String Tension and Type - Does It Really Matter?

String nerds unite! 🎾🔧

I've been experimenting with different string setups and wanted to share my findings. Also curious about your experiences with various strings and tensions.

## My Testing Journey

### Background

1. Player Level: 4.0


2. Racket: Wilson Pro Staff 97


3. Playing Style: Aggressive baseliner


4. Previous Setup: Poly at 55lbs


### Strings I've Tried

#### 1. Full Polyester (Luxilon ALU Power)

5. Tension: 50-58 lbs


6. Feel: Crisp, controlled


7. Power: Low-medium


8. Spin: Excellent


9. Durability: 15-20 hours


10. Best For: Control players, heavy topspin


#### 2. Hybrid Setup (Poly mains, Multi crosses)

11. Mains: Poly at 52lbs


12. Crosses: Multi at 50lbs


13. Feel: More comfortable


14. Power: Increased


15. Spin: Good


16. Durability: 12-15 hours


17. Best For: Arm-friendly power


#### 3. Full Multifilament (Tecnifibre X-One)

18. Tension: 55lbs


19. Feel: Soft, plush


20. Power: High


21. Spin: Moderate


22. Durability: 8-12 hours


23. Best For: Comfort, power


#### 4. Natural Gut (Wilson Champions Choice)

24. Tension: 52lbs


25. Feel: Amazing touch


26. Power: Excellent


27. Spin: Good


28. Durability: 6-10 hours


29. Best For: Feel players, expensive taste


## Key Findings

### Tension Matters More Than I Thought

30. 2-3 lb difference significantly affects feel


31. Lower tension = more power, less control


32. Higher tension = more control, less power


33. Sweet spot varies by string type


### String Type Impact

34. Poly: Best for spin and control


35. Multi: Best for comfort and power


36. Gut: Best overall feel (if you can afford it)


37. Hybrid: Good compromise


### Durability vs Performance

38. Poly lasts longest but loses tension quickly


39. Multi breaks faster but maintains feel


40. Gut is expensive but worth it for important matches


## Questions for the Community


41. What's your current string setup?


42. How often do you restring?


43. Do you adjust tension seasonally?


44. Any budget-friendly string recommendations?


45. Hybrid setups - what combinations work?


## My Current Recommendation

For most intermediate players:

46. Hybrid setup: Poly mains (52lbs) + Multi crosses (50lbs)


47. Restring every 15-20 hours or when noticeably loose


48. Experiment with tension ±2lbs to find your preference

What's your experience? Any string setups I should try next?

Thanks! 🎾