Wicked spin, radar control, tough as nails—the virtues of polyester strings are well documented. And when it comes to polyester strings few carry the esteemed reputation of Luxilon ALU Power. A favorite on the pro tours, big hitters love its combination of dependability and precision. The patented poly-ether-poly material with aluminum in its construction allows to user to swing with total abandon, hitting heavy shots with trajectories that defy physics.
Besides its distinctive makeup, to accomplish this feat the string also needs to be on the firm side. Combined with the lighter, stiff, power racquets occupying the current market and the response at contact can be unforgiving and potentially punishing on the arm, especially when impact is off-center. There is a Soft version and thin gauges to help cushion the blow, but it remains a demanding string.
The latest version in the family—ALU Power Vibe—is designed to minimize harsh feedback. The reason being the string is infused with same material as the company’s famed Legacy Dampener. According to internal testing, this reduces vibrations by 17% when compared to an undampened string. Plus, as opposed to the more localized reduction of a clip-on dampener, this dispels vibrations throughout a much larger area of the string bed.
The more muted, comfortable response will be attractive to players who find ALU Power too rigid. Or it could also be an option to buffer the standard version—or any stiff poly—as the cross string in a hybrid setup.
ALU Power Vibe is currently available in 17g in a white pearl color. It is priced at $21/set and $300/reel and can be purchased at wilson.com or other tennis specialty retailers.