Mantis Tour Polyester 1.27 is one of those strings I find myself recommending over and over, especially to the chronic string breakers, many of whom now won’t use anything else. Mantis isn’t the loudest or trendiest name in tennis, but quietly, they make some seriously good performance strings, and Tour Polyester is a perfect example of that.
If you care most about decent spin, control and durability, with just enough pop to stay on the front foot, this setup makes a lot of sense. It’s not trying to be ultra-soft or bouncy, just a solid, no-nonsense poly built to handle proper, heavy hitting.
Tech & specs
- Profile: Round
- Gauge: 1.27mm / 17
- Material: Co-polyester
- Available Colors: Black (also comes in red)
Playtest Impressions
On court, Tour Polyester gave me a really solid, trustworthy response. The ball came off the strings with a controlled, medium?firm feel, and I never felt like the launch angle was getting away from me even when I really went after the ball.
I found the spin to be very good for a round poly. It doesn’t bite quite like the most aggressive shaped strings I’ve used, but once I sped the racquet up, it grabbed enough to let me roll the ball with confidence. Power sat in that honest middle ground: I could hit through the court without having to swing out of my shoes, but I wasn’t fighting to keep the ball in.
Tension holding is I would say average. It doesn’t hold like the very best, but it also doesn’t suddenly fall off a cliff. For me, it softened and lost pop gradually, which meant it stayed playable rather than suddenly turning loose and unpredictable.
In the 1.27 mm gauge, it definitely felt on the tougher, more durable side. That’s a big part of why I’d happily put it in for big hitters and string breakers, but if your arm is on the sensitive side, I’d either drop the tension a little or pair it with something softer in a hybrid.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent durability, especially in 1.27 mm
- Strong blend of spin and control for a round poly
- Predictable response under heavy hitting
- Doesn’t die suddenly – fades gradually
- Great value performance option
Cons
- Firmer feel, especially in thicker gauge
- Not ideal for arm-sensitive players
- Tension holding is good, not elite
- Lacks the pop or feel of more elastic polys
Who this suits
Best For:
- String breakers
- Aggressive baseliners who hit through the court
- Players prioritising spin and control over comfort
- Those wanting a dependable, durable poly
Not For:
- Players with elbow or wrist sensitivity
- Touch-focused or feel-first players
- Anyone chasing maximum pocketing or softness
Comparable strings
If you’re considering Mantis Tour Poly, these are the closest real-world alternatives worth comparing it to:
- Head Hawk – Firmer and more linear with slightly better tension stability; Tour Polyester feels a touch more forgiving and durable.
- Kirschbaum Max Power – Lower powered and more control-oriented; Mantis offers easier depth and a friendlier response under heavy hitting.
- Luxilon ALU Power – Crisper and more explosive initially, but shorter playability window; Mantis is more durable and fades more gradually. Check our Luxilon Alu Power review.
- HighString Zeus – More modern and elastic with stronger spin and tension holding; Mantis is tougher and better suited to frequent string breakers.
Final verdict for Mantis Tour Polyester 1.27
Mantis Tour Polyester 1.27 is a no?nonsense, great?value poly that punches well above its name recognition. It’s tough, reliable, and a favourite with players who hit big and chew through strings. If you care more about durability, control, and usable spin than plush feel, it’s a string that deserves far more attention than it gets but if you’ve got a sensitive arm or you’re chasing touch and comfort, you’re better off looking elsewhere.