String comparison
RPM Blast Rough vs Pro Line Rough
Babolat RPM Blast Rough against Kirschbaum Pro Line Rough: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Blast Rough leads on power, spin and comfort. Pro Line Rough leads on durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, RPM Blast Rough is the safer choice. Pro Line Rough costs less per set.
Ratings
Power
Spin
Control
Comfort
Durability
Tension hold
Ratings are on a 1–10 scale. The higher score is in bold when they differ.
Pick RPM Blast Rough if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more spin (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 3/5 vs 2/5)
- Best for: spin-obsessed players
- Best for: juniors developing their topspin game
- Best for: first-time poly users (more forgiving than Blast)
Pick Pro Line Rough if…
- You want more durability (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $11 vs $20 a set)
- Best for: spin-focused players
- Best for: heavy topspin baseliners
- Best for: those who like Pro Line II but want more spin
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Blast Rough | Pro Line Rough |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Textured octagonal high-density co-polyester | Textured round co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16L, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium high |
| Set price | $20–21 | $11–14 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $95–115 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 46-50 lbs for juniors. Can string slightly lower than regular Blast. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Rough texture grabs ball - can string lower. |
RPM Blast Rough in short
Babolat RPM Blast Rough adds a textured surface to the familiar octagonal profile of RPM Blast. The result is a string that some testers found eclipsed the spin of the original. It feels softer and more arm-friendly than regular RPM Blast, with a livelier, more powerful response. A great entry-level co-poly for juniors or developing players looking to try their first polyester string.
Pro Line Rough in short
Kirschbaum Pro Line Rough adds a textured surface to the proven Pro Line formula for enhanced spin potential. The rough surface bites the ball at contact, allowing players to generate more RPMs while maintaining the German precision and quality Kirschbaum is known for. Like other textured polys, it trades some durability for increased spin, but offers excellent value for spin-seekers.
RPM Blast Rough vs Pro Line Rough: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Blast Rough or Pro Line Rough?
Babolat RPM Blast Rough, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 9/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Babolat RPM Blast Rough scores 3/5 for arm friendliness, against 2/5 for Pro Line Rough. It is recommended from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
Kirschbaum Pro Line Rough rates 7/10 for durability against 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Blast Rough costs about $20–21 a set and Pro Line Rough about $11–14, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (RPM Blast Rough) and 2025-01 (Pro Line Rough).