If your shots sail long when you swing freely—or your strings look like they have shifted after a few games—the racket’s string pattern may be part of the story. An open pattern can help create spin and a lively response, but it is not an automatic upgrade. The right choice depends on how you swing, what you want the ball to do, and how often you are willing to restring.
What is an open string pattern?
A racket’s string pattern is the layout of its main strings, which run from the handle toward the tip, and cross strings, which run side to side. An open pattern has relatively more space between those strings than a dense pattern. Common examples are 16×19 and 16×18; a common denser pattern is 18×20.
The numbers tell you how many main and cross strings the racket has, not exactly how far apart they sit. Two 16×19 rackets can still feel different because head size, string spacing, frame shape, and the placement of the strings all affect the response.
How an open pattern plays
Spin and ball shape
With fewer strings crossing the hitting area, the strings may have more room to move and snap back as the ball leaves the racket. That movement can contribute to spin, especially when paired with a fast, low-to-high swing. The practical benefit is a ball that dips more sharply after clearing the net, giving you room to hit with pace without aiming every shot close to the lines.
It is a useful combination for players who build points with heavy topspin, hit high-margin crosscourt shots, or want their second serve to jump. But the pattern does not create spin by itself: racket-head speed, contact, technique, and string choice matter enormously. A player who brushes the ball can make good use of an open pattern; a player who mostly blocks or pushes the ball may notice its livelier response more than any extra spin.
Power, launch angle, and control
Open patterns often feel lively, and the ball may launch at a higher angle than it would from a comparable dense-pattern racket. That can help with depth and net clearance, but it can also make timing less forgiving. If you already hit flat and often miss long, an open pattern might make control harder unless you adjust your string setup or swing.
“Control” is not simply a property of the string count. A dense pattern can offer a more predictable response for some players, but a player who uses topspin to control the ball’s flight may prefer an open one. The best test is whether you can repeatedly send the ball to your intended target under pressure.
String wear and feel
Strings that move more can notch and break sooner, particularly for frequent players who use polyester strings and hit with heavy spin. An open pattern may also feel less firm or more springy, though the frame and strings can change that impression. If you break strings often, expect to restring more frequently—or consider a thicker gauge or a more durable string.
Five open-pattern rackets to consider
These are useful starting points, not a ranking. The models below are commonly sold in 16×19 versions, but manufacturers can change specifications between generations and sizes. Check the pattern for the exact racket you are buying.
| Racket | What it tends to suit | Potential trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Babolat Pure Aero 100 | Baseline players who want spin-friendly response and easy depth. | Its lively feel may take adjustment if you hit flat or prefer a muted response. |
| Head Extreme MP | Players who want spin and maneuverability for topspin rallies and aggressive serves. | The ball can launch high; flatter hitters may need to focus on direction and string setup. |
| Yonex EZONE 100 | All-court players looking for accessible power and a comfortable, forgiving hitting area. | Its power can be difficult to manage if you already struggle with long shots. |
| Wilson Blade 100 | Players who want a more controlled-feeling option while keeping a 16×19 layout. | It may feel less naturally spin-oriented or more demanding than a dedicated spin frame. |
| Dunlop SX 300 | Baseline players seeking spin-friendly response and straightforward access to depth. | As with other lively open-pattern frames, it may require a careful string choice for control. |
How to narrow the list
- For heavy topspin and a high, aggressive rally ball: Try the Pure Aero 100 or Extreme MP. Pay attention to whether you can direct the ball when you speed up your swing.
- For versatile power from different court positions: The EZONE 100 is worth testing. Check that its depth is manageable on your defensive shots as well as your attacking ones.
- For a more measured feel: Start with the Blade 100. It offers an open layout without being aimed only at players who want maximum spin.
- For a spin-friendly alternative: Test the SX 300 against the Pure Aero or Extreme MP. A short hitting session can reveal which frame gives you the most comfortable combination of height, depth, and control.
Racket feel is personal, and no model in this list will suit every player. If possible, demo the same racket with more than one string setup. A frame that feels too powerful with a soft, lively string may feel more controlled with a firmer option—but avoid making big changes to racket and strings at the same time if you want to understand what helped.
Choosing strings and tension for an open pattern
If the racket launches the ball too high or too deep, try a small tension increase or a firmer string rather than immediately ruling out the frame. Polyester is popular with strong, frequent hitters who want a firmer response, but it is not automatically the right choice for everyone. It can feel harsh, and it generally loses its best playing characteristics with use. Players with arm discomfort should be especially cautious and may prefer a softer string or a lower-tension setup.
If the racket feels too stiff or difficult to get depth from, a softer string or a modest tension reduction may help. Make one change at a time and keep notes: string type, gauge, tension, and how the racket played. That makes it easier to tell whether you gained comfort or control—or simply changed the feel.
String life matters, too. If the mains are deeply notched, strings are constantly displaced, or the racket suddenly feels unusually dead, it may be time to restring. Players who do not break strings can still benefit from replacing old strings, although how often depends on how much they play and the string material.
Is an open pattern right for you?
Consider one if you swing with racket-head speed, use topspin to shape the ball, and want help producing depth or a higher-margin trajectory. It is also a reasonable option for recreational players who want a lively response and do not mind restringing as needed.
A denser pattern may be a better starting point if you hit relatively flat, routinely send shots long, or value a firmer, more contained response. Neither layout is inherently better. During a demo, judge more than the first few groundstrokes: try returns, volleys, serves, and defensive shots. A racket that helps you hit a great warm-up forehand but makes your second serve unpredictable may not be the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an open string pattern always produce more spin?
No. It can allow more string movement and support spin, but swing speed, contact, technique, and string choice are major factors. A 16×19 pattern will not compensate for a swing that does not brush or accelerate through the ball.
Is 16×19 an open pattern?
It is generally considered more open than 18×20, but string spacing varies by racket. Compare the actual frames if you want to understand how open they feel and how the ball responds.
Will an open pattern make my racket more powerful?
It can contribute to a livelier response, but power also depends on the frame, strings, tension, and your swing. If balls are flying long, test a modest tension or string change before deciding the pattern itself is the problem.
Do open-pattern rackets break strings faster?
They can, especially for players who hit heavy topspin with polyester strings, because string movement and notching may be greater. The effect varies; string material, gauge, playing frequency, and contact all matter.
Final Thoughts
An open string pattern is a tool, not a shortcut. It may help a fast-swinging player shape the ball with spin and find easier depth, but it can feel too lively for someone who wants a lower launch or a more contained response. Compare rackets by how well you control the ball in real points, and treat strings and tension as part of the setup. The best pattern is the one that helps you play your natural game with confidence.
