String comparison
Big Banger Original vs Big Banger Original Rough
Luxilon Big Banger Original against Luxilon Big Banger Original Rough: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Big Banger Original leads on durability. Big Banger Original Rough leads on spin. They score the same for arm friendliness (1/5).
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 Big Banger Original if…
- You want more durability (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- You restring often and want it cheaper to keep up (cost score 5/5 vs 4/5)
- Best for: string breakers who want maximum durability
- Best for: players seeking historical/legendary string
- Best for: those who prefer dead, muted feel
Pick Big Banger Original Rough if…
- You want more spin (8 vs 6 out of 10)
- Best for: string breakers wanting spin + durability
- Best for: aggressive topspin baseliners
Specs side by side
| Spec | Big Banger Original | Big Banger Original Rough |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Co-polymer nylon with fluorocarbon resin | Textured co-polymer nylon with fluorocarbon resin |
| Gauges | 16 | 16 |
| Stiffness | Very high | Very high |
| Set price | $14–16 | $14–16 |
| Reel price | $120–150 | $120–150 |
| Arm friendliness | 1/5 · Not arm friendly | 1/5 · Not arm friendly |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 16 | Age 16 |
| Levels | Elite | Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | String approximately 10% lower than usual (Luxilon recommendation). 48-52 lbs typical. Wrong tension may result in arm, elbow, and shoulder pain. | String 10% lower than usual. 46-50 lbs for textured version. |
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.
Big Banger Original Rough in short
The textured version of the legendary Big Banger Original adds enhanced spin potential to the original's legendary durability and control. Same low-power, high-control characteristics as the original but with a textured surface for better ball grip.
Big Banger Original vs Big Banger Original Rough: quick answers
Which has more spin, Big Banger Original or Big Banger Original Rough?
Luxilon Big Banger Original Rough, with a spin rating of 8/10 against 6/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 1/5. Big Banger Original is recommended from age 16 and Big Banger Original Rough from age 16.
Which lasts longer?
Luxilon Big Banger Original rates 10/10 for durability against 9/10.
Which is cheaper?
Big Banger Original costs about $14–16 a set and Big Banger Original Rough 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 (Big Banger Original) and 2025-01 (Big Banger Original Rough).