String comparison
RPM Team vs 4G
Babolat RPM Team against Luxilon 4G: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Team leads on power and comfort. 4G leads on durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, RPM Team is the safer choice. RPM Team 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 power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 3/5 vs 2/5)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- You want to spend less (from $17 vs $21 a set)
- 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 4G if…
- You want more durability (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (10 vs 8 out of 10)
- Best for: control-oriented advanced juniors
- Best for: players who hate restringing frequently
- Best for: players who value precision over power
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Team | 4G |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Eight-sided co-polymer with silicone coating and micro air bubbles | Co-polyester monofilament with poly-ether-ether compound |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | Medium high | High |
| Set price | $17–19 | $21–22 |
| Reel price | $120–140 | $170–200 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 2/5 · Low |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter | Baseliner, All court |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Holds tension better than Blast so can string at normal range. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Better tension maintenance means more consistent feel over time. |
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.
4G in short
Luxilon 4G was designed with one goal: better tension maintenance than ALU Power. Made with Luxilon's magical poly-ether-ether compound, 4G strings feature best-in-class durability, control and tension maintenance. Unlike many polys that go dead after 8-10 hours, 4G keeps its feel and control far longer. Its tension holding score of 100% isn't marketing hype - it's backed up by lab data. Control is where 4G shines, making it a workhorse that's reliable, consistent, and built for precision.
RPM Team vs 4G: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Team or 4G?
They tie on our spin rating (8/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Babolat RPM Team scores 3/5 for arm friendliness, against 2/5 for 4G. It is recommended from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
Luxilon 4G rates 9/10 for durability against 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Team costs about $17–19 a set and 4G 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 Team) and 2025-01 (4G).