When talking about the best current tennis strings, two names stand above the rest as the standards for competitive players: Babolat RPM Blast and Luxilon Alu Power. Both are used by the world’s best pros, but they offer very different sensations on the court.
Let’s do a comparison of pros and cons of these two popular strings.
Babolat RPM Blast vs Luxilon Alu Power
1. The Spin Specialist: Babolat RPM Blast
RPM Blast is most famous for being the string of choice for Rafael Nadal. It is designed with one goal in mind: maximum spin.
- The Shape: Unlike round strings, RPM Blast has an octagonal (8-sided) shape and a slick silicone coating. This allows the strings to “snap back” quickly, biting the ball and generating heavy topspin.
- The Feel: It is a stiff string, but it is also muted and dampened. You don’t get much “vibration” or feedback; instead, it feels solid and controlled.
- Best For: Aggressive baseliners who swing big and want the ball to dive inside the lines with heavy spin. It pairs perfectly with “spin racquets” like the Babolat Pure Aero.
Our review of the Babolat RPM Blast strings.
2. The Feel Benchmark: Luxilon Alu Power
Alu Power is arguably the most iconic string in history, used by legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. It is the “benchmark” from Luxilon against which all other strings are measured.
- The Shape: This is a round string with aluminum fibers mixed into the material. Because it isn’t shaped like RPM Blast, it doesn’t “bite” the ball quite as much, but it offers incredible “snapback.”
- The Feel: This is where Alu Power wins. It offers a crisp, direct connection to the ball. You feel exactly where the ball hits the string bed, providing “intuitive control.”
- Best For: Advanced players who want a “connected” feel and a penetrating, flat ball flight rather than a loopy one.
Read our review of the Luxilon Alu Power strings.
| Feature | Babolat RPM Blast | Luxilon Alu Power |
| Primary Benefit | Maximum Spin | Feel & Control |
| Shape | Octagonal (Textured) | Round (Smooth) |
| Feel | Muted/Dampened | Crisp/Responsive |
| Power | Moderate | Low-Medium (Direct) |
| Durability | Good, but goes “dead” | Great, but loses tension fast |
Key Considerations: Longevity and Comfort
Both strings share a common “pro” trait: they are designed to be used fresh.
- Tension Loss: Both strings lose their “magic” after about 8–10 hours of play. This is not an issue for pros who re-string for every practice, but for club players, it can be an issue. Once the tension drops, RPM Blast can feel stiff and “dead,” while Alu Power can become “springy” and lose its precision.
- Arm Comfort: Neither of these is a “soft” string. They are stiff polyesters meant for players with fast swing speeds. If you have a history of tennis elbow, you might want to try them at a lower tension or in a hybrid setup (mixed with a softer string).
The Verdict
- Choose Babolat RPM Blast if you play with a lot of topspin and want a dampened, modern feel that helps keep your biggest shots inside the court.
- Choose Luxilon Alu Power if you value “feel” and “touch” above all else and want a crisp, professional response that tells you exactly how you’re hitting the ball.
