The string guide / Tension
TENNIS STRING
TENSION.UNDERSTAND
THE SETTING.
Stringing tension is the pulling force set on the stringing machine. It is commonly quoted in pounds or kilograms. Read that setting alongside the string, diameter, racquet and stringing instructions.
START WITH
THE SETTING.
Reference tension is the machine setting used during installation. The tension in the installed strings can differ from that setting and changes over time. Tennis Warehouse’s playtester dictionary distinguishes reference tension from actual tension.
The stringbed’s response also depends on the racquet, string material, construction and string pattern. A tension number alone cannot describe a complete setup. The ITF strings guide discusses tension, tension loss and stringbed properties.
POUNDS
OR KILOGRAMS?
Check whether a stringer’s setting is quoted in lb or kg. The same number in these two units represents a different pulling force.
For unit conversion, 50 lb is approximately 22.7 kg in common stringing notation. This is a conversion example; select the actual setting using the racquet and string instructions with your stringer.
When recording a hybrid setup, keep the mains and crosses separate if they use different settings. Attach each string name, diameter, tension and unit to the correct direction.
KEEP A
USEFUL RECORD.
Bring your stringer the racquet model, current strings and diameters, the previous tension and units, and what you want to change about the response. Include the stringing date so an older setup is not compared as though it were freshly installed.
Check the racquet maker’s stringing range and the string manufacturer’s guidance. Discuss a starting point and keep notes after playing. Changing one recorded setting at a time makes your next comparison easier to understand.
The USTA’s tension discussion describes the relationship between tension and response. That general background does not establish a setting for a particular POPENGO model.
KNOW WHAT
YOU’RE READING.
Is gauge the same as tension?
No. Gauge describes string thickness; tension describes the stringing setting. Read the gauge guide to compare the exact millimeter values.
Does a tension chart apply to every string?
Read the chart’s racquet, string, units and assumptions before using it. Use the instructions for the actual equipment and discuss the setup with your stringer.
What tension should I use for a POPENGO hybrid?
The current POPENGO preview lists the component strings and their diameters. Use model-specific stringing instructions with your stringer before installation. Compare CHAOS and CRUSH to read the components while exploring the lineup.