String comparison
G-Tour 3 vs Hawk
Gosen G-Tour 3 against Head Hawk: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. G-Tour 3 leads on spin. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5).
Ratings
Power
Spin
Control
Comfort
Durability
Tension hold
Ratings are on a 1–10 scale. The higher score is in bold when they differ.
Pick G-Tour 3 if…
- You want more spin (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You restring often and want it cheaper to keep up (cost score 5/5 vs 4/5)
- Best for: juniors with fast swings who want control
- Best for: players moving up to a comfortable poly
- Best for: spin-oriented baseliners
Pick Hawk if…
- Best for: control-oriented players who generate their own power
- Best for: big hitters who need to keep balls in
- Best for: players wanting soft poly feel
Specs side by side
| Spec | G-Tour 3 | Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | High-purity co-polyester monofilament with silicone oil coating for snapback and longevity | Round co-polyester with Crystal Core technology (pliable inner core, firm outer shell) |
| Gauges | 16L, 17, 17L | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium |
| Set price | $9–10 | $10–14 |
| Reel price | — | $100–130 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter | Baseliner, All court |
| Junior tension | 46-52 lbs for juniors. | 52-55 lbs for juniors. At 56+ it gets too dead. |
G-Tour 3 in short
Gosen G-Tour 3 is a co-poly made from a high-purity polymer with a silicone oil coating for snapback and longevity. Tennis Warehouse calls it one of the more comfortable co-polys on the market, slightly softer than G-Tour 1 while still giving excellent control. The low-powered response lets players swing hard for pace and spin, and reviewers praise its comfort, spin and durability.
Hawk in short
Head Hawk features Crystal Core technology - a pliable inner core surrounded by a firm outer shell. This creates a string that is firm enough for exceptional control but muted enough to reduce harsh vibrations. "A soft, plush feeling string with a more deadened, controlled response" that feels very connected to the ball. Despite being low-powered, it's very soft and never uncomfortable. Allows players to really swing out on shots without fear of overhitting. Great value at $10-14 per set.
G-Tour 3 vs Hawk: quick answers
Which has more spin, G-Tour 3 or Hawk?
Gosen G-Tour 3, with a spin rating of 8/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. G-Tour 3 is recommended from age 13 and Hawk from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: G-Tour 3 7/10, Hawk 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
G-Tour 3 costs about $9–10 a set and Hawk about $10–14, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2026-10 (G-Tour 3) and 2025-01 (Hawk).