String Guide

String Types

Natural Gut

Made from the fibrous and stretchy serous membrane of animal intestines (normally bovine), natural gut is a string that helps create power, control and spin. Natural gut also retains its tension and optimal playing characteristics longer than any other string type. However as it is a natural product its durability is low.

Pros - Best for tension retention, Optimum playability

Cons - Expensive, low durability

Synthetic gut

Made of nylon, synthetic gut is a basic solid core string that is enclosed by one or more wraps to enhance performance. A good choice for value hunters and beginners.

Pros - Inexpensive, Good for beginners

Cons - Low spin

Multifilament

Created to replicate the feel and power of natural gut, multifilament strings are a more affordable alternative. Thin Strands are wound around one another to create variations of power, control, spin and durability.

Pros - Closest to Natural Gut, Kinder on the arm

Cons - Low Durability

Polyester

Polyester strings are predominantly for advanced players. They are stiffer monofilament construction, which gives players maximum control, spin and durability.

Pros - High Durability, High Spin

Cons - Loses Tension quickly, Harsher on your arm

String Gauge

Gauges are essentially the thickness of a string. The higher the gauge, the thinner the string. In general, thinner string will provide more power and spin, while thicker strings provide more control and durability.

String Tension

Tension is referring to how tightly the strings are strung in the racquet. Each racquet will have a specific tension range that the manufacturer recommends you string within. For tennis its usually 50-60 lbs, squash is usually 20-30 lbs and badminton its 18-28 lbs.

In general, the higher the tension, the more control and the lower the tension, the more power. Players who generate their own power will string with a higher tension and vice versa for a beginner.