Even the best frame in the world will not perform to its
potential without the help of the correct string and tension! Your
frame, string, and tension all work together to create the feel, and
playability of your racquet. So when your looking for that extra edge to
improve your game, don't overlook any of these factors. In this guide
we will share our knowledge of how stringing will effect your racquets
performance so you can use it to help improve your game.
There are a many strings to choose from on today's market, and with every manufacturer carrying such a large range, how do you know which one is for you? One way is to try a variety of strings until you find something that suits your style best. If possible, start by owning at least two identical frames so you can compare strings and tensions directly. A tip is to test one variable at a time. For example, string your racquets with the same string at different tensions to test the variable effect of tensions, or string your racquets with different strings at the same tension to test the effect of different strings. This way you can be sure of which variable (tension or string) you are feeling in your racquet when on court. Before you go out trying different strings there are a few things that should help you narrow down which types of string are worth considering for your playing style:
1) Gauge (or thickness) of the string plays a big part in determining the overall performance and durability of the string. A thicker string (lower gauge number) will be more durable and should last longer in your frame than a thinner version. That being said, the trade off is in the playability that you will find in a thinner string. Thinner strings will not last as long but will provide a little extra zip and power to your shots. Typical gauges range anywhere from.62mm to.85mm (or approx 20g to 22g (gauge)). Finding the right balance between the playability of a thinner string and durability of a thicker counterpart is definitely well worth the effort and always enjoyable. So next time your looking for a new string or are just trying out something new keep in mind how the thickness or gauge can have an effect on the playability or your racquet.
2) Tension is another major factor that will have an impact on your racquets performance. An easy way to find the tension range you should be considering can be found printed on your frame itself. This is known as the manufacturers tension range and will provide you with a maximum and minimum recommended tension for your frame. Of course you can string your racquet at which ever tension you choose but take note that stringing above the manufacturers maximum recommendation will void any warranty your frame may have. When stringing at tighter tensions you will have a stiffer string bed which will provide the player with more control as the shuttlecock will bounce off the strings with little or less give than at lower tensions allowing for better placement or control. However stringing at tighter tensions will also reduce the size of your sweetspot as there is less give on contact, especially towards the edges of the stringbed (nearest your frame) and this can lead to premature string breakages. These breakages occur most often when players with fast swingspeeds string tight, and get caught out with an off center hit. When stringing at lower tensions you will have a softer feel on the strings and will generate more power though a trampoline like effect when the shuttlecock hits the strings. Looser strings will also be less prone to breaking as they will give more on off center hits around the edges of the frame. Something to consider would be to try and match tension with your swing speed. Players with faster, or more aggressive swings, will generally benefit from a tighter string job as their added racquet head speed will generate enough power and they will gain control from the tighter stringbed. Where as players with slower swingspeeds will benefit from a lower tension as it will provide them with more power due to the trampoline effect.
3) Repulsion rate is the power level of a particular string. The higher the rate of repulsion, the faster the stringbed will snap back into position after being contacted by the impact of shuttlecock. Upon being contacted, the stringbed will stretch out of the normal (flat) position. The faster the string snaps back into position, the more force will be generated into the returning shuttlecock and the more power.
All of these factors will help you to select the correct tension and string for your game and racquet. Remember that there is no right and wrong when it comes to selecting a string and tension, only a combination that either works for your style or doesnt. Always make sure that you have a qualified stringer working on your frame so you receive a consistent, quality string job.
There are a many strings to choose from on today's market, and with every manufacturer carrying such a large range, how do you know which one is for you? One way is to try a variety of strings until you find something that suits your style best. If possible, start by owning at least two identical frames so you can compare strings and tensions directly. A tip is to test one variable at a time. For example, string your racquets with the same string at different tensions to test the variable effect of tensions, or string your racquets with different strings at the same tension to test the effect of different strings. This way you can be sure of which variable (tension or string) you are feeling in your racquet when on court. Before you go out trying different strings there are a few things that should help you narrow down which types of string are worth considering for your playing style:
1) Gauge (or thickness) of the string plays a big part in determining the overall performance and durability of the string. A thicker string (lower gauge number) will be more durable and should last longer in your frame than a thinner version. That being said, the trade off is in the playability that you will find in a thinner string. Thinner strings will not last as long but will provide a little extra zip and power to your shots. Typical gauges range anywhere from.62mm to.85mm (or approx 20g to 22g (gauge)). Finding the right balance between the playability of a thinner string and durability of a thicker counterpart is definitely well worth the effort and always enjoyable. So next time your looking for a new string or are just trying out something new keep in mind how the thickness or gauge can have an effect on the playability or your racquet.
2) Tension is another major factor that will have an impact on your racquets performance. An easy way to find the tension range you should be considering can be found printed on your frame itself. This is known as the manufacturers tension range and will provide you with a maximum and minimum recommended tension for your frame. Of course you can string your racquet at which ever tension you choose but take note that stringing above the manufacturers maximum recommendation will void any warranty your frame may have. When stringing at tighter tensions you will have a stiffer string bed which will provide the player with more control as the shuttlecock will bounce off the strings with little or less give than at lower tensions allowing for better placement or control. However stringing at tighter tensions will also reduce the size of your sweetspot as there is less give on contact, especially towards the edges of the stringbed (nearest your frame) and this can lead to premature string breakages. These breakages occur most often when players with fast swingspeeds string tight, and get caught out with an off center hit. When stringing at lower tensions you will have a softer feel on the strings and will generate more power though a trampoline like effect when the shuttlecock hits the strings. Looser strings will also be less prone to breaking as they will give more on off center hits around the edges of the frame. Something to consider would be to try and match tension with your swing speed. Players with faster, or more aggressive swings, will generally benefit from a tighter string job as their added racquet head speed will generate enough power and they will gain control from the tighter stringbed. Where as players with slower swingspeeds will benefit from a lower tension as it will provide them with more power due to the trampoline effect.
3) Repulsion rate is the power level of a particular string. The higher the rate of repulsion, the faster the stringbed will snap back into position after being contacted by the impact of shuttlecock. Upon being contacted, the stringbed will stretch out of the normal (flat) position. The faster the string snaps back into position, the more force will be generated into the returning shuttlecock and the more power.
All of these factors will help you to select the correct tension and string for your game and racquet. Remember that there is no right and wrong when it comes to selecting a string and tension, only a combination that either works for your style or doesnt. Always make sure that you have a qualified stringer working on your frame so you receive a consistent, quality string job.
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