Confused about string tension

[Zachol82]

As a general rule, one should always string the racquet within the string tension. Say a racquet string tension is 55lbs - 65lbs. You should string this specific racquet between 55lbs to 65lbs (including both 55lbs and 65lbs) correct? Of course this doesn't include strings that say "recommended stringing 10% lower" in which case you can go 10% below 55lbs.

However, my question is why do I see people stringing way below the minimum string tension for their racquet? Like the minimum is 55lbs and they string it at 48lbs or even lower. The same question applies to stringing above the maximum recommended string tension as well.

As for me, I go to get my racquet strung and the place I go to will not string below or above the recommended min and max string tension.

Is it normal to see this?

 

[YULitle]

Yes. It is normal.

People will string it to what plays best. And as far as tension goes, as well as racquet, string, gauge and grip, what plays best differs from person to person.

 

[Zachol82]

So it will not damage the racquet in any way if I string it at a tension that is not recommended by the racquet?

 

[YULitle]

So it will not damage the racquet in any way if I string it at a tension that is not recommended by the racquet?

That's racquet dependant. The company feels that it may. Though I'm not sure about tensions too low. Stringing it too high is obviously bad for the racquet, but is relative to how much higher. For instance, one pound over is probably not gonna kill your racquet, ever. But, 40lbs. over is dancing with the devil.

No one can say what tension is going to be the death knell for your racquet, until it actually happens. And the higher you go with the tension, the better your chance is at breaking your racquet.

To be clear, you void your warranty at any tension outside the recommended.

 

[tbini87]

when you see people stringing well below the rec tension, i am pretty sure they are using poly. because poly is generally stiff, low powered, give lots of spin and control, you can string it very low but still be able to control it. on the other hand syn guts, multis, gut, are more powerful and generally less control oriented, so people may feel the need to string above the rec. tension. it is rare to find people stringing more than say 10 lbs over, but you will see 5 to 10 lbs over here and there. stringing higher puts a lot of stress on the frame, which will probably cause it to warp faster than normal (which will still be a good amount of time in most cases).

i string my racquets within the range, so that they are covered by the warranty. if anything, i would string below it with full poly if i wanted it to play really soft. im not one for a really stiff stringbed, and the highest i have strung in on the high end of rec tension.

 

[fantom]

So it will not damage the racquet in any way if I string it at a tension that is not recommended by the racquet?

< recommended tension.....no possible way to damage frame

> recommended tension......possibility of damage.

I'm sure the recommended max. range is derated by the manufacturer, meaning that a few pounds over won't snap the frame. There's only 1 way to find out what the actual number is, though.....do you feel lucky?