Is there a shelf life on strings on a reel?

[unrender]

I've fallen in love with a set of strings and want to make a purchase of a reel. Having never purchased any reel before, I'm not sure if there is any details I need to know. Do strings ever expire?

The reel will likely last me 2 years or so.

 

[fortun8son]

2 years is no problem. 20? Probably still good.
If you store it sensibly, it'll be fine.
Maybe a little more coil memory.

 

[TennisCJC]

I store my reels and 1/2 used single sets in zip loc bags and have no problem using them for 2-3 years. Get the big zip loc bags for the reels. I keep them in a cool, dark, interior cabinet and it works well.

 

[Bobby Jr]

I think strings have a shorter shelf life than people realise and are quite sensitive to storage conditions. I had four sets of the Wilson Enduro Tour string go on me all within the first 30 mins of playing time a few weeks ago. I suspect they'd been in storage for a couple of years.

 

[PKfan1]

If that was the case then there should be expiration dates on the packaging, right?

There's no telling how long the retailer has had them on their hands as well.

 

[esgee48]

The strings are mainly nylon (think Twinkies.) Keep them out of sunlight and in cooler temperatures and they should last for years. If gut under the same conditions can be stored for years, there's no reason synthetics couldn't.

 

[KL_Belgium]

What about a multifilament. I would like to buy a reel of babolat xcel power... So i will have to store it for a few years. Should that be a problem?

 

[scotus]

I think strings have a shorter shelf life than people realise and are quite sensitive to storage conditions. I had four sets of the Wilson Enduro Tour string go on me all within the first 30 mins of playing time a few weeks ago. I suspect they'd been in storage for a couple of years.

It is probably a bad batch.

 

[anubis]

the strings will outlive all of us, most likely.