Ben Shelton's String Setup: What Does He Use?

Okay, tennis fans! Ever watched Ben Shelton absolutely crush a forehand and wondered, "What strings is that guy using?" You're not alone. The strings a player uses can significantly impact their game, influencing power, control, spin, and feel. For a player like Shelton, who relies on big serves and aggressive groundstrokes, the right string setup is crucial. So, let's dive deep into the world of Ben Shelton's strings and uncover the secrets behind his on-court weaponry.

Unveiling Ben Shelton's String Choice

So, what strings does Ben Shelton actually use? Ben Shelton primarily uses Luxilon Alu Power Rough in the mains and Wilson Natural Gut in the crosses. This is a very common hybrid string setup on tour, providing a blend of power, control, and feel. It allows him to generate massive spin on his shots. Let's break down each component to understand why this combination works so well for his game.

Luxilon Alu Power Rough: The Powerhouse

Luxilon Alu Power Rough is a very popular choice among professional tennis players, and for good reason. It's a monofilament string known for its exceptional power and control. The "Rough" version adds a textured surface, which enhances the string's ability to grip the ball, resulting in increased spin potential. This is especially important for a player like Shelton, who hits with a lot of topspin on both his forehand and backhand. The stiffness of Alu Power Rough also provides excellent directional control, allowing him to confidently aim for the lines even when hitting with maximum force. Durability is another key factor; monofilament strings like Alu Power Rough are known for their resistance to breakage, which is essential for players who generate a lot of racquet head speed. For someone with a game as aggressive as Shelton's, having a string that can withstand the punishment is paramount. It allows him to swing freely without constantly worrying about strings snapping mid-match. In summary, Luxilon Alu Power Rough provides the power, control, spin, and durability that a hard-hitting player like Ben Shelton needs to excel on the court. It's a string designed for aggressive play, rewarding big swings and dictating points from the baseline, making it a perfect fit for his playing style. Finally, its consistent performance across different playing conditions ensures that Shelton can rely on its feel and response, no matter the tournament or environment.

Wilson Natural Gut: The Touch Master

Now, let's talk about the other half of Shelton's string setup: Wilson Natural Gut. Natural gut strings are made from the serosal fibers of a cow's intestine (yes, you read that right!). They are renowned for their exceptional feel, comfort, and power. Unlike synthetic strings, natural gut offers a uniquely soft and responsive feel, providing players with enhanced touch and control over the ball. This is particularly beneficial for shots that require finesse, such as drop shots, volleys, and delicate angles. The comfort provided by natural gut is also a significant advantage, especially for players who are prone to arm injuries. The string's natural elasticity helps to absorb shock and vibrations, reducing the strain on the arm and elbow. While natural gut is not as durable as monofilament strings like Alu Power Rough, its superior feel and comfort often outweigh this drawback, especially when used in a hybrid setup. By combining natural gut with a more durable string in the mains, players can enjoy the benefits of both worlds. In Shelton's case, the Wilson Natural Gut in the crosses provides a softer, more responsive feel that complements the stiffness of the Luxilon Alu Power Rough in the mains. This combination allows him to maintain a high level of power and control while also enjoying enhanced comfort and touch. It's a strategic choice that optimizes his string bed for his aggressive playing style, giving him the confidence to go for his shots while still maintaining precision and feel. The use of natural gut also reflects a preference for a more traditional string material, highlighting Shelton's appreciation for the nuances of the game and the importance of feel in his overall performance.

Why This Hybrid Setup Works for Shelton

So, why does Ben Shelton opt for this particular hybrid string setup? The combination of Luxilon Alu Power Rough and Wilson Natural Gut offers a balance of power, control, spin, and feel that perfectly complements his aggressive playing style. The Alu Power Rough provides the power and spin potential he needs to dictate points from the baseline, while the Natural Gut offers the touch and feel required for more delicate shots. This hybrid setup also helps to mitigate some of the drawbacks of each individual string. The stiffness of the Alu Power Rough can sometimes feel harsh, but the Natural Gut softens the string bed and provides a more comfortable feel. Conversely, the lower durability of Natural Gut is offset by the robustness of the Alu Power Rough. It's a strategic pairing that maximizes the strengths of each string while minimizing their weaknesses, resulting in a string bed that is optimized for Shelton's specific needs and preferences. Furthermore, this hybrid setup allows Shelton to fine-tune his string tension to achieve the desired level of performance. By adjusting the tension of each string, he can further customize the feel and response of the string bed to match his playing style and the specific conditions of the court. This level of customization is a key advantage for professional tennis players, allowing them to optimize their equipment for peak performance. Ultimately, the choice of this hybrid setup reflects Shelton's understanding of the importance of string selection in tennis and his commitment to finding the perfect combination to enhance his game.

String Tension: A Crucial Factor

While the type of strings is important, string tension plays a crucial role in how the strings perform. String tension refers to how tightly the strings are strung in the racquet. Higher tension generally provides more control and lower power, while lower tension offers more power and less control. Professional players often experiment with different string tensions to find the optimal balance for their game. While Ben Shelton's exact string tensions are not publicly available, it's likely that he uses a relatively low tension to maximize power and spin. Given his aggressive playing style and reliance on big serves and groundstrokes, a lower tension would allow him to generate more ball speed and topspin, making his shots more difficult for his opponents to handle. However, the specific tension he uses would also depend on other factors, such as the racquet he's using, the court surface, and the weather conditions. Professional players often adjust their string tension based on these factors to optimize their performance. For example, they might use a higher tension on faster court surfaces to improve control, or a lower tension on slower surfaces to generate more power. Ultimately, the choice of string tension is a personal one, and it's something that players experiment with throughout their careers to find what works best for them.

Other String Considerations

Beyond the type and tension of strings, there are a few other factors that players consider when choosing their string setup. String gauge, which refers to the thickness of the string, can also affect performance. Thicker strings are generally more durable but offer less feel, while thinner strings provide more feel but are more prone to breakage. Players also consider the shape of the string, as some strings have textured surfaces designed to enhance spin potential. Additionally, the color of the string is purely aesthetic and doesn't affect performance! String maintenance is also really important. Like how often they restring their racquets. Pro players, especially those who hit with a lot of spin and power, may restring their racquets frequently, sometimes even multiple times during a single match. This ensures that their strings are always fresh and performing at their best. The frequency of restringing depends on a variety of factors, including the player's playing style, the type of strings they use, and the conditions of the court. Players who hit with a lot of topspin, for example, may need to restring their racquets more often because the strings are subject to more wear and tear. Similarly, players who use softer strings may need to restring more frequently because these strings tend to lose tension more quickly. Ultimately, the decision of when to restring is a personal one, and it's something that players monitor closely to ensure that their strings are always performing optimally.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! A deep dive into the string setup of one of tennis's most exciting young stars, Ben Shelton. While his choice of Luxilon Alu Power Rough and Wilson Natural Gut is a popular one among pros, remember that the ideal string setup is highly personal. What works for Shelton might not work for you. Experimenting with different strings and tensions is key to finding the perfect combination for your own game. Consider your playing style, the type of racquet you use, and your budget when making your decision. And don't be afraid to ask for advice from a qualified stringer or tennis coach. They can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect strings to elevate your game. Happy hitting, guys!