This Volkl Cyclone review looks at a string that has built a bit of a cult following among club players and string aficionados – and for good reason. This gear-shaped polyester promises massive spin, reliable control, and impressive durability, all at a very friendly price point. I strung up the 17 gauge version to see how it performs in real-world conditions and whether it lives up to the hype.
What We Loved
- Outstanding spin potential
- Excellent control
- Good tension maintenance and durability
- Great value for money
What We Didn't
- Low powered
- Not ideal for beginners
- Firm feel won’t suit everyone
- Less arm-friendly
About The Volkl Cyclone
Volkl Cyclone is a co-polyester monofilament with a sharp, gear-shaped profile designed to bite into the ball and maximise spin potential. It’s available in multiple gauges (from 16 down to 19) and colours, with the 17 gauge sitting in the sweet spot between control, spin, and feel. Volkl markets Cyclone as a control-oriented poly that still offers a solid dose of playability – something that’s not always a given with firm co-polys.
This isn’t a string aimed at absolute beginners, but if you’ve got a full swing and like to dictate points from the baseline, it could be right up your street.
Testing Setup
For this playtest, I used the 1.25mm (17 gauge) version of Volkl Cyclone in my Wilson Ultra Pro 16×19, strung at 52–53 lbs. Over the course of four weeks, I played with it on astroturf, hard courts, and clay, mixing in competitive league matches with plenty of hitting sessions. The string finally broke towards the end of week four.
The Playtest Results
Power – 6.5/10
Volkl Cyclone isn’t going to rocket the ball off your strings unless you really work for it – and that’s one of its biggest strengths. In my Wilson Ultra Pro at 52-53 lbs, the power level sat comfortably in the medium-low range. This meant I could take big, confident swings at the ball without worrying about sailing it long. When stepping inside the baseline to finish a point, there was still enough pop to put a short ball away cleanly. On serve, I found I had to supply most of the pace myself, but the consistency and accuracy more than made up for it. If you prefer a bit more free depth, dropping the tension into the high 40s or pairing it with a livelier cross string would add that extra gear without sacrificing too much control.
Control – 9/10
This is Cyclone’s real sweet spot. The response is so predictable that aiming for the corners feels almost second nature. During baseline rallies, I could change direction at will without worrying about the ball launching unexpectedly. The spin-friendly nature of the string also adds a layer of safety – I could go for big angles or thread a passing shot down the line knowing the ball would dip inside the lines. At net, the crisp response made it easy to stick volleys deep or drop them short with precision. Even on defensive shots, I felt like the string gave me a stable, trustworthy platform to reset the point. That extra control was really helpful when returning big serves, though it did feel a bit too underpowered at times, particularly on serve.
Spin – 9.5/10
Cyclone’s sharp, gear-shaped edges grip the ball like few other strings I’ve tried. The result? Topspin forehands that dive sharply inside the baseline and slices that skid low and stay out of an opponent’s strike zone. On serves, I could generate plenty of kick, even on the low-bouncing astroturf courts. If you like to hit with shape and variation, Cyclone rewards you every time you accelerate through the ball. But even as a flat hitter I got that little bit of extra shape on my groundstrokes, which is what I was really looking for out of the Volkl Cyclone.
Feel – 8/10
For a firm poly, Cyclone offers plenty of feedback. On drop shots and short angles, I felt connected to the ball rather than disconnected or numb – something that can happen with deader polys. There’s just enough pocketing to gauge touch shots accurately, while still giving that solid, satisfying “thwack” on clean contact. It’s not going to feel plush like a multifilament or a hybrid, but it has enough responsiveness to give confidence in those delicate situations.
Comfort – 7.5/10
Over the four-week test, I had no discomfort, even during back-to-back match days. That said, Cyclone is still on the firmer side, so if you’ve had past arm or shoulder trouble, you’ll want to string it a touch lower or consider hybrid with a softer cross string. In the low 50s, I found the 17 gauge version firm but not harsh, with just enough give on off-centre hits to avoid jarring feedback.
Durability – 8.5/10
For a shaped poly, four weeks of competitive play before breaking is impressive. Tension maintenance was particularly good – despite a bit of an initial drop after the first few hours, the stringbed feel stayed consistent until the last week. To be honest, I didn’t mind that initial tension drop knowing that it would only give me a little extra power. However, I’d probably recommend stringing it at a couple of pounds higher than your usual tension to account for that initial loss.
Towards the end, the string lost a touch of liveliness, but spin and directional accuracy were still there, which is exactly what I want from a control poly.
Who's It For?
Volkl Cyclone is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who take full swings and want a spin-friendly poly that doesn’t break the bank. Aggressive baseliners, all-courters, and anyone who likes to hit with heavy topspin will feel right at home.
Beginners or players with very short, compact strokes may find it too firm and underpowered – and should probably start with something softer.
Final Verdict – 8.2/10
Volkl Cyclone delivers an outstanding combination of spin, control, and durability at a price that’s hard to beat. For club players looking for a reliable poly that performs across a variety of conditions, it’s a standout choice.
Try the 17 gauge at 50-52 lbs for a great balance of spin, control, and comfort. If you need a touch more durability, the 16 gauge will give you extra life without sacrificing too much playability.
Compared to similar strings like Solinco Tour Bite or Babolat RPM Blast, Cyclone is a touch softer, holds tension better, and offers exceptional value for money.
Volkl Cyclone - FAQs
Is Volkl Cyclone arm-friendly?
For a polyester, it’s on the more comfortable side – especially if you use a thinner gauge version and keep the tension under 53 lbs. That said, it’s still a firm string, so I’d suggest using combining it with a softer string in the crosses or dropping the tension a bit lower if you’re using Volkl Cyclone.
What tension should I string Volkl Cyclone at?
For most club players, 50–52 lbs is a sweet spot. Lower tensions (48–50 lbs) will give you more pop and comfort, while higher tensions (53–55 lbs) will maximise control.
How long does Volkl Cyclone last?
In my playtest, it lasted four weeks of competitive play before breaking. Tension maintenance is above average for a shaped poly, so it plays consistently for most of its lifespan.
Who uses Volkl Cyclone?
While it doesn’t have a huge pro tour presence, it’s very popular among competitive club players and high school/college athletes looking for spin and control without paying a premium price.
