My Solinco Tour Bite Review

[vamos2050]

I was really hoping to like this string. Just about everywhere I looked there is positive reviews on this string. But I have realized that many of these reviews are "fake". Some people know what i mean. So here is review:

I use a Microgel Radical and tension is 57 pounds.

Power: The string has no power whatsoever. Very dead like feeling. No energy from the stringbed.
Control: Good control and I was able to direct most of my shots. Except on volleys and serves it was hard.
Spin: Spin was better than most polys but not anything to get all excited about. Above average than the standard smooth co-poly. I did not see any amazing bite or anything eithe.r
Feel: Comfort and touch sucked with this string. Try hitting a slice or drop shot. You wont get anywhere.
Tension Maintenance: First 4 hours tension was steady and then it dropped quickly.
Durability: I cut it out after 7 hour. Stringbed was unplayable. It was like 40 pounds by now.

Overall: Not a good string for me. Did not like it. Considering the price, this string definitely is not worth it. It is the same price range as many other expensive polys.

I am going to try now some other strings as I am still looking for a good one. I am considering Signum Pro Tornado, Poly Star Strike, ZO Twist, Polyfibre Hexa blade, or Genesis Typhoon. If anyone has any suggestions, fire away.

 

[armsty]

This sounds like a well thought out response. I mean, no power from a stringbed that dropped to 40lbs, but had good control.

 

[SliceForehand]

^pwnage

And of course you aren't going to get a positive response from a polyester string if you go at 57 lbs. You can't string it above 53 in a racquet like that or you lose all the benefits of using poly in the first place.

Also, strings going dead is different from losing tension... no non-kevlar string loses 17 lbs, especially not a co-poly.

 

[downs_chris]

what string do you use normally?

 

[Cfidave]

I thought the string had plenty of power and bite in my 6.1, 95 at 52/55 with multi crosses. Big problem was string movement, absoultely horrible for a poly.

 

[Pwned]

Only a few select idiots 'know' what you mean.

 

[HiroProtagonist]

All I have to say is 57lbs is obviously ur problem among other things

And remove Zo Twist from ur list of strings to try so we dont have a repeat of this thread.

 

[dr325i]

^pwnage

And of course you aren't going to get a positive response from a polyester string if you go at 57 lbs. You can't string it above 53 in a racquet like that or you lose all the benefits of using poly in the first place.

Also, strings going dead is different from losing tension... no non-kevlar string loses 17 lbs, especially not a co-poly.

first of all, for an amateur player, 57 or 53 lbs will not make much difference poly benefit-wise. Of course, the feel will be different at different tensions, but the benefit you're talking about is just the "pro-wannabe" BS.
Second, the latest polys actually do perform well at way above 53 lbs, your comment applies to the previous and older generation of polys.
Finally, the latest gen poly going dead after 4 hours of 4.0 level play is damn terrible. I have played with the Sonic Pro or Genesis BM (57 lbs) for about 15 hours and they are still playable...

Oh, and to wrap up, one of my sticks came with the Solinco Revolution (the blue one). It was fine first few hours, then, quickly went totally dead, as you pointed out, not necessarily lost tension but went totally dead. Did not like the string at all.

 

[GorillaPeanuts]

Obviously should never string a poly over 56pounds if you ever want a decent result.

 

[dr325i]

Obviously should never string a poly over 56pounds if you ever want a decent result.

hahah, so 57 will give you no results, but 56 will...
Funny experts on these boards...
I bet 80% of the stringing machines out there are not calibrated to match the desired tension within 1 lb.

 

[dr325i]

I am going to try now some other strings as I am still looking for a good one. I am considering Signum Pro Tornado, Poly Star Strike, ZO Twist, Polyfibre Hexa blade, or Genesis Typhoon. If anyone has any suggestions, fire away.

I would also suggest the Genesis SpinX and Black Magic. Great strings. The Head Sonic Pro is a great poly, but with less spin benefits that seems like is what you're looking for...

 

[acer4tennis]

Obviously should never string a poly over 56pounds if you ever want a decent result.

So you are want to say that all pro's playing above 56 lbs can not get a decent result from poly?
How about the lowest limit for poly? 40lbs or 30 lbs or 20 lbs? How low would you go to get a "good result from poly?
Is Del Potro using 63 lbs tension?
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=3944180&postcount=13
I think you are using low tension because Solinco has plasticy feel after short period of time. That what I feel with MSV Focus Hex. I love the spin, but after a while...... I personally feel Solinco and MSV are very similar strings. Maybe it's just me.

 

[rodrigoamaral]

im planning on trying it out this weekend.. my friend tried it and was not overly impressed

 

[Arize]

I tested Tour Bite 17 full bed @ 58 pounds on my i.prestige mid plus... I am liking it so far, has a lot of power and bite for spin on the ball (I like it more than RPM Blast) in terms of feel and a much more pleasant sound when you hit the ball, playability is close to RPM and not to mention how nice and soft it felt kind of like GEL. I think it's an awsome string and I might be switching to it after I try a few more strings.

 

[verbouge]

While you're on the try-every-poly-that's-out-there crazy train (I've been on it, too), you may consider trying Pacific X-Force, and Pacific Polyforce X-Treme. I've been pleasantly surprised.

Good luck!

 

[Falloutjr]

Obviously should never string a poly over 56pounds if you ever want a decent result.

I string my polys at 60+ and I love it more than in the mid 50s

 

[Blade0324]

Obviously should never string a poly over 56pounds if you ever want a decent result.

THis is completely wrong IMO. Many pro's and others are very successful using poly at tensions well about 56. I actually can't string a poly as low as 56 even and still have good success with it. I normally go 59 mains and 61 crosses and then on occassion will go a couple pounds higher on both. The idea that you lose benefit from poly when going up in tension is crazy. It's a personal preference but both higher and lower tensions are equally capable depending on the desired result.

I actually like Tour Bite pretty well overall. I found it to be a pretty soft string for a poly and have good power and spin. Feel was about average which is fine in my book. I am a fan of Black Code and RPM as well as WC Silver String.

 

[ryushen21]

All the responses about "you can't string poly above "X" tension are absolute garbage. Personally, I have been stringing my frames at 60 with full poly and have never had a problem getting the full characteristics of the string. Many people string much higher than mid to low 50s (Let Jolly get in here and tell you about stringing tensions).

Secondly, so many people have jumped on the Solinco bandwagon it's not even funny anymore. Is it a good string, possibly. Is it the greatest string ever, probably not. I was intrigued when they came out but not enough to switch me away from my current setup.

As for you "experts," please refrain from posting unless you can say something valid that is actually beneficial or relevant to what the OP has posted.

 

[themitchmann]

I've had a positive experience with the string. So much so that it's my current go to poly. I was all about MSV Hex, but many if my clients prefer the Tour Bite at this point.

I find it's softness to be one of it's most appealing aspects. I currently string it at 59lbs (18 gauge) with Prince SynGut Multi 17 in the crosses.

 

[bad_call]

I've had a positive experience with the string. So much so that it's my current go to poly. I was all about MSV Hex, but many if my clients prefer the Tour Bite at this point.

I find it's softness to be one of it's most appealing aspects. I currently string it at 59lbs (18 gauge) with Prince SynGut Multi 17 in the crosses.

might give the TB a try but BW fell short for this player. btw what gauge Hex did you prefer?

 

[themitchmann]

might give the TB a try but BW fell short for this player. btw what gauge Hex did you prefer?

I have a set of BW but haven't strung it up yet. I like my string as thin as possible, so I'm a fan of 18 gauge.

 

[TennisNinja]

This sounds like a well thought out response. I mean, no power from a stringbed that dropped to 40lbs, but had good control.

Hahaha lol. OP clearly didn't think it through, or is making it up.

 

[Buckethead]

^pwnage

And of course you aren't going to get a positive response from a polyester string if you go at 57 lbs. You can't string it above 53 in a racquet like that or you lose all the benefits of using poly in the first place.

Also, strings going dead is different from losing tension... no non-kevlar string loses 17 lbs, especially not a co-poly.

Obviously should never string a poly over 56pounds if you ever want a decent result.

I will string one racket at 56.5 lbs and the other at 55.5 lbs, would you 2 be happy?? lol
These statements are some of the dumbest I've read here. Why do you think the stringing machines have this wide range of tension??
Probably to suit all types of player's demands.
Tension is personal but one thing is, high tension with poly will make you more susceptible to injuries, even though is still personal.

 

[cork_screw]

First I doubt any string can drop 20 lbs in just 7 hours. Based on that inaccurate statement, I don't know if your review is that credible. Poly and Copoly strings are meant to be tested at their peak which is actually 40-45 lbs. But it's not recommended that you play longterm for that because the tension will drop and you'll probably end up playing with string strung at 20-30 after a few weeks. Most pros string their polys at 40-45, while their gut/multi's are around 60-65. This is the ideal range. But because most of us don't restring after every match it wouldn't make sense to string at that ideal range. Most of us string for the expected tension drop. Have you noticed all the reviews for solinco between revolution, tour bite, and barb wire have all been that it doesn't provide any power or feel? That's because poly and co poly aren't meant to be strung at mid 50's like how many were play testing it. If you want a string that's broken in that will play with you for a few weeks then testing it at 40-45 is more like it. That will provide the power that a lot of people say is lacking. Not only that but most poly strings are like that. I experienced the same with rpm and really liked rpm after the tension dropped to around 40-45. Most atp pros string their polys at 40-45.

 

[ryushen21]

First I doubt any string can drop 20 lbs in just 7 hours. Based on that inaccurate statement, I don't know if your review is that credible. Poly and Copoly strings are meant to be tested at their peak which is actually 40-45 lbs. But it's not recommended that you play longterm for that because the tension will drop and you'll probably end up playing with string strung at 20-30 after a few weeks. Most pros string their polys at 40-45, while their gut/multi's are around 60-65. This is the ideal range. But because most of us don't restring after every match it wouldn't make sense to string at that ideal range. Most of us string for the expected tension drop. Have you noticed all the reviews for solinco between revolution, tour bite, and barb wire have all been that it doesn't provide any power or feel? That's because poly and co poly aren't meant to be strung at mid 50's like how many were play testing it. If you want a string that's broken in that will play with you for a few weeks then testing it at 40-45 is more like it. That will provide the power that a lot of people say is lacking. Not only that but most poly strings are like that. I experienced the same with rpm and really liked rpm after the tension dropped to around 40-45. Most atp pros string their polys at 40-45.

I beleive that if you read any of the stringing logs posted on the web or in the Pro Racquets and Gear section, you will find that most pros string their poly in excess of 45. Most are in the 50s and some are in the 60s.

 

[Winky]

who is right????

 

[PED]

I beleive that if you read any of the stringing logs posted on the web or in the Pro Racquets and Gear section, you will find that most pros string their poly in excess of 45. Most are in the 50s and some are in the 60s.

You are correct, if I remember correctly the average pro tension on the mains was 57lbs from the Luxilon survey 2 years ago

I do like tour bite, great combo of power and spin. I wish it held tension a bit longer. I find Typhoon to maintain its playing qualities longer than TB but TB's performance is better while it lasts.

 

[jack crack]

Disclaimer: I am not an expert. Not even close.

That said I just switched to tour bite 18 gauge in mains and prince synthetic gut 18 gauge in crosses. Both at 57 lb.

Pros: I noticed an immediate speed and spin increase on serves. Also spin and power on ground strokes. Great comfort too.

Cons: Perhaps I have not adjusted, but I definitely lost a level of control. I am hitting both long and in the net more. It seems like it is just not very forgiving. There is little tolerance for even the most minor mishits. For someone at my level forgiveness really helps.

My previous set up was Isospeed spin in mains and control on crosses all at 55 lb. and 16 gauge. I really liked it and would just like to try 17 gauge.

I will give it a bit more time, but if I can't get the control thing settled in I will try and re-string at a lower tension, probably from 52 to 54lb.

Anyway, that's how it struck me so far.

 

[nvottennis]

First I doubt any string can drop 20 lbs in just 7 hours. Based on that inaccurate statement, I don't know if your review is that credible. Poly and Copoly strings are meant to be tested at their peak which is actually 40-45 lbs. But it's not recommended that you play longterm for that because the tension will drop and you'll probably end up playing with string strung at 20-30 after a few weeks. Most pros string their polys at 40-45, while their gut/multi's are around 60-65. This is the ideal range. But because most of us don't restring after every match it wouldn't make sense to string at that ideal range. Most of us string for the expected tension drop. Have you noticed all the reviews for solinco between revolution, tour bite, and barb wire have all been that it doesn't provide any power or feel? That's because poly and co poly aren't meant to be strung at mid 50's like how many were play testing it. If you want a string that's broken in that will play with you for a few weeks then testing it at 40-45 is more like it. That will provide the power that a lot of people say is lacking. Not only that but most poly strings are like that. I experienced the same with rpm and really liked rpm after the tension dropped to around 40-45. Most atp pros string their polys at 40-45.

i thought barb wire had plenty of power, and i had it at 60lbs on a 18x20 racquet... please dont assume

 

[Netspirit]

Cons: Perhaps I have not adjusted, but I definitely lost a level of control.

My experience as well. More spin, but less control, especially on serve returns.

 

[bad_call]

My experience as well. More spin, but less control, especially on serve returns.

same experience here with the Barb Wire...thought the "twisted" aspect was the reason. reads like TB shares the same characteristic.

 

[tennisfreak565]

I don't know what you guys are talking about i string all of my polys at atleast 55, usually 60! I tried tour bite 17 at 57 and i liked it alot but it had too much power! Geez tour bite is supposed to be a very lively string so if you think tour bite is dead i wonder what you think is lively!

 

[airman88]

I don't know what you guys are talking about i string all of my polys at atleast 55, usually 60! I tried tour bite 17 at 57 and i liked it alot but it had too much power! Geez tour bite is supposed to be a very lively string so if you think tour bite is dead i wonder what you think is lively!

It's lively but it's not THAT lively and powerful. You obviously like stiff string beds, so your opinion on feel probably does not align with many others. I too use stiff full bed polys, but most people are comparing this to hybrids or even synthetics.

 

[bad_call]

I don't know what you guys are talking about i string all of my polys at atleast 55, usually 60! I tried tour bite 17 at 57 and i liked it alot but it had too much power! Geez tour bite is supposed to be a very lively string so if you think tour bite is dead i wonder what you think is lively!

don't know who you are referring but the issue i had with BW is the loss of control returning hard serves at times. didn't experience this with Blue Gear...quite the opposite.

 

[JoelDali]

I've got about 6 hours in on TB 17 at 60 in an 88 and so far its been very good.

Its like a 17g version of ALU Rough.

Great feel, power, spin, all good.

Looking forward to future hybrid with VS Team.

 

[tennisfreak565]

Lol maybe im off topic, i only read the first couple of quotes. Im just saying the guy who reviewed tour bite said it was rather dead. It was too lively for me. And the whole "you can't string polys over 56" is bull crap because i always( and yes i always use full bed poly) string at 55 or higher(mostly higher).

 

[Ten_nuts]

I strung my Utek Radical MP with full stringbed of Solinco Tour Bite 17g at 57 lbs. At first hour, i could tell this string really bites the balls hard. The power, control, spin...all great. After 30 to 40 minutes i can tell the string moves, but i can still play well and in fact, i can play with this string for 5 to 6 hours and it broke (or the 3rd day as i play everyday, 2 to 2.5 hours per day). I tried to string it again at 55 lbs (because the 1st time at 57 lbs on my Utek Radical MP felt a little stiff). Everything was as good as the 1st time, string moved alot, and the string broke again around 6 hours playing. I went back to my fav string: Pro Red Code 17g at 57 lbs and it lasted me 3 to 4 times longer, and i could see i played much better with the Red Code. I think one of the reviewed guys about this string is right that i can use this string for playing in the Tournaments because it's only best for 2 hours or less. I haven't tried to mix it with Syn gut because i am afraid that i won't like it. Oh, have i mentioned this Tour Bite string is a little stiff? yeah, be careful because if you string it above 57 lbs, you can feel the stiffness in the elbow. ALso if you string it above 57 lbs, the string can be broken during the stringing process. My first time stringing it at 57 lbs, it broke while stringing the main and i lost 1/2 set. IN short, i agree that it's not worth to spend money for this string because it breaks too quickly and good playitme is way too short.

 

[PED]

I really like the Tour Bite, I'm using it in the 16L size(1.25mm). The only problem is that it's somewhat hard to find that size at some retailers.

I'm finding it strikes that nice balance between the 1.30mm 16g and the 1.20mm 17g. The 1.20mm is so thin that I could see where durability would be a problem.

One benefit I'm finding from the TB is that it's an excellent cold weather string. I played today at 36 degrees and I was still getting nice feel and spin from the TB. I play through the winter so it's a nice bene of the string.

I think it bites hard on the ball and has ample power. I play with a good deal of spin so I'm not having any control issues but if I hit a flatter ball, the TB might take awhile to get used to.

For a poly the string bed is nice and lively and I don't find it to be boardy at all.

 

[Ten_nuts]

Thank you, PED, for letting us know 1 very important factor about this string that it's an excellent cold weather string. I don't know if anyone in here suddenly forgot this matter like me? Last week i strung my racquet at normal tension that i usually string, 57 lbs. I t was pretty cold weather, and i hit the ball once and realized that i forgot to drop the tension during cold weather. I had to cut the string off, Pro Red Code 17g, and re-strung it at 52 lbs. It's still harsh to hit at the beginning but quickly i am able to play with this tension during cold weather. So guys, remember to string your racquets a few lbs lower than you normally do in the cold season or you might hurt your arms accidently.