String comparison
Xcel vs TNT2
Babolat Xcel against Gamma TNT2: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Xcel is a multifilament string and TNT2 is a synthetic gut string. Xcel leads on comfort and tension hold. TNT2 leads on power. For a junior with arm concerns, Xcel is the safer choice. TNT2 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 Xcel if…
- You want more comfort (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Arm comfort comes first (arm friendliness 5/5 vs 4/5)
- Best for: young juniors (8+) just starting
- Best for: players with arm sensitivity
- Best for: those wanting gut-like feel without gut price
Pick TNT2 if…
- You want more power (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $14 vs $18 a set)
- Best for: juniors who want a lively synthetic with control
- Best for: players moving up from basic synthetic gut
- Best for: all-court players
Specs side by side
| Spec | Xcel | TNT2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Synthetic gut |
| Construction | Polyamide fibers in polyurethane matrix with dual coating | Elastalon solid center core with outer wraps, pearl coating and TNT2 processing for energy return |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 15L, 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Low | Medium |
| Set price | $18–21 | $14–15 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | — |
| Arm friendliness | 5/5 · Excellent | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Play styles | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is forgiving at various tensions. | 50-56 lbs for juniors. |
Xcel in short
Babolat Xcel is described as the closest to natural gut in terms of feel and comfort. Polyamide fibers twisted into a polyurethane matrix deliver exceptional elasticity and arm-friendly playability. The dual coating of polyurethane followed by polyamide provides a friction barrier, resisting string burning and notching. Testers found it surprisingly controlled for a soft multifilament - one of the lowest powered multis available, making it ideal for players who want comfort without excessive power. A gift to the tendons and joints of tennis players.
TNT2 in short
Gamma TNT2 is Gamma’s premium solid-core synthetic. An Elastalon core with outer wraps and a pearl coating is processed for energy return; Gamma describes it as exceptional playability for a solid core string, lively without skimping on control or comfort. It sits between a basic synthetic gut and a multifilament in price, and comes in four gauges and six colors.
Xcel vs TNT2: quick answers
Which has more spin, Xcel or TNT2?
They tie on our spin rating (6/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
Babolat Xcel scores 5/5 for arm friendliness, against 4/5 for TNT2. It is recommended from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (6/10). Tension maintenance: Xcel 7/10, TNT2 6/10.
Which is cheaper?
Xcel costs about $18–21 a set and TNT2 about $14–15, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (Xcel) and 2026-10 (TNT2).