Volkl Cyclone Tour is a twisted ten-sided co-polyester tennis string designed to deliver more power, pocketing and comfort than the original Cyclone. It preserves the gear-shaped spin identity of the family while creating a noticeably softer and livelier stringbed.
The distinction matters. Cyclone Tour is not simply Cyclone in another color. Its material response and twisted profile make it easier to generate depth, but also less restrained for players accustomed to a firm control polyester.
It is best suited to healthy intermediate and advanced players who want shaped-poly spin without an extremely rigid feel. The Tennis String Finder can help compare it with softer nylon and firmer monofilament options.
Volkl Cyclone Tour Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8/10 |
| Spin | 9/10 |
| Comfort | 8/10 |
| Control | 8/10 |
These ratings compare Cyclone Tour with the full string market. Its power and comfort are unusually high for a shaped co-polyester, while control is lower than original Cyclone.
Volkl Cyclone Tour Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Co-polyester monofilament |
| Profile | Twisted ten-sided gear shape |
| Gauges | 16 / 1.30mm, 17 / 1.25mm and 18 / 1.20mm |
| Colors | Red and Anthracite |
| Set length | Approximately 12m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m |
| Primary benefits | Spin, power, feel and comfort |
Color and reel availability can differ by market. All three gauges use the same basic twisted ten-sided concept.
Material and Construction
Cyclone Tour is a solid co-polyester monofilament. Its strand has ten sides, forming the gear profile associated with the Cyclone family.
Volkl also twists that shaped strand. This creates changing edge angles along its length and is intended to increase ball bite beyond a straight gear profile.
The co-polymer formulation is softer and more elastic than original Cyclone. That produces additional pocketing and power, but can also make the launch livelier as tension falls.
The edges are less severe than a true square string, yet they can still notch soft hybrid partners. The string should not be described as round or as a multifilament.
Volkl Cyclone Tour Performance
Power
Power is one of Cyclone Tour’s defining qualities. Independent testing found a clear increase in depth and pace over original Cyclone, especially at the same reference tension.
The response is lively for polyester but still more controlled than natural gut or a power multifilament. Medium and fast swingers can use the additional rebound on serves, defensive shots and penetrating groundstrokes.
Players already using a powerful racket may need an adjustment period. Raising tension dramatically is not the only solution because it can remove comfort and pocketing.
Power rating: 8/10
Spin
Cyclone Tour produces excellent spin through its ten edges, twisted profile and fast rebound. The string lets topspin players create high net clearance and a heavy drop into the court.
Its increased power can make rotation important for controlling depth. Players with fast upward swings are better positioned to use that combination than flat hitters with compact mechanics.
The 1.20mm gauge provides the easiest bite and deflection, while 1.30mm offers more stability and physical resistance.
Spin rating: 9/10
Control
Control is strong but not as absolute as with original Cyclone or V-Square. The string’s spin helps contain full swings, while its livelier material creates a higher launch.
Independent playtesters reported that the response became easier to manage after setup adjustments. This reinforces that the correct gauge and tension matter more than treating every polyester identically.
Control can decline as the string loses tension and becomes springier. It should be replaced when launch no longer remains predictable.
Control rating: 8/10
Comfort and Feel
Cyclone Tour is highly comfortable for a shaped co-polyester. Its softer formulation provides pronounced ball pocketing and reduces the rigid sensation of original Cyclone.
Independent testing praised its connected feel rather than describing it as mushy. It can suit experienced polyester users who want a more forgiving impact.
It is still a polyester monofilament. Players with active arm discomfort should choose a more elastic material and seek qualified assessment where appropriate.
Comfort rating: 8/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Physical durability is good, particularly in 1.30mm and 1.25mm. The 1.20mm version provides greater response but less material against abrasion.
Players should inspect both notching and string movement rather than judging life only by whether the string has broken. Once the surface has worn smooth and the mains stop returning reliably, the original spin-control balance is no longer present.
Useful playability duration is the larger concern. Softer co-polyesters can lose tension and become too lively while remaining unbroken. Cyclone Tour should be monitored for changing launch, reduced snapback and dull feel.
The string’s edges may wear and notch at the intersections. Break resistance should therefore be evaluated separately from the period during which spin and control remain preferred.
Choosing the Right Gauge
| Gauge | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16 / 1.30mm | Maximum control, stability and physical durability |
| 17 / 1.25mm | Best balance of spin, power and resistance |
| 18 / 1.20mm | More bite, pocketing and response with faster wear |
The 17 / 1.25mm version is the best starting point. Choose 1.30mm for powerful open patterns or 1.20mm for denser stringbeds and frequent restringing.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed maximizes Cyclone Tour’s spin and lively polyester response. It suits healthy players with developed strokes who already understand monofilament maintenance.
Its softness allows a moderate setup without chasing comfort through excessive tension changes.
Volkl Cyclone Tour in the Mains With Softer Crosses
Cyclone Tour mains preserve shaped bite, while multifilament or natural-gut crosses add further pocketing and comfort.
The main string can notch the soft crosses. Players who already find Cyclone Tour powerful may not need an especially lively partner.
Softer Mains With Volkl Cyclone Tour Crosses
Soft mains dominate power and feel, while Cyclone Tour crosses reduce launch. The shaped cross can restrict movement and abrade the mains.
A smooth round polyester is generally the more efficient cross for a gut-led snapback hybrid.
General Tension Guidance
Cyclone Tour should usually start below a nylon or multifilament reference. It already provides control through its monofilament construction and shaped profile.
Lower tension emphasizes pocketing and power. Higher tension lowers the launch but can reduce the comfort advantage over original Cyclone.
Adjust gradually within the racket manufacturer’s range. The Tennis String Tension Calculator provides broad guidance.
Who Should Use Volkl Cyclone Tour?
Cyclone Tour is best suited to:
- Healthy intermediate and advanced players
- Topspin hitters wanting a softer shaped poly
- Players seeking more power than original Cyclone
- Aggressive baseliners and kick servers
- Users comfortable with regular restringing
- Dense-pattern players considering 1.20mm
Who Should Avoid Volkl Cyclone Tour?
Cyclone Tour is less suitable for:
- Beginners who do not need polyester
- Players with current arm pain
- Flat hitters wanting the lowest possible launch
- Users who dislike tension-sensitive strings
- Players who leave polyester installed until it breaks
- Buyers seeking multifilament-level comfort
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent spin | Livelier launch than original Cyclone |
| High power for polyester | Control can change with tension loss |
| Very comfortable for a shaped poly | Still firm compared with nylon |
| Useful ball pocketing | Shaped profile can notch soft crosses |
| Three practical gauges | Not intended for beginners |
| Strong value | Requires timely replacement |
Volkl Cyclone Tour Compared With Other Strings
Cyclone Tour vs Volkl Cyclone
Volkl Cyclone is firmer, lower powered and more controlled. Cyclone Tour provides more pocketing, depth and comfort.
Cyclone Tour vs Volkl V-Torque Tour
Volkl V-Torque Tour has six twisted sides and a more precise response. Cyclone Tour is softer and livelier.
Cyclone Tour vs Volkl V-Star
Volkl V-Star is round and smooth. V-Star is a better hybrid cross, while Cyclone Tour supplies stronger geometric bite.
Cyclone Tour vs Solinco Hyper-G Soft
Solinco Hyper-G Heaven uses a five-sided profile and a more controlled launch. Cyclone Tour produces a livelier, more elastic response.
Final Verdict
Volkl Cyclone Tour is a lively spin polyester for players who find original Cyclone too firm or underpowered. Its twisted ten-sided profile creates strong bite, while the softer formulation adds depth and pocketing.
The same elasticity that improves comfort can reduce control after tension loss. Useful life should therefore be judged through response rather than breakage alone.
The 17 / 1.25mm version provides the best overall balance. The thicker gauge controls powerful rackets, while 1.20mm favors dense patterns and maximum spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cyclone Tour the same as regular Cyclone?
No. Cyclone Tour is softer, more powerful and twisted, while original Cyclone is firmer and more controlled.
How many sides does Cyclone Tour have?
It has a twisted ten-sided gear profile.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 17 / 1.25mm version offers the best general balance.
Is Cyclone Tour comfortable?
It is comfortable for a shaped co-polyester but remains firmer than multifilament or natural gut.
When should it be replaced?
Replace it when launch, snapback or feel deteriorates, even if the string remains unbroken.
Is Cyclone Tour suitable as a hybrid main?
Yes. It preserves shaped spin and control in the mains, while a softer cross can add power and cushioning. The shaped mains may wear through the cross faster.