What Type Of String Is Babolat RPM Blast? (In-Depth Review)

Published: 
24 June 2023

Babolat RPM Blast is a high-performance tennis string known for its ability to generate heavy spin and provide maximum control. This string has gained popularity among professional players, with notable endorsers including Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Made from octagonal co-polyester material, it offers a unique combination of durability, control, and spin potential, making it a top choice for aggressive players who rely on these attributes to dominate the game.

Designed to produce heavy spin, Babolat RPM Blast is highly suitable for players who engage in powerful, fast-paced gameplay. Its unique construction allows players to maintain optimum control over their shots while delivering exceptional precision and spin generation.

Furthermore, the string offers excellent tension maintenance and durability, making it a reliable choice for high-level play.

Key takeaways:

  • Babolat RPM Blast is an octagonal co-polyester tennis string known for heavy spin and maximum control.
  • This string is popular among professional players, and is well-suited for powerful, fast-paced gameplay.
  • The unique construction of RPM Blast enables exceptional precision, spin generation, and durability.

Babolat RPM Blast Overview

Babolat RPM Blast strings

Babolat RPM Blast is a popular and high-performing tennis string that has been made in France.

Made from a co-polyester material, it is designed to provide players with exceptional control, spin, and durability. Professionals and recreational players alike appreciate the capabilities of this monofilament string, making it a favored choice for many.

The string's construction plays a significant role in its performance. The co-polyester composition provides a unique balance of attributes; it offers impressive spin potential while maintaining excellent control on every shot. This balance makes RPM Blast a versatile option, allowing players to generate powerful strokes without sacrificing accuracy.

One distinguishing feature of Babolat RPM Blast is its octagonal shape, which contributes to its enhanced spin capabilities. The string's surface has additional texture, allowing for better ball grip and improved spin generation.

As a result, players are able to achieve impressive rotations on the ball, making it notably difficult for opponents to return shots effectively.

RPM Blast is part of Babolat's monofilament tennis string lineup, which is known for being particularly durable. This means that the string lasts longer, maintaining its performance quality for an extended period of time. Consequently, players can rely on it to maintain its spin, power, and control throughout multiple matches before needing replacement.

In summary, Babolat RPM Blast is a highly respected tennis string that caters to various player levels and styles. Its co-polyester construction, unique shape, and impressive performance attributes make it a top-tier choice for those seeking a reliable and effective tennis string.

(Click here to learn more about Babolat as a brand)

RPM Blast and Spin

Babolat RPM Blast is a popular choice among tennis players seeking spin-friendly strings. This co-polyester string features an octagonal shape, which enhances its ability to generate spin. It is the choice of professional players like Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Jo Wilfred Tsonga, who are known for their heavy spin shots.

When it comes to spin, the RPM Blast excels in various aspects. Firstly, topspin is maximized with this string due to its unique construction. The octagonal profile creates additional grip on the ball, allowing players to generate more revolutions per minute (RPM), hence the name RPM Blast.

This results in a more aggressive topspin shot, making it harder for opponents to control the returning ball.

Moreover, this string also helps players create precise slice shots. The co-polyester composition enables better control and finesse when hitting slices. With the RPM Blast, players can confidently execute sharp angles and drop shots that require significant spin and touch.

One aspect contributing to the spin-friendly nature of the RPM Blast is its tension. Lower tensions can enhance the spin potential by allowing the strings to deflect further upon contact with the ball. This creates a trampoline effect, which imparts more spin as the ball leaves the racket.

Babolat recommends stringing RPM Blast between 45-62 lbs (20-28 kg), depending on the player's preference and style.

To summarize, Babolat RPM Blast is a spin-friendly string thanks to its unique octagonal shape, co-polyester composition, and tension recommendations. Players using this string can expect to generate aggressive topspin, precise slice shots, and sharp angles, making it a favorite choice for those seeking to dominate rallies with heavy spin.

Playing Attributes

The Babolat RPM Blast is known for a combination of spin, control, durability, and unique playing attributes. This section focuses on two primary aspects: power attributes and control attributes.

Power attributes:

The Babolat RPM Blast is an octagonal-shaped, co-polyester string, which is considered a more firm and durable option compared to other types. While it may not be the most powerful option, it offers players an opportunity to generate pace and spin on the ball, especially when utilizing fast and aggressive strokes.

Despite being slightly less powerful than some other strings, the RPM Blast provides a stable response that ensures consistency in power delivery and ball feel. This allows players to confidently strike the ball without the worry of it getting out of control.

Control attributes:

Control is a significant attribute of the Babolat RPM Blast, lending itself to be a popular choice among professional players.

Thanks to the slick surface and octagonal shape, the strings produce a snapping back effect that results in higher spin potential while retaining control during gameplay. This contributes to a heavier ball that is harder for opponents to return.

Additionally, while the string may be regarded as firm, it does not entirely compromise on comfort. Using full strokes, players are still able to achieve a level of touch and feel that enables them to execute a variety of shots accurately.

This unique combination of spin, control, and comfort makes the Babolat RPM Blast a highly sought-after option for players looking to enhance their game without sacrificing control.

String Characteristics

Gauge choices:

Babolat RPM Blast is available in different gauge options to cater to various player preferences. The gauges range from thin to thick, offering a balance between power, control, and durability.

Some common gauge options include:

  • 1.20mm (18 gauge)
  • 1.25mm (17 gauge)
  • 1.30mm (16 gauge)
  • 1.35mm (15L gauge)

Thinner gauges provide more power, spin, and feel, while thicker gauges offer enhanced durability.

String surface:

The Babolat RPM Blast is an octagonally shaped co-polyester string featuring a cross-linked silicone coating. This unique construction contributes to the string's stiffness, promoting maximum control and heavy spin potential. The silicone coating further adds to the slick surface, allowing the strings to glide and snap back during ball impact.

The RPM Blast's octagonal profile helps grab and pocket the ball very effectively. This characteristic greatly enhances the spin potential, making it a popular choice among professionals like Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem.

Performance Factors

The Babolat RPM Blast is a co-polyester tennis string known for its exceptional performance in terms of control, spin, and durability. Constructed with a high-density co-polyester monofilament, this string allows players to generate incredible spin and control on their shots.

Serving with the RPM Blast results in a firm and consistent feel, ensuring that players can apply maximum pressure on their opponents while maintaining control.

One of the prominent features of RPM Blast is its octagonal shape, which creates a high level of friction between the ball and the string. This friction contributes to the overall spin potential of the string, giving players an edge over their opponents.

Moreover, the unique construction of the string minimizes string movement, facilitating more comfortable and precise swings throughout the game.

When it comes to racket compatibility, the Babolat RPM Blast performs well with different types of rackets, making it suitable for various playing styles. Players can achieve significant pace while serving or exchanging baseline rallies, enabling them to dictate the points and keep their opponents on the defense.

Furthermore, the durability of RPM Blast is noteworthy, as it is constructed from a synthetic material that provides extended playability duration. The string's high resistance to wear and tear allows players to maintain consistent performance for an extended period without the need for frequent restringing.

In summary, the Babolat RPM Blast is an outstanding tennis string that caters to advanced players seeking control, spin, and longevity in their strings. Its exceptional performance factors, such as friction, string movement reduction, racket compatibility, and durability, make it a popular choice among tennis professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Hybrid and Variants

Babolat RPM Blast is a popular tennis string known for its exceptional control and spin. The string is often used in hybrid setups, where players combine different types of strings for their mains and crosses to achieve a customized balance of power, control, and comfort.

In a hybrid string configuration, the Babolat RPM Blast is typically used as the main string due to its ability to generate spin and control. The crosses, on the other hand, should be a more powerful material, providing the necessary power and comfort to complement the characteristics of RPM Blast.

One popular combination is the RPM Blast 125 + Touch VS 130, which pairs the poly-based RPM Blast with a natural gut for a balance of spin, control, feel, and power.

Moreover, some players choose synthetic gut or multifilament strings as their crosses in a hybrid setup with the RPM Blast. For instance, the Babolat RPM Power 125 + Xcel 130 combines the control and spin of RPM Blast with the power and comfort of Xcel, resulting in a versatile and high-performing setup.

In conclusion, Babolat RPM Blast is a versatile and high-performance string that can be used effectively in various hybrid setups. By combining the control and spin of RPM Blast mains with different crosses, players can achieve a balanced and customized playing experience tailored to their specific needs.

Suitable Players

Babolat RPM Blast is a popular co-polyester string that offers various benefits, catering to specific player types. It is known for its spin control and durability, making it an excellent choice for versatile tennis players.

In this section, we will delve into how this string is suitable for advanced players and beginners alike.

RPM Blast for advanced players:

For advanced players, the Babolat RPM Blast can provide plenty of control, spin, and durability. Big hitters will appreciate the string's capacity to generate a heavy ball, allowing them to dominate their opponents during intense gameplay.

The RPM Blast is capable of withstanding the demands of an aggressive playing style, making it an ideal choice for string breakers who often face the issue of frequent string breakage.

Professional tour players, such as Rafael Nadal, have chosen RPM Blast as their go-to string because it supports their style of play with enhanced control and spin potential, making it easier for them to handle heavy shots and outperform their competition.

However, despite its many benefits, some downsides to the RPM Blast include a lack of natural comfort for advanced players with a preference for softer strings. Nevertheless, the control and spin generated by RPM Blast outweigh its shortcomings for most advanced players.

RPM Blast for beginners:

While Babolat RPM Blast is highly recommended for advanced players, beginners can also benefit from this string.

Generally, beginners should select a more comfortable string, but in this case, RPM Blast offers advantages that make it suitable for new players. The added control that RPM Blast offers can help build confidence in beginners by allowing them to concentrate on their technique while mitigating unforced errors.

Additionally, the durability of the RPM Blast is an essential aspect of consideration for beginners, who may not want to incur regular expenses on restringing their racquets. RPM Blast ensures that new players have a durable option that lasts longer, even with regular use.

However, one potential downside for beginners using RPM Blast is that they might not be able to leverage the maximum spin potential it offers, as they are still honing their skills in generating spin effectively. Regardless, RPM Blast remains a good option for beginners seeking control and durability in their strings.

In conclusion, Babolat RPM Blast is a versatile string that caters to different player types and skill levels. Whether you are an advanced player seeking control and spin or a beginner looking for durability and added control, RPM Blast can be a suitable choice for your game.

RPM Blast vs Competitors

RPM Blast vs Luxilon ALU Power:

Babolat RPM Blast and Luxilon ALU Power are two of the most accomplished tennis strings ever made. The RPM Blast is known for being the string of choice for players like Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Jo Wilfred Tsonga.

On the other hand, Luxilon ALU Power is also popular among several professional players. When comparing these two strings, there are some key differences:

  • Power: Luxilon ALU Power is known to offer higher power compared to the RPM Blast.
  • Spin: RPM Blast provides similar spin potential to Luxilon ALU Power, with its octagonal shape and grippy texture.
  • Feel: Luxilon ALU Power has a softer, more comfortable feel, making it more suitable for players who prioritize comfort.
  • Durability: Both strings exhibit good durability, but the RPM Blast seems to offer slightly better tension maintenance over time.

RPM Blast vs Volkl Cyclone:

Another competitor of the Babolat RPM Blast is the Volkl Cyclone. These two strings are often compared because of their similar performance characteristics. Here's how they stack up against each other:

  • Spin: The spin potential of both strings is comparable, thanks to their respective textured surfaces, allowing for easy access to heavy topspin.
  • Control: RPM Blast offers greater control, making it an ideal choice for aggressive players who need precision in their shots.
  • Comfort: Volkl Cyclone is known for its softer and more comfortable feel when compared to the stiffer RPM Blast.
  • Tension Maintenance: While both strings offer good tension maintenance, players have reported that the Cyclone tends to lose tension more quickly than the RPM Blast.

In conclusion, the choice of strings ultimately depends on individual preferences and playing styles. Some players may prioritize power and comfort, opting for Luxilon ALU Power, while others might find the control and spin potential of RPM Blast more appealing.

Similarly, the softer feel of Volkl Cyclone might be preferred by some, while others may value the control and tension maintenance offered by RPM Blast.

Tip

Click here to find out how long Babolat RPM Blast lasts!

Notable Endorsements

Babolat RPM Blast is a popular tennis string known for its performance and durability. It has gained considerable attention and recognition in the tennis world, primarily due to its notable endorsers.

Three prominent tennis players stand out among these endorsers: Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Rafael Nadal, often referred to as "Rafa," has been the poster boy for Babolat RPM Blast. With his aggressive playstyle and powerful topspin, Nadal has consistently showcased the string's ability to generate heavy spin and control.

This partnership has not only enhanced the string's reputation but also contributed to Nadal's impressive career achievements, including multiple Grand Slam titles.

Another high-profile player who trusts Babolat RPM Blast is Dominic Thiem. Known for his powerful groundstrokes and all-court skills, Thiem's choice of string plays a vital role in supporting his aggressive game. The Austrian tennis star has found success using the RPM Blast, as evidenced by his multiple ATP titles and a Grand Slam victory.

French player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is also an avid user of Babolat RPM Blast. With his aggressive playing style and remarkable net skills, Tsonga demands a string that offers a combination of power, spin, and control. Babolat's RPM Blast has proven to be a perfect fit for Tsonga, complementing his gameplay and contributing to his former top-10 ATP ranking and numerous titles throughout his career.

In summary, Babolat RPM Blast has secured its position among the top tennis strings by offering players excellent spin, control, and durability. The endorsements by renowned tennis players such as Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga demonstrate the string's ability to cater to top-level professionals' demanding requirements. Such endorsements also contribute to its widespread usage and reputation in the tennis community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does RPM Blast differ from RPM Rough?

While both Babolat RPM Blast and RPM Rough are co-polyester strings, they differ in their surface texture. RPM Blast offers an octagonal profile, while RPM Rough features additional surface roughness, providing more grip on the ball for increased spin potential. These variations in texture suit different player preferences and styles.

What are the benefits of using Babolat RPM Blast as a tennis string?

Using Babolat RPM Blast offers spin, control, and durability for tennis players. The unique profile and composition of the string allow players, especially those with fast swing speeds, to generate heavy topspin with consistent performance on the court.

Is Babolat RPM Blast suitable for arm comfort?

While the Babolat RPM Blast is known for its spin and control, it may feel too firm and underpowered for players with slower stroke styles, leading to possible discomfort in the arm. Players seeking a softer and more comfortable string should consider alternative options to suit their needs.

How does RPM Blast compare to other Babolat strings?

RPM Blast is part of Babolat's RPM string family, which includes the RPM Dual, RPM Team, and RPM Rough strings. Compared to these, RPM Blast offers the best balance of spin, control, and durability.

However, RPM Blast might be less suited for players seeking power or comfort, as it may feel stiffer and less lively than some other Babolat strings like the Xcel or Pro Hurricane Tour.

What are the available gauges for Babolat RPM Blast?

Babolat RPM Blast is available in various gauges to suit player preferences, including 16, 16L, 17gauges, and 18 gauges. The string's page at Babolat's official website provides more information on selecting the appropriate gauge for individual needs.

Conclusion

Babolat RPM Blast is a co-polyester tennis string designed for advanced players who prioritize control, spin, and durability. This high-density co-polyester monofilament is constructed to provide outstanding responsiveness, allowing players to generate powerful spin and control on their shots.

The string's octagonal shape and silicone coating contribute to its unique performance characteristics. Professionals such as Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Jo Wilfred Tsonga have chosen Babolat RPM Blast as their preferred tennis string, further solidifying its reputation in the tennis world.

Some players may find the string to be too firm and underpowered for their playing style, emphasizing the importance of personal preferences when selecting a tennis string. Nonetheless, for those seeking a blend of control, spin, and durability, Babolat RPM Blast embodies the qualities many advanced players look for in a tennis string.

In summary, Babolat RPM Blast stands out as a top choice for advanced tennis players, offering a unique combination of control, spin, and durability. Its design and construction cater to the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike, making it a valuable choice for those seeking to elevate their game.

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Neil Taylor

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