Q: Is natural gut string really what it sounds like? It is worth the higher price?

A: Yes, natural gut really is what it sounds like. To be a bit more specific, it is actually made by processing a part of a cow's intestines called the serosa. Contrary to what many people believe, natural gut tennis strings are not made from the intestines of cats and to the best of my knowledge, they never were. I'm not sure where that rumor got started but I hear it on a relatively frequent basis and as far as I know, it is not true.

So, is natural gut worth the higher price? The short answer is: It depends. In my opinion, high end synthetic multifilament strings have come a long way in recent years and a few of them even get somewhat close to gut-like playability (my personal opinion, of course—others might disagree). But, despite the progress of synthetic multifilament strings, the truth is that when it comes to playability, feel, liveliness, and elasticity, natural gut is still king. Compared to synthetic strings, gut has better tension maintenance and will continue to "feel" good much longer than synthetics. So, if you're not really a string breaker, natural gut can definitely be worth the price. It's a larger investment up front, but in the long run, natural gut strings could potentially remain viable and playable for almost twice as long as synthetic strings.

If you are a frequent string breaker, natural gut is a somewhat less practical option—at least as a stand-alone string. Despite all of its positive attributes, natural gut is still a pretty soft string and frequent string breakers will probably break it in a relatively short time. When you're breaking strings once or twice a week, strings that cost upwards of $30 a set can start adding up pretty quickly. For string breakers, natural gut can still be a viable option as part of a hybrid string job—in fact, many of the world's top players use natural gut for the cross strings of their hybrids. This allows string breakers to still enjoy natural gut's benefits while still getting some durability.

Either way, I think natural gut is something every player should try out at least once in their tennis career. It's a pretty unique experience and players of all levels and styles can benefit from it—especially if they suffer from arm pain.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: I am a top spin tennis player. I am using a TNT2 FUSION PLUS 19 by GAMMA. I string my racquet at 51 lbs (main) & 54 lbs (cross). Please advise if are there any other strings out there better than the one I am using or should I string my racquet at a different tension to add more spin to my hitting?

A: You might be interested in trying some polyester strings. Polyester strings have really been gaining popularity over the past 10-20 years and have really taken over the string spotlight. Aramid hybrids (commonly referred to as "Kevlar® hybrids" or just "Kevlar®") like Gamma TNT2 Fusion Plus were pretty popular amongst string breakers for a while but their popularity has declined somewhat within recent years. Aramid strings' decline in popularity is in part because of its harsh, stiff feel and in part because of the rise of modern polyester strings. Polyester strings aren't as stiff as aramids and they offer comparable durability, along with enhanced spin potential and power.

If you are interested in trying a polyester, I'd recommend starting out with some of our more popular polyester strings: Babolat RPM Blast 17, Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power 125 or Solinco Tour Bite 17. All three are pretty good choices to start with, but there are literally hundreds of choices available—and that's not even counting the dozens of prepackaged polyester hybrids, or the endless custom hybrids you could create. In the end, choosing a string is based largely on personal preference, so don't be afraid to experiment and try out different polyesters or different hybrid combinations.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below or send it to us and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: After breaking a string, is it okay to leave it like that? Do I really need to cut all the strings?

A:  I would absolutely recommend cutting all the strings to release the tension. This is even more important if the racquet is going to be sitting for any period of time before being restrung. Once the strings are cut (and the tension is released), it is fine to just leave the bits of string in the racquet. Snipping the strings is important because of the tension on the strings and the stress placed on the frame by the strings. When a string breaks, it immediately loses tension and the strings around it loosen up as well. This results in a string bed with varying tension that exerts uneven forces on the racquet. This uneven force can ultimately cause a frame to bend or warp, which is obviously not ideal for your racquet or your game.

The best and quickest way to remove the strings without unnecessarily stressing your frame is to snip diagonally at the intersection of main and cross strings. Start in the middle of the racquet and work your way diagonally out to the edges. Make sure to snip evenly in both directions—don't just start in the middle and snip diagonally up. Snip one above where you started, then one below, then one above, and so on. You really don't need any special tools to cut the strings. Regular household scissors can do the job when there aren't alternatives, but I personally find them a bit cumbersome. The clippers included with most stringing machines or in stringing toolkits are obviously fine and, surprisingly, pruning shears make very quick work of tennis strings.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below or send it to us and we'll provide you with an answer.

Q: I see other people using cool colored strings. Why isn't my favorite string available in different colors?

A: There could be several reasons. The easy explanation is that the manufacturer doesn't think there would be enough demand for multiple colors, so they simply don't offer them.

The more complex explanation is that coloring a string requires using some sort of additive to achieve the desired color. Different colors may require the use of different additives or different processing and each can potentially modify the makeup of the string itself. The possible end result is two strings that should be the same (except for the color) but may "feel" different. The manufacturer may have tried to create a colored version and not gotten acceptable results, or simply decided not to tamper with a successful formula.

Since the color quandary is more or less an issue of feel—which really comes down to personal preference—you'll probably get a bunch of different answers if you ask a bunch of different players. One player will insist that the blue version of a string plays better than the white version. Another player will insist just the opposite, and a third player will feel no difference at all. I've experienced this exact situation in the past and none of the players are wrong, it's just their personal preference!

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below or send it to us and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: I broke a string the other day. Do I really need to have my whole racquet restrung, or can I just have that string repaired/replaced?

A: Technically it is sometimes possible to patch a broken string, but I would strongly recommend against it. Most likely you will be hard pressed to find a stringer or pro at reputable shop or club that will agree to just patch a broken string. Patching a broken string is impractical for several reasons:

Racquets are strung with either one very long piece of string or two shorter pieces of string, depending upon the racquet's string pattern, the stringer's preference, and—in many cases—manufacturer specifications. In either case, when you break a string, the strings around it will loosen up. So, just tying off the two ends of the broken string, and patching in one new piece, leaves you with multiple strings at varying tensions. Replacing multiple strings around the broken string will probably give you more consistent tension, but by the time you've spent the time and effort doing that, you could have just gotten the whole racquet restrung.

If you've worn a string enough to break it, the other strings around it are probably pretty worn too and aren't going to last much longer. So replacing the one broken string and leaving the others around probably just means you'll be making another trip to the stringer in a day or two. If you decide to replace multiple strings around the broken one, you will probably get a bit more durability, but again, by the time you've spent the time and effort doing that, you could have just gotten the whole racquet restrung.

In the end, you are much better off simply getting your racquet completely restrung. If you're worried about the cost of getting your racquet restrung, don't be! Stringing fees are usually pretty reasonable and there are tons of strings on the market, designed to fit virtually every playing style and every budget. All told, you should be able to get your racquet restrung for as little as $20-25, depending on your choice of strings.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: Do extreme temperature's affect my strings?

A: Yes, extreme temperatures can negatively affect both the racquet frame and the string job. In general, extreme heat is probably the worse of the two and could damage your strings as well as potentially damaging the racquet frame itself. Extreme heat (like the trunk of your car in summer) can cause significant tension loss in your stringbed and can even cause the strings to become brittle, resulting in reduced durability and playability. Extreme cold isn't as bad, but to prevent potential damage, it's best to keep your racquets in a temperature-controled environment whenever possible.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below or send it to us and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: Do you recommend a different string/tension based on the weather?

A: Some players—and many pros—do use different tensions based on the temperature and humidity. It's a bit less practical for amateur players since they usually don't have loads of spare racquets and professional stringers on call every time they take the court; however, if you do have enough spare tennis racquets (multiple racquets of the same model are best) you can certainly have a few of them strung up at varying tensions for use in different weather conditions.

In general, strings will play a little bit stiffer on cold days so it's not a bad idea to reduce your "warm weather" tension by 2-3 pounds if you're expecting to play in cold weather. Like most other string questions, it's important to keep in mind that every situation (and player) is a little different. A 2-3 pound reduction is a good place to start, but if it feels like too much—or too little—don't be afraid to experiment!

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: Is there a way to measure tension loss in my strings?

A: There are several commercially available products that can be used to test the tension of the strings in your racquet. Some of them are simple spring-loaded "dials" that twist the strings to get a reading. More high-tech products cause the strings to vibrate, and then measure the vibration frequency to calculate tension. It's important to note that these products don't necessarily provide accurate measurements since there are a number of variables (other than string tension) that affect the readings. Things like string gauge, string stiffness, and even string pattern can have an effect on the measurements produced; the end result is readings that may or may not accurately reflect the actual tension of your strings. However, these products can help you track relative tension loss with ease. The best course of action is to use the desired instrument to measure the tension immediately after stringing. Take note of this "baseline" measurement and take readings periodically as time progresses so you can track how much tension your strings have lost over time.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: When should I replace my strings?

A: As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your strings at least once a year, even if you're only playing sporadically. Your strings lose tension and elasticity over time, even if you haven't hit a ball in a few months.

If you play more regularly, you should have your racquet restrung more frequently. The more specific rule is to get your racquet restrung as many times a year as you play—on average—in a week. So, if you play three times a week, you should get your racquet restrung three times a year.

In the end, though, every player's situation is a little different. Following these general guidelines is a great way to make sure that your strings stay fresh and don't negatively affect your performance on the court, but it's also important to try and be cognizant of how your strings "feel." If your strings feel loose or "dead," then it might just be time to get a restring.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below or send it to us and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Q: How should I choose which string and tension to use?

A: Everyone is always searching for the magic string and tension that will transform their game or alleviate a case of tennis elbow. I have seen virtually every type of string or string combination and tensions ranging from 35 lbs to 75 lbs (yes, these are tour professionals). The choice of string and tension is a blend of whatever an individual thinks they need from their strings.

For instance, string breakers may want to focus on durability while tennis elbow-sufferers may want shock absorption and playability. Ultimately, there is a trade-off between durability and playability that every player must consider. The more durable a string is, the less playable it is and vice versa. Fortunately, there are plenty of strings to choose from and there's certainly a string out there for every player.

Frequent string breakers looking for durability should consider monofilament strings (also generally called "polyester," even though they aren't all technically made of polyester). Monofilament strings' one-piece construction makes them very durable, but also pretty stiff. Players who hit heavy spin like them as well because they don't move around as much as softer strings. The main disadvantage to monofilament strings is their stiffness and their generally poor tension maintenance. Some monofilaments are softer than others, but they are not a great choice for young players or players who suffer from any kind of arm discomfort.

Players with arm pain or players who just don't break strings frequently should take a look at multifilament strings. Unlike monofilaments, multifilament strings are made from bundles of smaller fibers all wrapped together. Multifilament strings tend to be soft, easy on the arm, lively, and generally offer good "feel." Multifilament strings' softness doesn't make them ideal for frequent string breakers, but they offer great performance for many other players.

Players looking for a bit of both worlds can consider the increasingly-popular hybrid string job. Most commonly, hybrid string jobs combine a half set of durable string (monofilament) on the main strings with a half set of playable string (multifilament) on the crosses. Hybrid stringing provides some durability without being as harsh as stringing with a full set of monofilament string. Hybrid stringing can be a great stepping stone for juniors or any player who wants to get more durability but doesn't want to make the jump to a full monofilament string job. To make things even better, you can easily create your own hybrid blend or choose from one of the dozens of prepackaged hybrids.

Players who are just looking for an inexpensive string job should take a look at synthetic gut strings. Composed of a solid core with a few multifilament wraps around the outside, synthetic gut strings are usually under $7 and they offer a nice combination of playability and durability.

Tension is a great way to make some minor adjustments to the way your racquet plays. Higher tensions provide greater control while lower tensions offer more power. If you're not sure which one you want, try starting off in the middle of the racquet's recommended tension range. As you play with the racquet you will get a better feel for how you want to adjust the tension next time you get your racquet strung.

In the end, the most important part of picking a string and tension is finding what you like. With literally hundreds of options out there, the key is not being afraid to experiment!

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That’s the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Jim, one of our stringers, is also a member of the prestigious “Wilson Stringing Team” which comprises the exclusive on-site stringers at the U.S. Open, Australian Open, and Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. If that wasn’t enough, Jim is also recognized as one of the fastest racquet stringers in the world, with a personal best stringing time of 7 minutes flat.

Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below and we will provide an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.

Did you know that we employ two professional stringers, including a Master Racquet Technician? That's the highest level of achievement that United States Racquet Stringers Association (U.S.R.S.A.) offers. Jim, one of our stringers, is also a member of the prestigious “Wilson Stringing Team” which comprises the exclusive on-site stringers at the U.S. Open, Australian Open, and Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. If that wasn't enough, Jim is also recognized as one of the fastest racquet stringers in the world, with a personal best stringing time of 7 minutes flat.

Each week, our professional racquet technicians will answer your stringing questions.

Q: Which stringing machine is best to buy?

A: Which stringing machine to buy is a matter of volume and budget of the buyer. Some people buy a machine just for their own frames and some plan on generating income from home. At a minimum, I suggest a machine with a "fixed" clamping system where the clamp holding tension on the string is fixed to the base of the machine. Other that that, the rest is up to the buyer. While a drop-weight tensioning system is the least expensive and slowest means up pulling tension, it is very accurate once the user learns the proper way to use it.

Q: How often should someone check the accuracy of his or her machne?

A: On tour, we check the machines accuracy every morning. Of course, our clients performance and confidence in our work is of much greater consequence when compared to a recreational player having a weekend hit. In my shop and at home I calibrate every month or two. It very rarely changes.

Do you have a question for one of our stringers? Ask it in the comments below and we will provide with an answer as fast and accurate as our on-site stringing.