It’s probably the question stringers and players ask most often.
The honest answer is: it depends. Your string, racquet, gauge, string pattern, and playing style all affect the right tension.
But you don’t need to guess. There are sensible starting points, and a simple way to find what works for you.
What does tension actually change?
Lower tension
A lower tension generally gives you a softer, livelier, and more powerful stringbed. You may get:
- More power and easier depth.
- More comfort.
- A larger, more forgiving response.
- Good spin potential as the strings can move more freely.
The trade-off is that the racquet can feel less precise, particularly if you already generate a lot of power.
Higher tension
A higher tension generally produces a firmer and more controlled response. You may get:
- More predictable depth.
- A firmer, more connected feel.
- Less free power.
- A smaller and less forgiving response.
The important point is that higher tension doesn’t automatically mean more spin or control for every player. The effect depends on the string and the rest of the setup.
And “more power” from a lower tension doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid it if you hit hard. A powerful player may actually prefer a lower tension for the softer, more comfortable response while generating the pace through their own swing.
Sensible starting points
These are useful starting ranges, not universal rules.
Co-polyester
A common range is around 21–25 kg (46–55 lb). Because co-poly is relatively firm, going too high can create an unnecessarily stiff stringbed. If you have no previous reference point, 23 kg is a sensible place to start for many players.
Multifilament or synthetic gut
These strings are generally softer and more powerful than co-poly, so many players use 1–2 kg more tension than they would with poly. A reasonable starting range is around 24–27 kg (53–60 lb).
Natural gut
Natural gut is highly elastic and maintains tension exceptionally well. It doesn’t need to be strung extremely tight to provide control. A good starting point is usually somewhere around the middle of your racquet’s recommended range, adjusted according to the setup and your preferred response.
Always check the racquet
Your racquet manufacturer will normally provide a recommended tension range, usually printed on the frame or listed in its specifications. Use that range as your starting reference. If you’re unsure, starting around the middle is a sensible approach.
How to find your tension
Don’t change everything at once.
Start with a sensible tension and play at least two full sessions before making a judgment. Then make adjustments in small steps — around 1 kg at a time.
If the ball is consistently flying too far and you’re struggling to control depth, try going 1 kg higher.
If the racquet feels too firm, you’re struggling to generate depth, or the setup feels uncomfortable, try going 1 kg lower.
Give yourself enough time to adapt before deciding whether a change worked.
Keep track
This is one of the simplest things you can do. Write down your:
- Racquet
- String
- Gauge
- Tension
- Date strung
- How it felt
After a few restringing cycles, you’ll start to see patterns. You may discover that 23 kg with one co-poly feels completely different from 23 kg with another, or that your preferred tension changes when you switch from a full bed to a hybrid.
There is no perfect tension for everyone. The best tension is the one that gives you the right balance of power, control, comfort, and feel for your game.