String comparison
Super Smash Orange vs Poly Plasma
Kirschbaum Super Smash Orange against Signum Pro Poly Plasma: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Super Smash Orange leads on durability. Poly Plasma leads on comfort and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, Poly Plasma 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 Super Smash Orange if…
- You want more durability (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- Best for: big hitters seeking control
- Best for: players who break strings frequently
- Best for: those wanting ALU Power performance at budget price
Pick Poly Plasma if…
- You want more comfort (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (9 vs 7 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 3/5 vs 2/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 12 vs 14)
- Best for: players frustrated by tension loss
- Best for: control-oriented baseliners
- Best for: players seeking consistent response over time
Specs side by side
| Spec | Super Smash Orange | Poly Plasma |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Round pre-stretched co-polyester monofilament | Round co-polyester monofilament with added resin |
| Gauges | 16L, 17 | 16, 16L, 17L |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium |
| Set price | $7–9 | $8–11 |
| Reel price | $60–75 | $80–100 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 12 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Pre-stretched so tension holds well after initial drop. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Excellent tension maintenance allows consistent play. |
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.
Poly Plasma in short
Signum Pro Poly Plasma is the flagship co-poly from the German manufacturer, voted String of the Year 2004 by Tennis Magazin Germany and 2005 by Stringforum.net readers. One of the first colored co-polyester strings available, Poly Plasma is known for exceptional tension maintenance - one of the best in its class. The added resin creates predictable, controlled response that inspires confidence on full swings without feeling overly stiff or anemic outside the sweetspot.
Super Smash Orange vs Poly Plasma: quick answers
Which has more spin, Super Smash Orange or Poly Plasma?
They tie on our spin rating (7/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Signum Pro Poly Plasma scores 3/5 for arm friendliness, against 2/5 for Super Smash Orange. It is recommended from age 12.
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 Poly Plasma about $8–11, 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 (Poly Plasma).