Softer Strings
Softer tennis strings, or strings with a softer coating, tend to vibrate less.
String tension
Remember that high tennis string tension provides less power and more control; and low string tension provides more ower and less control. To custom fit your racket with the ideal replacement string and tension, refer to the guide on the throat of the racket.
Elastic Strings
More elastic tennis racket strings generate more power (generally, what will produce more power will also absorb more shock load at impact).
String Tension Effects
Tennis string towards the lower end of the recommended tension range for your racquet. A looser string face will absorb more of the ball's impact. A looser face will also add depth to shots without a full-powered swing.
Strings For Widebody Frames
It is recommended by the USRSA to have the tennis string machine, string widebody frames at lower tension for better playability and to help keep tennis strings from breaking too soon.
What Are String Gauges?
Tennis string gauges are simply the thickness of the string. There are many different brands, but generally 3 gauges, 15, 16, and 17. 15 gauge string is great for beginners, and is thicker and more durable. 17 gauge is a great performance string, is less durable, but allows for a better feel.
More Power
Thinner tennis string generates more power (Wilson's research for their Sweetspot string disputes this theory).
Easiest To Break Strings
Longer tennis strings on a string bed move more hence break easier (see larger frames from above).
Fewer Strings
Decreased tennis string density (fewer strings) generates more spin.
Basic Facts
It is recommended by the USRSA that widebody frames use multifilament tennis strings (i.e. "soft" tennis strings) or gut to compensate for some of the stiff attributes hence better playability.
String Gauges (String Thicknesses)
Tennis racquet strings come in various thicknesses, called "gauges." You have 15, 15L, 16, 16L, and 17. Larger numbers mean thinner strings. "L" means light and can be thought of as half as size (so 15L can be considered 15 1/2). Thick strings have less resilience and feel than thin strings but last longer.
Textured Strings
Textured tennis strings tend to produce more spin.
Higher String Tensions
Higher tennis racket string tensions generate more ball control (for experienced players).
What can I do to help reduce vibration?
Ask for tennis strings that are softer and more flexible and/or reduce your string tension or use vibration dampeners.
Longer String Length
A longer tennis racket string length (or string plane area) produces more power.