Wilson Sensation Multifilament Review: Comfort, Control, and Confidence on the Court

This review dives into the Wilson Sensation multifilament tennis string, exploring its performance characteristics and overall playing experience. Unlike stiffer polyester strings, the Sensation boasts a unique construction featuring a highly elastic nylon core encased in a protective outer sheath. This design promises a noticeably comfortable and controlled feel, a key differentiator for players seeking a softer touch on the court. We'll examine the string's tension capabilities, its impact on spin and power generation, and its long-term durability, considering both its advantages and drawbacks.The review will detail the string's initial impressions, including its distinctive smell and sound, and track its performance over time. We'll analyze how the Sensation's elasticity affects ball control and power, comparing its response to the more aggressive snapback of polyester strings. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Wilson Sensation, helping players determine if its unique properties—comfort, control, and a distinct playing feel—align with their individual needs and playing style.

Pros And Cons

Wilson Sensation
  • Highly elastic nylon fiber core provides comfort and feel
  • Offers good spin
  • Good power
  • Maintains control even at higher tension
  • Pillowy soft feel
  • Ball sinks into the strings and releases naturally
  • Confidence-inspiring
  • Comfortable for long playing sessions
  • Reduces fatigue
  • Strong chemical smell out of the box
  • Outer sheath frays and traps fuzz from tennis balls, turning the string bed green

Read more: Best 5 Spin Tennis Strings for Powerful Serves

String Construction and Initial Impressions

The Wilson Sensation is a multifilament string featuring a highly elastic nylon fiber core encased in a protective outer sheath. This unique construction promises comfort and feel, a departure from the stiffer poly strings many players are used to.

Close-up of the Wilson Sensation string showing its multifilament construction.
Close-up of the Wilson Sensation string showing its multifilament construction.

Upon first stringing, the Sensation exhibited a noticeable, almost pillowy softness. The ball sinks deeply into the string bed, providing excellent control and a natural release. This contrasts sharply with the more aggressive snapback of many poly strings.

The reviewer demonstrating the pillowy soft feel of the string.
The reviewer demonstrating the pillowy soft feel of the string.

Tension and Playability

The reviewer typically strings poly at 43 pounds but opted for 53 pounds with the Sensation, a 23% increase. This higher tension is possible due to the multifilament's inherent elasticity, which maintains comfort and control despite the increased tension.

The reviewer emphasizing the comfortable and plush feel of the string.
The reviewer emphasizing the comfortable and plush feel of the string.

Even at this higher tension, the string offered excellent playability. The ball response remained consistent throughout testing, defying expectations of stiffness or loss of feel.

Spin, Power, and Launch Angle

The Sensation delivered surprisingly impressive spin, exceeding initial expectations. This spin was achieved without sacrificing power or control, unlike some strings that prioritize one over the other.

Another noteworthy observation was the lack of added launch angle. The string provided a consistent, predictable response, unlike poly strings which often launch the ball higher due to increased snapback.

Durability and Sound

The string has a strong chemical smell when first unboxed; however, the reviewer noted that the sound was also a notable aspect—loud and high-pitched, with an almost old-school feel.

As the string wears, the outer sheath frays and traps fuzz from the tennis ball, creating a green tint in the string bed. Despite this, the power and control remain largely unaffected.

Overall Conclusion and Recommendation

The Wilson Sensation multifilament string provides a unique balance of comfort, control, and power. Its soft feel and consistent playability make it a confidence-inspiring choice for players seeking a less jarring experience than poly strings.

While its strong initial smell and eventual fuzz accumulation are notable, the Sensation delivers exceptional performance and playability, making it a worthwhile option for players who prioritize comfort without sacrificing performance.