String comparison
Lightning XX vs Synthetic Gut with Duraflex
Prince Lightning XX against Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are synthetic gut strings. Lightning XX leads on spin. Synthetic Gut with Duraflex leads on durability. They score the same for arm friendliness (4/5). Synthetic Gut with Duraflex 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 Lightning XX if…
- You want more spin (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- Best for: beginner and intermediate juniors
- Best for: players with tweener frames
- Best for: kids who want a colored string
Pick Synthetic Gut with Duraflex if…
- You want more durability (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $5 vs $7 a set)
- Best for: beginning and intermediate juniors
- Best for: players wanting comfort without premium price
- Best for: hybrid cross string with poly mains
Specs side by side
| Spec | Lightning XX | Synthetic Gut with Duraflex |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic gut | Synthetic gut |
| Construction | Solid core with multifilament wrap and Prince Powerfoil layer | Solid nylon core with single outer wrap and Nomex wear-resistant Duraflex fibers |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 15L, 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $7–8 | $5–8 |
| Reel price | — | $60–80 |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Play styles | All court, Touch player | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-58 lbs for juniors, mid-range of the racquet. | 52-58 lbs for juniors. Can string higher (58-60) for more control without sacrificing comfort. |
Lightning XX in short
Prince Lightning XX is an all-around synthetic gut that Prince recommends for tweener frames. Its Powerfoil layer is meant to add power and act as a wear barrier over the solid core. Recent buyer reviews praise its power and feel, while older feedback points to durability and tension loss as the weak spots. At about $8 a set in six colors, it is an easy, cheap choice for developing juniors.
Synthetic Gut with Duraflex in short
Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex is one of the best value strings of all time. The solid nylon core with Duraflex (Nomex wear-resistant fibers) provides consistency and durability at an unbeatable price. While not as soft as multifilaments, it offers plenty of comfort along with decent power. The Duraflex technology softens the string to almost multifilament comfort levels while providing a "blank canvas" feel that appeals to a wide range of players. Perfect starter string for developing juniors.
Lightning XX vs Synthetic Gut with Duraflex: quick answers
Which has more spin, Lightning XX or Synthetic Gut with Duraflex?
Prince Lightning XX, with a spin rating of 6/10 against 5/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 4/5. Lightning XX is recommended from age 8 and Synthetic Gut with Duraflex from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Prince Synthetic Gut with Duraflex rates 6/10 for durability against 5/10.
Which is cheaper?
Lightning XX costs about $7–8 a set and Synthetic Gut with Duraflex about $5–8, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2026-10 (Lightning XX) and 2025-01 (Synthetic Gut with Duraflex).