A racket with a 16×19 string pattern can send the ball flying, while an 18×20 frame may feel more controlled—but the pattern alone doesn’t decide how powerful a racket is. It changes how the string bed behaves, especially how much the strings move and how high the ball launches. Understanding that difference can help you choose a setup that adds useful depth without turning your groundstrokes into guesswork.
How string pattern affects power
A string pattern is the arrangement of the main strings, which run from the top of the racket to the handle, and the cross strings, which run side to side. The most common patterns are 16×19 and 18×20. The first number refers to mains; the second refers to crosses.
With fewer strings in a similar-sized head, the gaps between strings are usually wider. That more open bed can deflect more at impact and let the mains slide and snap back. The result is often a livelier response and more spin potential. Spin can help a hard-hit ball dip into the court, making it easier to swing aggressively.
A denser pattern, such as 18×20, usually keeps the strings from moving as freely. Players often describe it as firmer, more predictable, and lower-launching. That can make it easier to aim flat drives or take a full cut at the ball without sending it long. It does not automatically mean less power: a powerful frame with an 18×20 pattern can still hit a heavy ball.
Think of pattern as one part of the racket’s response, not a power switch. Head size, frame stiffness, weight, balance, string type, and tension all matter. A stiff, oversized racket with a dense pattern may hit harder than a flexible, lightweight racket with an open one.
Open vs. dense patterns: what you’ll notice
| Feature | More open pattern, such as 16×19 | Denser pattern, such as 18×20 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical feel | Livelier, with a higher launch | More contained and predictable |
| Spin potential | Often greater string movement and snapback | Often less string movement, though technique matters more |
| Control | Can demand more topspin or careful targeting | Can suit flatter, direct hitting |
| String wear | Strings may move and notch faster | Strings may last longer, depending on material and player |
These are tendencies, not guarantees. Two 16×19 rackets can feel quite different because their spacing, head shape, and frame design differ. Even the same pattern can be more open in the center of one racket than another.
Which pattern suits your game?
Choose an open pattern if you want help with depth and spin
If you have a compact swing or struggle to get the ball deep, an open pattern may give you a more responsive string bed. It can also help a topspin player shape high, dipping shots. That extra launch is useful when you swing up through the ball, but it can be a problem if your natural contact is flat and your shots already sail long.
For example, a baseliner who likes heavy crosscourt forehands may welcome a lively 16×19 bed: the added spin can bring a fast ball down inside the baseline. A player who blocks returns or hits flatter may find the same racket harder to control at full pace.
Choose a dense pattern if you value a lower, steadier launch
An 18×20 pattern can suit a player who already generates plenty of racket-head speed and wants a more predictable response. It may help on aggressive returns, flatter backhands, and approach shots where you want to drive through the court. If you don’t create much pace yourself, though, a dense pattern in a demanding racket may feel underpowered.
For many recreational players, a 16×19 is a sensible starting point—not because it is always more powerful, but because it is widely available and offers a versatile mix of launch, spin, and response. If control is your main concern, test a denser bed before changing your whole swing.
Five rackets to consider by pattern and playing style
These examples show how pattern fits into a racket’s overall character. Model specifications can vary by version and market, so check the exact frame before buying. None is a guaranteed match just because of its pattern.
| Racket | Pattern | Why consider it | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babolat Pure Drive | 16×19 | A lively, power-oriented option for players who want easy depth and a crisp response. | Its energetic feel may send flatter shots long if you don’t add enough spin or control the launch. |
| Yonex EZONE 100 | 16×19 | A versatile choice for baseline players seeking accessible pace with room to shape the ball. | The open pattern and responsive frame may feel too lively for players who prefer a very low launch. |
| Head Boom MP | 16×19 | An approachable option for players who want help producing depth without moving to an oversized head. | Players who hit hard and flat may need to experiment with strings or tension to keep the ball in. |
| Wilson Blade 98 16×19 | 16×19 | Offers an open-pattern response in a more control-minded, smaller-head frame. | Its smaller head and player-oriented feel can be less forgiving than a 100-square-inch power frame. |
| Wilson Blade 98 18×20 | 18×20 | A denser option for experienced players who want a steadier, more contained launch. | It may feel demanding for players who need the racket to supply easy pace or spin. |
When comparing rackets, try to hold the other variables steady. If you switch from a 16×19 racket with soft multifilament strings at low tension to an 18×20 racket strung with firm polyester at high tension, you are testing far more than the pattern.
Strings and tension can change the result
If an open-pattern racket launches too high, a slightly firmer string or a small tension increase may help. If a dense pattern feels harsh or underpowered, a softer string or modest tension decrease may make it more comfortable and lively. Make one change at a time, and ask a stringer to keep a note of your setup.
String type matters, too. Polyester often feels firm and is popular with players who make fast, spin-heavy swings, while multifilament and natural gut generally offer more comfort and elasticity. A stiff polyester string in a dense pattern can feel especially unforgiving, so it may not be the best starting point for an arm-sensitive player.
Pay attention to what happens in a match, not just during a few warm-up hits. Are you missing long under pressure? Do your groundstrokes land short unless you swing harder? Does the racket feel comfortable after two sets? Those clues are more useful than choosing a pattern because a professional player uses it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 16×19 pattern always produce more power?
No. It often feels livelier and may provide a higher launch, but frame design, strings, tension, and swing speed also affect power. A dense-pattern racket can still be powerful if the frame is built for it.
Is 18×20 better for control?
It often gives a lower, more predictable launch, which many players associate with control. But control also depends on your technique and how well the racket suits your swing.
Which pattern is better for beginners?
Many beginners do well with a forgiving 16×19 racket because it offers accessible response and is easy to find. Comfort, racket weight, and head size matter at least as much as the pattern.
Can I make my racket feel more powerful by changing strings?
Yes. A more elastic string or a modest tension decrease can make the string bed feel livelier. Change one factor at a time, and stop if the added launch makes it difficult to control your shots.
Final Thoughts
An open pattern can make it easier to access a lively response and spin-friendly launch, while a dense pattern often offers a steadier, more contained feel. Neither is automatically more powerful or better. Start with the shots you want to improve, test rackets with similar strings where possible, and judge the pattern by the depth, trajectory, and comfort you get on court.
