Solinco X-Natural is a textured multifilament tennis string designed to combine comfort and easy power with more spin emphasis than a conventional smooth multifilament. It sits above Vanquish in construction complexity, using a thermoplastic polyurethane resin, dual coating and Diamond Rough surface treatment.
The Natural part of the name describes its target feel, not its material. X-Natural is synthetic and should not be confused with natural gut.
It targets recreational and competitive players who want a soft full bed with useful bite, as well as polyester users seeking a textured multifilament hybrid component. The Tennis String Finder can help compare it with gut and monofilament alternatives.
Solinco X-Natural Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8.5/10 |
| Spin | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
These ratings reflect X-Natural’s high-elasticity multifilament construction and category-relative spin advantage without equating texture with polyester snapback.
Solinco X-Natural Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Multifilament |
| Fibers | High-modulus performance fibers |
| Binding material | Thermoplastic polyurethane resin |
| Surface system | TPU and silicone dual coating |
| Texture | Diamond Rough treatment |
| Gauges | 15L / 1.35mm, 16 / 1.30mm and 17 / 1.20mm |
| Color | Black |
| Set length | Approximately 12.2m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m |
The full three-gauge range appears on Solinco’s main product page, although regional distributors may stock only 1.30mm and 1.20mm.
Material and Construction
X-Natural begins with high-modulus synthetic fibers bundled into a multifilament structure. Solinco bonds these fibers with a thermoplastic polyurethane resin, which adds elasticity, cohesion and a cushioned response.
The surface uses a dual coating that combines TPU and silicone. Solinco positions this system around reduced abrasion, maintained playability and easier movement.
The Diamond Rough process adds a textured exterior for greater ball interaction. It does not transform the underlying fiber bundle into a square or pentagonal monofilament. The most accurate description is a textured multifilament.
The string can fray as its coating and outer fibers wear. The coating may delay abrasion, but no current independent evidence supports treating it as physically durable as polyester.
Solinco X-Natural Performance
Power
X-Natural provides easy power. Its flexible fiber bundle and TPU resin stretch at impact, helping compact and moderate swings create depth without extreme acceleration.
The 1.20mm gauge is the liveliest, while 1.35mm offers a more stable and controlled response. The texture and coatings do not remove the underlying multifilament rebound.
Fast swingers may find the launch too active in a powerful racket. A thicker gauge or controlled hybrid can make it more manageable.
Power rating: 8.5/10
Spin
Spin is X-Natural’s main point of difference from Vanquish. The Diamond Rough texture adds surface interaction, while the silicone component can help reduce friction and support movement.
Independent retailer evaluation positions it above average for a multifilament, not as a replacement for a shaped co-polyester. Fibers still notch and can lock together as the surface wears.
Players with moderate topspin should find useful bite and shape. Heavy spin hitters may break it quickly or lose snapback before the string snaps.
Spin rating: 7.5/10
Control
X-Natural provides good control for a powerful comfort string. The textured surface can improve the player’s sense of ball interaction, and its response is more predictable than an uncontrolled trampoline description would suggest.
It still launches higher than a firm polyester. Advanced players with long, fast swings may need a thicker gauge or a hybrid to restrain depth.
Control changes as the string loses tension, frays or remains displaced. Its useful lifespan should be assessed through trajectory and feel rather than breakage alone.
Control rating: 7.5/10
Comfort and Feel
Comfort is excellent. The TPU-bound multifilament core flexes readily and creates a soft, elastic response with substantial pocketing.
The texture makes X-Natural feel more connected than some very smooth, muted multifilaments. Player reports vary because racket, gauge and tension influence whether that texture feels crisp or plush.
The string may make a firm racket more tolerable, but it cannot prevent injury or treat existing pain. Persistent discomfort requires qualified assessment.
Comfort rating: 9/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
Physical durability is moderate. The TPU-silicone coating is designed to resist abrasion, and the 1.35mm or 1.30mm versions provide more material than 1.20mm.
The Diamond Rough surface and underlying fibers still wear at the intersections. Some players may experience early fraying or breakage, particularly with open patterns and heavy topspin.
Solinco claims improved tension maintenance from the high-modulus fibers. Independent long-term testing is limited, so the claim should remain qualified. String movement and rising launch can appear before breakage.
Choosing the Right Gauge
| Gauge | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| 15L / 1.35mm | Maximum stability and abrasion resistance with the calmest launch |
| 16 / 1.30mm | Balanced power, comfort, spin and physical life |
| 17 / 1.20mm | Maximum response, feel and spin access with lower durability |
The 16 / 1.30mm version is the safest general starting point. Frequent breakers can try 1.35mm if it is available locally.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed maximizes X-Natural’s comfort, power and textured feel. It suits club players who want more bite than a smooth multifilament provides.
Fast swingers should monitor launch and string movement as the bed ages.
Solinco X-Natural in the Mains With Polyester Crosses
X-Natural mains preserve much of the power and comfort, while a smooth polyester cross reduces launch and supports movement.
The cross can cut into the soft mains. A round option such as Solinco Hyper-G Round is less abrasive than a sharply shaped cross.
Polyester Mains With Solinco X-Natural in the Crosses
Polyester mains dominate spin and control. X-Natural crosses add pocketing, but the setup remains much firmer than a full multifilament bed.
Shaped mains can saw through the textured soft cross quickly. Players should inspect the intersections rather than assuming two performance materials guarantee durability.
General Tension Guidance
X-Natural can begin near a player’s usual multifilament reference. Lower tension adds pocketing and power, while higher tension reduces launch.
Players replacing polyester should not copy the same reference automatically because X-Natural is more elastic. Small adjustments preserve useful comparisons.
Use the racket manufacturer’s range and account for gauge, pattern and frame power. The Tennis String Tension Calculator provides broad guidance.
Who Should Use Solinco X-Natural?
X-Natural is best suited to:
- Recreational and intermediate players seeking comfort
- Players wanting more spin emphasis from a multifilament
- Compact and moderate swings needing easy depth
- All-court and doubles players valuing pocketing
- Polyester users seeking a soft hybrid component
- Non-breakers willing to monitor fraying
Who Should Avoid Solinco X-Natural?
X-Natural is less suitable for:
- Frequent multifilament breakers
- Advanced hitters needing the lowest launch
- Players expecting polyester snapback and resistance
- Users who dislike textured string feel
- Anyone expecting natural-gut material from the name
- Players treating soft equipment as medical care
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent comfort and pocketing | Moderate physical durability |
| More spin emphasis than a smooth multifilament | Cannot match shaped-polyester snapback |
| Easy power | Can be lively for fast swingers |
| TPU-silicone dual coating | Long-term independent data is limited |
| Three gauges | May fray or remain displaced as it wears |
| Useful full-bed and hybrid options | Textured soft strings can still be notched by polyester |
Solinco X-Natural Compared With Other Strings
X-Natural vs Solinco Vanquish
Solinco Vanquish is a smoother, simpler multifilament focused on touch and control. X-Natural adds a more elaborate coating and Diamond Rough texture for spin.
X-Natural vs Tecnifibre NRG2
Tecnifibre NRG2 emphasizes maximum power and plush response through Elastyl fibers and PU 400. X-Natural is more textured and spin focused.
X-Natural vs Head Velocity MLT
Head Velocity MLT is round, smoother and more control oriented. X-Natural provides more texture and easier power.
X-Natural vs Solinco Tour Bite
Solinco Tour Bite is a firm square co-polyester with much stronger control and snapback. X-Natural is substantially more comfortable and powerful.
Final Verdict
Solinco X-Natural is a well-differentiated multifilament for players who want comfort and easy depth without accepting a completely smooth, spin-neutral surface. Its TPU-bound fibers, dual coating and Diamond Rough treatment create a soft but connected response.
The spin benefit should stay in category context. X-Natural can outperform a basic smooth multifilament for bite, but it does not maintain the same low-friction snapback or physical resistance as polyester.
The 16 / 1.30mm version provides the best general balance. The 1.20mm option favors response, while 1.35mm is the durability choice when available.
That range makes X-Natural adaptable to several racket patterns and playing styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Solinco X-Natural natural gut?
No. It is a synthetic multifilament bonded with thermoplastic polyurethane resin.
What is Diamond Rough?
Diamond Rough is Solinco’s texturing process intended to increase surface bite and spin interaction.
Is X-Natural good for spin?
It offers above-average spin emphasis for a multifilament, but a shaped polyester provides stronger and more durable snapback.
Which gauge should most players choose?
The 16 / 1.30mm version balances comfort, power and physical resistance.
Does the TPU-silicone coating prevent fraying?
It is designed to resist abrasion, but the multifilament can still fray and notch through normal use.