At what weight should I string my racket?

When stringing a racket, one of the most important decisions is the number of kilos with which you want to tension the tennis strings. This weight, also called string weight, has a direct influence on your game and can make the difference between a powerful forehand and a precise volley. In this blog we discuss the pros and cons of high and low kilos in your stringing, so that you can make the right choice.

What does the number of kilos mean in a string?

The number of kilos of a string refers to the tension with which the strings of your racket are pulled. This usually varies between 18 and 30 kilos. The correct number of kilos depends on your playing style, the type of racket you use and the type of string you choose, for example polyester or multifilament.

Low kilos: flexibility and power

A low tension (under 23 kilos) provides more flexibility in the strings, which offers a number of clear advantages:

Advantages:

1. More power: Because the strings spring more upon impact, they work like a kind of trampoline and provide extra power.
2. Larger sweet spot: At a lower tension, the sweet spot is larger, which means that you don't have to hit the ball as precisely to hit a good ball.
3. Comfort: A low tension absorbs more vibrations, so there is less strain on your arm when hitting a ball. This is perfect for players with arm problems such as tennis elbow.

Disadvantages:

1. Less control: The extra flexibility makes it more difficult to control the direction of the ball, which increases the chance of errors.
2. Less spin: Because the strings are less taut, they move less, which ensures that the strings generate less spin.

High kilos: control and spin

A high tension (above 26 kilos) means tighter strings, which results in less power:

Advantages:

1. More control: Tight strings offer more precision, which is crucial for players who like to play aggressively and close to the lines.
2. Better spin capabilities: At higher tension, the strings “grab” the ball better, which helps generate spin.
3. Suitable for hard hitters: If you hit hard, a higher tension prevents you from hitting the ball quickly.

Disadvantages:

1. Less power: The tight strings bend less, so they generate less force upon impact. This means hitting balls deep in the backfield takes more effort.
2. Less comfort: Due to the higher tension, vibrations are less well absorbed, which can lead to arm problems in the long term.

How Do You Choose The Ideal String Weight?

The ideal number of kilos differs per player. Here are some guidelines:

1. Beginner or recreational: Choose a lower tension (20-24 kilos) to benefit from a larger sweet spot and more power.
2. Competitive player: Do you play at a higher level and are you looking for more control? Then a higher tension (25-28 kilos) is recommended.
3. Players with arm problems: Use a low tension in combination with a multifilament string to reduce the load on your arm as much as possible.
4. Testing is crucial: Try different tensions and keep track of how your racket feels at different pounds. Many players only find their ideal tension after some experimentation.

The effect of strings on stringing

The type of string you choose affects not only the comfort and power, but also the durability of your racket. Polyester strings retain their tension for longer and are therefore ideal for players who generate a lot of spin. These strings usually last longer, but offer less comfort than other options. On the other hand, Multifilament strings offer more comfort and power, but lose tension faster and therefore need to be replaced more regularly. If you hit a lot of spin, the tension of your strings will decrease faster, which means that the strings will wear out faster. In that case, it is wise to choose a more durable string, such as polyester, which is better able to withstand the high tension that comes with high-spin shots.