String comparison
Hawk vs Revolve
Head Hawk against Wilson Revolve: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Hawk leads on control and comfort. Revolve leads on power and spin. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5). Revolve 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…
- You want more control (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- 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 Revolve if…
- You want more power (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more spin (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $8 vs $10 a set)
- Best for: budget-conscious families wanting quality poly
- Best for: juniors trying polyester for first time
- Best for: players wanting spin + control at low cost
Specs side by side
| Spec | Hawk | Revolve |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round co-polyester with Crystal Core technology (pliable inner core, firm outer shell) | Tri-polymer co-polyester with low-friction additive |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium |
| Set price | $10–14 | $8–10 |
| Reel price | $100–130 | $80–100 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court | Baseliner, All court |
| Junior tension | 52-55 lbs for juniors. At 56+ it gets too dead. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. |
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.
Revolve in short
Wilson designed Revolve so the main strings could snap back more effectively, multiplying the player's efforts into heavier spin. The tri-polymer construction includes a low-friction additive to make the string more comfortable when swinging at higher speeds. Playtesters found it on the soft end of the spectrum - "felt soft, but not mushy." With great control and lots of spin, Revolve is a solid option for advanced players and experienced intermediates. As a budget-friendly option, it's significantly cheaper than similar strings like RPM Blast.
Hawk vs Revolve: quick answers
Which has more spin, Hawk or Revolve?
Wilson Revolve, with a spin rating of 8/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. Hawk is recommended from age 13 and Revolve from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: Hawk 7/10, Revolve 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Hawk costs about $10–14 a set and Revolve about $8–10, 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 (Revolve).