String comparison
Pro Line Rough vs ALU Power Rough
Kirschbaum Pro Line Rough against Luxilon ALU Power Rough: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Pro Line Rough leads on comfort and tension hold. ALU Power Rough leads on power. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5). Pro Line Rough 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 Pro Line Rough if…
- You want more comfort (5 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- You want to spend less (from $11 vs $21 a set)
- Best for: spin-focused players
- Best for: those who like Pro Line II but want more spin
- Best for: players with western grips
Pick ALU Power Rough if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Best for: spin-focused advanced juniors
- Best for: players with western or semi-western grips
- Best for: those who loved ALU Power but want more spin
Specs side by side
| Spec | Pro Line Rough | ALU Power Rough |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Textured round co-polyester monofilament | Textured co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16L, 17, 18 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | Medium high | High |
| Set price | $11–14 | $21–22 |
| Reel price | $95–115 | $170–200 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Rough texture grabs ball - can string lower. | 46-50 lbs for juniors. Textured surface grabs ball so you can string lower. |
Pro Line Rough in short
Kirschbaum Pro Line Rough adds a textured surface to the proven Pro Line formula for enhanced spin potential. The rough surface bites the ball at contact, allowing players to generate more RPMs while maintaining the German precision and quality Kirschbaum is known for. Like other textured polys, it trades some durability for increased spin, but offers excellent value for spin-seekers.
ALU Power Rough in short
ALU Power Rough takes the proven ALU Power formula and adds a textured surface for enhanced spin potential. The rough surface grabs the ball at contact, allowing players to generate more RPMs on their shots. Designed to grip the ball for increased spin, though not quite as durable as standard ALU Power due to the texturing.
Pro Line Rough vs ALU Power Rough: quick answers
Which has more spin, Pro Line Rough or ALU Power Rough?
They tie on our spin rating (9/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. Pro Line Rough is recommended from age 13 and ALU Power Rough from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (7/10). Tension maintenance: Pro Line Rough 7/10, ALU Power Rough 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
Pro Line Rough costs about $11–14 a set and ALU Power Rough 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 (Pro Line Rough) and 2025-01 (ALU Power Rough).