This Head Velocity MLT review looks at why the string has built such a strong reputation as one of the best value multifilament options on the market. Designed to deliver comfort, controllable power, and solid all-around performance at an affordable price, it’s a great option for players looking for a softer alternative to polyester without breaking the bank. In our playtest, we put the 1.25mm version of Velocity MLT through its paces and share how it stacks up against other multifilament strings on the market.
What We Loved
- Excellent comfort and arm-friendliness
- Good balance of power and control
- Strong playability duration
- Very affordable price point
What We Didn't
- Durability not suited to big hitters
- Less spin potential than polyester
- Lacks the plush feel of natural gut
About Head Velocity MLT
Launched in 2015, Head Velocity MLT is a multifilament string made up of thousands of flexible microfibres. Unlike some softer multis, it’s engineered for a more balanced response – offering good control alongside power and comfort. While it doesn’t have the plush feel of natural gut or the spin potential of a poly, it provides excellent value for players seeking an arm-friendly string that still feels reliable. At under £8 a set ($10 in the US), it sits comfortably among the most budget-friendly premium multis.
Testing Setup
For this playtest, we strung Head Velocity MLT 1.25mm (17 gauge) in a Wilson Ultra Pro 16×19 at 55 lbs. As a player who typically uses a stiffer polyester string like the MSV Focus Hex, I opted for a slightly higher tension to account for the softer feel of a multifilament, which worked well.
The Playtest Results
Power – 8/10
Velocity MLT provides a lively yet controlled level of power. It’s not as explosive as some softer multis, which actually makes it easier to keep shots under control. On groundstrokes, I could drive through the ball with confidence, producing penetrating depth without feeling like I was spraying balls long too often. On serves, the string offered easy access to pace, particularly on flat first serves. So as I expected, it offers a bit more power than the poly strings I’m used to, without sacrificing too much control.
Control – 8.5/10
One of the standout features of Head Velocity is its control for a multifilament. Depth and placement felt predictable, and it gave me the confidence to swing through the ball without the fear of overhitting. It was particularly noticeable on groundstrokes and volleys, where I could control the depth a bit more. However, I did notice a little more difficulty in controlling approach shots where the lack of spin made it a little more difficult to get the ball over the net and back into court. While it doesn’t reach the pinpoint accuracy of a co-poly, it’s one of the more controlled multifilaments out there, especially considering its price point.
It’s a balance that makes it a great choice for players transitioning away from polyester who don’t want to sacrifice too much control.
Spin – 7.5/10
Spin generation was solid but limited compared to polyester. There’s not the same sharp bite or snapback effect you’d expect from a shaped poly, but as a slightly stiffer multifilament, Velocity’s control allows for confident swings which indirectly helps generate spin. I noticed my slice backhands skidding nicely through the court, and topspin drives had enough rotation to stay safe inside the lines, even if they lacked the heavy kick of a poly. So, naturally, struggled a bit more with generating spin on second serves slice serves and kick serves.
Feel – 8/10
Velocity MLT offers a crisp and comfortable feel. The ball doesn’t sink into the stringbed as much as some softer multis, but the feedback is still positive. Drop shots and touch volleys felt connected, and I never felt disconnected from the ball. Even off-centre hits didn’t transmit harsh vibrations, which just gave me a little more confidence when redirecting pace, improvising on defence or returning big serves.
Comfort – 9/10
Comfort is where Velocity MLT shines. Its multifilament construction makes it highly arm-friendly and a great option for players with tennis elbow or anyone moving away from stiffer polys. Even at 55 lbs, it stayed comfortable throughout testing, and I was impressed at how forgiving it felt on shanks or late contacts (not that I hit too many of those, haha). Players with sensitive arms will find it a very safe choice without losing too much playability.
Durability – 7.5/10
As with most multifilaments, Head Velocity MLT isn’t built for extreme durability. Our test string lasted around two weeks before breaking, which may not be long enough for advanced heavy-hitters. However, I was pleasantly surprise by how well it held its tension and playability right until the end. Performance remained consistent, and I never felt the rapid drop-off in feel that often plagues polyester strings. For club and intermediate players who don’t break strings too frequently, the balance of decent lifespan and excellent playability duration makes it a reliable choice.
Who's It For?
- Intermediate players looking for a comfortable, reliable string at a great price.
- Players with arm issues who want to move away from stiff polyester while keeping decent control.
- Club players who don’t break strings too often and want a consistent, all-round performer.
- Not ideal for: advanced heavy-hitters who shred through strings quickly, or players looking for lots of spin.
Final Verdict – 8.1/10
Head Velocity MLT is one of the best value-for-money multifilament strings on the market. For club players and intermediates, it delivers the perfect blend of comfort, control, and consistency at a fraction of the price of premium multifilaments. If you’re looking for an arm-friendly alternative to poly that won’t empty your wallet, Head Velocity MLT is well worth a go!
Head Velocity MLT - FAQs
What type of string is HEAD Velocity MLT?
Head Velocity MLT is a multifilament string, designed to be a comfortable and arm-freindly string that still offers a great combination of control and power.
Is Head Velocity MLT good for tennis elbow?
Yes. As far as tennis strings go, Head Velocity MLT is a very arm-friendly string. Its multifilament construction makes it softer than polyester monofilament strings and a great choice for players struggling with arm issues.
What string tension is best for HEAD Velocity MLT?
It depends your playing style and usual setup. If you’re used to playing with poly strings, I’d recommend upping your usual string tension by 3-4 lbs. Personally, I found it played really nicely at 55 lbs.
How does it compare to Head Reflex MLT?
Head Reflex feels plusher and a bit more premium, but Velocity offers similar levels of control and comfort at a much lower price point. Head Reflex is considered to be more of an advanced level string while Velocity MLT is great for beginner and intermediate level players.
Can I use Head Velocity MLT in a hybrid setup?
Absolutely. Many players pair it with a polyester in the crosses to add a bit more control and spin. Just keep in mind that pairing it with an edged poly might cause the string to break faster, but that’s just one of the unfortunate side-effects of multifilament strings.
Does string colour affect performance?
Some players report differences, with the natural colour often lasting a little longer than black due to coating wear. I’ve not had a chance to test other colours, but the difference is likely to be very minor.
