Finding the Right Tension

When you’re stringing a racquet for the first time, it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. First, start with the tension range recommended by the racquet’s manufacturer.
You can typically find these numbers printed directly on the frame – check the inside of your tennis racquet’s throat or the inner edge of the frame’s head, where it’s usually located. Manufacturers will test their racquets with real players to determine an appropriate range.
The best thing you can do the first time around when stringing a new racquet is to split the difference and start with a tension that is right in the middle of the manufacturer’s recommendation.
For example, if your racquet says the recommended string tension is 55 to 60 pounds, start with 58 pounds. Based on the performance of the racquet, you can adjust up or down to your preference.
It may take a few attempts to dial in your preferred tension, but if you start in the middle, you should be able to nail it down pretty quickly. If you have more than one racquet, you can have each strung at different tensions to compare them side-by-side.
Helpful Tip
It’s worth noting that there are no rules in tennis that specify acceptable tension ranges. Instead, this is entirely up to the player to determine based on personal preference.
As you work to find the right string tension, we recommend that you stick with the same string as you make adjustments.
Different types of strings can have a dramatically different feel and performance at various tensions. Therefore, it’s best to stick with a single string until you find a tension you enjoy.
If you eventually move to a new string, you may need to make adjustments to your tension to accommodate the change.
Testing with Two Racquets
If you have two of the same racquet, I’d recommend you string them both fresh at different tensions so you can compare how they feel in real-time.
Of course, if you don’t have two of the same racquets you can test two separate tensions back to back, but I’d encourage you to restring with the new tension sooner than you might typically restring, i.e., after one or two weeks of hitting with one tension, cut the strings out and switch to the new tension, so you can get the closest possible comparison.
Word of Caution
Often, players looking for more control or power will attempt to adjust their string tension to achieve a more pronounced effect. However, while it’s correct that tension will change these variables, there’s a diminishing return on overall performance. You’ll likely end up with adverse side effects, so it’s worth evaluating other factors.
For instance, a player would benefit from improving their technique, fitness, and selection of string or racquet to achieve a more substantial increase in control or power.
With that said, you should think of string tension as more as a fine-tuning mechanism to get the most out of your racquet, string, and, more importantly, the talent that you’ve developed through practice.
I have just ordered my first stringing machine. This article has provided some useful information. Thanks, Rick Lucas
Hey Rick,
That’s awesome to hear! Nothing beats having your own stringer, you’re going to have a ton of fun with it :)
If you don’t mind me asking, which stringer did you order?
One of my favorites… stringing, watching tennis on TV and drinking a nice cold beverage. Can’t beat it. I’m glad you found some of the information helpful and would love to hear how things work out with the new machine.
All the best,
Jon
Hi
I found your article very useful. My son who is 14, years old plays with 57 lbs tension 300 GMs rpm blast strings on babolat pure drive French open….now he wants to switch to another racquet.. He plays flat and is in between intermediate to advanced player. Any suggestions on which other racquet and what strings? Thanks in advance
Pallavi
Hey Pallavi,
Thanks for stopping by and for leaving a comment. Here are a few questions that would help me provide a more useful answer:
Looking forward to your reply.
All the best,
Jon
Hi,
I am extremely sorry for not looking up for your reply.
1 His current babolat aero drive is 305 GMs….he is finding it a bit heavy. He tried a Wilson blade and pro staff and found it much more comfortable than babolat.
He wants to have more control than what babolat gives. The strings are pro hurricane tension 60. He is looking for a light weight racquet with more control. His game is predominantly baseline, but does play good game even at the net. The strings do feel dead after just a day of being strung. He liked the feel of Wilson but is unable to choose. Once he played with a head light weight and felt good about it too. His current babolat racquet is kind of heavy for his age and is looking to switch for more control. I hope I answered your qs.
Pl guide me . I ll keep checking your site more often now.
Thanks
Pallavi
Hey Pallavi,
Thanks for getting back to me! I’d love to provide you with a more detailed comparison of the tennis racquets that your son has been using as well as some suggestions for new racquets he might want to try.
To help with this could you please provide links to the exact versions of the following tennis racquets that your son has used:
Each of these racquets have different variations with unique specifications, so in order to provide you with the best information it would be helpful for you to tell me the exact racquets your son has used.
Just head on over to your favorite online retailer and then include the links to the racquets in your reply.
I look forward to learning more!
All the best,
Jon
sir, i need job. And i want to try other company. I am a racquet stringer here in dubai. Do you know where i can find good company and i can use my work experience here. Im have 6yrs work experience as a racquet stringer.. Please help me..thank you..
Hi Michael,
Great to hear from you!
I’m don’t personally know a club or company that I can recommend. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Dubai and getting to know some of the locals.
However, it would likely be worth trying a few searches online to see if you can come up with an opportunity for yourself – here are a few ideas to help get you started:
– tennis club
– tennis company
– tennis academy
Hopefully, if you check a few of these out, they’d turn up something for you. Best of luck in your search – let me know if I can help with anything else.
All the best,
Jon
Hi, I am 15 years old, I weigh around 60kg, skinny build, I just purchased an RF97 signature racquet, I actually don’t find the racquet that heavy as is does al the work for me haha, the strings on it feel ok, but I’m looking for slightly more power in the strings, as I play with some hard hitters..,so I’m guessing I’ll have to go lower tension? Do the strings with lower tension go tighter or looser? I once here’d that tighter strings have more power, but I could be wrong,
Thank you! :)
I might also add, that this racquet had loads of power.. But when balls come flying at you, FAST.. I’m in trouble haha, I’m a wear that it could be my strength, but if I could get different tension or strings and hit or return back hard serves/shots, I’ll be a happy person :) thanks again !
Hi Sam,
Thanks for stopping by and for the great question.
All things considered equal, lower tension will yield higher power but don’t forget along with that comes less control, so it’s usually a tradeoff. On the other hand, higher tension will produce less power and more control. If you’re looking for a bit more pop, then you can definitely play with adjusting the tension. However, another option would be to consider a different type of string. For example, multifilament strings tend to deliver higher end power so if you play with an inexpensive natural gut or polys then it may be worth investigating.
If you’d like, I’d be happy to make some recommendations. Just let me know what type of strings you’re currently using.
All the best,
Jon
Hi,
I am purchasing a new racket wilson juice blx 100…can you tell me the best optimal tension of that raquet. Tension are from 53-63 lbs..I AM A HARD HITTER AND ULTIMATE smasher and a fair backhand
Hi there! Thanks for your stopping by and for sharing your question. You are correct, the recommended string tension for the Wilson BLX Juice 100 is from 53-63 lbs, however when it comes to which tension you should use it all comes back to personal preference. For example, you described yourself as a hard hitter. If that’s the case I’d be curious to learn whether or not you’re looking to reign in and control your power or if you really enjoy hitting hard and want to maintain as much power as possible.
If you were looking for more control I might suggest you try a tension at the upper end of the recommended stringing tension such as 61-63 lbs. Of course, if you enjoy the power and don’t have a problem with controlling the ball then you might look at stringing the racquet at the lower end of the recommended tension, perhaps 55-57.
The key is to have an initial goal in mind with your string tension and then try a tension that you’d expect to match your needs and adjust from there. It definitely takes some trial and error to find an ideal tension. Here’s a little chart for how I would look at the recommended string tension for your tennis racquet:
[Power] 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 [Control]
Of course, if you have any follow-up questions please don’t hesitate to ask!
~All the best, Jon
Isn’t Control and Power reversed on your chart?
Whoops! Thanks for the catch, Ron. Just updated.
~ All the best, Jon
I think Control and Power are wrongly placed in above chart.
Hi there Mrugesh! Looks like you and Ron both have a great eye :) Thanks for mentioning. I just updated the chart in one of my previous comments.
~ All the best, Jon
Great video! I play with a 2nd gen Pure Strike 98 16×19 and love the racket. I had it strung with Luxilon Element at mid-point tension. I find it comfortable and have no issues/concerns. I am considering buying a 2nd racket (as a backup and to have an extra one) and considering the 3rd gen Pure Strike 98 16×19. I was trying the demo and it came with Head Velocity and I found that my backhands are going deeper (good) but my forehands are going long (bad). This makes sense as this is a multifilament string with more power even though both rackets are similar in terms of weight etc. I am now ready to purchase the 3rd gen Pure Strike but a little confused about the string choice. I am leaning towards choosing same string i.e., Element but lower tension to compare? My style of play is top spin forehand, prefers to come to the net (although I am not a great volleyer) and two-handed backhand. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Thanirs,
Thanks for your feedback and for taking the time to ask a question.
Since you enjoy your current string, my recommendation would be to stick with Luxilon Element as your first string for the new Babolat Pure Strike you’re planning to buy.
There’s no doubt that the latest generation will feel different, but maintaining the same tension from the 2nd generation to the 3rd generation will allow you to better identify differences in feel, which you can then use to inform your decision to change the tension, keep it the same, or possibly even consider a new string altogether.
I hope that helps!
All the best,
Jon