A year on from publishing our popular Best 8: Polyester Strings this blog post provides an update. Polyester strings are perfect for intermediate and advanced players, allowing them to swing big with high levels of spin and control in a low-powered package. Our ethos is to encourage players to experiment with different string gauges and tensions to find the optimum setup for their strokes and game.
Diadem Solstice Power
Made in: Taiwan
Manufactured by: Diadem Sports
Profile: Hexagram (Six-pointed star)
Material: Co-polyester
Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): 203 lb/in (16)
Gauges: 15L, 16, 16L, 17, 18
Colors: Teal
Tension: Recommended 48 lbs (22 kgs) to 62 lbs (28 kgs).
Diadem recommends dropping tension 5% from your usual poly tension setup. In the 12 months, Diadem's Solstice Power has become more popular with competitive juniors, college players, and recreational players who appreciate high levels of spin, and control - in a (relatively) arm-friendly string.
Pros that use it (gauge used): None known.
Luxilon Smart
Made in: Belgium
Manufactured by: Luxilon Industries NV
Profile: Round
Material: Co-polymer
Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): 209 lb/in (16)
Gauges: 16, 16L
Colors: Black
Tension: Typically 45 lbs (20 kgs) to 60 lbs (27 kgs)
Luxilon Smart is a new 'advanced' poly that was introduced this last year. The 'variable flex' technology is designed to work at lower tensions (string at 40 lbs +/- 4 lbs for best results) and work differently for different stroke styles - be stiffer on faster stroke styles and softer on shorter strokes. Frankly, we're still testing it but with an innovative company like Luxilon behind it, it is worth trying if you want to try a comfortable poly or are transitioning from a multi-filament or want to play at lower tensions.
Pros that use it (gauge used): None known.
YTEX Quadro Twist
Made in: Germany
Manufactured by: YTEX
Profile: Square
Material: Co-polyester
Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): 178 lb/in (16)
Gauges: 16, 16L
Colors: Black, White
Tension: Typically 45 lbs (20 kgs) to 55 lbs (25 kgs)
Launching in 2011, YTEX is a relative newcomer to the tennis industry with a growing portfolio of co-poly strings. The YTEX Quadro Twist is one of the most popular in their range. It is a spin-friendly soft poly (178 lb/in), with a good feel and precise response. Plays similar to Volkl Cyclone.
Pros that use it (gauge used): None known.
Tecnifibre Ice Code
Made in: France
Manufactured by: Tecnifibre
Profile: Round
Material: Co-polyester
Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): 221 lb/in (16)
Gauges: 16, 17, 18
Colors: White
Tension: Typically 45 lbs (20 kgs) to 55 lbs (25 kgs)
Tecnifibre is renowned for its multifilament tennis strings. While it has produced some good polys, this latest Ice Code polyester string has raised the bar in terms of control, feel, and durability - albeit with a bit more power than some other polys. Worth a demo.
Pros that use it: None known.
Volkl V-Square
Made in: Taiwan
Manufactured by: Volkl Tennis
Profile: Square-shaped
Material: Co-polyester
Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): 191 lb/in (16)
Gauges: 16, 17, 18, 19
Colors: Red
Tension: Typically 45 lbs (20 kgs) to 55 lbs (25 kgs)
The Volkl V-Square is a new addition to the Volkl range that produces high levels of easy spin from sharp edges and vicious snapback. Not as stiff as their most popular poly, Volkl Cyclone.
Pros that use it: None known.
Dunlop Explosive Red
Made in: TBC
Manufactured by: Dunlop Srixon
Profile: Round
Material: Polyester
Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): 233 lb/in (16)
Gauges: 16, 17
Colors: Red
Tension: Typically 45 lbs (20 kgs) to 55 lbs (25 kgs)
The Dunlop Explosive Red has a slippery, heat-treated surface, that results in a great snapback (for spin) and less wear for durability.
Pros that use it: None known.
TOURNA Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour
Made in: TBD
Manufactured by: Tourna
Profile: 7-sided
Material: Co-polyester
Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): 238 lb/in (16)
Gauges: 16, 17
Colors: Silver
Tension: Typically 45 lbs (20 kgs) to 55 lbs (25 kgs)
The TOURNA Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour is a firm poly string (238 lb/in) that uses the seven sharp edges to grip the ball and deliver high levels of spin and good durability. It plays similar to the popular Solinco Tour Bite. It is a cost-effective option that is worth considering.
Pros that use it: None known.
Diadem Elite XT
Made in: Taiwan
Manufactured by: Diadem Sports
Profile: Hexagram (Six-pointed star)
Material: Co-polyester Construction: Monofilament
Stiffness (gauge): TBD lb/in (16)
Gauges: 15L, 16, 16L, 17, 18
Colors: Charcoal
Tension: Recommended 48 lbs (22 kgs) to 62 lbs (28 kgs).
Diadem recommends dropping tension 5% from your usual poly tension setup. The Diadem Elite XT poly has a firmer feel that Diadem Solstice Power to deliver great response from the stringbed and long-lasting tension maintenance. More popular with flatter hitters.
Pros that use it: None known.
Summary
Like this previous version of the blog, there are no bad choices here either. There is a trend towards more shaped polys to provide even higher levels of spin but softer for a wider range of players. If we are pressed to pick three, then we'd select (in no particular order), the Diadem Solstice Power, YTEX Quadro Twist, and Technifibre Ice Code. Let us know what you think by adding your comments.
