Mike has tested the Luxilon Eco Spin 1.25 the past few weeks. This 'green' string should become a serious competitor for the well-known Babolat RPM Blast. In this review, among other things, a comparison with this string, as well as with the Luxilon Eco Power.
Intro:
I have previously tested the Eco Power 1.25 with great pleasure (in 2 instances). During my very first test I had to get used to it, but the more I played with this string, the more I liked it. Now it is the turn of the youngest member of the Luxilon Eco string family: the Eco Spin. With this string (which is completely biodegradable according to the packaging), Luxilon wants to compete with the most famous spinning string on the market, the Babolat RPM Blast. Despite the fact that the string is somewhat sharper than the Eco Power, stringing it was no problem. The string also does not 'curl' as much, which is something you quickly get with some strings (especially as a set). I specifically waited with testing until the gravel courts here would open again. This was in order to be able to assess the spinning potential as honestly as possible. I have strung the Eco Spin 1.25 at 22/22 kg in the Wilson Ultra Pro V4 16x19.
Baseline:
From the baseline the string plays consistently and with nice rotation. I think the spin potential comes close to the RPM Blast, but with more feel and comfort. In terms of spin, and I think that is mainly due to the snapback, the RPM Blast performs slightly better in my opinion. However, the difference is not huge. You can pull through nicely with the Eco Spin 1.25, without quickly losing control. You get a bit more 'net clearance' due to the solid spin. The string also scores a solid pass in terms of power/liveliness. The RPM Blast feels a bit more low-powered and stiffer in this area. Just like the Eco Power 1.25, this Eco Spin 1.25 also feels thinner than most 1.25 strings from fellow brands. I won't say just like a 1.20, but it comes close in terms of feel. Partly because of this I have the idea that this string has a more refined playing feel than many of its colleagues. But what about the lifespan/hours of play I hear you ask? I'll get to that later. From the baseline this is in any case a nice and reliable string, that excels in rotation and feel.
Durability and voltage retention:
I have now spent more than 4 hours with this string on the ground brick. In terms of tension retention, I am certainly satisfied. The string has opened up a bit compared to the first (half) hour, but still feels solid enough while maintaining control. So the balls do not fly off uncontrollably, so to speak. In terms of lifespan, the string can also last a while, but that is also partly because I am not a huge spin player. I think that the string should be able to last another 1 or 2 sessions, but that the very best will be gone by then. In that respect, the RPM Blast seems a bit stronger, especially for players who really have to rely on their spin. However, this Eco Spin has more feeling and comfort.
Ball feel and comfort:
Just like the Eco Power 1.25, I find the ball feel pleasant and more refined than an RPM Blast. If you didn't know that it is a string with a 1.25 mm diameter/thickness, I would have believed that too. The string has more the feel of a 1.20 mm string. The ball feel is therefore pleasant and that also translates into the comfort. The string is robust without being too stiff. I personally like the direct playing feel of poly's and the direct feedback of them, but this is usually accompanied by a lot of stiffness and vibrations. That is absolutely not the case with this string and that is also one of the big plus points of the Eco Spin. In terms of ball feel and comfort, this string is also somewhat comparable to the Diadem Solstice Black 1.25.
Review Luxilon Eco Spin 1.25
- Durability: 7
- Voltage retention/consistency: 7.5
- Spin/slice: 8.5
- Ball control: 8
- Power: 7.5
- Control: 7.5
- Comfort/arm friendliness: 7.5
