Why Strings Die (Even If They Don't Break)
A fresh set of strings loses 10% of its tension within the first 24 hours of stringing — it's called "tension creep." After that, strings continue losing tension at a slower rate. By the time most recreational players break a string, the remaining strings have been dead for weeks. You've been playing with a noodle and didn't know it.
Per USRSA (United States Racquet Stringing Association) research, strings lose responsiveness and control progressively, but the change is so gradual that players adapt unconsciously — then wonder why they "can't control the ball anymore."
5 Signs Your Strings Are Dead
- Loss of control: Balls are flying long that used to land inside the baseline. Dead strings = more power, less control.
- Loss of spin: Strings that have become smooth and slick (especially polyester) generate less friction on the ball. Topspin shots sit up instead of dipping.
- Notching: Visible grooves where the crosses and mains intersect. Severe notching means the string is ready to snap and has lost most of its elasticity.
- "Trampoline" feel: The stringbed feels bouncy and springy rather than crisp. Sounds different at contact — duller, less "ping."
- Inconsistency: Same swing producing wildly different results. Dead strings respond unpredictably.
The Restringing Rule of Thumb
The classic USRSA recommendation: restring as many times per year as you play per week.
| Play Frequency | Recommended Restring | With Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| 1x per week | 1x per year (minimum) | 2x per year |
| 2x per week | 2x per year | 3–4x per year |
| 3x per week | 3x per year | Every 2–3 months |
| 4–5x per week | 4–5x per year | Monthly |
| Daily / competitive | Monthly+ | Every 2–3 weeks |
Polyester strings die faster than synthetic gut or multifilament because polyester loses elasticity more rapidly. If you use poly strings, restring 50% more often than the general guideline.
Tension Loss Over Time
A string job at 55 lbs will typically measure:
- After 24 hours: ~50 lbs (10% loss)
- After 1 week: ~48 lbs
- After 1 month: ~44–46 lbs
- After 3 months: ~38–42 lbs (depending on string type)
At 30% tension loss, the stringbed plays fundamentally differently from when it was fresh. Most players should restring before reaching that point.
String Type & Longevity
| String Type | Tension Maintenance | Durability (Break Resistance) | Cost per Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Gut | Excellent (holds tension longest) | Low | $40–$60 |
| Multifilament | Good | Medium | $15–$30 |
| Synthetic Gut | Moderate | Good | $8–$15 |
| Polyester | Poor (loses tension fastest) | Excellent | $10–$25 |
| Hybrid (Poly/Gut) | Moderate | Good | $20–$40 |
See our Tennis String Types Decoded guide for the full breakdown of string characteristics.
DIY Stringing vs. Pro Shop
Pro shop stringing: $15–$40 labor + string cost. Consistent quality, no equipment investment. Best for players who restring 1–4x per year.
DIY stringing machine: $200–$800 for a machine. Pays for itself after 15–25 string jobs. Worth it for players who restring monthly or have multiple rackets.
Sources & Further Reading
- USRSA. "String Tension Loss Research." racquettech.com
- Tennis Warehouse University. "String Tension and Performance." twu.tennis-warehouse.com
- Tennis.com. "When to Restring: Expert Guide." tennis.com, 2024.
- Cross, R. "The Physics of Tennis Strings." University of Sydney, 2023.
- Tennis Warehouse (YouTube). "String Playtest Reviews." youtube.com/@tenniswarehouse
