Luxilon · Polyester
Luxilon Big Banger Original
Co-polymer nylon with fluorocarbon resin
Performance ratings
Overview
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.
Best for
- String breakers who want maximum durability
- Big hitters with their own power
- Players seeking historical/legendary string
- Those who prefer dead, muted feel
Not ideal for
- Most modern juniors - better options exist
- Anyone with arm concerns - can cause pain
- Players wanting modern spin potential
- Those seeking lively feel
- Players who need power assistance
Pros
- Historical significance - started the poly revolution
- Excellent durability - testers couldn't break it
- Outstanding control
- Great tension maintenance
- Lower price point than newer Luxilons
- Proven at highest professional levels
Cons
- Very stiff and uncomfortable
- Can cause arm, elbow, shoulder pain at wrong tension
- Very low power - not for everyone
- Muted, dead feel
- Less spin than modern shaped polys
- Limited gauge options (16 only)
- Not suitable for most juniors
Stringer notes
A piece of tennis history. String approximately 10% lower than normal. Almost always recommend as hybrid only unless player specifically requests full bed. Playability lasted over two weeks in testing.
Break-in period
Takes 1-2 hours to settle. Never gets particularly comfortable.
When to replace
Lasts very long - durability is its main selling point. Replace when playability suffers or after 20+ hours.
Hybrid setup ideas
- Must hybrid with soft string for playability
- Natural gut mains essential for comfort
- Almost never recommended as full bed
Used by
Gustavo Kuerten (retired - 3x French Open champion), Richard Gasquet, David Ferrer (retired), David Nalbandian (retired), Philipp Kohlschreiber, Roberto Bautista Agut
Specifications
- Type
- Polyester
- Construction
- Co-polymer nylon with fluorocarbon resin
- Gauges
- 16
- Colors
- Grey
- Set price
- $14–$16
- Reel price
- $120–$150
- Brand
- Luxilon (Belgium)
Sources & reviews
Data verified January 2025. Something wrong? Send a correction.
- Specs: Tennis Warehouse
- Pricing: Tennis Express
- Review: Tennis Warehouse Review
- Review: The Tennis Bros Review