Prince Lightning XX is an all-around synthetic gut built from a solid nylon core, multiple outer wraps and Prince’s Powerfoil ribbons. It is designed to add power and comfort beyond basic nylon while retaining a crisp, affordable solid-core response.
Lightning XX sits below the newer Lightning Pro in construction complexity. It uses the established Powerfoil formula, while Lightning Pro adds a more responsive multi-section core and additional multifilament bundles.
This string targets beginners, recreational players and intermediate all-court players seeking useful depth without polyester stiffness. The Tennis String Finder can help compare it with standard synthetic gut and premium multifilament.
Prince Lightning XX Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Comfort | 7.5/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
These ratings summarize both common gauges. The 17 gauge raises response and spin access, while the 16 gauge improves stability and resistance.
Prince Lightning XX Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Power-oriented synthetic gut |
| Composition | Nylon structure with PET Powerfoil ribbons |
| Construction | Solid core with multiple filament wraps and Powerfoil |
| Profile | Round and smooth |
| Common gauges | 16 / 1.30mm and 17 / 1.25mm |
| Colors | Black, Clear, Silver, Red, Blue, Green, Pink and other regional options |
| Set length | Approximately 12.2m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m, depending on market |
| Manufacturing | Current Japanese versions are made in Japan |
Color availability differs widely by gauge and market. The core specifications are the 1.30mm and 1.25mm options with Powerfoil construction.
Material and Construction
Lightning XX uses a special solid nylon center core. The core supplies strength, rebound and the defined response associated with synthetic gut.
Multiple side wraps surround the center. Prince’s Japanese product information describes three outer layers that include Powerfoil, while international listings summarize the construction as a solid core with multifilament wrap.
Powerfoil uses thin PET ribbons. Prince markets these ribbons as a spring-like energy component and a broad wear barrier, adding response while protecting the underlying structure.
PET is a polyester material, but Lightning XX should not be categorized as a performance co-polyester monofilament. The ribbons are integrated into a primarily nylon synthetic-gut construction.
The exterior is smooth and round. There is no confirmed shaped profile or separate low-friction coating, so spin comes from technique, ordinary movement and the player’s ability to control the lively response.
This layered design explains why calling Lightning XX merely “multifilament” is incomplete. It contains filament wraps, but a defined solid core remains central to its strength, power and crisp feedback.
Prince Lightning XX Performance
Power
Power is one of Lightning XX’s primary strengths. The nylon core and Powerfoil wraps return energy efficiently, helping moderate swings generate depth.
Prince’s own performance indexes rate the thinner 17 gauge as more powerful than the 16 gauge. Its smaller diameter flexes and responds more readily.
The 16 gauge remains lively but supplies greater stability. This version is the safer starting point for players who want power without the highest launch.
Advanced players with long, fast swings may need to manage the rebound through gauge, tension and pattern. Lightning XX is not designed around the low-powered response of control polyester.
Power rating: 8/10
Spin
Lightning XX offers adequate spin for smooth synthetic gut. The 17 / 1.25mm version provides greater movement and ball interaction than the thicker 16 gauge.
The string lacks shaped edges and modern co-polyester snapback. Mains can slide under load but may remain displaced, especially after the surface begins to notch.
Players with sound technique can generate reliable topspin and slice. The accessible power also allows moderate swingers to create pace without shortening the stroke excessively.
Heavy topspin players may prefer Prince Topspin for added texture or a shaped polyester for maximum controlled rotation.
Spin rating: 7/10
Control
Control is balanced for a power-oriented nylon. The solid core provides a defined impact response, and the 16 gauge creates a stable stringbed.
The elastic launch remains higher than most polyester strings. Fast swingers may need the thicker gauge or a modest tension adjustment to prevent excessive depth.
At recreational and intermediate swing speeds, Lightning XX offers enough pocketing and feedback for dependable direction. It is intended as an all-rounder rather than an extreme control string.
Control can decline as tension drops and the mains remain out of position. Useful playability should be evaluated separately from whether the core has broken.
Control rating: 7.5/10
Comfort and Feel
Lightning XX is more comfortable than most firm polyesters because nylon forms the primary structure. Its outer wraps add cushioning around the solid center.
The response is crisp and lively rather than deeply plush. It does not contain the dense microfiber matrix found in a premium multifilament such as Wilson NXT.
The 17 gauge provides greater sensitivity but can also feel livelier. The 16 gauge produces a more substantial, stable impact.
Comfort depends on the racket, tension, technique and player. Existing pain should not be treated by changing strings alone, and qualified medical guidance may be appropriate.
Comfort rating: 7.5/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Lightning XX offers moderate physical resistance for synthetic gut. Its solid core and Powerfoil wear barrier provide more support than a very soft multifilament.
The 16 / 1.30mm version normally lasts longer than the 17 / 1.25mm version. Prince’s own performance index also assigns greater durability to the thicker gauge.
Heavy topspin can notch the outer wraps and move the mains. The construction remains nylon-based and should not be expected to match thick polyester for abrasion resistance.
Useful playability duration is separate from physical breakage. Gradual tension loss, permanent displacement and a higher launch can reduce consistency while the stringbed remains intact.
Replace Lightning XX when notching becomes deep, wraps are visibly damaged, the mains no longer stay aligned or the response changes materially. Hybrid contact with polyester can accelerate this wear.
Color may produce small perceived differences in surface feel, but those differences should not be treated as separate technologies. Gauge, pattern, tension and string age are more reliable variables to track when comparing installations.
Choosing the Right Gauge
Lightning XX is commonly available in two practical gauges.
| Gauge | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 16 / 1.30mm | Greater stability, resistance and trajectory control |
| 17 / 1.25mm | Greater power, feel and spin access, with shorter physical life |
Most recreational players can begin with 16 gauge. Dense-pattern users and players prioritizing touch may prefer 17 gauge.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed is the most straightforward way to use Lightning XX. It maximizes its intended combination of power, comfort and solid-core feedback.
Gauge choice provides enough adjustment for most recreational players without adding a second material.
Prince Lightning XX in the Mains With Softer Crosses
Lightning XX mains preserve its crisp Powerfoil response. A natural-gut or premium multifilament cross can add pocketing and comfort.
The softer crosses may fray before the Lightning XX mains. This setup increases cost and may become too lively for fast swingers.
Softer Mains With Prince Lightning XX Crosses
Natural gut or multifilament mains provide maximum elasticity and feel. Lightning XX crosses add a crisper, lower-cost support string.
Lightning XX can also be used under polyester mains, although the polyester is firmer rather than softer. Moving polyester can cut through the nylon wraps.
General Tension Guidance
Lightning XX can begin around the middle of the racket manufacturer’s recommended nylon range. It should not automatically copy the low tension used for stiff polyester.
Players seeking more depth and comfort can move modestly lower. Players who find the launch too lively can use a small increase or select the 16 gauge.
The 17 gauge, open patterns and larger racket heads can all increase perceived power. Dense patterns and the thicker gauge create a more restrained result.
The Tennis String Tension Calculator can help organize these variables. Remain within the frame’s approved range and adjust one factor at a time.
Who Should Use Prince Lightning XX?
Lightning XX is best suited to:
- Beginners and intermediate players seeking easy power
- Recreational all-court players who value crisp feel
- Players who find polyester too firm
- Players wanting a step above basic Tournament Nylon
- Users who appreciate multiple gauge and color options
- Budget-conscious players seeking an all-around full bed
Who Should Avoid Prince Lightning XX?
Lightning XX is less suitable for:
- Advanced heavy hitters requiring low-powered control
- Frequent topspin breakers seeking polyester resistance
- Players wanting premium multifilament pocketing
- Players seeking shaped-string spin performance
- Players who dislike main-string movement
- Anyone expecting Powerfoil to prevent all tension loss or wear
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accessible power and depth | Less control than firm polyester |
| More comfortable than most co-polyesters | Less plush than premium multifilament |
| Powerfoil adds response and wear support | Mains can remain displaced |
| Two useful gauge options | Moderate durability for heavy spin |
| Many regional colors | No shaped profile for maximum bite |
| Affordable all-around performance | Tension loss changes launch over time |
Prince Lightning XX Compared With Other Strings
Lightning XX vs Prince Lightning Pro
Prince Lightning Pro builds on Lightning XX with a more responsive multi-section core and additional multifilament bundles. Lightning Pro is softer and more refined, while Lightning XX is the simpler value option.
Lightning XX vs Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex emphasizes all-around value and abrasion reinforcement. Lightning XX uses Powerfoil to create a livelier, more power-oriented response.
Lightning XX vs Prince Topspin
Prince Topspin uses a thick textured surface to improve nylon bite. Lightning XX is smoother, more powerful and available in thinner gauges.
Lightning XX vs Wilson Synthetic Gut Power
Wilson Synthetic Gut Power uses high-energy wraps around a solid nylon core. Both target responsive value, while Prince distinguishes Lightning XX with PET Powerfoil ribbons.
Players choosing between the two should prioritize local availability, gauge and preferred response rather than assuming one brand is universally more powerful. Both remain smooth synthetic guts with similar all-around roles.
Final Verdict
Prince Lightning XX is a lively, comfortable synthetic gut with more construction detail than basic nylon. Its solid core, multiple wraps and PET Powerfoil ribbons create accessible depth while retaining crisp feedback.
It should not be confused with Lightning Pro or a polyester monofilament. Lightning Pro adds a more sophisticated responsive core, while the PET in Lightning XX appears as ribbons within a nylon-based structure.
For recreational and intermediate players seeking affordable power and all-around performance, Lightning XX is a sensible full-bed option. Its limits are ordinary snapback, moderate heavy-spin durability and less trajectory control than performance polyester.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prince Lightning XX made from?
It uses a solid nylon core, multiple outer wraps and thin PET Powerfoil ribbons.
Is Lightning XX a polyester string?
No. It is a synthetic gut. PET ribbons form part of the wrap, but the string is not a conventional co-polyester monofilament.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 16 / 1.30mm version is the balanced starting point. The 17 / 1.25mm version favors response and feel over lifespan.
Is Lightning XX comfortable?
It is generally more comfortable than firm polyester, though less plush than natural gut or premium multifilament.
Does Lightning XX provide good spin?
It provides adequate nylon spin, especially in 17 gauge, but lacks the shaped edges and snapback of specialized co-polyester.
What does Powerfoil do?
Powerfoil uses thin PET ribbons intended to add energy return and create a wear barrier around the core.
Is Lightning XX the same as Lightning Pro?
No. Lightning Pro uses a more responsive multi-section core and additional multifilament bundles.