String comparison
Hawk vs Razor Soft
Head Hawk against Tecnifibre Razor Soft: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Razor Soft leads on power and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5). Hawk 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 Hawk if…
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- You want to spend less (from $10 vs $16 a set)
- 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
Pick Razor Soft if…
- You want more power (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- Best for: intermediate to advanced players wanting control with pocketing
- Best for: players who find Razor Code too firm
- Best for: those who like Yonex Poly Tour Pro or Head Lynx Tour
Specs side by side
| Spec | Hawk | Razor Soft |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round co-polyester with Crystal Core technology (pliable inner core, firm outer shell) | High Modulus Polyester with melted polyurethane additive core |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium |
| Set price | $10–14 | $16–20 |
| Reel price | $100–130 | $170–200 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court | Baseliner, All court |
| Junior tension | 52-55 lbs for juniors. At 56+ it gets too dead. | 48-54 lbs for juniors. Don't go below 22kg. |
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.
Razor Soft in short
Developed for Daniil Medvedev, who wanted more power and pocketing than Razor Code. Constructed with the same high-modulus polyester but with a unique polyurethane additive melted into the core. Despite the name "Razor SOFT," this is not a soft string - it offers more pocketing than Razor Code while maintaining excellent control. A firm but not harsh string with excellent control on full swings. Outstanding playability duration - a well-known weakness of co-poly monofilaments. Medvedev has had his best seasons since switching to Razor Soft.
Hawk vs Razor Soft: quick answers
Which has more spin, Hawk or Razor Soft?
They tie on our spin rating (7/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. Hawk is recommended from age 13 and Razor Soft from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: Hawk 7/10, Razor Soft 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
Hawk costs about $10–14 a set and Razor Soft about $16–20, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Hawk) and 2025-01 (Razor Soft).