Luxilon smart play test

[teachingprotx]

Wish I had more than a 15 minute groundstoke session but here it goes
I’m a teaching pro weak 5.0
Semi west FH
1 hand BH
REALLY REALLY liked it a lot .
Felt extremelly soft with tons of spin capabilities .. i don’t use poly due to arm pain so as crazy as this sounds I play with Prince problend mains / iso speed professional crosses .
At 30lbs tension.
If I can’t find pro blend I use HEADS FXP TOUR 16 ..
so anyway the lux smart was super soft not like a syn gut but more on the lines with a rubbery feel . Not mushy Tho .. but had a medium firm rubber sensation . Usually with these type of strings fxp tour being one of them you get crap level of spin . Unfortunate because the feel is so nice . A bit bouncy but good !
Lux smart shares that same rubbery feel but with more spin . So if you like soft poly but wish it was even softer you will love this . If you like soft poly but wish you could get more spin this is for you .. I ordered 12 sets for my Wilson teaching pro kit for this season . Which means I used up all my string choices with lux smart . It will now be in my rotation . I like it that much

 

[teachingprotx]

Wish it came in other colors though . It’s a black silver string . Boo wish it came in yellow optic , and white .. but no .. not yet .. but maybe they will offer it later with color options

 

[Dartagnan64]

what is the composition? Is it smooth and round?

 

[Injured Again]

teachingprotx, what tension did you use on the lux smart, and in what racquet?

 

[fritzhimself]

https://www.directupload.net/file/d/5328/g2px5qwc_jpg.htm
Small wire rack

 

[teachingprotx]

teachingprotx, what tension did you use on the lux smart, and in what racquet?

The string seemed to be round, but maybe not ? I didn’t feel it with my hands to much as I did not string it up.
I played it not with my current racket but the my Wilson rep had it strung up with his personal blades no counter vail .. i play tested the clash , then after that session he handed me his racket with the lux smart and asked me to hit a few ., and give him feedback .. said it was strung at 38 lbs . Felt more like 48 lb to me .
I do look forward to trying it in my personal sticks . As we know that will really tell the tale ...
My current set up is prince pro blend Kevlar mains and iso speed pro strung at 32 lbs.
when I try the lux smart in my sticks I’ll go 28-30 lbs and go up or down from there ..
since I already string my stuff pretty loose I will surely be going down I’d imagine in the 20’s range . But only time will tell .
Really hoping we get color options in the near future .
I like white , as I like to be able to clearly see my stencil . I am supposed to stencil . So since I have all these years adhered to that rule , I’m now OCD about it and I have to have that ink son , the racket feels awful w/ out it . I’m not kidding I’m so mentally warped that if I don’t have it stenciled the racket don’t perform as good as it can with out my ink . Dumb and silly . Yes ! But true in my case

 

[Nostradamus]

Wish I had more than a 15 minute groundstoke session but here it goes
I’m a teaching pro weak 5.0
Semi west FH
1 hand BH
REALLY REALLY liked it a lot .
Felt extremelly soft with tons of spin capabilities .. i don’t use poly due to arm pain so as crazy as this sounds I play with Prince problend mains / iso speed professional crosses .
At 30lbs tension.
If I can’t find pro blend I use HEADS FXP TOUR 16 ..
so anyway the lux smart was super soft not like a syn gut but more on the lines with a rubbery feel . Not mushy Tho .. but had a medium firm rubber sensation . Usually with these type of strings fxp tour being one of them you get crap level of spin . Unfortunate because the feel is so nice . A bit bouncy but good !
Lux smart shares that same rubbery feel but with more spin . So if you like soft poly but wish it was even softer you will love this . If you like soft poly but wish you could get more spin this is for you .. I ordered 12 sets for my Wilson teaching pro kit for this season . Which means I used up all my string choices with lux smart . It will now be in my rotation . I like it that much

how does Spin potential compare to other Polys like Alu power, RPM blast or Tourbite ?

 

[teachingprotx]

how does Spin potential compare to other Polys like Alu power, RPM blast or Tourbite ?

Ok
Nos - to me and remember I didn’t play hours Just minutes with smart /
To me first and foremost - it felt softer than all the ones you mentioned .
Right off the bat I felt a sigh of relief and so did my shoulder and wrist.. the second thought was fear of spraying it out once the comfort washed over me I saw the ball going over the net . Then the ball dropped a foot shorter than I thought it would go. To me that’s huge .. in a great way .
With all the ones you mentioned were harsh to me . Firm polys . To me . And with all the ones you mentioned the ball had nice dip.. but this dip was dramatized in a good way .
Seemed to also have a Lower launch angle . But don’t quote me :
Will say this :
I had to decide what poly I wanted to sell in my shop for most control spin comfort strings I had Babolat , Wilson , head , and solinco
As my Choices .
I went with 24 sets of lux smart . If that says anything

 

[Dartagnan64]

I like white , as I like to be able to clearly see my stencil . I am supposed to stencil . So since I have all these years adhered to that rule , I’m now OCD about it and I have to have that ink son , the racket feels awful w/ out it . I’m not kidding I’m so mentally warped that if I don’t have it stenciled the racket don’t perform as good as it can with out my ink . Dumb and silly . Yes ! But true in my case

I always think its funny when non-sponsored folks stencil. Very few pros stencil if they are not paid to. There is nothing in the ink process that will make the strings work better. But I get that some people gain confidence by the visual appearance of their racket. But I also think the opponents get a mental edge with the "who does he think he is? Federer? I'll show him" response to seeing their opponent show up with stencilled sticks.

The best local guy in my age group looks like a surfer 60's dude with beat up rackets. He lulls his opponents into overconfidence by looking like he should be on a beach not on a court.

Mind games are fun.

Anyway, I'm still wondering what the construction of this string is. Poly? Co-Poly? Polyoleifin? Some weird poly/nylon blend?

 

[teachingprotx]

I always think its funny when non-sponsored folks stencil. Very few pros stencil if they are not paid to. There is nothing in the ink process that will make the strings work better. But I get that some people gain confidence by the visual appearance of their racket. But I also think the opponents get a mental edge with the "who does he think he is? Federer? I'll show him" response to seeing their opponent show up with stencilled sticks.

The best local guy in my age group looks like a surfer 60's dude with beat up rackets. He lulls his opponents into overconfidence by looking like he should be on a beach not on a court.

Mind games are fun.

Anyway, I'm still wondering what the construction of this string is. Poly? Co-Poly? Polyoleifin? Some weird poly/nylon blend?

I know me too !maybe poly olefin .. which would make sense as to why I loved it so much
Yes the whole player mind games has worked on me for sure . But the one that really sticks out to me was in junior 16’s in Indiana wher I grew up playing .
I still remember it like it was 10 minutes ago .
I had Just got my 3rd Estusa pro van tech in the mail from hola b$&@ sports .. week prior to this tournament ..
I had all 3 sticks perfectly tuned at 73 lbs tension with white prince topspin ..
Was dressed to the nines with my fave le coq sportif t shirt and my le coq sportif short tennis shorts with my plaid boxers exposed at the bottom hem. ( it was a Louisville ky tennis thang circa 1990) and my old dead stock Nike air trainer 1’s with the RED NIKE font ( not the boring ole green chlorophyll font ) .. my matching estusa racket 12 pack bag !
Anyway I lost first round to a dude in cut off jean shorts and a tank top and he played with a Wilson American ace metal racket . 6-0 6-0 .. lost my mind . Broke all 3 estusas in the parking lot and yelled at my poor mother all the way home . Apparently it was my rackets were strung to loose and I couldn’t control my forehand as every one hit the fence on a dead fly .
I quit for 6 months after that day

 

[Dartagnan64]

I know me too !maybe poly olefin .. which would make sense as to why I loved it so much
Yes the whole player mind games has worked on me for sure . But the one that really sticks out to me was in junior 16’s in Indiana wher I grew up playing .
I still remember it like it was 10 minutes ago .
I had Just got my 3rd Estusa pro van tech in the mail from hola b$&@ sports .. week prior to this tournament ..
I had all 3 sticks perfectly tuned at 73 lbs tension with white prince topspin ..
Was dressed to the nines with my fave le coq sportif t shirt and my le coq sportif short tennis shorts with my plaid boxers exposed at the bottom hem. ( it was a Louisville ky tennis thang circa 1990) and my old dead stock Nike air trainer 1’s with the RED NIKE font ( not the boring ole green chlorophyll font ) .. my matching estusa racket 12 pack bag !
Anyway I lost first round to a dude in cut off jean shorts and a tank top and he played with a Wilson American ace metal racket . 6-0 6-0 .. lost my mind . Broke all 3 estusas in the parking lot and yelled at my poor mother all the way home . Apparently it was my rackets were strung to loose and I couldn’t control my forehand as every one hit the fence on a dead fly .
I quit for 6 months after that day

Tennis can be a stupid game. But every victory you didn't expect, every ace down the T, every passing shot winner, every touch volley that dies over the net, every match winning drop shot makes you keep coming back

 

[teachingprotx]

True dat!

 

[downs_chris]

i have a set of this, but haven't tried it yet...i heard you're supposed to string it much lower than normal polys? did you hear this same thing from your rep?

 

[Karma Tennis]

Anyway I lost first round to a dude in cut off jean shorts and a tank top

Errr. I don't know if I should tell you this. But technically you probably won that match. Tank Tops are not ITF Sanctioned Apparel for Tournament play.

If you had queried that, the Court Supervisor would have had no choice but to automatically Default your opponent.

 

[teachingprotx]

i have a set of this, but haven't tried it yet...i heard you're supposed to string it much lower than normal polys? did you hear this same thing from your rep?

Yes mine said that as well Chris

 

[teachingprotx]

Errr. I don't know if I should tell you this. But technically you probably won that match. Tank Tops are not ITF Sanctioned Apparel for Tournament play.

If you had queried that, the Court Supervisor would have had no choice but to automatically Default your opponent.

Well darn ! I should have gone to the tournament supervisor but he was entirely too busy during that particular tournament. As he was struggling with multi tasking , drinking coors light by the cases , smoking camels and stringing rackets on a wobbly park bench using his trusty table top drop weight stringer , whilst listening to screaming mothers swearing that their babies are getting cheated on line calls at the same time giving directions to the closest McDonald’s so the kids could fuel up on complex carbohydrates.
only the best for the USTA in Indiana circa 1988 baby !

 

[lidoazndiabloboi]

I strung my Rf97 with a full set of LXN Smart at the recommended 44lbs tension. My usual tension is 52-55 lbs. Got to hit about 2 hrs with it.
The things i noticed the most was great comfort and forgiveness, and a lack of spin. Recently, I have been having some wrist problems, so these strings definitely made it a little easier for me to get through my session. Definitely has the feel and comfort as a multi. My shots had much more power than when i use a typical poly string. Most of my shots were flying low over the net and landing at the baseline or a foot within.

The first 30 mins of hitting with this string, i thought to myself, "I've found my next string!" But the more I hit with it, the more I realized I couldn't spin the ball the way I wanted to. It was the most prevalent when my hitting partner and I decided to play 21 pts. I felt everything I hit to my opponent stayed in his hitting zone at waist level, ending in a scoreline of 2-21. So I switched rackets to one with full regular poly, and instantly I could see the difference in trajectory of the ball. I started getting the ball above his shoulders, making it much more difficult for him, end score of 21-23.

Durability seems good. Haven't seen any string notching yet. Strings started to move around after about 45 mins.

Overall, I would say the strings feels like a multi string with a slightly more spin potential than a regular multi. I would try to increase the tension next time around, and maybe get more access to spin, hopefully without sacrificing the comfort.

Luxilon is releasing this string alongside the release of the Wilson Clash. I would be really interesting in trying this combo together, as it would definitely have a more unique feel.

 

[Blitzball]

I strung my Rf97 with a full set of LXN Smart at the recommended 44lbs tension. My usual tension is 52-55 lbs. Got to hit about 2 hrs with it.
The things i noticed the most was great comfort and forgiveness, and a lack of spin. Recently, I have been having some wrist problems, so these strings definitely made it a little easier for me to get through my session. Definitely has the feel and comfort as a multi. My shots had much more power than when i use a typical poly string. Most of my shots were flying low over the net and landing at the baseline or a foot within.

The first 30 mins of hitting with this string, i thought to myself, "I've found my next string!" But the more I hit with it, the more I realized I couldn't spin the ball the way I wanted to. It was the most prevalent when my hitting partner and I decided to play 21 pts. I felt everything I hit to my opponent stayed in his hitting zone at waist level, ending in a scoreline of 2-21. So I switched rackets to one with full regular poly, and instantly I could see the difference in trajectory of the ball. I started getting the ball above his shoulders, making it much more difficult for him, end score of 21-23.

Durability seems good. Haven't seen any string notching yet. Strings started to move around after about 45 mins.

Overall, I would say the strings feels like a multi string with a slightly more spin potential than a regular multi. I would try to increase the tension next time around, and maybe get more access to spin, hopefully without sacrificing the comfort.

Luxilon is releasing this string alongside the release of the Wilson Clash. I would be really interesting in trying this combo together, as it would definitely have a more unique feel.

What poly do you normally play with? The only poly I can use in my RF97 without getting shoulder pain is Luxilon Element, but it breaks in 5-7 hours of play for me.

 

[Benjamin Rio]

I have just bought a set of luxilon smart. Will try it out after my tournament.

 

[TagUrIt]

I have just bought a set of luxilon smart. Will try it out after my tournament.

I wouldn't advise stringing it low like they recommended, unless you want a trampoline for a racquet. I strung my Clash Tour at 48lbs with Luxilon Smart and it played horrible.

 

[Benjamin Rio]

I wouldn't advise stringing it low like they recommended, unless you want a trampoline for a racquet. I strung my Clash Tour at 48lbs with Luxilon Smart and it played horrible.

I usually string my racket at 21 kg 46 pounds.

I have had arm issues in the past. I was thinking of trying 41 pounds? What do you reckon?

 

[TagUrIt]

I usually string my racket at 21 kg 46 pounds.

I have had arm issues in the past. I was thinking of trying 41 pounds? What do you reckon?

I did 48lbs and I didn't like it at all. If you're used to lower tensions, maybe that's the way to go.

 

[RedBeard]

I usually string my racket at 21 kg 46 pounds.

I have had arm issues in the past. I was thinking of trying 41 pounds? What do you reckon?

I have Smart strung at 42lbs in a Prince Phantom Pro 100 16x18 and find it lower powered than my usual Isospeed Cream 17 @ 48lbs. For flat, put-away volleys and linear strokes, it has a very gut-like, high powered response. When you introduce spin with high racquet head speed it calms down and becomes much lower powered...at least in this low-powered Prince frame. Have about 2.5 hours on it so far.

 

[Benjamin Rio]

I have Smart strung at 42lbs in a Prince Phantom Pro 100 16x18 and find it lower powered than my usual Isospeed Cream 17 @ 48lbs. For flat, put-away volleys and linear strokes, it has a very gut-like, high powered response. When you introduce spin with high racquet head speed it calms down and becomes much lower powered...at least in this low-powered Prince frame. Have about 2.5 hours on it so far.

Thanks

By the way how is the confort on Luxilon Smart?

 

[Kal-El 34]

Have you tried prince vortex? Curious how this compares

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[RedBeard]

Thanks

By the way how is the confort on Luxilon Smart?

Mostly equal to cream 17.

 

[Voytek Bunia]

Mostly equal to cream 17.

I like cream. What’s the difference between the two? Been meaning to try smart if it’s worth changing from cream crosses with gut.

 

[RedBeard]

I like cream. What’s the difference between the two? Been meaning to try smart if it’s worth changing from cream crosses with gut.

The overall comfort of Smart is equal to Cream, but they feel different. It's hard to describe, but Smart has a crisper response than Cream, but is similar in comfort on off-center hits and is easy on the arm like Cream. I'm getting more feedback than Cream but none of the bad feedback I get with a stiffer string like Tour Bite.

Haven't tried Smart yet in gut/poly hybrid.

 

[ericg]

Sorry, but what is the Cream string?

 

[Voytek Bunia]

Isospeed cream. Nice slick soft poly.

 

[Wall Ball Wizard]

Can anyone compare Smart to Element?

 

[cluckcluck]

This is getting out of control...$289 for a reel of Smart??? Is it worth it? I have a set but haven't used it yet.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

No matter how expensive it is it will still be a Smart purchase...

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I have Smart strung at 42lbs in a Prince Phantom Pro 100 16x18 and find it lower powered than my usual Isospeed Cream 17 @ 48lbs. For flat, put-away volleys and linear strokes, it has a very gut-like, high powered response. When you introduce spin with high racquet head speed it calms down and becomes much lower powered...at least in this low-powered Prince frame. Have about 2.5 hours on it so far.

what tension wold you string smart at next?
i tried it at 54lbs, im going up another 2 or 3 next time
i cant see myself hitting with 42 lbs for very long, too much power

 

[RedBeard]

what tension wold you string smart at next?
i tried it at 54lbs, im going up another 2 or 3 next time
i cant see myself hitting with 42 lbs for very long, too much power

What racquet are you using Smart with? I know that Lux says string low, but after using it about 8 hours in a couple of different frames, I think it's versatile enough to work at higher tensions, in the right frame.

I still think it feels, acts, and has the durability of a really, really low powered multifilament more than it does a poly. And as long as you're not expecting massive spin or durability that's a really nice proposition for a pretty large segment of users.

 

[CosmosMpower]

The few times I've tried it I couldn't tell any difference between it any most the other Lux strings.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

What racquet are you using Smart with? I know that Lux says string low, but after using it about 8 hours in a couple of different frames, I think it's versatile enough to work at higher tensions, in the right frame.

I still think it feels, acts, and has the durability of a really, really low powered multifilament more than it does a poly. And as long as you're not expecting massive spin or durability that's a really nice proposition for a pretty large segment of users.

correction, i strung it at 52lbs, my usual starting tension when dealing with unknown string, (not 54lb like i mentioned earlier)
went back on my records for this
1/1/2019 strung @52lbs
on my yonex.vcore.tour g (racquet i compete with)
kept it for several weeks, when i cut it out, the string still had life (snaps back a bit = juice)
as soon as i hit it, first hit, i liked the comfort, then i thought it could use a couple more lbs
yeah, next time im going to 54 or 55lbs
i mentioned it before, lux.smart to me feels like any poly strung at 30lbs, comfortable, good directional properties, with good pop
i also agree the spin is not the greatest, but its not bad either for almost a round string, it has some bite

 

[RedBeard]

correction, i strung it at 52lbs, my usual starting tension when dealing with unknown string, (not 54lb like i mentioned earlier)
went back on my records for this
1/1/2019 strung @52lbs
on my yonex.vcore.tour g (racquet i compete with)
kept it for several weeks, when i cut it out, the string still had life (snaps back a bit = juice)
as soon as i hit it, first hit, i liked the comfort, then i thought it could use a couple more lbs
yeah, next time im going to 54 or 55lbs
i mentioned it before, lux.smart to me feels like any poly strung at 30lbs, comfortable, good directional properties, with good pop
i also agree the spin is not the greatest, but its not bad either for almost a round string, it has some bite

I'm not sure there's any magic to their low tension recommendation, other than its lower string deflection characteristics enable it to be strung lower. I would think that a few more pounds of tension would give you a little more control, just like any other string. I'll join in on your experiment and string up my Clash at 55lbs and let you know what happens.

 

[RedBeard]

correction, i strung it at 52lbs, my usual starting tension when dealing with unknown string, (not 54lb like i mentioned earlier)
went back on my records for this
1/1/2019 strung @52lbs
on my yonex.vcore.tour g (racquet i compete with)
kept it for several weeks, when i cut it out, the string still had life (snaps back a bit = juice)
as soon as i hit it, first hit, i liked the comfort, then i thought it could use a couple more lbs
yeah, next time im going to 54 or 55lbs
i mentioned it before, lux.smart to me feels like any poly strung at 30lbs, comfortable, good directional properties, with good pop
i also agree the spin is not the greatest, but its not bad either for almost a round string, it has some bite

Tried my Clash strung with Smart at 54lbs. You do lose a little of the "pocketing" feel, but gain some control. Actually doesn't feel overly boardy or uncomfortable. But still doesn't cure the Clash's tendency to be slightly erratic at times.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Tried my Clash strung with Smart at 54lbs. You do lose a little of the "pocketing" feel, but gain some control. Actually doesn't feel overly boardy or uncomfortable. But still doesn't cure the Clash's tendency to be slightly erratic at times.

yup, agree
as for the clash, I had to adjust myself to swing with it
the difference in flex on that racquet made my timing change a bit
i think the clash requires a bit of adjustment period for the timing..
tried it once, need to try it again..

 

[netlets]

I wouldn't advise stringing it low like they recommended, unless you want a trampoline for a racquet. I strung my Clash Tour at 48lbs with Luxilon Smart and it played horrible.

you probably didn't go low enough. I think 44 is the place to start. I've strung my racquets at 48lbs before and hated it, then went to 45 and loved it. It made all the difference in feel.

 

[netlets]

Tried my Clash strung with Smart at 54lbs. You do lose a little of the "pocketing" feel, but gain some control. Actually doesn't feel overly boardy or uncomfortable. But still doesn't cure the Clash's tendency to be slightly erratic at times.

they recommend 44 for the Clash give or take a few lbs. I also use the Clash Tour and would never string it higher than 48 with a full bed of poly. I'm at 46 with Tour Bite now. Some of these strings perform best if only used at low tensions. This one actually comes out and says you should string it low so there must be a reason why.