String comparison
RPM Team vs Pro Line II
Babolat RPM Team against Kirschbaum Pro Line II: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Team leads on spin, control and comfort. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5). Pro Line II 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 Team if…
- You want more spin (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more control (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- 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
Pick Pro Line II if…
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 12 vs 13)
- You want to spend less (from $10 vs $17 a set)
- Best for: players wanting soft, responsive poly
- Best for: all-court players seeking versatility
- Best for: those who want poly control with better feel
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Team | Pro Line II |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Eight-sided co-polymer with silicone coating and micro air bubbles | Round co-polyester monofilament with pre-stretch treatment |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium |
| Set price | $17–19 | $10–13 |
| Reel price | $120–140 | $90–110 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 12 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Holds tension better than Blast so can string at normal range. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Pre-stretched for better tension maintenance. |
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.
Pro Line II in short
Kirschbaum Pro Line II is one of the softest and most responsive co-polyester strings available. Built on 20+ years of German polyester expertise from the company that pioneered polyester tennis strings, Pro Line II offers better pocketing and a more forgiving feel on off-center impacts compared to traditional polyesters. The pre-stretch treatment ensures consistent playability with precise and predictable response, enabling players to swing bigger when going for pace and spin.
RPM Team vs Pro Line II: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Team or Pro Line II?
Babolat RPM Team, with a spin rating of 8/10 against 7/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. RPM Team is recommended from age 13 and Pro Line II from age 12.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: RPM Team 8/10, Pro Line II 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Team costs about $17–19 a set and Pro Line II about $10–13, 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 Team) and 2025-01 (Pro Line II).