String comparison
Max Power vs Super Smash Orange
Kirschbaum Max Power against Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Max Power leads on tension hold. Super Smash Orange leads on power and comfort. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5). Super Smash Orange 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 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
Pick Super Smash Orange if…
- You want more power (6 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (5 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $7 vs $9 a set)
- Best for: big hitters seeking control
- Best for: players who break strings frequently
- Best for: those wanting ALU Power performance at budget price
Specs side by side
| Spec | Max Power | Super Smash Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Pre-stretched co-polyester monofilament for tension maintenance and durability | Round pre-stretched co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 17L | 16L, 17 |
| Stiffness | High | Medium high |
| Set price | $9–12 | $7–9 |
| Reel price | $103–129 | $60–75 |
| 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 | 44-50 lbs for juniors. It is firm, so string lower than a soft poly. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Pre-stretched so tension holds well after initial drop. |
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.
Super Smash Orange in short
Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange is the redesigned version of the legendary honey-colored Super Smash that was highly popular on the professional tour in the 1990s. This orange iteration uses new materials and technology while keeping the original characteristics of pop, feel, and precise power. Pre-stretched for better tension maintenance, it offers remarkable control at an almost unbelievably low price. In 17 gauge, Tennis Warehouse University specs are nearly identical to Luxilon ALU Power in 1.25mm.
Max Power vs Super Smash Orange: quick answers
Which has more spin, Max Power or Super Smash Orange?
They tie on our spin rating (7/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. Max Power is recommended from age 14 and Super Smash Orange from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (9/10). Tension maintenance: Max Power 8/10, Super Smash Orange 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Max Power costs about $9–12 a set and Super Smash Orange about $7–9, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2026-10 (Max Power) and 2025-01 (Super Smash Orange).