There are a number of very important points that you must be aware of when selecting new strings for your racquet. All strings offer two basic principles, Playability and Durability. The following points, apply to most strings - however there are a few exceptions to the rule!

• More expensive string's, tend to be a thinner gauge. This gives higher playability BUT lower durability ('life' could be reduced by up to 25%)
• Thicker gauge strings will last longer
• Tight stringing offers more control (lack the 'trampoline effect')
• Power is obtained from lower tensions
• Tension range for a club player is between 15 - 24lb
  

String movement is another common area of concern; strings do not need to be straight to offer maximum performance. The only strings that do not move are cheap, standard nylon (monofilament) strings. These are prevented from moving by 'notching' into each other. Multifilament strings and natural gut do not notch and will always move. This is a good sign and will never affect the flight of the shuttle.

Just because the strings have not broken, does not mean that they are still giving optimum performance. As soon as any item under tension is released 'creep' will start to take effect. Hence the racquet strung today at 24lb, will settle to about 19/20lb by tomorrow. The higher the tension in the string bed, the less durable the string becomes.

• As a rule of thumb, you should be looking to restring your racquet the number of times a season, as you play in a week!

When strings break close to the frame, it is as a result of a miss timed shot - NOT AS A RESULT OF POOR STRINGING. Thinner strings will not 'give' to a miss hit but will break - thicker gauges will 'give more' and are therefore more robust. The wrong speed of shuttle, colder/hotter playing conditions or players just not warmed up and 'slow' to react to a shot are all factors that can contribute to miss hits.

YONEX SPECIFIC DETAILS

These tensions are standard and cover the warranty of the racquet. Far higher tensions can be put into the frame, BUT AT THE PLAYERS OWN RISK. Tournament / International players can have up to 36 llbs put into their frames.

ATHENS 2004 OFFICIAL STRINGING TEAM