Geeky stuff
Here is some information about monofilament, multifilament etc etc to give you something to blag about in the changeroom.
Tension
Higher tension = more control, but less power.
Lower tension= more power, but less control.
String types
- Monofilament These used to be cheap nylon strings, but they're much better now. Solid construction blending polyester or polyether and as a result very durable.
- Solid core with a single wrap The solid core makes it more durable and maintains tension, and the outer wrap gives you extra 'feel'. Probably the most common construction.
- Solid core with a multi wrap The solid core is thinner (less durable) and the extra outer wrap improves playability.
- Multi core with a multi wrap Multifilament core = greater elasticity = greater playability. The outer wrap protects the core.
- Multifilament Similar in construction to natural gut - multifibres are coated for protection. Excellent playability, but tends to lose tension more quickly than a solid core string. Stringers should pre-stretch these before restringing rackets . . . and good, electronic stringing machines do this.
- Composite Combination of nylon and aramid fibres (e.g. Kevlar) - greatly increases durability.
- Hybrid This is becoming far more common. Ideal for the frequent string breaker (tennis) - use a durable main string such as Babolat Pro Hurricane and a synthetic gut (elastic) cross string. There are many mix-and match hybrids.
- Textured Usually a solid core but with wraps to give the string texture - to increase grip for added spin.
- Natural Gut The ultimate string - made from beef or sheep gut - it provides both power and feel ... but it's expensive which is why it's not commonly used . . . unless you've got spare cash to chuck about like Roger Federer, Venus and Serena and other Pros.
- Kevlar/Aramid Most durable string. Kevlar is the toughest string around. There's almost no stretch to it though, so don't touch it if you have any elbow trouble. If you are a chronic string breaker, you could try this in the mains and go for a synthetic gut in the crosses.
Get a grip . . . have a look at our selection below.
It often surprises me how seldom people change grips. A new grip makes a massive difference . . . and they cost next to nothing.
Overgrips £1or £2
This is a thin overgrip - suitable for tennis and badminton.
Yonex Super Flat grip £3
The ultra-tacky surface material provides an extremely comfortable, flat padded grip with superior absorption qualities.
Good for squash, tennis and badminton.
Come in many colours.
A wide range of choices from all the big manufacturers, ranging in price from £6 to £8
Wilson
Gamma
Head
Karakal
