Stringing Guide
You've just chosen the perfect racket. But here's the thing — your new racket is only a frame until it's properly strung. Every shot, every victory, every game-winning smash starts with how your racket is strung.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT STRINGING TENSION?
Stringing is the heart of your racket's performance. The right string tension transforms your racket from a simple frame into a precision instrument that responds to your playing style.
Understanding string tension is crucial because it directly affects every aspect of your game — from the power you can generate to the control you have over your shots. When you get your racket strung, you need to tell your stringer the exact tension that matches your skill level and playing style.
Here is a table that summarises the main points:
| Player Level | String Tension | Power | Control | Durability | Sweet Spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 17–20 lbs | High | Low | High | Large |
| Intermediate | 20–24 lbs | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Advanced | 24–27 lbs | Medium-Low | High | Medium | Small |
| Professional | 27–30+ lbs | Low | Very High | Low | Very Small |
Why Skill Level Matters:
To make effective use of high string tensions, you need to be able to hit the "sweet spot" on the racket head when playing, and this area gets smaller the higher the tension.
Essential Considerations:
- Maximising Performance: Playing with the suitable string tension allows you to produce good power and control in your shots.
- Preventing Injury: String tension that is too high can cause injury to your arm. This can lead to tennis elbow or tricep strain.
- Racket Safety: Every racket has a maximum tension. Never exceed the recommended range as it can damage or crack the racket frame completely.
- String Choice for Beginners: Choose durable strings as beginners are prone to mishits, which stress the strings outside the sweet spot and cause breaks.
- Playing with Plastic Shuttles: If you regularly play with plastic shuttlecocks, lower your tension by 2–3 lbs compared to feather shuttles for better performance.
- String Lifespan: A good set of strings, strung correctly, should last a couple of months depending on how often you play and how cleanly you hit the shuttle.
Important Warning:
Many players wrongly believe higher tension = more power, just because professionals use high tension. Remember: it's harder to generate power with higher tension, which can lead to shoulder injuries if you overexert.
Conclusion:
Lower tensions are more suited for beginners who do not have good hitting technique and require more power in their game.
Higher tensions are more suited for advanced players who have good hitting technique and require more control in their game.
STRINGING METHODS
The way your racket is strung affects both performance and durability. The two most common methods are Two Knots and Four Knots. Each offers a different balance depending on your tension preference and playing style.
| Feature | Two Knots | Four Knots |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Strings Used | One continuous string | Two separate strings |
| Number of Tie-Off Knots | 2 | 4 |
| Tension Consistency | Good, slightly softer crosses | Very consistent, allows separate tensions |
| Best For | Moderate tension and all-round play | High tension and professional setups |
| String Movement | May loosen slightly over time | More stable and controlled |
| Frame Stress | Even distribution | Balanced, ideal for high tension |
| Ideal For | Recreational and intermediate players | Advanced and professional players |
Two Knots: Uses one continuous piece of string for both mains and crosses. It’s efficient, provides a softer feel, and is suitable for most players using moderate tension.
Four Knots: Uses two separate strings, one for mains and one for crosses. It gives more precise control of tension, better consistency, and is preferred for high-tension setups.