As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links use our affiliate tag bigncsports-20. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Odd on purpose
Three strings I would string. Not for everybody.
These are not the first answer. They are the second or third, when the usual pick is the wrong tool. If you just want a winner, start on Picks.
Wildcard · kinder poly
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 16L
Shaped poly that is a step kinder than Hyper-G or ALU. I use this when a rec adult already hits out and found the usual 4.0+ polys too boardy. It is still a poly. It is not an arm-rehab string, and it is not a junior string.
Why I'd string it
They already take a cut. Soft string is dying in a week. ALU or Hyper-G felt like a plank. They want some bite without the harshest bed in the bag.
When I wouldn't
Kids. A talking elbow. Anyone who has never played poly and just wants the ball in. Start on Velocity or NXT. If they want max bite and already tolerate poly, use Hyper-G.
Solinco Tour Bite Soft 16L
SpinSofter poly
Amazon pack: 16L, 40 ft. Kinder than ALU or Hyper-G. Still a poly. Still not for a sore arm.
$13.99 / set
Price as of Aug 28, 2026 · Amazon may change
ASIN B00DIFG60C · Affiliate link
View on Amazon #ad
Wildcard · thin poly
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 18
Thin on purpose. 18 gauge gives more bite and touch, and it breaks sooner. I string this for a 4.0 who wants feel and will restring on a schedule. I do not string it for someone shopping for durability.
Why I'd string it
They already live on poly. They want a thinner bed for snap and touch. They accept that 18 dies faster than 16L. They will book the next job before it goes dead.
When I wouldn't
Heavy breakers. Juniors. Rec adults who just want the ball in. Anyone who hates restringing. Confirm the listing is 18 before you buy. See gauge.
Yonex Poly Tour Pro 18
18 gaThin poly
Thin poly for feel. Odd if you want life. Right if you want bite and you already know how poly dies.
$23.00 / set
Price as of Aug 28, 2026 · Amazon may change
ASIN B0893GR2Z5 · Affiliate link
View on Amazon #ad
Wildcard · thin Hyper-G
Solinco Hyper-G 18g / 1.15mm
Thin on purpose. Same shaped green poly as the 16L winner, just 18g / 1.15mm. More bite and touch. Breaks sooner. I string this for a 4.0 who already lives on Hyper-G and will restring on a schedule. I do not string it for someone shopping for life.
Why I'd string it
They already tolerate Hyper-G. They want a thinner bed for snap. They accept that 18 dies faster than 16L. They will book the next job before it goes dead.
When I wouldn't
Heavy breakers. Juniors. Rec adults who just want the ball in. Anyone who hates restringing. If they want thin but not Hyper-G, look at Yonex 18. Confirm 18g / 1.15mm on the listing.
Solinco Hyper-G 18g / 1.15mm
18 gaThin poly
Thin Hyper-G. 18g / 1.15mm, 40 ft. Odd if you want life. Right if you already know how this poly dies.
$13.99 / set
Price as of Aug 28, 2026 · Amazon may change
ASIN B0125UPDHM · Affiliate link
View on Amazon #ad
