Babolat RPM Blast

Introduction

The string of choice for none other than Rafael Nadal. Offering a slippery polyester that snaps back on itself for maximum spin and having subtle edges for added bite. Is it all it’s cracked up to be? Let’s see!

I liked...

• the lack of friction between mains and crosses. Even while stringing I could tell that this would have a good amount of spin.

• muted feel, giving me the confidence to slug away at the ball and have it not sail out.

I disliked...

• the tension maintenance is not that great. This string seemed to lose tension fairly quickly compared to other polys on the market.

• the lack of free power in this string. You really have to put your all into each shot to get the distance.
  

What player should use this?

This string is for a player who doesn’t fear taking big cuts at the ball. It really allows you to take full swings and I’d recommend this to an aggressive baseline player. A Dominic Thiem or Stan the Man (who both use this string) type player.

7.7/10 Overall Rating

• 7.5/10 Feel 

• 9/10 Control 

• 6.5/10 Power 

• 7.5/10 Touch

• 8.5/10 Spin 

• 7.5/10 Comfort 

• 8.5/10 Durability 

• 6.5/10 Tension Maintenance

Similar String

• Tecnifibre Black Code - These are very similar in shape and color. If you tried Black Code and you’re looking for a little more control then RPM is a must-try. As I said RPM is a little more muted giving you a great sense of control on the ball. Overall, both are good strings fitting in this category of polyesters.

Last Remarks

Overall, this playtest went well. RPM is a top-selling a.k.a. popular poly along with Alu Power and should try both premium strings to make a decision of which route you want to take. RPM is for the baseline player who wants the confidence to take big cuts at the ball (Thiem, Wawrinka, and Nadal).