String comparison
ALU Power vs Big Banger Original
Luxilon ALU Power against Luxilon Big Banger Original: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. ALU Power leads on power, spin and comfort. Big Banger Original leads on durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, ALU Power 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 ALU Power if…
- You want more power (7 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want more spin (7 vs 6 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 16)
- Best for: advanced juniors with full swings
- Best for: players who generate their own power
- Best for: tournament-level competitors
Pick Big Banger Original if…
- You want more durability (10 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (8 vs 6 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 | ALU Power | Big Banger Original |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Co-polyester monofilament | Co-polymer nylon with fluorocarbon resin |
| Gauges | 16, 16L | 16 |
| Stiffness | Medium 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 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 16 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter, All court | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors (vs 50-55 for adults). Start low and adjust. | String approximately 10% lower than usual (Luxilon recommendation). 48-52 lbs typical. Wrong tension may result in arm, elbow, and shoulder pain. |
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.
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.
ALU Power vs Big Banger Original: quick answers
Which has more spin, ALU Power or Big Banger Original?
Luxilon ALU Power, with a spin rating of 7/10 against 6/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Luxilon ALU Power 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 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
ALU Power 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 (ALU Power) and 2025-01 (Big Banger Original).