Cheap strings, lowest tension

[TomT]

I'm an old codger on an extremely limited budget. I know nothing about modern rackets and strings. I'll be getting a new racket soon. (I'll post a question about rackets in the racket forum.) The salesperson at Sports Authority said they will restring a new racket at no additional charge if requested.

My main concern is to impart the least stress to my hand, wrist and arm as possible. I have good strokes from the olden days, and am working on hitting flatter.

Assuming they'll probably only offer a limited range of relatively cheap strings for the restringing, my questions are:
1. Any recommendations on what strings I should choose?
2. What's the lowest tension I should go with cheap strings?

And of course, I'll check with what Tennis Warehouse offers in comparison before I actually buy anything.

Thanks.

 

[PhotoBlue]

Any synthetic gut would probably be good. They usually are the cheapest strings. If you don't want as much strain on your arm you might want to string it a little low so you have more give from the strings. I would say in the low 50s. But it's what you like.

Cheers

 

[esgee48]

A lot will depend on what racquet(s) you grew up playing with or are using now. So, I would just go with a good 16 ga synthetic gut (Prince, Wilson or Babolat) at midpoint or slightly lower (-2 lb) until you get use to the racquet. Not worth going with stiffer strings like polyesters or polyolefins if you think your joints can't handle it.

 

[TomT]

Any synthetic gut would probably be good. They usually are the cheapest strings. If you don't want as much strain on your arm you might want to string it a little low so you have more give from the strings. I would say in the low 50s. But it's what you like.

Cheers

Thanks PhotoBlue. This helps.

 

[TomT]

A lot will depend on what racquet(s) you grew up playing with or are using now. So, I would just go with a good 16 ga synthetic gut (Prince, Wilson or Babolat) at midpoint or slightly lower (-2 lb) until you get use to the racquet. Not worth going with stiffer strings like polyesters or polyolefins if you think your joints can't handle it.

Thanks esgee48. I played for a couple of years in the mid 70's with various wood rackets. Synthetic gut seems best for me then.

 

[levy1]

I would start out at 50 if it is free. Be prepared to pay for a new string job as you start to dial in.

 

[fortun8son]

SA is rather limited in selection. ( I work at one, lol)
If they have it, go with Wilson Sensation.
If it's just syngut, go with Head PPS or Wilson Extreme.
String at mid tension.

 

[TomT]

SA is rather limited in selection. ( I work at one, lol)
If they have it, go with Wilson Sensation.
If it's just syngut, go with Head PPS or Wilson Extreme.
String at mid tension.

Thanks fortun8son. I read mixed reviews of the Wilsons, while the Head PPS seemed to get more positive ones. But that's just my initial impression. I guess the best thing to do is to just experiment with what you and others have recommended.

I would start out at 50 if it is free. Be prepared to pay for a new string job as you start to dial in.

Thanks levy1.

 

[fortun8son]

Of PSGD, Extreme, and PPS; Head is the softest of the bunch and Prince, the stiffest.
Sensation is fine for the average player, but lacks something for the finicky player/tester(it's an old string design).
Certainly, at $9 a set, Prince Premier Attack wins hands down, but SA doesn't have it.

If they are offering to restring for free, by all means, take them up on it and establish a rapport with the stringer, if possible.

 

[Valjean]

Wilson Extreme Synthetic Gut 17 at two lbs. under the middle of your racquet's tension range. Adequate thump, best texture.