Overview
Offering an almost unmatched combination of comfort, touch and feel, this newer version of XCel adds a durability upgrade to Babolat's time-tested original recipe. The increase in durability will allow stronger players with longer strokes to enjoy maximum playability. While this string has more than enough pop for players with shorter strokes, the control is actually quite good for the breed. Suitable to all ability levels, this one is a genuine treat for any non-poly player who wants to experience one of the most responsive multifilaments on the market.
- Gauge: 17/1.25mm
- Length: 40ft/12m
- Composition: Multifilament
- Color: Natural, Blue
String Comparison: Tecnifibre NRG2 vs. Babolat Xcel
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Customer Reviews
Lots of controlI love this string. It gives me much more control over the ball than other strings I've tried. A friend induced me to try his string because the Xcel can wear out faster. Never again. His reasoning — apparently — is that while his string may not be as good, it lasts longer.
As expectedI had some serious elbow pain so bad that I had to stop playing tennis for a while. This string enabled me to play again and this is the second time I strung with it. The problem with this string is just one. Spin is not there. This string doesn't have the crisp spinning feeling and the ball really is hard to drive. Except for that pretty well made string with good arm friendliness. I will first try to get my form back and then go for a poly.
Overall Great StringTennis warehouse has great customer service. Great shipping service. Very knowledgeable phone staff.
Previous Feedback
Comments: I thought I would like to compare with the Babolat Origin 17, set at 52 pounds, but found that the Origin fit my style much better. There is more comfort and power, my level is 3.5 cutting off, and I am going back to Origin. I forgot I bought the Xcel 17 for my new Wilson Blade 98, 16x19, but was wondering why it played differently, until I remembered I bought the Xcel versus the Origin for comparison, lesson learned.
From: Roger, 12/7/19
Comments: I love the performance of this string. Good control, spin and power. The downside is that it lasted only 3 weeks of play. I play about 3-4 times a week and strings broke after 3-4 weeks. I need to find something more durable with the same performance and playability. I'm a 4.5 player.
From:Jerry, 2/16Comments: This is by far the best multi string on the market that I have tried. It is so comfortable on my arm. Great combination with a poly on either the mains or crosses to soften up a stiff racquet. Yet you can still get the power and control you want.
From:David, 12/13
Comments: After trying different premium multis I can now say that I've found my perfect string. Great balance of power and control and great topspin. I play with a Babolat Pure Storm GT at 57 lbs. Only con is it lasts around 16 hours of play, but having a chronic shoulder tendinitis is definitely worth paying for the extra confort vs. a poly string. Already bought a reel in from TW!
From:Nicolas, 6/13
Comments: After buying a Prince EXO 3 Tour 100 16x18 racquet strung with VS gut for my tennis elbow pain, I have now restrung with this. My pain is just about gone and this string feels very soft and comfy and I haven't missed a beat in my game and ebbing of my elbow pain. Works for me and is less than half the price of Gut.
From:P, 4/13
Comments: I have been trying to find the perfect string for my game and I am happy to say that this might be it! I used it on my BLX and fell in love with the playability, response and feel of the string right away. Shots were crisp, loads of spin when needed and very easy on the arm! My only gripe is that they started fraying after about 8 outings. But still much better compared to other multifilaments I have used. All in all, a great string.
From:Varesh, 11/11
Rating: 4.5
Comments:I have these strings on my Babolat aero pro drive racquet. They offer plenty of power, control, comfort, and spin. They are amazing and great spin potential.
From:Tyler, 11/10
Comments: Great feel. I found I like these a tad bit better than addiction. However, I'm afraid it might break too fast/easily.
From:Sylvia, Glendale, AZ, USA 02/10
Comments: Great string, good for flat and topspin hitting. Great on serve, fantastic feel. I think I'll stick to the Babolat Pro Hurricane/vs hybrid though, I like the feel of that a bit more.
From:Jack, TX, USA 06/09
Comments: I'm a 3.5 level player who thinks that this string produces a good amount of spin, power and control. I strung this on my Babolat Aero Drive (Nadal's racquet) and it performs perfectly! I learned that this string can break real easily if it is used daily, or consistently, over a short amount of time! If you don't care about spending too much money on high performance strings, this is the string for you!!!
From:Shane, Kaneohe, HI, United States. 05/09
Comments: The string feels good during play. The string broke while stringing it and then broke overnight after getting it strung. Agree that it's not that durable.
From:Mike, 7/13
Comments: Awesome string! It's too pricey though, and it's not durable at all.
From:Leonardo, 9/12
Comments: Playability-wise the blue color is much more similar to the natural color. Unlike the black XCel french open which has more of a coating than a dye, this string is much easier to string in comparison. Many times while stringing with the black XCel I noticed the coating would start to shred halfway down the crosses. While it doesn't affect play, there were some people unhappy with how it looked. This new color does not seem to have the same problem, so thank you Babolat!
From:Anon, 4/12