String comparison
Hyper-G vs Cyclone
Solinco Hyper-G against Volkl Cyclone: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Hyper-G leads on power, spin and control. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5). Cyclone 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 Hyper-G if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more spin (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- You want more control (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- Best for: heavy topspin players
- Best for: advanced juniors with fast, full swings
- Best for: players looking for spin + control at great value
Pick Cyclone if…
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- You want to spend less (from $9 vs $12 a set)
- 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 | Hyper-G | Cyclone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Square-shaped co-polyester monofilament | Decagonal (gear-shaped) co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 15L, 16, 16L, 17, 18, 19, 20 | 16, 17, 18, 18L, 19 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium high |
| Set price | $12–13 | $9–12 |
| Reel price | $165–175 | $120–140 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter, All court |
| Junior tension | 46-50 lbs for juniors. Square shape grips well so can string lower for more comfort. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Gear shape grabs ball well so you can string lower. |
Hyper-G in short
Since 2014, Hyper-G has endured as the top string choice for tennis players around the globe. Developed for an ATP top 50 player, this shaped co-poly with an impressive combination of spin and precision allows big hitters to take massive cuts at the ball without having to worry about overhitting. The square profile with sharp edges bites the ball at contact, generating massive spin. Topspin players who like hitting balls that dive sharply and explode off the court should love this string. With an unmatched selection of 7 gauges from 15L to 20, there's a Hyper-G for every playing style.
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.
Hyper-G vs Cyclone: quick answers
Which has more spin, Hyper-G or Cyclone?
Solinco Hyper-G, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 9/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. Hyper-G is recommended from age 14 and Cyclone from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: Hyper-G 7/10, Cyclone 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Hyper-G costs about $12–13 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 (Hyper-G) and 2025-01 (Cyclone).