String comparison
4G Rough vs Hyper-G
Luxilon 4G Rough against Solinco Hyper-G: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. 4G Rough leads on tension hold. Hyper-G leads on power, spin and comfort. For a junior with arm concerns, Hyper-G is the safer choice. Hyper-G 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 4G Rough if…
- You want more tension hold (9 vs 7 out of 10)
- Best for: elite juniors wanting spin + control + tension stability
- Best for: players who like 4G but want more spin
- Best for: heavy hitters with solid technique
Pick Hyper-G if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more spin (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (5 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 15)
- You want to spend less (from $12 vs $21 a set)
- Best for: heavy topspin players
- Best for: advanced juniors with fast, full swings
- Best for: players looking for spin + control at great value
Specs side by side
| Spec | 4G Rough | Hyper-G |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Textured co-polyester monofilament | Square-shaped co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16L | 15L, 16, 16L, 17, 18, 19, 20 |
| Stiffness | Very high | Medium high |
| Set price | $21–22 | $12–13 |
| Reel price | $170–200 | $165–175 |
| Arm friendliness | 1/5 · Not arm friendly | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 15 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Elite | Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 46-50 lbs for juniors. Go lower than smooth 4G. | 46-50 lbs for juniors. Square shape grips well so can string lower for more comfort. |
4G Rough in short
Luxilon 4G Rough combines the legendary tension stability of 4G with a textured surface for enhanced spin. Designed to give strong players the needed control to unlock their top swing speed. The result is one of the stiffest, most control-oriented strings on the market. This is a specialty string for elite players with complete games and no arm concerns.
Hyper-G in short
Since 2014, Hyper-G has endured as the top string choice for tennis players around the globe. Developed for an ATP top 50 player, this shaped co-poly with an impressive combination of spin and precision allows big hitters to take massive cuts at the ball without having to worry about overhitting. The square profile with sharp edges bites the ball at contact, generating massive spin. Topspin players who like hitting balls that dive sharply and explode off the court should love this string. With an unmatched selection of 7 gauges from 15L to 20, there's a Hyper-G for every playing style.
4G Rough vs Hyper-G: quick answers
Which has more spin, 4G Rough or Hyper-G?
Solinco Hyper-G, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 9/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Solinco Hyper-G scores 2/5 for arm friendliness, against 1/5 for 4G Rough. It is recommended from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: 4G Rough 9/10, Hyper-G 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
4G Rough costs about $21–22 a set and Hyper-G about $12–13, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (4G Rough) and 2025-01 (Hyper-G).