Tier One Tour Status Review and Play Test
String: Tier One Tour Status (16 1.30 mm)
Construction: Co-Polymer Monofilament
Racket Used: Tecnifibre TF40 305
Tension: 54 lbs (about 24.5 kg)
Cost: $9
Tour Status – What You Need to Know
Another quality string from Tier One like all of their strings I have tried to date. I think for the vast majority of 3.5-4.5 players with modern strokes you’ll either go with Fire Wire or Tour Status. Fire Wire produces a ton of spin if you’re primarily hitting topspin ground strokes while Tour Status is a little more of that all around playability and little more pop off the string bed. I would compare this string to something in between Cyclone and Alu Power which will obviously appeal to a lot of polyester enthusiasts. At the end of the day this string is worth a try to the vast majority of polyester users.
Tour Status – What I Loved
The feel is great and the thing with Tier One that really impresses me is the honesty. If you read their description for the string and look at their “star” ratings it basically does what it says on the package. For me personally it’s a little too powerful and it doesn’t play at a consistent level for long enough but otherwise no real complaints. I feel confident going after serves with this string compared to the more “control” stiffer orientated polys.
Tour Status – What I Hated
Like with Alu Power you feel and notice that drop in tension and elasticity faster than you’d want. It’s still playable but no where near as nice as the first few plays.
Value
Great value when you consider this string is pretty similar to Alu.
Who this string IS for
3.5-4.5 players that do more than just grind on the baseline hitting with top spin (for that go with Fire Wire). Interestingly I think this string performs better as a middle ground (Black Knight and FireWire) than Fire Wire Boost. Definitely if you like that crisp pop off the string bed don’t ignore this string.
Who this string is NOT for
I’d say everyone outside that range. It’s a softer alternative than many Polyester strings but I think for players considering making the switch from a multifilament should experiment with a hybrid configuration first. Huge cutters at the ball will want something stiffer with a bit more control.
Final Verdict
Tier One has delivered again. I can’t recommend their sampler pack enough to polyester enthusiasts. If you are in the player category I referenced above I’d definitely encourage you to give this one a try.