Which string is right for you? Part 3

The next string type to consider are polyester strings. Poly strings have become increasingly popular as they have become much less stiff and more playable.

That said, they are still rather stiff, which has its benefits. Many big hitters love poly strings for the control and durability they offer. In addition, for those who hit hard enough to really make them give at impact, they can be quite powerful. 

If you are not a big hitter, poly strings can be very stiff, creating a very firm string bed at impact. This may result in a loss of power, spin and more shock to your arm. Players with a history of arm issues may find poly strings to be rather uncomfortable.

The other negative that we see with poly strings is with the increased durability, many players wait way too long to restring. The result is playing with strings that have lost tension and playability.

Big hitters and frequent string breakers should consider poly strings. With the advances made by many string manufacturers, there is a range of strings to choose from based on your needs. Stop in and we’d be happy to help you pick the best string for your game.

Tennis Equipment & Cooler Weather

Hopefully, the weather around here will get cooler soon. When that happens, does it have any impact on your tennis racket or strings?
Here, in the Tampa Bay area, the answer is most likely, no. While the cooler weather is nice, it doesn't get cold enough, long enough to really affect your tennis equipment.
If it got cold enough (like up north), stringing your racket a little looser can help reduce the shock of impact. Around here, you won't have to change anything.
One thing to keep in mind, even though it is cooler in the fall and winter, you still don't want to leave your rackets in the car all day. It can still get hot enough in a car to potentially affect both your rackets and strings. Keeping them inside a climate-controlled building or house will keep your racket and strings playing better longer.

Why Hybrid Strings?

Why would someone want to use a hybrid stringing?
The most basic answer is that a single type of string just doesn't provide the performance or durability they need.
Hybrids use two types of strings, one in mains and the other in the crosses. By using two types of string, some players are able to get the results they are looking for. An example is someone needing more durability but without the negatives of a full bed of poly string. By using a second, softer, string with the poly they can have added durability while not giving up power and feel. The two strings together can offer the best benefits of both without as many negatives.
Here at MP Tennis, we can make a hybrid out of any strings we carry, giving thousands of possible combinations. We are always glad to help you find the strings, hybrid or not, that will best fit your game.

Should I Get My Racket Restrung?

So, you haven't broken your strings, but you're wondering if you should restring. Here are a few things to consider.
1. How do the strings feel? Do they feel overly soft or "mushy"?
2. How is your power? Are you working harder to generate depth on your shots?
3. How is the vibration? Are you feeling more shock at impact?
4. Have the strings been in there for over a year?
Answering any of the above with a yes, and you should think about replacing your strings. Even when they don't break, they can "go dead", resulting in poor feel, less power and more vibration on impact.
Over time, strings just lose their ability to give at impact and "snap back", creating power, spin, and a consistent feel.  Even lightly used strings will lose this over time the same way a rubber band left stretched out too long will not snap back.
Think your strings may need changing? Stop in and we will be happy to go over your string options and help you pick the best one for your game.

Fairly often, we will get someone come into our store with two rackets with broken strings. The question they usually ask is,
"why did the strings break on both in the same match?"
The reason is pretty simple.
They were equally used, therefore, equally worn.
Think of it like this. You have two identical trees in your front yard and you are going to chop them down. You decide to hit one tree with an ax, then the other. You keep taking turns, hitting one, then the other. When the first tree goes over, the other should be very close to falling as well.
It is the same thing with your strings on multiple rackets. If you are alternating them perfectly, when a string goes on one, they are going to be very close to breaking on the other.
So, what should you do?
There are a few ways to avoid this problem. The first and most obvious is to use one until it breaks and save the other. This will greatly increase the chance of getting through a tournament without the other breaking or just until you can get the other restrung.
There are some players who don't like saving a racket. For those, a good way to do it would be to use one racket more than the other (think 70% of the time for one, 30% for the other). This will keep enough difference in wear that you should be able to get through a match or two with some confidence.
One thing to keep in mind is that I am talking about string breakage through wear and use. Mis-hit breaks and breaks caused by things other than wear are unpredictable and the above won't help.
The biggest thing to consider is that you want to be able to get through the rest of your match or tournament with your backup racket without unnecessary fear of breakage. By making sure your backup has significantly less wear will help get you through with much less worry.