Strings and tension

There is an old phrase that you string higher tension for control and lower for power. There is a certain element of truth is this, but it doesn't tell the full story. There are other factors - racket head size, racket stiffness, string pattern and the type of string that you are using.

Higher tension in a small headsize dense string pattern racket is a lot more noticeable than in an oversize racket. Then you factor in strings - if you use poly the hitting effect is boardlike - there is no give in the string. Poly string is akin to a spring that can only be stretched so far before losing it's resilience. Think of a spring for a ballpoint pen - once you stretch it too far it will not return to it's original shape. This lack of resilience increases tension loss and contributes to a stiff feeling.

Poly strings are the worst for tension retention

Pro's play with poly at relatively high tension - it works for them as they only use the racket for seven games or a set at most. The racket is changed long before the big tension drop. Club players use the strings for far longer, long after all the resilience has been pulled out of the string. This leads to a dead, lifeless and boardy stringbed that does not do their arm or their shoulder any favours.

Poly is best suited to advanced players with fast swings. If club players insist on using poly strings, I would highly recommend a much lower tension in the 40lbs range, and certainly not above 50 lbs. Synthetic gut or multifilament strings are more than adequate for club players - they will keep their tension for far longer and will be more comfortable on the body.