What is the difference between a 1-main-skip and 2-main-skip 16x19 string pattern?
Key takeaway
A 1-main-skip 16x19 pattern has a denser string bed in the center, which typically offers more control. A 2-main-skip pattern is more open and uniform, generally providing greater spin potential and a livelier response, similar to a classic spin-focused racquet.
The difference between a 1-main-skip and a 2-main-skip 16x19 string pattern lies in how the main strings are spaced, which directly impacts the racquet's feel and performance. "Main-skip" refers to the grommet holes that are left empty (skipped) at the throat and top of the frame where the main strings would otherwise pass. This design choice alters the density of the string bed, especially in the sweet spot.
Based on player discussions, here’s how the two patterns generally differ in their on-court characteristics:
- 1-Main-Skip Pattern: This pattern, found on racquets like the Head Extreme Pro, typically skips one grommet hole (often the 8th) from the center on each side. This creates a denser concentration of strings in the middle of the string bed. Players often find this results in a more controlled, predictable response, feeling less like a pure spin frame and more like a control-oriented racquet with spin potential.
- 2-Main-Skip Pattern: This pattern skips two grommet holes for the mains. The result is a more open and evenly spaced string bed. This wider spacing allows the strings to move more freely and snap back with greater force, which generally translates to enhanced spin generation and a more powerful, lively feel, characteristic of racquets like the Babolat Pure Aero.
Essentially, a manufacturer's choice between a 1 or 2-main-skip is a deliberate decision to fine-tune a racquet's balance between control and spin/power within the same 16x19 classification.
Community insight On the Talk Tennis forums, players discussing the Head Extreme Pro noted its 1-main-skip pattern makes it play more like a control frame, similar to the Head Radical line, rather than a dedicated spin monster. One user even proposed that changing the model to a 2-main-skip pattern would fundamentally alter its string bed response, likely making it more spin-friendly.
Pro tip: If your 1-main-skip racquet feels too control-oriented, try a thinner gauge string or a lower tension to increase string movement and spin before switching frames.