String comparison
RPM Blast vs Tour Bite
Babolat RPM Blast against Solinco Tour Bite: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Blast leads on power and comfort. Tour Bite leads on control, durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, RPM Blast is the safer choice. Tour Bite 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 power (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (5 vs 3 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 2/5 vs 1/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 14 vs 15)
- Best for: heavy topspin players
- Best for: advanced juniors with fast, full swings
- Best for: players who generate their own power
Pick Tour Bite if…
- You want more control (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- You want more durability (9 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $10 vs $20 a set)
- Best for: control-obsessed advanced players
- Best for: aggressive topspin baseliners
- Best for: string breakers (excellent durability)
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Blast | Tour Bite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Octagonal high-density co-polyester monofilament | Square-shaped co-polyester with sharp edges |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16, 16L, 17, 19, 20 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | High |
| Set price | $20–21 | $10–12 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $130–150 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 1/5 · Not arm friendly |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 15 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | 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. | 44-48 lbs for juniors. String low due to stiffness - string feels firmer than it strings. |
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.
Tour Bite in short
Launched in 2009, Tour Bite not only became a staple with collegiate level players, but it also helped vault Solinco into a top-tier string brand. This firm co-polyester is designed for advanced players who demand the ultimate in control, durability and spin. The square profile with sharp edges is ideal for aggressive topspin players who like to rip the felt off the ball. With its stiff response, slippery surface and grippy edges, Tour Bite specializes in hitting spin-loaded balls that drop hard and hop powerfully off the court. One of the very best polys out there with the best combination of spin, price, durability and feel.
RPM Blast vs Tour Bite: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Blast or Tour Bite?
They tie on our spin rating (10/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Babolat RPM Blast scores 2/5 for arm friendliness, against 1/5 for Tour Bite. It is recommended from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
Solinco Tour Bite rates 9/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Blast costs about $20–21 a set and Tour Bite about $10–12, 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 (Tour Bite).