What Tension Should I String My Racquet? | LifeTime Pro Shop

This is a very common question but unfortunately it doesn’t have a definitive answer.

String tension is very much a matter of preference, even among professional players the string tensions vary greatly between players.

We recommend experimenting with your tension to find what works best for you!

But where to start?!

To find a good starting point check your racquet for the recommended stringing tension range, this information should be found written on the frame.

If you have trouble locating the information, a simple online search should also provide you with the information.

Once you have found the information, we recommend using the middle of the range as a starting point for your experimenting then making a small adjustment depending on the type of string you are using.

• For softer strings like synthetic guts and multifilaments no further adjustments are needed, the middle range is a great starting point
• For Poly and other stiffer strings it’s a good idea to drop the tension starting point by a couple of pounds

e.g. if the racquet range says 50 - 60lbs then a good starting point for synthetic guts would be 55lbs and for polys a starting point of 53lbs would be recommended

I want more power / more control?

Generally speaking, a tighter string tension means more control and a lower string tension will mean more power.

• Lowering your string tension will help increase the trajectory of the ball when hit, providing more power and comfort
• Increasing the tension will lower the trajectory to provide more control

We hope these tips will help you to find the string tension that best suits your game!

Check out some of the different string setups used by professional below:

• Novak Djokovic - Mains: Babolat VS @ 59lbs Cross: Luxilon Alu Power Rough @56lbs

• Daniil Medvedev - Tecnifibre Ice Code @50lbs

• Stefanos Tsitsipas - Luxilon 4G @57.3lbs

• Rafael Nadal - Babolat RPM Blast @50lbs

• Roger Federer - Mains: Wilson Natural Gut @ 48.5 Cross: Luxilon Alu Power Rough @45lbs

• John Millman - Tecnifibre Black Code @68lbs

• Ash Barty - Head Hawk Touch Mains @46lbs & Crosses @ 44lbs

• Naomi Osaka - Yonex Poly Tour Strike Mains @59lbs & Crosses @ 56lbs

• Simona Halep - Luxilon Alu Power Mains @55lbs & Crosses @ 53lbs