String comparison
Max Power vs Big Banger Original
Kirschbaum Max Power against Luxilon Big Banger Original: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Max Power leads on spin and comfort. Big Banger Original leads on durability. For a junior with arm concerns, Max Power is the safer choice. Max Power 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 spin (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- 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 16)
- You want to spend less (from $9 vs $14 a set)
- Best for: advanced juniors who hit hard and flat-to-heavy
- Best for: string breakers
- Best for: players who want tension to last
Pick Big Banger Original if…
- You want more durability (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- Best for: string breakers who want maximum durability
- Best for: big hitters with their own power
- Best for: players seeking historical/legendary string
Specs side by side
| Spec | Max Power | Big Banger Original |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Pre-stretched co-polyester monofilament for tension maintenance and durability | Co-polymer nylon with fluorocarbon resin |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 17L | 16 |
| Stiffness | High | Very high |
| Set price | $9–12 | $14–16 |
| Reel price | $103–129 | $120–150 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 1/5 · Not arm friendly |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 16 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | 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. | String approximately 10% lower than usual (Luxilon recommendation). 48-52 lbs typical. Wrong tension may result in arm, elbow, and shoulder pain. |
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.
Big Banger Original in short
The Luxilon Big Banger Original is where it all started. This legendary string has been going strong since the late 80s and sparked the polyester revolution in professional tennis. Gustavo Kuerten used it to win three French Opens. The revolutionary co-polymer nylon construction mixed with fluorocarbon resin holds tension well, resists notching, and prevents excess string movement. It's been specifically designed for LOW power - because it's so low powered, it allows you to take huge cuts at the ball and still maintain control. At contact the string has a very muted and dead feel, which many players prefer.
Max Power vs Big Banger Original: quick answers
Which has more spin, Max Power or Big Banger Original?
Kirschbaum Max Power, with a spin rating of 7/10 against 6/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Kirschbaum Max Power scores 2/5 for arm friendliness, against 1/5 for Big Banger Original. It is recommended from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
Luxilon Big Banger Original rates 10/10 for durability against 9/10.
Which is cheaper?
Max Power costs about $9–12 a set and Big Banger Original about $14–16, 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 (Big Banger Original).