String comparison
RPM Team vs Black Code
Babolat RPM Team against Tecnifibre Black Code: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Team leads on power, control and tension hold. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5). Black Code 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 control (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (8 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 Black Code if…
- You want to spend less (from $12 vs $17 a set)
- Best for: aggressive baseliners who control points with heavy spin
- Best for: players wanting shaped poly comfort
- Best for: big hitters who swing hard
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Team | Black Code |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Eight-sided co-polymer with silicone coating and micro air bubbles | Pentagonal co-polyester with Thermocore technology |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium |
| Set price | $17–19 | $12–16 |
| Reel price | $120–140 | $130–160 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 13 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter | Baseliner, Big hitter |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Holds tension better than Blast so can string at normal range. | 48-52 lbs for juniors. |
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.
Black Code in short
Tecnifibre Black Code is a co-poly with pentagonal profile for spin and Thermocore technology for comfort. "Dangerous in the hands of an aggressive baseliner who likes to control the point with heavy spin." The 5-sided profile provides powerful snapback for spin generation while Thermocore uses heating and cooling phases to soften the string. Playtesters found it "soft, plush and very comfortable for a polyester string" with muted impact feel that doesn't send jarring vibrations on off-center hits. Great value shaped poly.
RPM Team vs Black Code: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Team or Black Code?
They tie on our spin rating (8/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. RPM Team is recommended from age 13 and Black Code from age 13.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: RPM Team 8/10, Black Code 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Team costs about $17–19 a set and Black Code about $12–16, 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 (Black Code).