Yonex POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT String Review
With the 2024 introduction of POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT, Yonex expands upon the success of the original POLYTOUR DRIVE, a shaped co-poly with impressive spin potential and outstanding control. Like the standard version, POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT boasts eight sharp edges and a slick surface to help the string snap back for added ball rotation. Not surprisingly, this shaped co-poly received an impressive score for spin. What separates it from POLYTOUR DRIVE, however, is its lower stiffness level, a feature that not only gives it greater comfort, but also helps it avoid the dead feel that is all too common with poly-based monofilaments. That said, POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT is not perfect. It loses tension like virtually every soft poly our team has playtested, which means many players will have to cut it out before it snaps. Ultimately, though, when you consider the sub-$10 price, this comfortable spin monster from Yonex is tough to beat.
Comfort
Spin
Price
We didn't agree on any
Final Verdict
Breakdown
Control: 8.2
Although POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT gave our crew great control, it has a softer construction than the stiff and dead polys of yesteryear. For Chris, this softer feel came with some downsides, but it also made it easier for him to hit with depth. He explained, "I found decent power in POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT for a co-poly string. I was getting easier access to depth and pace compared to regular POLYTOUR DRIVE. I also noticed a higher launch angle to my shots, which helped me get more clearance over the net and more depth. As this is a co-poly, there was still tons of control, just not as much as firmer playing co-poly strings. As the test went on, I found control to diminish because this string suffers from the tension loss that is typical with softer co-polys."
"POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT had a nice balance of power and control."
Although she typically prefers stiffer, more control-oriented polys, Michelle had no problem hitting her targets with POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT. She said, "Sometimes the softer co-polys feel a bit too powerful to me, but that wasn't the case with POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT. I never felt limited in power, but I also had enough access to control to hit out confidently."
Spin: 8.4
With its sharp bite and ability to snap back powerfully through impact, POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT was designed to enhance spin potential. Needless to say, Michelle was impressed by how effectively this co-poly grabbed and rotated the ball. She said, "I noticed some nice grab from this string. It was probably most noticeable when I was kicking the ball up on second serves. I found easy arc on the ball when needed off the ground too, and I was able to access some good spin when changing up the height of the ball and hitting more defensive shots. This is a very spin-friendly string."

"I liked the level of spin I got on my shots with POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT," added Chris, who found enough spin potential to bend and shape his shots effectively. "I was able to get my cross-court angles to dip nicely inside the lines. The same could be said for my lobs, which have to be placed well on our inside court since we don't have the luxury of infinite sky. However, with this string, I could get a decently paced lob over my opponent and still get it to drop inside the baseline thanks to a solid level of topspin. My slice shots also worked well with POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT, and I liked the bite I was getting on the ball."
Feel: 8.0
One of the biggest downsides of poly-based monofilaments is their high stiffness level, which results in more impact shock, especially on off-center contact. To mitigate this problem, Yonex designed POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT with a more flexible construction. According to Chris, this softer build came with some clear benefits, especially in the early stages of the playtest. He said, "I got the sense the stringbed was offering a deep pocket at impact, and I had lots of feel for hitting my targets. As with control, I lost some of that feel as the string aged in my racquets. Fresh off the stringer, I loved it. After a couple of weeks, I was ready to get that feel back and was cutting the string out of my racquets."
"I found POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT to live up to its name and provide a soft and plush ride compared to many co-poly strings."
Michelle was thankful that this string's softer feel didn't compromise control. She described, "I enjoyed the feel of this string; it was soft but didn't feel too springy or bouncy. The ball pocketed nicely, but I still felt like I knew where the ball was on my stringbed and felt in total control of my shots. I could string it in the higher 50s in some of my stiffer racquets and was appreciating that combo."
Playability Duration: 6.3
All tennis strings lose tension over time, especially softer co-polys like POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT. The big question for every player is when or if the tension loss will compromise the string's feel and performance. Michelle was pleasantly surprised by how long this co-poly held its playability. She said, "I have noted that a lot of the 'soft' strings do seem to bag out a bit quicker and in turn get too springy after about two weeks. I was happy to report that I didn't find that to be an issue with POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT. For me, it stayed playable longer than Yonex's POLYTOUR PRO, which is also a softer poly. However, after about two or three weeks it did start to get a bit more erratic, and I was ready to cut it out and restring. Plus, at this value, it is a great option for anyone who restrings regularly!"

"I found a two-week playability duration to work best for me with POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT," said Chris. "I found the string to feel too jumpy and trampoline-like when I got into a third week of hitting. I also found the strings got stuck out of position at that point, and it felt like POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT had lost some of its snapback capabilities."
Breakdown Summary
Power | 7.6 |
Control | 8.2 |
Spin | 8.4 |
Comfort | 7.8 |
Feel | 8.0 |
Playability Duration | 6.3 |
Durability | 7.4 |
Final Verdict |
8.0 |
Tension Diagnostics
String Installation Grade | B+ |
Coil Memory | Low-Moderate |
Friction Burn On Crosses | Low-Moderate |
Knot Tying | Moderate Difficulty |
NotchingTens | Low |
Clouding | N/A |
Tennis Warehouse University Lab Data
Stiffness (lb/in) | Coming Soon! |
Spin Potential | Coming Soon! |
Playtester Thoughts

Chris
Players seeking a softer and smoother ride from a co-poly setup will love the feel of POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT. I think it's also a great option for players who string their own racquets and don't mind installing a fresh set every couple of weeks. If you like strings such as ISOSPEED Cream and Luxilon Element Soft IR, you'll enjoy the response of POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT. If you have never hit a softer-feeling co-poly, I think this is a great one to try because it offers nice control and spin.
I like the comfort, feel, spin and control I get from POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT when it is fresh in my racquets.
If you like strings such as ISOSPEED Cream and Luxilon Element Soft IR, you'll enjoy the response of POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT. If you have never hit a softer-feeling co-poly, I think this is a great one to try because it offers nice control and spin.
Chris's String Setup | |
Racquet | Head Speed pro 2022 |
String Tension | 48 lbs |
Typical String | Volkl Cyclone 16 |
Chris's Breakdown | |
Power | 7.5 |
Control | 7.9 |
Spin | 8.1 |
Comfort | 7.5 |
Feel | 8.0 |
Playability Duration | 5.8 |
Durability | 7.3 |
Overall | 7.9 |

Michelle
I'd recommend this string to aging poly players looking to go softer! It would also be a good fit for anyone newer to the poly world looking for string that provides control but is still on the arm-friendly side. Or anyone who just loves trying new strings! Yonex POLYTOUR DRIVE SOFT reminds me of Solinco Hyper-G Soft: lots of control, access to spin and good durability. This is one string I will definitely recommend for players looking for a more comfortable option at a great price!
Comfortable, more control than power, soft feel without being springy. I even found the tension maintenance to be better than other softer strings. Oh, and the price point makes it a string not to miss out on!
Not a ton to report. If anything, the string does lose playability and gets a bit erratic, but it doesn't get too mushy or bouncy.
Michelle's String Setup | |
Racquet | Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph |
String Tension | 58/57 lbs |
Typical String | Solinco Hyper-G 16L |
Michelle's Breakdown | |
Power | 7.6 |
Control | 8.5 |
Spin | 8.6 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Feel | 8.0 |
Playability Duration | 6.8 |
Durability | 7.5 |
Overall | 8.0 |