String comparison
ALU Power vs Tour Bite
Luxilon ALU Power against Solinco Tour Bite: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. ALU Power leads on power and comfort. Tour Bite leads on spin, control, durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, ALU Power is the safer choice. Tour Bite 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 5 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)
- Best for: advanced juniors with full swings
- Best for: players who generate their own power
- Best for: tournament-level competitors
Pick Tour Bite if…
- You want more spin (10 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more control (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- 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 $10 vs $21 a set)
- Best for: control-obsessed advanced players
- Best for: aggressive topspin baseliners
- Best for: string breakers (excellent durability)
Specs side by side
| Spec | ALU Power | Tour Bite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Co-polyester monofilament | Square-shaped co-polyester with sharp edges |
| Gauges | 16, 16L | 16, 16L, 17, 19, 20 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | High |
| Set price | $21–22 | $10–12 |
| Reel price | $170–200 | $130–150 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 1/5 · Not arm friendly |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 15 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Advanced, 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. | 44-48 lbs for juniors. String low due to stiffness - string feels firmer than it strings. |
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.
Tour Bite in short
Launched in 2009, Tour Bite not only became a staple with collegiate level players, but it also helped vault Solinco into a top-tier string brand. This firm co-polyester is designed for advanced players who demand the ultimate in control, durability and spin. The square profile with sharp edges is ideal for aggressive topspin players who like to rip the felt off the ball. With its stiff response, slippery surface and grippy edges, Tour Bite specializes in hitting spin-loaded balls that drop hard and hop powerfully off the court. One of the very best polys out there with the best combination of spin, price, durability and feel.
ALU Power vs Tour Bite: quick answers
Which has more spin, ALU Power or Tour Bite?
Solinco Tour Bite, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Luxilon ALU Power scores 2/5 for arm friendliness, against 1/5 for Tour Bite. It is recommended from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
Solinco Tour Bite rates 9/10 for durability against 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
ALU Power costs about $21–22 a set and Tour Bite about $10–12, 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 (Tour Bite).