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Racquet fatigue

Q: How many times can a racquet be restrung before the frame begins to lose its original stiffness?

A: The number of times a racquet can be restrung without softening depends on many factors. Among these factors are the machine mounting system, stringing technique, string tension, frame construction, amount of time (and use) between stringings, and how hard the player hits the ball. Better mounting, better technique, lower tension, better frame construction, more time between stringings, and softer hitting will result in less stress on the frame, and better longevity. As with other forms of aging, softening due to restringing is difficult to measure, but under ideal conditions, racquets should last years without losing significant stiffness.

From the April 2007 issue
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