String comparison
Polylon vs Competition
Gosen Polylon against Kirschbaum Competition: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Polylon leads on spin and comfort. Competition leads on power and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5). Polylon costs less per set.
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 Polylon if…
- You want more spin (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (5 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $2 vs $9 a set)
- Best for: big hitters on a budget
- Best for: players seeking maximum control
- Best for: home stringers and tennis teams
Pick Competition if…
- You want more power (5 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- Best for: control-oriented advanced players
- Best for: heavy hitters who break strings
- Best for: players generating their own power
Specs side by side
| Spec | Polylon | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round polyester monofilament with high-tech polyester resin | Round co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | High | High |
| Set price | $2–4 | $9–12 |
| Reel price | $40–60 | $85–105 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Classic control string - string at normal poly tensions. | 46-52 lbs for juniors. String 1-3 kg lower than typical poly tensions. |
Polylon in short
Gosen Polylon is a good old-fashioned polyester string without extravagant chemical additives. What it does have is remarkable control, especially at the highest swing speeds, and tremendous spin potential. Its response is so predictable and low-powered that it enables big hitters to attack the ball at extreme upward angles. At only $2.95 per set, it's one of the all-time best options for big hitters on a budget. Extremely durable - one 16 gauge set survived about 35 hours of tennis.
Competition in short
Kirschbaum Competition is one of the original German polyester strings, designed for maximum control of powerful shots. With extreme durability and great tension maintenance, it's particularly suited for open string patterns. The manufacturer advises reducing tension by 1-3 kg compared to traditional polyester strings for optimal comfort and playability. This is a classic control string for players who generate their own power.
Polylon vs Competition: quick answers
Which has more spin, Polylon or Competition?
Gosen Polylon, with a spin rating of 8/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. Polylon is recommended from age 14 and Competition from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (9/10). Tension maintenance: Polylon 5/10, Competition 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Polylon costs about $2–4 a set and Competition about $9–12, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Polylon) and 2025-01 (Competition).