String comparison
AK Pro CX vs NXT
Gosen AK Pro CX against Wilson NXT: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. AK Pro CX leads on spin, control, durability and tension hold. NXT leads on power and comfort. For a junior with arm concerns, NXT is the safer choice. AK Pro CX 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 AK Pro CX if…
- You want more spin (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more control (8 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)
- You want to spend less (from $12 vs $18 a set)
- Best for: players wanting control with comfort
- Best for: those with arm sensitivity
- Best for: all-court players with longer strokes
Pick NXT if…
- You want more power (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 5/5 vs 4/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 8 vs 10)
- 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 | AK Pro CX | NXT |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Umishima structured monofilament surrounded by heat resistant polyamide fibers with CX composite micro fiber | 1,600 fibers with polyurethane resin coating |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 15L, 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Low |
| Set price | $12–16 | $18–20 |
| Reel price | $120–150 | $180–220 |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 5/5 · Excellent |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 10 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | All court, Baseliner, Touch player | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-58 lbs for juniors. Very arm-friendly with good control. | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is very forgiving. |
AK Pro CX in short
Gosen AK Pro CX uses the unique Umishima (marine island) structure developed to enhance sharpness and high resilience. The CX fiber complements the nylon in durability and tension maintenance, creating the almost perfect tennis string with crisp and soft pocketing feel combined with polyester-like control. TW playtesters found it easy to keep the ball in play on full swings while maintaining comfort - impressive for a string with this much control.
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.
AK Pro CX vs NXT: quick answers
Which has more spin, AK Pro CX or NXT?
Gosen AK Pro CX, with a spin rating of 7/10 against 5/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Wilson NXT scores 5/5 for arm friendliness, against 4/5 for AK Pro CX. It is recommended from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Gosen AK Pro CX rates 6/10 for durability against 5/10.
Which is cheaper?
AK Pro CX costs about $12–16 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 (AK Pro CX) and 2025-01 (NXT).