Tension: A Good Thing

Most beginners can get away with buying a pre-strung racquet. All they need is something to hit the ball with. Anyone who is at the intermediate (2.0 and up) level, needs to think about how they string their racquet and should buy a weapon that comes unstrung.

The thinner the string, the more "feel" and "bite" you get. The same goes for tension. The tighter a racquet is strung, the better it is for control and spin.
But there are tradeoffs.

Thin strings break easily. Tight strings break easily.

Tight strings also put more strain on your arm, specfically the wrist and elbow.
Thick, loose strings can last all summer and are easier on the arm, so go that route, right?

Not so fast.

Thick strings (15 gauge) are hard to break but provide less feel. Loose strings give lots of power, but make it hard to execute touch shots.

Here's a good rule: If you're a beginning player and buy an unstrung racquet, string it with a good 15 gauge nylon string right the middle of your racquet manufactuer's recommended tension range. If that range isn't printed on your racquet, then your stringing professional will certainly know what it is. Tension is measured in pounds and the range for most racquets is between 50 and 60 pounds. Tour players would string their racquets in the mid-60 pound range, some up near 70. Bjorn Borg strung his wooden Donnay racquets at more than 90 pounds!

If you're a soft hitting baseliner looking for some ooomph, string your racquet at the low end of the recommended tension or a pound or two below. Do the same if you have tennis elbow problems. I don't recommend going lower than 50 pounds, unless you need a trampoline!

If you have all the power you need but hit out more than Barry Bonds, go a little bit tighter than the recommended level. Again, don't go much above 60 pounds, unless you're Roger Federer.

Also, get your racquets strung by someone you trust. Most tennis and racquet sports-specific stores have top-notch stringers on staff. Most generic sporting goods stores do not. Ask questions. Get to know your stringer, tell him or her a little about your playing style and cut some tension out of your game.