I’ve got a set of the new Luxilon Smart string to test a while ago and wanted to add my thoughts about it. The idea behind the Luxilon Smart string is for the string to stiffen on faster swings for control and soften on slower swings for touch, feel and comfort. Does it work? Here is my Luxilon Smart String Review.
I only had one set for a test so I chose to string it up in my weighted-up Babolat Soft Drive for this Luxilon Smart string review. The idea with the Luxilon Smart string is to string low, around 20 kg / 44 lbs so that is what I did. During the first twenty minutes, I struggled a bit with control, but I am used to playing a full bed of a stiffer poly so that was likely one of the issues. After I grooved a bit more with the string I noticed a really high level of comfort for a poly. The string reminded me of a Luxilon 4G Soft
or Volkl Cyclone Tour
, which is two other soft poly strings with good spin properties, comfort, and playability, but with less durability than a stiffer poly.
Luxilon Smart String Review – Characteristics and playability
The Luxilon Smart 
string was pretty easy to install, seems to hold tension well and is a softer poly which would fit players who like to play with polys but want a more arm-friendly response than for example the Luxilon 4G (read my review). I enjoyed playing with it and it offered good spin and decent control, but I did not find that I could rely on it as well as I can with 4G or Alu Power if you compare it to other Luxilon strings. It played close to Luxilon Element Rough
which I really liked, but like with other softer strings, it loses some control after about ten hours of hitting.
One of the key questions here is: does the tech work? Does it really play softer on slower swings and compact strokes and more firm on faster swings? Yes, I actually think there is some truth to that, but I am not sure it benefits my game more than what I get from a Luxilon Alu Power. In the marketing video, it says that this string is for everyone, but I am not so sure. I think this string is more suitable for intermediate level players who want to step up from using multifilaments but want more power than what a stiffer poly string provides.
Luxilon Smart String Review – Summary
I would not say that this string plays remarkably different than other softer poly strings and I think most players will be hard-pressed to feel the difference. It is a nice string, offers good control for a soft poly and decent durability, but it is nothing that stands out to me like amazing innovation. I enjoy Luxilon strings, it is one of the most dependable brands out there on the pro tour for a reason, but I personally prefer the control I get from stiffer poly strings to the Luxilon Smart string. Nice string, but nothing out of this world.
Curious to hear if you have had a different experience while testing this string. I might pick up another set to test it in a different racquet and I will then update this review with my new findings, but so far, good, but nothing outstanding.
Let me know what you think about the Luxilon Smart string in the comments below!
14 comments
Hi,
Have you ever tried Solinco Barb Wire, and if so what’re your thoughts on it?
I absolutely love the string.
Hi,
I have not tried the Solinco Barb Wire. Would love to though! Cheers / J
I put this in my Clash and really liked it at 44lbs but found the cost of restringing this 1-2 times a month unreasonable. Would you happen to recall any other strings that it’s comparable to near the $10 mark for me to try out? I’m hoping diadem solstice power, volkyl cyclone, or solinco hyper-g could fill in this gap for me at a reduced cost.
I think the Clash should play brilliantly with some Hyper-G. Will crispen the string bed a bit and provide good spin and control. Cyclone could also be a great option! The racquet is already quite soft, so it can handle a stiffer poly. Cheers / J
The Smart has kind of a unique, soft feel, but if you don’t mind a crisper string the strings you mention all last longer for a lower price.
Awaited this test. Thank you Jon
Thanks Przemek!
Hello Tennisnerd,
Thank you for the detailed and thoughtful review of the Smart String.
Did you prestretch this string or use a tensioner with constant pull? If yes on the constant pull, did you allow each string to stay sunject to the constant pull for a period of time before clamping?
I think the answers to those questions are just as important as the chosen tension on the stringer’s tensioner. In order for the concept of the Smart String to work AND be somewhat durable, you can’t settle for the “factory settings” of the string, which is what you’re left with if you do not subject the string to a certain degree of constant pull.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks! I did not prestretch the string. I used a tensioner with constant pull. I left it to rest only 10-15 seconds at constant pull. Not sure I have should have done it differently?
Cheers / Jonas
Hi Jonas,
10 seconds should be plenty of time for the string to reach tension equilibrium on an electric tensioner, and perhaos even a couple of seconds less on a drop weight.
When Luxilon recommends a tension range of 40 to 48 lbs for the Smart String, I would assume they are referring to stringing with a manual crank or “lock out” tensioner. On my electric tensioner a setting of 41 lbs produces a stringbed that feels like 52 to 53 lbs (on a lock out tensioner) according to the players that I string for. Did you adjust the setting on your constant pull tensioner accordingly for the Smart String?
Mark
Hi Mark,
I did not adjust the setting. Cheers / J
I’m also curious about Mark’s question from above. Can’t wait for your review of it in a Wilson Clash tour, also if I may ask have you play with Dunlop’s new soft poly NT max plus?
All the best,
Jo
Clash should arrive any day now. I have not played with the NT Max Plus. Hope to do so at some point! Cheers / J
Very much in agreement with this. Out of curiosity I put it in my main racquet (duh) Prince Textreme Tour95 and wanted it to feel better than it does.
It’s too comfortable for me and has a bit of a trampoline-like response. It certainly doesn’t bite through slice or rough up spin like my go to Alu Power!
Comparisons aside it feels as bendy as its magic string description – it’s too responsive for me and that makes it unreliable – nice for hands stuff though.