Should you lower your string tension? High vs low tension tennis playtest

#wilsonblade #tennisstring #lowtension
You might wonder what it would be like to play with a tennis racket with low tension, but never had a chance to try one. I strung my Blade 98 v8 16x19 at 40 lbs to find out how different it plays compared to the high tension. For advance players, we are so obsessed with the control. So, we typically strung our tackets with full-bed poly at high tension. We want to gain as much control as we can, but we might end up hurting ourselves with tennis elbows and injuries. Lower tension? Is it a good idea? Let's find out together in this video!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:02 High tension
3:29 Low tension
5:21 Volley
5:56 Point plays
6:43 Summary

[@jirasetsilapong409]

When I was younger I strung the tensions around 55-58 lbs.But now when I hit off the sweet spot sometimes my arm get hurt so I reduced the tension to 40 lbs. It helped a lot. Less effort but the depth still the same and no more tennis elbow. I'm 70 yrs old now.

[@tantennis]

I hope I can play at 70 as good as you!

[@gozlot]

I used to strung around 60-63 lbs

[@Christian3174]

Wow still playing at 70! That's goals right there, hope to be like you when I'm older ❤️

[@xakat0]

Nice strokes man... I coach for living, and I string since my 16yo, I'm 48 now... I also string in the tour... I would add to your explanation something I consider very important, since the low tension increase the launch angle(being oftenly confused with more power), with the same effort we get more depth, which allow us to focus in keep our body more loose and by doing that we increase our efficiency at the coordination level... Meaning we get more quality with less effort... Also very important to consider that, very often a stiff string bed invites to muscle up the motion and play more flat in order to find more depth, which will lead the player to lose the variety of shoots mostly the height variations... The high speed videos also show that the spin ratio becomes higher as e tension gets lower, in opposition to what you've mentioned.. Thanks for sharing... Very useful post/video...

[@tantennis]

Thanks for the insightful information, coach! On the spin, I also thought that it would increase from more string movements, but when I hit with my normal groundstrokes (top spin low-to-high swingpath), it feels like the string offers more extra drive than extra spin, and the ball flies long sometimes. So I adjust my swing to be a bit more flatter. That’s why I said spin potential is less, because I cannot utilize the extra spin without sending the balls long. Does it make sense?

[@tennnis498]

Yes, it does. With tight strings, you can swing as hard as you want and make okay spin too. This is because there is little dwell time. With loose strings, you “catch” the ball on the string bed. As you do, you also give it plenty of forward momentum. So the danger of hitting long is still present. Adrian Mannarino plays with 4G at very low tension. And he hits a flat ball. Thus, he is not trying to control depth by simultaneously hitting up and forward, he’s primarily hitting forward. The problem I have with tight strings is it requires too much energy from me to get depth or even make a drop shot, and it causes pain, especially with stiff strings. With too much influence of poly, my drop shots are D.O.A. into the net. It probably just requires more practice and calibration, but it’s uncomfortable.

[@Stu49583]

​@@tennnis498I absolutely agree with what you said. Also lower tension just lets you play looser since you don't need to muscle the ball the get good depth. The only thing I miss is the ability to flatten out my shots because with low tension if I try to hit through the ball, it often sails long, so providing enough spin is absolutely necessary on each shot. Low tension makes hitting low over the net much more difficult for me due to the increased launch angle. But the advantages trump the disadvantages. Tight strings also hurt my arm.

[@stanwysmith]

I'm watching this hungover. Right there with ya, man.

[@tantennis]

Thanks!

[@djblackwing737]

For poly 18x20 I string around 40-43, for 16x19 I string 48-52. It depends on the gauge and stiffness of the string as well.

[@tantennis]

Yea, 18x20 can go lower tension

[@MyChevySonic]

I've got the same experience. I strung an 18x20 recently at 48, even lower than my 16x19 reference because it was poly. Pretty much all my serves went into the net and groundies required much more lift. At 42, I got much more lift, but it's difficult to keep the balls in. I'll probably settle at 45-46.

[@Christian3174]

Completely agree. I find my 18x20 blade feels best at 44. I'll probably string my new ezone 98 16x19 between 48-52 like you said..

[@Real_LouisXIV]

Love your channel, you are hilarious

[@gavlatennis2824]

Excellent comparison. Very interesting.

[@tantennis]

Thanks!

[@animaldonut]

Hey nice video. I have never tried stringing below 50lbs but you've inspired me. Thanks for the great video. You have good strokes too! You have a new subscriber! :)

[@tantennis]

Thanks for the support!

[@animaldonut]

@@tantennis You deserve it! I hope your channel grows to 1,000 subscribers by the end of 2022! 😃

[@tantennis]

@@animaldonut thank you! I hope so too.

[@johnjhope]

Good idea for a video. Good luck with your channel!

[@tantennis]

Thank you!

[@tonyspark]

What a nice video! Very detailed explanation. I really like your strokes…such effortless. Thank you for taking your time to demonstrate the different setups!

[@tantennis]

Thanks!

[@ale03000]

Very compact back swing for the forehand & solid backhand too😎 Great consistency. I'm playing with my Wilson Pro Staff RF97 V12 2018 at 45Ibs tension, 1 handed backhand just like Roger :)

[@tantennis]

Thanks! What string you use on the RF?

[@ale03000]

@@tantennis Don't quite remember 😅 the color is red & black mixed

[@brianodonoghue7415]

The low tension also seems to give both more top spin and slice. Although if you try to hit hard and don't centre the ball it can definitely go very long

[@whatab0utb0b]

Testing out some lower tensions myself right now due to arm pain. So far so good. Always played at 55+ but now I’m in the mid 40s and doing just fine. A little bit easier power too. Nice ground strokes too btw 😀

[@tantennis]

We are on the same page at mid 40s

[@idarthcadeus]

I love my Wilson Profiles, 2.7 and 3.6 95 midplus. Very heavy and very stiff. I string my own racquets. 55 lbs, full bed of poly. After warm up I like to take 80 percent cuts. Power and control, no pain at all.

[@Esprits4s]

Nice! I still have my 3.6 from high school. I've never tried stringing it up with poly though.

[@idarthcadeus]

@@Esprits4s I find the poly gives me a lot more control than using synthetic gut or nylon though I prefer the feel more with the later strings.

[@taytay8732]

Man those are some nice courts you play on

[@musarra195]

Thank you

[@TimTheMusicMan]

This video was pretty good. He really has some nice strokes. Would like to see a S/V.

[@tantennis]

Thanks! Will try to include more s/v next videos.

[@IanWestermann]

Great video. You're a good player.....even hung over 😆

[@tantennis]

Thanks!

[@johnforde4833]

Since tennis elbow i have lowered my tension to 42 mains 40 crosses. Feels much better i have had to learn to place the ball better as it can trampoline if im not carefull

[@tantennis]

Comfort comes first!

[@jonathanchen1026]

Has the tennis elbow improved? And what tension did you use before?

[@johnforde4833]

@@jonathanchen1026 i started at 48lb and played around a bit since then. I ended up at 42lb as the 40-42 just didnt feel right. I found that when i played better players it was too launchy and struggled when i needed to be defensive and on return of serves. I now use a shaped poly like hex touch on the mains and poly tour pro on the crosses at 44lbs. I feel 44 is better for play and still provides a softer feel. Elbow is better but still need to manage how much i play and stretch. I keep one racquet at 42 incase i need to lower tension due to pain. I weight train 4 days a week heavy so this does mean my elbow gets a beating but im not willing to stop tennis or weights. This time last year i couldnt even serve to to the elbow so stretching and lowering tension has kept me on the court playing 3-5 times a week so heaps better. Im not ready to drop the poly yet lol.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Well I am not one to complement the YT tennis world as there are so many problems with todays tennis, but this channel, Tan, has nice steady forehand strokes, very coordinated, more natural strokes, some channel people claim they are 4.5 or 5.0 and their strokes are so uncoordinated, but not this channel, very controlled, and very good touch at the net, I advise everyone not to use a 2HBH, but I realize most cannot perform a 1HBH, so I won't comment on the 2HBH, but he has a very controlled calm approach, and the approach is good, net volleys are good, all in all, serve is steady, I would stick with the 40 lbs or even less, you would be amazed at the feel, I am unsure of the racket as I only know one racket, mine, the WPS original 85 with gut at 35-38 lbs. but todays rackets are too large and the strings should be banned as they give the player the control, top spin and power, where if you use gut only, you develop those skills yourself. I would recommend going to a 90 or no more than a 95, the Yonex vcore 95 would be a good idea to try.

[@tantennis]

Thank you very much!

[@brianodonoghue7415]

Hi. I use Head Radical Bumblee 630, from many years ago. A very control oriented racket. I have a few which I string between 22 and 28lbs. They are heavy, about 355/360g. This set up provides comfortable power. Just like you swinging at 70% with the 40lbs.

[@tantennis]

Wow, that weight is surely not a joke!

[@brianodonoghue5806]

I started playing with wooden rackets, so the weight isn't so bad. The racket does most of the work!

[@thelolguy007]

I use 46lbs (21 kgs Europe) and find it good for me 😎

[@tantennis]

Now I also strung my rackets around 45-46 lbs too.

[@Rigo_S]

Your technique is looking quite stable 👍

[@tantennis]

Thanks! Still working on it.

[@z1az285]

Depends on the poly and the frame. I use cyclone tour, V square and prince tour XT usually with multi / gut mains. RF97A (16x19 68 RA) : gut / prince tour XT (57/54 lbs) Prince Multi/Tour XT or vsquare (55/52 lbs), both feel perfect for power and control. I tried a full poly bed of cyclone tour @ 53 lbs , didn't like it at all and may try later with 40 lbs or lower but I think the frame feels better with gut / multi mains. Becker delta core Melbourne: (18x20) (64 RA) Multi/ poly tour XT (53/50 lbs), honestly still feels low powered and I also tried a full poly bed of cyclone tour @40 lbs and it felt perfect. I will try lowering the tension even more with Vsquare but so far so good and prefer this frame with full poly at lower tension. Feels mushy with gut or multi mains and I can't lower the tension any more

[@tantennis]

Love the hybrid on the Pro Staff!

[@z1az285]

@@tantennis Thanks 👍

[@anirutvideo]

Thank you for your efforts. Very useful. And please allow me to chime in. In my younger days it use to be cool to string up high. Of course, back then, we had so much energy. Now at 56 I still play with my Redondo 93 18x20, which I've experimented "a lot" with tension and I'm now settled at a "strange" combination. I now use ProSupex BigAce 17 mains at 52 and Gamma WearGuard 17 crosses at 32. I just wanted to experiment for fun and, OMG, it's wonderful. Good spin from the tight poly mains and good pocketing and comfort from the low crosses. And you still get good, controllable power. (As for Redondo 93, it's a racket that you get what you put in. No free power.) I have just gotten a Yonex VCP97D, strung it up with Tourna Quasi Gut 17 (multi) mains at 52 and Tourna BigHitter crosses at 46. I thought it would be good for a big head 18x20 stick but, surprisingly, no. Still a bit "harsh" with not enough pocketing. I'm planning to use my 52/32 poly/syn gut combo for the next stringing. What I've found through various experiments was just like you mentioned: low tension allows for shorter swings. This can get you out of difficult situations, too, like in quick half-volleys and in late-hit situations. BTW, I have the older ProKennex BlackAce Micro 22x30. I have it strung with syn gut at 30 pounds. Plays real good. Cheers!

[@tantennis]

Thanks for the input!

[@u33sam]

ขอบคุณที่เลือกใช้ Tour Bite Soft ครับ :)

[@tantennis]

ยินดีครับพี่แซม

[@u33sam]

@@tantennis ติดต่อพี่มาทางหลังไมค์หน่อยครับ มีของเล่นให้ลองเพียบ

[@tantennis]

@@u33sam ok krub

[@dfzinn6065]

Bought the 105 astral from Yonex.. because I didn’t like much better than the many 110 cm rackets I tried.. I am approaching 75 and a prey hood player .. north of 3.5 below 4.0. Stung one at 50 I believe it is less .. but fun to play with .. amazing spin on backhand slice and extreme slice .. generating pace is more difficult but it’s there.. I am a shot maker and lower tension has not hurt my shot making .. my other identical racket is at 53.. it’s good for serving but haven’t played enough to say it’s the better racket for me.. I have no arm pain with this racket!!

[@luckytennis3475]

I use Kevlar mains at 38 and a soft poly cross at 42. I like the pocketing feel with low tension. Zero pain since I switched, plus far better control and spin. As a used to be chronic string breaker Kevlar has been fantastic. I didn’t think I would like it, but at low tension it’s top tier

[@tsandphotog]

Are there any negatives to a low string tension that you've noticed? Thanks!

[@edgillis4686]

I’m still having my rackets strung at 65lbs - as I have since the 1980’s when I switched from wood rackets. I thought my rackets felt a bit harsh with poly strings, lol. I will have to try your advice. I just hate strings moving around.

[@tantennis]

For natural gut, nylon, and multifilament, I don’t think there’s a problem with tension above 50lbs (I used to play with multi at around 52-55lbs). But for poly, as someone said in the comment, it is made low power, stiff, and high spin, so you can go with lower tension.

[@Esprits4s]

I string poly at 40 lbs and the strings stay in place. Previously strung with gut at 53lbs, and the strings moved all over the place...

[@spyghetti]

Great comparison.. can I ask what poly's you typically use or what you used at 40 and 50? Just curious.. I've tried from 54-52 to go 48 and I didn't like it but also I don't know if I put in a decent enough poly that holds tension better than what I tried it at.. the cyclone 18g probably ends up in the upper 30's quickly after a few sets where as something like Hyper G probably in the mid 40's would hold better without such a drastic drop... but I also know 18g is quite thin compared to what most people get in polys.

[@tantennis]

Hi, now I normally use the 17g of tour bite soft, hyper G soft, ice code at around 45-48 lbs. If 18g I go 48-50 lbs. So far has no issue on tension maintenance. My rule of thumb is I drop 5-10% tension for bigger gauge, and 5-10% for 18x20 pattern.

[@chattakarnthetnork8827]

ผมเคยขึ้น 53 แต่ตอนนี้ผมขึ้นที่ประมาณ 49-51 สบายแขนมากขึ้นเลยครับ ความตึงมากๆ ถ้าฟิตไม่ถึงจริงๆ เจ็บเลยครับ เพราะเคยมาแล้ว 😅 เลยลด tension ลง

[@tantennis]

เช่นกันครับ ลดลงมาเรื่อยๆตอนนี้ผมว่าจะไปจบที่ 45 แล้ว จากปกติ 50

[@DonYang73]

I dropped from 58 to 50 over the last 30 yrs. and back up to 52. Just cant hit as well below 52lbs. Maybe when i get older and hit slower

[@oatdyhahaha]

Dear P'Tan Krub, I've been an avid follower of your insightful KZbin content, particularly your recent video comparing string tensions. As someone who deeply values your expertise, I find myself contemplating the long-term effects of string tension on gameplay. Considering that I am still in the 30-40 age range and can play with a full swing without any discomfort, I am curious about your perspective. Would you recommend sticking with a higher string tension for the foreseeable future, or have you personally transitioned to a lower range as the years go by? Your insights on how string tension may impact gameplay and physical well-being in the long run would be immensely valuable to me. Thank you for your time and expertise Krub.

[@tantennis]

I have reduced gradually to generally 46/44 lbs on 98 sqin now. For bigger head size thick beam I still go 48 lbs. It really depends on the strings and rackets tbh. But you can try lower the tension to see if it works out with more power. Honestly haven’t seen many people go mid 40s with firm poly and say they lost control. Lots of pros nowadays play with sub 45-50 lbs tension and if they can control the ball with that big swing so why can’t we hahaha.

[@marlounadal6200]

Very good itips and observation regarding string tension, thanks sir,,,, Can I ask what cause injury like tennis elbow and other injury like wrisk injury, Is it high or low tension???

[@tantennis]

I would say full-bed poly at high tension has higher possibilities to lead to injuries. You can feel it even playing with flexible racket.

[@sunnyc8900]

Nice tennis courts! Which area in Thailand is this?

[@tantennis]

It’s in an outer area of Bangkok

[@TennisOnAction]

Yes it's nice surface looks clean.

[@ginomarone8831]

How did you get rid of the paint job on those blades? Sandblast or something else? Thanks

[@mjmenzies]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe he said these were the blackout Blade frames from the US Open last year. They were matte black and featured a design that was supposed to mimic the New York City skyline. They are quite beautiful frames.

[@tantennis]

It’s an US open 2022 limited edition. See the review here. Wilson Blade 98 Night Session Review and Playtest kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ7bfIJ9Z5xngcU

[@ginomarone8831]

@@mjmenzies thanks!

[@ginomarone8831]

@@tantennis will check it out. Thanks for the update!

[@phillipmullner5335]

@@tantennis have you played with them at night? is the paint reflective?

[@noahgeorge8416]

Right now I'm going to string a pro staff 97 v14 with luxilon 4g (desert bronze). I'm thinking around 50-53 pounds, any recommendations?

[@tantennis]

I don’t know your background and what you normally use. But for me, 4G is a firm string and PS97 is a stiff racket. I would drop tension down from what I normally do.

[@noahgeorge8416]

I'm a high school varsity player going into sophomore year. I'm looking for a good mix of depth and control. Maybe I'll go with 50 pounds, the lowest recommended tension for the racket by Wilson.

[@BRtrekking]

I use to play with 38 lb. I found the main problem was the tension loses, don’t stay until the break and result inaccurate shot and stung and strings costs

[@colingarner6175]

Nothings up !

[@yuant1533]

where are these tennis courts? looks like a nice facility

[@tantennis]

In outer Bangkok, Thailand.

[@yuant1533]

@@tantennis wow! Awesome

[@amirjon]

What is the strung SW on your blades?

[@tantennis]

This time I strung with thinner gauge string, the SW is 322. Normally with the 1.25 gauge it would be 330.

[@amirjon]

@@tantennis wow, 8gr difference in SW just from thickness of the guage?! R u sure?

[@tantennis]

@@amirjon Yes sir. This one is 1.15 (18 gauge). So, it’s 2 gauges difference from the 1.25 that I normally use. That’s why the SW is a lot lower.

[@maikelalefceolin5595]

I use 48 lbs. When I set it in 44lbs, I coudnt play at all because it became so much powerfull. But when I tryied my friends racquet with 38lbs, it works very nice. Now I am thinking that if we use a stupid low tension, under 40lbs, we wont get so much power because the strings dont pop up (or snap back) so much. What do you guys think about?

[@tantennis]

Probably because of different rackets and strings?

[@puipuia8613]

How about snaps back?

[@HKDAVIS]

I use poly, vertical @ 54 and cross strings @ 50

[@halfcrazyluv1]

mine was 60-61 now it's 58. I'm a power player but I also want more control.

[@telecaster9988]

Does multifilament string work well on tension lower than 55lbs?

[@tantennis]

Of course

[@telecaster9988]

@@tantennis oh wow, I didnt know that. I’m a beginner. I have a babolat pure drive. On what tension should I the put multifilament strings on? I’m planning on using technifibre x-one biphase

[@tantennis]

If X-one full bed you can start at 50-52 lbs and see how it goes

[@kevinle5460]

nice court. where do you live?

[@tantennis]

Bangkok, Thailand

[@kevinle5460]

@@tantennis Amazing. I'll be visiting in December! Excited

[@gozlot]

The name of court is CV,isnt it?

[@tantennis]

Yessir

[@thiccshober0352]

What rackets are those?

[@tantennis]

It’s a US open 2022 limited edition Blade. See the review here. Wilson Blade 98 Night Session Review and Playtest kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ7bfIJ9Z5xngcU

[@CatMelodiesOasis]

In fact 40lbs bad is when opponent hit a fast or heavy ball, it will be so hard to control the return since racket too bounce. When return normal or slow ball it is ok, even better than 50lbs, but for heavy ball like a powerful serve, it is so difficult to return

[@tantennis]

Agree! 40 lbs would be too low for playing a high level tennis.

[@hafadaze9046]

Tell that to mannarino who strings at around 20 lbs in ATP scene lol

[@eincan1313]

Many ATP players play in the low 40’s. Some in the 30’s and Mannarino in the 20’s. It is possible to play high level tennis with lower tensions. You just can’t be lazy with the footwork.

[@adambriggs5189]

Tiafoe plays at 42 or 43 lbs

[@alexw7981]

All sounds so weird. I've been stringing my raquets at 20kg for decades and think they play even better when the are a few hits old. Stringing something with 25kg just deadens the feel and hurts my arm/shoulder. 🤔

[@TimTheMusicMan]

Well a 2 handed backhand will have less power than a one handed and less reach. One handed is best but it’s very difficult. I don’t really get that in that the forehand is usually one hand so why not try to adapt.

[@tantennis]

You mean why don’t I practice one-handed BH?

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@tantennis practice / play.

[@rbutthamilton]

@@TimTheMusicMan Stupid comments. I have a 1hbh too only bcos it's fun, but statistics never lie. 2hbh is simply more stable in most average to tough conditions. Stability=power. 1hbh is more powerful only when the setup is perfect - not too high not too far and not too quick. Outside of that and you will be slicing. Ask Federer.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

@@rbutthamilton two handed is the easier way. One handed much more difficult. Ummmm, let’s see McEnroe Lendl Borg Sampras Federer maybe 400+ titles combined. Rest my case.

[@hafadaze9046]

Yup 2 handed backhand have less power but more control while a one handed will have more power but the problem is keeping that ball inside the court 😂

[@teang8693]

สนาม CVใช่ไหมครับ คุ้นๆ^^

[@tantennis]

ใช่ครับ

[@kevinlizzo8031]

37 lbs rpm blast

[@tantennis]

Probably good tension for such a stiff string

[@phanikiran9826]

Fluid forehand..

[@tantennis]

Thanks!

[@noppadolvashirakovit1620]

Low string tension is not for me. I tried 48/46 and my game went shit. 53/51 is my tension of choice for poly.

[@tantennis]

Good!

[@mteca5093]

I did same experiment...now I'm at 45 pounds in winter..mid .summer I'm at 48

[@tantennis]

I strung 45lbs on one of my racket. Love it.

[@user-kg8ip3sy3e]

Surely 45lbs is better for me in recently Good for elbow and power. I'm 70 in this year and using 50lbs last year Getting old using lower tension prefer....

[@tantennis]

@@user-kg8ip3sy3e good choice!

[@trex1448]

Yes. Poly's are made for low string tension. You shouldn't be in 50's unless your on the atp tour and built like a pro athlete wit perfect techique or have a crazy swing with bad control. We have enough tennis elbow warriors with RF97 with poly@55lbs. The whole point with polys is that its low powered and let's you rip on balls without balls sailing against the back fence. The lower tension helps to impart spin on ball which is why polys were used by pro's in the first place bc you can carve, shape balls in court that you can't do with gut or other multifilaments.

[@tantennis]

Couldn’t agree more

[@dwightwong212]

Manarino plays 25 lbs

[@OscarEggen]

You don't look 70 years old and certainly not on the tenniscourt. You move easily and smoothly. There is no sign of your hangover. You play with a very nice technique, especially for a 70 year old. Tomorrow I will take my rackets to the store and have them restrung with a much lower tension.

[@Stu49583]

Asians age much slower on the outside.

[@Flstudiog-d]

😂

[@DAZeddy]

Vietnamese?

[@tantennis]

Thai

[@PTP4747]

@@tantennis I am Thai and was going to guess Thai also. I have to sometimes abbreviate my last name to "Tan" also, but it's really much longer.

[@olfam7197]

5.o club player here a lot of players think its so cool to string there racket below 50 pounds but cant hit 5 balls in a row right to you lmao anybody under 5.O level with their racket strung under 50 pounds tennis is not for you on so many levels

[@jeremyk4291]

40lbs and 3.5 here. Better for my arm and easy spin. I tried less than that and I couldn’t control it.

[@hafadaze9046]

This the dumbest comment ever 😂

[@hafadaze9046]

@@jeremyk4291 don’t listen to this guy bro he doesn’t know how strings work especially polyester strings