Polystar VS. Lux Alu

Cfidave · Aug 16, 2005

Strung up both my Babolat Aeropro Contols, one with Lux Alu & the other with Polystar 17. Both racquets strung at 54lbs on an Ektelon Model H. I offer the following comparisons:

Ease of stringing: Polystar is more flexible and quite a bit easier to string
but still not as easy as any " normal" synthetic gut.

Power: This goes to Polystar, almost to powerful at this tension
This string really pockets the ball and increases the Woofer effect of the APC

Spin: Again Polystar produces better bite on the ball, it is a small difference, but there is more spin .

Control: Lux Alu seems to offer a tad more control, probably due to a stiffer stringbed. Polystar may offer similar control at a higher tension.

Comfort: Polystar does not feel like a Poly string, more like a solid core synthetic gut. Very comfortable.

Durability: Jury is out, both are going strong after 7 hours of play.

Price: Polystar is about $9.00 a package. Lux around $13-$14.

Sound: Both strings have a nice low "pop" sound. Polystar seems a little louder.

If you are looking for a powerful, spin friendly string, Polystar is a player. Seems to compare very well with Lux Alu, which has been my mainstay for years.

Phil_ · Aug 16, 2005

Cfidave said:
Power: This goes to Polystar, almost to powerful at this tension
This string really pockets the ball and increases the Woofer effect of the APC

Spin: Again Polystar produces better bite on the ball, it is a small difference, but there is more spin .

Control: Lux Alu seems to offer a tad more control, probably due to a stiffer stringbed. Polystar may offer similar control at a higher tension.

Comfort: Polystar does not feel like a Poly string, more like a solid core synthetic gut. Very comfortable.

Durability: Jury is out, both are going strong after 7 hours of play.

Price: Polystar is about $9.00 a package. Lux around $13-$14.

Sound: Both strings have a nice low "pop" sound. Polystar seems a little louder.

If you are looking for a powerful, spin friendly string, Polystar is a player. Seems to compare very well with Lux Alu, which has been my mainstay for years.

I've been telling you guys that this string is better than ALU Power. It has more pop and is softer. Also Cfidave, you should NOT be tensioning this string 10% lower than normal like ALU. At $9 a set, it's a steal. There is also a 10% coupon out there...

PaulMan · Aug 16, 2005

Thanks for the comparison guys. Either of you have experience with the Polystar 17 and Unique's Poly Big Hitter 17? How do they compare? I always thought the Big Hitter was better than the ALU Power for a fraction of the cost as well.

Cfidave, how do you like the APCs? What differences (better or worse) compared to the Pure Control Team Standard? Just really curious to hear if it's worth thinking of upgrading to the APC from my PC. Thanks again for your input.

Cfidave · Aug 17, 2005

Paulman, the APC is similar to the older Bab PC., which I played with previously. The Apc has a softer feel, and is a tad more powerful then the PC. The APC just seems to feel better, on most shots, spin is about equal. I went to it because I could not find any of the older ( heavier) Pure Controls, other then used. Phil, thanks for the advice on Polystar tension, I am going to re-string at my nornal tension, I did drop it about 8%.

PaulMan · Aug 17, 2005

Thanks Cfidave, very interesting...

Phil_ · Aug 17, 2005

I've never got around to trying Poly Big Hitter because it was around $10 a set. My German friend tells me that PolyStar strings at normal tension unlike Signum Pro and Luxilon which recommends stringing at 10% lower tension. With the comfort of PolyStar Energy @ $9 a set, I've switched from the ALU Power that I had been using for the last 3 years.

TheSneakerologist · Aug 17, 2005

Where are Polystar strings and Signum strings available. I'm really interested and want to buy a few to test because I cant afford Lux's haha

LafayetteHitter · Aug 18, 2005

The Polystar Energy 17g is simply put, awesome. My results replicate everything stated here. By far the best poly I have tried. The sweetspot just feels AWESOME and you feel it pocket the ball well.

Cfidave · Aug 18, 2005

Sneakerologist, Polystar & Signum strings are available form two sources. TW unfortunately, does not carry either. Email me and I will send you the link. 10snut@gmail.com

Phil_ · Aug 18, 2005

I believe PolyStar is only available from one source in the U.S. I also have the link if you need it. Cfidave, your handle does not accept emails, you have to enable it.

PaulMan · Aug 18, 2005

Phil and LafayetteHitter, I may have to try out the Polystar Energy to see how good it is. Can't beat Big Hitter 17 for less than $4/set (by reel) for performance and value.

Cfidave · Aug 18, 2005

Phil,

You are correct, one source for Polystar & two, that I know of, for Signum. My email has also been updated to accept messages from board members. Thanks, Dave

Phil_ · Aug 19, 2005

Have you tried PolyStar Classic or just the PolyStar Energy?

deflori · Aug 19, 2005

Cfidave said:
Strung up both my Babolat Aeropro Contols, one with Lux Alu & the other with Polystar 17. Both racquets strung at 54lbs on an Ektelon Model H. I offer the following comparisons:

Ease of stringing: Polystar is more flexible and quite a bit easier to string
but still not as easy as any " normal" synthetic gut.

Power: This goes to Polystar, almost to powerful at this tension
This string really pockets the ball and increases the Woofer effect of the APC

Spin: Again Polystar produces better bite on the ball, it is a small difference, but there is more spin .

Control: Lux Alu seems to offer a tad more control, probably due to a stiffer stringbed. Polystar may offer similar control at a higher tension.

Comfort: Polystar does not feel like a Poly string, more like a solid core synthetic gut. Very comfortable.

Durability: Jury is out, both are going strong after 7 hours of play.

Price: Polystar is about $9.00 a package. Lux around $13-$14.

Sound: Both strings have a nice low "pop" sound. Polystar seems a little louder.

If you are looking for a powerful, spin friendly string, Polystar is a player. Seems to compare very well with Lux Alu, which has been my mainstay for years.

When you talk about the pop with the polystar,i must think on the babolat polymono!

Can it be polymono and classic are very very similar??
on my aero pro drive i made this experience too...

Btw,you talk about the energy or the classic?
I would compare:
classic -> polymono babolat
enery -> original Luxilon

Joe12 · Aug 19, 2005

Big Hitter is still the best value at $6.95 at TW. (Just dropped from $9.99)

Phil_ · Aug 19, 2005

deflori said:
When you talk about the pop with the polystar,i must think on the babolat polymono!

Can it be polymono and classic are very very similar??
on my aero pro drive i made this experience too...

Btw,you talk about the energy or the classic?
I would compare:
classic -> polymono babolat
enery -> original Luxilon

You're right, deflori, all the discussion above is about PolyStar Energy. Polystar Classic is the same as Babolat Ballistic Polymono.

A Defenseless Creature · Aug 19, 2005

Phil,

I noticed you popped on the scene with a rash of posts related to Polystar very shortly after "Edge" was banned for being a bad boy and violating TW Message Board policies. Is the timing a mere coincidence or a divine reincarnation? ;-)

It's very interesting how all your recent posts seem related to a specific topic and of a fairly professional tone, while earlier posts are a stark comparison bordering on juvenile. It's almost as if "Phil" has transformed from a youngster to an adult in the matter of a few months. Regardless, your knowledge of the Polystar strings seems to be superior. Thanks for sharing what you know with us. I hope the motives are in the spirit of education/sharing vs. grassroots marketing for a new venture.

Phil_ · Aug 19, 2005

There are alot of alternatives in stringing, I just happen to try almost everything in search of the perfect string. Edge was a great contibutor to the boards, why was he banned? Look, I think ALU is the standard for all others to be measured against. It's probably the best seller among the cognoscenti on TW....but at $13.75....nah. Joe12 loves Unique poly hitter as much as I like Polystar. He hasn't tried Polystar and i haven't tried Poly Hitter. I'm not a big fan of Poly Plasma like alot of people here yet I really like Poly Megaforce. Who knows what you like, you're defensiveless, you said it yourself.

TennisSlam · Aug 28, 2005

Thanks, Phil, or turning me on to this string. You're right it's better than ALU.

Joe12 · Aug 28, 2005

Cfidave said:
Strung up both my Babolat Aeropro Contols, one with Lux Alu & the other with Polystar 17. Both racquets strung at 54lbs on an Ektelon Model H. I offer the following comparisons:

Ease of stringing: Polystar is more flexible and quite a bit easier to string
but still not as easy as any " normal" synthetic gut.

Power: This goes to Polystar, almost to powerful at this tension
This string really pockets the ball and increases the Woofer effect of the APC

Spin: Again Polystar produces better bite on the ball, it is a small difference, but there is more spin .

Control: Lux Alu seems to offer a tad more control, probably due to a stiffer stringbed. Polystar may offer similar control at a higher tension.

Comfort: Polystar does not feel like a Poly string, more like a solid core synthetic gut. Very comfortable.

Durability: Jury is out, both are going strong after 7 hours of play.

Price: Polystar is about $9.00 a package. Lux around $13-$14.

Sound: Both strings have a nice low "pop" sound. Polystar seems a little louder.

If you are looking for a powerful, spin friendly string, Polystar is a player. Seems to compare very well with Lux Alu, which has been my mainstay for years.

Hi Edge/ Phil_! What up! You're back again! With a new name of course...

iscottius · Aug 28, 2005

Joe12 said:
Big Hitter is still the best value at $6.95 at TW. (Just dropped from $9.99)

I used to play Lux ALU, switched to unique big hitter 17, like it better same power, ball bite, spin, no string movement, better feel, lasts longer and costs less. Have not tried any of the ploystars, have been satisfied with Big hitter

Waimea_Boy · Aug 29, 2005

Joe12 said:
Big Hitter is still the best value at $6.95 at TW. (Just dropped from $9.99)

Big Hitter rocks and it's always better to purchase from TW instead of a spammer who keeps getting banned from the forums.

Joe12 · Sep 3, 2005

couldn't have said it better

10s_girl · Sep 3, 2005

I've never tried Polystar, should I guys?

Joe12 · Sep 3, 2005

Try if you like...

10s_girl · Sep 3, 2005

Joe12 said:
Try if you like...

Have you tried it, Joe?

Joe12 · Sep 4, 2005

nope, I'll never buy from "Phil_" and his multiuser friends. Maybe TW will get Signum Pro and Polystars, then maybe I'll try them.

smittysan89 · Sep 4, 2005

email or im me and i will give you a site that has both for cheap and they are reputable

Joe12 · Sep 4, 2005

And you probably operate it?

smittysan89 · Sep 4, 2005

no not at all, acctually fishuuuu gave me the site earlier today after i read this thread and asked him about them

you guys need to stop generalizing just because of one person

monologuist · Sep 4, 2005

where can you get the Polystar strings in the U.S.?

10s_girl · Sep 5, 2005

Thanks, guys, I'm gonna try these strings mentioned and I will reflect my findings back. monologuist, a couple of members gave me the link but I also found the link on Froogle.com, the Google shopping sight. Just search for Polystar tennis.

tennisgeek · Sep 7, 2005

You can also get Polystar on the big auction site. Although I haven't played with it, I'm looking forward to it.

tennisgeek · Sep 26, 2005

Well, I've been using Polystar Energy for 2 weeks now. It may be the holy grail for me. I had being using ALU for the last 3 years but searching for an alternative due to cost. I was playing yesterday with a guy who usually blows me of the court. I couldn't keep up with him with the Poly Plasma string I was trying. But with Polystar Energy, I could stay on the court with him, hitting deeper. Big power with a soft string and as GuyPerez says, an "unpoly" poly. Poly Plasma doesn't work for me. I'll have to try Poly Megaforce and Big Hitter next.

monologuist · Sep 26, 2005

Polystar users...has everyone been playing this string in an all-poly stringjob, or has anyone tried it in a hybrid with a softer cross string? Or is it so soft that it doesn't need a soft cross string to help avoid arm pain?

tennisgeek · Sep 26, 2005

monologuist said:
Polystar users...has everyone been playing this string in an all-poly stringjob, or has anyone tried it in a hybrid with a softer cross string? Or is it so soft that it doesn't need a soft cross string to help avoid arm pain?

I have only played with it all poly. It's soft and cheap so I wouldn't even think of using a hybrid.

Joe12 · Sep 30, 2005

syn gut crosses would make it cheaper and better (so don't listen to him).

monologuist · Sep 30, 2005

well I just played my first few sets with the Polystar Energy 16L ....I strung it at around my normal tension of 63 lbs. on my Pro Kennex Laver Type SX. It is definitely up there with Signum Plasma as one of the most comfortable polys. It has some pop but not a lot. Of course, this is relative to a softer multifilament, which is what I'd usually use in my PK Lavers. I'd say it would have a similar power level to a multifilament if you had it strung 2-3 lbs. lower in tension. So it's probably around the power level of your average monofilament synthetic, maybe even a little less...if I had to guess, I'd say it was similar in power to ALU power (when fresh), and more powerful than Signum Plasma....It's soft enough that you could get away with a full Polystar job and have it be reasonably comfortable, even in a stiff frame like my PK Laver. The feel/touch was good for a poly but not nearly as good as gut or a high quality multi. It's be good for a baseliner, but touch shots, slice , and volleys suffer as they do with most polys.

It appears to be extremely durable though, so for stringbreakers looking for something with a little pop but not too much, and with decent touch, it'd be a nice choice. I haven't had it in for long enough to comment on tenson maintenance...perhaps this would be something to take into consideration in terms of tension/power. The string does have good dwell time/pocketing and feeling of "pop" for a poly, probably one of the best in this regards I've tried, but ultimately it didn't result in excessive power like Kirschbaum Touch Turbo. In fact if I had to compare it to another string, I'd say it plays similar to Touch Turbo but with a little more feel and far more control. Spin potential is good, better than Signum Plasma, but not as good as ALU power.

So in summary, I'd recommend this string for :
1. ALU users who want something a little more comfortable or with more ball pocekting (not to mention cheaper)
2. Signum Plasma users who want something with a little better feel and more pop.
3. Synthetic Gut users who want something with a bit more spin and control and durability.
4. Making a stiff racquet reasonably comfortable at reasonable tensions without ramping the power level up by using gut ro a soft multi.

I'll probably try it with gut crosses next...

tennisgeek · Sep 30, 2005

Joe12 said:
syn gut crosses would make it cheaper and better (so don't listen to him).

Joe12, you're a 3.0 pusher who has never tried Polystar so you are really not qualified to express an opinion on this thread. Again, you already stated that you will never try his string so what are you doing on this thread? Please, allow those who are truly interested to express themselves. Because it is a soft "unpoly" poly and not that expensive, I don't see any benefit of hybriding with syn gut.

Joe12 · Oct 1, 2005

Make it softer, make it even cheaper. It would be great if everyone used full Polystar, wouldn't it? More cash for you.

monologuist · Oct 1, 2005

Joe12 said:
Make it softer, make it even cheaper. It would be great if everyone used full Polystar, wouldn't it? More cash for you.

I don't think using a synthetic gut cross would make it much softer...it is already about as soft as your average monofilament synthetic. If you used a soft multi or gut crosses, maybe it would make a difference. As far as making it cheaper, using a cheap synthetic for the crosses would make a small difference...you'd be paying about 6-7$ instead of 8-9$ for enough string for one racquet...if you had reels of both you migh make a decent dent, or if you break strings/restring very often.

tennisgeek · Oct 1, 2005

monologuist said:
I don't think using a synthetic gut cross would make it much softer...it is already about as soft as your average monofilament synthetic. If you used a soft multi or gut crosses, maybe it would make a difference. As far as making it cheaper, using a cheap synthetic for the crosses would make a small difference...you'd be paying about 6-7$ instead of 8-9$ for enough string for one racquet...if you had reels of both you migh make a decent dent, or if you break strings/restring very often.

Thanks for explaining this to the dimwitted Joe12. Joe, "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."

Joe12 · Oct 2, 2005

Thats funny the review on this page is the same as the one at the site that Edge operates.

tennisgeek · Oct 2, 2005

Joe12 said:
Thats funny the review on this page is the same as the one at the site that Edge operates.

monoloquist, the dimwitted Joe12 is now accussing you of being Edge. 3.0 Joe12 cannot fathom why anyone would be favorable to PolyStar. Mind you 3.0 Joe has never tried this string but he somehow ALWAYS has an opinion on it! 3.0 Joe12 is, once again, revealing his ignorant bias, haha!

tennisgeek · Oct 2, 2005

hehehehehe!

tennisgeek · Oct 2, 2005

hahahahaha!

Joe12 · Oct 2, 2005

Ahem.

The review (in the FIRST page)
is the same as the one in that place

"I strung the PolyStar, right when I took it to the court, right off the bat it had more pop than the Luxilon ALU...the tension held pretty well. Groundstrokes had alot more solid pop to them ... with the service return I had a little more power to my blocks and to my aggressive shots...durability with the PolyStar is WAY better than the Luxilon ALU. With the Luxilon, I get a good 3-4 days of hitting, but the PolyStar gave me a week and a half. All in all, good string. Thank You Very Much," A. F., Temple City, CA
"PolyStar Energy vs. Luxilon Big Banger ALU:
Ease of stringing: PolyStar is more flexible and quite a bit easier to string.
Power: This goes to PolyStar, almost too powerful at this tension, this string really pockets the ball.
Spin: Again PolyStar produces better bite on the ball, it is a small difference, but there is more spin.
Control: Lux Alu seems to offer a tad more control, probably due to a stiffer stringbed. PolyStar may offer similar control at a higher tension.
Comfort: PolyStar does not feel like a Poly string, more like a solid core synthetic gut. Very comfortable.Durability: Jury is out, both are going strong after 7 hours of play.
Price: PolyStar is about $9.00 a package. Lux around $13-$14.
If you are looking for a powerful, spin friendly string, PolyStar is a player. Seems to compare very well with Lux ALU, which has been my mainstay for years." D.F., Mansfield, PA

"My German friend says PolyStar is the best, so I am really looking forward to trying these strings...I found it to be even softer on my arm than the Laserfibre Kryptonite that I tried...PolyStar Energy 17g is simply put, awesome, by far the best poly I have tried. The sweetspot just feels AWESOME and you feel it pocket the ball well. I strung with Natural gut mains and PolyStar energy crosses and did PolyStar energy mains with Natural gut crosses on the other. This is some nice string at a good price. Thanks," A. W., Alpharetta, GA

-FROM "That place that sucks"

tennisgeek · Oct 2, 2005

tennisgeek said:
Mind you 3.0 Joe has never tried this string but he somehow ALWAYS has an opinion on it! 3.0 Joe12 is, once again, revealing his ignorant bias, haha!

True, true...3.0 Joe, give it a rest, when you don't have an informed opinion, "It is better to keep you mouth closed and be thought a fool, then to open it and remove any doubt"
--Abe Lincoln

tennisgeek · Oct 2, 2005

monoloquist, how would you compare Polystar Energy with Signum Pro Poly Megaforce, that's the next string I want to try.

shebangs · Oct 3, 2005

...........

Polystar VS. Lux Alu

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