String Gauge

Hi folks. It's 4:45 so I don't have alot of time today so let's keep this one snappy. Let's finally talk about string gauge. String gauge is the thickness or diameter of the tennis string when you put it in your racquet. You'll hear things like 15,16,17, or 18 gauge or sizes like 1.16 or 1.18 or stuff like that. In most cases the higher the number the thinner the string. So let's go over the disadvantages and advantages of bigger or smaller string.

Lower Gauges - Thick String

Highs
Durable - doesn't break easily, loses tension slower
Hard string bed - Predictable String Bed, Good Control

Lows
Hard on the arm
Doesn't produce oodles of spin
Lack of Power
Less Feel

Higher Gauges - Thinner String

Highs
Springier string bed - More Pop
Bigger holes = More bite = more spin
Easier on the arm.
More Feel

Low
Less Durable - Breaks faster loses tension faster
Less predictable stringbed = less control

Ok. So what do you do? Chances are your stringer has put a 16 gauge string in your racquet if you haven't specified. It's mid road in terms of gauge so it's not steel cable nor is it fishing line. However, my suggestion is play with the highest gauge string you possible can without busting your pocket book. Thinner gauges are nicer feeling strings, give you more pop and more bite which if your big topspinner like myself is a huge bonus. Fear you'll lose control, well string a bit tighter, that's what I do. Next time you go get your racquet done, go up a gauge to 17 and get him to string it 3-4 pounds tighter. You won't regret it. However, if you the type that can chew up a string job in a few hours, well 15 gauge might be the one for you. Also a thicker string holds it's tension longer so if you play only a few times a year, you might also want to go to a 15 gauge. However, if you play alot, trust me a thinner string is the 'win'.