Elixir Polyweb vs Nanoweb vs Optiweb Guitar Strings

The strings on a guitar affect both the feel and tone of the instrument, and Elixir make strings to suit different requirements of both these aspects.

Elixir strings are finished with a coating which changes the characteristics of them. There are three coatings in the range:

• Polyweb
• Nanoweb
• Optiweb

Elixir Polyweb strings feel the slickest, followed by Nanoweb and finally Optiweb strings. Elixir Optiweb strings sound the brightest, followed by Nanoweb and finally Polyweb strings sound the warmest. Polyweb strings are the most durable, and Optiweb are the least durable.

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Difference in Feel

Elixir Polyweb strings feel the slickest, followed by Nanoweb strings and finally Optiweb strings feel the most natural and grippier.

• If you are not really used to coated guitar strings and prefer the grippier feel you get with natural, uncoated strings then you’ll prefer the feel of the Elixir Optiweb strings.
• If you want something a bit smoother feeling but not super slick and slippy, then go for the Elixir Nanoweb strings.
• If you are looking for ultra slippery feeling strings with very low friction, then go for the Polyweb strings.

Not only does the coating affect the slickness of the strings, but it also affects how they feel to bend and vibrato.

• Optiweb strings are the easiest to bend, followed by Nanoweb strings and finally Polyweb strings are the hardest to bend and feel the most resistant

The reason being that Polyweb strings have the thickest coating, so although the strings are actually set to the same tension, they feel a bit stiffer when bending.

Tone Comparison

Elixir Polyweb strings are the warmest sounding, followed by Nanoweb strings which sound more balanced, and finally Optiweb strings sound the brightest of the three.

This again relates to the coating thickness on the strings. Some players don’t like the tone of Polywebs because the thicker coating essentially dampens some of those high-end frequencies resulting in a more mellow and warmer tone.

Check out these YouTube videos to hear a comparison.

It’s also worth noting that Polyweb strings are the least “squeaky” sounding of the three strings due to that thicker coating. This is especially useful if you are playing acoustic guitar or need optimal sound quality when recording.

Elixir Acoustic Guitar Strings

There are three types of Elixir acoustic guitar strings:

• Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze
• Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze
• Polyweb 80/20 Bronze

There are no Elixir Optiweb acoustic guitar strings.

Polyweb 80/20 strings sound the warmest and feel the slickest compared to the Nanoweb 80/20 strings.

When comparing the Phosphor Bronze and 80/20 Bronze versions of the Elixir Nanoweb strings, the Phosphor Bronze strings sound more percussive and have a faster attack. The Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze strings sound a bit warmer and have more sustain.

In terms of tension, the Polyweb 80/20 Bronze strings are under the lowest tension, followed by the 80/20 Nanoweb Bronze strings and finally the Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze strings are under the most tension.

Gauges Available

Here are all the 6-string sizes available of Elixir Polyweb, Nanoweb and Optiweb strings.

Electric Elixir Strings

Acoustic Elixir Strings

Durability

From most to least durable:

1. Polyweb
2. Nanoweb
3. Optiweb

Since Polyweb strings have the thickest coating so more durable whereas Optiweb strings are the least durable as they have the thinnest coating.

Some players have “acidic hands” which means they have high levels of acidity in their sweat. This is an issue as it can wear guitar strings quite quickly. If this is true for yourself, going with the Nanoweb or better still, Polyweb strings is likely to be beneficial as the thicker coating will protect the strings for wearing out as quickly.

However, all these strings are above average in terms of durability compared to other guitar strings on the market, so don’t be put off the Optiwebs for example if you prefer the feel and tone of them.

Which Should You Choose?

If you are new to coated guitar strings then I recommend going with the Optiweb strings as these are the closest in feeling to regular strings. If you find that you love that extra slickness and want more of it, then consider going for Nanoweb strings next time you restring the guitar.

I would not advise starting with Polyweb strings as a lot of players just aren’t a fan of the slippery, yet stiff feeling of these strings and will miss some of the brightness that is lost at the expense of that thicker coating.

Nanoweb strings are a good middle ground and will suit players who want that nice smooth feeling, but do not want the stiffer feel and warmer tone of the Polywebs.