In general, most sports have gears to play better. Indeed, selecting the appropriate tennis racquet helps you be prepared to dominate every game, set, and match on the court. Therefore, choosing for yourself a quality racquet is always one of the tough decisions.
Furthermore, the string is the place to contact and affects the path of the ball directly. Thus, before choosing a racquet, “tennis racquet strung vs unstrung weight ” is a matter that needs exploring, along with some knowledge about the tennis strings. And that necessary information will be provided in this article.
What Is Strung and Unstrung Weight Of The Tennis Racquet?
When shopping for tennis racquets, bear in mind that some websites indicate the strung weight, while others list the unstrung weight.
- Strung Weight: As the name implies, strung weight is the weight of a racquet with strings installed. This weight is calculated by placing a strung racquet on a scale and weighing it, also referred to as playing weight.
- Unstrung Weight: On the contrary, unstrung weight is just the weight of a tennis racquet without attaching strings.
For example, tennis strings will often add 15-20 grams to the static weight or a little more than a half-ounce.
As a result, there are two options available: pre-strung and unstrung tennis racquets. Your choice can frequently come down to your experience level. Therefore, a pre-strung tennis racquet is recommended for recreational players due to its stability and convenience.
Meanwhile, an unstrung tennis racquet allows you to adjust the strings and tension to suit your playing style. Yet, proper tailoring the strings requires a certain level of proficiency and experience in tennis. Thus, this option is more appropriate with advanced players.
However, strings are an often overlooked component of a tennis racquet. The following section will help you discover why having the correct strings on your racquet might make a significant difference.
Why Are Strings Important To Tennis Racquets?
As mentioned before, strings can affect the playing style and performance of tennis players. For example, if there are two same racquets with different twines, they will play very differently.
But why is it important? Because the ball hits the tennis string bed, not the frame. That is the only thing that makes contact with the ball. Moreover, choosing the proper strings to meet your demands will help you perform at your best, enhance arm health and lifespan, and, more realistically, keep you on budget.
Therefore, tennis players can optimize its benefits to suit their playing level with the correct string type. Here are some specific aspects you should keep in mind when choosing:
- Power: How quickly the ball exits the string bed when contacting.
- Control: How long the ball stays on your string bed at contact (dwell time).
- Comfort: The amount of shock/vibration you feel in your arm at contact.
- Spin: The number of revolutions per minute that the strings create on the ball at contact.
How To Choose String For Tennis Racquet: A 4-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose a kind of string
Natural gut
Due to the molecular structure, natural gut strings have extraordinary elasticity. Therefore, they offer superior power, feel, and comfort. Beyond that, this type also performs an excellent job of retaining tension for a longer time. As a result, natural gut strings are recommended for experienced players who want a high-end one with outstanding performance but aren’t too concerned about durability.
Pros:
- Power
- Feel
- Comfort
- Tension stability
Cons:
- Price
- Durability
- Spin
Synthetic gut
The synthetic gut is an affordable option for both beginners and recreational players. In addition, manufacturers creating this kind of string have a stringent process to control the material and the string construction. Thus, they can virtually improve any feature (durability, comfort, spin, power).
Moreover, the synthetic gut is divided into three primary materials for tennis strings:
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Kevlar
Refer to this list to find out the best one suitable for you.
Step 2: Identify an appropriate gauge
Gauges are the different thicknesses of tennis strings. In detail, the thicker gauges provide more durability and control, while the thinner gauges offer power and comfort. However, beginners hardly detect the subtle change of the different gauges. So, if you are at this level, 16 gauge is a great option widely available for almost all strings.
Step 3: Determine a suitable tension
String tension is how firmly a stringer pulls your strings when they are installed to your racquet. In general, the higher tension, the more control, while the lower tension, the more power the racquets have.
Moreover, the string tension varies from 35 to 70 pounds (15.88 to 31.75 kg). Specifically, the recommended tension for beginners is around 55 pounds. This range will help you with medium power to control.
Step 4: Find a good-skilled stringer
The last step is to find someone to string your racquets. You can quickly find a good stringer at your local tennis club or shop. Besides, make sure that the individual conducting the stringing is adequately qualified for the job.
Conclusion
Besides playing techniques, owning a good tennis racket is indispensable. The string, in particular, is an important thing that people often overlook.
In summary, this article provides some notes on “tennis racquet strung vs unstrung weight ” along with essential knowledge about strings. Don’t forget to revisit us for more helpful information about tennis.
