String comparison
Syn Gut vs Lightning XX
Babolat Syn Gut against Prince Lightning XX: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are synthetic gut strings. Syn Gut leads on control, durability and tension hold. Lightning XX leads on spin. They score the same for arm friendliness (4/5).
Ratings
Power
Spin
Control
Comfort
Durability
Tension hold
Ratings are on a 1–10 scale. The higher score is in bold when they differ.
Pick Syn Gut if…
- You want more control (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more durability (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 6 vs 8)
- Best for: young beginners (6+)
- Best for: recreational players
- Best for: hybrid crosses with poly mains
Pick Lightning XX if…
- You want more spin (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- Best for: beginner and intermediate juniors
- Best for: players with tweener frames
- Best for: kids who want a colored string
Specs side by side
| Spec | Syn Gut | Lightning XX |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic gut | Synthetic gut |
| Construction | Solid core with single polyamide wrap | Solid core with multifilament wrap and Prince Powerfoil layer |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Low |
| Set price | $6–8 | $7–8 |
| Reel price | $60–80 | — |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 6 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Play styles | All court, Beginner | All court, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 50-55 lbs for juniors. Forgiving at various tensions. | 52-58 lbs for juniors, mid-range of the racquet. |
Syn Gut in short
Babolat Syn Gut is the perfect option for players who want great all-around playability at a budget-friendly price. Constructed with a solid central core and a nylon outer wrap, it offers a strong blend of comfort, power, durability, and spin. The single wrap polyamide structure provides good tension maintenance. Ideal for beginners and intermediate players. Also excellent as economical crosses in a hybrid setup to soften up polyester mains without breaking the bank. Made in France with Babolat quality.
Lightning XX in short
Prince Lightning XX is an all-around synthetic gut that Prince recommends for tweener frames. Its Powerfoil layer is meant to add power and act as a wear barrier over the solid core. Recent buyer reviews praise its power and feel, while older feedback points to durability and tension loss as the weak spots. At about $8 a set in six colors, it is an easy, cheap choice for developing juniors.
Syn Gut vs Lightning XX: quick answers
Which has more spin, Syn Gut or Lightning XX?
Prince Lightning XX, with a spin rating of 6/10 against 5/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 4/5. Syn Gut is recommended from age 6 and Lightning XX from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat Syn Gut rates 7/10 for durability against 5/10.
Which is cheaper?
Syn Gut costs about $6–8 a set and Lightning XX about $7–8, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Syn Gut) and 2026-10 (Lightning XX).