I really like the Alu Power after trying a bunch of poly strings as it has this uncanny power activation snap back. Meaning if the ball is crash against the string bed at a certain energy level, the string will give and quickly snap back. The easiest way to experience this is with a high swing weight racquet (I recommend 340g+) and just take a big cut at the ball. You’ll feel the ball just dive more than you expected when this happen. Perfect for hitting that big winner. I think the string feels comfortable for this reason as well, that snap back gives it this comfy feel instead of the jarring feel of most other polys that are suppose to be the cheaper version of Alu Power. It’s all lies! Nothings like Alu Power!! Not weisscannon, not tour bite..
Played a couple of hours with the Alu Power and I can't really give a good answer why one should buy this instead of Yonex Poly Tour Pro. I wouldn't go as far as Mark saying the Yonex is better in every category, but I can't find a single reason why one should pay more than double the price for Alu Power.
I’ve used these 2 strings for many times. The original Alu Power is only good for 2-3 hours after that it’s dead. However Alu Power Soft last twice of the original. These 2 strings are not for consumers. It’s for pro players who can afford them. You can get other strings that perform quite close to these 2 at half the price for example Kirschbaum Max Power Rough 1.20.
AB👏SO👏LUTELY 👏👏👏. I could not have said it better myself. Luxilon strings are NOT FOR CONSUMERS (unless you are filthy rich). I've been meaning to buy a packet to playtest - how is the Kirschbaum Max Power Rough?
Mark Sansait It performs around 7 or 8/10 compared to Alu Power. Power level is lower than Alu Power. So I string it 2 pounds lower than Alu Power. I’m planning to buy a 200m reel. For me, it’s a no brainer.
I tried using Alu power for the first time and actually really liked it! I'm never buying it again because it costed 50$ (CAD) to get my racket done... and that is completely insane as a student.. but it felt nice to act all boojee for a week or two I guess.
Buy a drop weight stringer, you will ultimately save money the first or second season by stringing yourself and that opens up all sorts of stringing options and experimentations. For 50 you could easily try 3 different high end strings at $15 a piece. Or 5 different strings for under $10. You could also hybrid Lux with a good nylon/synthetic cross for something similar to what pros do with gut. I bought a Klippermate 22 or 23 years ago, still in use today and haven’t looked back.
Great video! I’ve been using Luxilon mains with multi crosses but have been looking for replacement options. Do you like Solinco? Which strings by them should I try-Confidential, Tour Bite Soft? The shaped strings tend to eat through my multis pretty quickly.
How does Alu Power 16L compare to Hyper-G 17? (the latter being my current string of choice)... a friend uses the Alu Power in a hybrid set up and asked me to restring a racquet for her. so was intrigued... I LOVE Hyper-G but always curious about other stuff...
Ill comment on this comparing Luxilon Alu Power 16L to Solinco Hyper 17G. Luxilon Alu Power is better in EVERY way except: -consistency of launch angle before/after break in -price -spin potential
@@MarkSansait So, I strung up my Pure Drive 2021 with the ALU Power 16L at 52lbs (same tension as I string Hyper-G). Strings felt great right away. Played two hours of pretty intense singles. Not sure how to exactly describe it, but the ALU felt a bit softer/less stiff than the HG and the balls seem to "pop" off the strings a bit more than with the HG. Didn't notice much difference in spin but I would say the ALU was a more "comfortable" string. I switched off between the two setups every 3 games and to be honest, couldn't really tell that much between them as far as my playing goes. But overall, I did like the feel of it and am going to give it another try but not sure it justifies the difference in cost. Is this similar to your experience ?
Absolutely. Although Solinco isnt the cheapest, the value that it provides for the price is significantly better than anything Luxilon can offer it seems like!
Hey, just came across this review (I know, i'm late) but just a few things of note: I maybe aging myself here, but when I first bought ALU almost 20 years ago, it was one of the few copolys that actually played really well, and i'm not a full-poly player. There were a few others out there that were literally horrible. The fact that this string is still around after 25 years of existence and people still use it in droves says alot about the string. It may be not still be the ultimate copoly now, but hey it set the standard that almost everyone reaches. Hyper G is the next standard bearer. I maybe aging myself here, but pricing before Wilson took over distribution of Luxilon string was a lot more reasonable than what they charge now, they even threw in a free purple o ring dampener. I would blame Wilson on this one. I even prefer the crappy Weiss Cannon like packaging from before than now, lol. Thanks again for the review
I was using Alu power until Solinco Tour bite came out. In the UK, tour bite is £8 a set, Alu power £15. Imo for the price, you can’t get a better poly than Tour bite, it plays very similar to Alu power and nearly half the price.
The problem with strings is they all have a couple fo variables that can be problematic for a lot of people to workthough. 1st there is tension. X tension on 1 string normaly does not equate to the same on another. You have to find that sweatspot for your game and the stirng. And thats a PITA all by itself. And then there is the performance window of the string matched to the player. Very stiff strings like L/AP need a player that going to realy make the stringbed deflect. Most amateurs dont have the strngth or the skill to do this. Think of it like a F1 tyre on a normal road car. Yes its going to drive, but the tyres never going to get to temprature to work right. And a lot of the stiffer poly strings are like this. And looking at what the Pro's are using? Again, thats like putting F1 tyres on your car. Most amateurs do not need these super stiff strings, and they most certainly cant get the most form it. And Pro's will cut these out ina day, so longevity? One thing that reviewers never ever address is that strings that are this stiff, in the racket of an average player with some sketchy technique, injuries. Especialy in juniors. AP, RPM etc, you reviewers should be shutting this down. Even the manufactureres are heading this way, hence the soft. Looking at you hitting there, opnly breifly, I would advise a 2-3Kg drop because your not that solid technically or that large. And they make a difference with teh string. But what is true, these strings are not for amateurs realy. Would get much more from a hybrid with a 1.20mm poly
Hey Mr bighitter. Haha Im gonna explore yonex ptp next. Alu power is actually the best feeling poly in my experience but it bags out in like 3-4 hours of play and is very expensive.
Honestly, don't listen to the negative comments. Strings are going to be different for everyone. I personally just strung up my blade 98 with ALU power and immediately regretted it. The tinny feel is just not for everyone. It also reawakened a hand injury from the shock and I strung at about 52. I think you would have to start from a specific string background to enjoy the feel. I personally have used full bed of poly my whole life and enjoy a dead response but the response from ALU power just felt too different.
Haha thanks @peter chan! I most definitely WELCOME then negative comments. I'm not doubting that these high priced strings are good quality.... but the question at the end of the day is: is it worth it? More often than not the answer is a resounding "no" - there are plenty of good polyesters out there that are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and get the job done just as well! And yes, F#$! Luxilon
In my experience, Alu Power when it used to be blue played way better than the silver even though they were the “same”. Now the blue is called ice and is too soft, doesn’t give the predictable pop the old blue did. The silver was too muted, yet tinny to me. On another note Lux in general has a unique feel most other strings don’t give however it doesn’t necessarily do the same thing in different rackets. Have played big banger and the alu variations in a few different rackets ranging from 98 16x19/93 16x19 to 94 18x20/89 18x20, stiff and flexible frames. IMO the lux never plays great in tighter patterns no matter the gauge, just doesn’t give the spin or predictable spin/pocketing/depth of shot you expect stroke after stroke. It’s attributes are affectively lost, whereas the inadequacy of the “cheaper” poly seem to disappear and the pocketing and spin especially with 18g strings like CycloneTour, Pro Line II and Barb Wire just seem to excel. The takeaway I guess is no single string will play the same, in differing racket and string pattern combinations and of course it’s all down to the player and their expectations and needs. One of the best stringings I ever did was with Prince Original Synthetic 16g (non duraflex) crosses with Gosen Polylon mains 52lbs and added the Tourna Cross round yellow string savers. Unbelievable pocketing, spin, and was soft yet powerful. This was in a Fischer ACT Pro 98 16x20. The duraflex ruined the Prince Synthetic though and a bit time consuming as the synthetic still breaks quickly even just as crosses with the string savers.
@@jumpkickingnara each situation is unique to each player/frame/string pattern. I will say though that Lux has a uniqueness to it I like and have not found anything to replicate. Kind of like the “thunk” Fischer/Pacific frames have from the vacuum process that other frames do not have. Would also say 18x20 can usually drop a pound or 2 and likewise if you go thinner gauge drop a pound for each gauge you drop... so if going 16g-17g drop 1lb, if 16g-18g drop 2. You could also drop the crosses a pound to get some more comfort/pocketing. Shorter strings play stiffer at any given tension.
@@shaadydog1 what type of strings do you think would be beneficial for Wilson Pro Staff 97L CV (16x19)? That's the racquet I'm using now. I'm not very well versed in the string market, but I do know some strings here and there. What strings would you recommend depending on what is expected/desired from them: 1) Power 2) Control and/or 3) Spin All while considering the racquet I'm using. Any strings at a decent prince that you would recommend based on these factors above?
Looks like TH-cam recommended this channel after I watch the Ian ankle break video.........your string "reviews" are terrible though. Alu Power is fantastic. Unique. Nothing like it. There's good reason why over half of all players on the ATP tour use it. Playability doesn't last very long but that's not the point of the string.
I hate yonex ptp. Too stiff so it's very surprising you call it comfortable. Strings are very personal and doing reviews depends on so many factors. If we all had the same game and same racquet, it might make some sense.
Thanks Mark, looking forward to another review. As a string tinkerer, the data is useful!
Thanks JB - I'm always here to help!
I would appreciate if Mark make a review regardless of price
I really like the Alu Power after trying a bunch of poly strings as it has this uncanny power activation snap back. Meaning if the ball is crash against the string bed at a certain energy level, the string will give and quickly snap back. The easiest way to experience this is with a high swing weight racquet (I recommend 340g+) and just take a big cut at the ball. You’ll feel the ball just dive more than you expected when this happen. Perfect for hitting that big winner. I think the string feels comfortable for this reason as well, that snap back gives it this comfy feel instead of the jarring feel of most other polys that are suppose to be the cheaper version of Alu Power. It’s all lies! Nothings like Alu Power!! Not weisscannon, not tour bite..
Just review the damn string. We know how much it costs.
Hi Mark, thanks a lot! Good to see your review again!
My pleasure! Summer season (outdoor tennis season) is winding down for me, expect more frequent uploads :).
after today UTR matches, I absolutely agree: not good enough when opponents do not give us enough speed in their shots!!!
Played a couple of hours with the Alu Power and I can't really give a good answer why one should buy this instead of Yonex Poly Tour Pro. I wouldn't go as far as Mark saying the Yonex is better in every category, but I can't find a single reason why one should pay more than double the price for Alu Power.
Mark, what's the benefit of soft strings versus just using a thinner string? Better control? Better durability?
I’ve used these 2 strings for many times. The original Alu Power is only good for 2-3 hours after that it’s dead. However Alu Power Soft last twice of the original. These 2 strings are not for consumers. It’s for pro players who can afford them. You can get other strings that perform quite close to these 2 at half the price for example Kirschbaum Max Power Rough 1.20.
AB👏SO👏LUTELY 👏👏👏.
I could not have said it better myself. Luxilon strings are NOT FOR CONSUMERS (unless you are filthy rich).
I've been meaning to buy a packet to playtest - how is the Kirschbaum Max Power Rough?
Mark Sansait It performs around 7 or 8/10 compared to Alu Power. Power level is lower than Alu Power. So I string it 2 pounds lower than Alu Power. I’m planning to buy a 200m reel. For me, it’s a no brainer.
Camon i know high price doesnt necessarily means quality but if this string is so average how can it be the most used string on tour?
Money?
true
I tried using Alu power for the first time and actually really liked it! I'm never buying it again because it costed 50$ (CAD) to get my racket done... and that is completely insane as a student.. but it felt nice to act all boojee for a week or two I guess.
Gotta flex every now and then!
Buy a drop weight stringer, you will ultimately save money the first or second season by stringing yourself and that opens up all sorts of stringing options and experimentations. For 50 you could easily try 3 different high end strings at $15 a piece. Or 5 different strings for under $10. You could also hybrid Lux with a good nylon/synthetic cross for something similar to what pros do with gut. I bought a Klippermate 22 or 23 years ago, still in use today and haven’t looked back.
Luxilon Alu Power retails for $26.95 here in Canada.
Great video! I’ve been using Luxilon mains with multi crosses but have been looking for replacement options. Do you like Solinco? Which strings by them should I try-Confidential, Tour Bite Soft? The shaped strings tend to eat through my multis pretty quickly.
Can you compare 4g and alu power
What u recommended as the next best alternative for alu power
Have you tried Luxilon Element? If yes, what's your experience with it compare to Alu Power or 4G?
Can you review Luxilon Adrenaline? It is one , if not, the cheapest option from Luxilon and I find it pretty comfy and good control
Thats the first time I have ever heard the two words "cheapest" and "Luxilon" in the same sentence 🤣.
I will definitely consider it!
How does Alu Power 16L compare to Hyper-G 17? (the latter being my current string of choice)... a friend uses the Alu Power in a hybrid set up and asked me to restring a racquet for her. so was intrigued... I LOVE Hyper-G but always curious about other stuff...
Ill comment on this comparing Luxilon Alu Power 16L to Solinco Hyper 17G.
Luxilon Alu Power is better in EVERY way except:
-consistency of launch angle before/after break in
-price
-spin potential
@@MarkSansait Guess I'm going to have to try it...
@@MarkSansait So, I strung up my Pure Drive 2021 with the ALU Power 16L at 52lbs (same tension as I string Hyper-G). Strings felt great right away. Played two hours of pretty intense singles. Not sure how to exactly describe it, but the ALU felt a bit softer/less stiff than the HG and the balls seem to "pop" off the strings a bit more than with the HG. Didn't notice much difference in spin but I would say the ALU was a more "comfortable" string. I switched off between the two setups every 3 games and to be honest, couldn't really tell that much between them as far as my playing goes. But overall, I did like the feel of it and am going to give it another try but not sure it justifies the difference in cost. Is this similar to your experience ?
@@neilhyman8165 same set up to my racket its crisp/pop
Agreed, I like Luxilon but there’s no way I can justify paying almost twice that of solinco
Absolutely. Although Solinco isnt the cheapest, the value that it provides for the price is significantly better than anything Luxilon can offer it seems like!
You confused reviewing with price/value reviewing..not fair at all...you should be neutral when reviewing a string
how vs Luxilon smart and babolat rpm dual?
Hey, just came across this review (I know, i'm late) but just a few things of note:
I maybe aging myself here, but when I first bought ALU almost 20 years ago, it was one of the few copolys that actually played really well, and i'm not a full-poly player. There were a few others out there that were literally horrible. The fact that this string is still around after 25 years of existence and people still use it in droves says alot about the string. It may be not still be the ultimate copoly now, but hey it set the standard that almost everyone reaches. Hyper G is the next standard bearer.
I maybe aging myself here, but pricing before Wilson took over distribution of Luxilon string was a lot more reasonable than what they charge now, they even threw in a free purple o ring dampener. I would blame Wilson on this one. I even prefer the crappy Weiss Cannon like packaging from before than now, lol.
Thanks again for the review
I was using Alu power until Solinco
Tour bite came out.
In the UK, tour bite is £8 a set, Alu power £15.
Imo for the price, you can’t get a better poly than Tour bite, it plays very similar to Alu power and nearly half the price.
In my opinion, Solinco Tour Bite is on the opposite end of the Luxilon Alu Power.
The problem with strings is they all have a couple fo variables that can be problematic for a lot of people to workthough. 1st there is tension. X tension on 1 string normaly does not equate to the same on another. You have to find that sweatspot for your game and the stirng. And thats a PITA all by itself. And then there is the performance window of the string matched to the player. Very stiff strings like L/AP need a player that going to realy make the stringbed deflect. Most amateurs dont have the strngth or the skill to do this. Think of it like a F1 tyre on a normal road car. Yes its going to drive, but the tyres never going to get to temprature to work right. And a lot of the stiffer poly strings are like this. And looking at what the Pro's are using? Again, thats like putting F1 tyres on your car. Most amateurs do not need these super stiff strings, and they most certainly cant get the most form it. And Pro's will cut these out ina day, so longevity?
One thing that reviewers never ever address is that strings that are this stiff, in the racket of an average player with some sketchy technique, injuries. Especialy in juniors. AP, RPM etc, you reviewers should be shutting this down. Even the manufactureres are heading this way, hence the soft.
Looking at you hitting there, opnly breifly, I would advise a 2-3Kg drop because your not that solid technically or that large. And they make a difference with teh string. But what is true, these strings are not for amateurs realy. Would get much more from a hybrid with a 1.20mm poly
Awesome! Much appreciated!
Hey Mr bighitter. Haha Im gonna explore yonex ptp next. Alu power is actually the best feeling poly in my experience but it bags out in like 3-4 hours of play and is very expensive.
YONEX PTP > Luxilon Alu Power in everyway in my opinion 🙃🙂
Honestly, don't listen to the negative comments. Strings are going to be different for everyone. I personally just strung up my blade 98 with ALU power and immediately regretted it. The tinny feel is just not for everyone. It also reawakened a hand injury from the shock and I strung at about 52. I think you would have to start from a specific string background to enjoy the feel. I personally have used full bed of poly my whole life and enjoy a dead response but the response from ALU power just felt too different.
Haha thanks @peter chan! I most definitely WELCOME then negative comments.
I'm not doubting that these high priced strings are good quality.... but the question at the end of the day is: is it worth it?
More often than not the answer is a resounding "no" - there are plenty of good polyesters out there that are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and get the job done just as well!
And yes, F#$! Luxilon
In my experience, Alu Power when it used to be blue played way better than the silver even though they were the “same”. Now the blue is called ice and is too soft, doesn’t give the predictable pop the old blue did. The silver was too muted, yet tinny to me. On another note Lux in general has a unique feel most other strings don’t give however it doesn’t necessarily do the same thing in different rackets. Have played big banger and the alu variations in a few different rackets ranging from 98 16x19/93 16x19 to 94 18x20/89 18x20, stiff and flexible frames. IMO the lux never plays great in tighter patterns no matter the gauge, just doesn’t give the spin or predictable spin/pocketing/depth of shot you expect stroke after stroke. It’s attributes are affectively lost, whereas the inadequacy of the “cheaper” poly seem to disappear and the pocketing and spin especially with 18g strings like CycloneTour, Pro Line II and Barb Wire just seem to excel. The takeaway I guess is no single string will play the same, in differing racket and string pattern combinations and of course it’s all down to the player and their expectations and needs.
One of the best stringings I ever did was with Prince Original Synthetic 16g (non duraflex) crosses with Gosen Polylon mains 52lbs and added the Tourna Cross round yellow string savers. Unbelievable pocketing, spin, and was soft yet powerful. This was in a Fischer ACT Pro 98 16x20. The duraflex ruined the Prince Synthetic though and a bit time consuming as the synthetic still breaks quickly even just as crosses with the string savers.
@@shaadydog1 That makes sense! I play with the 18x20 blade 2013 which was stiff to begin with. It felt horrible :(
@@jumpkickingnara each situation is unique to each player/frame/string pattern. I will say though that Lux has a uniqueness to it I like and have not found anything to replicate. Kind of like the “thunk” Fischer/Pacific frames have from the vacuum process that other frames do not have. Would also say 18x20 can usually drop a pound or 2 and likewise if you go thinner gauge drop a pound for each gauge you drop... so if going 16g-17g drop 1lb, if 16g-18g drop 2. You could also drop the crosses a pound to get some more comfort/pocketing. Shorter strings play stiffer at any given tension.
@@shaadydog1 what type of strings do you think would be beneficial for Wilson Pro Staff 97L CV (16x19)?
That's the racquet I'm using now. I'm not very well versed in the string market, but I do know some strings here and there.
What strings would you recommend depending on what is expected/desired from them:
1) Power
2) Control and/or
3) Spin
All while considering the racquet I'm using. Any strings at a decent prince that you would recommend based on these factors above?
Looks like TH-cam recommended this channel after I watch the Ian ankle break video.........your string "reviews" are terrible though. Alu Power is fantastic. Unique. Nothing like it. There's good reason why over half of all players on the ATP tour use it. Playability doesn't last very long but that's not the point of the string.
Even though we disagree, thanks for your input!
Luxilon best quality of strings my friend.
Although I disagree, I definitely appreciate your input!
SOLINCO TOUR BITE 1,25
thanks for the video
Thicccccc double string review bro
Ayyyyy. Give them hell in Pitty for me. Get that Chem done.
Its good in a hybrid setup
Expensive in a hybrid set up as well!
@@MarkSansait Agree I prefer Confidential in all categories, price, spin, feel, pop/dwell, and tension maintenance.
Do you just think everything is a dissapointment?
I hate yonex ptp. Too stiff so it's very surprising you call it comfortable. Strings are very personal and doing reviews depends on so many factors. If we all had the same game and same racquet, it might make some sense.
Thanks for your input even if you disagree!
Which string broke Ian's ankle? 😂 Kidding..
Funny enough it was Solinco Confidential. Both he and I are were using it during that match :).
@@MarkSansait lol ok I'll give Solinco a shot next. I love Pacific Poly Force but they're getting way too expensive. Good job with the reviews btw 👍
Thank you! How did the Solinco Confidential play?!
you are a disappointment hahahahahaha