Volkl Cyclone vs Cyclone Tour: Same Shape, Very Different Strings

On paper, the Volkl Cyclone and Cyclone Tour look like they should be nearly identical. Same gear-shaped cross-section, same brand, adjacent names. But they play differently enough that picking the wrong one is a real mistake — and the difference runs counter to what most players assume.

Most people expect the "Tour" version to be stiffer, more control-oriented, more demanding. In this case, it's the opposite. The Cyclone Tour is softer and more powerful than the standard Cyclone. Once you understand why, the choice between them gets much clearer.

The Gear Shape: What Makes Volkl Cyclone Different

Both strings share the same foundational design: a multi-sided (decagonal-style) gear-shaped profile with angular edges that dig into the ball on contact. This is what distinguishes the Cyclone family from round polys and even from most other shaped strings. The gear shape isn't subtle — you can see and feel the ridges, and they create genuine mechanical bite on the ball rather than just relying on surface friction.

The result is excellent spin potential. Even without a huge swing, the string grips the ball, allows the player to brush across it, and snaps back aggressively. For a budget-accessible string, the spin output is genuinely impressive.

But here's where the two variants diverge.

Volkl Cyclone: The Original Spin Maximiser

The original Cyclone uses the gear profile in a straight, untwisted orientation. This means the edges are presented at their most aggressive angle on ball contact — maximum bite, maximum grip. It's also firm. The block co-polyester construction gives it a crisp, low-powered response with very little trampoline effect.

What you get is a string that lets you swing hard and fast without the ball flying. The lower power output means you can really accelerate through the ball and rely on the heavy spin to bring it down into the court. For players who struggle with balls going long when they increase swing speed, the Cyclone's combination of sharp edges and low power is a genuine solution.

The trade-off is feel and comfort. The Cyclone is firm enough that arm-sensitive players should approach it cautiously. It's not the harshest string on the market, but it's not forgiving either. String it at the lower end of your comfort range.

Best for: Heavy topspin baseliners, string breakers who want spin, players prioritising spin output over all other factors.

Available at thetennisstore.com.au.

Volkl Cyclone Tour: Same Shape, Twisted

The Cyclone Tour uses the identical gear profile but with a twist — literally. The string is twisted during manufacturing, which has two consequences that work against each other in interesting ways.

First, the twist actually reduces the spin bite compared to the untwisted original. The angled edges are no longer presented in the same aggressive orientation on ball contact. Players often assume the Tour version offers more spin — it doesn't. The standard Cyclone is the spin maximiser; the Tour is the more versatile option.

Second, the twist softens the feel and adds power. There's more elastic give in the stringbed, more energy return, and a livelier response. The Cyclone Tour rewards players who want the Cyclone family's distinctive feel but need more pop from their string — whether because their swing speed is lower, their frame is control-oriented, or they simply prefer a more playable feel.

One practical note: because the Cyclone Tour is softer and more powerful, players typically need to string it 3-4 lbs higher than they would string the original Cyclone to maintain the same level of control. Keep that in mind when getting your first setup.

Best for: Players who want a softer, more powerful version of the Cyclone experience. Recreational players with moderate swing speeds who want good spin without a firm, low-power stringbed.

Available at thetennisstore.com.au.

Cyclone vs Cyclone Tour: Head-to-Head Comparison

Let me put this plainly for players who hit like I do — aggressive baseline, flat-ish ball, taking it early. The original Cyclone is the better fit. I don't need the extra power from the Tour version; I need the string to hold the ball in the court and reward fast swing speeds with spin. The Cyclone's firmer, lower-powered response is exactly what works in a frame like the Pure Aero 98 where the frame itself is already providing plenty of pop.

My partner — heavier topspin, more moderate swing speed — would likely prefer the Cyclone Tour. The extra pop helps her maintain pace, and the softer response is more comfortable over long sessions. The reduced edge bite compared to the original still gives her good spin because she's brushing up the back of the ball with a full topspin swing.

The quick version:

• Cyclone — More spin, firmer, lower power, best for big hitters and string breakers
• Cyclone Tour — Softer, more power, slightly less spin, best for moderate swing speeds and comfort seekers
• Tension tip — String Tour 3-4 lbs higher than you'd string the original Cyclone

Value: The Cyclone Family's Best Feature Beyond Performance

Neither the Cyclone nor the Cyclone Tour costs what premium polys like Luxilon or Babolat charge. For recreational players or coaches who string multiple racquets, the price-to-performance ratio here is very good. The spin output from the standard Cyclone competes with strings that cost significantly more. If you're new to shaped polys and want to experiment without a big financial commitment, this is a smart entry point.

String durability is solid for both. Heavy hitters will break them eventually, but for most players these will outlast softer polys comfortably.

Is Volkl Cyclone Good for Arm-Sensitive Players?

The original Cyclone is on the firmer side — not the most comfortable choice for arm-sensitive players. If you have elbow or wrist concerns, the Cyclone Tour is the better option of the two due to its softer, more elastic response. That said, if you're genuinely arm-sensitive, a softer co-poly or a hybrid setup with a multifilament cross string might serve you better than either version of the Cyclone.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Volkl Cyclone vs Cyclone Tour

Both Volkl Cyclone variants are available now in Australia from The Tennis Store, with fast shipping across Australia.