Solinco Tour Bite, Revolution, and True Feel Review

[babolat15]

What is your favorite current string^^^You should try out Outlast, it is much more affordable and pretty good

 

[genius24]

Wait no longer…finally got around to trying some of the Tour Bite and Vanquish Hybrid over the weekend and wanted to share my thoughts.

String: Tour Bite (17) & Vanquish (16) Hybrid
Racket: Head YOUTEK Prestige Mid
Tension: 52lbs mains (Tour Bite) / 54lbs crosses (Vanquish)
Surface: Hardcourt (Outdoor)
Hitting time: 2hrs

Background:
- I usually play full poly especially when I am competing. However, if it’s a bit more casual or if I’m feeding a lot of balls or doing hitting lessons then I like stringing up hybrids. In the past I played straight Lux ALU or hybrided it with NXT.

Power – 9/10
Control – 8.5/10
Feel – 9.5/10
Comfort –9.5/10
Spin – 8.5/10

Overall Comments:
- Very solid hybrid all around. Highly recommend players using Lux ALU + multifilament hybrid give this a shot
- I have been playing with the Tour Bite and am very happy with it. I have been playing it full bed and therefore have a good grasp of it as a straight poly and can make the comparison of it as a hybrid.
- I was not sure what to expect with the Vanquish, but was very pleasantly surprised by its feel and play. This string compliments the Tour Bite VERY well - it softens up the feel of the racket so that its not harsh at all on the arm, yet maintains a crisp feel where you still get the power and control without a mushy feeling string bed
- Spin – still able to generate a whole lot of spin with the Tour Bite still in there, but relative to the full tour bite set-up, the spin was a bit weaker – guess that’s expected
- Feel – one thing I noticed and really liked was the feel I had around the net. I hit a couple drop volleys that were amazing and had my hitting partner even speechless (ball bounced on his side of the net and bounced back onto mine!! Love when that happens!)

- Two big differences between this and the NXT that I found was
1) Pop –I felt like it gave me a lot of pop on my shots… more than the NXT
2) Durability – after 2 hrs of hitting NXT usually gets pretty worn out, but the Vanquish is holding up quite nicely. I was worried that the Tour Bite edges would dig into and wear the Vanquish down, but so far it doesn’t seem to be the case at all.

Unless something drastic happens with tension or something else, I wouldn’t mind going full solinco with Vanquish when I hybrid given the performance is very good and pricing wise it is much cheaper than NXT.

Side note – I got one of those Solinco Sample Packs on TW and strung up the Outlast and hit with it briefly as well. VERY surprised by the play of the string. Assumed because it was the cheapest poly, that it wouldn’t play as well... but not the case. Will need to hit some more with it, but there might be something with this string. Anyone have experience with this string?

Nice review TC-still havent gotten a chance to try the hybrid because i have been out of town but looking forward to hitting with it even more after seeing this review.

 

[genius24]

What is your favorite current string^^^You should try out Outlast, it is much more affordable and pretty good

My favorite is the revolution (i like it marginally better than the tour bite bc of the control but still am a huge fan of the tour bite), but have been waiting to hear a review of the outlast on here for a while.

babolat15- could you please compare the outlast to the revolution and tour bite. would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.

 

[babolat15]

Well in my opinion outlast is a string that performed very differently at different tensions. I personally liked it in a hybrid with Babolat Attraction in the cross,, strung up in the high 60s. I also played with it in the high 50s and didn't really enjoy it as much. It was still decent but it really clicked with me. It is a good amount different than tour bite. Less spin, much softer, good pop, about the same maybe a little bit less control. The stringjob also lasted me longer because Outlast doesn't cut into the multifilament crosses as much as Tour Bite did. In terms of Revolution, I didn't really like that. I feel like again Outlast has better, pop, feel, and tension maintenance. You do get a little more spin with Revolution though. If I had to rank the polys in order to my preference it would be TB, Outlast, Revolution. BUT!!!! Maybe outlast could steal number one because I think it is the best poly out there for 8 dollars.

 

[Tennis_Crazed]

What is your favorite current string^^^You should try out Outlast, it is much more affordable and pretty good

I've been playing around with the Outlast and strung it up for one of my students recently and its actually a very good string. My student was using the babolat revenge and given the color scheme I just switched it into his racket to see what he would say without telling him exactly what it was....and to my surprise, he liked it A LOT more.

I'm not that familiar with Revenge, but given the price of that string and the fact that my student likes the Outlast a lot more and wants to continue using it, I will probably keep some of it on hand (hope the sample packs are available soon).

 

[genius24]

Well in my opinion outlast is a string that performed very differently at different tensions. I personally liked it in a hybrid with Babolat Attraction in the cross,, strung up in the high 60s. I also played with it in the high 50s and didn't really enjoy it as much. It was still decent but it really clicked with me. It is a good amount different than tour bite. Less spin, much softer, good pop, about the same maybe a little bit less control. The stringjob also lasted me longer because Outlast doesn't cut into the multifilament crosses as much as Tour Bite did. In terms of Revolution, I didn't really like that. I feel like again Outlast has better, pop, feel, and tension maintenance. You do get a little more spin with Revolution though. If I had to rank the polys in order to my preference it would be TB, Outlast, Revolution. BUT!!!! Maybe outlast could steal number one because I think it is the best poly out there for 8 dollars.

thanks alot. so you really like the outlast that much huh? i can't argue with you though, if you are that happy with the outlast and its only costing you $8, stick with it by all means.

 

[Tennis_Crazed]

Lucky enough to make it down to the NCAAs at UCLA this weekend to watch some great tennis...from what it looked like, i think the top guys were using all three polys based on string color..interesting enough top 2 guys using outlast i think

Looked like #1 Meister and #2 Abid were both using Outlast hybrids. #3 Brooklyn tour bite, #4 Inbar revolution

Team looked sharp!

 

[genius24]

Lucky enough to make it down to the NCAAs at UCLA this weekend to watch some great tennis...from what it looked like, i think the top guys were using all three polys based on string color..interesting enough top 2 guys using outlast i think

Looked like #1 Meister and #2 Abid were both using Outlast hybrids. #3 Brooklyn tour bite, #4 Inbar revolution

Team looked sharp!

that is pretty interesting that the top two guys are using outlast over tour bite and revolution. didnt know so many ucla guys were using it.

 

[mcshift]

2 reels of tour bite 17 - $125 each

I have 2 reels of tour bite 17 that im looking to sell, I have 3 but i need to sell 2 because i really need the money right now.

btw im still working on the Revolution 17 review

email: m.w.c.360@gmail.com
__________________

 

[genius24]

i heard solinco is coming out with a new twisted black string. just saw pictures on some guys blog. curious to know if people have any info regarding this new string since it is not up on their website yet.

 

[Tennis_Crazed]

that is pretty interesting that the top two guys are using outlast over tour bite and revolution. didnt know so many ucla guys were using it.

yup...they have solinco banners up on their courts (although didn't see them up last week - maybe ncaa regulations?)....and they had the solinco stencil on their rackets. it kind of looks like an "o"

 

[mcshift]

Revolution Review

The Setup:
Solinco Revolution 17/Gosen OG Micro Sheep 16 (44/47)
In a Pure Storm LTD (non-GT version)

I experimented stringing at a way lower tension (may not have been smart to do for comparison but i was intrigued by the post by chris about low tensions)

Hitting Time
About 4 hrs

Playing Characteristics

Power - 8/10

Control - 10/10

Feel - 7.5/10

Comfort - 9.5/10

Spin - 9/10

String Movement - 10/10

Impressions
-The string felt really comfortable which ill assume that some of the comfort came from the lower tension

-the control of the string was pretty good but i feel that it couldve been better if i strung at a higher tension

-The spin was less noticeable compared to the tour bite. I was still getting great spin but not as extreme as tour bite

-The texture of the spin is a polygon and it is rough to the touch (nearly exactly like tour bite- hard to tell if its the exact same texture or not)

-Overall the string did not have the same pop as tour bite and felt a little more mellow.

I may later try it out with a different tension but for now im sticking with tour bite (may be switching to 18g tour bite instead of 17g)

 

[mrmo1115]

How does Tour Bite compare to PHT?

I'm assuming Tour Bite works better as a full poly setup?

I currently use PHT/VS Hybrid

 

[mcshift]

How does Tour Bite compare to PHT?

I'm assuming Tour Bite works better as a full poly setup?

I currently use PHT/VS Hybrid

Well i havent tried either as a full poly since in a hybrid guy but i have played with both setups as a hybrid. Hands down i like tour bite better, it felt far more crisp and had far more spin. you would probably love tour bite with vs

Btw for everyone comparing tour bite to revolution...

I was talking with a solinco rep telling him my thoughts about the 2 strings and he verified my thought that revoluting is less textured than tour bite. its the same shape but the edges arent as pronounced.

Btw again...

I strung up tour bite 18g hybrided with og micro sheep 16g and i think im switching to 18g tour bite, the durability is still amazing since i havent broken it yet and i seem to get even more spin. works great in my PSL since its a dense string pattern

 

[mrmo1115]

Well i havent tried either as a full poly since in a hybrid guy but i have played with both setups as a hybrid. Hands down i like tour bite better, it felt far more crisp and had far more spin. you would probably love tour bite with vs

Btw for everyone comparing tour bite to revolution...

I was talking with a solinco rep telling him my thoughts about the 2 strings and he verified my thought that revoluting is less textured than tour bite. its the same shape but the edges arent as pronounced.

Btw again...

I strung up tour bite 18g hybrided with og micro sheep 16g and i think im switching to 18g tour bite, the durability is still amazing since i havent broken it yet and i seem to get even more spin. works great in my PSL since its a dense string pattern

Wouldn't Tour bite feel better as a full poly set up since its soft?

Wouldn't adding the VS just make it more softer and even more powerful then it already is?

The main purpose I have of using VS in the crosses with PHT in the mains is b/c I feel the PHT is individually too stiff to play as a full. I've tried playing full PHT before and it was extremely stiff, maybe because I am also using a Prestige (FXP)

 

[mcshift]

Wouldn't Tour bite feel better as a full poly set up since its soft?

Wouldn't adding the VS just make it more softer and even more powerful then it already is?

The main purpose I have of using VS in the crosses with PHT in the mains is b/c I feel the PHT is individually too stiff to play as a full. I've tried playing full PHT before and it was extremely stiff, maybe because I am also using a Prestige (FXP)

well i wouldnt exactly say tour bite is very soft... its comfortable but i wouldnt classify it as one of the 'soft' polys. yeah that maybe be because of the prestige, i used one for a period of time before switching to the PSL and i can say that the racquet did feel pretty stiff. although i would expect that tour bite would be a great string to go full poly on

 

[mrmo1115]

^ Thanks for your opinion.
I'll give the TB a try full poly then.

 

[Tennis_Crazed]

^ Thanks for your opinion.
I'll give the TB a try full poly then.

For my players that don't care too much about durability, or don't break strings that often, all love the 18g +17g Tour Bite in a full poly setup. I string it a few pounds looser than other polys as i've found that it holds tension better than other strings.

 

[mrmo1115]

Whats the general consensus on whether Tour Bite serves as a better full poly set up or a hybrid?

I am using PHT/VS now and want to know whats the best going into a TB try out...

Thanks in advance for people who are willing to give me opinions.

 

[mrmo1115]

I'm surprised to see a thread on this forum about Solinco strings. I got a few packs of the tour bite from a friend and didn't know that it was so widely available. From my personal experience thus far, I thought it was a great string....provided pretty crazy spin and overall had good playability and tension maintenance. The packaging was pretty sweet as well. I use pro hurricane tour, but found this to be a better all around string (not to say the pro hurricane isnt a good string as well).

im looking to get a couple of reels for a good deal. mcshift could you please send me a contact info as well. thanks.

Are you looking to make the move from PHT -> this?

I use PHT/VS and am testing out the Tour Bite as a full poly setup.

Would 57 (the tension I am trying it on) be too tight on the Prestige MP?

I just chose the middle range of the given tension suggestion on the racquet (57 +5,-5)

 

[Tennis_Crazed]

Are you looking to make the move from PHT -> this?

I use PHT/VS and am testing out the Tour Bite as a full poly setup.

Would 57 (the tension I am trying it on) be too tight on the Prestige MP?

I just chose the middle range of the given tension suggestion on the racquet (57 +5,-5)

yes that might be too tight. what do you normally string your full poly at? you normally string poly 5-10% looser than normal synthetic strings, which is what your frame is suggesting the tension for i believe

I string for my players anywhere from 49-53 and its been working out well.

 

[mrmo1115]

yes that might be too tight. what do you normally string your full poly at? you normally string poly 5-10% looser than normal synthetic strings, which is what your frame is suggesting the tension for i believe

I string for my players anywhere from 49-53 and its been working out well.

I string my PHT/VS at 55/57

I still gave the Tour Bite a go at 57 tension.

You think I'll have any issues with the fully poly set up initially?

 

[genius24]

I string my PHT/VS at 55/57

I still gave the Tour Bite a go at 57 tension.

You think I'll have any issues with the fully poly set up initially?

imo, 57 lbs is too tight. if i were you, i would try dropping it down to the 50-53 lbs range. let me know how 57lbs works out for you tho.

im not sure how often you play and how hard you strike the ball, but you may encounter some arm/shoulder problems in the long run if you continue to play with such a high tension using a full poly set up.

 

[mrmo1115]

imo, 57 lbs is too tight. if i were you, i would try dropping it down to the 50-53 lbs range. let me know how 57lbs works out for you tho.

im not sure how often you play and how hard you strike the ball, but you may encounter some arm/shoulder problems in the long run if you continue to play with such a high tension using a full poly set up.

I brought it down to 55. Don't wanna go too far from my normal but just enough so it will sort of make a difference.

Do you think it will make a diff or no? Bringing it down to 55 rather then keeping it at 57.

 

[mcshift]

I brought it down to 55. Don't wanna go too far from my normal but just enough so it will sort of make a difference.

Do you think it will make a diff or no? Bringing it down to 55 rather then keeping it at 57.

I dont think it'll make hardly any difference. I forgot where i read this , but there was a study that showed that like 75% of pros could not tell the difference between a 6 pound tension change

I would go at least 50lbs

 

[mrmo1115]

Then whats the point of making slight tension changes with their strings? Or are there sticks strung with great differences?

I guess I'll use one for 55 and the other at 50.

 

[scotus]

I dont think it'll make hardly any difference. I forgot where i read this , but there was a study that showed that like 75% of pros could not tell the difference between a 6 pound tension change

I would go at least 50lbs

A bad study in my opinion. Each player only got to hit 4 shots with each setup.

 

[mcshift]

Then whats the point of making slight tension changes with their strings? Or are there sticks strung with great differences?

I guess I'll use one for 55 and the other at 50.

Well, yes i agree...the study is probably somewhat flawed but i do believe that small tension changes like 1or 2lbs are hardly noticeable to make a difference (which may affect or be noticed by only highly experienced players)

I work at a tennis shop and i kind of laugh when an inexperienced player decides to drop their tension by 1lb to help with arm problems or a stiff string bed.

The slight tension changes with the pros strings is mainly to cope with changes in humidity, heat, and surface so they are consistantly hitting with strings that have the same characteristics and feel.

Another good idea as a string setup might be to go like 50/53 since when the crosses get pulled they tighten the mains even more from bending the strings. May not even notice the difference but i typically string my crosses 4-5 lbs tighter

 

[oqh92]

Tried Tour bite with X-one biphase in my YT Speed MP recently. tension is 55/58

really love the grip the strings have on the ball...
nice power too


however, what i observed is that the tour bite tends to move a lot in my hybrid... anyone else experienced this too?

 

[mcshift]

my strings dont move at all, but could be because i have a tight 18-20 string pattern

 

[genius24]

Tried Tour bite with X-one biphase in my YT Speed MP recently. tension is 55/58

really love the grip the strings have on the ball...
nice power too


however, what i observed is that the tour bite tends to move a lot in my hybrid... anyone else experienced this too?

I can't speak for a hybrid but I haven't had any problems with the string moving in a full poly set up

 

[Six.One.Tour.90FAN]

Tried Tour bite with X-one biphase in my YT Speed MP recently. tension is 55/58

really love the grip the strings have on the ball...
nice power too


however, what i observed is that the tour bite tends to move a lot in my hybrid... anyone else experienced this too?

Strings move around ALOT with multi filaments....

90

 

[Tennis_Crazed]

I played the Tour bite hybrided with the Vanquish and didn't notice any abnormal string movements.

Of course it moves more than a full poly bed, but nothing noteworthy from my memory.

 

[DavidGarcia]

I just bought 2 sets of Revolution. Cant wait to receive them.

How does the Revolution string compare to the Topspin Cyber Blue?

Is the Revolution as soft as the Cyber Blue?

I was initially going to order one set of each but ended up getting 2 sets of Revolution.

I will report back on the Revolution once I get to play with it.

 

[genius24]

ive never tried the topspin cyber blue, but am absolutely in love with the revolution. i switched to this string a couple months ago and it has def helped my game. produces great spin, has good control, tension maintenance, and durability as well. i def recommend that you give it a shot. would love to hear your review.

I just bought 2 sets of Revolution. Cant wait to receive them.

How does the Revolution string compare to the Topspin Cyber Blue?

Is the Revolution as soft as the Cyber Blue?

I was initially going to order one set of each but ended up getting 2 sets of Revolution.

I will report back on the Revolution once I get to play with it.

 

[mrmo1115]

^ So you use Revolution instead of TB?

 

[genius24]

i actually have reels of both, but i find myself using the revolution more. i like the fact that i get more control out of the revolution while it still produces a tremendous amount of spin like the tour bite.

^ So you use Revolution instead of TB?

 

[mrmo1115]

i actually have reels of both, but i find myself using the revolution more. i like the fact that i get more control out of the revolution while it still produces a tremendous amount of spin like the tour bite.

Which is stiffer the TB or the Revolution.

Like I said I felt that the TB was comfortable , but maybe a bit too much. Lacked the characteristic that I get from my PHT/VS of where I feel that I can direct the ball better.

 

[genius24]

Which is stiffer the TB or the Revolution.

Like I said I felt that the TB was comfortable , but maybe a bit too much. Lacked the characteristic that I get from my PHT/VS of where I feel that I can direct the ball better.

i think the revo is a bit more stiff than the tb.

 

[all-around slam]

I saw Solinco Revolution 17 & True Feel 16 Hybrid String when I was looking at the TW website for a new cheaper string then my current hybrid of bb alu power spin mains 64lbs and lux m2 pro crosses 62lbs. A was wondering if it would feel the same in my APD+ or better.
*Also am alittle confussed about what happens when you but a textured string in mains or crosses(I.E. Roddick and fed) also about which should be strung lower ,because I was thinking of putting the tru feel in the mains at 62lbs and the revolution in the crosses at 64lbs but I don't maybe a bad idea

 

[HitItHarder]

Well I finally got to try out my set of Tour Bite 1.20. I strung it up at 50 lbs in a full bed (I normally play full poly). It was pretty stiff stringing it and had a good bit of coil memory - so I decided to go on the low side of where I normally string polys. Weaving the last half of the crosses was not all that fun and took a little more time than usual. I used one of my leaded MG Radical OS racquets.

I thought it would play stiff based on how it felt stringing it, but it played surprisingly soft. I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I may should have bumped the tension up a little.

I was able to generate a ton of top spin and the baseline game was really working. I hit rally balls with my practice partner for about an hour. Then we played a set. The string reminds me of MSV Hex, but with a softer feel and more general power. I was able to get more pace on my flattened out shots, which is something I have trouble with using MSV Hex. Slice was also very effective. Overall I have a positive impression of the string.

However, I struggled in the same place I struggle with Hex as well and that is with volleys and touch. Not all that unusual for full poly in general. But it just seemed like I was lacking some of the volley control I usual have with my other main poly string (WC Turbotwist).

I plan to use it in a singles match tonight, so maybe I will have some more thoughts after a second hit. Right now, I think of it as a more powerful and comfortable version of MSV Hex.

 

[TennisNinja]

Hit it harder, I agree with you how soft it actually felt. I liked it so much I switched from M2. Super comfortable, lasts a while, and you can get tons of action. Woooooo. Strung at 58.

 

[all-around slam]

Is outlast any good,looking for control so any details

 

[HitItHarder]

Well I finally got to try out my set of Tour Bite 1.20. I strung it up at 50 lbs in a full bed (I normally play full poly). It was pretty stiff stringing it and had a good bit of coil memory - so I decided to go on the low side of where I normally string polys. Weaving the last half of the crosses was not all that fun and took a little more time than usual. I used one of my leaded MG Radical OS racquets.

I thought it would play stiff based on how it felt stringing it, but it played surprisingly soft. I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I may should have bumped the tension up a little.

I was able to generate a ton of top spin and the baseline game was really working. I hit rally balls with my practice partner for about an hour. Then we played a set. The string reminds me of MSV Hex, but with a softer feel and more general power. I was able to get more pace on my flattened out shots, which is something I have trouble with using MSV Hex. Slice was also very effective. Overall I have a positive impression of the string.

However, I struggled in the same place I struggle with Hex as well and that is with volleys and touch. Not all that unusual for full poly in general. But it just seemed like I was lacking some of the volley control I usual have with my other main poly string (WC Turbotwist).

I plan to use it in a singles match tonight, so maybe I will have some more thoughts after a second hit. Right now, I think of it as a more powerful and comfortable version of MSV Hex.

After my singles match last night, I have come to the conclusion I definately need to string this tighter if I ever get another set. The string definately has more power than most of the other polys I use, so stringing it at 50lbs is just too low for me. I could still hit a ton of topspin from the baseline, but my flat shots would sail on me. Control was a little hit or miss.

So if you are looking for a shaped string that is both comfortable and has good power, this string is worth a look. Just don't let the stiffness out of the pack fool you into stringing too low like I did.

I may give it another shot when league doubles rolls back around, but I believe I am sticking with my old set up for now.

 

[genius24]

Is outlast any good,looking for control so any details

If you are looking for control, I would recommend the revolution. I think it provides the most control out of the polys Solinco has. I am currently using the revolution myself and love it. the outlast is a good durable string but i personally believe the revolution is a superior string.

 

[Tennis_Crazed]

I've tried out all of the Solinco polys and my string of choice is the Tour Bite. The enormous amount of spin that you generate keeps the ball in the court and gives great control.

I have been stringing a lot of Outlast lately however for my customers as they appreciate the price point and it has very good feel/playability. Its softer - which I personally do not like so much

 

[Fedace]

What about the weight of the string ?? compared to pro hurr tour ?? is it lighter or heavier ?? and what about POWER ?? which is more powerful ? PHT or Solinco ???

 

[Fedace]

this guy didn't like it. lol

Comments: Strung a full bed at 60lbs in my Prestige and this string didn't have that much spin, but it did have a lot of power. My friend told me that this string plays better in a hybrid so I'm going to try that next. At this point I'm neutral about this string, but i wouldn't buy it for $12. There are plenty of better stings out there that is cheaper or about the same price. One thing I did notice about this string is that it loses its tension just as fast if not faster than Big Banger ALU Power, and the strings were harder to string because it's textured. I also thought that this string plays a little softer than Big Banger ALU Power.
From: bob, san jose, ca, us. 4/10

 

[bfactor61]

What about the control on tour bite? And has anyone tried tour bite in the hybrid that solinco offers?

 

[genius24]

What about the weight of the string ?? compared to pro hurr tour ?? is it lighter or heavier ?? and what about POWER ?? which is more powerful ? PHT or Solinco ???

not sure about the weight of the two strings, but you def get more power from the tour bite. power is the tour bites second biggest asset after spin production.