String comparison
Hawk vs Poly Tour Pro
Head Hawk against Yonex Poly Tour Pro: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Hawk leads on durability. Poly Tour Pro leads on power. For a junior with arm concerns, Poly Tour Pro is the safer choice. 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…
- You want more durability (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $10 vs $14 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 Poly Tour Pro if…
- You want more power (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 4/5 vs 3/5)
- Best for: power players wanting control
- Best for: players seeking soft poly with precision
- Best for: those who like dead, muted feel
Specs side by side
| Spec | Hawk | Poly Tour Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round co-polyester with Crystal Core technology (pliable inner core, firm outer shell) | Round co-polyester monofilament with high-temperature stretching process |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16L, 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium |
| Set price | $10–14 | $14–18 |
| Reel price | $100–130 | $150–180 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 52-55 lbs for juniors. At 56+ it gets too dead. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Yellow version plays slightly softer than black. |
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.
Poly Tour Pro in short
Yonex Poly Tour Pro is a softer playing poly stretched at high temperature during production to improve tension maintenance. "I felt like I could put the ball on a dime with it!" - exceptional control on fast swings. The ball seems to sink into it like a pillow at contact. Despite being firm, it has above average comfort for a poly with the yellow version playing slightly softer than black. Not the most spin-friendly in the Yonex family (actually the least), but the control and predictable response make it a favorite among power players. Don't try to get more than a month out of it - when it dies, it's done.
Hawk vs Poly Tour Pro: quick answers
Which has more spin, Hawk or Poly Tour Pro?
They tie on our spin rating (7/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Yonex Poly Tour Pro scores 4/5 for arm friendliness, against 3/5 for Hawk. It is recommended from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
Head Hawk rates 8/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Hawk costs about $10–14 a set and Poly Tour Pro about $14–18, 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 (Poly Tour Pro).