String comparison
RPM Blast vs RPM Team
Babolat RPM Blast against Babolat RPM Team: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Blast leads on spin. RPM Team leads on power, comfort, durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, RPM Team is the safer choice. RPM Team 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 if…
- You want more spin (10 vs 8 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 Team if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more durability (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (8 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)
- You want to spend less (from $17 vs $20 a set)
- Best for: players who like Blast but want more comfort
- Best for: juniors with fast swings seeking control
- Best for: all-court players wanting spin with comfort
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Blast | RPM Team |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Octagonal high-density co-polyester monofilament | Eight-sided co-polymer with silicone coating and micro air bubbles |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium high |
| Set price | $20–21 | $17–19 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $120–140 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, All court, 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. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Holds tension better than Blast so can string at normal range. |
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 Team in short
The string of choice for Carlos Alcaraz when he won his first Grand Slams. Launched in 2012 as a more comfortable version of RPM Blast, RPM Team combines an eight-sided shape for bite with a cross-linked silicone surface to boost snapback. What sets it apart is its low-density design using micro air bubbles to cushion ball impact. Despite being designed for comfort, it tested as one of the firmest Babolat strings in the lab - proving the air bubble technology works. Better tension maintenance than Blast makes it more cost-effective for frequent players.
RPM Blast vs RPM Team: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Blast or RPM Team?
Babolat RPM Blast, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 8/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Babolat RPM Team scores 3/5 for arm friendliness, against 2/5 for RPM Blast. It is recommended from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat RPM Team rates 8/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Blast costs about $20–21 a set and RPM Team about $17–19, 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 Team).