I recently tested out Yonex’s new offering Poly Tour Force. As I understand it, this is going to be the successor to Strike. I always loved Strike but wanted to familiarize myself with it again so strung up both my Head Speed MP’s one with Strike and one with Force, both at 52lbs. Overall Poly Tour Strike is seen as your classic firm control poly. Poly Tour Force is a newer, more balanced evolution from Yonex.
Tech & specs
Yonex Poly Tour Strike
- Type: Co-polyester monofilament
- Shape: Round
- Feel: Firm / crisp
- Power: Low
- Spin: Moderate
- Key trait: control + tension stability
Read our full review of the Yonex Poly Tour Strike strings.
Yonex Poly Tour Force
- Type: Co-polyester monofilament
- Shape: Round
- Feel: Medium-firm / smoother
- Power: Medium
- Spin: Moderate
- Key trait: controlled power + comfort
Find out more info about the Yonex Polytour Force strings.
On-Court Comparison
Power
This is the biggest difference for me. It was immediately clear after a short break in oeriod how much extra power there is from Force. Strike suddenly feels more muted and controlled in comparison and has less pop. Both are good in their own way, but I definitely see what Yonex have tried to do here. Force reminds me a lot of Nordicdots CS125, which although a control poly has nice pop and feel
- Poly Tour Strike: low powered, very linear trajectory
- Poly Tour Force: noticeably more pop and depth (nice feel too)
With Strike you need full swings to generate pace. Force gives you easier depth without too much effort.
Control
Strike is the clear winner here, offers more precision but it can feel a tad firm/muted in the Speed MP. I always used this string in the Blade 98 and don’t remember that feeling strangely. I put this down to the comparison with Force which feels much more plush but still offers enough control if you have good technique.
- Strike: elite-level control
- Force: very good control, but more forgiving (and more pop)
Strike is a “point and shoot” string really and suits baseliners. You can really go for shots and trust the ball to land in. Force still offers control, but adds a slightly higher launch angle and livelier response.
Feel & Comfort
This is where Force really is a step forward vs Strike. Where Strike can feel harsh, especially at higher tensions, Force gives you that really nice plush feel. I love this string at the net as it gives you excellent feedback and touch.
- Strike: firm, crisp, slightly raw
- Force: smoother, more cushioned feel
Force maybe sits somewhere between Poly Tour Pro and Poly Tour Strike although not sure that is necessarily Yonex’s intention. As mentioned, it reminds me so much of Genesis New in this regard.
Spin
Both are round strings so spin isn’t the main selling point here. I would say with good full swings both are adequate in this regard but snapback is what generates the spin really. Strike but edge it here but only just. I think on Serve, maybe Strike gives you that more penetrating power and spin, Force can feel like you lose control here and there isn’t that edges spin to control it.
In summary for both strings:
- Spin comes from snapback and technique, not shape so much
- Strike: flatter trajectory, controlled spin
- Force: slightly easier access to spin due to livelier response
Not much more to say here on Spin, I don’t think that is why you would consider either string. In the Poly Tour Line, Poly Tour Rev would be the one I’d look at for that (shaped string).
Tension Maintenance
This is where Strike built its reputation and I always got 10 hours heavyish hitting before i noticed any big drop off. Force continues that but although subtle, the swing path is maybe slightly more erratic after 8-10 hours hitting vs Strike. But honestly it isn’t a big deal really.
- Strike: excellent tension stability, very consistent
- Force: still strong, but slightly more erratic over time (after 8-10 hours heavy hitting)
Strike holds its playing characteristics extremely well, which is why many control-focused players love it. Force isn’t quite the same in that regard but then you get more feel, pop and power with good tension holding still overall.
Pros and cons
Poly Tour Strike
Pros
- Excellent control and precision
- Excellent tension maintenance
- Very predictable response (think linear trajectory)
- Suits aggressive baseliners
Cons
- Low powered
- Can feel firm or rigid at times (but would say that is more in the 8 hours plus range)
- Relies moreso on good technique
Poly Tour Force
Pros
- Controlled power with easy depth (nice pop)
- More comfortable and forgiving vs Strike
- Smooth, connected feel (love this at net)
- Would suit a wider range of players vs Strike
Cons
- Less precise than Strike
- Spin is good, not standout by any means
- Slightly less consistent over time
- Advanced players may want firmer feel
Who Each String Suits
Choose Poly Tour Strike if you:
- Are an advanced player that relies on a firm predictable response (Luxilon 4G users will like this)
- Generate your own power easily
- Want maximum control (and prioritize this)
- Like a firm, consistent stringbed
Choose Poly Tour Force if you:
- Want controlled power with added comfort
- Prefer a smoother, less harsh feel (Strike can feel rigid at times)
- Need help generating a bit more depth
- Want a more forgiving poly overall
Final Thoughts
Poly Tour Strike gives advanced players the classic, firm, and highly controlled response they expect, but it can also feel rigid and unforgiving at times. Poly Tour Force, on the other hand, shows how polys have changed in recent years by giving players more power, making them more comfortable. Yonex have done a good job of making an all round string that will suit a wide range of players.
For most players today, Force will be easier to use and more fun for longer periods of time. Strike is still a good choice for people who value accuracy above all else but caution that this is going to be discontinued soo (so grab stock while still available).