String Selection for
Adult Players

The most common mistake adult players make

Most adult players restring only when a string breaks. The problem? Strings lose up to 30–40% of their tension within the first 24 hours after stringing — and continue to drop from there. By the time a string breaks, the tension has usually been dead for weeks or months.

Playing on low-tension strings forces your arm to work harder to control the ball. That extra effort is a leading cause of tennis elbow in recreational players — an injury that sidelines people for months.

How often should adult players restring?

The same rule applies regardless of age: restring as many times per year as you play per week.

• Social (1–2 times/week) — restring once or twice a year. Even once a year is far better than never.
• Club/regular (3–4 times/week) — every 3 months. Tension loss is significant at this volume.
• Competitive amateur (5+ times/week) — every 6–8 weeks. You're putting serious hours on the racket.

What damage does playing with dead strings cause?

• Tennis elbow: Low tension means more vibration and shock travels up the arm. This is the #1 cause of tennis elbow in recreational players.
• Loss of feel and control: You stop being able to feel where the ball is on the strings, making precise shot-making harder.
• Power inconsistency: Dead strings don't spring back consistently, so identical swings produce different results.
• Slower improvement: You can't diagnose or fix a technique problem when your equipment is giving you unreliable feedback.

What string should adult recreational players use?

For most adult players, a quality multifilament or co-polyester string in the mid-tension range (22–25 kg) strikes the right balance. You get good control without the harshness that causes arm issues.

Our string range is chosen specifically to suit the widest range of adult players:

• Solinco ($45 inc. labour): A versatile co-poly that offers good spin potential and durability. Suits players who want control and bite on the ball.
• Tecnifibre ($40 inc. labour): Known for its arm-friendly feel. A great choice for players who have experienced elbow or wrist discomfort.
• BYO strings ($25 labour only): If you have a preferred string, bring it in and we'll string it to your exact spec.

What tension should I choose?

Lower tensions (20–23 kg) provide more power and comfort — good for players who want help generating pace or who are managing arm issues. Higher tensions (24–27 kg) give more control and are suited to players who generate their own power and want precision.

Not sure? Tell us your racket, playing style and any arm concerns when you book and we'll recommend a tension for you.