 Wilson Sensation NXT String ReviewReprinted with permission of the United States Racquet Stringer's Association | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sensation NXT is a multifilament string constructed of Wilson's patented Xycro micro fibers. Over 1600 fibers are separated into two bundles of 800+ fibers. These fibers are twisted and then bonded separately with polyurethane, "for vibration dampening, enhanced tension maintenance and dramatically increased feel and resiliency." Sensation NXT comes in 44 ft length to fit conventional and super oversize racquets and is available in 16 and 17 gauge (natural color only). Made in France. BENCH TESTINGThe two coils tested measured 43'-7". The diameter ranged from 1.27-1.29 mm before stringing and 1.20-1.22 mm (main strings) after stringing at 60 pounds. Stringbed stiffness of 81 RDC units was recorded immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a continuous pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 74 units, representing an 8.64% tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, measured 80 RDC units immediately after stringing and 73 RDC units after 24 hours, representing 8.75% tension loss.THE TESTERSTested for five weeks by 36 USRSA playtesters with NTRP ratings from 4.0 to 6.0.STRINGINGSensation NXT doesn't present any major problems during stringing. Similar to stringing with natural gut or Tecnifibre, string clamps do leave white "bite marks." No string damage will occur though, as long as clamps aren't adjusted too tightly. Also, the polyurethane coating can create a slick/sticky combination; during main string installation, clamps that have any silicone buildup have a tendency to slip, requiring extra pressure which causes more pronounced marks. For best results, we suggest cleaning string clamps with alcohol and a toothbrush before stringing with Sensation NXT (as with natural gut). During cross string installation, the coating seems slightly sticky but doesn't noticeably slow down weaving. Plenty of string (about 44') is provided for super oversize frames, including the Sledge Hammer 3.4 Outer Limits and Big Bubba. Knots tie easily and lock nicely into place, likely due to the polyurethane coating.PLAYTESTINGSensation NXT 16 provides a cushioned yet responsive feel. It is comfortable from the first shot with no "break-in" period required. Touch shots can be made with confidence and off-center hits are more forgiving than with solid-core synthetics. Although some fraying occurs after several hours of play, it is less than would be expected from a multifilament string. The polyurethane coating seems to help lock the strings in place, with the overall result being above average durability. Nine playtesters reported breakage; 2 after 5 hours, one each after 10, 11, 12 hours, 2 after 15 hours and one each after 16 and 20 hours of play. We recorded 19% tension loss after 2 weeks and 12 hours of play - impressive tension maintenance for a multifilament string.CONCLUSIONSensation NXT 16 offers superior comfort and exceptional playability. It is responsive, yet provides good damping and offers good durability for most players. Scores for playability, control and comfort are among the highest of any test string to date. All this and above average tension maintenance make Sensation NXT a very attractive string in the premium price category.COMMENTS(String most commonly used in parentheses)"I love this string! It kept tension very well and the feel was great. The durability was a pleasant surprise. This string is high on my list." 6.0 all court player using a Prince Thunderbolt 100 strung at 68 lbs. (Prince Original Syn Gut 16 Gold) "Reminds me of Sensation NXT, it offers the same feel and control and maintains tension. I like all of the latest multifilament strings, they're very comfortable and the durability is getting better." 6.0 serve & volley player using a Prince Thunderstick 115 strung at 62 lbs. (Wilson Sensation 17) "Great feel on all strokes. This string was a big hit." 5.0 all court player using a Head Pro Tour 280 strung at 56 lbs. (Prince Syn Gut 17) "Durability was good with average feel. The playability seemed to increase after 5 hours. Widebody racquets will benefit from its resistance to string movement." 5.0 all court player using a Dunlop Revelation Tour Pro +1.00 strung at 53 lbs. (Dunlop Max Comfort 17) "From the exceptional ease of stringing to the above average playing characteristics, this string is a definite winner in my opinion." 4.0 all court player using a Cayman Strike-X strung at 50 lbs. (Cayman Spintex 16) "This string was responsive. I had good touch and feel. The tension held up so well that it reminded me of my regular string." 4.5 all court player using a Pro Kennex Kinetic 15G strung at 55 lbs. (Prince Syn Gut 16 w/Duraflex) "I liked this string, good playability with surprising durability. I would recommend this string to players who like Alpha Gut 2000 and would appreciate some extra durability." 5.0 all court player using a Yamaha Secret 04 strung at 58/54 lbs. (Ashaway Cross Fire II) "This string has great feel and power. The tension was consistent for the duration of the play test, and it felt good on my arm." 4.5 all court player using a Yonex RQ-500 strung at 57 lbs. (NA) "This string felt "dead" after only 24+ hours, and didn't hold tension very well." 5.0 all court player using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic Stretch 95 strung at 57 lbs. (Gamma TNT 16) "Perfectly acceptable performance but nothing outstanding. No distinguishing characteristics." 3.5 all court player using a Prince Spectrum Comp 110 strung at 62 lbs. (Prince DNA Helix 16) "Power was marginal even after the string loosened up. The string had a nice feel with good control on the ground strokes. Nothing special was added to my serve or volley." 5.0 all court player using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic Stretch 95 strung at 57 lbs. (Gamma TNT 17) "Excellent string, the 2nd best string I've tested. This string has control and power. I can't wait to purchase it." 4.0 all court player using a Prince Precision Response 95 strung at 62/60 lbs. (Gamma TNT 17) "I played better with this string the longer I used it. At the start I had trouble with my touch volleys and my power was also below average. Then after 20+ hours, the ball started to trampoline." 5.5 all court player using a Dunlop Max 200G Pro strung at 45 lbs. (Babolat Syn Gut 17) "I've tested at least 25 strings in the past few years, and this is the first one tested since Tecnifibre TR Pro in '96 that I've really liked. This string has a crispness with a cushioned feel and holds tension better than other multifilament strings." 5.0 all court player using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic 6.1 95 strung at 62 lbs. (Tecnifibre TR Pro) "I had great difficulty keeping the clamps from slipping with this stringa problem I've never experienced before." 5.0 all court player using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic Stretch 95 strung at 57 lbs. (Gamma TNT 16) "Very lively string, with good touch and feel, plus the kind of ball-bite I enjoy." 4.5 baseline player with heavy spin using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic Stretch 95 strung at 57 lbs. (Gamma TNT 16) "This string held its tension remarkably well. Good power and control, but the strings started to move around after only 30+ hours of playing and teaching." 5.0 all court player using a Wilson Pro Staff Classic Stretch 95 strung at 57 lbs. (Gamma TNT 16) |
TESTER STATSResults from 36 playtesters EASE OF STRINGING(Compared to string used most often)
OVERALL PLAYABILITY(Compared to string played most often)
OVERALL DURABILITY(Compared to strings of similar gauge)
RATING AVERAGES
KEY: Respondents ranked string from a possible low of 1 to a high of 5. Median value is 3. Values represent average overall ratings. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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