String comparison
NXT vs NXT Control
Wilson NXT against Wilson NXT Control: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. NXT leads on power and comfort. NXT Control leads on spin, control, durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, NXT is the safer choice.
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 NXT if…
- You want more power (8 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (9 vs 7 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 5/5 vs 4/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 8 vs 12)
- Best for: players with arm issues or tennis elbow
- Best for: young juniors needing comfort
- Best for: players with slow to moderate swing speeds
Pick NXT Control if…
- You want more spin (6 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)
- Best for: players wanting multifilament comfort with poly control
- Best for: intermediate juniors with developing swings
- Best for: those transitioning from multi to poly
Specs side by side
| Spec | NXT | NXT Control |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | 1,600 fibers with polyurethane resin coating | Alternating bundles of firm polyester and soft nylon fibers |
| Gauges | 15L, 16, 17 | 16 |
| Stiffness | Low | Medium |
| Set price | $18–20 | $18–20 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | $180–220 |
| Arm friendliness | 5/5 · Excellent | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 12 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player | All court, Baseliner |
| Junior tension | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is very forgiving. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. |
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.
NXT Control in short
NXT Control brings the crisp precision of polyester to the comfortable NXT line. Constructed with alternating bundles of firm polyester filaments and soft nylon fibers, it gives playtesters excellent control on their biggest swings while maintaining multifilament comfort. A great middle ground for players who want more control than standard NXT but can't handle pure polyester.
NXT vs NXT Control: quick answers
Which has more spin, NXT or NXT Control?
Wilson NXT Control, 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 NXT Control. It is recommended from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Wilson NXT Control rates 6/10 for durability against 5/10.
Which is cheaper?
NXT costs about $18–20 a set and NXT Control 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 (NXT) and 2025-01 (NXT Control).