STRINGING GUIDE
How do I know if my racket needs restringing?
Check whether any of the strings have frayed. A frayed string will be close to breaking.
A loss in string tension is another reason to consider restringing. A loss in tension will reduce the amount of control and power you can generate which will affect the racket's performance.
Signs your strings have lost tension:
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Your racket is beginning to feel 'dead' or lifeless
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You are having to swing harder to get the ball to go deeper
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You make good contact with the ball but aren’t getting as many solid contacts
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The sound has changed when making contact with the ball
How often should I have my racket restrung?
Racket Stringer recommends:
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1. Have your racket restrung after every 40 hours of play.
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2. Have your racket restrung depending on how often you play.
It is worth noting that different types of string lose tension at different rates. A polyester string such as Luxilon Big Banger Original will lose tension faster than a synthetic gut string such as Head Synthetic Gut PPS. Your style of play will also affect the lifespan of your strings.
What types of strings are there?
Natural Gut
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A natural material from animal intestine (usually bovine).
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A very popular string as it helps to create power, control and spin.
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The most resilient material with the best tension retention (remains soft when strung at high tensions compared with other materials that stiffen).
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The most expensive and least durable of all types of strings (highly likely to break in wet conditions).
Synthetic Gut
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Produced to compensate for the lack of durability from natural gut and comes in a variety of colours.
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Used in many factory strung rackets, it is well suited for many playing levels.
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Provides a good mixture of power and control but does not offer a lot of spin potential: unless used with a textured or spin synthetic, such as Head RIP Control.
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Can be used on its own or with a more durable string such as a kevlar or polyester.
Multifilament
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Created to replicate the characteristics of natural gut.
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Thin Strands are wound around one another to create variations of power, control, spin and durability, such as Babolat Addiction.
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Popular choice for many players as it provides a great mixture of playability and durability.
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If you suffer from tennis elbow or have arm injuries, this is the best string for you.
Polyesters
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Provide the highest level of power, control and spin.
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Primarily used by professionals who want durability and tension retention during matches.
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Often used with another type of string such as a synthetic gut or multifilament creating a hybrid system.
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Has a high impact on the arm and not recommended for juniors.
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The majority of players use polyesters on the main strings and anything else on the crosses.
![Harrogate Stringing Guide](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8b259b315d7b4ec7b56b226d782bcb8e.jpg/v1/fill/w_364,h_243,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/8b259b315d7b4ec7b56b226d782bcb8e.jpg)
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The service provided by James is fast, efficient and cost effective - super value for money. My racket feels brand new. Highly recommended.
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