String comparison
RPM Blast vs RPM Blast Rough
Babolat RPM Blast against Babolat RPM Blast Rough: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Blast leads on control and durability. RPM Blast Rough leads on power and comfort. For a junior with arm concerns, RPM Blast Rough is the safer choice.
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 if…
- You want more control (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more durability (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Best for: heavy topspin players
- Best for: advanced juniors with fast, full swings
- Best for: players who generate their own power
Pick RPM Blast Rough if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 3/5 vs 2/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- Best for: spin-obsessed players
- Best for: juniors developing their topspin game
- Best for: first-time poly users (more forgiving than Blast)
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Blast | RPM Blast Rough |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Octagonal high-density co-polyester monofilament | Textured octagonal high-density co-polyester |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium |
| Set price | $20–21 | $20–21 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $130–150 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 46-50 lbs for juniors. String lower to unlock spin potential. Loses tension quickly so some players string 2-3 lbs higher. | 46-50 lbs for juniors. Can string slightly lower than regular Blast. |
RPM Blast in short
Babolat RPM Blast is one of the most iconic co-polyester strings ever made. When Rafael Nadal showed up at the 2010 Australian Open with this octagonally shaped co-poly, it changed the game. The octagonal structure with high-density co-polyester adds phenomenal rotation to the ball. The slick surface enables the strings to snap back with vicious force, resulting in extra RPMs. One of the most popular co-polys of all time, this firm and durable string is perfect for big hitters looking to load the ball with pace and spin.
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.
RPM Blast vs RPM Blast Rough: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Blast or RPM Blast Rough?
They tie on our spin rating (10/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Babolat RPM Blast Rough scores 3/5 for arm friendliness, against 2/5 for RPM Blast. It is recommended from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat RPM Blast rates 7/10 for durability against 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Blast costs about $20–21 a set and RPM Blast Rough about $20–21, 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) and 2025-01 (RPM Blast Rough).