String comparison
Competition vs Tour Bite
Kirschbaum Competition against Solinco Tour Bite: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Competition leads on comfort. Tour Bite leads on spin and control. For a junior with arm concerns, Competition is the safer choice.
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 comfort (4 vs 3 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 2/5 vs 1/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 14 vs 15)
- Best for: control-oriented advanced players
- Best for: heavy hitters who break strings
- Best for: players generating their own power
Pick Tour Bite if…
- You want more spin (10 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more control (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- Best for: control-obsessed advanced players
- Best for: aggressive topspin baseliners
- Best for: string breakers (excellent durability)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Competition | Tour Bite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round co-polyester monofilament | Square-shaped co-polyester with sharp edges |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 16L, 17, 19, 20 |
| Stiffness | High | High |
| Set price | $9–12 | $10–12 |
| Reel price | $85–105 | $130–150 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 1/5 · Not arm friendly |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 15 |
| 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. | 44-48 lbs for juniors. String low due to stiffness - string feels firmer than it strings. |
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.
Tour Bite in short
Launched in 2009, Tour Bite not only became a staple with collegiate level players, but it also helped vault Solinco into a top-tier string brand. This firm co-polyester is designed for advanced players who demand the ultimate in control, durability and spin. The square profile with sharp edges is ideal for aggressive topspin players who like to rip the felt off the ball. With its stiff response, slippery surface and grippy edges, Tour Bite specializes in hitting spin-loaded balls that drop hard and hop powerfully off the court. One of the very best polys out there with the best combination of spin, price, durability and feel.
Competition vs Tour Bite: quick answers
Which has more spin, Competition or Tour Bite?
Solinco Tour Bite, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Kirschbaum Competition scores 2/5 for arm friendliness, against 1/5 for Tour Bite. It is recommended from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (9/10). Tension maintenance: Competition 7/10, Tour Bite 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Competition costs about $9–12 a set and Tour Bite about $10–12, 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 2025-01 (Tour Bite).