This review dives into the HEAD Hawk Touch tennis string, a 1.25 gauge, 3-petal design developed with ATP professionals. Positioned as a control-oriented string, the Hawk Touch aims to deliver a balanced performance between power and control, a key attribute sought by players across skill levels. Its round shape suggests this balance, while the "touch" in its name hints at a potentially softer feel—a claim we'll put to the test. This review examines its on-court performance, comparing it to other poly strings and exploring its suitability for various playing styles and racket types. We'll assess its power, spin generation, comfort levels, and durability, ultimately determining whether the Hawk Touch lives up to its promises.The HEAD Hawk Touch's performance is analyzed through practical testing, considering its suitability for both control and power rackets. We'll explore whether its feel matches the expectations set by its name, and assess its effectiveness as a standalone string versus its potential as part of a hybrid setup. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation, offering valuable insights for players considering the Hawk Touch, helping them determine if this string aligns with their specific needs and playing characteristics.
Pros And Cons
- Provides predictable response
- Good control in power rackets
- Relatively comfortable for a control-based poly string
- Doesn't offer much help; requires advanced skills to generate spin and power
- Feel on contact wasn't impressive
- Average durability
- Too dead and inflexible for use in control rackets without hybridization
Read more: Best 5 Spin Tennis Strings for Powerful Serves
String Construction and Player Input
The HEAD Hawk Touch is a 1.25 gauge, 3-petal string designed with input from ATP professionals. This suggests a focus on performance and playability at a high level.
The round string shape implies a balance between power and control, something often sought after by players of various skill levels.
The 'touch' in the name hints at a potentially softer feel, but this is something that needs to be tested and verified.
On-Court Performance and Feel
The reviewer found that the string performed as expected—offering a direct response to the player's input. Power and spin generation depend heavily on the player's swing style and technique.
In a 95-inch headsize control racket, the string provided a predictable response, but felt a little 'dead' for the reviewer's style.
The string's performance shone in a power racket, suggesting it's better suited for players who generate their own power.
Comparison with Other Strings and Hybrid Options
The reviewer contrasts the Hawk Touch with other poly strings, noting that it lacks the exceptional bite of some competitors like the Solinco Tour Bite.
The reviewer recommends using the Hawk Touch as a hybrid with a more powerful string like natural gut or a multifilament for improved performance in control rackets.
This suggests that while the Hawk Touch offers control, it might not be suitable as a standalone string for all players.
Comfort, Durability, and Overall Impression
The reviewer found the Hawk Touch relatively comfortable for a poly string, but not exceptionally so. Durability is considered average.
The overall feel upon contact didn't impress the reviewer, despite the string's name suggesting otherwise.
The string performs as expected but does not offer any outstanding features beyond its intended control-focused design.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The HEAD Hawk Touch is a decent control-oriented string, particularly well-suited for players using power rackets who generate their own power and spin.
However, players seeking a more forgiving string or significant enhancements in feel and power might find better options elsewhere.
For control-oriented players, hybrid setups with a more powerful main string might unlock the Hawk Touch's full potential.