String comparison
RPM Team vs Cyclone Tour
Babolat RPM Team against Volkl Cyclone Tour: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Team leads on control, comfort, durability and tension hold. Cyclone Tour leads on spin. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5). Cyclone Tour 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 control (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more durability (8 vs 7 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 Cyclone Tour if…
- You want more spin (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 12 vs 13)
- You want to spend less (from $10 vs $17 a set)
- Best for: players who like Cyclone but want more comfort
- Best for: spin players seeking better feel
- Best for: those wanting premium poly performance at budget price
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Team | Cyclone Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Eight-sided co-polymer with silicone coating and micro air bubbles | Twisted gear-shaped co-polyester monofilament |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium |
| Set price | $17–19 | $10–13 |
| Reel price | $120–140 | $130–150 |
| 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, Big hitter, All court |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Holds tension better than Blast so can string at normal range. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Softer than regular Cyclone so can string slightly higher. |
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.
Cyclone Tour in short
Volkl Cyclone Tour takes the proven Cyclone formula and adds a twist - literally. The twisted gear-shaped construction offers more comfort and liveliness than the original while retaining the excellent spin and control. Playtesters found it to be a comparatively springy co-poly with softer response than standard Cyclone, making it more accessible to a wider range of players.
RPM Team vs Cyclone Tour: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Team or Cyclone Tour?
Volkl Cyclone Tour, with a spin rating of 9/10 against 8/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. RPM Team is recommended from age 13 and Cyclone Tour from age 12.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat RPM Team rates 8/10 for durability against 7/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Team costs about $17–19 a set and Cyclone Tour 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 (Cyclone Tour).