Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Luxilon Element Rough 1.30mm

TW Staff

TW Staff

Administrator
Element Rough 1.30 Playtest

Selected playtesters have been notified by email.

Your review is due by Monday 2/12

No hybrids

Include the following in your review
  • Tension(s) used for playtest
  • Regular string set up
  • Racquet used for test
  • Power of test string
  • Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?)
  • Spin
  • Durability
  • Playability Duration (did feel/control decline over time?)
  • Control
  • Compare to string used most often
  • List any additional thoughts (optional)

We encourage and value any/all "pre-game" discussion about the string...
 
Last edited:
El_Yotamo

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
Did not know Lux was developing this string. You usually hear more about this stuff before a playtest happens, this is all very interesting. I certainly wonder how it'll compare to the original Element and to other Luxilon "Rough" strings.
 
El_Yotamo

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
Gotten accepted! Unsure what setup (racquet/tension) I'll go with, but I'm sure I'll have fun with this one! Maybe it'll play nicely in my BLX 90, high 40s...
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
El_Yotamo said:
Did not know Lux was developing this string. You usually hear more about this stuff before a playtest happens, this is all very interesting. I certainly wonder how it'll compare to the original Element and to other Luxilon "Rough" strings.
Click to expand...
I knew about it since I read it on tennis magazine. it could be a perfect string,, element was very powerful and soft, but spin potential wasn't very high. maybe this will provide that missing element,,, no pun intended.
 
S

samprasbackhand

Semi-Pro
Does anyone have experience using the normal version of a string and the rough version? What would normally be the differences? Looked at some TW reviews, doesn't seem like there's a consistent difference between the strings
 
Doubles

Doubles

Legend
I'm curious to see how reviews are for this string. I've returned to gut/poly hybrids because they last for a decent while in my Blade's and are soft and easy on my shoulder (I'm 24 with joints that feel double my age some days). Currently, I've been using gut/4g and gut/ALUR hybrids as Luxilon was on sale over the holiday season, and I've stockpiled enough to really splurge for the next year or so.
I originally tried Luxilon Element on the CV Blade playtest and didn't think much of the string. For its pricepoint there were certainly far better options, however I really enjoy Lux's "rough" strings so maybe this will be different.
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Just received the package. Thank you. I will get this strung up tomorrow afternoon for Sunday playtest. Still debating on which frame to put this string in.
 
Last edited:
D

Daddy's

Rookie
Got mine today. Strung it up at 52/50. Racket tune calls it 50 with string bed stiffness of 35.8. Blade CV 18x20
 
lidoazndiabloboi

lidoazndiabloboi

Hall of Fame
samprasbackhand said:
Just got notified that I have been selected! Thanks again to TW for selecting me on another playtest. I'm a big fan of 4G but have never tried Element so perhaps they may be similar.
Click to expand...

In my opinion, Element is the best performing Luxilon string out there. Great power, great feel, decent spin, but it suffers in durability. I would break 1.25 Element in 4 sessions.

I'm excited to be playtesting the Element Rough on my RFs. I think I will string up another racket with regular Element and do a side by side comparison.
 
mpournaras

mpournaras

Hall of Fame
lidoazndiabloboi said:
In my opinion, Element is the best performing Luxilon string out there. Great power, great feel, decent spin, but it suffers in durability. I would break 1.25 Element in 4 sessions.

I'm excited to be playtesting the Element Rough on my RFs. I think I will string up another racket with regular Element and do a side by side comparison.
Click to expand...
Agreed. It plays amazing in full bed. Luckily as a 4.0 player at best I am not cracking through strings like that so I can easily get 10 long sessions/matches out of it if not 15.

It seems to hold as well as or better than ALU Soft too. So this could be a winner
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
mpournaras said:
Agreed. It plays amazing in full bed. Luckily as a 4.0 player at best I am not cracking through strings like that so I can easily get 10 long sessions/matches out of it if not 15.

It seems to hold as well as or better than ALU Soft too. So this could be a winner
Click to expand...
Let us know about how the Feel is, I am concerned that anytime that they make a Rough version of the same string, it seem to always lose feel in poly. but spin potential usually goes up but let us know on that too.
 
R

RVAtennisaddict

Professional
Mine is at the stringer now. I will say, the string looks cool. it is sorta cooper wire looking.

Hope it lives up to the packaging hype.

Stringing at 52, in my 18x20 2014 PureStrikes
 
S

samprasbackhand

Semi-Pro
Strung at 55lbs in my Ezone DR 98, will post some pics later once I figure out how.

I played yesterday but to be honest I have been playing very poorly. So far, the string feels firm but still quite comfortable. I found that many of my balls were landing short but would start sailing long once I tried to get more depth on my shots. Again, I was playing very badly so hopefully will get in more of a groove next time I play.
 
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djNEiGht

djNEiGht

Legend
19554837_1779620658726576_4007808129861015771_n.jpg
 
M Pillai

M Pillai

Semi-Pro
I have used regular element before. Frankly regular one was too powerful to my liking when I played with it last time (don't remember the exact details). Remember having some frustration for too many unforced errors long. But that happens to me when I play without confidence as well, so I will give the regular one a second chance as well. In fact I actually have an unused pack of regular Luxilon Element with me now. So I can string that up along with rough version on two different frames and probably compare side by side.

samprasbackhand said:
Does anyone have experience using the normal version of a string and the rough version? What would normally be the differences? Looked at some TW reviews, doesn't seem like there's a consistent difference between the strings
Click to expand...
 
M Pillai

M Pillai

Semi-Pro
Strung up the Rough version on my BB Delta Core. Want to string the regular version on a second frame of same model, and so borrowing another Delta Core from a friend. I was planning to get both strung and go for a hit fresh side by side in the weekend. But I don't think I can wait for the second frame to come in, and so probably going to get out with the Rough version earlier than that.



samprasbackhand said:
normal version of a string and the rough version
Click to expand...

M Pillai said:
compare side by side
Click to expand...
 
R

RVAtennisaddict

Professional
Quick first impression (20min warm up):

Racket is strung. It looks thick to me, but I am used to 18g (1.20mm). I know it sounds silly, but I like the way the string looks. Apparently so did other people at my club. 2 of the 6 pros and 1 of 2 of the stringers asked me about it. We are having our club member/guest championship this week and I was playing in the 8.5 and below division. I used the stick with Element for warm ups, but played with my normal set up.

Initial strokes, lots of spin to the point where my shots where landing a little short initially. After about 5 minutes had adjusted and was hitting with a little higher launch angle and swinging a little harder. Shots were landing in, and felt heavy from my end. The strings definitely felt softer/less harsh than the RPM I usually play with. Did not hit serves with it today. Play again Friday and then Sunday I have my usual 3-4 hours of singles play scheduled. Plan to use the new strings o, n Sunday and possible Friday.

Summary: Definitely felt more spin potential. Power- hard to gauge at this point, but felt a little less but may have been because the spin was bringing the balls down so hard. Too early to tell on the durability, but expecting more than my RPM Blast because a thicker gauge.
 
MisterP

MisterP

Hall of Fame
Trying to decide how I want to string this stuff. My primary racquet lately is a Textreme Tour 95. I normally string it with Black Code 4S 17 at 52 pounds. I was thinking I would try this at a lower tension, maybe 50 just because it's a thicker gauge. What do you guys think?
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
RVAtennisaddict said:
Quick first impression (20min warm up):

Racket is strung. It looks thick to me, but I am used to 18g (1.20mm). I know it sounds silly, but I like the way the string looks. Apparently so did other people at my club. 2 of the 6 pros and 1 of 2 of the stringers asked me about it. We are having our club member/guest championship this week and I was playing in the 8.5 and below division. I used the stick with Element for warm ups, but played with my normal set up.

Initial strokes, lots of spin to the point where my shots where landing a little short initially. After about 5 minutes had adjusted and was hitting with a little higher launch angle and swinging a little harder. Shots were landing in, and felt heavy from my end. The strings definitely felt softer/less harsh than the RPM I usually play with. Did not hit serves with it today. Play again Friday and then Sunday I have my usual 3-4 hours of singles play scheduled. Plan to use the new strings o, n Sunday and possible Friday.

Summary: Definitely felt more spin potential. Power- hard to gauge at this point, but felt a little less but may have been because the spin was bringing the balls down so hard. Too early to tell on the durability, but expecting more than my RPM Blast because a thicker gauge.
Click to expand...
What about feel ?? did you get good feel for the ball ?? Whenever Luxilon makes the Rough version of the same string,,,,it seem to take away from feel department ...
 
McLovin

McLovin

Legend
MisterP said:
Trying to decide how I want to string this stuff. My primary racquet lately is a Textreme Tour 95. I normally string it with Black Code 4S 17 at 52 pounds. I was thinking I would try this at a lower tension, maybe 50 just because it's a thicker gauge. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
If it helps at all, my full poly setup is 17g Black Code 4S as well, normally strung at 50, and I dropped to 45 for this playtest. I'm hitting this afternoon, so I can let you know if I overshot it or not.
 
MisterP

MisterP

Hall of Fame
McLovin said:
If it helps at all, my full poly setup is 17g Black Code 4S as well, normally strung at 50, and I dropped to 45 for this playtest. I'm hitting this afternoon, so I can let you know if I overshot it or not.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that would be great!
 
bigserving

bigserving

Hall of Fame
It is interesting to me that the "rough" texture actually comes from the surface design of the compound rather than just a sandpaper-like surface like so many other "roughs."
 
McLovin

McLovin

Legend
@MisterP, unfortunately my plans fell through (buddy called me as I was heading to the courts & bailed...not happy). Anyway, I'm hitting tomorrow, so if you can hold off another day I can hopefully let you know about the tension. Sorry about that. I understand if you can't. I got mine Tuesday & strung it up that night...
 
MisterP

MisterP

Hall of Fame
McLovin said:
@MisterP, unfortunately my plans fell through (buddy called me as I was heading to the courts & bailed...not happy). Anyway, I'm hitting tomorrow, so if you can hold off another day I can hopefully let you know about the tension. Sorry about that. I understand if you can't. I got mine Tuesday & strung it up that night...
Click to expand...
Bummer!

I actually strung it at 50. Couldn't wait any longer. Only hit for 20 mins with it. Initial impression is that it's super soft with great pop for a poly. I would maybe stick with my normal tension of 52 next time. But need to hit serves/returns with it to know for sure.

Planning on getting a few more hours on it this weekend.
 
projectone7

projectone7

Rookie
Oh boy... I was stringing it up today. I pulled tension, and my goddamn string broke. Looks like I'm gonna have to hybrid it...

PS: Has this happened to anyone else before?
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
projectone7 said:
Oh boy... I was stringing it up today. I pulled tension, and my goddamn string broke. Looks like I'm gonna have to hybrid it...

PS: Has this happened to anyone else before?
Click to expand...
Was it your fault or machine's fault ?? why would string break while pulling tension ?? does this happen if it is a bad batch ?
 
S

samprasbackhand

Semi-Pro
Had a nice hitting session for about an hour or so yesterday, definitely felt better the second time around. My shots had lots of spin with solid pace and could also flatten out when needed. So far I'm a big fan of the soft, yet crisp feel I'm getting from the string
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
samprasbackhand said:
Had a nice hitting session for about an hour or so yesterday, definitely felt better the second time around. My shots had lots of spin with solid pace and could also flatten out when needed. So far I'm a big fan of the soft, yet crisp feel I'm getting from the string
Click to expand...
does it have more or less spin that RPM blast or RPM blast rough ?
 
D

Daddy's

Rookie
  • Well here's my review of Luxilon Element Rough. I guess I'll be first it might be a little quick but I wanted to put down my thoughts while it's still fresh in my mind.

  • To start with this lives up to everything you hear about Luxilon. It is a seriously great string!

  • For a while.

  • Tension(s) used for playtest: 52/50 on dropweight Gamma

  • Regular string set up: I experiment a lot I had been playing Prince XR17/SG hybrid in this frame and was very pleased

  • Racquet used for test: Wilson Blade CV 18x20 with OG no dampener 8 in. of lead on bottom of bridge 12.85 oz 4 pt HL and through the wonders of Wilson QC a lot of swing weight I think somewhere in upper 330's

  • Power of test string: This is a lively string with quite a bit of controllable power. Great on serves, ground strokes both top and slice

  • Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): Feel of this string was about perfect for me. Great pocketing,excellent touch on volleys ground strokes and serves

  • Spin:Great on spin for me. I could really feel it grabbing the ball. I am not a big spin monster I hit angles and flat drives hooking down and skidding off the court. My game is not 10 ft behind baseline 4 ft over net and bounce it over other guys head.
  • Durability: Its still in one piece I think starting to notch but it might be the "rough" texture
  • as far as tension it's been this according to my racquet tune using Element 1.30 for string value
  • fresh off stringer at 50 lb
  • 20 hrs later no hit at 45.9 -6.7%
  • 1 1/2 hrs drills 44.0 -10.5%
  • 3 hrs doubles 43.6 -11.3%
  • 1 1/2 hrs singles 42.3 -13.9%
  • Playability Duration (did feel/control decline over time?): This is the one area that might hold this string back.
  • It had about 1/2 hr break in then felt perfect for 3 or 4 hrs and I think in the last half hr. today it started to lose it's magic and started to play a little stiff and dead lost some resiliency. I'm going to hit it again it could have just been me.

  • Control: Great in all aspects Flat drives,topspin,slice,volleys,serves flat and spin. I could it any of them as well as I can hit them

  • Compare to string used most often: I've been playing an assortment of poly/sg hybrids Prince,Volkl,Babolat,Ashaway. Just about anything on sale here. This was better than any of them. The only one to match it is my SG10 strung up with some VS Gut/poly. It has better touch and power somewhat less spin.

  • List any additional thoughts (optional): Obviously I think it's a great string. If I had to play a match for my life I'd might go with this. But maybe in a 17 but I also like NG/poly. I guess I'm fickle and with my game I hope I never have to play a match for my life.
  • I'll hit with it some more next week and see if it has lost a bit or if it was me
  • Thanks to Luxilon and Tennis Warehouse for the opportunity to test this string. See you at Indian Wells.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Daddy's said:
  • Well here's my review of Luxilon Element Rough. I guess I'll be first it might be a little quick but I wanted to put down my thoughts while it's still fresh in my mind.

  • To start with this lives up to everything you hear about Luxilon. It is a seriously great string!

  • For a while.

  • Tension(s) used for playtest: 52/50 on dropweight Gamma

  • Regular string set up: I experiment a lot I had been playing Prince XR17/SG hybrid in this frame and was very pleased

  • Racquet used for test: Wilson Blade CV 18x20 with OG no dampener 8 in. of lead on bottom of bridge 12.85 oz 4 pt HL and through the wonders of Wilson QC a lot of swing weight I think somewhere in upper 330's

  • Power of test string: This is a lively string with quite a bit of controllable power. Great on serves, ground strokes both top and slice

  • Feel (Stiff? Mushy? Muted? Crisp? Comfortable?): Feel of this string was about perfect for me. Great pocketing,excellent touch on volleys ground strokes and serves

  • Spin:Great on spin for me. I could really feel it grabbing the ball. I am not a big spin monster I hit angles and flat drives hooking down and skidding off the court. My game is not 10 ft behind baseline 4 ft over net and bounce it over other guys head.
  • Durability: Its still in one piece I think starting to notch but it might be the "rough" texture
  • as far as tension it's been this according to my racquet tune using Element 1.30 for string value
  • fresh off stringer at 50 lb
  • 20 hrs later no hit at 45.9 -6.7%
  • 1 1/2 hrs drills 44.0 -10.5%
  • 3 hrs doubles 43.6 -11.3%
  • 1 1/2 hrs singles 42.3 -13.9%
  • Playability Duration (did feel/control decline over time?): This is the one area that might hold this string back.
  • It had about 1/2 hr break in then felt perfect for 3 or 4 hrs and I think in the last half hr. today it started to lose it's magic and started to play a little stiff and dead lost some resiliency. I'm going to hit it again it could have just been me.

  • Control: Great in all aspects Flat drives,topspin,slice,volleys,serves flat and spin. I could it any of them as well as I can hit them

  • Compare to string used most often: I've been playing an assortment of poly/sg hybrids Prince,Volkl,Babolat,Ashaway. Just about anything on sale here. This was better than any of them. The only one to match it is my SG10 strung up with some VS Gut/poly. It has better touch and power somewhat less spin.

  • List any additional thoughts (optional): Obviously I think it's a great string. If I had to play a match for my life I'd might go with this. But maybe in a 17 but I also like NG/poly. I guess I'm fickle and with my game I hope I never have to play a match for my life.
  • I'll hit with it some more next week and see if it has lost a bit or if it was me
  • Thanks to Luxilon and Tennis Warehouse for the opportunity to test this string. See you at Indian Wells.
Click to expand...
how does it compare on spin to Alu power rough or Babolat RPM blast or RPM blast rough ?? Thanks
 
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