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10+ Best Tennis Strings for 2024

Playtested & Reviewed

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By Jon Crim TennisCompanion

Often overlooked or undervalued, tennis strings are as crucial as the frame you choose, delivering a substantial portion of your racquet’s performance when they come in contact with a ball.

From enhancing spin to improving comfort, power, or control, you can achieve a range of advantages, especially when combined with the optimal tension and guage or thickness for your needs.

To help you find a string you’ll love, I’ve carefully selected my picks of the best tennis strings for 2024, all of which I’ve playtested and reviewed to ensure they reliably deliver your desired playing characteristics.

You’ll have everything necessary to confidently choose your next set, along with practical tips to inform your decision, insight into my rating process, and thoughtfully selected alternatives to expand your options.

Article Contents

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String Comparison Table

How to Use this Guide

Strings for Beginners & Kids

Tips for Selecting Strings

My Selection Process

Best String Guide

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Within this guide, I detail my reviews of the best tennis strings, selecting my top picks for 2024 through an objective rating system that includes eight different attributes.

The table below outlines the 11 stings I reviewed and their ratings for quick and easy comparison.

Scroll left to right to view all ratings, or click any of the links in the table to jump to the section of the article where I discuss that specific string and why it made my list.

Keep scrolling to learn more about each of these strings.

How to Use This Guide

When selecting a new set of tennis strings , I’ve found most players are looking for a specific type of string or performance characteristic, so I’ve organized this guide according to those needs. If you’d like, you can click any of the following links to skip to that section of this article.

The following are the different types of strings that I’ll cover.

• Natural gut

Multifilament

• Soft polyester
• Synthetic gut

Regarding performance, here are the most common characteristics that players seek out when researching new strings.

For each, I’ve provided you with a best-in-class recommendation that I’ve found through my testing to exemplify each category, regardless of which is top of mind for you. For example, if topspin is your main priority, I’m confident that my string selection will deliver that characteristic.

However, it’s important to note that with each string I’ve selected, there will often be tradeoffs in performance. That is, no set of strings delivers exceptional marks across the board. With that in mind, I’ve highlighted each string’s tradeoffs in addition to its strong points.

Furthermore, I’ve taken my recommendations a step further by providing you with a selection of high-quality alternatives to explore for each category to accommodate for factors like a string’s price that may present a roadblock for you to start using it.

If you’re looking to buy a set of tennis strings as a gift , a little patience in listening to the individual you’re buying for can go a long way.

Enquire about what strings they’re already using and how they’ve performed for them, and then use that information to inform your purchase with the help of this guide. Most players are rarely asked these questions and will happily share their thoughts.

Best Strings for Beginners & Children

If you’re new to tennis or a parent helping guide your child, you may be concerned about whether or not your strings are adequate, which is an excellent consideration that I’m happy you’re investigating.

The truth is, beyond restringing periodically , which is good practice, the strings you choose will have little impact on your performance and growth compared to learning the fundamentals and basic techniques.

Furthermore, the differences from one string to the next are more challenging to detect and appreciate when you first learn to play tennis , so there’s no reason to overinvest your hard-earned money early on.

With that in mind, I recommend beginners and children string their racquets with a well-rounded yet inexpensive synthetic gut for balanced performance when first getting involved with the sport.

My pick for the best synthetic gut tennis string, which I cover in greater detail in this guide, is Prince Synthetic Gut. It’s an excellent string with a long-standing positive reputation in the tennis community. Here are a few additional options to consider for beginners and children.

• Head Synthetic Gut PPS
• Gamma Synthetic Gut
• Wilson Synthetic Gut Power
• Goosen OG-Sheep Micro

Each delivers fantastic performance relative to cost, so if you find one cheaper, have an affinity to one of the brands, or enjoy a specific color, then go with that option. It’s hard to go wrong here.

Helpful Tip It’s often tempting for beginners to use polyester tennis strings because they’re popular among professional tennis players. I’d encourage you to steer clear of them as they can be detrimental early on, lacking comfort to protect a player’s arm as they adapt to new movements and the power to achieve sufficient depth of shot.

As your skills develop and you graduate to a more expensive performance tennis racquet , you’ll be in a much better position to benefit from the nuanced performance of a higher-quality tennis string.

Many players make the mistake of not revisiting their string choice as their skills develop, which is one of the many reasons I advocate for helping players learn as much as possible about their gear.

Finally, if you’re not concerned with the cost of strings and restringing, there’s nothing wrong with opting for a premium option like a multifilament or natural gut , which are solid options. Just don’t expect using them to transform your game or flatten the learning curve.

Tips for Selecting a Set of Tennis Strings

To help you get the most out of this guide and select the best set of strings for your needs, here are a handful of helpful concepts to review and consider before making a decision.

String Gauge

Before buying a new string, you’ll have to decide on the gauge or thickness you’d like to use with two key factors to consider.

• Spin potential

All else equal, a thicker string will be more durable and offer less spin potential, while a thinner option will be less durable and provide more spin potential.

Strings are widely available at 17 or 16 gauge, with 17 being a thinner string and 16 thicker. In the spirit of keeping things simple, I suggest players start with one of those options based on whether they’re looking for more durability or spin and then adjust from there.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the topic, check out my article on tennis string gauge , which provides a full explanation.

String Tension

Once you’ve found a new string to try and settled on a guage, you’ll need to decide on an ideal tension.

As a starting point, racquet manufacturers provide players with a recommended tension range for optimal performance, which you’ll find printed on most frames. I recommend players stringing their racquet for the first time to start at the middle of the recommended tension.

For example, if your racquet’s tension range is 50-60 pounds, ask your stinger to string your racquet at 55 pounds. Once you play with your racquet strung at that tension, you’ll develop a baseline for its performance that you can use to make adjustments.

Generally, you’re making a tradeoff between more power with a lower tension or added control with a higher tension. Based on your experience, you can adjust up or down a few pounds if necessary.

Of course, if this isn’t your first time stringing your racquet, you can use your previous tension as a baseline and adjust it up, down, or keep it the same, depending on how you felt it performed.

We’ve just scratched the surface on tension, so if you’d like to learn more about its implications on your racquet’s performance, check out my article on enhancing your game with the ideal tension .

Hybrid Stringing

Players taking advantage of hybrid stringing select two different strings to install in their racquet, one for the mains and another for the crosses.

The result is a blend of string attributes. The string used for the mains will dominate the overall feel, while the crosses play a supporting role and modify the racquet’s feel, giving players more options when stringing.

Some sets of strings, such as Wilson’s Champions Choice, my pick for the best-prepackaged hybrid, include two different types of strings. In this case, Wilson combines a natural gut with a polyester string.

However, you can mix any two types of strings as a hybrid. For example, some players will combine two different gauges of the same string for added durability, improved feel, or enhanced topspin.

Regardless of whether you experiment with hybrid string setups, it’s great to be aware of the option, which has become more popular over the years and is highly underrated.

String Replacement

As you look to buy a new set of tennis strings, it pays to know how frequently you should replace them.

Many players will wait until their strings break before replacing them. Although there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with this approach, it’s helpful to recognize that your strings’ lifespan, or playability duration, is generally far shorter than the time it takes to break them.

Over time, your strings go dead, losing the resilience that helps them deliver optimal performance in power, spin, comfort, and control, so you miss out on these benefits by waiting too long.

As a general rule, you can double the number of times you play per week to determine the minimum number of times you should restring your racquet per year. For example, if you play two times a week, you should restring four times a year or every three months.

However, for a better understanding of when to restring, there are several factors I’d encourage you to consider, including:

• Frequency and length of play
• Style of play
• Level of competition
• Personal preference

I speak to each of these in my dedicated guide on restringing , which I’d encourage you to explore if you’d like to learn more.

Your Style of Play, Preferences, and Opinion

One of the best tips I can offer you when considering a new set of strings is to reflect on your unique attributes as a player and your desired outcome of experimenting with a new set of strings.

I often find players swayed by what the pros are using or a teammate or friend’s advice with little or no consideration for their specific needs or attributes that make them unique as players.

Although there’s a lot you can learn by looking for outside opinions and feedback, you should focus on identifying a string that provides you with the characteristics that would best enhance your game as a priority.

More often than not, when players take the time to evaluate their needs seriously, they’re happier with the strings they choose, even if it takes some time to find the right set.

With that in mind, don’t underestimate the value of experimenting to find the ideal set of strings. Rarely is it a one-and-done scenario to figure out what works best, and while paying for restringing isn’t cheap, it’s a sound investment for players who are serious about their game.

Finally, expect your preferences to change as your skills improve and your style of play evolves. Although I don’t recommend changing strings frequently, it’s worthwhile to consider your options periodically.

To select my 2024 picks for the best tennis strings in each category, I evaluated each set across eight attributes to provide you with the most objective ratings possible.

I playtested each string using the same racquet, rated every attribute on a scale of 1 to 10, and calculated the average score to arrive at the rating.

Here are the attributes I used in my selection process.

Some tennis strings return significantly more energy when striking a ball, making it easier to generate pace.

Higher-power strings will require less effort to increase the ball’s speed, while low-powered strings demand more from the player.

The number one factor influencing spin is racquet head speed, or how fast a player swings their racquet. However, a player’s racquet and strings also have an impact, with some strings providing players with more potential for generating topspin than others.

Strings with high spin ratings enable players to create more topspin, while strings with low spin ratings will have less spin potential. Players can generate topspin with any string regardless of a string’s rating.

A player’s ability to direct and place the ball accurately and confidently is generally perceived as control.

Power and control are inversely related, i.e., a lower-power string will increase control, while a high-powered string will decrease control.

Most players associate touch and feel, or their ability to delicately and accurately place the ball, with finesse.

A higher touch rating will help a player execute with more precision and greater control over the ball. On the other hand, a lower score for this attribute will make hitting finesse shots more challenging, thus requiring additional focus, attention, and innate feel.

The amount of shock and vibration a player feels when hitting with different strings informs comfort.

Some tennis strings are better at absorbing and reducing shock and vibration, resulting in more comfort, while others feel harsh. It’s worth noting that a player’s racquet and technique also influence comfort.

The capacity for a set of strings to limit wear and tear from hitting, moisture, debris, and temperature changes, which can lead to breakage or reduce the lifespan of a string, represents durability.

Playability Duration

The length of time a set of strings can maintain tension and quality play or performance is its playability duration. It’s helpful because some strings are highly durable and resist breakage but require frequent replacement to preserve the quality of the strings’ performance.

Strings that snap back into place after hitting and don’t move much or require constant straightening will have higher movement ratings.

Strings with low scores will move considerably and require players to straighten them continually. There is little evidence to suggest string alignment impacts performance, but it often becomes a nuisance for players trying to keep them straight.

Best Tennis Strings Guide

Below, you’ll find my picks of the best tennis strings for 2024. As you review my selections, keep in mind that I’ll only allow one string to win best of for a single category.

If a string is a candidate for multiple categories, I’ll only elect it for the one where it performs best. With that in mind, many of the strings I’ve selected perform exceptionally well in multiple areas.

Natural Gut

As far as tennis strings go,  natural gut is some of the best (and priciest) on the market, and up until the 90s, most players considered it the gold standard, used by virtually all professionals.

To the surprise of many players, manufacturers create natural gut tennis strings by weaving together several strands of cow intestine.

This type of string works well because it offers ideal characteristics, including exceptional elasticity, long-lasting tension maintenance, and arm-friendly comfort. For 2023, I’ve awarded Babolat VS Touch as the best natural gut tennis string.

Helpful Tip Natural gut tennis strings are the most expensive category available. If you’re a fan of natural gut but can’t justify the cost, consider using string savers to extend its life and reduce the cost of restringing.

Babolat VS Touch

In 1875, Pierre Babolat developed the first tennis string made of sheep gut, and the evolved, more refined Babolat natural gut they’ve worked to perfect has remained the premiere natural gut tennis string ever since.

Players will find Babolat VS Touch delivers power, comfort, and feel. Over the years, the string has also received slight upgrades and revisions to increase its durability and resistance to moisture, which historically are two pitfalls of many natural gut tennis strings.

Why I Love It

Hands down, natural gut is the most powerful string on the market, and Babolat’s VS Touch stands at the head of its class.

The natural elastic fibers with Babolat VS Touch make for a string with unrivaled comfort. However, this string’s unique because it also plays super crisp and doesn’t lose its plush feel at higher tensions.

The cherry on top for Babolat VS Touch is its incredible feel, even when strung at a high tension, which helps aid precision and connection with the ball for exceptional touch.

The downsides to Babolat VS Touch are spin and control, which go hand in hand. It won’t rival the level of spin you’ll get with a quality set of polyester strings, and some players will find it too powerful.

However, one of the strings’ unique attributes is that its performance doesn’t degrade at higher tensions, which is a great way to rein in its built-in power for more control.

Finally, it’s worth noting that this string’s natural fibers will fray. Although common with natural gut and multifilaments, it may be a turnoff for some.

Gauge & Color Variations

• 16 half set

Natural Gut Alternatives

If you like the idea of Babolat VS Touch but want to explore alternative natural gut options, start with Wilson Natural Gut. It’s an excellent string comparable to Babolat’s, delivering similar specs. Another solid pick would be Luxilon’s natural gut, which is a top performer as well.

Volkl V-Icon and the more affordable KLIP Legend Natural Gut are other options worth checking out. Besides the reasonable price, I especially appreciate the range of KLIP options available, making it an excellent starting point for players venturing into the world of gut.

Multifilament tennis strings comprise hundreds or thousands of tiny microfibers woven together to form a single strand similar to natural gut, so it’s a fantastic, less expensive alternative.

In particular, multifilament tennis strings offer above-average playability and exceptional comfort. If you suffer from tennis elbow or any other arm injury, you’ll likely appreciate their ability to reduce shock and vibration.

There are numerous multifilament tennis strings on the market and more than a handful of terrific options. However, Wilson NXT earns the label of the best multifilament for 2023.

I also love that this string comes in two colors, natural white and black; the latter looks as good as it performs.

There’s no doubt that Wilson NXT is a long-standing leader in the multifilament space with a solid following and a proven track record.

Whether stringing a full bed or combining it with another string as a hybrid, this string is an excellent option for players of all ages and levels.

One of Wilson NXT’s standout features is its power, which it delivers through the combined effort of 1,600 individual microfibers. However, arguably, the best part of its power is that it’s not overbearing.

As a result, most players will find the extra power a welcome feature that aids depth of shot without being overbearing.

Wilson NXT is best known for its comfort, which is the feature that Wilson highlights as the string’s strongest asset.

True to that claim, NXT is easy on the arm but doesn’t sacrifice the response and playability that players demand.

While Wilson NXT packs a punch on the power end of the spectrum, it still provides excellent feel and delivers all-around playability that suits a broad range of styles and skill levels.

The main thing you give up with Wilson NXT is durability, easily the biggest complaint about the string. To compensate, I recommend you use the 16 gauge to help extend its life.

Players might also consider string savers to extend this string’s life.

Multifilament Alternatives

If you’re looking for an alternative to Wilson NXT, the good news is you’ve got options. While I give Wilson NXT a slight edge, Technifibre’s X-One Biphase and NRG2 are borderline equivalents, and I’d encourage you to check out all three. For reference, I’d give both of Tecnifibre’s strings the edge if power is high on your list.

Another of my favorite multifilament tennis strings is Head Velocity MLT for its exceptional price and all-around performance. Other options worth checking out are Gamma TNT2 Touch and Babolat Xcel, which are more durable and play with extra control.

Polyester (Poly)

Within the past 10-15 years,  polyester tennis strings have become hugely popular, allowing players like Rafael Nadal to take massive cuts at the ball and redefine our expectations and what’s possible with topspin.

Unlike multifilament tennis strings, consisting of thousands of microfibers, polyester strings are typically monofilament or a single solid filament.

Many players seek polyester strings for their control, spin, and durability. However, this tends to come with the drawback that they aren’t as forgiving and can be harsh on your arm.

My pick for the best polyester tennis string for 2024 is Luxilon ALU Power, which has developed a cult-like following and is wildly popular on the ATP and WTA tours.

• Luxilon ALU Power

Luxilon is by far the most dominant brand in polyester tennis strings, and its popularity among professional and competitive tennis players worldwide speaks volumes regarding its performance.

Without question, Luxilon ALU Power exemplifies what modern players expect from poly in terms of control, spin, and durability.

An exciting development for this time-tested polyester is a slew of new colors available for purchase, including blue, green, red, and lime.

Let’s look at some features that make Luxilon ALU Power popular, especially among intermediate to advanced tennis players.

Luxilon ALU Power delivers outstanding control without sacrificing reliable touch and feel, often a drawback of other polyester tennis strings.

In particular, intermediate to advanced players will love that you can take big swings at the ball without sacrificing control, especially when combined with its ability to help generate spin.

Furthermore, Luxilon ALU Power retains a liveliness, ensuring the string doesn’t feel underpowered or dull.

Luxilon ALU Power also delivers excellent spin potential aided by its ability to snap back into place quickly.

True to most polyester strings, the lower power allows players to accelerate their racquet head faster to generate added spin without fear of sending the ball long.

Luxilon ALU Power doesn’t disappoint in the durability department, one of the polyester category’s trademark features.

Not only is it relatively hard to break, but it also does an excellent job maintaining tension, which helps extend the strings’ overall life.

Despite its name, the most significant tradeoffs with Luxilon ALU Power are power and comfort. However, it’s simply the cost of the spin and control that this category of strings delivers. Unfortunately, ALU power is no exception to these rules.

• 16 (new in 2020)
• 16L Blue, Green, Red, Lime

Polyester Alternatives

Regarding Luxilon ALU Power alternatives, one of my favorite places to look is among the line of Luxilon strings. They have a world-class selection, including Luxilon ALU Power Rough, ALU Power Spin, ALU Power Soft, 4G, and Element.

However, if you’re looking outside the Luxilon family of strings, I recommend you check out the following.

• Babolat RPM Blast
• Babolat Pro Hurricane

Solinco Hyper-G

Solinco confidential.

• Tecnifibre Ice Code
• Tecnifibre Black Code
• Volkl Cyclone
• Volkl V-Torque
• Yonex Poly Tour Pro
• Yonex Poly Tour Spin
• Wilson Revolve

There’s a lot on offer and plenty of options to suit a wide range of player preferences and budgets.

Soft Polyester (Poly)

Polyester tennis strings are some of the best-selling. Unfortunately, with their growing popularity over the past two decades, more and more players have suffered from arm injuries and discomfort, especially when combined with a stiffer tennis racquet.

In response, many string manufacturers have introduced updated formulations of their polyester strings with a softer feel that’s easier on a player’s arm, delivering a more comfortable response.

These strings are fantastic options for players running into arm issues but still demand the performance of polyester or players looking to transition into polys and are concerned about comfort.

It’s worth noting that the comfort associated with softer polys is relative to the classic stiffness of a typical polyester. As a result, they’re not as forgiving as a multifilament or natural gut, so if comfort is a top priority, soft polys will likely be too harsh for your needs.

Considering that, my top pick for the best soft polyester tennis string is Solinco Hyper-G Soft.

Solinco Hyper-G Soft

For years, Hyper-G has delivered exceptional performance in the polyester category, so when Solinco announced a soft version of their string, it was a highly anticipated release.

Thankfully, to the delight of many players, Solinco delivered. Rather than introducing a watered-down version of their flagship string, they retained the essential control and spin you’d expect from a poly with above-average comfort that’s easier on a player’s arm.

Despite its softer formulation, Solinco Hyper-G Soft delivers outstanding spin aided by the string’s shape and slick surface, which quickly snaps back into place to help improve bite and rotation on the ball.

Hyper-G Soft offers more pop than the original, which most players will find translates to marginally less control. Despite that, this feature is undoubtedly one of the string’s standouts, especially when combined with the string’s excellent spin.

Although undoubtedly more comfortable strings are on the market, I’ve found Hyper-G Soft to perform best in this category relative to other soft polys, making it unique. After a few hours on the court, it’s easy to notice how much more forgiving this string is on your arm.

Relative to traditional stiffer polyesters, Hyper-G Soft offers a subtle bump in power, which may turn off players looking for maximum control. Furthermore, due to its softer makeup, the string loses its resilience faster than the original Hyper-G, reducing its playability duration. As a result, players should expect to have to restring more often.

Soft Polyester Alternatives

A few years back, the options for soft polys were sparse. However, that has steadily evolved as more companies recognize the demand, and trends in arm injuries continue to increase.

With that in mind, here are a few quality alternatives to consider if you’re looking for a string that meets these criteria.

• Luxilon 4G Soft
• Tourna Big Hitter Black
• Luxilon ALU Power Soft
• Solinco Tour Bite Soft
• Head Lynx Black
• Babolat RPM Soft*

Each of these strings delivers above-average comfort in this category. If Solinco Hyper-G Soft doesn’t meet your needs, or if you’ve already tried it and are looking for another option, they’re worth exploring further.

*Babolat RPM Soft isn’t technically a polyester. Instead, it’s a polyamide, belonging to the same family of synthetic materials as nylon and aramids. That said, its properties intend to provide players with performance similar to a soft poly.

Synthetic Gut

On the lower end of the performance spectrum, synthetic gut tennis strings give players access to a quality product without the higher price tag of natural gut, multifilament, and polyester strings.

These strings are inexpensive and well-rounded without the enhanced features associated with other types, i.e., the extra comfort available through many multifilaments or control and spin familiar with polyester.

If anything, synthetic gut strings will err on the side of durability, an excellent feature for players looking for an affordable option because they’ll also last, which adds to their value.

Helpful Tip If you’re new to tennis, don’t underestimate synthetic gut tennis strings. They aren’t a string players rave about online, but they’re a terrific option when first starting out or for recreational use.

This year, I’m awarding the best synthetic gut tennis strings to Prince Synthetic Gut, a classic offering that delivers comfort and adequate power at a wallet-friendly price.

Prince Synthetic Gut

For years, Prince Synthetic Gut has provided recreational players of all ages and levels with a time-tested string that delivers all-around playability at an unbeatable price.

While it doesn’t provide the unique strengths of other string categories, Prince Synthetic Gut is a cost-effective choice that will continue to satisfy players worldwide. Plus, it comes in several colors, which is fun for younger players where string performance isn’t a priority.

Can’t decide which color to buy? Check out their latest evolution, dubbed Prism, the same great string in a rainbow of colors.

When it comes to the synthetic gut family of tennis strings, it’s all about value, and Prince Synthetic Gut delivers with an excellent price point.

While you won’t get access to some of the higher-end features available with natural gut, multifilament, or polyester strings, these strings are great all-around performers for the price.

Prince Synthetic Gut offers moderate overall performance but lacks the most in durability, control, and feel.

Generally, this is a terrific option for beginners who still need to develop the technique and skill set to notice a significant difference between strings. They’re also perfect for recreational players who don’t play frequently or occasionally play for exercise.

• 16: Prism (rainbow-colored)
• 16: black, gold, silver, blue, purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, white
• 17: black, gold, red, pink, orange, green, white

Synthetic Gut Alternatives

There are quite a few alternatives to Prince Synthetic Gut. However, a near equivalent and one I often recommend is Gosen’s OG-Sheep Micro, which is even more affordable.

A few others worth considering include:

• Ashaway Synthetic Gut

Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the above strings, so if you have an affinity to a specific brand, don’t hesitate to choose that option.

One of the challenges that players have faced over the years is that strings come with distinct pros and cons. For example, many players will find multifilaments too powerful and lacking in the spin department, while polyesters tend to be harsh on the arm.

To make up for the advantages and disadvantages of different string types, players began to combine strings, one set for the mains and another for the crosses, to get the best of both worlds. Over time, this approach of hybrid stringing became popular for players of all levels.

It’s also worth noting that a hybrid can consist of two gauges of the same string – it doesn’t have to be two entirely different types.

Although you can combine any two strings to form a hybrid, I have found Wilson Champions Choice, a prepackaged combination, to be the best.

With it, you’ll get Wilson’s Natural Gut and Luxilon ALU Power Rough polyester to balance comfort, power, spin, control, and feel.

Wilson Champions Choice Duo

If there’s a defining characteristic of this hybrid string set, it’s the fact that it’s Roger Federer’s choice – one of the game’s greatest players of all time .

Of course, beyond name recognition, combining these two exceptional strings provides a unique balance to suit a wide range of players.

As a reminder, the characteristics of the main strings will dominate the racquet’s feel. I’d recommend stringing the Luxilon in the mains if you’re going for durability and control. At the same time, you’ll find a softer feel and increased playability by using Wilson’s natural gut in the mains.

While it’s different for every player, I found the natural gut in the mains to be the ideal setup with this string set. It’s also the most common approach when stringing a hybrid with gut and polyester.

With Wilson’s Natural Gut in the mains, Champions Choice delivers more than enough power. However, it’s not overbearing because Luxilon ALU Power Rough is a lower-powered string that balances it out.

It’s hard to beat this combination for players looking for excellent spin potential and comfort. While you can undoubtedly achieve more comfort with a full bed of natural gut, the tradeoff with spin and control is significant. As a result, this hybrid delivers it all.

The best part about hybrid string setups is combining the best of two worlds in natural gut and polyester tennis strings. As a result, you get a blend of each string category’s features, providing players with a balance only a hybrid setup can offer.

Hybrid stringing with natural gut and polyester is a double-edged sword. While you get a blend of characteristics, you don’t get the full benefit of either string type and end up meeting somewhere in the middle. For many players, this is an ideal scenario.

However, it may leave others wanting. In particular, players used to full polyester string setups may find Wilson Champions Choice a bit too high-powered and lacking in the spin and control departments, so you’ll need to consider those facets when stringing with this hybrid.

Hybrid Alternatives

For many, the price of this string set is too high. With that in mind, I recommend players check out Wilson’s Control Duo Hybrid, a combination of Wilson NXT Tour and Luxilon ALU Power.

Additional hybrid strings I’d recommend include:

• Babolat Hybrid RPM Blast + VS Gut
• KLIP X-Plosive Gut/Poly Hybrid

Of course, the possibilities are endless, as you can combine any two strings to form your hybrid setup. For example, Babolat VS Touch and Luxilon ALU Power are also excellent.

With players like Rafel Nadal on tour, one of the most sought-after attributes for tennis players is the ability to generate massive topspin.

If you’re looking to follow suit, then there’s no doubt that polyester tennis strings are a fantastic choice. Their slick surface and ability to snap back into place are dynamic combinations to help you generate maximum spin.

However, with more than a handful of polyester strings on the market, one stands out as the best for topspin, and that’s Babolat RPM Blast.

Babolat RPM Blast takes topspin to the max. First, as a polyester tennis string, RPM Blast is slick and quickly snaps back into place upon contact, helping to generate topspin.

However, this string set goes a step further with a unique octagonal shape that helps grab the ball and increase the spin potential even further, which is second to none.

One of Babolat RPM Blast’s unique attributes is that it’s surprisingly comfortable to play with for a polyester tennis string, which makes it a terrific option for anyone looking to test the waters with a poly to help enhance their topspin and control.

Babolat RPM Blast’s defining feature is its ability to help maximize spin, which is immediately apparent when hitting groundstrokes. The ball propels itself off my strings with impressive action and ease.

The spin and low power of RPM Blast allow me to take full swings and significant cuts at the ball, resulting in topspin that enables me to clear the net with confidence that the ball would dip back into the court, and I never feel I have to worry about the ball sailing long.

Together, these attributes give me a strong sense of control, which allows me to dictate points and move players from side to side.

Although durability isn’t always the most exciting feature of a tennis string, Babolat RPM Blast delivers in this category. It’s a string you can count on to resist abrasion and last. Most players will find they’ll cut out RPM Blast to replace them before they break.

As you might expect from a poly, the most significant tradeoff with Babolat RPM Blast is its lower power and comfort relative to other strings. While the low power is part of what makes this string fantastic, it does have the potential to leave some players frustrated with a lack of pace, especially if they’re using a lower-powered racquet.

Furthermore, it’s a stiffer poly and nowhere near what players will find with gut or multifilaments from a comfort standpoint. Therefore, I strongly recommend players consider this facet before trying it.

Alternatives for Topspin

When it comes to maxing out topspin, there are plenty of options. Here are a few of my favorites, which are all polyester strings.

• Diadem Solstice Power
• Luxilon ALU Power Rough
• Luxilon ALU Power Spin
• Volk V-Square
• Volk V-Torque

There’s a lot here to consider with a range of price points, so I’m confident you can find one you’ll love from this mix.

Of course, each has pros and cons, but there are plenty of exceptional options to test and evaluate if you want to enhance spin.

Controlling the ball has become increasingly crucial as tennis has evolved with stronger players and more aggressive shot-making.

A control-oriented string might be a great option if you want to tone down your racquet’s power or reduce the likelihood of overhitting with added topspin that gives you more margin for error to keep the ball in play.

In this regard, polyester tennis strings are excellent low-powered options, making them an ideal fit for players seeking control.

However, not all polyester delivers equal performance, so it pays to know your options. In this case, I’ve named Solinco Hyper-G the best tennis string for control.

If control is a priority, look no further than Solinco Hyper-G – a bright green co-poly that’s developed a cult-like following. What sets it apart from the rest is that it’s firm and ultra-low-powered, which allows you to take massive swings at the ball while maintaining added precision.

Hyper-G is square-shaped, so it has four edges for embedding into and gripping the ball. Combined with a great polyester’s trademark ability to snap back into place and the lower power that allows you to confidently increase your racquet head speed, you end up with loads of topspin to help further dictate placement.

However, Solico Hyper-G is extra special because it delivers on the promise of control while maintaining a superb feel. Only a few polys out there manage to do both well.

A big part of what produces a string with a greater sense of control is a consistent response or knowing what to expect every time the ball leaves the stringbed, and Hyper-G checks the right boxes to make that happen.

Topspin plays a significant role in a player’s control. The more you have, the more you can swing through the ball while maintaining confidence it will clear the net and drop back into the court. Although it doesn’t quite stack up to Babolat RPM Blast in this category, it’s a strong contender and excellent from the back of the court.

When you think of polyester tennis strings, feel might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, within the realm of polys, Solinco Hyper-G delivers a welcome high-end performance that sets it apart from many other low-powered strings. Ultimately, the string’s feel results in a highly predictable option that further aids control.

Although the low-powered performance of Solinco Hyper-G is well suited for intermediate to advanced players, many will find it swings the pendulum too far in this department. Furthermore, it doesn’t offer a high level of comfort, so players with arm issues need to keep that in mind.

Alternatives for Control

Although Solinco Hyper-G is a terrific option for control, several others deliver fantastic performance. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Babolat RPM Hurricane
• Luxilon Big Banger Original
• Tecnifibre Red Code

If you’ve struggled with arm injuries and you’re looking for a string that delivers control, you’ll likely want to steer clear of polyesters or, at a minimum, string it as a hybrid in the crosses.

Of course, while these are some of the best control-oriented strings, others offer enhanced control with a softer feel. Wilson NXT Control is an excellent example.

Unfortunately, we’re not all built with the strength to turn up the heat when we’d like. Perhaps you’re looking to hit a bigger serve or groundstrokes, or you’d like to add a little pop to a more flexible, control-oriented tennis racquet.

If so, a string that naturally brings more power to your shots can be a great option, and Tecnifibre X-One Biphase  delivers precisely that as the best tennis string for power.

• Tecnifibre X-One Biphase

As a multifilament tennis string, Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is a technological powerhouse with features like PU 400 and Elastyl that help to deliver more power efficiently.

It’s also an incredibly comfortable string to play with, which makes it an excellent choice for players with tennis elbow and an exceptional option for use as part of a hybrid string setup along with a more control-oriented, spin-friendly polyester.

Tecnifibre X-One Biphase packs a punch and delivers power as a standout feature. From serving to volleying and hitting groundstrokes, players will find the ball aggressively rebounds from their strings.

Some players may even need to tweak the tension upward to find the sweet spot between balance and control.

Generally, multifilaments and the thousands of fibers that make up this family of strings provide an arm-friendly hitting experience.

However, X-One Biphase stands out as an ultra-comfortable string that does a great job absorbing shock and reducing the impact on your arm without losing the liveliness that makes this string a crowd favorite.

While powerful, Tecnifibre gets the ingredients right with a string that delivers excellent feel and touch. This element stands out from all areas of the court, but I found it particularly well-suited up at the net.

The main tradeoff you’ll make with Tecnifibre X-One Biphase is with spin. Like nearly all multifilaments, it doesn’t have the natural ability to snap back into place, an attribute that aids in generating topspin.

Compared with a polyester tennis string, some players may find X-One Biphase overpowering, resulting in less control.

Lastly, while the playability duration or the lifespan of the strings’ performance is impressive, the strings’ durability may be an issue for chronic string breakers.

• 16: natural, red
• 17: natural, red
• 18: natural, red

Alternatives for Power

alternative. Unfortunately, natural gut is often cost-prohibitive for most players, so it’s not usually my first recommendation.

Instead, check out Tecnifibre’s NRG2 and Babolat’s Origin, which will deliver plenty of power with the added benefit of more control. Both are multifilaments with similar playing characteristics to X-One Biphase.

Although Wilson NXT doesn’t deliver quite the punch of the strings mentioned above, it’s a strong contender and my pick for the best multifilament, so worthy of consideration.

If you’re a big hitter who frequently breaks strings or wants to extend each restring’s life, you’ll need a durable option that lasts. After all, restringing too often can become an expensive habit.

Once again, polyester strings enter as the durability leader due to their solid monofilament construction and slick surface that wards off notching.

While you’ll find most polyester tennis strings are considerably more durable than natural gut, multifilament, or synthetic gut, my selection of the best durable string for 2023 is Solinco Confidential.

Solinco Confidential is a newer string released in 2020, but it’s quickly gained popularity as a strong contender for one of the best polys.

Although durability is one of its defining features, it scores well in many other areas, including spin, control, and the duration in which the string holds its performance.

Like some other polys on offer from Solinco, Confidential is a 4-sided string, which offers a bit of extra added bite. If you’re looking for a highly durable poly that doesn’t skimp on performance in other areas, it’s worth checking out in 2023.

If you’re a heavy hitter or chronic string breaker that requires extra durability to prolong the life of your strings, look no further than Solinco Confidential. It’s one of the most durable strings out there.

With its polyester makeup and 4-sided construction, Solinco Confidential delivers terrific access to spin. I particularly enjoyed the heavy topspin I could produce on my groundstrokes and found it helped provide tons of spin on my kick serve, which enhanced the ball’s rebound off the court – well out of most player strike zones.

When a string provides an outstanding balance between spin and feel in a low-powered package, you end up with excellent control. Solinco Confidential delivers on this front, which helped me to dictate points.

For the added durability Solinco Confidential provides, you’ll need to make some concessions – notably, lower power and less comfort.

However, if a low-powered string is appealing and you haven’t experienced any issues with your arm, it will be a good fit.

Alternatives for Durability

There are many fantastic polyester strings, but they sometimes have lower durability than expected.

Here are a few alternatives to Solinco Confidential that deliver reliable durability, and I’d recommend you check them out.

• Head Lynx Tour
• Yonex Poly Tour Strike
• Volkl V-Square

Another dependable option if you’re looking for a thinner gauge poly that doesn’t break easily is Luxilon Big Banger Ace. It only comes in 18 gauge, but it’s a fantastic ultra-durable option.

Consider checking out Ashaway’s Crossfire Kevlar strings if you want maximum durability. They’re super durable but have the drawback of being extremely low on comfort, feel, and spin, which is why I’m more inclined to recommend polyester.

Finally, if you want to enhance any strings’ durability, try string savers. You install these small plastic devices between the cross sections of your strings to prevent wear and tear that leads to breakage.

One of the most common injuries in our sport is  tennis elbow . If you’ve ever experienced it yourself, you’ll know how painful it can be and how it can sideline a player from enjoying the game they love.

Luckily, string manufacturers have continued developing products to ward off the harsh vibrations of playing tennis.

This year, I’ve selected the multifilament Prince Premier Touch as the best comfort-oriented tennis string in this category.

Prince Premier Touch

As a multifilament, Prince Premier Touch combines thousands of individual fibers to build a string resembling natural gut’s makeup.

However, Prince takes things further than most multifilaments, using a spiraled ribbon construction to mimic the serosa fibers in an authentic natural gut more closely.

The result is the softest multifilament I’ve ever tested, which roughly matches the comfort of the best natural gut on the market and is the perfect option for players where comfort is a top priority.

I can’t speak highly enough of this string’s comfort, so it’s a no-brainer for players who require strength in this attribute and are willing to sacrifice in some other areas. However, players who want to strike more balance should consider Prince Premier Touch as part of a hybrid string setup.

Prince Premier Touch also packs a highly respectable level of power. Even at a higher tension, the ball quickly rebounds from the strings. As a result, players who are used to hitting with a stiffer, control-oriented option will likely find this string overpowering.

As with all tennis strings, there’s always a tradeoff, and Prince Premier Touch is no exception. The areas where it gives up the most are the spin, control, and feel departments.

Relative to other tennis strings, I had to work significantly harder to generate topspin, and even my best efforts left me wanting more. Combined with the ultra-soft stringbed that lacked feel, the string kept me on my toes because its response wasn’t as predictable, making it difficult to find control and precision.

Alternatives for Comfort

If you’re looking for an arm-friendly tennis string with excellent comfort and can afford the higher price tag, I recommend you check out a natural gut like Babolat VS Touch or Wilson’s Natural Gut.

However, there are plenty of other tennis strings worth checking out. Here are a few additional multifilaments that I recommend.

• Babolat Origin
• Gamma TNT2 Touch
• Head Reflex MLT
• Tecnifibre NRG2

Unless maximum comfort is critical, I encourage you to explore alternatives that provide plenty of comfort and dramatically better overall performance.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to tennis strings, there are hundreds of options. However, the best align with your needs and deliver the performance-enhancing characteristics you desire.

With that in mind, I hope my list of the best tennis strings for 2024 helped provide you with some options you’d like to explore.

As a closing thought, remember that it usually takes players a few tries to find a string they love. As you experiment, you’ll develop a feel and preference for what’s best for your game, which will undoubtedly evolve as your skills improve and your game develops.

Do you have any questions or want to share your thoughts on any strings you’ve tried? Feel free to post a comment below; I’d love to hear from you.

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No Gamma Gut? Boooo

Haha, no hate for Gamma Gut here! It’s another solid alternative to those I listed. Thanks for chiming in.

All the best, Jon

Nice post, I really enjoyed reading it and agree with most of what you said, Even though, I’m curious to know about why there are no YTEX strings featured? for spin potential, their Ytex Quadro Twist is one of the best strings I’ve used so far, and as for the rest of polys and co-polys, there are many other great strings. You should check them out.

Thank you for sharing your experience with YTEX strings. I’ve played with a few of their strings and they offer some excellent soft polys at a reasonable price. However, from my experience, none of them outclass the strings I’ve recommended.

Of course, that’s the beauty of testing strings. Everyone’s experience is going to be different, so you really do have to try a handful to narrow down the best for you.

wow a very good review.

Have you tried Mantis Comfort Synthetic or Gosen Tour 3? Because I want to know if is worth using them. Thanks

Thanks for dropping by. I’ve played with Mantis Comfort Synthetic, but haven’t experienced Gosen Tour 3.

It was several years ago, but from what I recall, I enjoyed my hit with Mantis. It was a soft multifilament with moderate power and good all-around performance.

I haven’t heard Mantis mentioned in quite a while. Out of curiosity, what turned you on to those strings?

I hope that helps!

Hi, thanks for the reviews.

It would be great if you could publish a table of all the strings you tested and the scores you gave them to help us find the string with the right balance for our needs

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I’ll see what I can do to pull that together.

Hi Looking for a hybird set-up – using rpm or Lux ALU, but cant seem to find the Wilson Gut or VS touch in reels – Is this a thing?

Great question! Natural gut isn’t sold in reels because manufacturers want the string to be sealed from moisture up until the time it’s used. Providing these strings in a reel wouldn’t allow them to control that variable, which is why they don’t offer it.

Thanks for this informative article. I currently use solinco diamond rough cut. I love the spin potential but as I age I would like to add some power and comfort. Any suggestions on what I could mix it with? Thanks

Solinco Tour Bite Diamond is a solid poly. I’d encourage you to check out my post on multifilaments for some great options. If you read through that guide and still want some feedback, let me know. I’d be happy to help.

Hi, i am going to buy my first tennis racket, is head speed mp 2022 a good choice? What is your suggestion about the string for this racket? Head lynx tour is good?

Thanks for your question. The Head Speed MP is an excellent frame, I hope you enjoy it. As a beginner, Head Lynx Tour wouldn’t be my first pick. It’s a stiffer low-powered poly that’s extra durable, but I think you’d do better with something like Head Velocity MLT, which is less expensive and a solid all-around string that will be more forgiving.

I notice Head poly doesn’t make the cut. Has that changed at all since you published this post? I’m specifically wondering how Hawk Power and Lynx Tour might rank on your lists, for example, compared to ALU Power and Hyper-G, respectively, for a less expensive all-around poly and shaped control/spin string? I’d like to try these in a hybrid with a more comfortable, touch oriented multi like Velocity.

I have Head Hawk Power and Lynx Tour listed as excellent alternatives to Solinco Confidential for durability, but they also deliver fantastic control. Of the two, I prefer Head Lynx Tour, which I find has better feel and spin as it’s a shaped poly. Plus, it’s less expensive.

Ultimately, my goal with this list is to provide the cream of the crop for each category independent of price, and there’s a lot of competition out there, so in some cases it does come down to splitting hairs. I certainly wouldn’t shy away from Head’s polys, but in my experience they don’t perform as strong as those I recommend.

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Best Tennis Strings for 2023 – A Complete Guide

The importance of picking the perfect tennis racquet is sometimes overstated, but a racquet is only as good as its strings. Choosing the perfect tennis string might be difficult because there are so many options. However, this wide range of string possibilities also means that you can select a string with the features you need for the best fit for your racquet , style, and skill level with a bit of research.

The equipment used by athletes has a significant impact on their performance. For example, a high-quality racket is a must-have in tennis since it impacts player performance. On the other hand, Tennis strings are equally crucial because they assist players’ playability.

Tennis strings of good quality aid players in returning shots correctly and controlling ball movement. It also aids in spin generation and adds force to the player’s shots.

Usually, we overlook the strings when purchasing a racket, although they are one of the most significant aspects of tennis. Strings are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Each string has its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Therefore, when purchasing tennis racquet strings, one must have the necessary information and assistance.

12 Best Tennis Strings on the Market 2023:

There are many tennis strings. A few of them are explained below.

• 1. HEAD Lynx Edge Review:
• 2. Luxilon Alu power 125:
• 3. Babolat RPM Blast Review
• 4. Solinco Tour Bite:
• 5. Wilson Champion’s Choice Hybrid 16 String:
• 6. Babolat vs. Touch:
• 7. Prince Synthetic Gut 16/1.30 Duraflex String:
• 8.  Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16/1.30 String:
• 9.  Tecnifibre NRG2 16/1.32 String Natural:
• 10. Solinco Hyper G:
• 11. Head Hawk Touch:
• 12. Wilson NXT:

Conclusion:

1.  head lynx edge review :.

REASON TO BUY

• Control the ball well.
• Spin the ball well
• The durability is excellent.
• The cost is affordable.
• Ideal for versatile topspin player

The Lynx Edge string has a hectogon form, giving aggressive and versatile topspin players more spin. The Lynx Edge can help you combine power and control with additional spin. Its unique hectogon form gives the ball additional bite, making it ideal for the versatile topspin player searching for a little extra spin. In addition, the innovative copolymer blend used in this string provides the vibrant Touch and control required for your aggressive game.

The 17-gauge Head Lynx edge is offered (1.25mm). The Lynx Edge can help you combine power and control with additional spin. Its unique hectogon form gives the ball additional bite, making it ideal for the versatile topspin player searching for a little extra spin. In addition, the innovative copolymer blend used in this string provides the vibrant Touch and control required for your aggressive game.

The Head Lynx string is a co-polyester string that gives aggressive players the control they need to attack the ball. Unlike regular polyester strings, Lynx is produced with specific additions that increase comfort, power, and Touch, allowing it to be used by a broader range of players. Lynx lived up to its reputation as a pleasant control string among our playtesters. 

We tried both the yellow and black colors and found that the yellow variant was more playable overall. The highest score was given to spin, backed up by outstanding results in the TW University String Lab. According to one playtester, the most significant disadvantage was poor tension maintenance, which is a usual trade-off with soft polys.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• It produces less energy

FINAL VERDICT:

This tennis string is highly affordable. Not only affordable, but it also has impressive features. It spins the ball well and is highly durable. This is ideal for a versatile topspin player. It controls the ball well. Its unique hectogon form gives the ball an additional bite.

2.  Luxilon Alu power 125 :

• The string creates power on its own
• Luxilon Alu Power 125 is an excellent spinner
• Control on spin
• Feels comfort

In 16L gauge, Luxilon Alu Power 125 is available. The string aids in the generation of power and is suitable for spinning. It’s also long-lasting. This string offers a “best-in-class” combination of control, spin, durability, and feel, and it’s still one of the finest choices for experienced players who use long, quick strokes.

If the tennis business has a formula similar to that of Coca-Cola, it’s most likely in the Luxilon ALU Power formulation. Despite numerous attempts to imitate or improve it, this string remains the professional tour’s gold standard. Pete Sampras was reportedly taken aback by how viciously the ball plunged at his feet when it first appeared that he called it “cheat along.”

As a result, our team was treated to surgical precision from the backcourt, interrupted by balls that dropped so unexpectedly that they seemed to defy physics. This remarkable precision is achieved by the ALU Power algorithm, which distinguishes ALU Power from previous generations of polys. This fantastic feeling gave our team a better sense of the ball, and it earned ALU Power a fantastic touch score.

This helps to explain why ALU Power was one of the first polys to gain widespread popularity. ALU Power has acquired its name as one of the most iconic strings in tennis history by dramatically increasing the playability and feel of copolymer monofilaments.

This is the original polyester string, and it is widely credited with revolutionizing and changing the way high-level tennis is taught and played. However, it’s hard to believe that this string has been around for more than two decades and is still a regular on professional tours.

• Sub-Department Racket String
• Length Reel: 330 feet / 100 meter
• Amateurs will find it challenging to handle

This string is highly durable. They feel very comfortable and have great control over spin. The string has its fantastic feature: it creates its power on its own. This string is an excellent spinner. However, the armatures will find it slightly tricky to handle.

3.  Babolat RPM Blast Review

• Because the string is heavy, it will last a long time.
• This allows for more control while playing.
• It’s both soft and comfortable at the same time.
• Great for those who love heavy topspin
• Smooth surface

The Babolat RPM blast is available in 16, 17, and 18 gauge. The Babolat RPM blast string is ideal for players who enjoy heavy hits. In addition, the RPM Blast has a smooth surface that helps the shot spin. While all co-polyester monofilaments offer some degree of spin, RPM Blast stands out.

Compared to regular polyester strings, they have a softer feel. It’s an excellent option for solid hitters that want the most control, durability, and spin out of their racquets. This 17-gram variant has a little more spin and feels than the 16g.

Everyone felt intrigued by this unusual new string with its ostensibly miraculous abilities. After some time has passed, the playtest team decided to investigate why so much of the initial excitement has persisted. It didn’t take them long to figure out, especially considering the 97 out of 100 spin scores. The comfort, which most of the crew rated very high for a co-poly, was even more astounding, though not a little surprising.

The outstanding control, which allowed for tremendous precision on quick swings, was unsurprising. RPM Blast outperformed standard polyester when it came to power, but they discovered that full strokes were required to reap the full benefits.

While beginners and intermediates with shorter strokes may struggle to uncover the magic of RPM Blast, more advanced players, particularly those who love heavy topspin, should have a great time with it. RPM Blast’s lower power level was great for our playtesters, who all swing hard and want to produce their power. This isn’t to say that RPM Blast isn’t alive. Andy’s broad strokes, on the other hand, discovered something additional.

• Tension: 52 pounds
• Forehead grip: semi-western
• Backhand: two-handed
• Slow strokes are not recommended.
• Amateur players will find it challenging to handle.

This string is heavy, so these last for a longer time. This makes them highly durable. In addition, these have more control while playing the game. The features that make it super unique are that it is soft and comfortable at the same time. This string is perfect for those who prefer heavy topspin.

4.  Solinco Tour Bite :

• Excellent for spin and power
• The duration of playability is satisfactory
• It gives you a lot of control
• It contains intense spin
• It offers excellent tension maintenance

The Solinco Tour Bite string is the most popular in India, and it ranks first in Racquets4U’s analysis. This string is constructed of polyester monofilament, explicitly intended for outstanding performance. In addition, the Solinco Tour Bite is created using an innovative and composite formula.

Tour Bite comes in three gauges: 16, 16L, and 17 gauge. The diameters of each gauge are different. For example, the diameter of 16 gauge is 1.30mm, the diameter of 16 gauge is 1.28mm, and so on.

If you want more durability, 16G is the way to go, but if you want more performance, 18G is the way to go, as international players also use it.

The bite strings on the Solinco Tour are gentler. Softer strings have more power. As a result, the tour bite is conducive to power-hitting. Furthermore, the tour bite delivers exceptional control and spin.

This solinco tennis string is not only ideal for players looking for better control and spin, but it also delivers a punch for those who want a hefty bill.

Many players in the ATP and WTA tournaments use Solinco Tour Bite. It’s a spin-friendly, control-oriented string that does exactly what it says on the tin: it offers the ball more bite and rotations. I’ve been using Solinco Tour Bite, and Solinco Tour Bite Soft is my go-to strings for a while now, but I’ve never given them a thorough review.

Solinco Tour Bite is a rigid poly that provides control and spin to players. It is not the string for you if you have trouble setting your tempo or if you have elbow or wrist problems. However, the Solinco Tour Bite is one of the best strings on the market if you are a pro player who likes to swing firmly yet maintain control.

• Length: 660 feet/200 meter
• Co-polyester monofilament string
• Offering high performance
• Designed to generate power
• Feelings aren’t fantastic
• The level of comfort is low

This string is perfect for high-speed spinners. It contains an immense amount of power. The fantastic feature is it gives you a lot of control. The best thing this string offers is excellent tension maintenance. This string gives good playability while playing the game.

5.  Wilson Champion’s Choice Hybrid 16 String:

• It is good for control
• Gives smooth Touch
• Spins very fast
• Holds much power
• Feels amazing

As used by Roger Federer , Wilson’s Champion’s Choice is in a league of its own. This hybrid gives about every benefit a player could want, including irresistible levels of control, power, spin, and comfort, by combining the surgical and spin-friendly precision of Luxilon ALU Power Rough with the incredible comfort and power of Wilson Natural Gut. 

Not only does this hybrid have a unique combination of characteristics, but it also has a wide range of applications. Unlike a single set of strings, Champion’s Choice allows the player to fine-tune the performance based on whatever main and cross strings are chosen. So start here if you want a string with fewer trade-offs.

It is all in the name. Wilson Champions Choice is a cross between Wilson Natural Gut and Luxilon ALU Power Rough, two of the most popular strings on tour. The player gets the best of both worlds by combining the optimum playability of a high-quality. Use the Luxilon ALU Power Rough for durability and control in the mains. 

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has dedicated itself for more than a century to developing and distributing goods that help tennis players achieve their full potential on any platform. Wilson has been a part of more than 500 Grand Slams and continues to push the boundaries of innovation to provide championship-caliber equipment and a winning mentality to players .

• Length: strings measure 20 feet/6.1 meter
• Composition: Natural gut/Co-polymer (nylon) + Flu carbon resin + aluminum fibers
• Color: Natural/Grey
• Some full-bed poly gamers may find it too powerful
• For some budgets, it’s too expensive

This string holds excellent control. It is straightforward to handle. The best feature of this string is that it spins very fast. It holds much power and is best for the advanced player. This string is best when it comes to power and control.

6.  Babolat vs. Touch :

• Gives you a lot of control and stability
• It’s great for spinning the ball
• Stay pleasant
• Feels fantastic while playing

Babolat Vs. touch the top-of-the-line Natural Gut in a thin and sensitive 17 gauge. It’s made with BT7 and Thermogut technology, a high-temperature finishing process that improves the fiber cohesiveness down to the center of the string. This string is currently ranked 5th on our list. Only the 16-gauge Babolat Vs. Touch is available.

While playing, the string gives excellent stability, spin, and control. Top touring pros and golfers can use this product who want the best feel and control. The gauge tolerance on VS Natural Gut is much tighter. The BT7 technology, a novel layering structure that increases durability by 15%, is used. It has a more rigid feel, yet it is still the “ Gold Standard ” in comfort and playability.

It is challenging to overstate Babolat VS Touch’s influence on tennis. Babolat VS Touch has been around since 1925, and the list of legendary tennis players who have used it, as well as the number of historic matches it has graced, is legendary. However, the composition of this string is what distinguishes it. The most pleasant and robust string we’ve tried so far is VS Touch, which is made of incredibly elastic natural fibers. But it’s not simply gentle and robust. The sensation is what distinguishes VS Touch. 

Unlike synthetic fiber strings , VS Touch not only feels fantastic, but it also manages to stay pleasant and responsive even at very high tensions. Aside from the high price and regular fraying associated with natural gut, our major criticism of VS Touch was that was lacking the spin that a complete bed of stiff polyester provides.

• Color: Black, Natural
• Gauge: 1.35mm (15Litre), 1.30mm (16gram)
• Length: 12.2 meter (40 feet)
• The cost is high

This string is highly durable, which makes it a fantastic option. This string is the best option for beginners because it has a lot of control and stability. It’s the perfect choice for the best spinning of balls. Not only spinning, but it also feels great while playing.

7.  Prince Synthetic Gut 16/1.30 Duraflex String :

• Playability in general
• Excellent value
• Ideal for beginners
• Several color options
• Great spin power

This legendary beginner string, one of the most enduring bestsellers of all time, combines an easy learning curve with an unbeatable price. Although Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex lacks the beautiful feel of natural gut or the otherworldly spin of stiff polyester, it offers a beguiling degree of all-around performance, making it suitable for seasoned value hunters and newcomers to the game. In addition, it comes with more color options than almost any other string, which is a good plus.

Like other synthetic gut strings, Prince Synthetic Gut is a soft string, which typically results in less control than you’d expect from a polyester. However, the string is unquestionably built for greater tension and players looking for power more than control. The string seemed a little loose at lower tensions, especially after an initial tension reduction, and we found ourselves hitting slightly long on a few occasions. However, it did not cause any issues when strung at higher tensions.

It is refreshing to see a true classic, Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex, persevere in an industry where new strings are constantly introduced. However, unlike Babolat RPM Blast, Prince Synthetic Gut does not have a high-tech silicone coating to maximize spin. It also doesn’t have over a thousand fibers to soften ball impact and increase power, unlike the Wilson NXT Tour.

The Prince Synthetic Gut is an excellent “starting string” for players who require reasonable comfort, spin, power, and control but not outstanding excellence in any of these areas. The true allure of Prince Synthetic Gut is that it has a devoted following of players who have been playing with it for years and have yet to find a reason to switch to another string.

• String material: synthetic gut
• Unique feature: Duraflex for enhanced durability
• String gauge: 17 Gauge (1.25 mm) / 16 Gauge (1.30 mm) / 15L Gauge (1.35 mm)
• For polygonal gamers, there isn’t enough durability and control
• For multifilament players, there isn’t enough comfort or power

This tennis string is ideal for beginners. It is of great value and comes in a range of various colors. It has excellent spin power. It is a fantastic option for the players who have just started playing and need a hold on the game.

8.   Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 16/1.30 String :

• It gives comfort
• Holds a lot of power
• Gives nice feeling
• Holds tension maintenance
• More affordable

Tecnifibre X-One Biphase tops the power list for many players, although Babolat Touch VS has more raw power than any other string in our guide. X-One Biphase is spring-loaded on groundstrokes and volleys, making it simpler to hit with depth and endpoints with a bang thanks to its highly flexible fibers and elastic polyurethane resin. In its lengthy history, this popular multifilament has seen nearly no modifications, but that’s because there’s nothing to improve.

Some tennis strings are pretty simple. For example, consider the guts of traditional poly or synthetic guts. These strings are made up of only one or two components and do not focus on the more expensive indulgences of comfort, feel, or power. Tecnifibre X-One Biphase, on the other hand, is a string with several carefully picked and methodically organized pieces. 

Like the natural gut, X-One Biphase is a little pricy, but that’s to be expected with the amount of technology crammed into this string. The price, in our opinion, is worth it for the player who wants a highly arm-friendly string with a lot of pop.

While X-One Biphase isn’t a natural gut, it provided our team with a level of comfort, feel tension maintenance, and power that few other multis can match. The negatives of this string for our two heavy hitters were less spin potential and control, especially when compared to their Favorite polys. Finally, the X-One Biphase is simply one of the most excellent solutions available for players who desire outstanding shock absorption and a delightful (but beautifully sharp) feel.

• String Type: Multifilament
• String length: 40 feet (12 meters)
• Available Colors: Natural white and red
• For poly gamers, it’s too powerful
• For certain heavy topspin players, there isn’t enough spin potential

This string is highly affordable. The affordability factors make it accessible to everyone. It holds a lot of power and gives a pleasant feeling while playing. Not only this, it holds a lot of tension maintenance which is very important when it comes to tennis.

9.   Tecnifibre NRG2 16/1.32 String Natural :

• It indeed holds a lot of comforts
• It holds a lot of power
• It’s extremely affordable
• It doesn’t get stuck
• It holds tension maintenance

Although it is hard to duplicate the natural gut’s excellent feel and incredible power, Tecnifibre NRG2 offers an inexpensive option for many players. NRG2 not only offers quick power and a buttery feel to any racquet, but it also avoids the No. 1 problem of multifilament strings: getting caught out of place, thanks to an army of highly plastic filaments drenched in elastic polyurethane. In addition, because it lasts longer than most of its competitors, you get more bang for your buck.

NRG2 is a premium-quality multifilament synthetic string with playability so close to the natural gut that you’ll want to examine the packet for hoof prints. The Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec additive’s durability benefits are matched by a long-lasting feel and comfort, ensuring continued use.

NRG2, one of the most popular multifilament’s ever, is now available in black! This black version, which has a little stiffer feel than the natural hue, provides world-class comfort, playability, and vibration dampening. Flexible polyurethane is combined with robust, easy fibers and an abrasion-resistant finish to provide a great feel that is both pleasant and sharp. As a result, NRG2 is second only to the natural gut in terms of comfort, power, and feel when used as a whole set or a hybrid cross.

Ultimate Feel and Power. NRG2 is a high-end synthetic multifilament string that mimics the feel of the genuine gut. Designed for enhanced performance and feel to keep you on top of the game today. The Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec additive’s durability benefits are complimented with a long-lasting feel and comfort, ensuring ongoing performance for the avid gamer.

• Gauge: 16/1.32milimeter
• Length: 40feet/12.2meter
• Color: Black
• For advanced polyester players, this is too powerful

It is the best multifilament tennis string for a spin. It’s incredibly affordable and holds a lot of power. Being affordable doesn’t mean it is less than other strings. It holds a lot of comfort and doesn’t get stuck.

10.  Solinco Hyper G :

• Great spinning
• Gives a lot of comfort
• High durability
• Pliability duration

Solinco Hyper-G is a square-shaped co-polyester string that combines spin with precision uniquely. This string is ranked 7th on the list. In 16 gauge, Solinco Hyper g is offered (1.30mm). Solinco Hyper G was developed for an ATP top 50 player and is superb for control and spin, allowing strong hitters to take enormous cuts at the ball without worrying about overhitting. All topspin players should enjoy this string because it aids in accurate and precise returns.

The Hyper-G is a brilliant green co-poly string from Solinco that was developed with the cooperation of a notable ATP tour pro. Solina’s most popular string, Hyper-G, features a square form and four gripping edges, similar to Tour Bite. 

This string, like Tour Bite, gave our team incredible accuracy on full swings, as seen by the near-perfect control score we gave Hyper-G. Spin was, predictably, a noteworthy feature, and it helps explain why shaping the trajectory and angle of our shots was so simple. However, the feel of Hyper-G was maybe the most surprising characteristic, as it extremely forgave for a high-duty co-poly. Granted, for novices, this string is probably too stiff and weak.

Another notable characteristic was maintaining tension, which is usually the most significant drawback of co-polys. In terms of playability, the Hyper-G outlasted most of the strings in its class. Solinco finds it increasingly challenging to outdo itself with near-iconic co-polys like Tour Bite in its growing range of great strings. However, after a few weeks at Hyper-G, we believe the industry’s fastest-growing star has shifted the needle once more.

• Material: polyester
• Length: 200 meters
• The string is far too stiff

This string is highly durable. This is the best string for intermediate players. It gives excellent spinning and gives a lot of comfortable. It has a high pliability duration. It’s the best string when it comes to power and comfort.

11.  Head Hawk Touch :

• Gives you complete control over your shots
• The sense of Touch is excellent
• Holds great power
• Luxurious feel

Head Hawk Touch is one of the most significant heads tennis strings, coming fourth in our ranking. It’s a spherical string created from a co-polyester monofilament with Crystal Core Technology.

It has a larger crystalline inner core that gives you complete control over your game. Head Hawk Touch String comes in 17 and 18 gauge. Head Hawk Touch is one of the top strings on the circuit, designed for high-level tour and tournament players. However, many professional players, like Alexander Zverev , Ashley Barty , Taylor Slrits , and others use it.

The suppleness of the string gives precise feedback and a luxurious feel, allowing you to continue playing your diverse game while maintaining complete control over each stroke and, ultimately, the game.

Head Hawk is around co-poly that focuses on giving large hitters the control they need to attack the ball. It was developed with feedback from top touring pros. Unlike many basic polyesters, the center of this string was engineered to be more muted and comfier. The result for the playtest team was a string that had the control of a stiff poly without being unpleasant. Hawk’s most notable trait was its incredible predictability. High-level players looking for strings that deliver ultimate Touch and accurate feedback for their diverse games will appreciate the Hawk Touch Tour string.

You’d better have everything under control before you put these strings on your racquet. The HAWK TOUCH monofilament string boasts a larger crystalline inner core responsible for offering ultimate control to your game thanks to the unique Crystal Core Technology. In addition, this manufacturing method allows you to adjust each string’s balance between power and control.

• String Type: Monofilament
• Playability: Power, Control
• Material: Polyester
• It generates less spin

This string is highly durable and gives an excellent touch sense. It gives you complete control over your shots. It gives a luxurious feel. This string is the best for big hitters. It allows you to adjust each string’s balance between power and control.

12.  Wilson NXT :

• It provides a lot of comforts
• It gives a pleasant feel
• It has high durability
• It has a multifilament string type

Wilson NXT is without a doubt a long-standing pioneer in the multifilament space, with a loyal following and a successful track record. This string is a fantastic option for many players, whether you’re stringing a whole bed or combining it with another string as a hybrid. The following are the main reasons why I adore this string. Over a two-week playtest, we discovered why Wilson NXT is such a popular string.

This multifilament caters to many players by offering something for every skill level and playing style. NXT is a strong contender if you’re searching for a combination of comfort, power, and feel.

Remember that hitting the ball in the court requires a mix of power and control, so don’t get too excited, but this string has a lot of power. 

This is a nice feature for players who want a little more force from their strings, but it may take some getting used to for players who are used to more control. It feels like there is such a thing as an overly powerful string, but Wilson NXT worked fine. Although it is a little more potent than players prefer, it is believed reasonable for a power-friendly string.

The NXT had a little more pop, which detracted from the control, but it wasn’t far behind. Many multifilaments struggle with spin and receive scores of 5 out of 10, but this proves that NXT is a superb string because even its weaker parts receive high marks.

• String type: multifilament
• String length: a single set
• A little difficult to handle

It’s the best multifilament string. This string is also very preferable for big hitters. It is highly durable and long-lasting. It provides a lot of comforts. It holds a lot of power and gives a nice and pleasant feel.

Buying Guide of Best Budget Tennis Strings

The strings on a racket are the racket’s life and soul. On the other hand, Racket strings are an afterthought for most people, who spend months researching rackets but just a few seconds selecting strings. We’re not suggesting that you spend months trying out every string available, but if you take a few minutes to read through this, you might learn a lot about the strings in your racket. Not all strings (and string tensions) are appropriate for each player. Each participant has their own set of requirements and preferences. Here are some guidelines to help you choose.

Playability:

• A string’s playability is influenced by its material, manufacture, and thickness.
• Natural gut is still the most incredible string for playability right now (a natural product made from beef intestines).
• Some of the most recent multifilament strings are more than suitable equivalents because they are more durable than natural gut.
• Babolat X-Cel and Tecnifibre X-One Biphase are two of the most popular playability strings. However, these strings can also be used with polymer strings to get the best of both worlds.
• Unfortunately, enhanced tennis string durability usually comes at the sacrifice of playability.
• Although thicker gauges and abrasion-resistant materials will last longer, they will be less elastic and resilient than their thinner, nylon-based counterparts.
• If a player’s 16-gauge synthetic gut string is breaking, we recommend switching to a 15-gauge version of the identical string if one is available.
• If it fails, a polyester string, such as Babolat Ballistic or one popular Luxilon string, would be the next step.

All-round Strings:

• If you’re unsure what you want or need, these are excellent options.
• After all these years, Prince Synthetic Gut is still one of our most popular strings.
• Soft polys are a relatively new route for string manufacturers. Still, they’re a terrific option for people who want poly strings’ power, restitution, and longevity without arm fatigue.

String Gauge Guide:

• Thinner strings are generally better for playability, whereas thicker strings are better for durability.
• Tennis string gauges range from 15 (thickest) to 19 (thinnest), with half-gauges denoted by an L (15L, 16L, etc.).
• Thinner strings also allow the strings to embed more profoundly into the ball , increasing spin potential.
• Obviously, the thinner the gauge, the stronger and spin-capable the string. However, the string will be less robust, which you can compensate for by using a skinny, durable string.
• Tennis is played using a gauge of 15 (1.35 mm).
• The most common gauge for tennis is 16 (1.30 mm) (optimum level of durability and power).

Hopefully, you found the list helpful, or at the very least, it helped you find what you were looking for. As the last point, keep in mind that “best” is subjective and susceptible to personal preference for many players. You’ll develop a preference for what is best for your game over time, which will most likely vary as your game progresses.

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• Top 9 Best Tennis Balls - A Complete Buyer's Guide
• Best Tennis Bags - Depth Reviews with a Complete Guide
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• luxilon alu power soft string review

Luxilon Alu Power Soft String Review

Luxilon are one of the biggest and best tennis string manufacturers out there today. Their strings are the most used on the professional tennis tours which goes to show how good the quality is. One of their most popular lines is ALU Power, home of the iconic Big Banger. These polyester strings are specifically designed to offer fantastic power, spin and control. However, these strings are aimed at intermediate to advanced level players as they can be a little on the stiff side, which can be difficult for a beginner to get the most out of. Luxilon ALU Power Soft seeks to solve this issue by adding more flex and feel to the string.

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6.5 out of 10

Many tennis string makers have sought to fill the gaps in their model lines by bringing out ‘hybrid’ strings. These aim to meet in the middle of typical string characteristics, but can sometimes be a jack of all trades master of none.

So-called hybrid strings tend to take the form of a softer polyester or more firm multifilament string, as they look to bridge the gap between performance extremes.

However, as Luxilon is one of the most prestigious tennis string brands out there, we had high expectations for ALU Power Soft.

Given that ALU Power Soft is based on the original Luxilon ALU Power string, which we really like, a slightly more forgiving version of this control oriented string is what we expected.

This is pretty much what ALU Power Soft delivered, but it was not as forgiving or comfortable as expected.

Given that many big name brands are producing crossover strings that effectively fill the gaps between their different model lines, ALU Power Soft could have been a little more supple.

Alternative strings such as Babolat RPM Power do a better job of offering those familiar polyester string qualities of control and spin, whilst bringing comfort and power to the party.

Luxilon ALU Power Soft does a great job of offering spin, precision and control, but it is hardly a ‘soft’ string as the name suggests.

For a player that has never played with the original ALU Power, they would be hard pressed to tell any major differences between it and ALU Power Soft.

Admittedly, when you ramp up your game and start taking bigger cuts at the ball, the added forgiveness does show itself. But, if you are simply warming up or not playing at full intensity, the two strings feel quite similar.

As far as out and out power goes, Luxilon ALU Power Soft is definitely a string that still leans more towards control. As I say, there is a little bit more cushioning when you are really going for your shots, but power levels overall are moderate.

9 out of 10

As with the original ALU Power string from Luxilon, the Soft version performs extremely well in the control department. There is a very predictable response off the string bed which high level players will appreciate.

Intermediate to advanced level players tend to prefer a more consistent feel from strings as it means there is one less variable to try and control in an already unpredictable sport. These control oriented strings tend to be low powered but deliver a muted response to help with placing the ball with precision.

Again, when hitting up the middle there is not much discernible difference between ALU Power Soft and the original. It is perhaps slightly more forgiving, but there’s not much in it.

Nonetheless, the Luxilon ALU Power Soft is a low powered, control oriented string that encourages you to play big and go for your shots.

Since the string doesn’t offer much pop itself, you have to take big cuts at the ball to increase your intensity. However, the string definitely rewards you for this as there is a lot of control and spin on offer.

You get a very crisp response from the muted string feel, which helps with consistency and predictability.

If you are a big baseline hitter and play with a powerful racket like say a Babolat Pure Drive , Luxilon ALU Power Soft will definitely compliment your game.

6 out of 10

Touch and feel are playing characteristics that firm polyester strings tend not to score too highly on. Whilst you get a lot of control and spin, which helps you place the ball with precision, the actual sense of connection you get with the ball can be a bit lacking.

However, in the case of Luxilon ALU Power Soft, the string offers a crisp feel that lets you know when you’ve hit the ball cleanly. Whilst it is firm, it is not a punishing string to play with.

There isn’t as much feel as a traditional multifilament or natural gut of course, but for a firm polyester string that’s main aim is control and spin, it does a pretty good job.

The accuracy of the string comes more from its consistent feedback rather than a dialled in sense of connection. Whilst the muted feel of ALU Power Soft is not particularly lively, this really helps with modulating your inputs as you have a good sense of where the ball will end up.

Whilst touch is not the strongest point for ALU Power Soft, it is still a solid performer that will be well suited to a hard hitting intermediate and advanced players.

8 out of 10

Polyester strings always tend to score pretty highly on the spin front. Their firm feel and the construction techniques used to produce them help with generating those RPMs.

Many big brands have added more texture to their polyester strings to help them grip the ball and create more friction.

For a smooth surfaced string that is designed to be more forgiving, Luxilon ALU Power Soft does a good job of producing spin.

It isn’t the most spin friendly string on the market, but you can generate enough to get plenty of dip on the ball. This gives you the confidence to strike out and go for your shots, suiting an aggressive game style.

ALU Power Soft feels particularly good on slices. The spin and crisp response helps you knife the ball nicely and volleys also stay low to the ground.

7 out of 10

Poly strings can often suffer from a sharp drop off in performance and tension maintenance is not always their strongest suit.

Luxilon has always used durable materials in their strings to ensure the longevity of their strings is just as good as the exceptional performance. Therefore, ALU Power Soft is, as expected, offered a consistently high level response across the life of the string.

You may lose a couple of pounds in tension over a matter of weeks, but this is pretty minimal compared to most polyester strings.

Overall string lifespan was strong too. This is a great choice for regular string breakers, so if you hit a heavy ball from the baseline and need a string that will stand up to the test, ALU Power Soft is a solid option.

If anything, the string becomes more accessible and forgiving once it has bedded in, which could be more to the taste of players expecting a ‘soft’ string in the first place.

Whilst Luxilon ALU Power Soft is marketed as a more comfortable string, in reality it is still pretty stiff. It is not necessarily harsh or unforgiving, but don’t expect a butter smooth ride comparable to a natural gut or multifilament. If you strike the ball outside of the sweet spot the string will let you know.

It is not afraid to send a few extra vibrations down your arm but it is not enough to be jarring or upset your contact point.

In truth, it is not much more comfortable to hit with than the original ALU Power. This isn’t a string that is going to give you a tennis elbow after a few hitting sessions, but it will feel firm for players that are more used to a full bed of multifilament for example.

7.5 out of 10

Overall, Luxilon ALU Power Soft is a control oriented string that offers a solid amount of spin and a crisp response. It is not the most comfortable or powerful string out there, but for a polyester it has a fairly good touch.

Luxilon has attempted to bridge the gap between their popular ALU Power models and some of the softer strings on the market.

However, there is only a subtle difference in comfort and forgiveness between ALU Power Soft and the other strings in the model line.

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Jul 12, 2022 • Luxilon Strings Polyester Strings

Luxilon Alu Power Feel String Review

Luxilon ALU Power is one of the most popular, high quality and sought after strings on the market today. We love the original version as it is based on the iconic Big Banger line, offering sublime control, manageable power and plenty of spin. Luxilon has sought to open up their…

Jul 10, 2022 • Luxilon Strings Polyester Strings

Luxilon Alu Power Rough String Review

The Luxilon ALU power range of tennis strings has proved to be one of the most popular in the world. At both the recreational and professional level, players love the control, spin and controllable power that these strings bring. The Rough variant was a trend setter in the polyester string…

Solinco Confidential String Review

Solinco has been hard at work for a few years on a new string, and it has finally been released. Here is my Solinco Confidential string review.

Solinco  is an American company behind some highly popular polyester strings. They are more known for their control-oriented and spin-friendly poly strings such as  Solinco Tour Bite  and  Solinco Hyper-G  (click for my review), but they also make tennis racquets and multifilament strings.

You can check out Solinco Confidential from my friends at Tennis Warehouse , Tennis Warehouse Europe and Tennis Only .

I have enjoyed both Tour Bite, Tour Bite Soft, and Hyper-G and was very curious about their new poly, Confidential. Like their other flagship strings, it is a stiffer poly string with an emphasis on control, tension maintenance, and spin generation. I strung it up in my  HEAD Graphene 360+ Prestige Mid  and Prince Phantom 100X 305 for this Solinco Confidential string review.

Solinco Confidential Characteristics

I want to point out that this string is not for beginners or lower-level intermediate players. This string is all about control, so players who are just starting out would be better off with a softer string with a more powerful response.

Gauge : I tested Solinco Confidential in 1.25 gauge ( I have later tested it in a 1.20 gauge and prefer that!)

Stiffness:  The string is somewhere between Tour Bite and Hyper-G. Softer than Tour Bite, but a bit stiffer than Hyper-G.

Player: More advanced players with full strokes and no arm issues. If you like to hit big, this is the string for you.

Test Racquets: I chose a crisper midsize (Prestige Mid) and a softer 100 sq inch racquet (Phantom 100X) to be able to understand what the string does in different racquets.

Profile: 4-sided

Color:  I think it is called gun-metal gray.

Installation: Pretty normal for a stiffer poly. Quite a sharp string so watch your fingers :)

Tensions: 50 lbs in the Prestige Mid and 52 lbs in the Phantom 100X

Tension maintenance: After settling in after 1-2 hours, this string holds tension and playability extremely well. Top marks.

How does it play?

My first hour with Solinco Confidential was not great. I thought the string felt stiff and board-like. But after the first hour, the string had settled in and some of the stiffness had gone, and I started to see it differently. It did not take me long to understand that this is another high-quality string from Solinco. It was not harsh on the arm, and I felt like it rewarded you for going after the ball. The spin potential is excellent, but I think the control aspect is even better. It could have been named “Solinco Confidence” instead of Confidential.

At first, I was worried about the stiffness of the string, especially considering my recent arm issues (which are now much better thanks to rehab and regular  Flexbar  exercises). However, once it settled, it was quite comfortable. I still would not recommend it if you are worried about wrist or elbow pain. Then you should do rehab, rest, and play with a multifilament or gut string.

I found control and tension maintenance to be the outstanding features of this string. If you are a string breaker or string abuser – you will definitely enjoy it. Tour Bite offers a bit more spin, but they are quite close in generating spin, and the added comfort of Confidential is a winner.

If you like to rip the ball and want a string that is durable, control-oriented, and spin-friendly without breaking your arm – Solinco Confidential is a good option. It is not a soft poly, though, but relatively comfortable for a stiff, controlled string. I have not tried it in a hybrid setup, but that could be an interesting idea if you want a softer feel.

I think I still hold Hyper-G as my favorite Solinco string, but for more powerful racquets with an open pattern, this is high on my list. Let us say you are using a Clash Tour that makes your string move like crazy; then, I think this string could come in handy!

Have you tried Solinco Confidential? What did you think about it?

Jonas Eriksson

Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

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Have you tried to full line of Solinco? I have used the Hyper G at 16 and 17 and prefer the 17 by a bit. I’m very intrigued by the revolution and wanted to know if you’ve tried it and what you think of it. Great work as always and keep it up!!!

I haven’t tried all Solinco strings, but the main ones except for Revolution :( Hopefully soon. Thanks!

Hi Jonas I usually play on clay courts. But my game is focused on flat balls. I´m trying to change to more spin balls. I use a Blade 98 2015 18×20. Do you think I should change the string or the racquet (to a more spin friendly)? Or tecnique rules in this case? Regars.

Hi, I think technique is the main answer, but sometimes a more spin-friendly frame will help you change your technique a bit. Perhaps you can try the Clash 98 if you want a bit more free spin.

Otherwise, you can stay with your racquet and work on your technique. The Blade 98 2015 is a nice stick! Regards / J

Confidentially, I can tell you that my arm is probably too sensitive for this stuff. But what I would like to know is what do you think of the 100X?

I understand! It is not an “arm-friendly” string. Review coming up for the 100X. A very nice racquet. Regards / J

? very interesting model by characteristics is New Prince Phantom 97P. Flexible, nice weight, and open string pattern. It would be nice to read review about it.

I have tried a number of the Solinco strings: – Hyper G is my clear favorite, which I have tried in 16, 16L and 17 depending the string patterns. Has great spin, great control, and plays a bit dead (not a lot of feedback), which I like. It is also fairly comfortable for a poly. Much more so than Luxilon 4G or Tour Bite, which are noticeably firmer – Tour Bite, I have only used a 16L in a Prince Classic Graphite 100, where I was still adjusting to the increased power level vs. the 93 / 95 sq. in. frames I was used to. So my feedback needs to be seen in light of this adjustment. I found the level of power substantially higher than the Hyper G, to the point where I could hardly control the ball. Everything was flying long by one meter vs. Hyper G, and it is also much livelier. The ball would launch from the string bed, and I would have no idea where it was going. Really not a string for me, but if one looks for a powerful poly, I can see how it can work – Revolution, I played in a 17 gauge in a Phantom 93P 18×20. It has very good spin, similar to Hyper G, but plays even more dead, to the point where I had no feel at all. It also seems to be heavier than Hyper G, for some reason, by 2-3g vs. Hyper G 17. Durability was very good, slightly superior to Hyper G, but the lack of feel was a real issue

How does it compare to Tour Bite Soft?

It is much stiffer than Tour Bite Soft. But in turn, offers better durability and control.

I am thinking about this option to put in my Wilson Pro Staff 97 version of 315grams. With 23.5kg / 24kg. Which other string option do you recommend? I am a player who likes power and control. I have a game “very similar“ to Pete Sampras.

I have now tried Confidential, in a 16 gauge in my Prince Classic Graphite 100 at 52lbs, coming from Hyper G 16 at 52lbs as my normal setup.

I find it more predictable than Hyper G, with similar characteristics in the spin and power department. It isn’t “mushy, like the Hyper G is, meaning it’s a bit firmer, but nowhere near Tour Bite in my book. It’s still comfortable, at least in a plush frame like the PCG 100.

Overall, it’s the best Solinco string I have played with, and I am now switching to it for the foreseeable future.

  hi, I am planning to use Babolat Touch Tonic in the mains and Solinco Confidential 16L in the crosses. Do you think it’s a good combination? If yes, what tensions do you recommend?

Yeah, that sounds pretty good. It depends on a lot of things, but I would go 56 lbs on the Tonic and 54 lbs on the Confidential.

If you compare it with YTEX-Quadro, what would you say?

I haven’t tried Ytex Quadro properly – need to revisit that string to compare.

This string is actually five-sided and not four-sided… I checked under 30x magnification.

i use solinco hyper g soft

Hi, I’ve tried the confidential and I am in love with it. Great control and feel, and feels pretty dead which I like. I really got the sense of direction on my shots and all of my shots are going in. Both flat serves and kick serves are amazing, I feel like I really can control the direction and extra kick.

I’ve been thinking of hybriding the confidential and black widow. I’ve tried the black widow, I love it too. I found the spin the generation is better, however tension maintanance is not as good as the confidential.

Do you think it would be a good idea of the the confidential-black widow hybrid? I would really appreciate your thoughts.

Tried this as a replacement for Head Lynx Touch on a Head Radical MP. Will be cutting it out this week. I wanted to like it but it is terrible on the arm. My elbow and shoulder felt it after the first session to break it in, but it was even worse on the second day. It does generate a ton of spin and I could easily target my shots where I wanted them. It felt lower on the power scale than the Head string but not significant. But overall it wasn’t worth the abuse on my joints to get mildly better performance. I will continue to look for the perfect balance of control power and comfort.

Have you ever tried the tecnifibre 4s?? Wondering how it compares to confidential

I have not tried it, sadly.

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Alu Power vs Poly Tour Pro

• Thread starter aaron_h27
• Start date Oct 7, 2023

Hall of Fame

• Oct 7, 2023

Been using Poly Tour Pro 1.20 for about 2 years and got the itch to try something different. Glad I did! I'm a 4.5 player with an eastern forehand, one handed backhand. In my mind I'd like to think I play like Roger, lol. I strung both strings at the same gauge (1.20) & tension (55 lbs in the 2022 Ezone) Comfort : Alu Power = Poly Tour Pro -Both strings are comfortable in 1.20 gauge and felt no arm pain Power : Alu Power > Poly Tour Pro -Power level is not crazy different but Alu Power gave me a bit more speed on my shots, I can tell by how quick my 1st serves were hitting the back fence. Spin : Alu Power >> Poly Tour Pro -The spin difference was very noticeable, there were many shots I thought were going out and they dipped into the court last minute violently. I didn't feel this sensation with PTP. The spin difference felt like I was playing with a shaped string but I wasn't. I thought to myself if a round string offers this amount of spin why the heck are people using shaped strings? On topspin shots I noticed the ball would speed up after it bounced more so than with PTP. Control : Alu Power >= Poly Tour Pro -Control was about the same maybe even give the edge to poly tour pro if you hit flat, Alu power is more springy but has better bite and spin to dip those topspin shots into the court which can give better control for spin players Launch Angle : Alu Power > Poly Tour Pro -Alu power has a higher launch angle than Poly Tour Pro, I think going up 1 lb should give me a similar launch angle that I had before. Not a big fan of the high launch but it didn't bother me as much with other strings because there was enough spin for the balls to dip into the court and you can always adjust tension. On the backhand slice I preferred the Alu Power because it gave more bite and didn't float like sometimes with PTP. Feel : Alu Power > Poly Tour Pro -Alu power has ridiculous feel, I finally see what everyone was talking about. Drop shots, drop volleys. I felt like I had many options on the court. Playability : TBD Alu power felt like the rolls royce version of Poly Tour Pro. Poly Tour Pro does everything well but doesn't really wow you in any department. It's a solid choice that's budget friendly and plays well for an extended period of time. Alu Power I felt like I could be super creative on the court and had many options at my dispsoal. From hitting a sharp topspin angle, to a drop shot to heavy loopy spin that backed my opponent up. I could really see old school type of players who grew up in the gut era liking Alu Power. Alu Power had better bite on slice backhands and drove through the court better. Other than price I'm not seeing any downsides here...hopefully the playability holds up!  

Would love to hear comments from other people who've tried both strings  

jmacdaununder2

• Oct 8, 2023

Think many find that the short optimum playability window is Alu Power's achilles heel.  

• Oct 15, 2023

On my 3rd outing with Alu it's starting to lose a bit of the magic, I'm noticing less spin, and pocketing than it was fresh (which is to be expected with any string) I can probably get one more session out of it before I may need to cut it. So probably about 8 hours of playability. Poly Tour Pro definitely lasts longer and doesn't drop off as much even if the initial first few hours don't wow you away. I could get about 15-16 hours out of PTP before having to cut it. I'll have to play a few real matches with Alu Power to see if it's worth the switch. I do like Poly Tour Pro for the performance, longevity and price, its kind of hard to beat. Another thing I like about PTP is that I sometimes travel for work and don't play for 1-2 weeks at a time and when I come back the strings pick up right where I left off. I let Alu Power sit for a few days and felt like the performance suffered a bit even though I didn't hit with it. Not a big fan of this but yeah. Alu Power definitely is a more lively string with better feel though, I like that in defensive situations I get a bit more depth which pushes my opponents back. With PTP sometimes in defensive situations I could leave the ball short if I didn't make clean contact. Alu Power on the 3rd outing is a bit firmer than PTP (it's not uncomfortable yet, just firmer) where as initially I thought they felt about the same. So I'd give PTP the edge in comfort. Now I'm interested to try a Poly Tour Pro Main / Gut Cross set-up. I feel like this set-up would have pretty good longevity and add a little bit of extra pop/feel over full bed PTP.  

• Oct 30, 2023

Alu Power 1.20 still hasn't gone "dead" after 4 sessions so it's holding up. The power & spin are great and it feels like I'm playing with a shaped string compared to yellow Poly Tour Pro 1.20 which is much more control oriented and gives off a flatter trajectory. The kick serves you can hit with Alu are just straight up nasty. In match-play situations however I am preferring PTP because of the extra control and lower launch angle. With Alu Power I feel like I can't flatten out the ball and all I can do is hit heavy spin if my opponent allows me time to do so. I'm hoping to try Alu Power 1.20 again with a few extra lbs of tension to see if this solves the issue of being able to flatten out shots. I'm gonna string up Alu Power 1.20 @ 56 lbs this week. (I normally string at 55 with Yellow PTP 1.20)  

TennisManiac

• Oct 31, 2023

I've been playing with Alu Power for about 17 years now. Started out at 52, then went to 48, then 46 and settled on 43 a few years ago in the Pro Staff 97. If I strung it at 56 it would give me tennis elbow and a seriously sore shoulder. I'd highly advise against it. Alu Power at high tension can feel like your playing with mechanics wire. And btw, if you're getting 8 hours out of a set. Consider yourself very lucky. I only get 4 hours or two matches out of a set.  

TennisManiac said: I've been playing with Alu Power for about 17 years now. Started out at 52, then went to 48, then 46 and settled on 43 a few years ago in the Pro Staff 97. If I strung it at 56 it would give me tennis elbow and a seriously sore shoulder. I'd highly advise against it. Alu Power at high tension can feel like your playing with mechanics wire. And btw, if you're getting 8 hours out of a set. Consider yourself very lucky. I only get 4 hours or two matches out of a set. Click to expand...

aaron_h27 said: Are you using 1.20 gauge Alu Power? (I'm assuming no because it wasn't on the market 17 years ago) I don't have any issues with tennis elbow, as I use proper mechanics and form with a properly weighted racket (4.5 player, 9 UTR). My tension of mid 50's is dialed in after trying many low tension set-ups over the past 3-4 years. But it's strange to suggest that I lower my tension when I said that my only gripe with the string was the high launch angle/control. Going from 55 lbs > 43 lbs is probably not going to help with that. Click to expand...

TennisManiac said: Yeah, I've always used 1.25 gauge. And for what it's worth. I too have proper mechanics and am using a 345 gm static weight racket that is 6 pts. hl. with a swingweight of 340. And like you, I'm also a 4.5 rated USTA singles player. Click to expand...

aaron_h27 said: 1.20 gauge is a bit more softer/powerful than 1.25 and would not play well with a low tension IMO. It's also extremely comfortable so there's no need to go into the 40's for comfort reasons. Click to expand...

There simply is no string like Alu Power. I always string it with a "lively" cross at a lower tension which seems to extend the playability much longer.  

RafanadalGoat

aaron_h27 said: Been using Poly Tour Pro 1.20 for about 2 years and got the itch to try something different. Glad I did! I'm a 4.5 player with an eastern forehand, one handed backhand. In my mind I'd like to think I play like Roger, lol. I strung both strings at the same gauge (1.20) & tension (55 lbs in the 2022 Ezone) Comfort : Alu Power = Poly Tour Pro -Both strings are comfortable in 1.20 gauge and felt no arm pain Power : Alu Power > Poly Tour Pro -Power level is not crazy different but Alu Power gave me a bit more speed on my shots, I can tell by how quick my 1st serves were hitting the back fence. Spin : Alu Power >> Poly Tour Pro -The spin difference was very noticeable, there were many shots I thought were going out and they dipped into the court last minute violently. I didn't feel this sensation with PTP. The spin difference felt like I was playing with a shaped string but I wasn't. I thought to myself if a round string offers this amount of spin why the heck are people using shaped strings? On topspin shots I noticed the ball would speed up after it bounced more so than with PTP. Control : Alu Power >= Poly Tour Pro -Control was about the same maybe even give the edge to poly tour pro if you hit flat, Alu power is more springy but has better bite and spin to dip those topspin shots into the court which can give better control for spin players Launch Angle : Alu Power > Poly Tour Pro -Alu power has a higher launch angle than Poly Tour Pro, I think going up 1 lb should give me a similar launch angle that I had before. Not a big fan of the high launch but it didn't bother me as much with other strings because there was enough spin for the balls to dip into the court and you can always adjust tension. On the backhand slice I preferred the Alu Power because it gave more bite and didn't float like sometimes with PTP. Feel : Alu Power > Poly Tour Pro -Alu power has ridiculous feel, I finally see what everyone was talking about. Drop shots, drop volleys. I felt like I had many options on the court. Playability : TBD Alu power felt like the rolls royce version of Poly Tour Pro. Poly Tour Pro does everything well but doesn't really wow you in any department. It's a solid choice that's budget friendly and plays well for an extended period of time. Alu Power I felt like I could be super creative on the court and had many options at my dispsoal. From hitting a sharp topspin angle, to a drop shot to heavy loopy spin that backed my opponent up. I could really see old school type of players who grew up in the gut era liking Alu Power. Alu Power had better bite on slice backhands and drove through the court better. Other than price I'm not seeing any downsides here...hopefully the playability holds up! Click to expand...

TennisManiac said: I've been wanting to try the 1.20 for a while now. Maybe I'll do that soon. More comfort and power sounds nice. Click to expand...

RafanadalGoat said: According to this review, alu power wins out in majority of categories. If so, why is poly tour pro so popular among tour players and college players ? I heard from my pro shop stringer that poly tour pro is much more comfortable and has better control than alu power. Click to expand...

I strung up Alu Power 1.20 today @ 56 lbs and it tamed the launch angle much better to my liking than at 55. I felt like I could flatten the ball when needed, but the spin was still there. I could even see myself going up one more lb to match the control that PTP 1.20 gives me @ 55 lbs. But I'll do a few more sessions to see if I need to bump the tension again. But overall much better at 56 lbs. Another thing I found interesting is that I had both my rackets matched with SW, static weight & balance prior to testing Alu Power, but the Alu power racket feels less stable on off-center hits than the PTP racket with the same lead tape set-up. This really just shows how much variance there can be within strings even when you use the same gauge. It almost feels like when you change strings it's like starting over from square one trying to figure out what set-up goes best with it. Anyways I'll probably add a gram at 3 & 9 and report back once I get the stability (twistweight) equal to my PTP frame.  

• Nov 3, 2023

After 2-3 weeks of playing with Alu Power 1.20, I am going back to my normal string set-up. It was a fun playtest, but I just couldn't trust Alu as much as PTP in match play/pressure situations as a few balls would fly on me more than normal causing me to hold back. The string just drops too much in tension after a few sessions and I can't justify paying more for a string that doesn't last as long. Pros of Alu Power 1.20 -Power -Spin -Feel Cons -High Launch Angle/Control -Playability duration -Price  

Not to derail your comparison but you should try Poly Tour Strike 1.20. I really liked that string, I used the blue, although I'm not sure it matters. Only thing it did a little worse than Poly Tour Pro was spin, but my strokes are a little flatter too. It did everything else better  

Chairman3 said: Not to derail your comparison but you should try Poly Tour Strike 1.20. I really liked that string, I used the blue, although I'm not sure it matters. Only thing it did a little worse than Poly Tour Pro was spin, but my strokes are a little flatter too. It did everything else better Click to expand...

Professional

• Nov 4, 2023

@aaron_h27 I am thinking of making PTP my standard too. I was wondering if you tried razor code in white? To me it plays very similar. And Karue sell from my tennishq likes to play with both ptp and razor code white as well.  

K1Y said: @aaron_h27 I am thinking of making PTP my standard too. I was wondering if you tried razor code in white? To me it plays very similar. And Karue sell from my tennishq likes to play with both ptp and razor code white as well. Click to expand...

GodlessEndeavor

Have you tried Polytour Rev? I haven't tried it yet but I've heard it's similar to Polytour Pro but with more spin and better tension maintenance.  

veelium said: Why don't you move up a gauge if you want a lower launch angle? Click to expand...

GodlessEndeavor said: Have you tried Polytour Rev? I haven't tried it yet but I've heard it's similar to Polytour Pro but with more spin and better tension maintenance. Click to expand...

smithie said: I think you mean Ice code not Razor code Click to expand...

K1Y said: No I mean razor code, why would I mean ice code? Click to expand...

smithie said: Because he literally said that he used Ice code… Click to expand...

K1Y said: In this video he says razor code. Click to expand...

• Nov 5, 2023

smithie said: I’ll hold my hands up, it looks like I'm wrong. I’ve seen a video of a podcast where ice code was mentioned but having looked back at it, its the host that suggests ice code when Krule says a white tecnifibre string. Click to expand...

NewcomerfromBalkan

• Nov 17, 2023

K1Y said: No worries. Now that you mention it, I remember that too, in the tennisnerd podcast Jonas indeed guessed Ice code because Karue didnt remember the name at the time. Click to expand...

NewcomerfromBalkan said: It was Razor Code 1.25 white Reel at karue's table and he won 2 tounaments with it i think. Click to expand...

K1Y said: Thanks but I already said that in my earlier comment Click to expand...

NewcomerfromBalkan said: Myyyy bad i just read last comment.Forgive me its end of the season. Click to expand...

• Nov 18, 2023

aaron_h27 said: Every shaped string I tried I haven't liked so I just don't use them anymore. I don't like high launch angle/spinny strings and prefer a consistent response from a round string. Click to expand...

Torps said: Rev is basically a round string.. it’s a stiffer more control oriented PTP imo. For those of us who aren’t using a new frame every 10 games I think it’s a better string for playability duration. Strike is also better than PTP but especially in softer frames. It’s basically Yonex Alu power but not as crisp. You do lose a bit of pocketing and control with Strike, but I find the control level on par with alu power full bed. Edit: also tested kirschbaum evolution over the summer. Similar to tour hex but round. More dead and plasticky than PTP but similar pocketing. Click to expand...

• Nov 19, 2023

aaron_h27 said: I actually have no issues with the playability duration of PTP. I can normally get about 12-16 hours out of a string job and it doesn't suddenly die but gradually drops off which is nice How's the power/control level of kirshbaum evolution compared to PTP? Click to expand...

• Dec 11, 2023

Torps said: Roughly the same.. Evo is lower powered though if that’s what you associate with control, but PTP will provide more spin ime. My only experience is with blue PTP btw.. Click to expand...

• Dec 22, 2023

I wonder if PTP really needs to be in a yonex racket to shine? What do you think?  

K1Y said: I wonder if PTP really needs to be in a yonex racket to shine? What do you think? Click to expand...

Nostradamus

Bionic poster.

• Dec 27, 2023

Nostradamus said: so you saying alu power blows away PTP ? Click to expand...

• Dec 28, 2023

aaron_h27 said: for about 2 hours yes... Click to expand...

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Colors : Silver

Gauge : 16G (1.30 mm), 16L (1.25 mm), 17G (1.20 mm), 18G (1.15 mm)

Length : 40 feet (12.2 M) or 656 feet (200 M)

Test Racquet / Tension Tecnifibre T-Fight XTC 305g/18G (1.15 mm) @ 47 lbs

After a couple years of extensive testing with the best players around the globe, Solinco has brought Confidential to the market. The makers of the popular Tour Bite and Hyper-G tennis strings maintain the four-sided shape for spin generation. Tour Bite has many fans out there, and it is definitely a firmer feeling control-oriented polyester. It is probably too firm for a lot of players, which is why Solinco released Hyper-G. Most would agree Hyper-G is on the more comfortable side of polyesters. So where does Solinco Confidential fit in? That is the ultimate question.

Feel & Comfort

My first few swings with Confidential were incredibly firm and had a dead feeling, similar to Tour Bite. This was pretty shocking to me as my racquet was strung at 47 pounds. I was just about to write off Confidential as another version of Tour Bite, when after about an hour of hitting, the strings seemingly “unlocked” their potential. The feel softened enough to be more comfortable, but still maintained the control that Solinco is known for.

Power & Spin

Lately, I have gravitated towards lower tensions with polyester strings. I used to be in the low to mid 50 pound range, but now I am more comfortable just under 50 pounds. The main drawback when playing lower tensions is fast tension loss. In my opinion, Confidential separates itself from the multitude of polyester strings because it maintains tension well even at lower tension. Solinco Confidential played more powerful than Tour Bite, and slightly less powerful than Hyper-G. I am happy to report the string’s square shape produces a solid amount of topspin on groundstrokes, and it was explosive enough that I enjoyed hitting through the court on put-away shots.

Confidential slides against itself well, and despite its fairly-sharp square profile, it doesn’t notch prematurely. For my playtest, I sampled the 18g version in a dense 18 x 20 pattern, and even after several hours the performance was striking. After a short break-in period, the playability of Confidential lasts longer than the average polyester by a long shot.

I think I found the Solinco string for me! Confidential offers a controlled, and more comfortable response than the famous Tour Bite. Those who thought Hyper-G was too mushy, would really enjoy the middle ground Confidential provides. I had great success with a lower tension, but don’t write off stringing at a higher tension. One of our playtesters, Max Ziegler , strung much tighter and had good results as well.

Max says “It felt really good! The strings felt much softer, pretty comfortable, and not as stiff as Alu Power. Definitely got more depth to my shots with less effort so overall I'd say a bit more powerful than Alu Power. If I would have to compare it I'd probably say it was somewhere in the middle between LXN Smart and Alu Power. I strung it at 55 lbs (2 lbs less than I usually do) in my Wilson Blade 98 CV 18 x 20.”

Chris Virk-Brown echoed positive vibes about Confidential as well. Chris states “I have played with Solinco Hyper-G and Tour Bite before, so I was very excited to try out Confidential especially given its unique characteristics. Right out the gate I found it to be on the crisp side with very little give, not much free power or spin. However, it didn’t take long for the stringbed to settle in and quickly adapt to my game. Over time, the spin and power levels increased allowing me to hit the ball deep into the court, but I found it to start loosing the crisp feel that I enjoyed. Also I loved the sound the ball made when it hit off the string bed. It gives you a nice "pop" sound that makes you feel like you’re a pro. Overall, it was a great co-poly string that I could certainly see myself playing with for years to come. I strung Confidential at 48 lbs in my Wilson Ultra 100 CV Reverse.”

About the Reviewer: Sam Jones currently works at Tennis Express on the Content Marketing team. He previously played at Southwestern University, taught tennis for 10+ years and earned his USRSA Master Racquet Technician Certification in 2011. He is an active NTRP 5.0 League and Tournament player.

Copyright 2024 . Tennis Express ©

Select adjustment

Solinco Tour Bite Soft String Review

• Tension Maintenance

Tour Bite Soft , a co-poly from Solinco, is an offshoot of the original Tour Bite, a shaped spin monster with a well deserved following among advanced players. For our playtest team, Tour Bite Soft definitely lived up to its name. In addition to being noticeably softer than the original Tour Bite, this string is one of the most arm-friendly co-polys we've playtested. Another impressive feature was the spin potential. Although not quite on the level of RPM Blast or the original Tour Bite, this co-poly definitely puts a tight grip on the ball, making it easy to load the ball with spin. The biggest downside was poor tension maintenance, a problem that afflicts the majority of poly-based strings, especially softer co-polys. Ultimately, though, Tour Bite Soft, with its impressive blend of spin and comfort, looks like a great option for anyone in need of a more tendon friendly control string.

Power: 40 / Control: 80

Finding less power than Troy, Mark said, "As with any monofilament, Tour Bite Soft offered a high degree of control with low power. My point of reference to the Tour Bite Soft was Prince Tour XC 15 gauge. When I compared the power levels of those strings in my Wilson Pro Staff 95S the thinner Tour Bite Soft felt like it lowered my racquet's power level a little."

With its multiple edges and impressive snap back, Tour Bite Soft gave our team very easy access to spin. Playing with a very open string pattern, Mark noticed how effectively this string grabbed the ball. He said, "With the 16x15 pattern in my racquet Tour Bite Soft grabbed hold of the ball extremely well, which let me hit with lots of predictable pace, depth and spin. I really felt like I was barely skimming over the top of the ball and achieving lots of topspin."

Appreciating the bite and snapback of Tour Bite Soft, Troy said, "Initially I played with this string in my Wilson Six.One 95 (18x20), and I noticed that this string had a bit more bite compared to the Head Lynx that I had just finished testing. When I tried this string in the Wilson Pro Staff 97, with its open string pattern, I found lots of bite and snap-back string movement. The original Tour Bite has very sharp edges, and I find it bites the ball more than this soft version. Tour Bite Soft seems to possess a bit better string movement and/or snap back, however. I would rate the spin of this string as good but not quite as good as Babolat RPM Blast."

Comfort: 78

Tour Bite Soft received an outstanding comfort score for a poly-based string. Not surprisingly, Troy found it more comfortable than the original Tour Bite. He said, "This string definitely has much better comfort than the original Tour Bite. For the consumer who is interested in soft polys, this string definitely hits the mark. I wouldn't say it has the same level of softness as a string like Polyfibre TCS, but it's similar to Volkl V-Torque or Topspin Delta. The only time I felt comfort declined was after it began to lose significant tension, but this is common with all strings once they lose their elastic qualities."

For Mark , this comfy co-poly definitely lived up to its name. He said, "Occasionally you find a product (not just in tennis) with a name that sounds great, but after using the product you end up feeling that the name was a stretch, so to speak. The name Solinco Tour Bite Soft fits this string perfectly, whether you are comparing it to the standard Tour Bite or most other monofilaments. So far I have about 10 hours of play on my set, and the level of comfort has been great."

Both playtesters found Tour Bite Soft to have a very pliable, elastic feel, especially in comparison to their preferred polys. The softer feel actually helped Mark with spin. He said, "It's definitely not mushy, but without a doubt, it feels soft. I almost felt like part of the reason I had such easy access to spin with the Tour Bite Soft was due to how soft the string is. Polyfibre TCS and a few other polys in our rotation are a little softer, but there is no way you will feel that the Tour Bite Soft string is as stiff as Luxilon 4G or Babolat RPM Blast."

Because he plays with a much stiffer poly, Troy had to adjust to the softer, more muted feel of Tour Bite Soft. He said, "I definitely felt this string stretch and pocket the ball more than original Tour Bite, which is very firm. This string didn't feel crisp like Volkl Cyclone. Tour Bite Soft has good elasticity for a poly, which provided me a soft and muted feel. I prefer the stiffer feel in my polys, such as Luxilon 4G. Tour Bite Soft felt a bit foreign initially, but it grew on me after a week or so."

Playability Duration: 53

Like most of the softer co-polys we've hit, Tour Bite Soft loses its fair share of tension over time. This typically results in a loss in performance. For Mark , however, the playability remained fairly high. He said, "Like I mentioned earlier, I have around 10 hours of play on Tour Bite Soft, and despite the tension loss the playability has not changed noticeably. I suppose it is relevant that I mention that I have a medium to fast swing style, but I don't crush the ball."

"In comparison to other soft and textured polys, such as Volkl Cyclone Tour, Volkl V-Torque and Dunlop Black Widow, I found the tension maintenance to be average," said Troy . "I have found that most soft co-poly strings tend to provide added comfort, but also tend to drop tension faster than some of the stiffer ones. The original Tour Bite was a stiff poly, but it had pretty good tension maintenance. Luxilon 4G is the best when it comes to tension maintenance for a poly string, although it is about as stiff as they come. It really comes down to what you prefer in a string."

Overall: 62

What type of player would you recommend this to.

Troy - "The player who is looking for a more comfortable option within the poly string family. Someone who swings fast and likes a pocketing string with good spin potential. The player who breaks strings often or restrings often and is more concerned with comfort over tension maintenance should like this one."

Mark - "Players who have never played with a poly, Players who want a monofilament that is on the softer side and players who wants a premium poly without the premium price will love Tour Bite Soft."

Troy - " Tour Bite Soft provides a softer feel compared to most polys. Spin potential was good, especially in racquets with open string patterns that let this string grip the ball."

Mark - "I benefited from this string in terms of easy access to spin, comfort and predictable low power/ high control. It is hard to ask for much more from a string. I would like to see a 15L or 15 gauge option since I love the thicker ropes in the newer wide open patterned frames."

Troy - "The tension seemed to drop off after banging the ball around for a few hours, like many other soft polys. I'm accustomed to Luxilon 4G, so I am a bit spoiled in terms of tension maintenance."

Mark - "At first I had a little trouble with the ball actually sticking to the strings more than I would have liked, which is why I mentioned my desire to play this string in a thicker gauge. This was more of an issue relative to the string pattern (not the string itself); if my string pattern was at least a 16x18 I think I would have had to make less of an adjustment to my swing."

Comparing the string to others they've tried, our testers said:

Troy - " Tour Bite Soft is similar to Volkl V-Torque, Topspin Delta and Tourna Big Hitter Silver Rough. These strings all have good spin potential with a soft feel, but they drop tension faster than I would like."

Mark - " Solinco Tour Bite Soft is like Topspin CyberFlash, and it also feels similar to Tourna Big Hitter Silver, Weiss CANNON Silverstring, Luxilon Adrenaline and Klip K-Boom."

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester String Setups

Troy: Racquet: Wilson Six.One 95 (18x20) Usual String: Luxilon 4G 16L Tension: 50 lbs

Mark: Racquet: Wilson Pro Staff 95S Usual String: Luxilon Alu Power 15 Tension: 56 lbs

Review date: November 2014. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us.

All content copyright 2014 Tennis Warehouse.