This review dives deep into the Yonex Poly Tour Spin, a five-sided co-polyester string that defies expectations. Known for its stiffness, this string surprisingly boasts near-instantaneous playability, eliminating the usual lengthy break-in period common with similar products. We explore its performance across various shots, examining its spin potential, launch angle, control, and feel. From aggressive topspin drives to delicate drop shots and powerful volleys, we analyze how this string performs under pressure and what makes it unique.We also delve into the less favorable aspects, including the limited gauge availability (16L only), the high price point, and notably, its low durability. This comprehensive analysis weighs the exceptional performance against the practical concerns of cost and longevity, ultimately determining whether the Yonex Poly Tour Spin justifies its price tag and is suitable for all players, or a niche product for those demanding top-tier performance above all else.
Pros And Cons
- Little to no break-in period
- Top-notch topspin
- Good underspin potential, especially for slices
- Good launch angle, even for stiffer strings
- Plush feel for a stiff co-poly
- Good control for flatter shots
- Ball dwells on the string bed allowing for good feedback on power needed for drop shots
- Comfortable, even on slight miss-hits
- Fast flat first serves
- Excellent for volleys, providing power and control for winners and touch shots
- Only available in 16L gauge (thicker gauge than optimal)
- Expensive ($15 per packet)
- Poor durability (broke in under four hours)
Read more: Best 5 Spin Tennis Strings for Powerful Serves
Initial Impressions and Break-In
The Yonex Poly Tour Spin, a five-sided co-polyester string, surprised me with its near-instantaneous playability. Unlike many stiffer strings that require a lengthy break-in period, this one was ready to go right out of the packaging. This was a welcome change, as the initial feel was quite stiff.
This lack of break-in period is a significant advantage, saving players valuable time on the court. The string's stiffness was notable during the stringing process, making this unexpected playability even more remarkable.
Spin and Trajectory
Topspin performance was excellent, although not quite reaching the levels of strings like the Volkl V-Square or Solinco Tour Bite. While the spin wasn't as extreme, it was still noticeable and beneficial for aggressive shot-making.
The ball's trajectory exhibited a surprising drop just inside the baseline, creating an unpredictable element for opponents. This effect was similar to the feel of the Solinco Hyper G, but less frequent.
Launch Angle and Control
Contrary to expectations with stiffer strings, the launch angle was impressively high. This contrasted sharply with strings like the Dunlop Explosive Speed, where extra effort is needed to achieve sufficient net clearance.
The high launch angle combined with excellent control made this string suitable for a wide range of shots, from flat drives to controlled drop shots. The ability to maintain control even on flatter shots was particularly notable.
Underspin and Slices
The Yonex Poly Tour Spin's underspin performance was a standout feature. Unlike many round polys, which often feel soft but underpowered for underspin, this string provided excellent control and power.
This string was arguably the best for slices among all polys reviewed. The ball's bite and trajectory were exceptional, making slicing a dream with this string.
Volleys and Comfort
The Yonex Poly Tour Spin excels at volleys. It offers exceptional control and power, allowing for winners from various positions. The string's plush feel minimizes discomfort even on off-center hits.
The feel is surprisingly plush for a stiff co-poly, allowing for touch shots and drop shots with ease. Even on slightly mishit volleys, the comfort level was high, with no discomfort in the hand, wrist, or arm.
Serves
Flat first serves delivered impressive pace, with no perceived loss of speed or power. Spin serves, while not as extreme as with cylindrical strings like the Hyper G, were still quite effective.
The string provided solid control and spin for both types of serves, allowing for confident shot execution. The plush feel contributed to a comfortable serve motion.
Concerns and Conclusion
Despite its strengths, the Yonex Poly Tour Spin has some drawbacks. The only gauge available is 16L, limiting performance, and the price ($15 per pack) is high. The durability is also a major issue, with the string breaking in under four hours of play.
Considering the price, gauge limitations, and durability, it is hard to fully recommend the Yonex Poly Tour Spin to casual players. While its performance is exceptional, the significant cost and short lifespan make it a niche string best suited for those who prioritize performance above all else. If a more affordable and durable option is desired, consider exploring other alternatives.