Guide
Tennis String Tension: Power, Control & Comfort
String tension is the single biggest lever you have on how your racket plays — without buying anything new. Here's how to dial it in.
Want a personalized tension instead of reading the whole guide?
Get my recommendationWhat tension does
Tension is the force, in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg), that the stringer pulls each string to when installing it. Every racket has a recommended range printed on the throat — usually something like 50–60 lbs. Staying in that range keeps the frame safe and the strings behaving as designed.
The two ends of that range play very differently:
Lower tension
- + More power (string bed trampolines)
- + Softer, more comfortable on the arm
- + Better feel on touch shots
- − Less control on flat, hard hits
- − Strings move around more
Higher tension
- + More control and precision
- + More predictable response
- + String bed holds shape longer
- − Less power — you supply it
- − Harsher on the arm, especially with poly
Tension trade-off at a glance
| Attribute | Lower tension | Higher tension |
|---|---|---|
| Power | More | Less |
| Control | Less | More |
| Comfort | Softer | Stiffer |
| Spin potential | Slightly more (string snap-back) | Slightly less |
| Durability | Strings last longer | Strings break sooner |
Recommended tension by string type
These are typical ranges for a 98–100 sq.in. adult racket. Always check your frame's printed range and stay inside it.
| String type | Typical range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester (co-poly) | 44–52 lbs | Heavy spin, control players, big swings |
| Multifilament | 52–58 lbs | Arm comfort, touch, intermediate all-courters |
| Synthetic gut | 54–60 lbs | Beginners, casual players, all-around feel |
| Natural gut | 55–62 lbs | Premium comfort + power, advanced players |
| Hybrid (poly main / multi cross) | Poly 46–50 / cross 50–54 lbs | Spin + comfort blend, advanced intermediates |
Hybrids are typically strung with the cross 2 lbs higher than the main to balance feel. Poly should usually be 2–4 lbs below the equivalent multi tension to avoid arm strain.
Gauge — how thick should the string be?
Gauge is the thickness of the string. Confusingly, a higher gauge number means a thinner string. Thinner = more spin and feel, but breaks faster. Thicker = more durability and a touch more control.
| Gauge | Diameter | Feel | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 (thickest) | 1.41–1.49 mm | Stiff, low spin | Longest |
| 15L | 1.33–1.41 mm | Durable, controlled | Very long |
| 16 | 1.26–1.34 mm | Balanced — default | Long |
| 16L | 1.22–1.30 mm | More spin, more feel | Medium |
| 17 | 1.20–1.24 mm | Lively, spin-friendly | Shorter |
| 18 (thinnest) | 1.10–1.16 mm | Maximum feel & spin | Breaks fast |
Rule of thumb: if you break strings, go thicker (lower number). If you never break them and want more spin or feel, go thinner (higher number).
How often should I restring?
The classic rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play 3× a week → restring at least 3× a year, even if nothing broke. Strings lose tension as they're used, and a dead string bed is unforgiving on your arm.
| String type | Useful life | Signs it's done |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | 15–25 hours | Loss of pop, balls fly long, arm fatigue |
| Multifilament | 25–40 hours | Fraying, mushy feel, strings break |
| Synthetic gut | 20–35 hours | Notching at crosses, breakage |
| Natural gut | 30–50 hours | Visible wear, humidity damage |
| Hybrid | ~20 hours (paced by the poly) | Poly mains go dead first |
Polyester is the trap: it rarely breaks but goes dead in 15–25 hours. If your elbow or shoulder starts to ache, your strings are probably the cause — not your technique.
Keep reading
Not sure what tension is right for you?
Answer 60 seconds of questions about your level, style and current setup. We'll recommend a string, gauge and tension that fits how you actually play.
Get my personalized setup