Racket Tension?

Question

I have a Wilson Hammer brand racket, can anyone tell me what is good tension to have this racket strung at for power vs control?

Answer 1

That would depend on what hammer racket you have? Example, 4.3, 5.3. 6.3, and now they don't even use decimal points. The new line is ncode, so a 4.3 would be the N4 and so on. If you have a 4 or lower number, this means the racket provides more power than control, so typically you would string the racket tighter to provide the control because the racket is already set for more power. If you have a stiffness index number of 5 or higher, this means the racket gives better control than power, so you would want to string the racket lower to give you the power that you need based on the fact that the racket already provides control. Remember, if you have a tension range of 55 to 65, 60 is the middle giving both control and power. Anything 59 or lower gives more power, providing longer string life and less shock on the arm. If you go 61 and up, you get more control, but the string life is decreased and the racket does not absorb as much shock. I have always felt that it's better to play with a more flexible (5 number and up) and string the racket at middle range with a good multi-filament 17 gauge string. Remember, a heavier racket is more flexible providing better control, being easier on the arm, and teaches you to get your own power by hitting the ball early out in front of your body. Remember, timing = power. Swing ealier with a controlled swing and a more flexible racket will give you control on those really fast swings. The best 17 gauge strings out are nxt tour 17, premier 17, and venom 17. The gauges of strings are 15 to 18. 15 are more durable with less control and 18 are more control with less durability. 16 and 17 are more popular. start with a 17 gauge and if you break the strings and are not happy about the string life, go to a 16, but if you don't break a 17, go to an 18, because you would get even more control. If you break those to early, then 17 is your ideal string gauge number. Remember, tennis is personal preference. Experiment. The best thing to do is try out demos, but let a good pro shop help you find a racket. Don't disagree with them. If you trust them, you will be fine. Any racket you buy will take 1-2 weeks to absolutely grow into and love. I hope this helps. :)

Answer 2

On the racquet there should be a recommended recreational tension I usually try to go as far as recommended as possible for control but for power go to the lowest or a couple pounds more just so you can get some form of control. Luxilon strings are GREAT, expensive [$30]but they last a long time if you hit flat. Topspin a bunch will reduce the life of any racquet string but Luxilon strings are for power no matter what so LUXILON! and for control max it out for power loosen it up my cousins hammer is strung at 60 for crosses and mains and he uses Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power 16L for mains and Babolat VS Natural Team Gut 17 for the crosses

Answer 3

ON the side of the raquet i should have a sticky thing that has the tension at for example 60lbs+/- 5 pounds. That means they recommend going as high as 65 or is low as 55. It should be right on the throat of the raquet. Tighter gives you more control and from my experience which is a decent amount you can string ten lbs over the recommended without hurting the frame.

Answer 4

I use the high end of the range printed on the racquet, because whatever it is strung, It will probably lose about 5 lbs tension as soon as it is used, and have a more powerfull rebound off the strings. Also, string stiffness decreases with use faster with synthetics than with natural gut.

Answer 5

Dennis is on target, your strings will lose 10 to 12 lbs over the months as you use it so I always string my racquet at the higher end of the recommended range, especially if you have an oversize, the longer the strings, the more tension they lose during the string job.

Answer 6

the answer to your question is ... the higher the tension the better the control and it goes the opposite - loose tension equates to more power

Answer 7

if you want power then string it at a lower resistance, but if you want control try higher. usually it's best to go about half way tho...