Our service is open to all members and non-members. Our expert staff will guide you through the different options for your racquet to improve performance and prevent injury. Please read our guide below for valuable information.
WHAT OTHER FACTORS SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR RE-STRINGING?
From the environment to how you play the game, there are so many variables that impact how often you should restring your racket.
TENSION LOSS
- Strings begin losing tension the moment your racket is taken off the stringing machine.
- As tension drops, you lose control and the ability to generate as much topspin – especially if you play with a poly.
- In general, poly strings lose tension quicker than multifilament strings. They would require more frequent re-stringing.
ARM/ELBOW COMFORT LEVEL
- Strings lose their resilience over time, creating a stiff or dead feeling that can be harsh on your arm.
- A freshly strung racquet will absorb the shock better upon contact, providing more comfort.
- This is especially important if you have elbow or arm issues, in which case you should consider re-stringing more often
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Natural gut absorbs moisture quicker in humid environments.
- Poly strings wear out even quicker when exposed to excessive heat or sun.
- On top of re-stringing, a tennis bag with Thermoguard lining will better protect the racquet and strings by better controlling the environment.
STYLE OF PLAY
- Strings will wear out faster if you play more aggressively, use more spin, and/or primarily hit from the baseline.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO RESTRING MY TENNIS RACKET?
VISUAL INDICATORS YOU’RE OVERDUE TO RE-STRING:
NOTCHING
- Strings rub together as you hit the ball, creating friction.
- This leads to grooves at the intersection of the strings in the middle of the racquet.
FRAYING
- Natural gut and multifilament strings are comprised of tiny fibers that eventually break down.
- Poly strings are a single filament, so they will not fray.
I AM BREAKING TENNIS RACKET STRINGS TOO OFTEN. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
GAUGE OPTIONS
- The thicker the gauge, the more durable it will be.
SWITCH TO HYBRID STRING
- If you’re playing with a multifilament string, consider switching to a poly string in the mains or crosses for more durability.
SWITCH TO POLYESTER (MONOFILAMENT) STRING
- Poly strings provide excellent durability since they are made of a single filament.
- However, they also lose tension quicker. This can require more frequent re-stringing for consistent performance.
- If you have arm/elbow issues, this may not be the best option due to its stiffer feeling.
Tip: As the performance of the string changes, you continually adjust your technique – whether you notice it or not. It can become frustrating to constantly overcompensate when the strings are no longer performing as they should. If you’re an avid player or competing in tournaments and looking for more consistent performance, you will want to consider re-stringing on a more regular basis.
I HAVE MULTIPLE RACKETS. I PRIMARILY USE ONE AND HAVE THE OTHER AS A BACK-UP SO IT DOESN’T GET PLAYED WITH AS MUCH. DO I NEED TO RE-STRING BOTH EVERY TIME?
Tip: If you carry multiple racquets, you ideally should re-string both every time. Even though you are primarily only playing with one racket, the strings in the other racquet are still losing their tension and resilience (just at a slightly slower pace). If you break the strings in your primary racket in the middle of the match and switch to your other racket, it will play very differently if it hasn’t been re-strung in a while.
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