We all usually play strings in between a 1.20 and 1.30mm gauge on average, even if some of us go thinner or thicker depending on the type of string. This rule of thumb has been embedded deeply in the minds of players apparently, as you hardly find recommendations outside of this norm. But recently, string manufacturers have not only designed unique string gauges such as 1.23mm, but also gone to much thinner gauges. For this test, I have played with two strings by Solinco – Tour Bite 1.05 and Hyper G 1.10 – they are the very end of thin gauges, but how do they perform?
Hyper G 1.10
If anyone gets on your local court with a light green string, you immediately suspect Solinco Hyper G. The four-sided string provides excellent spin and control and has quickly become a fan favorite. But the downfall is – the string isn’t exactly arm-friendly. Therefore, Solinco has designed a soft version of Hyper G, which sacrifices some feel and control for comfort and power. But could a very thin version of the original maybe contain the main advantages without compromising the effect on your arm?
Well, after playing with it, I must say it doesn’t really. The feeling is different but not necessarily arm friendly or comfortable. The thin gauge leads to somewhat pingy and very direct feedback, accompanied by a high-pitched sound. The launch angle is noticeably higher than the 1.25 version and the control might be a bit less, with power not much increased due to the stiffer nature of the string. In my Gravity Pro, it opened the string bed a bit, albeit not as much as a multifilament or softer option would have done. One effect to be mentioned is that it decreased swingweight a lot – I went from a 332 with 1.25mm to a 320. Durability is of course limited, as you will simply wear this string faster. In an 18/20 pattern you can expect 2-4 hours of playability, depending on your swing.
Tech & Specs
- Profile: four-sided
- Gauge: 1.10mm / 19
- Material: (Co)-Polyester
- Color: neon green
Final verdict
Hyper G 1.10mm is an option for players looking for a very direct feeling, high launch angle string that keeps control and spin at a maximum. It significantly lowers swingweight but cannot help necessarily with comfort, if you are looking for help with your arm.
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Tour Bite 1.05
Tour Bite is the other best-selling line from Solinco, who rivals Luxilon Alu Power and others for a stiff, direct feedback string used by pros and recreational players alike. Just as Hyper G, the upside of Tour Bite is mainly its control, spin and predictability, sometimes at the expense of comfort. The corresponding soft version offers the mentioned comfort, but also a much more muted feel that somewhat contradicts the initial goal.
The 1.05 version is even thinner than Hyper G, and it feels even more extreme, therefore. It has a noticeably higher launch angle, feels pingy and very, very direct. The different material here seems to be a bit more comfortable than with Hyper G, so the feel and sound isn’t quite as pingy, but I would guess that it isn’t a keeper for the arm, either. This string was way less durable, however; it broke within one hour in a dense 18/20 pattern like the Gravity Pro. Until then, it gave excellent control and a nice blend of spin and power, but it simply is too fragile for a more hard-hitting player.
Tech & Specs
- Profile: five-sided
- Gauge: 1.05mm / 20
- Material: (Co)-Polyester
- Color: silver/grey
Final verdict
This string takes the gauge to the edge with its 1.05mm diameter. The result is a string that delivers an insane amount of feedback and spin, but hardly withstands matchplay longer than an hour, depending on your level.
Who are these for?
Both Solinco options are fun to experiment with. If you are looking for ultra-direct feedback, want to decrease swingweight on your frame or are looking for this extra bit of spin from a tight pattern, these might be worthwhile trying. If you are looking for comfort or the extra bit of plushness, don’t expect too much – there are easier options out there, with a soft version in 1.20mm you will be better off. Finally, hard hitting players might run into durability issues, especially if you are using a 16/19 frame with more string movement.
