Wilson NXT Review & Test:
Is It Worth It?

Performance

To evaluate Wilson NXT’s performance, I tested the string and rated it across eight different criteria. In the following sections, I detail my notes on each to give you a better sense of my hitting experience.

Power: 8.8/10

A defining feature of the multifilament category is power, and Wilson NXT performs well in this regard. Although it doesn’t quite match the ultra-lively response and effortless depth of a natural gut, like Babolat Touch VS, it still delivers plenty of easy power from the baseline and on serves.

During my playtest, I noticed that even moderate or compact swings produced penetrating shots, and I could accelerate the ball through the court without overexerting. This quality made it especially fun to use when executing flat serves, where the extra pop translated to free points.

Whether you’re looking to increase the velocity of your shots or simply reduce the effort required to generate depth, NXT offers a satisfying boost without feeling wildly uncontrollable.

Spin: 7.5/10

There’s no doubt that spin isn’t one of Wilson NXT’s strengths, but it’s important to note that the string isn’t completely void of it, either.

During my playtest, I could still generate a moderate level of topspin, especially when using a full, fast swing, since racquet head speed is the primary factor that influences spin. On aggressive forehands, I noticed the ball dipping back inside the lines with plenty of consistency, but it did require more deliberate effort and focus to achieve a similar arc that I’d get from a high-quality polyester string; there’s simply not as much bite or snap back to really turn up the RPMs.

As a result, players who rely heavily on spin to control their shots or execute heavy kick serves may find NXT lacking in this area. However, if you primarily hit flatter strokes or don’t depend on maximum spin production, the string still offers enough traction to shape the ball effectively, increase your margin for error, and maintain control.

Control: 7.7/10

Due to its higher power, Wilson NXT is inherently less control-oriented, and that’s not much of a surprise, as there’s always give and take.

On groundstrokes, the string’s lively response and lower spin are apparent, so I’d increase my swing speed to enhance spin and bring the ball down into the court. However, I found that if my timing is off or I aim too close for the lines, I’m more inclined to miss long or wide, which leaves minimal tolerance for precision on contact at higher speeds.

As a result, I found I needed to take a little bit off my shots and play with a bit more margin to maintain consistency, ultimately letting the strings and racquet do the work. On volleys, the same extra power sometimes caused the ball to carry deeper than intended, so I had to soften my hands and focus on clean technique to keep the ball low and controlled.

Feel: 8.2/10

Through my test, I thought Wilson NXT exhibited an above-average level of feel, providing a comfortable response that balanced a cushioned impact with a reasonable sense of feedback.

From the baseline, the strings offered solid ball pocketing and a predictable response that gave me a good sense of connection with the ball without feeling overly muted, though it didn’t deliver the same direct feedback that some firmer multifilaments or premium polys will provide.

On touch shots like drop volleys and short angles, I felt like I had enough feedback to place the ball with confidence, even if the response was a bit more cushioned than crisp. Overall, NXT offers an approachable blend of comfort and feel that should suit players who prioritize arm-friendliness without completely sacrificing touch.

Comfort: 9.0/10

One area that’s undeniably a strength for Wilson NXT is comfort. The string’s multifilament construction and impressive elasticity do an excellent job of absorbing shock and minimizing harsh vibrations, making it especially well-suited for players concerned about arm health, recovering from an injury, or looking to manage discomfort while playing.

Throughout my playtest, I found that it enhanced my racquet’s sweet spot, resulting in off-center hits that felt remarkably forgiving and far less harsh compared to stiffer synthetic alternatives. Even during longer hitting sessions, the string maintained a cushioned feel that helped reduce fatigue and allowed me to swing freely without consequence.

Durability: 6.3/10

From my experience, durability is where NXT struggles the most, especially as someone who hits with aggressive topspin. The multifilament construction, while ideal for comfort and power, tends to notch relatively quickly under heavy use, and the strings will begin to fray, which, although having minimal impact on performance, can be annoying.

During my playtest, I noticed visible wear after my first hitting session and broke them on my fourth day out on the court. For frequent players or big hitters, this will undoubtedly result in more frequent restringing. However, for players with moderate swing speeds or those who prioritize comfort over longevity, NXT can still offer a worthwhile trade-off.

Playability Duration: 6.9/10

Unfortunately, I found Wilson NXT’s lack of durability to bleed over into its playability duration, with the notching and fraying leading to a drop in tension and a gradual decline in the strings’ overall resilience.

During my test, there’s no doubt that hitting with aggressive topspin accelerated this process, causing the strings to lose their crisp feel more quickly. Of course, the extent of this will vary from player to player, depending heavily on swing speed and style of play. Still, it’s a worthwhile consideration, especially at this price point.

String Movement: 7.4/10

Initially, Wilson NXT maintains its position reasonably well, with the strings rebounding roughly back into place. However, once the outer wrap or coating of the string wears away, they tend to stick, which meant I needed to straighten them between points continually.

Over time, I found the strings sticking out of place produced a less predictable response, making it harder to control depth and placement, especially on faster swings or when emphasizing precision. Players with slower swing speeds and flatter shots will find this to be less of an issue.