What Tension Should You Use? A Simple Guide to Power, Control and Comfort

If string type is the foundation, tension is the fine-tuning. And for a lot of players, it’s the bit that gets completely guessed. They pick something in the middle of the recommended range, stick with it, and never question it again — even if the racquet doesn’t quite feel right.

But small changes in tension can completely change how your racquet performs.

What Tension Actually Does

Put simply:

Lower tension = more power, more forgiveness

Higher tension = more control, more precision

At lower tensions, the strings stretch more on impact, acting like a trampoline and giving the ball more rebound. At higher tensions, the stringbed is firmer, so the ball leaves the racquet faster with less “launch”.

Neither is better — it just depends what you need.

Lower Tension: Power and Forgiveness

Lower tensions give you:

More power with less effort

A larger sweet spot

A softer, more comfortable feel

This is ideal if:

You struggle to generate power

You want a more forgiving response

You play more casually or less frequently

The downside is control. If you go too low, shots can start flying long and feel less predictable.

Higher Tension: Control and Precision

Higher tensions give you:

More control

A cleaner, more direct feel

Better precision on placement

This is ideal if:

You generate your own power

You hit aggressively

You want a more controlled response

The trade-off is comfort. Too high, and the racquet can feel harsh or unforgiving.

Why Small Changes Matter

You don’t need to change tension drastically to feel a difference. Even a 1–2 lb adjustment can:

Make the racquet feel more controlled

Add a bit more power

Improve comfort

Change how the ball sits on the strings

That’s why tension tuning is often about small tweaks, not big jumps.

Where Should You Start?

Your racquet frame will usually have a recommended tension range printed on it. That’s your starting point — not your final answer.

From there:

If it feels too powerful → go slightly higher

If it feels too stiff → go slightly lower

If it feels “fine but not perfect” → adjust in small increments

Final Thought

Most players are closer to the right tension than they think. They just haven’t adjusted it. If your racquet feels slightly off, tension is usually the easiest place to improve it — and one of the quickest ways to notice a real difference.