String comparison
Super Smash Orange vs ALU Power
Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange against Luxilon ALU Power: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Super Smash Orange leads on durability and tension hold. ALU Power leads on power. 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 Super Smash Orange 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 $7 vs $21 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
Pick ALU Power if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 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 | Super Smash Orange | ALU Power |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round pre-stretched co-polyester monofilament | Co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16L, 17 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium high |
| Set price | $7–9 | $21–22 |
| Reel price | $60–75 | $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 | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Pre-stretched so tension holds well after initial drop. | 48-52 lbs for juniors (vs 50-55 for adults). Start low and adjust. |
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.
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.
Super Smash Orange vs ALU Power: quick answers
Which has more spin, Super Smash Orange 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. Super Smash Orange is recommended from age 14 and ALU Power from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange rates 9/10 for durability against 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
Super Smash Orange costs about $7–9 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 (Super Smash Orange) and 2025-01 (ALU Power).