Racquet Stringing Services

tennis racquets to be strung

Racquet stringing is one of the most misunderstood things about tennis, even with its newly-found publicity from the pro game. Recreational players still pay less attention to stringing and racquet dynamics than they do to the color of their team uniforms.

Guess which is more important?

In every instance I can imagine, stringing is more important than the racquet itself. The highest-quality frame on the market, custom-matched to your game, will not help you much if it is strung with the wrong string and/or tension. Meanwhile, if the frame is not perfect for you, but it’s strung properly, you will be able to make confident, repeatable swings and get consistent results.

How do you determine the right string and tension for your game, you ask? I don’t think you can do it alone. Every player, regardless of level, would be well served to find an experienced, reputable stringer, take advantage of their knowledge, and never let them go. Whatever price you pay for their service will be returned tenfold in better play, more enjoyment, and fewer injuries.

What to Look For

To know your stringer is on the cutting edge, look for certifications. A USRSA Certified Stringer (CS) has passed a rigorous test ensuring familiarity with stringing procedures and techniques. A Master Racquet Technician (MRT) has passed an even more thorough test to ensure knowledge of customization techniques, racquet and string technologies, and many other things to ensure you “one-stop” racquet work.

Your local CS or MRT may work as a teaching pro, for a tennis shop or sports store, or may even be home-based. Where he or she works isn’t as important as their commitment to service. They should have the knowledge to answer your questions.

A dedicated racquet technician will do everything possible to educate himself and keep up to date on industry trends. I am one of the very few to attend every Grand Slam Stringers (GSS) Symposium, a wonderful learning environment where we study every aspect of racquet work: stringing, customizing, string science, machine maintenance and proper business practices.

A reputable, full-service stringer will offer a large variety of strings. Look for at least 2 dozen different strings (including different gauges but excluding colors), with a minimum of 4 different manufacturers represented. I currently offer 114 SKUs of string, representing 19 manufacturers. Within a large offering like this, you can easily find the best string, or combination of strings, for you (for a discussion of hybrid stringing, see below).

Along with the variety of strings , look for the thing money can’t buy: an understanding of how they work, in general and for you. A stringer worth your time, trouble and money will ask questions and listen to your answers, and then make recommendations for you to consider. Since this is an inexact science (for example, no one can possibly know exactly how much impact shock your elbow can take), you will need to take these suggestions to heart, and try some of them. This will cost you some money, but will also leave you confident you made the best choice (I offer discounts up to 20% for players wanting to experiment. Please contact me for details).

After trying different strings, a good stringer will listen to your report, and then adjust as needed for your next trial. Once you find the “magic formula”, your stringer should have a good information database on you, making results easily duplicable later on.

Racquet Stringing Prices — All Prices Include Installation -Prices are subject to change 

Note: This is a very long list. Make sure you keep going until you hit the “exotic strings” page.

 


ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE

Shipping your Racquet

If you’d like to send your racquet to me from anywhere in the Continental USA, I’ll string it and send it back. Choose your string below and then add this shipping fee to the price. This charge includes insurance

$15




Labor Only (Tennis/Squash/Synthetic Gut)

Bring your synthetic gut string to me, and I’ll handle the rest. Note: I do not guarantee customer-supplied string.

$17




Labor Only (Natural Gut/Polyester/Racquetball/Badminton)

Gut and poly strings take more time and effort to install properly, as do the more complex patterns of racquetball and badminton frames, so I charge a little more for them. Note: I do not guarantee customer-supplied string.

$20




 

 

Solid-Core Nylon Synthetic Gut

An “old reliable” string setup for generations, a monofilament (one-piece) nylon core is surrounded by (usually) one or (occasionally) two sets of monofilament wraps, depending on the level of feel or durability desired. Playability is fairly average, as is durability and tension maintenance. A few have quite nice feel, and some will have other materials added to achieve a particular performance goal.

Clarke Nylon

The least expensive string I offer. Playability and comfort are below average, but durability is good. If you break a lot of strings, are on a budget and don’t like poly, this may be for you. 15L gauge, amber.

$25




Gamma Synthetic Gut Wear Guard

According to Gamma, the Dynalon core provides more power than standard solid-core strings, and the Wear Guard filaments wrapped around the outside provide additional durability, along with a slightly stiffer feel. 16 or 17 gauge in white.

$29




Tecnifibre Synthetic Gut

A nice-playing solid-core string with added durability (the gauges measure out a little thicker than stated numbers). Nylon core with outer wraps make for traditional synthetic gut play and feel. 16 and 17 gauge in amber and black.

$29




Solinco Pro Stacked

A great choice for hybrids, or as a stand-alone string, Pro Stacked is a great synthetic gut string. A newly-developed central power-core and multifiber outer wraps combine for improved synthetic gut performance and wear. 16 or 17 gauge in white.

$30




Yonex Dynawire Tennis Racquet String

Yonex Dynawire

Yonex Dyanwire has a high-performance solid-core string with Dynawire. A high-polymer nylon core is covered by a metal film for added power, and a silicone coating for a little spin=producing “snap-back”. If you liked Prince Lightning, Dynawire is right up your alley. 16 and 16L in white with silver.

$30




Gamma TNT2

One of the best all-round strings available for tennis or racquetball, combining high-quality synthetic core and wraps with Gamma’s TNT2 processing for added power and comfort. A pearl coating adds another wear layer. 15L, 16 or 17 gauge in natural.

$34




Technifibre Mult-Feel Racquet String

Tecnifibre Multifeel

High-tech solid core string with all the nice Tecnifibre qualities: soft feel, good power, easy on the arm. A monofilament core aside, Multifeel has “multi” qualities of power, ccmfort and feel. 16 or 17 gauge in natural.

$33




 

 

Multifilament Synthetic Gut

Here is where the “high performance” strings begin! By using numerous (usually over 1,000) filaments, manufacturers create strings with much more elasticity and power potential than solid-core synthetics, and that added flexibility (along with polyurethane impregnation in some models) also increases comfort, a plus for tennis elbow sufferers on a budget. Some of these strings are no more expensive than top-line solid-core strings, to boot. Try them if you’re after improved power and/or comfort. Understand, though, that durability can suffer, as these strings will fray as the individual filaments break.

Wilson Sensation

One of the world’s most popular strings, and one of the most comfortable: multifilament/no center core construction plays very soft with great feel. A good choice for sore arms or stiff frames. 16 or 17gauge in white.

$29




Babolat Addiction

A stiffer multifilament design, Addiction has good power and a soft feel thanks to its mix of polyamide fibers and polyurethane. Durability is enhanced with polytetrafluorethylene, a low friction material included to reduce string notching. 17gauge in natural.

$32




Wilson NXT Racquet String

Wilson NXT

One of the all-time best selling multis, and for good reason. With great feel and shock absorption, NXT is a fine choice for sore elbows and stiff frames. Excellent playability, below average durability. 16 or 17 gauge, natural color.

$38




Head IntelliTour

A good “feel” hybrid, using Head’s polyolefin Ribbon Improved Performance (RIP) technology to make a string set with a nice, soft feel. Good tennis elbow string.16 gauge RIP Tour mains/17 gauge RIP Feel crosses in gold

$39




Tecnhifibre NRG Racquet String

Tecnifibre NRG2

Multi feel with excellent power and tension maintenance, NRG2 is one of the best top-line multifilament synthetics. Siliocne Pyrogene Lubritec additives reduce its stretch under tension for a solid feel and added durability. Good for sore arms and stiff frames, but plays well for most player and frame types. 16, 17 or 18 gauge, natural or black.

$42




Technifibre X-One Biphase Racquet String

Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

The little “stripes” you see on the outside of this string are from the Biphasic processing, which adds 20% to string life. Tecnifibre’s exclusive Elastyl fibers and Fiber H2C combine to increase power by 12% over standard polyurethane-based strings, and provide better tension maintenance. 16, 17 or 18 gauge, natural color. $42



Babolat Xcel

Xcel has Xtreme power, Xtreme comfort, and Xtreme feel (sorry, couldn’t resist). Seriously, Xcel has very low stiffness for power, comfort and feel, and is surprisingly durable for this type of string, particularly in the thicker gauges. When strung on an electronic machine, tension maintenance is quite good. 16 gauge in black.

$40




Dunlop Silk Racquet String

Dunlop Silk

A very low stiffness makes Silk one of the softest-playing strings around. A multifilament design with thermoelastic polyurethane resin bonding delivers a cushioned feel with power. 16 or 17 gauge in white.

$40




Gamma Liv Wire Racquet String

Gamma Live Wire XP

A core of bundled Live Wire filaments provides excellent power and comfort, while Zyex filament wraps provide a more “solid” feel than Gamma’s other Live Wire series strings. 16 gauge in natural.

$40




Gamma Professional Racquet String

Gamma Live Wire Professional

You know how I feel when companies claim “gut’like performance in a multifilament string (well, maybe you don’t), but Gamma comes very close with Live Wire Professional. 50% more Live Wire fibers markedly increases performance and feel, and increased urethane resin improves comfort. PEEK fibers increase durability while taking away any “mushiness”. 16 or 17 gauge in natural.

$40




Gamma Live Wire Professional Spin

Gamma has taken their excellent Professional series string and made it more spin-friendly by “raising” the PEEK fiber wraps for greater texture and spin potential. 16 gauge in natural.

$40




 

 

 

Monofilament Co-Polyester

This stuff got a lot of players interested in strings again, and not always for the right reasons (Guess what? TV tennis commentators don’t always know what they’re talking about!) Pros have loved the benefits of “poly” strings for over 20 years, as they apply to their games (lots of power, racquet speed and spin), but recreational players better have a big game before they make the step up. If you do, however, you’ll notice an improvement in control, spin and (least important) durability over solid-core nylon and multifilament strings. They tend to be much stiffer than standard synthetics, so those with sensitive joints should steer clear, or at least make a hybrid setup with a softer string. Remember, these strings don’t maintain playability until they break, so restring often!

Luxilon Adrenaline

If Luxilon has an “entry-level” string, Adrenaline is it. However, don’t let the price fool you: this is a serious player’s string. Stiff and firm, you can rip at the ball and still have control. Spin potential is good, as well. 16L (1.25mm) in gra

$29




Signum Pro Tornado

A very unique design: a heptagonal (seven-sided) poly string that is also twisted for incredible spin potential. Tension maintenance is pretty good for poly, as well. 16 or 17 gauge in black.

$29




Volkl Cyclone Racquet String

Volkl Cyclone

Volkl has been very active in the string business lately, and Cyclone is one of their more interesting models. A gear-shaped design offers great ball grabbing, and the thin gauge gives you extra space between the strings for even more spin. 18 gauge in charcoal. $30



Lirschbaum Pro-Line Racquet String

Kisrchbaum Pro Line II

Very low stiffness makes Pro Line II one of the more comfortable and forgiving poly strings available. Kirschbaum pre-stretches this string for improved tension maintenance. If poly has done a number on your arm but you still like it, you might want to look here. 1.25 and 1.30mm in black.  $31



Wilson Revolve Racquet String

Wilson Revolve

Revolve has been designed to offer added “snap-back” qualities for increased spin potential on fast swings. Stiffness is lower, as well, for added power and comfort. Now available in a thicker gauge for added durability in open-patter frames. 15 and 16 gauge in white.  $32



Dunlop0 Black Widow Racquet String

Dunlop Black Widow

A heptagonal (7-sided) shape gives Black Widow an high spin potential, while its lower stiffness improves power and comfort in a monofilament poly string aimed at stronger-swinging players. 16 and 17 gauge in black.  $33



Babolat RPM Blast

The string of choice of Rafael Nadal and most Babolat tour pros, RPM Blast takes Pro Hurricane Tour to a new level. The standard Hurricane Tour octagonal shape has been used with improved material design to yield more power and spin potential. 16/17/18 gauge in black. $34



Tecnifibre Black Code

A soft-playing monofilament polyester, Black Code has a novel pentagonal shape, making for ball-grabbing feel and extra durability over traditional rounded profile strings. 16 or 17 gauge in black. $37



Technifibre Black Code Racquet String

Tecnifibre BlackCode 4S

Tecnifibre takes Black Code to a new level of spin with Black Code 4S. The same Thermocore Technology is used to produce a more comfortable-playing poly string, while the 4-sided design noticeable increases spin potential (durability is reduced due to the edges “biting” into each other). 16 and 17 gauge (1.30 and 1.25mm) in black.  $37



Luxilon 4G Racquet String

Luxilon 4G

The newest, most advanced Luxilon string yet, 4G boasts excellent tension maintenance to go along with unmatched control. You need a big swing to make it work but, if you have it, this string will play like a dream. Used by many Tour players. 16 and 16L in beige. $38



Luxilon Alu Power

Used by numerous ATP/WTA Tour players, this is the ultimate in performance. Minimal string movement; aluminum oxide coating provides excellent durability. Not the most forgiving, but this could be the best advanced player’s string. 15 (1.38mm) and 16L (1.25mm) gauge in silver. $38



Luxilong Alu Power Racquet String

Luxilon Alu Power Rough

Similar playability to Alu Power (a little stiffer, I think) with the added benefit of a textured surface for a “grabby” feel. 16L gauge in gray. $38



Luxilon ALU Power Spin

The original ALU formula has been updated with a ball-grabbing pentagonal shape. A slightly larger gauge will make up for some of the durability penalty of the sharp edges, but you will break it faster. 16L gauge in silver $38



Luxilon Element

Element is extremely soft (for poly), providing extra power, comfort and feel (for poly). Using Luxilon’s Multi-Mono technology originally use don their M2 line, Element is a great choice for poly-lovers looking for added comfort and feel. 16L (1.25mm) in bronze. $38



Babolat RPM Rough

Babolat has taken RPM one step farther by texturizing the octagonal surface for more ball-grabbing ability. It seems a bit softer, which should increase power (the rogh surface will also lower final installed SBS for more power and ocmfort). 17 gauge (1.25mm) in black. $38



Solinco Confidential Racquet String

Solinco Confidential

Four sides of monster spin generation make Solinco’s newest poly string a new favorite on both tours (I strung it for numerous pros at World Team Tennis). Expect it to become a top seller quite soon, and it’s worth a try for all poly string lovers. 1.20 and 1.25mm in dark gray. $38



Solinco Hyper-G

Developed on Tour, Hyper-G is a softer poly designed to provide increased power and comfort along with high spin potential. The pros I strung it for in its early development were quite pleased with its overall playability and response. 4 sided design in a distinctive green color make it hard to miss wherever tennis is played, and it has become a top seller everywhere. 1.20 and 1.25mm in green. $38



Solinco Revolution Racquet String

Solinco Revolution

Hexgonal (6-sided) strings aren’t all that common, but Solinco has a great choice for better players with Revolution. It’s thick, firm and sharp, providing high levels of control and spin and, being a little softer than most of the Solinco line, comfort is (relatively) improved. 1.30mm in blue.  $38



Solinco Tour Bite Racquet Strings

Solinco Tour Bite

Solinco first made its name in the college tennis market, and Tour Bite was one of their premier offerings. I’ll admit that I don’t like installing the stuff (it’s thick, stiff and sharp), but the playability strong players get makes it worth the effort for me (and them). The square shape and high stiffness make for great spin and control for high swing speeds. If you’re that kind of player, give Tour Bite a shot. 1.25mm in silver.  $38



Solinco Tour Bite Soft Racquet String

Solinco Tour Bite Soft

With Tour Bite Soft, Solinco attempts to bring the spin and control benefits of the Tour Bite line to players looking for a more comfortable string. While it is more cushioned than original Tour Bite, the power level is still quite low, meaning you still need a strong, full swing to power the ball. If you have that, Tour Bite Soft will reward you with spin and (relative) comfort. 1.25mm in silver. $38



Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough Racquet Strings

Solinco Tour Bite Diamond Rough

Solinco has added a new twist to Tour Bite to create Tour Bite Diamond Rough. A final texturizing process “roughs up” the surface of the string to improve spin potential even more. 1.25mm in silver. $38



 

   

Racquetball Strings

I offer a few strings designed specifically for use in racquetball frames, although some players happily use tennis strings, as well. These strings have been designed for best performance at the lower tensions racquetball players use.

Head Megablast

A best-seller, Megablast provides high levels of power with impressive durability for strong performance. A multifilament core with braided multifilament wraps combine for optimum playability. An improved coating reduces string movement for added string life. 16 or 17 gauge in black or white.  $30



Ashaway Power Kill Racquetball Strings

Ashaway Power Kill

Ashaway has become the major player in ZYEX strings, and has introduced it in the Power Kill line to great effect. A nulon multifilament core is wrapped in ZYEX filaments for tension maintenance, control and durability. If you’re a strong-hitting string breaker, Power Kill is a must-try. 17 gauge in red.  $36



 

   

Natural Gut

For over 100 years, natural gut strings have been the standard in overall performance, and it’s still so today. Nothing man-made can match gut’s power, comfort and tension maintenance, no matter what the packages say! If you’re not a string breaker, you can use a gut string job much longer than a synthetic one, making your overall “cost of ownership” lower than you’d think.
Babilot Touch Tonic Gut Racquet Strings

Babolat Touch Tonic Natural Gut

Excellent natural gut playability at a lower price. Tonic + has the same VS Gut quality, but its gauge is somewhat inconsistent. The gauge is quite durable even if some spots are “thinned out” a little. BT7 processing helps extend string life. 15 or15L gauge, natural. $52



Babilot VS Touch Gut Racquet Strings

Babolat VS Touch Natural Gut

Excellent Babolat play and quality, and still used by top pros. BT7 design uses larger filaments for added durability. 15L, 16 or 17 gauge, natural color. $60



Luxilon Natural Gut Racquet Strings

Luxilon Natural Gut

Luxilon developed their natural gut string with hybrid use in mind, and a couple of features stand out because of that: a thicker outer coating enhances durability, a resealable package to preserve the other half for your next string job, and a nifty mark at the center point of the set so you’ll know you have enough string each time. 16L (1.25mm) in natural.  $71



 

   

Exotic Strings

Some strings defy categorization due to some “quirk” in their design: material type and/or combination would be the primary one. I’ve saved these for last on my price list, but don’t take that wrong: one of these may just be your best choice!
Ashaway Monogut ZX/ZX Pro This is definitely a unique string. For years, string companies have worked with polyetheretherketone (ZYEX) in a multifilament design to try and take advantage of its playability and tension maintenance qualities. However, bonding was a serious problem. Ashaway solved that by making a ZYEX monofilament string, and the playability enhancements were remarkable. The string doesn’t fray, spin is remarkably improved, and it is the most comfortable monofilamaent string around by a long shot. With stiffness second only to gut, Monogut ZX offers great power and comfort with spin potential that rivals polyester strings. ZX (1.27mm) and ZX Pro (1.22mm) are available in natural and black.  $39



Wilson NXT Duramax

Originally called NXT Max, the newly-named NXT Duramax has all the same qualities that make it one of the most durable multifilament strings around. The polyurethane impregnated nylon filaments are guarded by a durable Abrasion Shield for maximum string life. A great choice for hybrid stringing in open-pattern frames, or as a full bed for string breakers seeking added comfort and performance. 15 gauge in natural.  $41



Technofibrer HDX Tour Racquet Strings

Tecnifibre HDX Tour

An interesting “hybrid” string, HDX Tour combines Elastyl fibers with polyester filaments to give multifilament players familiar comfort and power with a firmer response and added control. An abrasion-resistant coating increases durability. 15L. 16 and 17 gauge in natural. $41