String comparison
Xcel vs NXT Power
Babolat Xcel against Wilson NXT Power: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Xcel leads on spin, control, durability and tension hold. NXT Power leads on power and comfort. They score the same for arm friendliness (5/5).
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 Xcel if…
- You want more spin (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more control (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more durability (6 vs 4 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You restring often and want it cheaper to keep up (cost score 3/5 vs 2/5)
- Best for: young juniors (8+) just starting
- Best for: players with arm sensitivity
- Best for: those wanting gut-like feel without gut price
Pick NXT Power if…
- You want more power (9 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- Best for: maximum comfort seekers
- Best for: players with serious arm issues
- Best for: those who find standard NXT too firm
Specs side by side
| Spec | Xcel | NXT Power |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Polyamide fibers in polyurethane matrix with dual coating | Enhanced multifilament with extra shock absorbing fibers |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $18–21 | $18–20 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | $180–220 |
| Arm friendliness | 5/5 · Excellent | 5/5 · Excellent |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Play styles | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player | All court, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is forgiving at various tensions. | 52-56 lbs for juniors. |
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.
NXT Power in short
While nothing can replicate natural gut comfort, NXT Power comes awfully close. Wilson has packed it with even more shock absorbing fibers than the original NXT, delivering outstanding comfort and feel. Makes modern stiff frames feel perfectly dampened. The closest synthetic alternative to natural gut in terms of pure comfort.
Xcel vs NXT Power: quick answers
Which has more spin, Xcel or NXT Power?
Babolat Xcel, with a spin rating of 6/10 against 5/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 5/5. Xcel is recommended from age 8 and NXT Power from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat Xcel rates 6/10 for durability against 4/10.
Which is cheaper?
Xcel costs about $18–21 a set and NXT Power about $18–20, 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 (NXT Power).