The Luxilon Smart tested by Mike. This string 'stiffens' on hard balls and yields more on balls by feel. And with a stringing recommendation of 20 +- 2 kg (!) my attention was aroused!
Specifications:
Brand: Luxilon String: Smart Gauge: 16L (1.25 mm) Type: Co-poly with 3 string cores Similar strings: Luxilon M2 Pro and the Luxilon Element to some extent
Judgement:
Durability: 7.5 Tension retention: 8 Spin: 7.5 Ball feel: 8.5 Power: 7.5 Control: 8.5 Comfort: 9
I tested the Luxilon Smart in the Diadem Elevate 98 at 18/18 kg. Luxilon recommends 20 +- 2 kg for this string. I tested it with 18/18 kg. This review includes a comparison with the Luxilon Element 1.25. I have previously tested the Element and it comes close to the Smart in terms of comfort. However, I have not yet played the previously released Luxilon M2 Pro. The M2 Pro is actually the predecessor of the Smart.
Durability/Voltage Maintenance
The durability of the Luxilon Smart is not bad for a somewhat softer co-poly. I found the string to be certainly more wear-resistant than the Element 1.25, also a comfort-oriented co-poly but with the well-known Luxilon 'multimono' technology. This technology provides the feel of a multifilament in a monofilament string. The Element is certainly comfortable, but so is this Smart. However, more about this later. I found the voltage maintenance better than the Element 1.25. In terms of voltage maintenance, the Smart must also clearly beat the M2 Pro, which is actually its predecessor.
Spider
What the Luxilon Smart is supposed to do is provide more flexibility on topspin shots and stiffen on hard hits. A smart idea, hence the name. The rotation was more than sufficient, I must say, but not spectacular. Similar spin to many other poly's in my opinion.
Ball feeling and comfort
This is where the Luxilon Smart really shines! There is definitely more feel in the string than a standard poly. I perhaps noticed it most with touch balls such as stop volleys and drop shots: a very nice, smooth feel with the string. And in terms of comfort/vibration damping, this string is also very strong! This also makes the Smart widely applicable. As a first introduction to polyester, Luxilon recommends the Element 1.25, this Smart follows shortly after and I agree. Very nice comfort. This string almost gives the playing feeling of a multifilament string in a monofilament and that is special!
Power/control
I didn't notice much of the string stiffening when hit hard. The power was more than sufficient. In terms of control, I noticed that this string offers much more feeling than other polyester strings. There is more touch and that is very nice. The slice backhands and drop shots were particularly enjoyable.