The Luxilon Big Banger Original is a popular tennis string, but does it live up to the hype? This review dives deep into the performance of this high-priced option, exploring its unique characteristics and comparing it to competitors. We'll examine its playability both before and after the crucial break-in period, analyzing key aspects like spin, comfort, and power on serves and groundstrokes. The review will uncover whether the Big Banger Original's performance justifies its cost, considering both its strengths and weaknesses.Our comprehensive assessment details the initial experience with the string, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. We'll then explore the significant changes that occur after the recommended break-in period, examining how the string's feel, spin potential, and overall performance evolve. Ultimately, this review will offer a balanced perspective, helping you decide if the Luxilon Big Banger Original is the right choice for your game, or if more affordable alternatives provide better value.
Pros And Cons
- Comfortable right out of the box on forehands and backhands
- Really good feeling on slice due to softness
- Decent spin potential after the two-hour break-in period
- Better feel and ball pocketing after break-in
- Good serves with good control after break-in
- Massive serves after break-in
- Decent spin for slice and topspin/kick serves after break-in
- Very little spin potential before the two-hour break-in period
- Drastically different trajectory before and after break-in period
- Average ball pocketing and feel for polyester (before break-in)
- High price point ($265 per reel)
Read more: Best 5 Spin Tennis Strings for Powerful Serves
First Impressions and Initial Play
Upon first stringing the Luxilon Big Banger Original, I immediately noticed its comfort. The initial feel was surprisingly soft, providing a comfortable feel for both forehands and backhands. However, the spin potential was noticeably lacking during this initial phase. It felt almost less spin-friendly than the Kirschbaum Pro Line II, which was disappointing.
The slice shots, surprisingly, were exceptional thanks to the inherent softness of the string. The ball pocketing and overall feel, while decent, weren't exceptional for a polyester string in this initial stage.
This initial experience was quite a contrast, highlighting both a positive (comfort) and a negative (lack of spin) aspect of the string right from the start.
Post-Break-in Performance
After the two-hour break-in period, a significant shift occurred. The spin potential improved considerably, although not reaching the levels I would ideally prefer. This change in trajectory was quite drastic and unexpected.
The overall feel and comfort improved noticeably due to the increased ball pocketing. Drop shots from the baseline also felt much better, showcasing the improved string performance.
This marked improvement after break-in highlights the string's transformation, but also raises concerns about its initial inconsistent performance.
Serve Performance
Before the break-in period, my serves were consistently placed, offering a level of confidence in accuracy. However, the spin potential was, again, a significant drawback.
Post-break-in, the serve's power and feel were noticeably enhanced, particularly on slice and topspin serves. The increased ball pocketing contributed to a trampoline-like effect, impacting the ball's trajectory.
The improvement in serve performance after break-in reinforces the inconsistent nature of this string and points to the importance of that break-in period.
Overall Assessment and Comparison
The Luxilon Big Banger Original is a tennis string of two distinct personalities; the initial phase is comfortable but lacks spin, while the post-break-in phase delivers more spin but retains its comfortable feel. This inconsistency is unusual and unexpected for a string of this price.
Compared to other options, the Luxilon Big Banger Original is significantly more expensive for a performance that requires a substantial break-in period to reach its peak performance. Alternatives like the Tecnifiber Razor Code offer comparable performance at a much lower cost.
Considering its inconsistency and high cost, I hesitate to recommend this string. The performance difference pre- and post-break-in is a major drawback and undermines the value proposition.