Tennis Racket String Pattern Explained: 16x19 vs 18x20 (India Buying Guide)
16x19 or 18x20? What tennis string patterns mean and how to pick the right one for your game.
Tennis racket string pattern explained: 16x19 vs 18x20
When you compare two tennis rackets, one number quietly shapes how they play: the string pattern. You will see it written as 16x19 or 18x20, and it influences spin, power, control and how long your strings last. This India buying guide explains what the numbers mean and how to choose between an open and a dense string pattern for your game.
What the numbers mean
The first number is the count of main strings, which run vertically from the throat to the tip. The second is the count of cross strings, which run horizontally. So a 16x19 racket has 16 mains and 19 crosses, while an 18x20 has more of both, packed closer together.
16x19: the open pattern for spin and power
A 16x19 is the most common pattern in modern rackets. The wider spacing lets the main strings move and snap back on contact, which grips the ball for easy spin, a higher launch angle and more natural power with a softer feel. The trade-offs are slightly less precise tension control and faster string wear because the strings move more.
18x20: the dense pattern for control
An 18x20 packs the strings tighter, so they move less on impact. The result is a flatter, more predictable trajectory, pin-point control and longer string life. Big hitters who supply their own power and want to place the ball precisely often prefer it, at the cost of some of the effortless spin and pop of an open pattern.
Which should you choose?
- Choose 16x19 if you want more spin and power, play with heavy topspin, or are still building racket-head speed.
- Choose 18x20 if you generate your own power, prefer a flatter, controlled ball and value string durability.
String choice works with the pattern
The pattern sets the stage; your string finishes the job. On an open 16x19, a spin-friendly polyester such as the Luxilon ALU Power 125 Rough Set Single Tennis String (one racket can be strung) (₹2,124) or the shaped Babolat RPM Blast Single Tennis String (one racket can be strung) (₹960) amplifies grip on the ball. On a dense 18x20, a smooth, control-oriented poly like the Babolat RPM Soft Single Tennis String (one racket can be strung) (₹800) keeps the response crisp, while the Babolat RPM Rough Tennis String (18 racket can be strung) (₹800) is another textured option for players chasing extra bite. Lower the tension a couple of pounds for more power, raise it for more control.
| Pattern | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 16x19 (open) | Spin, power, comfort | Less control, faster string wear |
| 18x20 (dense) | Control, flat drives, durability | Less free spin and power |
Shop the gear
- Babolat RPM Blast Single Tennis String (one racket can be strung) — ₹960
- Babolat RPM Soft Single Tennis String (one racket can be strung) — ₹800
- Luxilon ALU Power 125 Rough Set Single Tennis String (one racket can be strung) — ₹2,124
- Babolat RPM Rough Tennis String (18 racket can be strung) — ₹800
Related reading
- Tennis String Guide: Types and Tension Explained (India)
- How to Choose a Tennis Racket: A Beginner's Buying Guide (India)
- Tennis Overgrips and Dampeners Explained: A Buying Guide for India
Frequently asked questions
What does 16x19 mean on a tennis racket?
It means the racket has 16 main strings running vertically and 19 cross strings running horizontally. This open spacing lets the strings move more, producing easier spin, a higher launch angle and more power.
Is 16x19 or 18x20 better for spin?
A 16x19 open pattern is better for spin because the wider string spacing lets the mains grip and snap back on the ball. An 18x20 offers more control and durability but less free spin.
Which string pattern lasts longer?
An 18x20 dense pattern generally lasts longer because the strings move less on impact, reducing the friction and notching that break strings on more open patterns.