In the field of cable modeling, many models have been proposed to describe the mechanical behavior of simple straight strands under axial loading, and the predictions of these models have been compared to experimental data when available. However, the validity domain of these models has not been evaluated yet because the experimental results reported in the literature are very limited. This problem is addressed here, the results from nine linear elastic models of a 6 + 1 wire single layered strand (simple straight strand) subjected to static axial loads being compared with values from 3D finite element modeling. The analytical models are shown to give satisfactory estimations of the elastic stiffness constants for lay angles below 20 degrees. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.