Sporting Goods & Recreation / Guide
When to Restring a Tennis Racket: What to Check Between Sessions
Check for wear and changes in response, then record the string and tension you want your stringer to reproduce.
String wear depends on how often you play, the string material and how you strike the ball. Start with a look at the racket you use most. Check the center where strings cross and note whether you see substantial fraying, deep notches or a broken string.
Compare how the racket plays
Use a familiar court and a consistent set of balls when you judge the feel. If depth or control changes over several sessions, ask a stringer whether the string bed may be contributing. A single rough session may have more to do with the balls, the court or how you were swinging.
Ask for the existing setup
If you like the current feel, find out the string type and tension before changing anything. The USTA’s string-pattern guide explains another factor that affects the response. Let the stringer see the frame and follow the manufacturer’s range for it.
Change one variable at a time
Keep a note of the restring date and what went in. If you want a different feel, ask which single change will help you compare. Test it for a few normal sessions before making another change.