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Gamma

ESP 16

Nylon Gauge 16 1.31 mm In production

Lab measurements for Gamma ESP 16, ranked against all 789 strings in the database. Every figure below is a testing-machine result at a fixed reference tension, not a playtest opinion.

Measured values

Stiffness

158lb/in

lower = softer, kinder on the arm

Tension loss

27%

lower = stays where you strung it

Energy return

94%

higher = livelier, more free power

Spin potential

2.6

higher = more spin off the string bed

Ball bite

0.419COF

higher = grabs the ball harder

Snapback

0.159COF

lower = strings slide and snap back

How it ranks against all 789 strings

Stiffness 158 lb/in · 22nd pct

Stiffer than 22% of strings tested.

Tension loss 27 % · 40th pct

Sheds more tension than 40% of strings tested.

Energy return 94 % · 90th pct

Livelier than 90% of strings tested.

Spin potential 2.6 · 5th pct

More spin potential than 5% of strings tested — minimal spin generation.

Ball bite 0.419 COF · 37th pct

Grips the ball harder than 37% of strings tested.

Snapback 0.159 COF · 95th pct

More string-on-string friction than 95% of strings tested — notches badly and stays put.

Strings that play like this

Closest matches across stiffness, tension loss, energy return and spin potential.

Gamma Live Wire XP 16 96% match Gamma TNT2 Pro Plus 16 96% match Head ETS 16 94% match Head RIP PerfectPower 16 94% match Wilson NXT 17 94% match Volkl Power-Fiber II 18 94% match

More from Gamma

What these numbers mean

Stiffness · lb/in

How much the string bed resists deflection. Higher plays firmer and more controlled; lower plays softer and easier on the arm.

Tension loss · %

Share of the reference tension the string sheds under a fixed test protocol. Lower means the bed stays where you strung it for longer.

Energy return · %

Share of impact energy handed back to the ball. Higher plays livelier and more powerful.

Spin potential

Ball friction divided by string-on-string friction. Higher means better bite with a cleaner snapback, so more spin.

Ball bite · COF

String-on-ball friction. Higher grabs the ball harder through the brush.

Snapback · COF

String-on-string friction. Lower lets the mains slide and snap back into place after impact.

Compare ESP 16 against 789 strings Find the right string for me