Ben Shelton's String Setup: What You Need To Know

Let's dive into the fascinating world of Ben Shelton's tennis string setup. For those of you who don't know, string choice is super crucial for any tennis player, especially at the pro level. It can affect everything from power and control to spin and feel. So, what does Ben Shelton, one of the most exciting young players on the ATP tour, use to get that incredible ball speed and wicked spin? Let's break it down, guys!

Unpacking Ben Shelton's String Configuration

Ben Shelton is known for his explosive game. To achieve that level of performance, his racquet needs to be strung with strings that complement his playing style. He uses a hybrid string setup. A hybrid setup means he uses two different types of strings in his racquet: one for the mains (the vertical strings) and another for the crosses (the horizontal strings). This allows him to get the benefits of both string types, tailoring the feel and performance to his specific needs.

Specifically, Shelton uses Luxilon Alu Power in the mains, paired with Wilson Natural Gut in the crosses. This is a pretty popular setup among tour players, and for good reason! Luxilon Alu Power is a very popular string on the pro tour, known for its power and control. It provides a firm feel and allows players to really rip the ball without losing too much accuracy. Wilson Natural Gut, on the other hand, is legendary for its feel and comfort. It's very soft and responsive, providing excellent ball feedback and helping to reduce shock to the arm. By combining these two strings, Shelton gets a blend of power, control, feel, and comfort that perfectly suits his game.

Why This Hybrid Works for Shelton

The million-dollar question: why this particular combination? Let's analyze why this hybrid works wonders for Shelton.

Power and Control Harmony

First off, power and control. Luxilon Alu Power in the mains provides the raw power that Shelton needs to hit those massive serves and forehands. It allows him to generate tremendous ball speed without sacrificing control. The stiffer nature of Alu Power helps him maintain accuracy even when swinging big. Meanwhile, the Natural Gut in the crosses adds a touch of control and helps to soften the overall feel of the string bed. This combination allows Shelton to keep his shots inside the lines while still hitting with incredible pace.

Feel and Comfort

Next up is feel and comfort. Natural Gut is renowned for its exceptional feel and comfort. It provides a very plush and responsive feel, allowing Shelton to connect with the ball and have a better sense of where it's going. This is especially important for his touch shots and volleys. The Natural Gut also helps to absorb shock, reducing the risk of arm injuries. While Alu Power can be a bit harsh on the arm, the Natural Gut softens the impact and makes the string bed more comfortable overall.

Spin Generation

Finally, spin generation is also critical. While Alu Power isn't the spinniest string on the market, it does provide good bite on the ball. When combined with the Natural Gut, which allows the ball to sink into the string bed slightly more, Shelton is able to generate plenty of spin on his shots. This is essential for dictating play and hitting those sharp angles that we often see him produce.

String Tension: The Fine-Tuning Element

Okay, so we know the what (the strings), but what about the how? String tension is a massive factor in how a racquet performs. It's all about finding that sweet spot where you get the right balance of power, control, and feel. String tension refers to how tightly the strings are pulled when they are strung in the racquet. It's measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg). Lower tension generally results in more power and a larger sweet spot, while higher tension provides more control and precision.

While Shelton's exact tension is not always publicly disclosed and can vary, pro players often string their racquets relatively tightly to maintain control at high swing speeds. Generally, players using a similar hybrid setup might string the Alu Power mains around 55-60 lbs and the Natural Gut crosses slightly lower, around 53-58 lbs. However, this is just an estimated range. Ultimately, the ideal tension depends on individual preferences, playing style, and racquet characteristics.

Choosing the Right Strings for You

Inspired by Shelton's setup and want to experiment? Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing strings:

Consider Your Playing Style

Are you an aggressive baseliner like Shelton, or do you prefer a more all-court style? If you're a big hitter, you might benefit from a stiffer string like Luxilon Alu Power in the mains. If you prefer more feel and control, Natural Gut or a softer multifilament string might be a better choice. If you're new to hybrid setups, experimenting is the key. Try different combinations to see what works best for your game.

Think About Your Budget

String costs can add up, especially if you break strings frequently. Natural Gut is one of the most expensive strings on the market, so keep that in mind when making your decision. There are many affordable alternatives that can provide similar benefits. Synthetic gut or multifilament strings can be a good option for players on a budget.

Experiment with Tension

Don't be afraid to experiment with different tensions. Even small changes in tension can have a significant impact on how the racquet plays. Start with a mid-range tension and then adjust up or down based on your preferences. If you're not sure where to start, ask a racquet stringer for recommendations.

String Recommendations Based on Play Style

Alright, let’s get a little more specific and break down some string recommendations based on different playing styles.

For the Aggressive Baseline Player

If you're an aggressive baseliner who likes to hit with a lot of power and spin, a hybrid setup with a stiffer string in the mains is a good choice. Some options to consider include:

• Mains: Luxilon Alu Power, Babolat RPM Blast, Solinco Tour Bite
• Crosses: Wilson Natural Gut, Babolat Xcel, Tecnifibre NRG2

For the All-Court Player

If you're an all-court player who likes to mix things up with a variety of shots, you might prefer a slightly softer string bed. Some options to consider include:

• Mains: Tecnifibre Black Code, Head Hawk, Yonex Poly Tour Pro
• Crosses: Wilson Natural Gut, Babolat Xcel, Tecnifibre NRG2

For the Serve-and-Volley Player

If you're a serve-and-volley player who relies on touch and feel, you'll want a string bed that provides good ball feedback. Some options to consider include:

• Mains: Wilson Natural Gut, Babolat VS Touch, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase
• Crosses: Wilson Natural Gut, Babolat Xcel, Tecnifibre NRG2

The Importance of Regular Stringing

Lastly, remember that strings lose tension over time, so it's important to restring your racquet regularly. How often you should restring depends on how often you play and how hard you hit the ball. As a general rule, you should restring your racquet as many times per year as you play per week. So, if you play three times a week, you should restring your racquet three times a year. Pro players often restring their racquets before every match to ensure optimal performance. While that might not be realistic for most recreational players, it's a good idea to restring your racquet more often than you think.

Final Thoughts: Tailoring Your Strings Like Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton's string setup is a testament to the importance of customizing your equipment to suit your individual playing style. By using a hybrid of Luxilon Alu Power and Wilson Natural Gut, he's able to get the perfect blend of power, control, feel, and comfort. While this particular setup might not be right for everyone, it's a great example of how string choice can impact your performance on the court. So, experiment with different strings and tensions to find what works best for you, and you might just unlock a new level of your game. Remember, guys, every little detail counts when you're trying to reach your full potential on the tennis court! And who knows, maybe you'll be hitting bombs like Ben Shelton in no time! Have fun experimenting, and see you on the courts!