Stringing guide
Guide to tennis strings and tension
A racquet can feel completely different after a fresh string job. This guide explains when to restring, how string families compare, and how tension changes control, power, spin, and comfort.
Common lower tension range
Common upper tension range
Weeks used for yearly frequency
Main string families compared
Why restring at all?
Strings lose tension over time even when the racquet is sitting in a bag. Heat, hitting, weather, and simple aging all reduce how lively and predictable the string bed feels.
Dead strings make it harder to control depth, generate clean spin, and get free power. Many players also start swinging harder to compensate, which can add stress to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Broken strings are the obvious signal, but they are not the only one. Fresh strings give a more consistent response, cleaner feedback, and a racquet that matches your current game instead of your memory of how it used to feel.
Frequency
How often should you restring?
The calculator is calibrated against 2,500+ real player reports: it weighs the string's playable life in on-court hours and its aging over time — strings lose elasticity even just sitting in the frame.
≈ 13 times per year (every ~4 weeks)
Polyester rarely breaks, but it goes dead long before that: players report 6-20 hours of play. Dead poly feels harsher on the arm — do not wait for it to snap.
Strings age even without play: they lose elasticity right in the frame. Refresh Polyester at least every ~2 months, even if you rarely play.
The math assumes ~1.5 hours of play per session. Treat it as a planning baseline: tournament players and heavy topspin hitters usually need more frequent service.
If you break strings first, restring when they break.
String families
String type comparison
This table is checked against thousands of real player reports. No string is best for everyone: choose for the ball you want, the comfort your arm needs, and how often you are willing to restring.
| Type | Comfort | Durability | Control / Spin | Power | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Stiff, low comfort; can stress the arm | Hard to break, but playability dies within 6-20 hours of play | High control and spin | Lower power | $ | Advanced players with fast swings and heavy spin; not recommended for beginners |
| Multifilament | Soft and arm-friendly | Medium: frays and settles; string-breakers go through it fast | Medium control | High power | $$ | Comfort seekers and players with arm issues |
| Natural gut | Best feel and comfort | Low to medium; weather-sensitive | Great control and tension hold | Highest power | $$$ | Premium feel, comfort, and stable tension |
| Synthetic gut | All-round comfort | Medium durability | Medium control | Medium power | $ | Beginners and recreational players — the underrated workhorse |
| Hybrid | Depends on the mains: noticeably softer with gut/multi mains | Lives as long as the faster-aging string — usually the poly | High control with better feel | Good power | $$ | Control plus comfort; popular: gut or multi mains with a smooth poly cross |
Tension
Tension guide
Across thousands of real player reports, most recreational players string at 20-25 kg (44-55 lbs). The starting point depends on the string: polyester goes lower (20-23 kg), softer strings higher (up to 26-27 kg). Your frame and arm comfort matter too.
- Beginners usually do better starting a little lower for comfort and depth.
- Above 25 kg usually means soft strings (multifilament, natural gut) or fast-swing control seekers. Polyester above 25 kg is a recurring cause of elbow pain.
- String polyester about 1-2 kg (2-4 lbs) lower than synthetic gut or multifilament.
20-25 kg: the most common range. With polyester, stay in the lower half (20-23 kg).
Lower tension
More power, comfort, and easier spin; less precise control.
Higher tension
More control and a firmer response; less power and more arm load.
Stringing FAQ
How long does racquet stringing take?
Usually under an hour — the current turnaround is always listed on the stringing service page. Confirm timing when you contact us, especially before a tournament or same-day match.
How often should I restring?
Count court hours: polyester keeps its playing characteristics for ~6-20 hours, multifilament and synthetic gut play until they fray or lose control, natural gut lasts longest. Strings also age without play — refresh polyester roughly every 2 months. The calculator above works it out for your rhythm.
Which string suits me?
Per thousands of player reports: beginners do best with synthetic gut or multifilament — more comfort and kinder to the arm. Polyester only if you swing fast, break softer strings, and restring often. A hybrid is the working compromise.
Does tension really matter?
Yes, but the string family matters more than a kilogram or two of tension. Higher tension plays firmer and more precise; lower gives easier power and comfort. Players regret stringing too tight far more often than too loose.
Do you supply strings or can I bring my own?
Both options are supported. You can bring your own string or choose from available string types when you message us on WhatsApp.
What does stringing cost?
The up-to-date price list lives on the stringing service page, together with the contacts to message us on WhatsApp.
Can string choice help arm pain?
Softer strings and lower tension can reduce harsh feel. A frequent culprit in player reports is dead polyester that was overdue for a restring. Still, treat pain seriously: reduce load and consider medical advice.
Should I copy pro strings and tensions?
No. Pros hit harder, restring almost every match, and tolerate firm string beds. Three common mistakes from player reports: leaving "unbreakable" polyester in until it snaps, chasing high tension for control, and starting with a full poly bed because your idol plays it.
In Baku since 2010
The stringing team Baku's strongest players trust
Pros, tournament juniors, and club players — we string for every level of the game. Some of our team members have been stringing in Baku since 2010 and have stayed close to the court ever since.
years of experience — the team's first string jobs in Baku date back to 2010
racquets strung over the years
players have trusted us with their racquets
When international events come to Baku, our stringers work with young professionals right at the tournament — from qualifying to the final.
Ready to restring your tennis racquet?
Message us on WhatsApp: tell us how often you play, what you want more of - control, power, spin, or comfort - and when you need the racquet back.