Yonex strings

Introduction

Yonex, the reference brand in tennis equipment thanks to its Japanese know-how, guarantee of quality and durability, surrounds itself with the best professional players to perfect their products and especially their strings, used by Nick Kyrgios, Noami Osaka or Stanislas Wawrinka.

The most famous range is the Polytour range, composed exclusively of monofilaments.
But they have different constructions for different advantages.

We have tested the following strings from the Polytour range :

In order to compare these 4 strings, we have tested them on the different main characteristics :

SPEED
CONTROL
SPIN
TENSION HOLD
COMFORT

THE TEST PROTOCOL

In order to make objective comparisons, we used the Playsight system that is installed on our tennis court.
It is a terminal connected to 5 cameras around the court that will analyze each ball strike in order to provide precise game statistics on :
Speed • Rotation • Height from the net • Accuracy From the collected results, we were able to classify all strings according to each aspect mentioned above.
We also used a ball launcher to guarantee a similar quality ball on the different tests performed.

BALL SPEED

In order to compare ball speed, each tester was asked to perform a total of 10 shots at maximum power on the forehand and backhand with each Yonex string.

The Polytour Fire string offered the best ball speed during our test due to its silicone construction for more flexibility and energy return.

The Polytour Spin, on the other hand, has a rigid construction that provides more control but less speed.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Depending on the weather conditions, your string will not react the same way. Indeed, with the same tension, the cold will stiffen your string and this will decrease your ball speed. That's why we advise you to slightly decrease the tension of your string when the cold temperatures arrive to keep your speed to keep a better ball speed.

THE CONTROL

In order to compare the control provided by each of these strings, our two testers were asked to try and hit specific areas of the court.

The Polytour Spin and Polytour Pro strings offered the most control. The Polytour Spin because of its high stiffness and the Polytour Pro because of its longer contact time with the ball.

On the other hand, the Polytour Fire will offer the least control and will be more adapted to players looking for a good balance between power and control.

DID YOU KNOW ?

It is often customary to increase the tension when you want to gain control. However, this can lead to injury. When looking for more control, we recommend choosing a thicker gauge or a stiffer string.

THE SPIN

To compare the spin of these three strings, our two testers performed short, cross-court shots
to maximize ball rotation.

The Polytour Rev and Polytour Spin strings provide the best spin. This is due to the fact that they both have a shape that favors the grip of the ball (pentagonal for the Polytour Spin and Octagonal for the Polytour Rev).

On the other hand, the Polytour Fire, with its softer structure, offers less support to the ball to create spin.

DID YOU KNOW ?

It is possible to improve spin by lowering the gauge of your string. The thinner the string, the greater the range of motion, which will improve the snapback.
Be careful, lowering the gauge decreases the durability so be careful with your break rate.

THE TENSION HOLD

The tension hold of a string is its ability to maintain the properties of the tension applied during installation for as long as possible. In order to measure the tension hold of each string, we took a measurement directly at the end of the installation. Then we let an hour pass before testing and measuring the tension again.

All strings tested in the Yonex Polytour range obtained similar results.

The Polytour Pro performs better and offers the longest playing conditions.

DID YOU KNOW ?

The monofilament family is the one that retains tension the least well (compared to multifilament and natural gut). However, they are not all equal. The monofilaments with the best tension-holding properties are the stiffest and the ones that are pre-stretched at the factory.

THE COMFORT

The comfort of each string was determined by a scoring system that was completed by each player after the test.

The Yonex Polytour Spin string was the most comfortable for our testers.

In contrast, the Polytour Rev was judged to be the stiffest. This allows it to gain control but players with arm problems should not turn to it.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Initially made of polyester, monofilament strings are increasingly made of co-polyester. Co-polyester is a blend of polyester and a chemical additive designed to improve comfort and reduce string stiffness.

Conclusion

HOW TO FIND THE STRING THAT SUITS ME AMONG THE YONEX POLYTOUR RANGE ?

Following the tests and the analysis of the different results, we give you below a summary table in order to help you to find the family.

READING
The characteristic in line is the main aspect you expect from your string.
The characteristic in the column is the second aspect you want.

EXAMPLE
I am looking for control first and spin second, so the best string for me would be Polytour Spin.

THE OPINIONS OF OUR TESTERS

Jérémy
RANKING : 15/3 - PLAYING STYLE : DEFENDER
Favorite string of the test : Polytour Spin « The Yonex Polytour Spin string is the one I liked the most because it allows me to set up my defensive game thanks to its control and spin. It was also fun to play with because of its interesting comfort for a monofilament. »
Vincent
RANKING : 15/2 - PLAYING STYLE : COUNTER
Favorite string of the test : Polytour Pro « The Polytour Pro is my favorite string because it is the most versatile of the line thanks to its good results in every category of the test. It allowed me to be responsive in all situations of the game as well as to accelerate the ball and play accurate shots or touch. »