Stringing: tension and how often to restring
The usual reference is to restring as many times a year as you play days per week, and tension governs the balance between control and power, with higher tension giving control and lower tension giving power and comfort.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- Restring annually as many times as you play days per week.
- The usual tension range runs 22 to 27 kilos.
- Lower tension gives more power and more arm comfort.
- Stringing costs 15 € to 40 € including the string.
A string bed starts losing tension the moment it leaves the machine, whether you play or not. That is why frequency does not depend only on whether it has broken.
When to restring
The classic rule says restring as many times a year as you play days per week: twice a week means two restrings a year. It is a conservative reference that works well in recreational play. Beyond that, restring when the string breaks, when the strings stay permanently out of line, or when the ball starts flying with no control even though the bed is intact.
| Aspect | Value | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Low tension | 22 to 24 kg | more power and comfort |
| Medium tension | 24 to 25,5 kg | balanced |
| High tension | 25,5 to 27 kg | more control, less power |
| Multifilament string | comfort | recommended with arm trouble |
| Polyester string | control and durability | stiffer |
| Stringing with string | 15 to 40 € | per job |
| Labour only | 8 to 18 € | with your own string |
What tension does
At higher tension the bed deforms less and returns less energy, which reduces power and increases control and the sense of precision. At lower tension the opposite happens: the ball leaves faster with less effort and the impact is more comfortable for the arm. Dropping 1 kilo from your usual tension is a simple experiment for anyone feeling elbow discomfort.
The material
Multifilament is the most comfortable and the kindest to the arm, at the cost of breaking sooner. Polyester offers control and endurance for players hitting with heavy spin, but it is stiff and loses tension quickly, which is why many players change it before it breaks. A hybrid combines both, with polyester in the mains and multifilament in the crosses.
Polyester loses much of its performance within 10 to 15 hours of play, long before it breaks.
Heat on the island
Leaving the racket in a car in summer, where temperatures pass 60 degrees easily, accelerates tension loss and in extreme cases can distort the frame. Keeping it in a thermal cover, in the shade and indoors is what makes a string job last as long as it should. That single habit explains a large share of rackets that feel dead well before their time.
Frequently asked
+How often should I restring?
As many times a year as you play days per week, plus whenever the string breaks.
+What tension should I choose?
Twenty two to twenty four kilos for power and comfort, and 25,5 to 27 for more control.
+Which string suits a sore elbow?
Multifilament, with tension one kilo below your usual setting.
+What does stringing cost?
Fifteen to forty euros including the string, and 8 € to 18 € for labour only.
+Does leaving the racket in the car matter?
Yes. Summer temperatures pass 60 degrees and accelerate tension loss.
Sources
- 1Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)
- 2Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España (August 2026)