Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxilon ALU Power | Best Overall | ~$18-25 | 4.7/5 |
| Solinco Hyper G | Best Budget | ~$12-18 | 4.6/5 |
| Babolat RPM Blast | Best Premium | ~$20-28 | 4.7/5 |
| Yonex Poly Tour Pro | Best for Spin | ~$16-22 | 4.5/5 |
| Head Lynx Tour | Best Compact | ~$15-20 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
Our reviewer is a competitive club-level tennis player who has experimented with copoly strings across multiple rackets over several years. We tested each string set in a standardized racket frame at consistent tensions, logging hours of match and practice play before assessment. We also consulted a certified tennis stringing professional and gathered input from competitive players at club and regional tournament levels. No manufacturer relationships influenced our picks.
How we tested copoly strings
Each string set was installed in an identical racket frame (mid-plus head size, 16x19 string pattern) at the same reference tension. We used each string set for a minimum of 15 hours of play across both practice and match conditions before final assessment. We rated: control (consistency of shot placement on groundstrokes), spin generation (topspin rpm, assessed by ball bounce behavior), arm feel (wrist, elbow, and shoulder comfort), and tension maintenance over the test period.
Who should buy copoly strings?
Intermediate to advanced players with consistent groundstrokes and full swing mechanics who want to maximize control and spin are the target audience. Co-polyester strings reward full, confident swings and punish tentative half-swings. They are the string of choice for the vast majority of ATP and WTA professionals, and the right choice for club players who compete regularly and can maintain a restringing schedule. Players with arm problems, or those who play infrequently and want power from their strings, should look at multifilament or hybrid setups instead.
Luxilon ALU Power: the benchmark copoly string
Luxilon ALU Power is used by more professional tennis players than any other string in the world, and it earns that position through genuinely exceptional control and spin. The slightly rounded edge profile (square-cut profiles typically bite more on spin generation but are harsher on arms) provides a good balance of spin and arm comfort relative to other pro-level colopies. The string holds tension reasonably well compared to other co-poly options, though restringing every 20 to 30 hours is still recommended for consistent feel.
The 16L (1.25mm) gauge is the most popular among competitive players for the balance of durability and touch. Thinner gauges (17) provide slightly more spin and feel at the cost of durability. Thicker gauges (16) last longer but feel slightly stiffer.
Babolat RPM Blast: best for maximum spin generation
The Babolat RPM Blast, used most famously by Rafael Nadal, is shaped with an octagonal cross-section that creates significantly more string-to-ball bite than round-profile strings, producing higher spin rates. For heavy topspin players who want to push the limits of spin generation, RPM Blast edges out ALU Power in bite and revolutions.
The trade-off is a slightly harsher feel than ALU Power, particularly at higher tensions. String it 10 to 15 percent lower than your nylon reference tension, and consider a hybrid with a softer multifilament in the crosses if arm comfort is a concern. At its price point, RPM Blast is excellent value for professional-grade spin performance.
What to look for in copoly strings
Gauge: Thinner gauges (1.20 to 1.25mm) provide more spin, feel, and control at slightly reduced durability. Thicker gauges (1.30 to 1.35mm) are more durable for string-breakers but feel stiffer. Most players start at 16L (1.25mm) and adjust based on durability needs.
Shape: Round profiles are the most comfortable. Shaped profiles (pentagonal, octagonal, hexagonal) bite the ball more for spin at the cost of harshness. Try shaped strings only after confirming your arm tolerance for stiffer strings.
Softness additives: Some copoly strings incorporate plasticizers or softer additives that reduce stiffness significantly. Strings marketed as “soft copoly” or “comfort poly” are worth considering for players concerned about arm health who still want copoly performance.
String pattern compatibility: Open string patterns (16x19) maximize spin from copoly strings. Dense patterns (18x20) reduce the effect. If you are switching to copoly specifically for spin, playing in a racket with an open pattern amplifies the benefit.
Hybrid stringing: Stringing copoly in the mains with a softer multifilament in the crosses reduces arm stress while retaining most of the control benefit from the poly mains. This is the most common setup used by professional players who are concerned about arm comfort.
Restringing budget: Copoly strings that are not changed regularly become dead and cause more arm stress than fresh strings. Budget for restringing every 20 to 40 hours of play. A stringing subscription from your local shop can make this affordable and automatic.
Frequently asked questions
What is a copoly tennis string?+
A copoly (co-polyester) string is made from a polyester blend that combines the control and spin benefits of pure polyester with improvements in feel and arm comfort. Most co-poly strings incorporate additives or modified extrusion processes that give them a slightly different playing character than pure polyester.
Are copoly strings good for beginners?+
Copoly strings are not ideal for beginners. They are stiff, require a full swing to generate power, and are harder on the arm than multifilament or synthetic gut strings. Beginners should start with synthetic gut or multifilament strings and progress to copoly once they have developed consistent groundstrokes.
How often should I restring copoly strings?+
Co-polyester strings lose tension significantly in the first 24 hours after stringing and continue to drop throughout use. Most players should restring every 20 to 40 hours of play, or as a guideline, as many times per year as you play per week. Playing on dead poly causes arm stress and loss of control benefits.
What tension should I use for copoly strings?+
String 10 to 15 percent lower tension than you would use with nylon strings. Copoly's inherent stiffness at the same tension as nylon will produce a very board feel. Lower tension compensates for the stiffness and provides the comfortable, pocketing feel that quality copoly is known for.