String comparison
Sidewinder vs Element
Gosen Sidewinder against Luxilon Element: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. Sidewinder leads on spin and durability. They score the same for arm friendliness (4/5). Sidewinder 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 Sidewinder if…
- You want more spin (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more durability (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $14 vs $18 a set)
- Best for: juniors trying their first poly
- Best for: players who want poly control with less shock
- Best for: spin-oriented players with arm sensitivity
Pick Element if…
- Best for: juniors transitioning from synthetic gut to poly
- Best for: players wanting poly spin with more comfort
- Best for: intermediate to advanced players
Specs side by side
| Spec | Sidewinder | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Co-polyester monofilament twisted during extrusion for a textured shape | Multi-Mono Technology - tendon-friendly fibers wrapped in polymer matrix |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | Low | Medium |
| Set price | $14–15 | $18–20 |
| Reel price | $155–155 | $150–180 |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 12 | Age 12 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court | All court, Baseliner, Serve and volley |
| Junior tension | 46-52 lbs for juniors. Soft for a poly, so it suits a first poly setup. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Can string slightly higher than stiffer polys due to softer feel. |
Lab test data
| Test | Sidewinder | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Stiffness (lower is softer) | 163.4 lbs/in | 195 lbs/in |
| Tension loss (lower holds tension better) | 46.7% | 35% |
| Spin potential (higher is more spin) | 3.8 | 3.8 |
Sources: TWU String Performance Database (Sidewinder)
Sidewinder in short
Gosen Sidewinder is twisted during extrusion, which gives it a textured shape for more ball bite. Tennis Warehouse calls it one of the most arm-friendly co-polys on the market, and it has one of the lowest stiffness readings for a co-poly in the TWU database. The twist adds spin and control. Like many soft polys it loses tension at a fair rate, so plan regular restrings.
Element in short
Luxilon Element occupies a fairly unique space in Luxilon's iconic line of firm monofilament strings. Like its predecessors (M2 Pro and M2 Plus), Element features Multi-Mono Technology - several tendon-friendly fibers wrapped inside a specially designed polymer matrix. The benefit comes in the form of extra flexibility, comfort and power. It's the most arm-friendly polyester in the Luxilon lineup, making it an excellent choice for developing juniors ready to move beyond synthetic gut. Reviewers note it's soft enough to recommend to first-time poly players.
Sidewinder vs Element: quick answers
Which has more spin, Sidewinder or Element?
Gosen Sidewinder, with a spin rating of 8/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 4/5. Sidewinder is recommended from age 12 and Element from age 12.
Which lasts longer?
Gosen Sidewinder rates 7/10 for durability against 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
Sidewinder costs about $14–15 a set and Element 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 2026-10 (Sidewinder) and 2025-01 (Element).