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Why is string mains tighter than cross?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 22, 2026

1. It is a matter of personal taste - but I personally like better the first approach with mains slightly (2-4 lbs, but depends on string) tighter - the reason is that the mains are longer and the actual tension is simlar with the one in the shorter crosses at a smaller tension.

Should cross strings be tighter than mains?

The general rule here is the main strings should be strung tighter than cross strings.

Should mains and crosses be same tension?

The simple answer is yes, you can absolutely string your mains and crosses at slightly different tensions, though I strongly advise against using drastically different tensions.

Do tighter strings give more power?

Generally speaking, the tennis axiom goes, the tighter you string your racquet, the more control you have over your shots. The looser the tension, the more power.

What does a tighter string pattern do?

Due to the fewer cross strings, the pattern becomes more open allowing the ball to flex in the stringbed and stay on the strings longer. Players are able to hit the ball deeper in the court with heavier spin without having to worry about control.

22 related questions found

Do pros use 16x19 or 18x20?

As for today ranked top ten players 8 of them uses 16x19 pattern racquets (only Djokovic and Soderling 18x20). Next 10-20 ranked and 20-30 and also 30-40 ranked 6 out of each 10 uses 16x19 pattern too.

What string tension is best for spin?

When it comes to the actual tension, most manufacturers recommend stringing elastic materials like nylon or natural gut around 50-60 lbs. If using a stiffer string like polyester, drop the tension to avoid arm injuries.

What tension does Rafael use?

Nadal's String

Formerly a poster boy for Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour, Nadal now uses Babolat's RPM Blast in 15 Gauge at a tension of 55lbs.

How long does Hyper G last?

Hyper-G posted very impressive scores for tension maintenance in our Tennis Warehouse University String Lab. This bodes well for big hitters who want a poly that doesn't “ bag out ” and lose its magic after a couple sessions. Both testers found this string to last about three weeks before needing to re-string.

What string tension is best for badminton?

For average players, 22-26 lbs will be good enough. Over-loose string will cause the string bed to be too bouncy, and hence make the control of your shot execution harder.

Does tighter string give more control and spin?

Not necessarily. Because tighter strings produce less velocity, the ball will land shorter in the court. To make up for this, the player might swing harder generating more spin. In this case, it is not tighter strings that produce more spin, but the player's response to tighter strings.

Do mains or crosses break first?

So why are your cross strings breaking before your mains? Although the main strings commonly break first since they're doing most of the sliding around during ball impact, hybrid stringing changes the balance of things, so to speak.

Are synthetic gut strings good?

This solid core string offers great all-around playability. It is one of the better value strings on the market. Offers comfort and controllable power. Offering great all-around playability, this Synthetic Gut is perfect for bargain hunters who don't want to sacrifice performance.

What type of string should I use tennis?

Tennis strings are made of natural gut, nylon (multifilament) or polyester (monofilament). Natural gut and nylon strings are best for beginner to intermediate players due to their power and comfort properties while polyester is best for advanced players due to its stiffer, control-oriented properties.

Which solinco string is best?

Our pick for the best tennis string overall is the Solinco Hyper-G Heaven. It combines power, control, durability, and affordability. It's a string suited for players of all levels, providing everything you need to play your best tennis!

Are solinco strings good?

It's definitely one of the better polyester strings when it comes to tension maintenance. So, for you big hitters out there, that are perhaps on more of a budget when it comes to stringing regularly, Solinco Hyper-G would make a great choice.

Is Hyper GA good string?

Chris - "This is a great string for poly players seeking excellent control, solid spin and some enhanced feel. While not as crisp as Tour Bite or Luxilon ALU Power, Hyper-G offers similar playability with a more forgiving feel."

What is Federer racket tension?

An image of Roger Federer's Red Pro Staff RF97 racquet from the Laver Cup in 2018 revealed that Federer's string tension is around 27kgs (59.4lbs) for the mains and 25.5kg (56.1lb) for the crosses.

Does Nadal use lead tape?

He added 2 more grams at the same place – at the top of the frame. The weight of the racquet is increased by adding a strip of lead at the top of the frame, which increases the powerful hammering effect of the racquet. Apart from these strips of lead, there is no intervention on Nadal's racquet.

Why does Nadal use thick strings?

The strings thickness will have an immediate impact on spin potential, string stiffness and elasticity. All things being equal, a thinner string will be able to impart more spin, as the string can "bite" into the ball more, which can increase spin potential.

What type of string is RPM Blast?

Babolat RPM Blast is a black, octagonal co-polyester string and is undoubtedly one Babolat's most legendary products! It's the string of choice for Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Jo Wilfred Tsonga; Nadal being the poster boy for this one, of course.

What is the difference between 16X19 and 18x20?

16X19 will give you more spin, power, and response. 18X20 will give more control but much less spin. Also, it will feel more solid (or dead, as some would say) and wil give you less power. You really need to demo these frames and make the decision for yourself.

What pros use 18x20 string pattern?

Legend. Djokovic. Head Speed XT Graphene Pro.

What racquet head size do the pros use?

Racquet heads range between 85-125 square inches. The spectrum is often broken down into mid-size (85-90), mid-plus (95-100), over-size (101-110) and super-oversize (111-125). Many touring pros play with mid-size and mid-plus racquets because of the level of control that they get.

What is multifilament string?

Multifilament strings are among the most comfortable tennis strings available to players. They were originally created to allow players to experience the comfort of natural gut strings at an affordable price. They are also more durable than natural gut strings, through less durable than polyester strings.