Prince Lightning Pro is a premium synthetic gut designed to provide easier power and greater comfort than a basic solid-core nylon. It builds on Lightning XX with a more responsive central structure, multifilament outer bundles and Prince’s Powerfoil ribbons.
The string sits between conventional synthetic gut and a true premium multifilament. It retains a defined central core for crisp response while adding softer outer materials for pocketing and vibration reduction.
Lightning Pro targets beginners, recreational players and club competitors who want a lively, comfortable string without natural-gut pricing. Players comparing it with standard nylon or multifilament can use the Tennis String Finder.
Prince Lightning Pro Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8.5/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Comfort | 9/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
These ratings reflect Lightning Pro’s position across the broader market. Power and comfort are its defining strengths, while control and spin remain balanced rather than extreme.
Prince Lightning Pro Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Premium synthetic gut |
| Main construction | Co-extruded multi-section core with multifilament outer wrap |
| Additional material | Thin PET Powerfoil ribbons |
| Profile | Round and smooth |
| Common gauges | 16 / 1.30mm and 17 / 1.25mm |
| Common colors | Silver and Black, with some regional Clear or Brown options |
| Set length | Approximately 12.0m to 12.2m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m, depending on market |
Regional Prince listings describe some Lightning Pro versions through Triple Core terminology. Buyers should check local packaging, while the international 16 and 17 gauge products are commonly documented with the co-extruded core, multifilament wrap and PET ribbons shown above.
Material and Construction
Lightning Pro uses a co-extruded multi-section central core. This is more elaborate than the single uniform nylon core used by many basic synthetic guts and is intended to create a responsive, stable base.
Bundles of multifilament fibers form part of the outer wrap. These softer strands add pocketing and reduce the hard, direct response that a simple solid core can produce.
Powerfoil Technology consists of thin PET ribbons placed within the outer construction. PET is a polyester material, but Lightning Pro is not a conventional co-polyester monofilament. The ribbons are one component of a synthetic-gut structure.
The surface is round and smooth rather than shaped for geometric bite. Its performance is based on elastic rebound, layered feel and ordinary string movement.
Prince Japan describes a current regional Lightning Pro through Triple Core Technology. That information should not be merged carelessly with every international package, because product construction and colors can vary by market.
Prince Lightning Pro Performance
Power
Power is one of Lightning Pro’s central qualities. The responsive core, multifilament wrap and Powerfoil ribbons are designed to return energy efficiently and make depth accessible.
Independent product evaluation describes it as more powerful than Prince Synthetic Gut. Players with moderate swings should find it easier to generate pace without forcing contact.
The 17 / 1.25mm version is generally the livelier option because its thinner cross-section flexes more readily. The 16 / 1.30mm version provides greater stability and resistance.
Very fast swingers may find the launch livelier than a control polyester. Appropriate gauge, tension and racket pattern are important for keeping depth predictable.
Power rating: 8.5/10
Spin
Lightning Pro offers adequate to good spin for a smooth synthetic gut. The 17 gauge version can move and interact with the ball more readily than the thicker 16 gauge.
The string does not use sharp edges or a specialized low-friction polyester coating. Mains may slide during impact but can remain out of position instead of snapping back efficiently.
Players can generate reliable topspin and slice through technique, especially when the power level allows them to swing confidently. Heavy-spin players may need to straighten the strings and may wear through the outer wrap quickly.
Within the broader string market, Lightning Pro prioritizes comfort and depth over maximum rotation. Shaped polyester remains the more specialized spin tool.
Spin rating: 7/10
Control
Control is solid for a power-oriented synthetic gut. The defined central core prevents the response from feeling as diffuse as some very soft multifilaments.
The string remains more elastic than polyester, producing a higher and livelier launch on full swings. Advanced players may need the 16 gauge or a firmer setup to manage depth.
At moderate swing speeds, Lightning Pro provides predictable pocketing and useful directional feedback. This makes it appropriate for all-court recreational play.
Control can decline after tension loss and permanent string movement. A physically intact bed should not be assumed to retain its original launch indefinitely.
Control rating: 7.5/10
Comfort and Feel
Comfort is the string’s strongest feature alongside power. Laboratory-based retailer information places Lightning Pro among the softer synthetic guts in its category.
The multifilament outer bundles cushion impact, while the multi-section core preserves enough definition for volleys and touch shots. The result is softer than basic synthetic gut but crisper than many premium multifilaments.
The 17 gauge offers greater sensitivity and pocketing, while the 16 gauge feels more substantial. Racket stiffness and tension can widen that difference.
No string is a treatment for injury. Players with persistent elbow, wrist or shoulder pain should assess the entire setup and seek qualified medical advice where appropriate.
Comfort rating: 9/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Lightning Pro has moderate physical durability. The core and Powerfoil structure provide more support than a very soft multifilament, but the outer fiber bundles can fray and notch.
The 16 / 1.30mm version normally lasts longer than the 17 / 1.25mm version because it contains more material. Heavy topspin can shorten both versions substantially.
Physical resistance is separate from useful playability duration. Nylon-based strings can remain elastic, but gradual tension loss and string movement may raise launch before breakage.
In a hybrid, polyester contact can cut through the outer wrap. A sharply shaped polyester is particularly demanding on Lightning Pro crosses or mains.
Replace the stringbed when fraying becomes deep, the mains remain displaced, trajectory changes noticeably or the response becomes inconsistent. Do not promise a fixed lifespan across different patterns and players.
Choosing the Right Gauge
Lightning Pro’s two common gauges provide a meaningful choice.
| Gauge | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16 / 1.30mm | Greater resistance, stability and controlled response |
| 17 / 1.25mm | Greater feel, power and spin access, with reduced lifespan |
The 16 gauge is the safer general recommendation. Players using dense patterns or prioritizing sensitivity may prefer the 17 gauge.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed maximizes Lightning Pro’s intended balance of power, comfort and crisp synthetic-gut feedback. This is the most logical setup for beginners and club players.
Players can select gauge according to breakage and desired response before adding another material.
Prince Lightning Pro in the Mains With Softer Crosses
Lightning Pro mains preserve its lively core and Powerfoil response. A natural-gut or premium multifilament cross can add even more pocketing, though it raises cost and may make the bed too powerful for some players.
The softer crosses may fray first. This setup is mainly for comfort seekers rather than durability.
Softer Mains With Prince Lightning Pro Crosses
Natural gut or premium multifilament mains emphasize maximum elasticity and feel. Lightning Pro crosses add a slightly crisper, less expensive support string.
Lightning Pro is also usable beneath polyester mains, although that main is firmer rather than softer. Polyester movement can notch the outer fiber wrap and shorten physical life.
General Tension Guidance
Lightning Pro can begin around the middle of the racket manufacturer’s recommended nylon range. It should not automatically copy the lower references used for firm co-polyester.
Players seeking maximum depth and comfort can move modestly lower. Those who find the launch too lively can make a small increase or choose the thicker 16 gauge.
The 17 gauge will generally feel more responsive at the same reference tension. Open racket patterns can also raise launch and accelerate wear.
The Tennis String Tension Calculator can help account for gauge, material and racket variables. Keep adjustments small and remain within the frame’s approved range.
Who Should Use Prince Lightning Pro?
Lightning Pro is best suited to:
- Beginners and intermediate players seeking easy depth
- Players who want a soft synthetic gut
- All-court players who value pocketing and touch
- Players moving up from basic Tournament Nylon
- Players who find polyester too firm or demanding
- Budget-conscious users comparing premium multifilaments
Who Should Avoid Prince Lightning Pro?
Lightning Pro is less suitable for:
- Heavy topspin breakers seeking polyester resistance
- Advanced players wanting the lowest-powered launch
- Players seeking maximum shaped-string spin
- Players who dislike string movement and straightening
- Players expecting natural-gut tension stability and feel
- Anyone who needs the simplest low-cost nylon
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent comfort for synthetic gut | Moderate physical durability |
| Easy access to power and depth | Less control than performance polyester |
| Responsive multi-section core | Outer wraps can fray and notch |
| Multifilament bundles improve pocketing | Strings may remain out of position |
| Two useful gauges | Regional construction descriptions vary |
| More affordable than premium multifilament | No shaped edges for maximum bite |
Prince Lightning Pro Compared With Other Strings
Lightning Pro vs Prince Lightning XX
Prince Lightning XX uses the earlier solid-core Powerfoil design. Lightning Pro adds a more responsive multi-section core and multifilament bundles for greater comfort.
Lightning Pro vs Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex is firmer, simpler and less expensive. Lightning Pro provides more power and a softer, more layered response.
Lightning Pro vs Wilson NXT
Wilson NXT is a true premium multifilament with greater pocketing and refinement. Lightning Pro retains a central-core synthetic-gut character at a lower price.
Lightning Pro vs Wilson Synthetic Gut Power
Wilson Synthetic Gut Power uses a solid core and high-energy wraps. Both target responsive value, while Lightning Pro adds PET Powerfoil and multifilament bundles.
Final Verdict
Prince Lightning Pro is more than a basic solid-core synthetic gut. Its co-extruded multi-section center, multifilament outer wrap and PET Powerfoil ribbons produce accessible power and unusually high comfort for the category.
The construction should be described carefully. PET ribbons do not make it a conventional polyester monofilament, and regional Triple Core versions should not be assumed identical to every international package.
For beginners and club players who want a lively, comfortable full bed without premium-multifilament cost, Lightning Pro is a strong option. Its tradeoffs are moderate durability, ordinary snapback and less control for very fast swings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prince Lightning Pro made from?
International versions are commonly described as a co-extruded multi-section core with multifilament outer wraps and thin PET Powerfoil ribbons.
Is Lightning Pro a polyester string?
No. It is a synthetic gut. PET ribbons are included in the construction, but it is not a conventional co-polyester monofilament.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 16 / 1.30mm version offers the best general balance. The 17 / 1.25mm version favors feel and response over lifespan.
Is Lightning Pro comfortable?
Yes. Independent laboratory-based information places it among the softer synthetic guts.
Does Lightning Pro provide good spin?
It provides adequate spin for smooth nylon, especially in 17 gauge, but does not match every shaped polyester for snapback and bite.
Is Lightning Pro the same as Lightning XX?
No. Lightning Pro builds on Lightning XX with a more responsive core and additional multifilament bundles.
Can Lightning Pro be used in a hybrid?
Yes. It can be used as a main or cross, but contact with polyester can accelerate fraying and notching.