String comparison
Live Wire XP vs NXT
Gamma Live Wire XP against Wilson NXT: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Live Wire XP leads on spin. 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 Live Wire XP if…
- You want more spin (6 vs 5 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
Pick NXT if…
- Best for: players with arm issues or tennis elbow
- Best for: young juniors needing comfort
- Best for: players with slow to moderate swing speeds
Specs side by side
| Spec | Live Wire XP | NXT |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Multi-fiber construction with soft outer wrap | 1,600 fibers with polyurethane resin coating |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 15L, 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $15–18 | $18–20 |
| Reel price | $100–120 | $180–220 |
| 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 | 52-58 lbs for juniors. Very arm-friendly at any tension. | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is very forgiving. |
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.
NXT in short
Wilson NXT is the most popular multifilament string on the market. The incredible feel and outstanding comfort comes from its construction of 1,600 fibers that create a cushioned response. The polyurethane resin coating seals the delicate fibers and enhances durability while softening the feel. NXT offers a 10% increased sweet spot over traditional synthetic gut and 74% less vibration. Players with slow to moderate swing speeds will benefit from the power of NXT. Tennis elbow sufferers looking for a softer, more comfortable string should give NXT a try.
Live Wire XP vs NXT: quick answers
Which has more spin, Live Wire XP or NXT?
Gamma Live Wire XP, with a spin rating of 6/10 against 5/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 5/5. Live Wire XP is recommended from age 8 and NXT from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (5/10). Tension maintenance: Live Wire XP 6/10, NXT 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
Live Wire XP costs about $15–18 a set and NXT 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 (Live Wire XP) and 2025-01 (NXT).