I tested Luxilon Element Soft in my Wilson Blade 98 V9 (16×19), a frame that already leans toward connected feel and controlled power so it was the perfect platform to see whether this string genuinely softens the experience without turning it into a trampoline.
Straight away, Element Soft felt like Luxilon’s attempt to bridge the gap between traditional firm control polys and the newer comfort-focused co-polys. In the Blade V9, which has that plush but precise sensation, Element Soft added a noticeable layer of smoothness and pocketing.
Tech & specs
- Profile: Round
- Gauge: 1.27mm / 17
- Material: Co-polyester
- Available Colors: Red
Playtest Impressions
In the Blade V9, the first thing I noticed was the impact feel. Softer. More cushioned. There’s a slight dwell time that you don’t get from stiffer Luxilon strings. It doesn’t feel mushy, just less rigid and more cooperative.
Forehands
The Blade already rewards clean timing, and Element Soft amplified that sensation without punishing off-centre hits. The launch angle sat in a comfortable medium window. Not low and laser-like. Not high and loopy. Just controllable.
When accelerating hard, the string gave me depth without demanding perfect timing. It doesn’t explode off the stringbed, but it also doesn’t feel dead. It’s controlled, smooth power.
Spin
Being round, spin relies more on snapback than aggressive edges. In the Blade, I could generate good RPMs when I committed to the swing, but it never felt like a spin monster. It’s controlled spin rather than deadly bite.
Compared to Hyper-G or RPM Blast, this is calmer. Less dramatic. More composed.
Backhands
One-handed backhands felt especially clean. The Blade’s connected feel combined with Element Soft’s slight elasticity gave a reassuring pocketing sensation. Flat drives stayed predictable. Rolled crosscourt shots had shape without feeling overly arced.
Serves
On serve, Element Soft felt more placement-oriented than explosive. First serves didn’t have the sharp crack of ALU Power, but they were easy to locate. Kick serves had enough bite to jump, just without extreme spin.
Tension Holding
Tension holding was solid but not elite. Over multiple sessions, the string gradually softened rather than dropping off a cliff. You can feel it become a touch more elastic over time. It doesn’t go erratic, but it does lean further into comfort as hours build. In a control frame like the Blade V9, that gradual softening actually keeps it playable for longer.
Power Profile
Power I would say is medium-high. There’s some free depth compared to 4G or ALU Power, but it never felt wild. You still dictate pace in the first 8-10 hours hitting but then it does become a bit mushy,
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Noticeably softer than traditional Luxilon polys
- Smooth, forgiving impact in a control frame like the Blade V9
- Controlled medium launch
- Easy depth without erratic rebound
- Very comfortable at net for a poly
Cons
- Not as crisp or explosive as ALU Power
- Spin is good, not aggressive
- Gradually softens over time
- Big hitters may want more firmness
Who this suits
Best For:
- Blade or control-frame users wanting added comfort
- Players transitioning from multi to poly
- All-court players who value feel
- Those sensitive to stiff stringbeds
- Players wanting controlled power without harshness
Not For:
- Players chasing maximum RPMs
- Big hitters wanting ultra-firm, surgical feedback
- Players who love a very low, linear launch
- Those who want the crisp “tour poly” snap
Comparable strings
In my Blade V9 setup, Element Soft compares to:
- Luxilon ALU Power Soft – ALU Power Soft is maybe a tad crisper, and more explosive; Element Soft is smoother and more forgiving.
- Yonex Poly Tour Air – Air is softer and more elastic; Element Soft has slightly more control.
- Solinco Tour Bite Soft – Tour Bite Soft has sharper spin bite; Element Soft feels rounder and cleaner.
- Tecnifibre Black Code – Black Code grips more aggressively; Element Soft is smoother and more neutral.
Final verdict – Luxilon Element Soft
In the Blade V9 98, Luxilon Element Soft felt like a comfort-focused upgrade that makes a poly more accessible. It doesn’t wow you with explosive pop or elite spin. Instead, it gives you smooth control, easy depth, and a forgiving response that holds up across sessions. If you want the traditional Luxilon crispness, this will feel too bland perhaps. But if you want a performance poly that respects your arm while still delivering reliable control in a players frame, Element Soft is absolutely worth testing.
Find Luxilon Element strings available here at Tennis Warehouse Europe (use code TNERD10 for a 10% discount) or at Tennis Warehouse USA/Canada.