With Gary Hong
Racquet stringing
Gary Hong, Clubhouse Director and part-time instructor, strings racquets at the club. Here are his basics.
01
String types
- Natural gut
- Best feel and softest; most expensive; sensitive to moisture
- Synthetic gut
- Good all-round balance; least expensive
- Poly / co-poly
- Durable, most spin; can be harsh on the arm
- Multifilament
- Softer feel, good power; popular for comfort
02
Gauge and tension
Gauge
- Thinner (17/18)
- More power and feel, less durable
- Thicker (15/16)
- More control, more durable
Tension
- Higher
- More control, less power and comfort
- Lower
- More power and comfort, less control
With polys, most players use about 10% less tension.
03
When to restring
Restring every 10–20 hours of play, or as many times a year as you play in a week. Polys lose tension faster. A good start: synthetic gut, around 16 gauge, at moderate tension. Listen to your body and avoid arm discomfort.
For advice or stringing, ask Gary at the clubhouse.