Finding Your Perfect Setup: Your Go-To Guide for Strings & Racquets
Whether you play for fun or you're a competitive player, the right strings and racquet setup can make all the difference in your game. From choosing the ideal string type and tension to understanding racquet weight, length, and grip size, each element plays a crucial role in power, control, and comfort on the court.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about strings and racquets—helping you make informed decisions that match your playing style and skill level. Whether you need more spin, a softer feel, or extra power, we've got you covered.
Tennis Strings & Tension
String Types & Benefits
- Natural Gut – Best feel, power, and comfort; expensive and not very durable.
- Multifilament – Soft and arm-friendly, good power; less durable than poly.
- Polyester (Poly) – Durable, control-oriented, lower power; best for advanced players.
- Synthetic Gut – Budget friendly all-around option with moderate power and comfort.
- Hybrid (Mix of Two Strings) – Commonly used to blend power and durability (e.g., poly in mains, gut/multi in crosses).
Tension Guide (Measured in Pounds, lbs)
- Low Tension (45-52 lbs) – More power, softer feel, larger sweet spot, but less control.
- Medium Tension (53-58 lbs) – Balanced mix of power and control.
- High Tension (59-65 lbs) – More control and spin, but less power and a firmer feel.
Player-Specific Tension Recommendations
- Junior Players (Under 12) → 45-50 lbs (synthetic gut or multifilament) for comfort and easy power.
- Beginner/Recreational Adults → 50-55 lbs (synthetic gut or multifilament) for comfort and moderate power.
- Women & Older Players → 48-54 lbs (multifilament or hybrid) for comfort and injury prevention.
- Intermediate Players → 52-58 lbs (multifilament or softer poly) for control and spin without excessive stiffness.
- Advanced & Competitive Players → 55-65 lbs (polyester or hybrid) for max control, spin, and durability.
Pro Tips
- Lower tension = more power & comfort, but less control.
- Higher tension = more control & spin, but can be harsh on the arm.
- Poly strings lose tension fast—restring every 4-6 weeks if playing regularly.
- If you have arm issues (like tennis elbow), avoid full polyester setups and go for a softer string like multifilament or natural gut.
Tennis Racquet Sizes, Lengths, Weight & Grip Size Guide
Racquet Head Sizes
- Midsize (85-97 sq in) → More control, less power; used by advanced players.
- Midplus (98-105 sq in) → Balanced mix of power and control; great for intermediate and advanced players.
- Oversize (106-135 sq in) → Larger sweet spot, more power, less control; ideal for beginners, seniors, or players who need extra forgiveness.
Racquet Lengths
- Standard (27 inches) → Most common, offering a balance of power and control.
- Extended (27.5-29 inches) → More reach and power, but slightly less maneuverability; good for baseline players.
- Junior Racquets
- 17-19 inches → Ages 3-5
- 21 inches → Ages 5-6
- 23 inches → Ages 7-8
- 25 inches → Ages 9-10
- 26 inches → Ages 10-12
Racquet Weight Categories
- Lightweight (9-10.5 oz / 255-295g) → Easier to maneuver, generates more power; great for beginners, juniors, and players with slower swings.
- Medium (10.5-11.5 oz / 295-325g) → Balance of power and control; best for intermediate and all-court players.
- Heavy (11.5+ oz / 325g+) → More stability and control, absorbs shock better; preferred by advanced players with fast swings.
Grip Size Guide
- Measured in inches (4 - 4 ¾ inches in the U.S.) or L0-L5 in Europe
- How to Measure: Hold the racket; if there’s a finger-width gap between your fingers and palm, it’s a good fit.
- Typical Sizes by Player Type:
- Juniors & Smaller Hands → 4" - 4 1/8" (L0 - L1)
- Women & Teens → 4 1/8" - 4 3/8" (L1 - L2)
- Men & Larger Hands → 4 3/8" - 4 5/8" (L2 - L4)
- Pro Players (Personal Preference) → Some go smaller for more wrist action & spin.
Tip: If between sizes, go smaller—you can build up the grip with an overgrip.