String comparison
RPM Blast vs Cyclone
Babolat RPM Blast against Volkl Cyclone: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Blast leads on spin and control. Cyclone leads on durability and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (2/5). Cyclone 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 9 out of 10)
- You want more control (9 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 Cyclone if…
- You want more durability (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- You want to spend less (from $9 vs $20 a set)
- Best for: spin-oriented players on a budget
- Best for: powerful baseliners who hit with heavy topspin
- Best for: players seeking excellent value for money
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Blast | Cyclone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Octagonal high-density co-polyester monofilament | Decagonal (gear-shaped) co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17, 18 | 16, 17, 18, 18L, 19 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium high |
| Set price | $20–21 | $9–12 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $120–140 |
| Arm friendliness | 2/5 · Low | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 14 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, 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. Gear shape grabs ball well so you can string lower. |
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.
Cyclone in short
Volkl Cyclone is a gear-shaped co-poly that has become one of the best value strings in tennis. The unique decagonal profile provides excellent ball bite for spin generation, while the firm construction offers predictable control. Playtesters found it surprisingly comfortable for a firm control string, and its exceptional price-to-performance ratio makes it a favorite among competitive players who break strings frequently.
RPM Blast vs Cyclone: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Blast or Cyclone?
Babolat RPM Blast, with a spin rating of 10/10 against 9/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 2/5. RPM Blast is recommended from age 14 and Cyclone from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
Volkl Cyclone rates 8/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Blast costs about $20–21 a set and Cyclone about $9–12, 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 (Cyclone).