String comparison
4G vs Big Banger Original
Luxilon 4G against Luxilon Big Banger Original: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. 4G leads on power, spin, comfort and tension hold. Big Banger Original leads on durability. For a junior with arm concerns, 4G is the safer choice. Big Banger Original 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 if…
- You want more power (6 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want more spin (8 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (5 vs 3 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (10 vs 8 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 2/5 vs 1/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 14 vs 16)
- Best for: control-oriented advanced juniors
- Best for: players who hate restringing frequently
- Best for: players who value precision over power
Pick Big Banger Original if…
- You want more durability (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $14 vs $21 a set)
- 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 | 4G | Big Banger Original |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Co-polyester monofilament with poly-ether-ether compound | Co-polymer nylon with fluorocarbon resin |
| Gauges | 16, 16L | 16 |
| Stiffness | High | Very high |
| Set price | $21–22 | $14–16 |
| Reel price | $170–200 | $120–150 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 1/5 · Not arm friendly |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 16 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Better tension maintenance means more consistent feel over time. | String approximately 10% lower than usual (Luxilon recommendation). 48-52 lbs typical. Wrong tension may result in arm, elbow, and shoulder pain. |
4G in short
Luxilon 4G was designed with one goal: better tension maintenance than ALU Power. Made with Luxilon's magical poly-ether-ether compound, 4G strings feature best-in-class durability, control and tension maintenance. Unlike many polys that go dead after 8-10 hours, 4G keeps its feel and control far longer. Its tension holding score of 100% isn't marketing hype - it's backed up by lab data. Control is where 4G shines, making it a workhorse that's reliable, consistent, and built for precision.
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.
4G vs Big Banger Original: quick answers
Which has more spin, 4G or Big Banger Original?
Luxilon 4G, with a spin rating of 8/10 against 6/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Luxilon 4G 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?
4G costs about $21–22 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 2025-01 (4G) and 2025-01 (Big Banger Original).