Strings and tension: what actually changes

Tension is how tightly the string is pulled when the racket is strung. It is the cheapest adjustment to try — and the one that changes the feel most without changing rackets.

Pounds or kilos

Manufacturers and shops usually quote pounds (lbs), while many players think in kilos. The conversion is direct: one pound is about 0.45 kg, so 50 lbs is close to 23 kg. Both units appear in the table below.

Going tighter

A tighter string bed returns less energy: the ball tends to land shorter and more controlled, and contact feels drier and firmer. Players who hit hard and see the ball flying long usually look at this end of the range.

Going looser

A looser string bed returns more energy: the ball tends to travel further for the same effort and the impact feels softer. Players who find the racket harsh, or who want depth without forcing it, usually look at this end.

Choosing in practice

Start in the middle of the manufacturer's range and move in steps of 2 lbs, one direction at a time. Bigger jumps change so much at once that it gets hard to tell what improved. Write down the tension of each stringing: after two or three, you will find yours.

Recommended range by model

Ranges published by the manufacturers themselves for 243 models in the catalogue. A model with no published range is not listed here — we do not estimate it.

Filter by brand or model

Brand	Model	Range (lbs)	Range (kg)
Babolat	Boost Aero Pink Strung	50–55 lbs	22.7–24.9 kg
Babolat	Evo Aero Gen2 Strung	50–55 lbs	22.7–24.9 kg
Babolat	Evo Aero Lite Pink Gen2 Strung	50–55 lbs	22.7–24.9 kg
Babolat	Evo Drive Gen2 Strung	50–55 lbs	22.7–24.9 kg
Babolat	Evo Drive Lite Gen2 Strung	50–55 lbs	22.7–24.9 kg
Babolat	Pure Aero + Gen9 Unstrung	46–55 lbs	20.9–24.9 kg
Babolat	Pure Aero 98 Gen9 Unstrung	46–55 lbs	20.9–24.9 kg
Babolat	Pure Aero Lite Gen9 Unstrung	44–53 lbs	20–24 kg
Babolat	Pure Aero Team Gen9 Unstrung	44–53 lbs	20–24 kg
Babolat	Pure Drive + Gen11 Unstrung	46–55 lbs	20.9–24.9 kg
Babolat	Pure Drive 107 Gen11 Unstrung	44–53 lbs	20–24 kg
Babolat	Pure Drive 98 Gen11 Unstrung	46–55 lbs	20.9–24.9 kg
Babolat	Pure Drive Lite Gen11 Unstrung	44–53 lbs	20–24 kg
Babolat	Pure Drive Team Gen11 Unstrung	44–53 lbs	20–24 kg
Babolat	Pure Drive Wimbledon (2026) Unstrung.	46–55 lbs	20.9–24.9 kg
Dunlop	24 LX team 107	40–60 lbs	18.1–27.2 kg
Dunlop	26 fx500 lite	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	26 fx500 super lite	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	cx200	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	cx200 ls	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	cx200 os	40–60 lbs	18.1–27.2 kg
Dunlop	cx200 tour 16x19	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	cx200 tour 18x20	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	cx400	40–60 lbs	18.1–27.2 kg
Dunlop	cx400 tour	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	fx500	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	fx500 ls	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	fx500 tour	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	lx1000	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Dunlop	lx800	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Dunlop	sx300	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
Dunlop	sx300 tour	45–65 lbs	20.4–29.5 kg
HEAD	Boom Elite	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Boom MP	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Boom MP L	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Boom MP UL	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Boom PRO	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Boom TEAM 2026	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Extreme ELITE	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Extreme MP	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Extreme MP L	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Extreme MP UL	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Extreme MP XL	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Extreme Pro	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Extreme TEAM	52–62 lbs	23.6–28.1 kg
HEAD	Gravity MP	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Gravity MP L	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Gravity PRO	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Gravity TEAM	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Gravity TOUR	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Instinct MP	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Instinct PWR 110	52–62 lbs	23.6–28.1 kg
HEAD	Instinct Team L	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Prestige MP L	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Prestige PRO	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Prestige TOUR	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	PWR 110	52–62 lbs	23.6–28.1 kg
HEAD	PWR 115	52–62 lbs	23.6–28.1 kg
HEAD	Radical Elite	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Radical MP	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Radical PRO	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Radical TEAM	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed Elite	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed MP	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed MP L	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed MP Legend	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed MP UL	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed Pro	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed PRO Legend	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed Team	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	Speed Tour	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
HEAD	SQUARED	48–57 lbs	21.8–25.9 kg
Prince	ATS Textreme Tour 100 290 Carbon	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	ATS Textreme Tour 100 310	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	ATS Textreme Tour 100P	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Prince	ATS Textreme Tour 98	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	O3 Legacy 105	53–63 lbs	24–28.6 kg
Prince	O3 Legacy 110	53–63 lbs	24–28.6 kg
Prince	O3 Legacy 120	55–65 lbs	24.9–29.5 kg
Prince	O3 Phantom 100X	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Phantom 100P	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Phantom 100X 18x20	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Prince	Phantom 100X 290g	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Prince	Phantom 100X 305g	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Prince	Phantom 107G	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Prince	Premier 105	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Prince	Premier 110	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Prince	Ripcord 100 265g	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Ripcord 100 280g	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Ripcord 100 300g	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Ripcord 98 XS	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Ripstick 100 280g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Prince	Ripstick 100 300g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Prince	Ripstick 98	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Tour 100 290g 2026	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Tour 100 310g 2026	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Tour 100P 2026	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Prince	Tour 98 2026	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Prince	Warrior 100 285g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Prince	Warrior 100 300g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Prince	Warrior 107 275g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
ProKennex	BLACK ACE 105	50–65 lbs	22.7–29.5 kg
ProKennex	BLACK ACE PRO (97)	50–65 lbs	22.7–29.5 kg
ProKennex	Ki 10	50–65 lbs	22.7–29.5 kg
ProKennex	Ki 15 260g	50–65 lbs	22.7–29.5 kg
ProKennex	Ki 15 300g	50–65 lbs	22.7–29.5 kg
ProKennex	Ki 5	50–65 lbs	22.7–29.5 kg
ProKennex	Q+Tour	50–65 lbs	22.7–29.5 kg
Solinco	Blackout 110 v2	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Blackout 285	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Blackout 285 v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Blackout 300	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Blackout 300 v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Blackout 300 XTD	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Blackout 300 XTD v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Prizm 115	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 290	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 290 v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305 18x20	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305 18x20 v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305 v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305 XTD	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305 XTD 18x20	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305 XTD 18x20 v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Solinco	Whiteout 305 XTD v2 Camo	45–55 lbs	20.4–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	FIRE 260 OS	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	FIRE 270	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	FIRE 285	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	FIRE 300	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	FIRE 305S	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	T-FIGHT 270	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	T-FIGHT 285	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	T-FIGHT 300	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	T-FIGHT 300 IG	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	T-FIGHT 300S	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	T-FIGHT 305S	50–55 lbs	22.7–24.9 kg
Tecnifibre	T-FIGHT 315S	49–55 lbs	22.2–24.9 kg
Volkl	C10 EVO	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	C10 PRO 2022	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	V-CELL 10 300g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	V-Cell 10 320g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	V1 Classic 2025	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	V8 Pro	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA 1 Power Arm	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V1 MP	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V1 OS	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V1 Pro	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V10 300g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V10 320g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V2	46–60 lbs	20.9–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V3	46–60 lbs	20.9–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V4	46–60 lbs	20.9–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V6	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V7	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V8 285g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V8 300g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V8 315g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V9 290g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Volkl	VÖSTRA V9 305g	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade 100 v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade 100 v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade 100L v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade 100L v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade 100UL v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade 100UL v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade 104 v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade 104 v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade 98 16x19 v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade 98 16x19 v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade 98 18x20 v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade 98 18x20 v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade 98S v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade Pro 100 v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade Pro 98 16x19 v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade Pro 98 16x19 v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Blade Pro 98 18x20 v10	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Blade Pro 98 18x20 v9	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Burn 100 LS v6	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Burn 100S v5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Burn 100S v6	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Burn Pink 105S v6	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Clash 100 Pro v3	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Clash 100 v3	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Clash 100 v3 BA Racquet	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Clash 100L v3	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Clash 108 v2	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Clash 108 v3	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Defyer 100 Racquet	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Defyer 100L Racquet	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Defyer 100UL Racquet	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Defyer 98 Pro Racquet	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Hyper Hammer 53 Stretch OS	55–65 lbs	24.9–29.5 kg
Wilson	Pro Staff 97 Classic Racquet	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Pro Staff 97 v14 Session Soiree	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	Pro Staff 97L Classic	47–57 lbs	21.3–25.9 kg
Wilson	RF 01	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	RF 01 Future	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	RF 01 Pro	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Rf 01 Pro Classic	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Shift 99 Pro	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Wilson	Shift 99L	48–58 lbs	21.8–26.3 kg
Wilson	Triad Five	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Triad Three	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra 100 v5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra 100L v5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra 100UL v5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra 111 v5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra 99 Pro v5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra Pro 16x19 v4	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra Pro 18x20 v4	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Wilson	Ultra Team v5	50–60 lbs	22.7–27.2 kg
Yonex	EZONE 100	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	EZONE 100L	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	EZONE 100SL	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	EZONE 105	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	EZONE 110	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	EZONE 98	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	EZONE 98 TOUR	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	EZONE 98+	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	EZONE 98L	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	EZONE ACE	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	EZONE α	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	MUSE 100	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	MUSE 100L	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	MUSE 100SL	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	MUSE 107	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	MUSE 98	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	PERCEPT 100	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	PERCEPT 100D	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	PERCEPT 97	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	PERCEPT 97D	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE 100	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE 100+	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE 100D	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE 100L	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	VCORE 95	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE 98	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE 98 TOUR	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE 98+	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg
Yonex	VCORE ACE	40–55 lbs	18.1–24.9 kg
Yonex	VCORE α	45–60 lbs	20.4–27.2 kg

Source: each model's published manufacturer specification. The range is the manufacturer's, not a recommendation of ours.

This page is about equipment, not health. Persistent pain in the arm, elbow or wrist is a matter for a health professional.