Wilson NXT Power is a premium multifilament tennis string designed for players who want easy depth, plush comfort and a responsive feel. It was previously sold as Wilson NXT Tour, and the change in name did not create a different string.
Within the NXT family, Power is softer and livelier than standard NXT and substantially more powerful than NXT Control. Its dense bundle of Xycro microfibers and polyurethane is intended to approach the broad comfort-and-power profile of natural gut while remaining a synthetic option.
NXT Power is best suited to recreational and competitive players with compact or moderate swings, all-court players who value touch, and anyone seeking relief from a demanding polyester setup. Players unsure whether that profile suits their game can use the Tennis String Finder to compare it with other materials.
Wilson NXT Power Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8.5/10 |
| Spin | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 |
| Control | 7/10 |
These ratings assess NXT Power against the complete tennis-string market. Its power and comfort are defining strengths, while control depends heavily on swing speed, racket pattern and tension.
Wilson NXT Power Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| String type | Multifilament |
| Composition | High-crystallinity Xycro microfibers bonded with polyurethane |
| Core | Ribbon-like copolymer core |
| Profile | Round |
| Surface | Smooth |
| Common gauges | 18 / 1.21mm, 17 / 1.26mm and 16 / 1.30mm |
| Color | Natural |
| Set length | Approximately 12.2m |
| Reel length | Approximately 200m, depending on gauge and market |
| Previous name | Wilson NXT Tour |
Gauge and package availability can differ between regions and retailers.
Material and Construction
NXT Power uses high-crystallinity Xycro microfibers bonded together with polyurethane. Wilson describes polyurethane as approximately 45 percent of the finished string by volume, helping the fiber bundle flex and absorb impact.
The string contains substantially more fibers than standard NXT. This denser multifilament structure produces a soft response and a larger effective hitting area, although manufacturer comparisons should not be treated as universal results in every racket.
A ribbon-like copolymer core runs through the construction. Wilson associates this core with tensile strength and reduced tension loss, giving NXT Power more structural support than an unreinforced bundle of soft fibers.
The profile is round and smooth. NXT Power does not use sharp geometric sides or a rough coating to grip the ball. Spin comes from dwell time, string movement and the player’s technique rather than aggressive surface bite.
Wilson has published comparisons showing a larger sweet spot and lower vibration than traditional synthetic gut. These are manufacturer test claims against a particular reference string, not proof that the product prevents injury. The supported conclusion is that NXT Power is exceptionally comfortable, not that it can guarantee arm health.
Wilson NXT Power Performance
Power
Power is one of NXT Power’s clearest advantages. Its elastic fiber-and-polyurethane construction helps the ball leave the stringbed with useful pace, allowing compact and moderate swings to reach depth more easily.
Independent playtesting found strong power on groundstrokes, serves and volleys. Players who redirect an opponent’s pace or cannot always take a full swing can benefit from the additional rebound.
The response is not uncontrolled by definition. A player with smooth mechanics and a dense string pattern may find a balanced amount of help. Fast hitters using powerful rackets are more likely to experience shots launching long.
Natural gut still offers a more complete combination of elasticity and long-term response. NXT Power should be viewed as a very lively premium multifilament rather than a perfect synthetic copy of gut.
Power rating: 8.5/10
Spin
NXT Power provides good spin for a multifilament. Independent testing found more usable rotation than its smooth profile might suggest, especially in the thinner gauges and a pattern that keeps the strings moving predictably.
Its spin response differs from shaped polyester. The string pockets the ball and supports technique, but it does not create the same low-friction snapback or geometric bite associated with a dedicated control monofilament.
The thinner 1.21mm and 1.26mm gauges can feel more responsive and may make spin easier to access. They also have less material to resist notching and breakage.
As the fibers fray and the intersections notch, the mains may stop returning to position. Spin can therefore decline before the set physically breaks.
Spin rating: 7.5/10
Control
NXT Power offers adequate control when its lively response matches the player’s stroke. Pocketing and touch can make placement feel natural on volleys, slices and medium-paced groundstrokes.
Independent testers were divided according to swing style. A controlled, consistent player adapted easily, while a fast polyester user found the extra launch harder to manage. This variation is central to understanding the string.
NXT Power is not intended to provide the low free power or firm trajectory of polyester. Aggressive hitters may need a thicker gauge, a denser pattern or a hybrid to keep the launch within their preferred window.
Control should also be monitored as the string ages. Severe notching, tension loss and increased movement can change the trajectory even while the string remains intact.
Control rating: 7/10
Comfort and Feel
Comfort is NXT Power’s standout quality. The high fiber count and polyurethane content create deep pocketing and a highly dampened impact, including on contact outside the center of the stringbed.
Independent playtesting placed it among the most comfortable synthetic strings evaluated. Its plush response can make a stiff racket feel less severe and provides useful touch around the net.
The comparison with natural gut still needs limits. Gut has different elasticity, tension stability and responsiveness. NXT Power comes close in broad feel but does not duplicate the material.
No string can prevent or treat an injury. Racket stiffness, tension, technique and workload also affect comfort, and persistent elbow, wrist or shoulder pain should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Comfort rating: 9.5/10
Durability and Tension Maintenance
NXT Power has moderate physical durability. Its reinforced core gives the construction support, but the outer fibers can fray and notch under repeated topspin and string-on-string friction.
Independent testing found strong playability duration and respectable tension retention for a multifilament. The response remained usable until notching became severe, although a heavy hitter can reach that point quickly.
Physical resistance to breakage is not the same as useful playability duration. A set can remain intact after string movement, launch or feel has changed. It can also break while its response still feels good.
The thicker 1.30mm gauge is the logical starting point for players concerned about wear. The 1.21mm version prioritizes response and spin but offers the least material against abrasion.
Players should replace NXT Power when notching becomes deep, the mains remain displaced or control changes materially rather than relying on a universal number of hours.
Choosing the Right Gauge
NXT Power is available in three documented gauges. Each shifts the balance between response and durability.
| Gauge | General characteristics | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| 18 / 1.21mm | Maximum response, touch and spin with the lowest resistance to wear | Players who rarely break strings and prioritize feel |
| 17 / 1.26mm | Lively middle option with a balance of feel and durability | All-court players seeking the characteristic NXT Power response |
| 16 / 1.30mm | Firmer response and greater resistance to fraying and breakage | Frequent players, open patterns and players wanting more control |
Racket pattern and swing style can influence lifespan more than gauge alone. A heavy topspin player may wear through 1.30mm faster than a flatter player wears 1.26mm.
Full Bed or Hybrid Setup
Full Bed
A full bed maximizes NXT Power’s comfort, depth and touch. It is the most natural setup for players with compact or medium swings and those replacing a firm polyester.
The full bed can be too lively for an aggressive hitter. The thicker gauge or a modest tension adjustment can improve predictability without removing the string’s main strengths.
NXT Power in the Mains With Softer Crosses
NXT Power is already extremely soft, so few crosses make the setup meaningfully more comfortable. Natural gut crosses can add elasticity and tension stability, while another soft multifilament can fine-tune feel.
A more common performance hybrid places NXT Power in the mains with a smooth polyester cross. The cross is not softer, but it can add control and reduce launch. It may also saw through the multifilament mains, so improved durability is not guaranteed.
Softer Mains With NXT Power in the Crosses
Natural gut mains with NXT Power crosses create a powerful, comfortable setup with excellent pocketing. The gut supplies most of the response, while NXT Power offers a softer cross than polyester.
This orientation prioritizes touch and depth rather than maximum spin control. Players seeking the classic natural-gut and polyester balance will normally prefer a smooth monofilament cross.
General Tension Guidance
NXT Power can generally be installed within the racket manufacturer’s recommended range. It is much more elastic than polyester and does not require the same automatic tension reduction used with a firm monofilament.
Players seeking maximum pocketing and depth can start toward the lower portion of the range. Players trying to control the lively launch can move modestly higher, provided the response remains comfortable.
Open patterns and large heads can increase power and movement, while dense patterns can make the trajectory more controlled. Gauge and hybrid orientation also affect the result.
The Tennis String Tension Calculator can help organize these variables. Final changes should be based on actual depth, launch and comfort rather than an unnecessarily precise universal number.
Who Should Use Wilson NXT Power?
NXT Power is best suited to:
- Recreational and competitive players who prioritize comfort
- Players with compact or moderate swings who want easier depth
- All-court and doubles players who value touch and volleys
- Players moving away from a firm polyester setup
- Players who want a premium synthetic alternative to natural gut
- Hybrid users seeking a soft, powerful main or cross
Who Should Avoid Wilson NXT Power?
NXT Power is less suitable for:
- Frequent string breakers who need maximum abrasion resistance
- Heavy topspin players who rely on polyester snapback
- Fast swingers who want an extremely low-powered trajectory
- Players who expect a synthetic string to reproduce every quality of natural gut
- Anyone who leaves strings installed after control has materially declined
- Players whose main priority is the lowest stringing cost
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional comfort for a synthetic string | Can feel too lively for fast swings |
| Easy power and depth | Less durable than polyester |
| Plush pocketing and excellent touch | Fibers can fray and notch |
| Three useful gauge options | Less spin than a shaped monofilament |
| Good tension stability for a multifilament | Premium price for a synthetic string |
| Works in full beds and hybrids | Does not fully reproduce natural gut |
Wilson NXT Power Compared With Other Strings
NXT Power vs Wilson NXT
Wilson NXT has a slightly crisper and more balanced response. NXT Power adds greater pocketing and liveliness, while standard NXT may provide easier control for players who do not need maximum rebound.
NXT Power vs Wilson NXT Control
Wilson NXT Control combines nylon and polyester fibers for a firmer internal-hybrid response. Control better suits faster swings, while Power is the choice for plush comfort and easy depth.
NXT Power vs Wilson NXT DuraMax
Wilson NXT DuraMax uses abrasion protection and thicker options to improve resistance to wear. DuraMax is more practical for frequent breakers, while Power offers the livelier and more refined feel.
NXT Power vs Wilson Sensation
Wilson Sensation provides multifilament comfort and power at a lower price. NXT Power has the more premium construction and deeper pocketing, while Sensation is the value-oriented alternative.
NXT Power vs Wilson Natural Gut
Wilson Natural Gut offers greater elasticity, tension stability and long-term responsiveness. NXT Power costs less and avoids natural material, but it is not an identical replacement.
Final Verdict
Wilson NXT Power is a premium multifilament with a clear emphasis on comfort, depth and touch. Its dense Xycro fiber construction and polyurethane bonding create one of the softest synthetic responses available.
Its weaknesses follow directly from those strengths. Fast swingers may find the launch too lively, heavy topspin can cause fraying and notching, and it cannot provide polyester-level snapback or durability.
For players with compact or moderate swings, all-court players and anyone seeking a forgiving alternative to firm monofilament, NXT Power is a strong option. The 1.26mm gauge offers the most balanced experience, while 1.30mm is more practical for players concerned about wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilson NXT Power the same as NXT Tour?
Yes. Wilson renamed NXT Tour as NXT Power without changing the underlying product.
Is NXT Power a polyester string?
No. It is a multifilament made from Xycro microfibers bonded with polyurethane around a reinforced copolymer core.
Is NXT Power more powerful than standard NXT?
Yes. It is positioned as the softer and livelier NXT option, although the exact difference depends on gauge, tension and racket.
Does NXT Power provide good spin?
It provides good spin for a multifilament, especially in a thinner gauge. It does not match the bite and snapback of a dedicated shaped polyester.
Which NXT Power gauge should I choose?
Choose 1.21mm for maximum feel, 1.26mm for balance or 1.30mm for greater wear resistance and control.
Can NXT Power be used by players with arm pain?
It is exceptionally comfortable, but no string can treat an injury. Persistent pain should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
How long does NXT Power remain playable?
There is no universal lifespan. Replace it when notching, string movement, launch or comfort changes materially, even if it has not broken.