Tennis string: pick the material and gauge for your game
We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.
- Wilson NXT 16 Tennis String Set. Best for: Players who want a comfortable multifilament. See options on Amazon
- GAMMA Live Wire 17 Tennis String Set. Best for: Players who want a soft multifilament in a thinner gauge. See options on Amazon
- Luxilon ALU Power 125 String Set. Best for: Players who want a polyester for control. See options on Amazon
Multifilament or polyester
A multifilament string is built from many fine fibers. Wilson says NXT uses xycro microfibers impregnated with polyurethane for comfort and power, with an X-bonded core that helps it hold tension, and claims a 10 percent larger sweet spot and a fraction of the shock of a traditional synthetic gut. GAMMA says its Live Wire technology changes the string's molecular structure for elasticity and a softer, cushioned feel that is easy on the arm.
A polyester string is stiffer. Luxilon, a Wilson brand, says ALU Power's poly-ether-ether composition with aluminum gives power and control, and that it is unaffected by moisture for consistent performance. Going by the makers' own descriptions, players who want comfort may look first at a multifilament, and players who want control at a polyester.
Compare three strings
| String | Type and gauge | What the maker says |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson NXT 16 | Multifilament, 16 | PU-impregnated microfibers; X-bonded core for tension; larger sweet spot and less shock than synthetic gut |
| GAMMA Live Wire 17 | Multifilament, 17 | Enhanced elasticity; protective pearl coating; cushioned feel that is easy on the arm; 40 ft set |
| Luxilon ALU Power 125 | Polyester with aluminum | Power and control; unaffected by moisture; low string variance |
These details come from Wilson's and GAMMA's product pages. We have not tested these strings.
Gauge
Gauge is string thickness. Wilson says its NXT 16 is slightly thicker than the 17 gauge, which adds durability and control. Wilson sells NXT in 16 and 17, GAMMA sells Live Wire in 16 and 17, and Luxilon sells ALU Power in 115, 120, 125 and 130 versions. Going by Wilson's description, a thicker gauge suits players who want more durability.
Sets and stringing
A set strings one racket. GAMMA lists a 40 foot set for Live Wire, and both Wilson and GAMMA also sell reels for players who string often. Wilson advises handling NXT gently and avoiding over-clamping and crimping during installation, so tell your stringer which string you bring. Check the color on the listing too: NXT comes in natural and black, and ALU Power comes in several colors.
Versions and colors to check
Each of these strings comes in several versions, so read the listing title closely. Wilson sells NXT 16 in natural and black, plus NXT 17 in natural and black. Luxilon's ALU Power line includes 115, 120, 125 and 130 gauges, ALU Power Black, ALU Power Ocean Blue and ALU Power Spin 127, and the standard 125 comes in blue, silver and lime green. GAMMA sells Live Wire in 16 and 17 gauge natural sets, and separate Live Wire XP and Live Wire Professional strings. A listing that names a different version is a different string, even with a similar name.
Strings and arm comfort
MedlinePlus says tennis elbow is common in people who play a lot of tennis or other racket sports. If your tennis elbow is from sport, it suggests asking your provider about your technique and checking your equipment, and its first step is to rest the arm for 2 or 3 weeks. Wilson and GAMMA both pitch their multifilaments on comfort, but those are maker claims, not treatment. See a provider if it is the first time you have these symptoms or home care does not help.
What to look for when you buy
Wilson NXT 16 Tennis String Set
Best for: Players who want a comfortable multifilament
Wilson describes PU-impregnated xycro microfibers, an X-bonded core for tension maintenance, a 10 percent larger sweet spot than traditional synthetic gut and a 16 gauge that is slightly thicker than 17 for durability and control.
Watch out: Wilson advises gentle handling and no over-clamping when stringing; tell your stringer.
See options on AmazonGAMMA Live Wire 17 Tennis String Set
Best for: Players who want a soft multifilament in a thinner gauge
GAMMA says Live Wire technology enhances elasticity for a softer, cushioned feel that is easy on the arm, with a protective pearl coating, in a 40 foot set.
Watch out: GAMMA also sells Live Wire XP and Professional versions with similar names; check the item number GLW710.
See options on AmazonLuxilon ALU Power 125 String Set
Best for: Players who want a polyester for control
Luxilon describes a poly-ether-ether string with aluminum for power and control, unaffected by moisture, with near-zero string variance.
Watch out: It is a polyester string; players who want maximum comfort may prefer a multifilament.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What tennis string is easiest on the arm?
- Wilson and GAMMA pitch their multifilaments, NXT and Live Wire, on comfort and reduced shock. If you have arm pain, MedlinePlus suggests checking your equipment and asking your provider.
- What does tennis string gauge mean?
- Gauge is thickness. Wilson says a 16 gauge is slightly thicker than a 17, adding durability and control.
- How much string do I need for one racket?
- A set strings one racket. GAMMA lists 40 feet for a Live Wire set.
- Is polyester string good for beginners?
- Luxilon pitches ALU Power on power, control and consistency, while Wilson and GAMMA pitch NXT and Live Wire on comfort. Ask your stringer or coach which suits your swing.
Sources
- NXT 16 Tennis String - Set (wilson.com), Wilson
- Luxilon ALU Power 125 Tennis String - Set (wilson.com), Wilson
- GAMMA Live Wire (gammasports.com), GAMMA Sports
- Tennis elbow (medlineplus.gov), NIH / MedlinePlus