Tennis Rackets Strings: Polyester Vs. Synthetic Gut
Synthetic gut racket strings are the most common strings used by tennis players. String manufacturers use several kinds of materials and construction methods when making synthetic strings. Polyester string is one type of synthetic gut string with distinctive characteristics. The differences between racket strings depend on the construction, design and materials used.
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Background
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Natural gut string is considered to be the best racket string in terms of playability and comfort, however, it is an expensive string and breaks easily. The term "synthetic gut" was first used to describe a type of string that was made to resemble the performance of natural gut without the cost. The term has become a generic term referring to many kinds of string---string that is not natural gut. Polyester racket string is a synthetic gut string.
Construction
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The construction methods and designs used in making synthetic gut and polyester strings influence the string's performance. Strings are referred to as monofilament strings when they are made with a solid, single core. Multifilament strings are made with hundreds of filaments all twisted together to form the core. The outer wraps of the string can vary as well. There can be a single wrap, multiple wraps or just a string coating. Polyester string is a monofilament string with a single polyester fiber as the core and a thin coating. Common materials used in making string are nylon, polyester and Kevlar.
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Playability
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Polyester strings are not playable strings due to their design and material. They have a dead feel when making contact with the tennis ball. This type of string can also be hard on your arm. Polyester strings are more suited to big hitters and has become popular with world class players who hit with power and control. Synthetic gut strings that have a core made of many fibers and with multiple wraps will be the most playable strings. They will provide more feel for the ball and will be easier on the arm.
Elasticity
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Polyester strings have very little stretch or elasticity. These strings will feel stiff when making contact with the ball. This again is due to the materials used and the fact that it is a monofilament string. Synthetic gut strings with multifilament cores and wraps will have more elasticity but will tend to lose tension quicker.
Durability
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Polyester strings are among the more durable strings on the market because of the design; a single polyester fiber core. This makes it possible to play with a string that is thinner, giving you a little more bite on the ball. The thickness of tennis racket strings corresponds to the strings' durability. Thicker strings will not break as easily as thinner strings.
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References
- Photo Credit Tennis ball image by Kavita from Fotolia.com
