String comparison
Competition vs Max Power
Kirschbaum Competition against Kirschbaum Max Power: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Competition leads on power. Max Power leads on tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5).
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 Competition if…
- You want more power (5 vs 4 out of 10)
- Best for: control-oriented advanced players
- Best for: heavy hitters who break strings
- Best for: players generating their own power
Pick Max Power if…
- You want more tension hold (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- Best for: advanced juniors who hit hard and flat-to-heavy
- Best for: string breakers
- Best for: players who want tension to last
Specs side by side
| Spec | Competition | Max Power |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round co-polyester monofilament | Pre-stretched co-polyester monofilament for tension maintenance and durability |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17, 17L |
| Stiffness | High | High |
| Set price | $9–12 | $9–12 |
| Reel price | $85–105 | $103–129 |
| 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 | 46-52 lbs for juniors. String 1-3 kg lower than typical poly tensions. | 44-50 lbs for juniors. It is firm, so string lower than a soft poly. |
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.
Max Power in short
Kirschbaum Max Power is a firm co-poly that Kirschbaum pre-stretches for better tension maintenance and durability. Tennis Warehouse describes a low-powered, extremely predictable response made for big hitters, and its 2014 playtest called it an old-school poly that is too stiff for beginners. TWU lab data backs that up: high stiffness with low tension loss. It is also one of the cheaper firm polys, with a reel option.
Competition vs Max Power: quick answers
Which has more spin, Competition or Max Power?
They tie on our spin rating (7/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. Competition is recommended from age 14 and Max Power from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (9/10). Tension maintenance: Competition 7/10, Max Power 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
Competition costs about $9–12 a set and Max Power 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 (Competition) and 2026-10 (Max Power).