String comparison
Velocity MLT vs NXT
Head Velocity MLT against Wilson NXT: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Velocity MLT leads on spin and control. NXT leads on power and comfort. For a junior with arm concerns, NXT is the safer choice. Velocity MLT 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 Velocity MLT if…
- You want more spin (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more control (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $8 vs $18 a set)
- Best for: budget-conscious players wanting multifilament
- Best for: players with arm issues moving from poly
- Best for: club players who don't break strings often
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)
- Best for: players with arm issues or tennis elbow
- Best for: players with slow to moderate swing speeds
- Best for: those wanting gut-like feel without gut price
Specs side by side
| Spec | Velocity MLT | NXT |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | 1000x nylon multifilament core with 30 extra nylon filaments, polyurethane resin, low-friction coating | 1,600 fibers with polyurethane resin coating |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 15L, 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $8–10 | $18–20 |
| Reel price | $80–100 | $180–220 |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 5/5 · Excellent |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | All court, Beginner, Touch player | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-55 lbs for juniors. String 3-4 lbs higher if coming from poly. | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is very forgiving. |
Velocity MLT in short
Launched in 2015, Head Velocity MLT packs premium comfort at under $10. Unlike traditional high-powered multifilaments, Head built Velocity MLT for balance - sufficient power with good control. The 1000x nylon core with 30 extra filaments is bound with polyurethane resin and coated with low-friction coating for durability and spin potential. Lab tested stiffness of 153 lbf/in makes it soft. Provides lively yet controlled power - not as explosive as softer multis, which makes it easier to control. Great for intermediate players and those with arm issues wanting to move from poly.
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.
Velocity MLT vs NXT: quick answers
Which has more spin, Velocity MLT or NXT?
Head Velocity MLT, with a spin rating of 6/10 against 5/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Wilson NXT scores 5/5 for arm friendliness, against 4/5 for Velocity MLT. It is recommended from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (5/10). Tension maintenance: Velocity MLT 6/10, NXT 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
Velocity MLT costs about $8–10 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 (Velocity MLT) and 2025-01 (NXT).