Overview
Formerly called RPM Blast Rough
RPM Rough is the textured version of RPM Blast, one of the most popular co-polys ever made. Like the standard RPM Blast, this string is a co-polymer monofilament with an octagonal shape and a special cross-linked silicone coating. RPM Rough is perfect for aggressive players who like to attack the ball with long, fast strokes. Our playtesters found it a tad softer and more powerful than the original RPM Blast, resulting in a slightly more penetrating shot. With its grippy surface, you'll find plenty of bite for bringing the ball down with spin. The durability is also quite high, making this a great option for string breakers.
This 1.25mm version offers a tad more spin potential and feel but less durability than the 16 and 15L versions.
- Gauge: 17/1.25mm
- Length: 40ft/12m
- Composition: Co-polyester Monofilament
- Color: Grey, Red, Yellow
Previous Feedback
Comments: This string is indeed great, but has major flaw too. It is coated with silicon or something similar and it lasts maybe one hour on my Aero Pro Drive, after this it feels very mediocre. So it's best string ever for one hour then you need to switch the racquet. More-so the string is powerful, so once the silicon is off, the ball starts to fly. So make sure if you use this string you need to string three to four racquets and then nothing can stop you. For me personally I prefer other strings with less spin, but stable for four to six hours of hitting. I am a 5.0 level player.
From:Alex, 9/20/20
Comments: Compared to the RPM Blast, the Rough is softer in feel and more springy. The ball could fly on me, which made it unpredictable. I prefer the RPM Blast which has a more precise feel and more controllable power.
From:jamesn, 4/19/20
Comments: Strung at 59 pounds and it offers consistently good spin and power. Playing several times a week it loses some tension in about two weeks and breaks fairly quickly compared to other strings, but this is the 1.25 mm version, so that is to be expected. I'd recommend.
From:Brett, 3/27/20
Comments: I have been playing with RPM Blast and gut hybrid for many years. Tried this set up with RPM Blast rough/gut and prefer the original set up. I was looking to create more spin in a more elbow friendly string.Pros: It is very plush and is easier on the elbow.Cons: It has a muted feel. The string bed is inconsistent. I thought it was underpowered compared to the original and does not create any additional spin. I could hit out better with the original.
From:Dante, 9/30//18
Comments: Strung a Pure Drive at 55 lbs and played 2 sets. Immediately fell in love. Much more forgiving than RPM Blast original, and I can feel spin straight away. Not nearly as harsh as original, elbow loves it too.
From:Rod, 2/25/18
Comments: Plush feel strings but I was a little disappointed with the lack of bite of this string compared to the Pure Hurricane Tour 17 which is crisp and has a nicer pop. Strung the RPM Blast rough on both Pure Aero and AeroPro Drive and the strings work better with the more open string pattern of the Pure Aero. On the APD, it lacks bite which is unusual as this is an "ultimate spin" string as marketed by Babolat. Also noticed this string creates spin by pocketing effect meaning the spin will be felt more on new hard balls and hard hitters. For junior players who don't hit has hard and using softer balls the spin is lacking.
From:FJ, 10/26/17
Comments: String tension dropped too fast. I just left it for a few days and the tension dropped. Very powerful, dampened string (inconsistent power though). Seems to lack spin.
From:John, 10/20/17
Comments: Played one session with this string, spin is average. However, it comes with good power (very high for a poly) and it is super comfortable (dampened and a soft, mushy feel). Will recommend this string as a cross hybrid with a stiffer, spinny poly to fully optimize this string to its strength. On side note, the first few shots (literally just a few) were pretty dead, low powered and then the string sort of broke in. Strung at 48lbs on a Wilson Ultra Tour.
From:J, 10/15/17
Comments: I have liked it so far after 3 hours. Good power 8/10, nice spin 8/10, good for backhand slice 9/10, topspin forehand 9/10, good touch 8/10, control when hitting hard 7/10, arm friendly 8/10, defence 7/10, tension 6/10. Very very nice feel for me. I enjoyed playing with it so far. Very lively and crisp, good sound and pop and yes a lot of spin and touch. Balls came down right where they need to. Much much more life inside compared to the Yonex Poly Tour Pro. Played low with 46/48 lbs in a Yonex EZONE Xi 98. Nice experience. This one is on my list for switching but I ll test some more!
From:Andre, 9/8/17
Comments: Got a reel of this stuff and put it in my new PureAero VS at 57 lbs as a full bed and it's amazing! I strung it up about 2 weeks ago and have been playing 2-3 days a week with very high level juniors I work with and they still are holding up and just now starting to notch! I don't think they will break any time soon! I'm ripping balls and they are staying in -- balls that usually sail a foot or 2 are now inside the baseline! Great job Babolat!
From:Matt, 4/28/17
Comments: Great string. At the first strike, I felt the incredible control and crisp feel. The spin that it generates is awesome. Strung at 53 lbs in a Wilson ProStaff 97 LS.
From:Gerardo, 4/7/17
Comments: Strung at 51x48 lbs in a Yonex DR98. Normally I string with Cyclone Tour at same tension. Will not be switching to the RPM Rough. Feel, pocketing, power potential are all vastly better with the Cyclone Tour. Wanted to like it, but I didn't.
From:Richard, 4/7/17
Comments: Nice and crisp feel with the string. Good spin and control. But feels like I lost tension very quick after just a set. Strung it at 55 lbs in a full bed on my RF97.
From:Vas, 3/2/17