Babolat RPM Blast String Review

Babolat RPM Blast String Review – Spin, Precision, and the Nadal Factor

Babolat RPM Blast is one of the most recognizable strings on the market—thanks in no small part to Rafael Nadal, who helped put it on the map. But there’s more to it than just marketing hype. I’ve playtested RPM Blast in a variety of setups over the years, and it’s a string that continues to generate strong opinions. Some love it for its spin and control, others find it a bit underwhelming in terms of feel and longevity. Let’s unpack it.

Stringing and Setup

RPM Blast is a monofilament polyester with an octagonal shape and a slick coating. It’s relatively easy to string compared to stiffer polys like Luxilon 4G or Solinco Tour Bite. It doesn’t coil aggressively, which makes the installation process manageable, and it holds knots well.

I strung it up in a Babolat Pure Aero 100 and a HEAD Extreme Tour (called Extreme Pro these days), both at 53 lbs, to test how it performed in racquets designed for spin. It’s definitely a string that pairs best with modern, open-pattern frames.

On-Court Performance

The first thing you notice with RPM Blast is the snapback and spin potential. It bites the ball well, especially when you combine the octagonal shape with fast racquet head speed. In the Pure Aero, it felt like the ball was jumping off the string bed with tons of topspin, and in the Extreme Tour, it provided excellent shape on shots without launching.

In terms of control, it’s solid but not laser-precise. I would put it a notch below strings like Luxilon 4G or Solinco Confidential when it comes to directional accuracy. However, the combination of spin and controlled power makes it a very playable string for aggressive baseliners.

Feel-wise, it’s on the muted side. You don’t get a ton of feedback from the string bed—it’s not as crisp as something like ALU Power or as plush as a hybrid setup. It’s more of a modern poly feel: dampened, powerful when you swing big, but not especially touch-oriented. Volleys and drop shots are fine, but this is a string designed for baseline grinding.

Tension maintenance is average. Like most softer polys, it starts to lose its edge after 8–10 hours of hard hitting. The snapback starts to diminish, and the string bed can feel a little dead or unpredictable if you push it too far. Frequent stringers or competitive players should restring regularly to maintain performance.

Best For

RPM Blast is ideal for:

• Aggressive baseliners who generate a lot of racquet head speed
• Players who want access to spin without sacrificing control
• Fans of a muted, modern poly feel
• Racquets with open patterns (16×19, 16×20) where the string can “move” and snap back

Not Ideal For

• Players with arm sensitivity – it’s one of the stiffer ones on the market
• Players who want maximum tension stability over many hours

Final Thoughts

Babolat RPM Blast is not a one-size-fits-all string, but for the right player—typically an aggressive baseliner using a modern frame—it can be a fantastic option. The spin potential is real, the power is controllable, and while the feel is muted, it suits a modern style of play quite well.

Is it still worth the hype? I’d say yes, if you string often and play the kind of game it was made for. Just don’t expect magic if your game isn’t built around spin and pace.

Let me know if you’ve tried RPM Blast, especially in a hybrid or low-tension setup—I’m always curious how this string behaves outside of its typical high-spin, high-speed environment.

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