String comparison
RPM Blast vs ALU Power
Babolat RPM Blast against Luxilon ALU Power: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Blast leads on spin. ALU Power leads on power, durability and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5).
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 7 out of 10)
- Best for: heavy topspin players
- Best for: advanced juniors with fast, full swings
- Best for: western/semi-western grip users
Pick ALU Power if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more durability (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- Best for: advanced juniors with full swings
- Best for: tournament-level competitors
- Best for: players seeking control over raw power
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Blast | ALU Power |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Octagonal high-density co-polyester monofilament | Co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium high |
| Set price | $20–21 | $21–22 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $170–200 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter, All court |
| 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 (vs 50-55 for adults). Start low and adjust. |
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.
ALU Power in short
Luxilon ALU Power is the gold standard of co-poly monofilaments with an iconic pro tour pedigree. In addition to being one of the most popular choices on the ATP Tour, this string helped usher in the polyester revolution in tennis. The firm monofilament construction enables players to take huge cuts at the ball without losing control, generating massive stroke speed that produces a dangerous combination of pace and spin. Despite countless attempts to duplicate or improve it, this string remains the gold standard on the professional tour.
RPM Blast vs ALU Power: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Blast or ALU Power?
Babolat RPM Blast, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. RPM Blast is recommended from age 14 and ALU Power from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
Luxilon ALU Power rates 8/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Blast costs about $20–21 a set and ALU Power about $21–22, 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 (ALU Power).