Wilson Sensation Review & Test:
Is It Worth It?

Performance

To evaluate Wilson Sensation’s performance, I tested the string and rated it across eight key criteria. In the following sections, I share my notes on each to provide a clear picture of what to expect from it on court.

Power: 8.6/10

Throughout my playtest, one of Wilson Sensation’s strongest qualities was the ease with which I could generate power. There’s a distinct elasticity you can feel, which translates to excellent pace, even with a moderately paced or more compact swing.

On groundstrokes, that lively response made it easier to hit consistently with depth without ratcheting up my swing speed. However, I found it necessary to exaggerate my swing path to find reliable levels of spin and keep the ball from sailing long when stepping in to be more aggressive.

The same dynamic existed on my serve. Although I could ease up my swing speeds and still get plenty of free pace, I needed to be more mindful when going big on a first serve or swinging out on a second serve to generate the spin necessary for maintaining consistency.

Ultimately, it shines in delivering more power with less effort, which is part of what has kept Sensation relevant for so long. It might not pack the biggest punch in the multifilament category, but its blend of accessible pace without feeling overbearing is what makes it a dependable option.

Spin: 7.1/10

As is typical with most multifilaments, Sensation doesn’t deliver significant bite, but it does provide enough rotation as a foundation for accurate placement and ball control.

Hitting forehands, I could create decent spin when exaggerating my swing path, but it never felt like the string was actively helping to bring the ball back down into the court, like a poly would, to inspire more aggressive shotmaking. As a result, it required a more measured, controlled approach to keep the ball in play. In contrast, it wasn’t as much of a liability on my backhand wing, where I don’t rely as heavily on spin.

On serve, I found similar results. Slice and kick serves were adequate but lacked the extra bite needed for more creative placement, especially on second serves. That said, there’s no denying the extra pop that helped me hit bigger first serves.

Overall, Sensation’s spin potential won’t win over players who depend on extreme rotation. However, it provides just enough grip to support players prioritizing its strengths in power and comfort. It’s worth noting that the 17-gauge variation offers better spin at the expense of durability.

Control: 7.5/10

Wilson Sensation’s higher power and lower spin potential reduce overall control, especially when swinging bigger and trusting the ball to dip reliably back into the court; however, that’s only part of the equation.

Despite those disadvantages, the string’s solid ball pocketing and responsive feel combine for consistent directional targeting. I found I could place the ball accurately when hitting with margin, and there was enough feedback to trust my shot placement without second-guessing.

Where it fell short was in situations that demanded precision under pressure. Taking bigger cuts or aiming for smaller targets left less room for error, and I had to consciously dial back the pace or adjust my trajectory to keep the ball in play. As a result, Sensation is more forgiving with measured swings, requiring more discipline than lower-powered, spin-friendly strings like polyester.

Feel: 8.1/10

Due to its softer multifilament construction, Sensation’s feel is a bit muted, which reduces feedback. The upside is that softer, elastic response cushions impact and enhances pocketing, but the downside is that it doesn’t always provide the sharpest sense of connection to the ball.

From the back of the court, this lack of connection is less problematic, but it becomes more noticeable when moving forward. At net, the string’s dampened response does make it harder to gauge touch and execute delicate shots with the same precision I’d expect from a crisper string. The result was that volleys were solid but lacked that extra level of finesse that can inspire confidence in high-pressure exchanges.

Overall, Sensation offers a plush and forgiving feel that many players will find pleasant; however, it comes at the cost of some tactile precision. As a result, players who prefer a more connected, crisp response will likely find it lacking. At the same time, those who value a smoother hitting experience will likely appreciate what it brings to the table.

Comfort: 9.2/10

With its pillowy microfiber core, Sensation provides a forgiving response, helping to absorb shock and filter out harsh vibrations.

Across the board, that comfort translated into a noticeably softer feel on contact, which pays dividends during extended hitting sessions. Mishits, which can be jarring with firmer strings, felt more manageable, and serving didn’t carry the same fatigue or lingering discomfort I sometimes notice after long sessions with polyester.

Ultimately, Sensation remains one of the most arm-friendly options, especially at its high-value price point. While players seeking a firmer, more connected feel may find it too dampened, those who prioritize comfort will appreciate its reliable performance and soft response.

Durability: 8.0/10

Like many arm-friendly multifilaments, Wilson Sensation isn’t built for longevity, and during my playtest, its softer fibers began to show wear relatively quickly. Fraying and notching set in after only a few hours, and while that’s consistent with my experience using this string type, it’s worth noting for players who tend to break strings frequently.

Opting for a thicker gauge can help extend its lifespan. I found the 16-gauge version to provide greater durability and resistance to breakage compared to the thinner 17-gauge, which trades some of that resilience for improved spin and feel. For players concerned about longevity, sticking with the thicker option is the more practical decision.

Ultimately, Sensation’s durability reflects the tradeoff you make for comfort and power. It’s not a string for heavy hitters or chronic string breakers. However, for recreational players or those looking for arm-friendliness and value, its lifespan will feel like a fair compromise.

Playability Duration: 7.2/10

Out of the gate, Sensation offers a consistent response with a lively, comfortable feel; however, after several sessions, I noticed a gradual decline in control and precision as the strings frayed and lost resiliency.

The good news is that while performance tapers off, it does so predictably rather than dropping off a cliff. Even as the string’s tension dropped, it remained playable. Reliably, these strings break before I’d require a restring, but players who aren’t string breakers should expect to get a few solid weeks of play before needing to replace them.

Ultimately, Sensation exhibits an average playability duration that neither impresses nor disappoints. It performs predictably, maintaining solid performance for a reasonable lifespan for its price point.

String Movement: 7.3/10

Unlike what you’ll find with polyester strings, Wilson Sensation doesn’t have a slick coating, so I found the strings became misaligned and stuck out of place. This minor annoyance starts slowly and worsens over time as the main strings wear against the crosses, especially if you play with heavier topspin.

If left unchecked, I noticed that the stringbed behaves a bit less predictably; however, it’s a minor nuisance that’s easily addressed by frequently straightening the strings between points. This behavior is typical of multifilaments, and you’ll see similar results with strings like Wilson NXT or Tecnifibre X-One Biphase. It’s simply a function of their construction and is worth the hassle if comfort is a priority.