A racquet can feel completely different before you change a single string model. That is the real impact of open versus dense string patterns. The spacing between the mains and crosses influences how the ball leaves the string bed, how quickly strings wear out, how much spin you can create, and whether your shots launch higher or stay on a flatter trajectory.
For players comparing racquets, a 16×19 versus 18×20 pattern is not a minor specification. It is a performance decision. The right choice depends on your swing speed, contact point, preferred ball shape, and how much predictability you need when the score gets tight.
What Is a String Pattern?
A string pattern is simply the number of main strings and cross strings in a racquet head. Main strings run vertically from the handle toward the tip. Cross strings run horizontally. A 16×19 racquet has 16 mains and 19 crosses; an 18×20 racquet has 18 mains and 20 crosses.
The numbers alone do not tell the full story. Head size, head shape, beam design, string gauge, and where the strings are spaced all affect the final response. Still, the pattern gives you a reliable starting point. Fewer strings usually mean wider spaces between them, creating an open pattern. More strings typically create a denser pattern with tighter spacing.
Most modern all-around and spin-oriented racquets use patterns such as 16×19, 16×20, or 16×18. Dense, control-focused frames often use 18×20 or 18×19 patterns. Neither is automatically better. Each rewards a different kind of player.
Open Versus Dense String Patterns on Court
Open patterns create easier spin and livelier response
An open pattern gives the strings more room to move and snap back against the ball. That movement helps produce topspin, especially when you accelerate up and through contact. Players who like to roll heavy forehands, shape passing shots, and bring serves down into the box often appreciate this extra access to spin.
Open patterns also tend to feel more lively and forgiving. With fewer strings sharing the impact, the string bed can return more energy to the ball. That can make it easier to generate depth when you are defending, playing from behind the baseline, or still developing racquet-head speed.
The trade-off is launch angle. Open patterns often send the ball off the bed at a slightly higher angle, particularly with thinner strings or lower tension. For a player who already hits with a flatter swing path, that may create welcome net clearance. For a hard-hitting player who attacks the ball on a level trajectory, it can sometimes feel like the ball is jumping too high.
String life is the other major consideration. Wider spacing allows mains to move more, and the strings can saw into each other faster. Heavy topspin players using an open pattern may break strings noticeably sooner than they would in a dense frame.
Dense patterns favor precision and a connected feel
Dense string patterns place more strings behind the ball. The impact usually feels more controlled, stable, and linear. Players who drive through the court, redirect pace, and take the ball early often value that predictable response.
An 18×20-style pattern generally produces a lower launch angle than a 16×19. That can be a major advantage for advanced players who swing fast and want to flatten out an approach shot or attack a short ball without worrying that the ball will sail long. The ball tends to stay on the strings a touch more consistently across repeated contacts, giving confident ball strikers a precise, connected feel.
Dense patterns can also extend string life. More strings distribute impact across the bed, and the tighter layout limits string movement. If you are tired of breaking a soft multifilament or natural gut too quickly, a dense frame may provide better longevity.
The compromise is that dense patterns can feel firmer and less explosive, especially when paired with a stiff polyester at high tension. They also make it harder to produce easy spin if your swing is compact or slow. The racquet will not create a heavy ball on its own. You need to supply the speed and upward brushing action.
Which Pattern Fits Your Game?
Start with the ball you want to hit under pressure, not the ball you hit once in warmups. A baseliner who relies on heavy topspin to create margin and push opponents back will usually benefit from an open pattern. A 16×19 frame is the modern standard because it offers a useful balance of spin, power, and control for a wide range of players.
Players who use a western or semi-western forehand grip, swing aggressively from low to high, and play on hard courts often feel at home with an open pattern. Juniors moving into competitive tennis may also benefit from the added depth and spin potential, provided they choose a string setup that protects comfort and durability.
A dense pattern often suits an advanced all-court player, a flatter ball striker, or a player who values directional accuracy above easy spin. If you love taking the ball early, hitting through the court, and changing direction with compact mechanics, the lower, more controlled response of an 18×20 can be a serious asset.
Do not assume dense means only for professionals. Recreational players who dislike a trampoline-like response and want their shots to launch lower may prefer it too. Likewise, not every tournament player needs 18×20 precision. Many high-level competitors choose open 16×19 frames because modern tennis rewards spin, net clearance, and heavy court penetration.
String Choice Can Change the Result
Pattern and string work as a system. A powerful, open 16×19 racquet strung with a lively multifilament at low tension may deliver easy depth and comfort, but it can be difficult to control for a big hitter. That same racquet with a firmer co-polyester at a sensible tension can become far more predictable while preserving its spin-friendly character.
A dense 18×20 frame strung with a firm, thick polyester can become demanding quickly. Strong players may love the control and durability. Players with shorter swings or arm sensitivity may find it underpowered and harsh. Using a thinner gauge, lowering tension, or choosing a softer co-poly can add needed response.
For players who want a balanced setup, consider these pairings:
- An open pattern with a shaped or slick co-poly can maximize spin and improve control for fast, modern swings.
- An open pattern with a multifilament or hybrid can add comfort and easy depth for developing players or anyone protecting their arm.
- A dense pattern with a thinner poly can preserve control while improving bite and feel.
- A dense pattern with a multifilament, natural gut, or hybrid can bring welcome power and comfort to a precision-focused frame.
Gauge matters too. A thinner 17 or 18 gauge string opens up feel and spin but generally sacrifices durability. A thicker 15L or 16 gauge string lasts longer and can calm down a lively open pattern. There is no universal best setup because your strings must complement both the racquet and your swing.
Do Not Choose by Pattern Alone
Two racquets with the same 16×19 layout can play very differently. A 100-square-inch frame with widely spaced mains may feel far more open than a compact 98-square-inch frame with the same listed pattern. Some racquets concentrate spacing in the sweet spot to promote spin, while others use more uniform spacing for consistency.
Racquet stiffness and weight also matter. A heavy, flexible 18×20 can offer exceptional stability and control, while a light, stiff 16×19 may feel powerful but harder to manage at full speed. The pattern is one piece of the equipment equation, not the entire answer.
That is why a demo session, or at least an honest assessment of your current racquet, matters. Pay attention to your typical miss. If balls consistently fly long, a denser pattern or more controlled string setup may help. If you struggle to clear the net with depth and shape, an open pattern may give your game more margin.
Make the Pattern Work for You
The best racquet setup should make your dependable swing more effective. Choose an open pattern when you want easier spin, livelier depth, and a higher-margin ball. Choose a dense pattern when you want a lower launch, longer string life, and precision on full swings.
If you are between the two, a 16×20 or 18×19 pattern can be an excellent middle ground. More important than chasing a specification is choosing a setup that lets you swing freely, trust your ball, and play your best tennis when the match is on the line. Define your style of play, then build your racquet around it.