like to have sharper and more aggressive shots, with a more grazing trajectory. You can then opt for a multifilament string like the HDX Tour, the Duramix or the TGV for more comfort. Alternatively, you can also reduce the string tension, which accentuates the trampoline effect and therefore the power, or reduce the gauge of the string (which reduces its resistance).

-You are looking for control. You want to make fewer mistakes, or channel a lot of power through equipment that offers you security and control. Conversely, you can increase the gauge or tension of your string. Otherwise, opt for a softer polyester string, such as Black Code or Razor Code. Be careful, however, this type of string is more demanding on the forearm, so make sure you are morphologically ready before choosing a stiff string. Similarly, this type of string is not recommended for young players who are growing: they could increase the chances of injury as they grow.

-You're looking for comfort. To avoid injuries, it's better to opt for a multifilament string such as the XOne Biphase, which is more flexible, more powerful, and therefore more comfortable. Vibrations are less noticeable, but you then lose control...

IN SUMMARY:

-You are looking for power, to deliver more winning shots: opt for a multifilament string with HDX Tour, NRG², XR3, Duramix, etc.

-You are looking for comfort and flexibility to avoid vibrations and injuries: also choose a multifilament string. Power and flexibility go hand in hand => TGV

-If you are looking for control and do not experience any forearm pain, choose polyester monofilament strings over Razor Code, Black Code, or Pro Red Code.

TIP #3: DON'T BUY THE FIRST STRING YOU COME ACROSS, BUT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STRINGS

a/ Polyester monofilament, the choice of control to avoid in case of pain and lack of power

Monofilament strings are made entirely of polyester. These strings provide strength and control, at the expense of comfort (forearm muscle fatigue). Polyester should therefore be avoided in cases of arm pain, as well as for young players who train very often and are at risk of injury.

2 figures to remember: if polyester monofilament is 38% more rigid than polyurethane multifilament, it also causes 22% more muscle fatigue when hitting!

Hybrid string: it is possible to combine the strength and control of polyester (mainly on rising strings), with the power and flexibility of nylon or multifilament, in order to gain in comfort and ball length.

b/ Multifilament stringing: comfort & power

Multifilament strings are made up of multiple interwoven filaments. The polyester discussed above can therefore be combined with polyamide, for example, to create a more flexible string, such as Duramix.

Multifilaments are more elastic and comfortable; but they are also less durable. In terms of playing characteristics, they provide more power (they are similar to natural gut, which is more expensive) and greater comfort, limiting pain associated with repeated impacts with the ball.

Hybrid string: Just as nylon can be combined with polyester, multifilament, which is similar, can be combined with polyester. In this case, it is often preferable to position the multifilament horizontally and the polyester vertically. Indeed, the rising strings move more when they hit the ball, are gradually cut by the cross strings, and this is why you may want a string that is resistant to vertical movement.

And finally…

To choose your string, take into account your type of game, your body shape, as well as your racket, but above all, try several types of strings before choosing, to see how they react to your game and hitting.