* DO YOU KNOW STRING? --REFRESHER QUIZ {2007}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

When I string my demo racquets, I use what I feel is the best string for the typical player that will use the racquet. My regular customers usually buy a racquet with that same string, or something similar they may currently use.

Some customers, not as well informed as my readers, however, are buying racquets and having them strung with the cheapest string they can find, so I thought it was time to go over the benefits of the different types of strings again with a little quiz. The answers will be discussed in my next month’s column, but I would be happy to send them to you if you send me an email. CLICK ON LINK AT END OF THIS ARTICLE TO GO TO THE ANSWERS.

1. A multifilament string is:
a. stiff causing more shock to your arm
b. has no central core
c. the same thing as natural gut
c. none of the above

2. The term “synthetic gut” generally refers to a type of string construction having:
a. many small fibers in a bundle
b. a core of smaller fibers surrounded by larger fibers
c. a large, one-piece core surrounded by smaller fibers
d. only a core (one piece extruded) made of one type of material

3. A string known for its durability is:
a. polyester (similar to Luxilon AluPower)
b. multifilament (similar to Tecnifibre NRG²)
c. Kevlar® (similar to Prince ProBlend)
d. natural gut (similar to Babolat VS Team)
e. b. and d.
f. a. and c.

4. A good string choice for a large head racquet used by a person with a short stroke is:
a. multifilament
b. polyester
c. anything; the string doesn’t make a difference
d. none of the above

5. If you want more control, you should:
a. string tighter
b. string looser
c. tension has very little to do with control.

6. If you want more power, you should:
a. string tighter
b. string looser
c. tension has very little to do with power

7. If you play 3 times a week, you should restring:
a. 3 times a year
b. whenever the string breaks
c. it depends on how hard and long you play
d. none of the above
e. either b. or c.

8. To get more spin, you should use string that is:
a. thinner
b. polyester
c. rough/textured
d. any of the above

9. A good string choice for arm comfort is:
a. polyester
b. Kevlar®
c. natural gut
d. multifilament
e. only a. and b.
f. only c. and d.

View the Answers to the QUIZ here.

Copyright 2007
By Vince Chiarelli, MRT, PTR, Owner of String Along With Vince, Largo, FL