Tennis Warehouse

Babolat RPM Blast 17 String Customer feedback

Comments: Finally, after 20 tries at different strings combos I have found the perfect string. I strung it at 54 lbs on my Volkl Organix 8 315 and I have a weapon! Plenty of power and control and it lasts without dying out. It is very easy to string. Well worth it, thank you Babolat.
From: Jo, 4/12

Comments: Pretty decent string, definitely worth a try. Nice pop, excellent dwell time, easy on the arm. Actually prefer Weiss TurboTwist, though, since it has a slightly crisper feel and retains tension better.
From: ZekeZ

Comments: BETTER THAN NATURAL GUT! Yes, go ahead and raise your eyebrow. Listen, I have 2 exactly the same racquets, one with with Babolat VS Team 17g Natural Gut and the other with Babolat RPM Blast 17g. I keep switching the 2 racquets after every 15 minutes and found the RPM Blast 17g to be a lot softer, more powerful, and way more spinnier than the Natural Gut strung racquet. The only real advantage that Natural Gut have is its crisper, control feel. Other than that, RPM Blast tops it all. This type of string should be illegal. That's how good it really is!
From: Philip, 3/12

Comments: After trying so many polys and experiencing the same things, GREAT TO START, uncontrollable after 3- 5 hours of play. So far first hour this string is AWESOME, I like control over power so I decided to string at 64 to see if when tension dropped it would stabilize in a good range. Thought the string would be harsh at 64 but was surprised that it played softer than I thought. Great bite, pocketing and control, plenty of spin. Ill post more updates as time goes. I hope someday to find a poly that stays good for a decent amount of time, otherwise Im back to my X-One Biphase which plays stiff for first hour but then is good till the string breaks, I tell people that many times I pop the string on a winner.
From: Eddie Muniz, 3/12

Comments: I never associated tennis performance to equipment alone, such as racquets or strings, but I truly believe that this string will improve your game. RPM Blast is the BEST string out there. This is the only string that maintains control and spin potential, even after dropping in tension. It offers a great combination of power, spin, and control, as well as a good pocketing of the ball. When I strung my Youtek Prestige MP with this string, all of my usual hitting partners were having trouble returning my shots and all of them stated that I was hitting unorthodox heavy balls. I have not changed my technique and believe the capacity of pace and spin allows for this heavy ball effect, where your shots will land in the court with dangerous spin and pace. I highly recommend this string, despite its high price as it also lasts a relatively long time compared to other polyesters.
From: Tony, 3/12

Comments: Played two and half sets strung at 57 w/ soft multi crosses. My arm was KILLING me the next day. Strings were shot after 1.5 hours. Moved all over the place, no control on groundies.
From: Kevin, 2/12

Comments: I agree with Oscar. I got it strung on my Pure Drive GT and it made my arm hurt. It was very pingy and harsh. I don't know if it's the string or the combo of the racket and string.
From: Anon, 2/12

Comments: Phenomenal string. I tried just about every string made by Babolat with my Pure Drive Roddick Plus racket. I was worried about some comments stating that these strings are hard for the elbow. Not so. It is softer than Addiction, Feel and Excel strings which are supposed to be comfort strings under the same conditions 17 gauge at 56 lbs. It's even better than VS Touch natural gut. It gives me the best control, power and spin of any string I've tried. My serve and volleys improved quite a bit using this string. I also played 5 hours straight and my elbow feels fine where I was quitting at 3 hours before with other strings as I felt discomfort coming on my elbow.
From: Steve kawamura, 1/12

Comments: A coach of a nationally ranked junior player recommended the string to me. I love the playability of it. It has great control, great power and tremendous bite. What he failed to tell me is that I would be lucky to get 4 hours of tennis out of each stringing. At its price, it's hard to justify the bang for the buck! Time to make a change and save some money.
From: Matt, 10/11

Comments: I used this on a Babolat Pure Drive GT and a full bed killed my arm, if I was to use this I'd recommend using it in the mains and a softer string for the crosses.
From: Oscar, 10/11

Comments: First I used Babolat RPM Blast 16g then switched to the 17g and loved the feel it gave me with more power. So I went a step further and tried the 18g and it ruined my game. The 17g is perfect for my game (a lot of topspin) and helps add power to my shots. It normally only last me a month due to the amount I play so it's an expensive string, but I believe it's worth it!
From: Zach, 9/11

Comments: I never post but this string really killed my arm after playing only a few hours with it. My son loves it so I tried it but it was just painful. If you are young and have a good arm it should be fine.
From: Doug, 9/11

Comments: I thought this was a fantastic string. A lot of spin and A LOT of pop and power if strung a few pounds lower than usual. Though control was sacrificed. I had a hard time stringing it as well.
From: Benjamin, 8/11

Comments: Probably the best string I've ever played with. The RPM Blast set up is like no other string I have ever used. They seem to die after about 2 or 3 good sessions, but somehow they come back. So if you have these strings, and they seem dead really fast, give them some time, and they come back stronger and better than ever.
From: Brad, 8/11

Comments: This string is the best I've ever used. I play well over 10 hours a week, and it lasts quite a while. I haven't seen any signs of the string being dead.
From: Sam, 7/11

Comments: I have tried to string a new Babolat Aero Pro Drive twice with the Babolat RPM Blast 1.25. And twice the string broke when I worked on the crosses on different places.
From: Bas. 6/11

Comments: I agree with many of the comments above. RPM Blast does die pretty quickly, and it's super soft. First time, I was like, this is better than anything else I've ever tried, and the crisp, pop, and spin was more than I would have ever asked for. After 6 hrs of playing, it does seem dead.
From: Hyeoncheol. 6/11

Comments: This is a awesome string. Before this string I used Luxilon Big Banger Original and was not getting enough topspin. So I switched and now I have more than enough. I really recommend this string to anyone who wants to put more spin on the ball.
From: Kyle. 5/11

Comments: Babolat strings have really only gotten stiffer as they keep developing their technology. Pro Hurricane is a great string while it lasts, but it dies quickly as does RPM Blast. The 17 Gauge is great, but it only lasts for about 2 hours of hitting. After that, the balls really start flying off of the strings and I lost all control over the ball.
From: Alex. 5/11

Comments: One great thing about this string is it always springs back into place. This should make for a more consistent ball. I'm still playing with different tensions. I started at 57 lbs and have been working my way down with last at 45 lbs. Even at 45 the strings still snap back and self realign.
From: Keith, Sacramento. 5/11
3.5 / Babolat AeroPro Drive GT

Comments: Below is the rundown of my string history. I thought players who like what I like might get a better idea of the type of player this string appeals to. Former "go to" strings: Unique Big Hitter mains, Wilson Stamina crosses. I tried and liked (hybrid everything with Stamina in the crosses): Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour, Luxilon ALU Rough, Luxilon Adrenaline and Signum Pro Poly Plasma Orange. I also tried and didn't like: Babolat Revenge, Kirschbaum Spiky Shark, Wilson Enduro Pro and Pacific X Force. My current Setup with a Babolat Pure Storm Tour. RPM Blast 17 mains @ 58lbs with Stamina crosses @ 58lbs. Bottom line: I like the crisp sound and pocketing feel. Good controlled "ball grab" and so far seems to hold its tension well. Also important-I think it looks amazing in a PST.
From: T, NC, USA. 4/11

Comments: I was able to get RPM Blast before it was being fully marketed. I was told it was "the best thing on the market", so I tried it out. Three days into it, I finally broke down and cut the strings out of my racquet. My elbow was killing me. I'm a tennis director at a club in SC, and I would never recommend this string to anyone. It dies too quickly and is way too unforgiving on your body.
From: Josh, Colombia, SC, USA. 4/11
NTRP Rating: 5.0

Comments: Overrated in my opinion. It was just like the Pro Hurricane Tour, but it's black and stiffer feeling.
From: Paul, USA. 4/11

Comments: It's a great string with a lot of pop, power and spin. The durability and elasticity are bad if you are a flat hard hitter and have it strung more than 55 lbs. There is lots of spin potential even with less spin friendly racquets. It definitely has a softer feel when compared to other poly strings with the same gauge. The backhand slice is more technique demanding for speed and precision.
From: Jerry, Queensland, Australia. 4/11

Comments: I have a Kilppermate drop weight stringing machine and I've had trouble trying to string my friends stick with this string. I know that polyester is stiffer than most strings, but I need some tips on how to get the job done, if you have any tips it would help a lot.
From: John, TX, USA, 03/11
(John, this would be a great question to post on our message boards under the Stringing Techniques / Stringing Machines forum. --TW Staff)

Comments: Comfortable string for my golfers elbow. When I dropped the tension to 58lbs from 60lbs the ball pocketing dramatically increased. I can also cut loose with confidence on a flat serve and the ball drops right in. For my backhand I have to really close the face to keep it in.
From: Paul, Fullerton, CA, USA, 03/11
Level 4.0

Comments: This string made my elbow hurt so much after 5 or 6 hours of playing.
From: Jon, Pittsford, NY. 3/11

Comments: What is the ideal string tension for this kind of string in a Babolat Aerostorm GT? Please comment on this because I had it strung 50lbs. in the mains and 53lbs. in the crosses. Is this ideal?
From: John, Bohol, Philippines, 02/11
(John, string tensioning is very subjective, take a look at the "Tension" section of our article on strings and stringing and read all about the nuances.--TW Staff)

Comments:Very good string although not at first feel. :D I first Strung it in Babolat AeroPro Drive GT + and I hybrid it with ebox natural gut (I think this string only at Indonesia) Strung @ 54/56lbs. It had tooooooooo much power; there is no control at all. But when my Babolat Pure Drive GT + string broke I used this string in the mains along pro hurricane feel at crosses @ 58lbs. It changed my opinion about this string. This string came with good spin potential and control and it does not hurt my arm like Ashaway crossfire 18. It makes me very happy. I'd rate it 9.5/10
From: Chandra, Pekanbaru, Indonesia, 02/11

Comments: Very good string, especially when used in a hybrid setup. Great spin, good feel and power. Much better than the 16 gauge!
From: D.R., VA, 02/11

Comments: I use the Babolat RPM Blast 17 string in my Babolat Aero Pro Drive racquets. My main concern was comfort given my previous painful experiences with Luxilon strings. I the strung the RPM Blast 17 at 50 lbs. I have to say I am delighted with the power, control and comfort these strings deliver. My serves are more powerful and accurate and I am swinging my strokes with such confidence knowing my shots will still go in. To me it's the best poly string in the market right now.
From: Anon, 02/11

Comments: AMAZING! These are outstanding strings for players seeking to enhance spin. Amazing control and feel with these. I have them in my Babolat Aero ProDrive Team Gt, Strung @ 57lbs and they are ideal. The most notable difference with these was my serve. I was instantly hitting serves much better and using it as a weapon.
From: Ryan, Seattle, WA, USA, 01/11

Comments: I'm currently fourteen and play with a Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200. I think the only problem with this string is the power. I feel I really just don't get enough power to deliver the ball well. I can get perfect spin and great control but I suspect, because of the small head size, I don't get as much power as I would like. I don't want to turn you off to this string though, it is a good one if you have a larger headsize.
From: Danny, New York City, NY, USA, 01/11

Comments: I just got these strings on my new Babolat Pure Drive. I don't know if it's just me but I'm getting no bite out of them. My serve is normally fast but with these strings I'm finding that my serve has been slower then normal. But the spin is great!
From: Matt, Australia, 01/11

Comments: These strings are awesome. It's quite a bit softer then PH's and pockets really well. Spin generation is pretty good. For me I had just as good feel and power as synthetic gut. I was playing with OS Micro before. Just liked the feeling but this is amazing string. Tried a myriad of other strings, from Lux to Topspin to Blue Gear. Amazing stuff.... But trick is to string 2-3 lbs above normal. I play on 90 frames and first 2 hours going to be break in, but after that you really have a string that perform pretty consistently. I believe this is the tip from the forums.
From: Ken, San Francisco, CA, 01/11
NTRP 4.0

Comments: Definitely softer than Pro Hurricane 17 but after 2 times out with my new Prestige MP it's bothering me (at 60 lbs). That's just not comfortable enough for me. Spin production is good and I hit some monster serves (125 +) with great control but it's bothering me on forehands. It does have some better pocketing than even PH 18 but I guess I should go back to using Gamma synthetic gut, which I reverted back to when PH 18 in a hybrid set up made my elbow sensitive. RPM does pocket much better just not enough. I guess I'm just an older school player.
From: John, Portland, OR, USA, 01/11

Comments: I have to comment on these strings because I did a before and after "experiment" with my daughter. She is a competitive junior player who is strong, with a lot power but inconsistent control. My son, who is also a competitive player, has been playing with RPM since the beginning of the summer and the control he gets with these strings are so amazing. It sometimes seems as though the ball has a magnet for the lines. I decided to switch my daughter's strings to RPM. (Actually RPM in the mains at 57 and gut in the crosses. She had Luxilon/gut previously- same tension) It is night and day the amount of spin that she is able to generate. Creating topspin consistently has been an ongoing problem for her. She is able to create awesome angles to open up the court. I am sold on these strings. Don't think that using these strings will change mediocrity to greatness but if you have the game, I believe that RPM can take you to a different level. She uses Wilson BLX Pro Tour.
From: Gwen, Sarasota, FL, USA, 11/10

Comments: I put this string on a Babolat Pure Drive. Strung it on mains at 52 and on the crosses I used Babolat Duralast at 54. Best feeling strings that I have ever used. Nice pop and control of the shots. Not too worried about over swinging with these strings, the ball tends to always land in the court.
From: Stephen, Lake Charles, LA, 11/10

Comments: Be careful with this string if you have any tendency to develop tennis elbow. This string is very unforgiving.
From: Joe, Shelburne, VT, USA, 11/10
USTA 3.5

Comments:Spin, Power, Control, this string is awesome for an hour.....then everything starts to go long and serves stop going in. Switch racquets and shots are going in again! I'm not Nadal, nor does Babolat sponsor me, so I can't have my racquets strung before every match... I'm going back to something that lasts.
From: Dennis, Baton Rouge, LA, USA, 11/10

Comments: This string started out sick with spin and pop, but after about 10hrs it just went flat. I strung a full bed at 57 and it really is a great feeling string with bite like I've never seen. I would highly recommend for a tournament, but be prepared to restring often. If I try it again, I'll probably mix it with syn gut to make it last longer.
From: Chad, Arlington, TX, USA, 11/10
NTRP Rating: 4.0

Comments: I love the 1st shot I made but after few hours of hitting my shots became so lousy. Its durability doesn't go well, I don't know if it's just me or what? Before I used Luxilon adrenaline 16l at 61 but now my RPM was at 58. My coach was the one who put that tension and something went wrong with the sound of the impact after few hours but with performance at the beginning it was the best.
From: Jason, Philippines, 10/10

Comments: From the first time I hit with this string, I thought that I would love PHT more than RPM. But after 2 hours of play, I started to feel the spin, accuracy and the forgiveness of this string. Spin cross court backhands become so easy and my forehand kept inside the baseline. So far so good for this string except the price. The best string I have ever used. I strung it at 60 lbs but maybe I'll put it 56 lbs for next string job.
From: Nikki, 10/10

Comments: What is there to say? I use an APDC formally with PHT strings @61 lbs. A buddy of mine recently told me that I should try these RPM's. At first I shied away from it because I'm a fan of the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" motto but when I restrung my APDC with RPMs and went out to hit, I was simply amazed. This string holds tension very well, better control, more pop, and you can actually feel a better bite on the ball than PHT. For me, definitely worth the money.
From: Marshall, Greencastle, Pa USA, 10/10

Comments: Have been playing with Luxilon 127 on a Head Radical OS Agassi and tried a set of RPM at 54lbs for the past two weeks. I hit 4 to 5 days a week and report no problems with arm, shoulder or elbow. Despite my misgivings, the strings surpass expectations. Haven't loosened or become mushy and balls hit flat are moving off it with pace and accuracy, as well as with good bite off top spin shots. Slice serves are going over with great movement and spin off the ground, flat ones may be less effective, or is that just my age and damaged back?
From: Stewart, Harrisburg, PA, USA, 10/10
Former tour player and coach

Comments: I have found my dream setup: RPM blast 17 with the Becker Pro. I had been using the PHT alone and once as a hybrid with Xcel. While they were quite good for 2 matches, after that, the tension loss was just unbearable: dead and mushy, no pop whatsoever. Not sure what the RPM's are going to yield durability wise, but if they're as durable as people say they are, then this is it: this is my string.
Much more feel on the ball than with PHT and with my topspin forehand and one handed backhand, I can really feel how the strings bite into the ball, hold it for just a moment and explodes off the brush with amazing topspin. With a full follow-through and no fear, 90% of my groundies went nice and deep with great acceleration after the bounce. Slice backhands and subtraction shots are also amazingly frustrating for the opponent.
Verdict is out on durability, but for the first 3 matches, this string has witnessed me play the best I ever have.
From: Stephan, Kula, HI, USA, 10/10

Comments: This string is fantastic! The first 6 hours I hit with it I did not hit one ball long!! After 6 hours the string becomes less impressive - but still very good. It eventually broke on the 12th hour of hard hitting. GREAT STRING IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT!!!! 4.5 hard hitting baseliner
From: MartyMar, Seattle, WA, USA, 09/10

Comments: Excellent string. Great pop off the ball, spin is there even with a 18x20 string pattern. Serves were on the money! Played with it 5 hrs and still alive! 4.5 playa Y/T Prestige MP.
From: Pauly, New York, NY, USA, 09/10

Comments: One word, WOW!!! This string is the best poly I've ever hit with! When I read & heard that Nadal & Roddick upgraded to this new RPM Blast, being the Pro Hurricane Tour fan I am, I bought a pack as soon as I could & strung my racquet up. I fell in love with this string on the first few strokes! The light softness accompanied by the octagonal design gave me the perfect amount of spin to keep the ball within the lines while maintaining a sense of arm comfort. Serves & volleys felt solid despite bad reviews I've heard about this string when it comes to touch shots. All in all, an excellent, well-rounded co-poly! If you are a poly lover, this is definitely at least a must try!!!
From: Shane, HI, USA, 09/10

Comments: I strung this on my EXO3 Ignite Team at 52 as suggested on the package, which is lower than I have strung any other string on my racquets. Even at such a low tension, I found this string to be just as stiff as most other polys and it didn't feel too good on my arm. Playability was fine but I didn't find it to be as spectacular as most claim. Definitely not worth the high price tag that Babolat is gouging everyone for.
From: Bill, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 09/10
Level: 4.0

Comments: A couple of months ago I wrote: "I really like this string. I have both 17 ga and 16 ga. the 16 ga feels a little softer, but the 17 ga gives more feel and bite...." I would like to post an update. I took almost 4 weeks off for vacation, and when I played again, my arm was sore again. This has never happened before to me, and I think it's the string. Also, now with the strings 2 months old (with one month of not playing) the strings feel quite dead on the racquet. The soft feel is still there, but the pop is not. I think I will be switching back to a multifilament (Biphase or NXT), perhaps in a hybrid with Babolat gut.
From: David, Weston, CT, USA, 09/10
(David, it sounds like your strings did "die." Strings in this stage in a racquet are more likely to cause arm problems and it's usually better to replace them at this point--TW Staff)

Comments: I was playing with the Tecnifibre X-One 17G and it felt great, the only problem was that I kept breaking strings every 2 days and it became expensive for me. After trying the RPM 17G at 56lbs, it felt harder and I didn't get feedback on my shots so I decided to lower the tension to 54lbs with awesome results. I love to hit heavy topspin shots and this string gave me an extra bite that my partners can't handle very well. Overall great string at the right tension. My racquet is a YONEX RDIS 300.
From: Carlos, Monterrey, Mexico. 08/10

Comments: I just had my Roddick Pure Drive strung with the RPM 17's in the crosses and Babolat VS Gut in the mains both at 60 lbs. In 30 years of playing I have never found a better combination. The feel is unbelievable...total control and the power is scary. My partner asked me to tone it down a bit because the pace of the ball was too fast for him to respond to. Someone else posted a comment saying that the ball easily drops down at the last second keeping the ball in. I had the same experience on my cross-court backhand topspin...and all shots for that matter. My previous combo was the VS Gut in the mains at 55 and Lux Ace 18 gauge in the crosses at 50 lbs. The difference is night and day. Comfort, Control and Power...you will feel the ball like never before. Don't walk...Run out to get these on your racquet.
From: Ian, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 08/10
Level: 4.5

Comments: This string gives me the biggest spin ever. However, I don't think it's as powerful, or as explosive as Luxilon Big Banger Rough.
From: Dickson, HK, 08/10

Comments: If you've never felt that a string was too stiff, too spinny, or too powerful for you, this is a must-try string. Not for everyone, but for the power baseliner this is a treat rivaled by the best textured polyesters (in my experience Black Code and Spiky Shark).
From: Anon. 8/10

Comments: This is an excellent string for the crosses, but do not use a full bed! It becomes too mushy to put on the mains I've found. That being said, as a player who prefers a full poly bed this is the best string I've ever used in the crosses of a racquet. Your slice serve will immediately reap the benefits and you'll be able to get easy net clearance, pop, control and most importantly of all, PLACEMENT on your kick serve. The 17 gauge is great but I may try the 16 at some point. In general I use Babolat Hurricane Feel 16 or 17, Kirschbaum Pro Line II 17 or Luxilon ACE 18 in the Mains. This string gives the best top spin on the market and will give big hitters even more pop but also keep them from hitting the ball out.
From: Jason, Gaithersburg, MD, USA, 08/10
Level: 4.5

Comments: I really like this string. I have both 17 ga and 16 ga. the 16 ga feels a little softer, but the 17 ga gives more feel and bite. I am able to take a big swing and the ball stays in, and when I do a windshield wiper forehand, the ball hops off the court. I have not noticed a big drop in tension the way other people remark, even after several hours of play. I strongly recommend this string. Cons: my arm is a bit more sore. I don't know if this is from the string or because I have been inspired to play more because of the nice feel on the string! On one racquet, I hit a serve near the frame and the strings popped, and it was a brand new string job.
4.0 player, Dunlop Aerogel 300 16x19 with lots of lead tape, 57 lbs tension
From: David, Weston, CT, USA, 07/10

Comments: I have a Wilson K Six.One 95 16x18 that I strung with RPM Blast 17 in the mains and Gamma Live Wire XP 17 in the crosses, both at 57 tension. I saw another player use this hybrid at my club so I decided to try it out. RPM Blast and Live Wire XP provides great feel, great spin, and moderate power and control. I had previously tried out the RPM Blast by itself, but it loses tension much to quickly. It's good for a couple hours of vigorous play, then it starts to die. Also, RPM by itself didn't give me the desired pop and feel that I discovered when I hybrided it. Basically, RPM Blast alone is alright, but when you hybrid it the result is excellent!! STRONGLY RECOMMEND.
From: Joel, NY, USA. 07/10

Comments: This string is quite a good choice for the competitive player with quite a bit of experience and skill. I use a Head Microgel Prestige Pro Mid Plus, and with this string I was able to create more power, control and definitely more comfort. I am a hitting partner at the Hyundai Hopman Cup, held in Perth when I tried this string once and felt as though It was a great string. Highly recommend this string as a try. Go for the thinner gauge, it doesn't lose any durability but gives you more power and feel. Definitely a good string.
From: Matt, Perth, WA, Australia. 6/10

Comments: Update: This is an ok poly (soft) for about 10-12 hrs, after that you're on your own, meaning it gets mushy so you have to constantly adjust your strokes. Maybe @ 60-62 gets better result or if you hybrid it.
From: Mort.Darius. level 5.0, Bethesda, MD, USA. 6/10

Comments: String this string a little higher than you would want it, like 2 lbs higher. It's kinda soft but after a while feels a little mushy. Generates the same amount of spin as I would already have done on another string set up... power difference is noticeable good string overall; just feels a little mushy sometimes.
From: Anon, 06/10

Comments: I thought this string was ok. It has a soft mushy feel to it. I prefer a more clean crisp feel. Spin was great, power and control ok. It took a lot of effort to hit the ball with power compared to other strings.
From: Ryan, Toronto, Canada. 6/10

Comments: I have this strung @ 60 lbs on my Pure Drive Cortex and clocked in about 5.5 hours so far. For a poly, it's pretty comfortable and control is still manageable. The string allows for good ball pocketing and power is definitely there. The spin characteristics makes as if the ball lands further than you intend then drops it at the last moment literally on the line which is pretty cool once you adjust to it.
From: Ben, W.P.B., Florida, USA. 06/10

Comments: I feel this string is more comfortable and soft than other polys I have tried. However, I don't believe that this string allowed me to hit with any more topspin than I already had. I'm not to sure if I can exactly feel the ball and how much spin I put on the ball. I think I have to hit with it for a while longer. I hit with a semi to full western grip, and a lot of topspin. I hit twice for a bout 4 hours each and the string seems to maintain tension very well. Other than that, I don't think this string is unique compared to any other brands. It does look cooler than any other string on my APDGT.
From: Anon. 06/10

Comments: Just cut out my ALU Power and thought I would give this string a try. I typically hit flat, but was really curious about this string. My thoughts: Very impressive string. Effortless topspin, even when I wasn't trying. String also seems gentle on my TE, but time will tell. I'm definitely going to play around with this string!
From: Dougery, Seattle, WA, USA, 06/10

Comments: Good string, but did not exceed my expectation with spins. Advertisement made it seem like the string would bite more into the ball than it did (shaped string... not much of an effect). Hard hitting baseline player.
From: John, USA. 6/10
NTRP 4.0-4.5

Comments: It is softer! THANK GOD I can use a Poly string now that doesn't give me arm problems! Superb power and feel
From: Allan, Murrieta, CA, USA. 06/10

Comments: After hitting with it for a month now and it's still holding tension pretty good, but is completely killing my arm. I almost had to pull out from one of my biggest matches. So if you want a good string and have a strong arm then use this string.
From: Anon. 06/10

Comments: I LOVE this string! I have tried everything from VS Touch to Luxilon with synthetic gut and multi- filament in between and this is the BEST string I have ever used. Instills confidence to hit out. And no pain like I had after extended use of other polyesters. I recommend this stuff highly - unless you are a future opponent.
From: Marc, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 06/10
NTRP Rating: 4.0 baseliner

Comments: This string RULES!!! I'm a 4.5 player who used Pro Hurricane tour 17g in mains and natural gut in my crosses for years, switched to the RPM Blast in the mains 17g on my Babolat Pure Control + at 62 pounds and it was unbelievable. So much more comfortable with even more wicked spin and nice pocketing for poly. It was pure domination!!
From: Pete, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 06/10

Comments: The Best String I've ever used. if someone hits the ball hard, you can feel the ball spinning and flying into the string, it was the ultimate experience I've ever had. even if you hate polys, give this a try!
From: Steven, California. 5/10

Comments: Great string. Excellent spin production, great power and control. Switched to this from Luxilon because Luxilon hurt my arm, and to my pleasant surprise this caused no arm pain AND it was better on the court. Good cosmetic too on my orange + black Youtek Radical. Highly recommended.
From: Jason. 5/10

Comments: I have been playing for the past 3 years with a hybrid of Luxilon Big Banger 16 (crosses) and Luxilon Big Banger Ace 18 (mains). Liked the combo, although it is a bit unresponsive for net play (I'm a baseliner anyway). So when this string came out I decided to give it a shot. I strung one racquet (Babolat AeroPro Drive) with this string at 57 pounds and performance was amazing. Everything was dropping in, and even at the net it felt responsive. However, after the match I ended up with a very sore shoulder (something that has never ever happened to me). So thinking that it was the tension, I strung a second one at 55. I played last night with it, and although it still had the same topspin generation, it felt extremely spongy and some balls were flying out. But, my shoulder was still sore! So I guess this is a great string but for some reason it bothers my shoulder and so will have to go back to my regular string setup. Too bad, because I liked how the string plays.
From: Enrique, NY, NY. 5/10
Level: 4.5

Comments: BEST STRING EVER. I recently switched from Luxilon Big Banger in the mains and crosses and have noticed an amazing difference in my game. My serve has a whole lot more kick on it and get more spin on my groundstrokes. This string has a nice clean crisp feel but it doesn't have an overwhelming power. I am a 4.5 player and used this in the mains and crosses and think this is by far the best string I have ever used.
From: Anon. 5/10

Comments: The French make fine wine, and they now make the finest string in my opinion. I have tried about every co-poly out there and this has the best feel and control with just enough power. I used a hybrid set-up on my Wilson BLX Six.One 95, 16 X 18: RPM Blast 17 - M- 58: X: TF X-One Bi-Phase 18.
From: Chris, Fort Myers, FL. USA. 5/10

Comments: I'd like to add to my other statement that they seem more durable than the PHT and any other string I've ever used, syth, natural, or poly. It's been about 2 weeks now since I got them and they're still going strong. I'm not a string breaker, but other strings lose there tension faster and/or lose all feel and control within 5 or so sets. Crazy good string, love it. NTRP Rating: 5.0
From: Chris, Redlands, CA, USA. 5/10

Comments: Too much hype with great players using this string. RPM Blast let me down despite the high expectations I had based on marketing spin. My normal setup of Pacific 17G poly and 16G Gamma TNT2 or Sensation for the crosses produced just as much spin and control while delivering better power and touch. I had to work much harder using RPM Blast and my timing seemed off to produce similar net clearance and serve velocity. It wasn't harsh, but I strung mains at 56 lbs and crosses at 54 lbs. Even Kevlar wouldn't hurt at those tensions. The cost for a full bed of RPM Blast isn't warranted for strings that won't add to your game. I'm going back to a proven hybrid setup and ignoring marketing buzz in the future.
From: Jim, Montgomery, TX. 5/10

Comments: These strings have it all, feel, spin, power,and control. A little hard to use in the beginning, but once you get used to them they have some dirty spin that's hard to fight. Thanks, Babolat, for a good string. NTRP 3.5
From: Alex, USA. 5/10

Comments: WOW!! The best string I have ever tried and I have bounced around a lot of string trying to find the right fit. I have used Gamma Zo Power, Pro Hurricane 16&17, Natural gut, Revenge and more. This string from the first strike was like no other. Comfort, power, control, and a lot more feel than the hurricane and revenge. This is the best.
From: Shane, Goldsboro, NC USA, 5/10
NTRP Rating: 3.5

Comments: Great string! Been playing on Hurricane Pro Tour for a couple years, these are waaayyy better. Nice soft feel, strings don't move around, solid returns. I had tried the Volkl Cyclone, polar opposites - Cyclones no feel, trampoline-like aluminum - yuk! Get the RPM's!!
From: Terry, Los Angeles, CA. 5/10
Dunlop 4D 300 Tour - 60lbs.

Comments: Fantastic. I'd like to say that it's a less stiff version of the PHT, but it's much more than that. Strung it up on my APDC at 60lbs and let the strings talk for themselves. Deep, heavy topspin forehands, slice backhands that barely bounce, and serves with more kick than an extremely mad donkey. I will definitely be buying more of these strings. Biggest difference to me was although they felt more powerful than the PHT, these were way more controllable than the PHT. NTRP Rating: 5.0
From: Chris, Redlands, CA, USA. 5/10

Comments: I play with the Babolat AeroPro Drive GT with Tecnifibre Black Code 17 @ 63 lbs. As a RAFA fan I needed to try these strings. These strings are awesome. I got a ton of spin out of them and got some great serves with great kick. I did not find the strings stiff and had no arm problems. The recommended tension for this string was 56 lbs I believe and not knowing anybody that has used them I went conservative at 60 lbs and wished I went 63. Great job, Babolat!! I will use this and Black Code.
From: Christian, Miami, FL, USA, 5/10

Comments: Great String! I have a Head Flexpoint Radical Tour, with these strings its just deadly. I'm using a full bed and I used to have Babolat pro hurricane which was just a plain out flat string couldn't produce much spin but very durable and didn't lose and tension. Then the Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour was all right it had more spin no doubt about that. However, it would lose its tension really fast and it was a weak not very durable string. Now the RPM blast is just fantastic it now has a string: that produces lots of spin, has durability and hardly loses tension. Therefore this is the best poly in the history of Babolat in my opinion.
From: Tom, MA. 5/10

Comments: This string plays stiff period. Sorry guys strung two appd gt's at 52 and I found that it was much more difficult playing with than m2, timo etc
From: Kenny, FL, USA, 05/10
level 4.0

Comments: Awesome string! I switched from Black Code. For me the main difference was the spin! This string has awesome spin. I really noticed it on kick serves. When I kicked it the ball jumped up on my opponent causing shanks or short replies. Drop shots came easily. Forehands and backhands dropped in. No fear of hitting over the baseline. Barely hit into the net. Awesome string! Nothing else like it. Soft, durable, tons of spin, power, control. There is nothing this string can't do! Try it out!
From: Johnny, San Diego, CA. USA. 05/10

Comments: Great string. I got a set from one of the players I coach who is sponsored by Babolat. I found it gave me more spin than Pro Hurricane Tour and a little more feel. I'm using it in a hybrid with Sensation in the crosses in my K 6.1 Tour. I would highly recommend it to any poly users.
From: Justin, Tucson, AZ, USA, 04/10
Level: 4.5

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