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Differential tensions

Q: Can you explain why some players lower the tension two to three pounds on the crosses and others are doing the same on the mains? Does it have an effect on the sweet spot, and is there any other reason to do this?

A: The best reasons to lower tension on the crosses relative to the mains are 1) this is the recommended way of stringing some racquets, and 2) some hybrid string sets recommend installing one string at a lower reference tension than the other. Other than that, it seems to be personal preference. Differential stringing does not change the sweet spot or anything else we can determine, aside from the overall stringbed stiffness.

See all articles by Greg Raven

From the January 2009 issue
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