HEAD Hawk Power is a round co-polyester tennis string designed to provide a livelier response than the control-focused members of the Hawk range. Despite its name, it remains a performance monofilament intended for fast, technically developed swings rather than an effortless-power string for beginners.
HEAD positions Hawk Power for tournament-level players who want added pace without losing the predictable trajectory associated with a smooth polyester. Its medium-firm response, controlled rebound and easy string movement distinguish it from both soft multifilaments and extremely dead control polys.
The string is best suited to intermediate and advanced players who generate substantial racket-head speed. It can work in a full bed or as the polyester component of a hybrid. The Tennis String Finder can help determine whether a polyester is appropriate for a player’s needs.
HEAD Hawk Power Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 7.5/10 |
| Spin | 8/10 |
| Comfort | 7/10 |
| Control | 8.5/10 |
These ratings compare Hawk Power with all tennis strings. Its power and comfort are above average for a performance co-polyester, while control remains its strongest quality.
HEAD Hawk Power Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Co-polyester monofilament |
| Construction | Single-strand performance monofilament |
| Profile | Round |
| Surface | Smooth |
| Gauges | 16 / 1.30mm and 17 / 1.25mm |
| Color | Petrol |
| Set length | Approximately 12m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m |
| Made in | United States |
HEAD’s current catalog identifies the product as a round monofilament and lists two gauges. Retailer inventory and reel availability can differ by market.
Material and Construction
Hawk Power uses a co-polyester monofilament construction. It consists of a single solid strand rather than the bundle of fine fibers used in a multifilament.
The current official specification does not describe a geometric spin profile. The string is round and smooth, giving it a consistent contact response and allowing the mains and crosses to move against one another with relatively low friction.
This surface behavior is important because Hawk Power does not depend on sharp edges to produce rotation. Spin comes from racket-head speed, string sliding and snapback. Its round exterior is also less likely to saw through a soft hybrid partner than an aggressively shaped polyester.
The word “Power” describes its position within the Hawk range. It is livelier and more forgiving than a very low-powered control string, but its co-polyester construction still prioritizes fast swings and containment over effortless rebound.
HEAD Hawk Power Performance
Power
Hawk Power delivers above-average power for a controlled co-polyester. Its rebound helps aggressive players create pace and depth without making the stringbed as springy as a multifilament.
The response is most effective when the player accelerates fully. It supplies a useful amount of assistance, but it does not replace racket-head speed or sound contact mechanics.
Compact swingers and beginners should not interpret the name as a promise of easy depth. HEAD Reflex MLT, Velocity MLT Power or natural gut will provide more accessible energy return.
Power rating: 7.5/10
Spin
Hawk Power offers good spin through its smooth surface and snapback. The round profile lets the strings slide cleanly, supporting rotation when the player brushes rapidly through the ball.
It lacks the sharp grip of a shaped string such as HEAD Lynx Tour or Solinco Tour Bite. Players with flatter strokes may appreciate the cleaner launch, while extreme topspin users may prefer edges.
The string’s control also encourages fast acceleration, indirectly supporting spin. As tension loss and notching reduce snapback, rotation can become less consistent.
Spin rating: 8/10
Control
Control remains a major strength despite the livelier response. The monofilament construction and medium-firm feel create a predictable trajectory for full groundstrokes, returns and serves.
Hawk Power is particularly logical in a powerful modern racket, where it can add containment without making the frame feel completely dead. Directional accuracy is strongest for players who already produce consistent contact.
It is not as locked-in as the lowest-powered tournament polys. Players who want maximum restraint may prefer Hawk Touch or Luxilon 4G.
Control rating: 8.5/10
Comfort and Feel
Hawk Power provides above-average comfort for a firm performance monofilament. Independent retailer evaluation generally places it on the more approachable side of the co-polyester category, with a smooth, controlled feel.
The sensation is comfortably firm rather than plush. It offers clearer feedback and more containment than a multifilament, while avoiding some of the board-like character of older polyester strings.
It remains unsuitable as a comfort substitute for natural gut or nylon. Players with existing arm symptoms should seek qualified guidance rather than relying on a softer polyester label.
Comfort rating: 7/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Physical resistance to breakage is good. The solid co-polyester construction handles abrasion better than most multifilaments, and the 1.30mm version is the logical choice for frequent string breakers.
Useful playability duration can be shorter than physical life. Player feedback indicates that the fresh response may change noticeably after tension loss even when the strings remain intact. The timing varies with swing speed, pattern, tension and playing frequency.
The string should be replaced when control, snapback or feel deteriorates, not only after breakage. A monofilament that remains visually intact can still be past its best performance window.
Choosing the Right Gauge
| Gauge | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16 / 1.30mm | Greater physical durability, control and launch stability |
| 17 / 1.25mm | More response, pocketing and spin access with faster wear |
The 17 / 1.25mm version best expresses Hawk Power’s lively character and suits many intermediate and advanced players. The 16 / 1.30mm gauge is more appropriate for open patterns, powerful rackets and frequent breakers.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed provides the intended balance of power, spin and monofilament control. It suits healthy players with medium-to-fast swings who already understand polyester’s maintenance requirements.
The setup can feel firm if installed too tightly. Its control does not require copying high nylon tensions.
HEAD Hawk Power in the Mains With Softer Crosses
Hawk Power mains retain the majority of the spin and control, while natural gut or multifilament crosses add pocketing and comfort. The result remains performance-oriented but is more forgiving than a complete co-polyester bed.
The smooth round profile is helpful because it is less abrasive than a sharp-edged main. The polyester will still notch the soft crosses over time.
Softer Mains With HEAD Hawk Power Crosses
Natural gut or multifilament mains produce most of the power and feel. Hawk Power crosses reduce launch and provide a smooth surface for main-string movement.
This orientation is useful for players prioritizing comfort and easy depth. The crosses still add firmness, and the complete setup should be judged as a hybrid rather than a full soft-string bed.
General Tension Guidance
Hawk Power should generally start below a player’s usual nylon or multifilament tension. The string already provides control through its monofilament construction, so excessive tension can remove response and comfort.
Lower tension unlocks more pocketing and depth. Higher tension creates a flatter launch, but can make the stringbed feel rigid and reduce the useful distinction between Hawk Power and firmer Hawk options.
Stay within the racket manufacturer’s recommended range and consider head size, pattern and gauge. Make modest changes after evaluating a complete restringing cycle. The Tennis String Tension Calculator provides general guidance.
Who Should Use HEAD Hawk Power?
Hawk Power is best suited to:
- Intermediate and advanced players with fast swings
- Aggressive baseliners wanting controllable pace
- Players who prefer round, predictable co-polyesters
- Powerful-racket users seeking containment
- Healthy players wanting an accessible performance poly
- Hybrid users needing a smooth polyester component
Who Should Avoid HEAD Hawk Power?
Hawk Power is less suitable for:
- Beginners who need effortless depth
- Players with current arm discomfort
- Users wanting the bite of a sharply shaped string
- Players who leave polyester installed indefinitely
- Very flat hitters seeking the lowest possible launch
- Anyone expecting multifilament-level comfort
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Above-average power for a control co-poly | Not truly high powered across the whole market |
| Predictable round profile | Less surface bite than shaped polyester |
| Strong control on full swings | Useful life may end before breakage |
| Good snapback while fresh | Only two gauges |
| More comfortable than many firm polys | Still unsuitable for many arm-sensitive players |
| Effective full-bed and hybrid option | Petrol is the principal color |
HEAD Hawk Power Compared With Other Strings
Hawk Power vs HEAD Hawk Touch
HEAD Hawk Touch is lower powered and more focused on precise feedback and control. Hawk Power is the livelier, more accessible option for players wanting additional depth.
Hawk Power vs HEAD Lynx Touch
HEAD Lynx Touch uses a co-extruded construction built around pocketing and touch. Hawk Power feels more performance-oriented and supplies a cleaner combination of pace and containment.
Hawk Power vs HEAD Lynx Tour
HEAD Lynx Tour uses a shaped profile for stronger bite and a firmer trajectory. Hawk Power is rounder, livelier and easier to use for players who do not need maximum edge-driven spin.
Hawk Power vs Luxilon ALU Power
Luxilon ALU Power is a benchmark round co-polyester known for a crisp, controlled response. Hawk Power offers its own blend of medium firmness and controllable pace, with price and preferred feel likely to decide between them.
Final Verdict
HEAD Hawk Power is a performance co-polyester that adds useful liveliness without abandoning control. Its round profile, smooth surface and medium-firm response support fast swings, predictable placement and efficient snapback.
The name requires context. It is powerful relative to many control polyesters, not relative to natural gut or a lively multifilament. Players with compact swings should therefore look elsewhere for easy depth.
The 17 / 1.25mm version is the best general starting point for players seeking its full blend of response and spin. The 16 / 1.30mm gauge better suits powerful frames and players who prioritize physical resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HEAD Hawk Power a polyester string?
Yes. It is a round co-polyester monofilament designed for performance players.
Is Hawk Power actually powerful?
It is lively for a controlled polyester, but it does not provide the effortless rebound of natural gut or a powerful multifilament.
Is Hawk Power shaped?
No. It has a smooth, round profile and generates spin through movement, snapback and racket-head speed.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 17 / 1.25mm option provides the most responsive balance. The 16 / 1.30mm gauge offers greater stability and physical durability.
Can Hawk Power be used by beginners?
It is generally better suited to intermediate and advanced players. Beginners commonly benefit more from a comfortable nylon or multifilament string.