String comparison
Competition vs ALU Power
Kirschbaum Competition against Luxilon ALU Power: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Competition leads on durability and tension hold. ALU Power leads on power and comfort. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5). Competition 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 Competition if…
- You want more durability (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $9 vs $21 a set)
- Best for: control-oriented advanced players
- Best for: heavy hitters who break strings
- Best for: players generating their own power
Pick ALU Power if…
- You want more power (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (5 vs 4 out of 10)
- Best for: advanced juniors with full swings
- Best for: players who generate their own power
- Best for: tournament-level competitors
Specs side by side
| Spec | Competition | ALU Power |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round co-polyester monofilament | Co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | High | Medium high |
| Set price | $9–12 | $21–22 |
| Reel price | $85–105 | $170–200 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter, All court |
| Junior tension | 46-52 lbs for juniors. String 1-3 kg lower than typical poly tensions. | 48-52 lbs for juniors (vs 50-55 for adults). Start low and adjust. |
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.
ALU Power in short
Luxilon ALU Power is the gold standard of co-poly monofilaments with an iconic pro tour pedigree. In addition to being one of the most popular choices on the ATP Tour, this string helped usher in the polyester revolution in tennis. The firm monofilament construction enables players to take huge cuts at the ball without losing control, generating massive stroke speed that produces a dangerous combination of pace and spin. Despite countless attempts to duplicate or improve it, this string remains the gold standard on the professional tour.
Competition vs ALU Power: quick answers
Which has more spin, Competition or ALU 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 ALU Power from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
Kirschbaum Competition rates 9/10 for durability against 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
Competition costs about $9–12 a set and ALU Power about $21–22, 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 2025-01 (ALU Power).