Tennis strings
Inside your tennis bag, there is one thing that is one of the most effective weapons you can utilize to beat an opponent and improve your tennis game. It’s your racquet’s string, and it’s more important than you might think.
Strings are likely the most distinguishing feature of a racket; thus, you must choose the appropriate strings for your abilities. In fact, picking a tennis string should take just as much thought as choosing a tennis racquet. When your skills improve from beginning to intermediate, you’ll realize how different racket pieces effect your game.
Arm friendly tennis strings
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, can be caused by tennis strings. If your strings are too tight or have a stiff string type, they may transfer more shock to your arm, causing soreness and possibly tennis elbow. That is why we should choose strings that are good for our arms, or you can say “ARM FRIENDLY STRINGS”.
A comfortable racquet and strings can make a big difference to help relieve some of that pain. In recent years, there’s been an increased focus on making tennis racquets more “comfortable” and easier on the arm.
Features to look for in arm friendly strings
Thickness of strings
Checking the thickness of the strings before settling on them is always a good idea. Although thickness, also known as gauge, may not always influence the tennis elbow, it is nevertheless crucial to know in terms of playability and durability. Thinner strings are generally preferable, although thicker strings are more durable. While there isn’t much of a difference in feel between the thinnest and thickest, it is evident when you hit the ball.
Material/String type
This is the most significant factor to consider while choosing strings. You should always use Natural Gut or Nylon (Multifilament) strings for tennis elbow because they are softer and transfer the least amount of shock to your arm. Natural gut is at the top of our list, as it is the nicest and most absorbent string available. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive, but the finest comes at a cost.
String tension
Lowering the string tension aims to limit the stiffness of the string and it is one of the main causes of tennis elbow. Lowering the tension causes the stringbed to deflect more, giving you a softer feel and a bigger sweetspot. As a result, the degree of vibration is reduced.
This isn’t anything that can be deduced from the strings alone. The tension you want must be specified to the manufacturer or stringer. If you have tennis elbow, the less tension you have, the better. You can observe what loose strings will accomplish better than tense strings.
Some BRANDS for arm friendly tennis strings
WILSON NXT Power 16 200M Reel
- Made up of soft fibers
- Great for intermediate players
- High crystallinity xycro microfibers
- 15% larger sweet spot and 80% less vibration than traditional synthetic gut string
- #1 rated comfort string by USRSA
As a flexible, comfortable racquet can help ease pain in your wrist, arm, and elbow caused by tennis and a proper tennis shoe can help alleviate foot and ankle pain and avoid injuries. Having the proper tennis strings is also vital for making your racquet more comfortable and easier to use.