String comparison
Tour Bite vs Black Code 4S
Solinco Tour Bite against Tecnifibre Black Code 4S: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Tour Bite leads on durability. Black Code 4S leads on comfort. For a junior with arm concerns, Black Code 4S 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 Tour Bite if…
- You want more durability (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $10 vs $14 a set)
- Best for: control-obsessed advanced players
- Best for: aggressive topspin baseliners
- Best for: string breakers (excellent durability)
Pick Black Code 4S if…
- You want more comfort (5 vs 3 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 2/5 vs 1/5)
- Best for: maximum spin seekers
- Best for: advanced players with full swings
- Best for: control-obsessed baseliners
Specs side by side
| Spec | Tour Bite | Black Code 4S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Square-shaped co-polyester with sharp edges | Square-shaped co-polyester with four spin edges |
| Gauges | 16, 16L, 17, 19, 20 | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | High | High |
| Set price | $10–12 | $14–18 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $150–180 |
| Arm friendliness | 1/5 · Not arm friendly | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 15 | Age 15 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 44-48 lbs for juniors. String low due to stiffness - string feels firmer than it strings. | 44-48 lbs for juniors. String low due to stiffness. |
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.
Black Code 4S in short
Black Code 4S is Tecnifibre's maximum spin and control polyester with a square shape and four grippy edges. Lab tested stiffness of 209 lb/in makes it quite stiff. "This string's most undeniable characteristic was control" - it enabled playtesters to execute their most powerful strokes without fear of overhitting. The ability to take massive upward cuts combined with the four grippy edges was "a recipe for massive spin." Low powered but provides excellent bite on the ball.
Tour Bite vs Black Code 4S: quick answers
Which has more spin, Tour Bite or Black Code 4S?
They tie on our spin rating (10/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Tecnifibre Black Code 4S scores 2/5 for arm friendliness, against 1/5 for Tour Bite. It is recommended from age 15.
Which lasts longer?
Solinco Tour Bite rates 9/10 for durability against 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
Tour Bite costs about $10–12 a set and Black Code 4S about $14–18, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Tour Bite) and 2025-01 (Black Code 4S).