Most players agonise over which string to buy and then say "whatever you normally do" when I ask about tension. That is backwards.
What tension actually changes
- Lower tension gives you a bigger sweet spot, easier depth, and a softer feel on the arm
- Higher tension gives you more control when you swing fast and flat
- Every string loses tension from the moment it comes off the machine
A polyester strung at 55 lbs plays harsher than a synthetic gut at the same number. The string and the tension are one decision, not two.
A sensible starting point
If you are on poly, start around 46 to 50 lbs. Multifilament and synthetic gut players can go 50 to 56. Not sure? The Workbench tension finder asks four questions and gives you a range.