String comparison
Plasma HEXtreme vs Cyclone
Signum Pro Plasma HEXtreme against Volkl Cyclone: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Plasma HEXtreme leads on tension hold. Cyclone leads on durability. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5).
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 Plasma HEXtreme if…
- You want more tension hold (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- Best for: maximum spin seekers
- Best for: heavy topspin baseliners
- Best for: players with western grips
Pick Cyclone if…
- You want more durability (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You restring often and want it cheaper to keep up (cost score 5/5 vs 4/5)
- Best for: spin-oriented players on a budget
- Best for: powerful baseliners who hit with heavy topspin
- Best for: players seeking excellent value for money
Specs side by side
| Spec | Plasma HEXtreme | Cyclone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Hexagonal co-polyester monofilament | Decagonal (gear-shaped) co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16L, 17, 18 | 16, 17, 18, 18L, 19 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium high |
| Set price | $10–13 | $9–12 |
| Reel price | $120–145 | $120–140 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter, All court |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Hex shape grabs ball - can string lower. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Gear shape grabs ball well so you can string lower. |
Plasma HEXtreme in short
Signum Pro Plasma HEXtreme was one of the first hexagonal shaped strings on the market, pioneering the shaped poly category that has become so popular. The six edges provide excellent ball bite for spin generation while maintaining the tension stability Signum Pro is known for. Built on the proven Plasma foundation with enhanced spin potential, HEXtreme offers German engineering in a modern spin-focused design.
Cyclone in short
Volkl Cyclone is a gear-shaped co-poly that has become one of the best value strings in tennis. The unique decagonal profile provides excellent ball bite for spin generation, while the firm construction offers predictable control. Playtesters found it surprisingly comfortable for a firm control string, and its exceptional price-to-performance ratio makes it a favorite among competitive players who break strings frequently.
Plasma HEXtreme vs Cyclone: quick answers
Which has more spin, Plasma HEXtreme or Cyclone?
They tie on our spin rating (9/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. Plasma HEXtreme is recommended from age 13 and Cyclone from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
Volkl Cyclone rates 8/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Plasma HEXtreme costs about $10–13 a set and Cyclone about $9–12, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Plasma HEXtreme) and 2025-01 (Cyclone).