Hi jim422,
Thank you for an interesting question.
String tension
http://www.ballystore.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222916
All racquet frames come with manufacturer's recommendations on string
tension and it is best to stay within those limits
For more power, the racquet should be strung at the low end of the
range, since lower tension equals more power
Higher string tensions offer less power but provide for better control
As a general rule, higher tensions are recommended for experienced players only
=================================================
http://www.tennisserver.com/turbo/turbo_98_6.html
Tension refers to how tightly you string your racquet. Tension is
measured in either pounds (USA) or in Kilograms (most of the world).
Usually, each racquet has a range of recommended stringing tensions
that are determined by the manufacturer?s testing. If you look at the
inside portion of your racquet shaft, you will normally see this range
posted.
Regardless of the recommended range, all racquets conform to the same
rule regarding tension:
String tighter (more pounds or kilograms) for more ball control -
string more loosely (fewer pounds or kilograms) for greater power.
Assuming that you do not go to extremes, this rule holds true and can
really help you fine-tune your racquet tension to achieve the best
results in your game. Extremely loose tensions (way lower than
manufacturer?s recommended tensions) and extremely tight tensions (way
in excess of manufacturer?s recommended tensions) can actually cause
the racquet to play "dead." A dead racquet is one that does provide
neither control nor power.
Racquet head size has a major bearing on what tension you should
choose. Again, manufacturer?s recommended tensions are the best way to
determine a tension for your frame.
However, to give some ballpark guidelines I offer the following:
85 to 90 Square Inch Racquets: Tensions should fall between 48 and 58 pounds
90 to 95 Square Inch Racquets: Tensions should fall between 53 and 63 pounds
95 to 100 Square Inch Racquets: Tensions should fall between 55 and 68 pounds
100 to 110 Square Inch Racquets: Tensions should fall between 65 and 72 pounds
110 to 115 Square Inch Racquets: Tensions should fall between 68 and 78 pounds
Some pros deviate from these ranges significantly (e.g. Sampras uses
an 85 square inch head racquet strung at around 78 pounds), but I do
not recommend this practice!
The only way that any player can, with certainty, arrive at a string
type/tension combination is through a trial and error process.
==================================================
http://tennis.about.com/library/weekly/aa080599.htm
What's the best tension?
Generally, tighter strings offer more control, looser strings more
power and comfort. String tension has a profound effect on the way a
racquet performs and feels. I've seen lots of players hate a racquet
strung at one tension, then love an identical frame strung
differently. (This is a good point to keep in mind when trying
racquets you're considering buying.) There's no single best tension,
and the pros offer little guidance, with a huge range in their
preferred tensions and no apparent correlation to style of play.
=================================================
Best regards,
tlspiegel (former competitive tennis player!) |
