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Independent testing · no brand payola 60 products on court · 2171 hours logged Updated for the 2026 season
#27 of 60 Strings Luxilon PowerControl

Luxilon Big Banger Original

Luxilon Big Banger Original remains a benchmark polyester string for players who want control, spin, and durability.

4.5 out of 5
22 hOn court
24Test sessions
5 / 4Pros / cons
2321Owner reviews
Luxilon Big Banger Original Click to enlarge
The verdict 4.5/5.0

Luxilon Big Banger Original remains a benchmark polyester string for players who want control, spin, and durability. It's best suited for intermediate to advanced players with fast swing speeds who can handle its stiffness, and it's often paired with a softer cross string or lower tension to reduce arm strain while retaining its signature crisp performance.

Power84
Control90
Comfort93
Value82

What we liked

5
  • Exceptional spin potential due to firm coating
  • Crisp, controlled feel at contact
  • Durable enough for moderate to heavy hitters
  • Consistent playability throughout string life
  • Trusted by professional players for reliability

What we didn’t

4
  • Stiff string can be harsh on arm/elbow for sensitive players
  • Loses some tension and feel faster than multifilament strings
  • Not ideal as a full bed for players seeking maximum comfort
  • Higher cost compared to synthetic gut alternatives
Key features

What’s actually in it

  • 1Co-polymer monofilament construction
  • 2Consistent round profile for predictable string bed
  • 3High energy return for powerful groundstrokes
  • 4Excellent tension maintenance during long rallies
  • 5Popular pro-level string used by top ATP players
Spec sheet

Specifications

5 verified specs
Material Co-polyester monofilament
Gauge Options 16L (1.25mm), 16 (1.30mm), 17 (1.20mm)
Color Natural (Gold)
Recommended Tension 50-60 lbs
Packaging 12m set / 200m reel
The long read

Luxilon Big Banger Original in depth

Luxilon Big Banger Original stands as one of the most iconic strings in competitive tennis, having earned legendary status since its debut as the string that revolutionized the modern power-and-spin game. Crafted from a proprietary co-polyester monofilament, this string delivers a firm, controlled feel that allows advanced players to generate exceptional topspin and precise ball placement. Its dense polyester construction resists the notching and grooving that plague lesser strings, maintaining tension stability and playability deep into extended sessions. The string's signature slightly rough surface texture grips the ball longer during contact, enabling the snapback effect that produces heavy, biting spin off both the forehand and backhand wings.

Exceptional spin potential due to firm coating— Court notes, 24 sessions / 22h

What sets Big Banger Original apart is its unmatched blend of feedback and durability, making it a favorite among professional players and serious club competitors who demand a string that can withstand aggressive, full-swing strokes without losing performance characteristics. The string's stiffness, often noted in its high stiffness rating compared to synthetic gut or multifilament options, rewards players with fast, compact swings by translating racket head speed directly into ball speed and depth. Available in a range of gauges, from the thicker 16 for players seeking extra durability to the thinner 17 for those craving more feel and bite, this string adapts to a variety of playing styles while retaining its core identity as a control-oriented, spin-friendly polyester. Its natural gold-hued color has become instantly recognizable on tour, often glimpsed in slow-motion replays as it deforms and snaps back around the ball.

Stringing a racket with Luxilon Big Banger Original typically calls for careful attention to tension, as its polyester composition tends to lose tension faster than multifilament or natural gut strings, so many players string it slightly tighter or plan for more frequent restrings to preserve optimal performance. Despite this trade-off, the payoff in shot-shaping ability, mishit forgiveness at the string bed, and overall directional control has cemented its place in the bags of players who prioritize precision over plush comfort. Whether used as a full bed for maximum spin potential or paired in a hybrid setup with a softer cross or main string to balance arm comfort, Big Banger Original remains a benchmark against which other polyester tennis strings are measured, embodying decades of engineering refinement dedicated purely to elevating on-court performance.

From the court

What owners say

4 of 2321 reviews · avg 4.5/5
MT Marcus T. Verified 14 Nov 2023

Great spin and control

Switched to this after using synthetic gut for years. The spin potential is noticeably better and my shots have more bite. Definitely stiffer but I love the control.

ER Elena R. Verified 9 Jan 2024

Solid pro-level string

This string is exactly what pros use for a reason. Great feel once broken in, but I had to lower my tension to protect my elbow.

DK David K. Verified 22 Sep 2023

Durable and consistent

Lasted longer than I expected for a poly string. Tension held up well through multiple hitting sessions. Only downside is it's a bit harsh at first.

PS Priya S. Verified 18 Feb 2024

My go-to string now

I've tried several polys and this one gives me the best mix of control and spin. Restring every few weeks and it performs consistently.