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Materials, tension, gauge
Strings
Each material plays very differently. Ratings compare the materials against each other on a 1–5 scale.
Tension converter
Most players string between 20 and 28 kg (about 44–62 lbs). Lower tension adds power; higher tension adds control.
24kg
52.9lbs
Power & comfortBalancedControl & precision
| Gauge | Thickness (mm) | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 15L | 1.34–1.40 | Most durable, least pop |
| 16 | 1.26–1.33 | The common standard |
| 16L / 17 | 1.18–1.25 | More spin and feel, breaks sooner |
| 18 | 1.06–1.17 | Maximum spin and pop, least durable |
Source: Court Atlas editorial summary. The 1–5 ratings are relative scores for comparison, not lab measurements; product examples are manufacturer names · compiled October 5, 2026