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String-bed density

Q: I’ve noticed that the Wilson nSix-One 95 comes with a choice of string patterns—16x18 and 18x20. Could you tell me the purpose of this and what the difference means with regards to playability, spin, control, and power? Which do the pros use?

A: The “6.1” racquet has been available in two string-bed configurations for many years, going back at least as far as the Pro Staff Classic 6.1 95. However, the version with the 16x18 string bed has until fairly recently been the only one available in the U.S., and the version with the 18x20 string bed has been available only in Europe. Wilson informs us that the reason for this is that European players prefer the more dense string pattern, while players in the U.S. prefer the more open string pattern. As far as we can tell, Wilson-sponsored pros show some favoritism to the version sold in their area while growing up, but there have been some notable exceptions, which is to say that neither is clearly superior to the other, so it still comes down to personal preference.

This is especially true for playability. Spin potential will be about the same for either configuration, as spin is mostly due to the angle of the racquet face to the path of the ball on impact. Control should be better with the more dense string pattern, as the strings deflect less, all other factors being the same. Power, however, will be reduced, for the same reason. For fuller discussions of these (and other) issues, see the latest book from Racquet Tech Publishing, Technical Tennis, which has a great explanation of factors that influence spin.

The one characteristic about which you didn’t ask—durability—will be quite different, as the more dense string pattern will enable strings to last much longer before breaking.

From the March 2006 issue
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