String comparison
RPM Power vs Element
Babolat RPM Power against Luxilon Element: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Power leads on power, durability and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (4/5).
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 Power if…
- You want more power (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more durability (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (8 vs 5 out of 10)
- You restring often and want it cheaper to keep up (cost score 4/5 vs 3/5)
- Best for: juniors wanting comfortable poly with power
- Best for: players transitioning from multifilament to poly
- Best for: flat hitters who want some spin
Pick Element if…
- Best for: juniors transitioning from synthetic gut to poly
- Best for: players wanting poly spin with more comfort
- Best for: intermediate to advanced players
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Power | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | CO-PET-C extrusion technology with snapback coating | Multi-Mono Technology - tendon-friendly fibers wrapped in polymer matrix |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium |
| Set price | $18–20 | $18–20 |
| Reel price | $130–150 | $150–180 |
| Arm friendliness | 4/5 · Good | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 12 | Age 12 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | All court, Baseliner | All court, Baseliner, Serve and volley |
| Junior tension | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Can string at normal tensions due to comfort. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Can string slightly higher than stiffer polys due to softer feel. |
RPM Power in short
Babolat RPM Power delivers more pop than any other string in the RPM range. Made with Babolat's unique CO-PET-C extrusion technology, it packs unprecedented power for a monofilament while keeping good spin. A specially added coating increases snapback for explosive power. One of the most comfortable poly strings available - unlikely to cause arm issues. Excellent tension maintenance means it stays playable much longer than RPM Blast. Best suited for players who play flat or cover the ball rather than extreme topspin.
Element in short
Luxilon Element occupies a fairly unique space in Luxilon's iconic line of firm monofilament strings. Like its predecessors (M2 Pro and M2 Plus), Element features Multi-Mono Technology - several tendon-friendly fibers wrapped inside a specially designed polymer matrix. The benefit comes in the form of extra flexibility, comfort and power. It's the most arm-friendly polyester in the Luxilon lineup, making it an excellent choice for developing juniors ready to move beyond synthetic gut. Reviewers note it's soft enough to recommend to first-time poly players.
RPM Power vs Element: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Power or Element?
They tie on our spin rating (7/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 4/5. RPM Power is recommended from age 12 and Element from age 12.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat RPM Power rates 7/10 for durability against 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Power costs about $18–20 a set and Element about $18–20, 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 Power) and 2025-01 (Element).