String comparison
Black Code vs Poly Tour Spin
Tecnifibre Black Code against Yonex Poly Tour Spin: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Black Code leads on power and durability. Poly Tour Spin leads on spin and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5). Black Code 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 Black Code if…
- You want more power (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more durability (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- You want to spend less (from $12 vs $14 a set)
- Best for: aggressive baseliners who control points with heavy spin
- Best for: players wanting shaped poly comfort
- Best for: big hitters who swing hard
Pick Poly Tour Spin if…
- You want more spin (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Best for: spin seekers wanting comfort
- Best for: players needing help generating RPMs
- Best for: defensive players valuing control + spin
Specs side by side
| Spec | Black Code | Poly Tour Spin |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Pentagonal co-polyester with Thermocore technology | Pentagonal co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16L, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium high |
| Set price | $12–16 | $14–18 |
| Reel price | $130–160 | $150–180 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Defensive |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Drop 3 lbs for more depth. |
Black Code in short
Tecnifibre Black Code is a co-poly with pentagonal profile for spin and Thermocore technology for comfort. "Dangerous in the hands of an aggressive baseliner who likes to control the point with heavy spin." The 5-sided profile provides powerful snapback for spin generation while Thermocore uses heating and cooling phases to soften the string. Playtesters found it "soft, plush and very comfortable for a polyester string" with muted impact feel that doesn't send jarring vibrations on off-center hits. Great value shaped poly.
Poly Tour Spin in short
Yonex Poly Tour Spin features a pentagonal shape for extra bite on every stroke. The most comfortable string in the Yonex Polytour range - soft on the arm while still providing spin and control. "If you're looking for control first and spin second, the Polytour Spin would be ideal." Shots leave the racquet with direct response and heavy spin, though may land shorter - drop tension 3 lbs for more loop and depth. Tension maintenance is excellent (12-16 hours) but some report dramatic drop-off when it dies. Good for defensive players setting up points with spin.
Black Code vs Poly Tour Spin: quick answers
Which has more spin, Black Code or Poly Tour Spin?
Yonex Poly Tour Spin, with a spin rating of 9/10 against 8/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. Black Code is recommended from age 13 and Poly Tour Spin from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
Tecnifibre Black Code rates 8/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
Black Code costs about $12–16 a set and Poly Tour Spin 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 (Black Code) and 2025-01 (Poly Tour Spin).