String comparison
ALU Power vs Poly Tour Strike
Luxilon ALU Power against Yonex Poly Tour Strike: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. ALU Power leads on power. Poly Tour Strike leads on control, durability and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5). Poly Tour Strike 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)
- 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 Poly Tour Strike if…
- 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 (9 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $16 vs $21 a set)
- Best for: big-swinging baseliners needing control
- Best for: advanced players who generate their own power
- Best for: those wanting exceptional tension maintenance
Specs side by side
| Spec | ALU Power | Poly Tour Strike |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Co-polyester monofilament | Round co-polyester monofilament with high molecular weight and controlled temperature stretching |
| Gauges | 16, 16L | 16, 16L, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | High |
| Set price | $21–22 | $16–20 |
| Reel price | $170–200 | $170–200 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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. | 46-50 lbs for juniors. String lower due to stiffness. |
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.
Poly Tour Strike in short
Yonex Poly Tour Strike is a firm polyester for terrific control and tension retention. The name of the game is CONTROL. Stretched under controlled temperatures during production with high molecular weight for above-average tension maintenance and durability. "It definitely played like a control string" with power level similar to Solinco Hyper-G. Firm and controlled right off the stringer but not uncomfortable if you hit center. Above average spin for round polys - better than RPM Blast and Lynx Tour. Perfect for big-swinging baseline games like Shapovalov and Osaka.
ALU Power vs Poly Tour Strike: quick answers
Which has more spin, ALU Power or Poly Tour Strike?
They tie on our spin rating (7/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. ALU Power is recommended from age 14 and Poly Tour Strike from age 15.
Which lasts longer?
Yonex Poly Tour Strike rates 9/10 for durability against 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
ALU Power costs about $21–22 a set and Poly Tour Strike about $16–20, 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 (Poly Tour Strike).