A Beginner’s Guide to Racket Stringing: Everything You Need to Know

New to racket stringing? This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know—from string types and tension to tools and techniques—to help you get started like a pro.

Local Apr 18, 2025 32 Add to Reading List

A Beginner’s Guide to Racket Stringing: Everything You Need to Know

\If you’re new to tennis, badminton, or squash, racket stringing might sound like something only professionals need to worry about. But here’s the truth: a well-strung racket can make a huge difference in your performance, comfort, and confidence on the court.

Whether you play a few times a week or are just getting started, this post will break down everything you need to know in A Beginner’s Guide to Racket Stringing: Everything You Need to Know—yes, even if you’ve never held a stringing machine in your life.

Let’s get started.

Why Stringing Matters for Your Game

Before diving into how stringing works, let’s talk about why it matters. Think of your racket as a musical instrument. The frame is the body, and the strings are like the guitar strings—you need both to be tuned correctly for harmony.

String tension, material, and pattern all affect:

Power
Control
Spin
Comfort
Durability

A poorly strung racket can lead to injuries like tennis elbow, not to mention unpredictable shots and inconsistent ball contact. On the flip side, a freshly and properly strung racket can help you hit cleaner shots, reduce vibration, and feel more in control.

How Often Should You Restring Your Racket?

Here’s a good rule of thumb: string your racket as many times per year as you play per week.

So if you play twice a week, restring at least twice a year. But if you’re playing often or competitively, you might need to restring every few weeks.

Other signs you need to restring:

You notice fraying or notching in the strings
You feel a loss of control or power
Your strings feel loose or move around a lot
It’s been over six months since your last restring

Choosing the Right String Type

There are four main types of strings, each with their own pros and cons. Let’s break them down.

1. Synthetic Gut

Great for beginners. Affordable and decent all-around performance. Not the most durable, but good enough for casual play.

Best for: Recreational players
Pros: Budget-friendly, balanced feel
Cons: Less durable than premium strings

2. Multifilament

These are made of many fibers twisted together, offering comfort and power. They mimic natural gut strings and are gentle on the arm.

Best for: Intermediate players or those with arm issues
Pros: Soft feel, absorbs shock
Cons: Less control, frays faster

3. Polyester (a.k.a. Poly)

Tough, durable, and designed for spin and control. These are popular among advanced players and string breakers.

Best for: Competitive players
Pros: High durability, great spin
Cons: Stiff feel, not arm-friendly

4. Natural Gut

Yes, it's made from real animal intestine (usually cow). These offer premium feel, power, and comfort—and a premium price tag too.

Best for: Serious players who want top performance
Pros: Excellent playability
Cons: Expensive, sensitive to weather

Understanding String Tension

Tension refers to how tightly the strings are pulled when strung. It’s measured in pounds (lbs), and it significantly affects how your racket plays.

Higher Tension (55–65 lbs):
- More control
- Less power
- Smaller sweet spot
- Crisper feel
Lower Tension (45–54 lbs):
- More power
- More comfort
- Bigger sweet spot
- Softer feel

What’s the right tension for beginners?

Stick to the mid-range tension recommended by your racket manufacturer (usually printed on the frame). This is often around 55 lbs. It gives you a good mix of power and control while keeping your arm comfortable.

String Patterns: What Do They Mean?

When people talk about 16x19 or 18x20 patterns, they’re referring to how many main strings (vertical) and cross strings (horizontal) are on the racket.

Open Pattern (e.g. 16x19):
- More spin
- More power
- Faster string wear
Dense Pattern (e.g. 18x20):
- More control
- Longer string life
- Less spin potential

As a beginner, you don’t need to obsess over this, but it’s useful to know as you progress.

DIY or Pro Stringing?

Should you string your own racket or have someone else do it?

Option 1: Let the Pros Handle It

Visit a local tennis shop or stringer. Prices range from $15 to $40 for labor, plus the cost of the string.

Pros: Professional, consistent results
Cons: Can get expensive over time

Option 2: Do It Yourself

If you play often, investing in a stringing machine ($200–$1500+) might make sense.

Pros: Saves money long-term, total control
Cons: Learning curve, upfront cost

Our Tip:

If you’re serious about the sport and play weekly, learning to string your own racket could be a game changer. But for beginners or casual players, start with a pro stringer until you know your preferences.

When to Experiment With Stringing

As you gain more court time and your game improves, it’s a good idea to experiment with:

Different string types (for feel, control, or power)
Changing tension (a few lbs up or down)
Hybrid setups (using different strings in the mains and crosses)

Keep notes on what you like—everyone’s feel is different. The more you learn, the easier it becomes to dial in your perfect setup.

Extra Tips for Racket Stringing Beginners

Always check your racket’s tension range before stringing
Store your racket in a temperature-controlled space
Don’t wait for strings to break—performance drops before they snap
Label the date and tension on your racket with a marker after stringing
Invest in a vibration dampener if you want to reduce shock

A Word on Badminton and Squash Rackets

While tennis gets most of the spotlight, badminton and squash rackets have their own stringing styles.

Badminton: Requires thinner strings and higher tension (20–30 lbs). Control and repulsion are key.
Squash: Similar to tennis, but string tension is typically lower (around 25–30 lbs).

If you play these sports, make sure your stringer has specific experience with those rackets.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a budding club player, understanding how stringing works will help you play better, feel better, and get more value from your gear. Hopefully, A Beginner’s Guide to Racket Stringing: Everything You Need to Know has answered most of your questions and simplified this topic.

Remember: there’s no perfect string or tension—only what’s right for you. Start with the basics, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to experiment. As you grow as a player, your stringing knowledge will naturally grow with you.

FAQs

1. What’s the best string tension for beginners?

Stick to a mid-range tension—around 55 lbs—for a balanced mix of power, control, and comfort. You can tweak it later as your game develops.

2. How do I know when it’s time to restring my racket?

If your strings feel loose, move around too much, or if you're losing power and control, it’s time. A good rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week.