String Construction

tennisthing.com - 31 Jan 2007

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Here is a list of string constructions, general descriptions of their associated performance benefits and examples of each:

Stings

Solid Core with One Outer Wrap

Most popular nylon string construction - majority of "synthetic gut" strings are solid core/single wrap. Main benefits are tension maintenance and crisp feel. Quality of nylon centre core, as well as size and orientation of outer wraps can influence feel and comfort.


Stings

Solid Core with Multi Wraps

Provides additional durability and cushioning.


Stings

Multifilament (no wraps)

Bundles of micro synthetic fibers are twisted together, similar to natural gut. Nylon multifilaments are typically more comfortable than solid core strings due to the cushioning effect of hundreds or even thousands of micro fibers. Resultant effect is a soft and comfortable string, recommended for players suffering from arm problems who don't want to pay the high price for natural gut. Normal use causes multifilament strings to fray, like gut, which can be alarming to players switching from solid core strings. With the exception of Kevlar and Zyex, multifilament strings are generally classified as "soft" strings.


Stings

Multicore with Wraps

Smaller multifilament core with one or more outer multifilament wraps. Offers similar comfort benefits to multifilament strings with added durability.


Stings

Textured

Designed to offer enhanced spin potential by wrapping an extra filament around the outer wraps or incorporating larger filaments into the outer wrap. Most effective texture string is Gamma Ruff. While officially a geometric string, Forten Kevlar Gear is included in our "Textured String" category and provides equal or greater spin potential as Gamma Ruff. Other examples include:


Stings

Composites

A combination of different materials blended together in an attempt to bring out the best features of each material. Today, there are more composite strings than at any other time in the development of synthetic strings. This is in large part due to the flood of titanium "composite" strings, where (in most cases) titanium use is limited to the string's coating. For simplicity, strings combining different grades of nylon, which are theoretically also composite strings, aren't included in our list.


Stings

Monofilament Polyester

Durability-oriented monofilament string. Good alternative to Kevlar hybrids because it's less stiff but it has a dead feel and high initial tension loss. Recommended for frequent string breakers who don't want to resort to Kevlar hybrids. String 3-5 lbs. higher than nylon to compensate for tension loss.


 

Aramid Fiber Hybrids

Combines the strength and abrasion resistance of Kevlar mains with nylon (synthetic gut) crosses. Most durable of all string construction, but least "playable" due to Kevlar's extremely stiff, dead feel.


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