Is Toroline strings worth the hype? Let’s discuss that and their new string. Here is our Toroline O-Toro review.
Toroline has done a great job involving influencers and creating hype around their brand and products. Their Toroline Omakase program was a fresh take on delivering poly/poly hybrids and now they have released their most anticipated string yet, in partnership with ex ATP player Steve Johnson, the Toroline O-Toro.
Specifications
Toroline O-Toro is an hexagonal string (6-sided) in neon green. I have heard some players testing a black version, but I have not seen one in the Toroline store. Ps. Use the code TENNISNERD for 20% off Ds.
According to Toroline, the Racketpedia lab tested O-TORO 100 out of 100 for spin and more comfortable than many of the top selling co-polys on the market. Compared to Luxilon Alu Power, O-TORO lab tested higher for spin, control, playing life, and comfort.
I think it’s difficult to put scores on levels of spin and comfort, but I would echo that this is a comfortable, semi-lively polyester with good spin potential. It reminds me of Solinco Hyper-G Soft, but seems to hold tension better.
The price for a set of Toroline O-Toro is €13.95 in the Toroline shop. They have distributors in Europe, but I am unaware if they will start some large-scale distribution through Tennis Warehouse, etc.
Playability and performance
This string has an interesting combo of high elasticity and crispness. You get a nice “thwack” when you hit the ball, but it is soft and easy to string. We are working on a video review, so you can see it in action.
According to Toroline, they have spent a lot on R&D to develop this string, which is tailored towards serious players looking for a balance of comfort and control.
I tried O-Toro in several different racquets: PT57A 18/20, Prince Phantom 100X 18/20, Nordicdots Model 99 and a few other racquets of different power levels.
Being a player that wants to be able to go for shots with confidence, it worked best for me in the dense patterns, especially 18/20. In a wider string bed, it doesn’t offer quite the control and “deadness” that I am looking for in a poly. In the Model 99, which has some liveliness in the string bed, it felt a little too powerful for me and there I would go for a deader poly.
But in a PT57A or the Phantom 18/20 it opened up a nice blend of power/spin/control, which I really enjoyed.
Summary
I would say all Toroline strings I have tried are more focused on spin and comfort over control. Most of them are not tailored towards pros (Caviar is a little firmer, though). The best feeling and sounding string they have made so far is this one, O-Toro and that is high praise. However, there are no really “dead” Toroline strings, so if you are looking for zero liveliness, this is not it. But the snapback, the feel and the comfort are all excellent features of this string.
Pros: Sound, Comfort, Spin. I think most people will like this string.
Cons: Not max on the control spectrum, a bit boring with the “Hyper-G” green.
Another excellent string for Toroline. This one will compete with Super Toro in becoming my favourite.
It might even make my Recommended Strings list.
