Over the past few years, I have tried numerous tennis strings with unique characteristics and features.
Continuing my exploration of the tennis world, I recently got my hands on some Wilson Sensation tennis string.
While I have predominately played with polyester for the last few years, I still hear plenty of good feedback about its attributes and reputation in the tennis community, so I was eager to put it to the test.
After a few hours of intense play sessions, experimenting with various shots and situations, I have formed a comprehensive set of opinions on its performance and feel.
This review is a culmination of those experiences. I aim to closely examine Wilson Sensation, providing fellow players with a clear and informed perspective on what to expect from this string.
Wilson Sensation Specification
String Used For This Review
Composition: Multifilament
Gauge: I used 1.25mm. It is also available in 1.30mm and 1.35mm.
Shape: Round
Colour: Natural / Clear
Description: Comfort
Tension: It being a multifilament, lower tensions are recommended. The recommended tension range for Wilson Sensation is not above 24 kg.
Racket Setup For Testing
Strung at 22 kg with four knots.
Frame: Dunlop CX 200 295g unstrung, 318 full kit, string pattern 16×19.
Grip Size #2
Head size 100 inches.
Previous string on the frame: Babolat RPM Blast strung at 22kg.
A Few Words From the Stringer
The Wilson Sensation stands out in its handling. It’s pliable, making it relatively easy to weave through crosses without much fuss. From a stringer’s perspective, its consistency across the reel is commendable. The elasticity does mean you need a steady hand to maintain tension, but overall, it’s a string that doesn’t give me any unusual challenges. Players often seek a blend of performance and durability, and while I can’t speak to on-court experience, I can vouch for the Sensation’s ease of installation. My Stringer
Wilson Sensation Playest and Review
Wilson Sensation tennis string is popular among players ranging from novices to seasoned enthusiasts.
Sensation is a multifilament string renowned for its comfortable playability and superior feel. It’s a cheaper rival to natural gut and is designed to reduce the harsh vibrations usually associated with tennis racket strings, lessening the potential for arm strain.
Its composition is primarily based on highly elastic nylon fibres, which grants it impressive power and a cushioned feel, making every stroke smoother and more controlled.
First Impressions
Upon taking the string out of the packet and getting a firsthand look at it, its distinctive colour immediately captured my attention.
Wilson Sensation boasts a “natural/see-through” hue reminiscent of vintage natural gut tennis strings yet with a modern twist.
This evergreen appearance has a unique versatility – it complements the sleek, modern rackets and the more traditional ones.
Beyond its performance on the court, the aesthetics of a string play a crucial role for many tennis enthusiasts, and I much prefer these shades over the bright neon-coloured strings that are widely available.
Groundstrokes
When I stepped onto the court with the Wilson Sensation strung tight, its trademark elasticity was hard to ignore.
Every groundstroke I executed seemed supercharged, a clear indicator of the potential power boost this string provided.
As someone naturally inclined towards aggressive strokes rather than heavily spun and somewhat defensive shots, the Sensation appeared to be an ally.
The distinctive “pop” sound with each shot was like music to my ears, signalling effective contact and lending a rhythmic cadence to my game.
Nonetheless, power is just one component of my tennis game. Often, the precision and strategy dictate the flow of my matches.
With the Wilson Sensation, I found that the string balanced these aspects well. Despite its emphasis on power, control was not compromised.
During my sessions, I frequently use the backhand slice. With Sensation, I noticed improved control in this shot.
The ball consistently stayed low, making it more challenging for my opponent to return, and I was able to better gauge and adjust the depth and speed of the slice.
Drop shots, which require finesse and touch, also benefited from this string.
With Wilson Sensation, I felt a consistent response when attempting these shots. This predictability made it easier to execute them effectively, allowing me to place the ball just over the net with confidence.
Yet, as with most things, Sensation was not without its shortcomings. Durability stood out as a primary concern.
Initially dazzling with its power and control, it wore significantly after a solid 2.5-hour hit-out. Tension loss became increasingly evident, which might be a hurdle for those looking to engage in extended play or back-to-back matches.
Furthermore, while not directly related to spin, it’s worth noting that the Sensation’s elasticity seemed vulnerable to atmospheric conditions.
In drier, cooler conditions, the string performed admirably. However, with increasing humidity, it began losing some favourable characteristics.
As the atmosphere grew dense, the string became noticeably less responsive. For players in humid climates, this is a factor worth considering.
Touch Shots and Serves
When serving with Wilson Sensation, the difference it made was immediately noticeable.
Whether I was gunning for those powerful down-the-T serves or attempting to slice serves wide, Sensation felt like a reliable ally.
The string seemed to take some of the load, reducing the physical exertion I needed to channel into each serve. The added pop and assurance it provided made each service game a tad more formidable for my opponents.
Up at the net, the Sensation continued to shine. In those high-pressure volley exchanges, the string’s consistent response was evident.
Whether the situation called for a delicate touch to tip the ball over the net or a firmer volley to push my adversary to the baseline, I felt I could trust the string.
This predictability became a cornerstone in refining my tactics, allowing for better anticipation and shot placement during crucial net plays.
Comfort
Having played tennis for years, I have come to value the importance of comfort in a string, and Wilson Sensation caught my attention in this regard.
The first time I hit with it, I could immediately sense its cushioned response.
Instead of feeling a jarring shock with each ball impact, Sensation seemed to soak up a lot of that force, sparing my arm from the brunt of it.
This was a welcome relief for someone like me, who enjoys long hours on the court and occasionally grapples with arm fatigue.
I have dabbled with various strings, but Sensation stands out for how gentle it feels, especially during extended play sessions.
With Sensation, I felt I could play longer without that nagging concern for potential arm strain.
For anyone with a history of arm discomfort or who values comfort in their game, I would say the Sensation is worth considering.
Wilson Sensation vs. Head RIP Control
While the Wilson Sensation and the Head RIP Control are among the sought-after tennis strings in the market, diving deeper into their nuances is essential.
On the one hand, the Wilson Sensation, as discussed, offers commendable power, elasticity, and an attractive appearance.
However, when put side by side with the Head RIP Control, there are certain aspects where the latter seems to outshine.
The RIP Control is famed for its spin potential and durability. Unlike the Sensation, which deteriorates relatively fast, especially in humid conditions, the RIP Control boasts a longer life and consistent tension maintenance.
It is designed for those who prefer a blend of control and spin, offering more precision on groundstrokes.
For players in diverse climatic conditions or those who need their string to stay reliable over more extended play sessions, Head RIP Control might be a slightly better choice over Sensation.
Who is Wilson Sensation For?
Navigating the vast world of tennis strings can be daunting, given the many options available. While Wilson Sensation might not be the perfect fit for everyone, it does cater to a specific set of players with unique attributes.
Wilson Sensation shines when it comes to its value proposition. Offering a commendable balance between price and performance, it’s especially attractive for amateur players or those just venturing into tennis.
Sensation delivers for those who value tactile feedback and enjoy feeling every nuance of the ball’s contact. Its inherent elasticity adds oomph to shots, particularly suited for players who favour power-driven plays over intricate spins.
However, every coin has two sides.
For players who pride themselves on their heavy topspin or have a game strategy deeply rooted in baseline rallies, Sensation might pose particular challenges.
In my experience, while the string performed exceptionally in power shots, it seemed to slightly underdeliver when it came to achieving deep, high-bouncing spins, particularly during prolonged baseline exchanges.
Yet, where it might falter for spin enthusiasts, it regains ground for a demographic that often struggles to find the right equipment – young players and those with a history of arm discomfort or injuries.
Wilson Sensation, a multifilament string, is known for its forgiving nature. Unlike some stiffer counterparts, it offers a plush, cushioned feel upon ball impact.
This enhances the overall playing experience and acts as a safeguard, minimizing the chances of excessive arm strain or potential injuries. For these players, the Wilson Sensation might be the ally they’ve been looking for on the court.
Similar Strings
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Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why Wilson Sensation is one of the most popular multifilaments ever made. It offers a similar feel and appearance to natural gut at a fraction of the price.
For the price (approx $11 per pack), Wilson Sensation is a solid arm-friendly string that offers good power and spin. With it, you’ll find most of the benefits of pricier multifilament (circa $20) in a more budget-friendly package.
Pros
Cons
It won’t be durable for harder / heavy spin hitters
Have you tried Wilson Sensation? Let me know in the comments.
Power – 9
Control – 8.5
Comfort – 9
Touch / Feedback – 8.5
Spin – 6
Snapback – 6
Durability – 6
Tension Maintenance – 6
7.4
GOOD
Wilson Sensation strikes an excellent balance between power and comfort, a feature that will attract a broad spectrum of players, catering to various playstyles.