Complete Guide to Tennis Strings for Australian Conditions

Your tennis strings are the only part of your equipment that actually contacts the ball. Yet many Australian players pay little attention to their string setup, defaulting to whatever the shop recommends or copying what they see professionals using. This guide helps you understand string types, tensions, and how Australia's unique climate affects your choices.

String Types Explained

Tennis strings fall into several categories, each with distinct characteristics that affect playability, durability, and feel.

Polyester (Poly) Strings

Polyester strings dominate modern tennis, particularly among players who hit with heavy topspin. They're the go-to choice for many competitive players.

• Pros: Excellent durability, superior spin potential, precise control, maintains tension better during play sessions.
• Cons: Harsh on arms, loses tension relatively quickly over time, dead feeling after tension loss.
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced players with full swings, string breakers, heavy topspin players.

Synthetic Gut Strings

Synthetic gut strings offer a solid all-around option at an affordable price point. Made from nylon with various core constructions, they provide good playability for most recreational players.

• Pros: Affordable, comfortable, good power, easy on the arm, holds tension reasonably well.
• Cons: Limited spin potential, moderate durability, less control than poly.
• Best for: Beginners, recreational players, budget-conscious players, all-court playing styles.

Multifilament Strings

Multifilament strings consist of hundreds of tiny fibres woven together, attempting to replicate the feel of natural gut at a lower price point.

• Pros: Excellent comfort, good power, arm-friendly, soft feel with decent playability.
• Cons: Lower durability than poly, less spin potential, tension loss over time.
• Best for: Players with arm issues, those seeking comfort, players who don't break strings quickly.

Natural Gut Strings

Made from beef intestine (specifically serosa), natural gut remains the benchmark for playing characteristics despite being the most expensive option.

• Pros: Unmatched feel and comfort, excellent power and tension maintenance, superior playability, arm-friendly.
• Cons: Very expensive, susceptible to moisture damage, variable durability.
• Best for: Advanced players seeking premium feel, those with arm concerns who can afford the cost.

Hybrid String Setups

Hybrid stringing uses different strings for the mains (vertical) and crosses (horizontal), combining the best characteristics of each type.

Common Hybrid Combinations

• Poly mains / Synthetic gut crosses: Durable, spin-friendly with added comfort. Popular entry-level hybrid.
• Poly mains / Multifilament crosses: Control and spin from poly with comfort from multi. Excellent all-round option.
• Natural gut mains / Poly crosses: Premium option offering gut's power and feel with poly's durability and spin. Favoured by many professionals.

Understanding String Tension

Tension is measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg), with most rackets having a recommended tension range printed on the frame (e.g., 50-60 lbs).

How Tension Affects Play

• Lower tension (under 52 lbs): More power, larger sweet spot, increased comfort. Ball stays on strings longer (dwell time), producing a trampoline effect. Can feel less controlled.
• Mid tension (52-58 lbs): Balanced feel suitable for most players. Good starting point for experimentation.
• Higher tension (above 58 lbs): More control and precision, crisper feel, less power. Requires good technique to generate pace. Potentially harsher on arms.

String Selection for Australian Conditions

Australia presents unique challenges for tennis strings. Our climate extremes—particularly the intense summer heat—significantly impact string performance and longevity.

Heat and Tension Loss

High temperatures cause strings to lose tension faster than in temperate climates. On a 35°C day, your strings can drop several pounds of tension during a single session. This is particularly pronounced with polyester strings.

• Consider stringing slightly higher during summer months to compensate for heat-related tension loss.
• Store rackets in climate-controlled spaces—never in car boots during Australian summers.
• Accept that you may need to restring more frequently during hot seasons.

Hard Court Considerations

Australian tennis is dominated by hard courts—synthetic surfaces, plexicushion, and various acrylic types. These surfaces are generally faster and more abrasive than clay, affecting string wear.

• Durability matters more on hard courts where string movement and court contact increase wear.
• Open string patterns that slide for spin also wear faster—factor this into your restringing budget.
• Consider shaped or textured polys for spin on hard courts, but expect reduced string life.

String Gauge (Thickness)

String gauge refers to thickness, measured in millimetres or gauge numbers. Thinner strings offer better playability but reduced durability.

Common Gauges

• 15/1.35mm: Thicker, more durable, slightly less feel and spin.
• 16/1.30mm: Standard gauge, good balance of playability and durability.
• 17/1.25mm: Thinner, better feel and spin, reduced durability.
• 18/1.20mm: Maximum feel and spin, lowest durability.

String breakers should consider thicker gauges (15 or 16) for longevity. Players who rarely break strings can experiment with thinner gauges for enhanced playability.

When to Restring

Many players wait until strings break to restring, but this approach leaves significant performance on the table. Strings lose playability long before they fail.

Signs It's Time to Restring

• Strings feel "dead" or "boardy" with reduced power
• Notching or visible wear on strings
• Difficulty generating spin you normally produce
• More than 3-4 months since last restring (for regular players)
• Strings no longer return to original position after hitting

General Restringing Guidelines

A common rule suggests restringing as many times per year as you play per week. However, this varies based on string type, playing intensity, and climate:

• Polyester: Every 2-3 months for regular players, as tension loss affects playability.
• Synthetic gut/Multifilament: Every 3-4 months or when significant wear appears.
• Natural gut: Can last 4-6 months if protected from moisture.

String Recommendations by Player Type

Beginner Players

Start with synthetic gut at mid-range tension (52-55 lbs). This provides comfortable power while you develop technique. Upgrade to poly or hybrids as your game advances.

Recreational Players

Synthetic gut or multifilament strings offer the best value. Consider hybrids if you want more spin without sacrificing comfort.

Competitive Club Players

Polyester or poly hybrid setups suit most competitive players. Experiment with tension to find your optimal control/power balance.

Players with Arm Issues

Prioritise multifilament or natural gut strings. If using poly, opt for softer varieties at lower tensions. Consider poly hybrids with comfortable crosses.

Finding your ideal string setup takes experimentation. Start with widely-used options in your player category, then refine based on personal preference. Keep notes on each setup's feel, and don't be afraid to try something different—the perfect string for your game might surprise you.