String comparison
Xcel vs Live Wire XP
Babolat Xcel against Gamma Live Wire XP: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Xcel leads on control, durability and tension hold. Live Wire XP leads on power. They score the same for arm friendliness (5/5). Live Wire XP costs less per set.
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 Xcel if…
- You want more control (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more durability (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Best for: young juniors (8+) just starting
- Best for: players with arm sensitivity
- Best for: those wanting gut-like feel without gut price
Pick Live Wire XP if…
- You want more power (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $15 vs $18 a set)
- Best for: players with arm problems
- Best for: comfort-seekers at any level
- Best for: all-court players wanting feel
Specs side by side
| Spec | Xcel | Live Wire XP |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Polyamide fibers in polyurethane matrix with dual coating | Multi-fiber construction with soft outer wrap |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $18–21 | $15–18 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | $100–120 |
| Arm friendliness | 5/5 · Excellent | 5/5 · Excellent |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is forgiving at various tensions. | 52-58 lbs for juniors. Very arm-friendly at any tension. |
Xcel in short
Babolat Xcel is described as the closest to natural gut in terms of feel and comfort. Polyamide fibers twisted into a polyurethane matrix deliver exceptional elasticity and arm-friendly playability. The dual coating of polyurethane followed by polyamide provides a friction barrier, resisting string burning and notching. Testers found it surprisingly controlled for a soft multifilament - one of the lowest powered multis available, making it ideal for players who want comfort without excessive power. A gift to the tendons and joints of tennis players.
Live Wire XP in short
Gamma Live Wire XP continues Gamma's legacy of multifilament excellence. In 2004, Gamma Live Wire Professional became the first synthetic string to rank ahead of natural gut in Overall Performance from Tennis Warehouse. Live Wire XP delivers premium comfort with good power and playability. Built on over 50 years of string innovation from the company that pioneered synthetic string technology, it offers exceptional arm protection without sacrificing performance.
Xcel vs Live Wire XP: quick answers
Which has more spin, Xcel or Live Wire XP?
They tie on our spin rating (6/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 5/5. Xcel is recommended from age 8 and Live Wire XP from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat Xcel rates 6/10 for durability against 5/10.
Which is cheaper?
Xcel costs about $18–21 a set and Live Wire XP about $15–18, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Xcel) and 2025-01 (Live Wire XP).