A racket can have the same head size, weight and string tension as another and still send the ball on a noticeably different trajectory. One reason is its string pattern: the number and spacing of the main strings, which run from the handle to the tip, and the cross strings, which run side to side.
Pattern can influence launch angle, spin potential, feel and string life—but it does not work in isolation. The racket’s shape and stiffness, the strings themselves, tension and your swing all matter. Here’s how to read the pattern differences and decide which one suits your game.
What do 16×19 and 18×20 mean?
The first number is usually the number of main strings; the second is the number of cross strings. A common 16×19 pattern has 16 mains and 19 crosses, while an 18×20 pattern has 18 mains and 20 crosses. These are the most familiar options, though some rackets use layouts such as 16×20.
With fewer strings packed into a similar-sized head, a 16×19 bed is generally more open. Its gaps tend to be larger, particularly near the center. An 18×20 bed is denser, with smaller gaps and more strings supporting the ball.
That description is a useful starting point, not a guarantee of how a racket will play. Head shape and string spacing vary, and two rackets with the same pattern can feel quite different.
How string pattern affects your shots
Spin and string movement
Open patterns often let the mains move more freely when the ball presses into the strings. If the strings slide and snap back into place, they can help the ball leave with spin. This can be useful for players who brush up the back of the ball and want a high, dipping forehand or a serve that kicks away from an opponent.
But an open pattern does not automatically create more spin. Racquet-head speed, contact, string type and tension are major factors. A player with a compact swing is unlikely to gain dramatic spin just by changing to 16×19; a player with a fast, upward swing may make better use of it.
Launch angle and control
Open patterns often produce a livelier, higher launch, especially with a powerful polyester string or a firm swing. That can help a player clear the net with margin and still bring the ball down inside the baseline. It can also send shots long if the launch is higher than the player expects.
A denser pattern tends to give a more contained, predictable response for many players. That can suit flatter drives, early ball-striking and players who like to aim close to the lines. It is not a shortcut to accuracy: direction still depends on contact and technique, and the racket’s overall design matters.
Power and feel
Some players experience an open pattern as more lively and a dense pattern as more controlled. But “open equals power” and “dense equals control” are rough rules, not laws. Racket stiffness, weight, balance, head size, string material and tension all shape the response. A soft, low-tension stringbed can feel powerful in a dense pattern; a stiff frame strung tightly may feel demanding in an open one.
Feel is personal, too. An open bed may feel more springy, while a dense bed can feel firmer or more connected to the ball. If your arm is sensitive, compare complete setups—not just patterns—and be cautious about combining a stiff frame, stiff strings and high tension.
String durability
In an open pattern, mains may move and rub against crosses more, which can increase notching and wear. Some players therefore break strings sooner in an open-pattern racket. Others may see little difference because string material, gauge, tension and how much spin they hit have a bigger effect. Dense patterns can still break strings quickly, particularly for heavy hitters using thin strings.
If you break strings often, ask a stringer about a thicker gauge or a more durable string before changing rackets. A hybrid setup may also help balance durability and comfort.
Which pattern might suit your game?
| Pattern | Often suits | Possible trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 16×19, relatively open | Players seeking spin, a higher launch and easy net clearance | May feel lively or launch higher than expected |
| 18×20, relatively dense | Players who hit flatter or prefer a contained, steady response | May feel less lively, especially with a firm string setup |
| 16×20 or similar | Players looking for a middle ground in launch and string spacing | Exact feel varies substantially between racket models |
Consider your usual miss. If your rally ball often sails long, a denser pattern might be worth testing—but first check whether a lower tension or different string could solve the problem. If you struggle to produce height and spin, an open pattern may help, provided you can control its launch.
Also think about your playing style. A baseliner who hits heavy topspin may appreciate the access to spin in an open bed. A player who takes the ball early and drives through the court may prefer a dense response. Neither is a rule: plenty of aggressive topspin players use dense patterns, and plenty of flat hitters thrive with open ones.
Rackets to try by string-pattern preference
These examples show how different patterns appear in popular racket families. They are starting points for a demo, not a ranking: the full frame design can matter as much as the string layout.
| Racket configuration | Why consider it | Potential drawback | Good fit to test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Blade 98 16×19 | Open-pattern option in a control-focused racket line; a useful test for players seeking more launch and spin than a dense layout offers. | Its response may feel livelier than the 18×20 version, and the compact head still rewards clean contact. | All-court players who want control with some extra spin access. |
| Wilson Blade 98 18×20 | Dense layout suited to players who like a more contained trajectory and predictable response on flatter drives. | Can feel demanding if you want easy depth or do not consistently find the center of the strings. | Confident ball-strikers who take the ball early. |
| Head Speed MP | Its 16×19 pattern makes it a practical open-layout demo for players wanting a balance of spin and all-court playability. | The pattern alone will not tame a fast swing; string and tension choices still affect launch. | Intermediate players who want a versatile frame rather than a specialist setup. |
| Head Gravity Pro | An 18×20 option with a generous head shape, worth trying if you want a dense bed without choosing a smaller head. | Its substantial, player-oriented feel may be more racket than some developing players need. | Advanced players who value a steady response and can supply their own pace. |
| Babolat Pure Aero | A familiar 16×19 choice for players who like to build points with spin and a higher, dipping ball. | Players who prefer a low, direct trajectory may need time to adjust; string selection is important. | Baseline players with a fast, topspin-heavy swing. |
Model specifications can change between generations, so check the exact version and its published pattern before buying. If possible, demo two rackets with different patterns using the same string type and similar tension. That makes the comparison more useful than switching rackets and strings at the same time.
How to test a pattern change
- Keep the comparison fair. Use the same string family and a similar tension in both rackets, and make sure their grip size and overall weight are comfortable.
- Hit real points. Rallying alone may hide the difference. Test serves, returns, defensive shots and full-speed groundstrokes.
- Watch your usual misses. Note whether the ball launches too high, lands short, or gives you the spin and depth you want.
- Give it more than a few minutes. A different launch angle can make a good racket feel strange at first. If possible, play with it on more than one occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an open string pattern always give more spin?
No. It may allow more string movement, which can help some players generate spin, but swing speed, technique, string type and racket design also matter. Test it with your own strokes.
Is an 18×20 pattern better for beginners?
Not necessarily. Some beginners appreciate its predictable response, while others find it harder to get depth. Comfort, racket weight and ease of swinging are usually more important than choosing a particular pattern.
Can changing string tension make a bigger difference than changing pattern?
It can. Tension affects the feel and response of the stringbed, and changing it may be a simpler way to adjust launch or comfort. Ask a qualified stringer for a modest adjustment rather than making a large jump.
Which pattern should I choose if I break strings often?
A denser pattern may reduce string movement for some players, but it is not a guaranteed fix. Try a more durable string or thicker gauge first, and ask your stringer to inspect where and how the strings are breaking.
Final Thoughts
String pattern shapes how a racket responds, but it is only one part of the setup. A 16×19 layout can offer useful spin and launch, while an 18×20 may suit players seeking a more contained response. The best choice is the one that helps you hit your preferred ball confidently and comfortably. Demo comparable rackets, pay attention to your misses and adjust strings as needed before making a decision.
