String comparison
Xcel vs Velocity MLT
Babolat Xcel against Head Velocity MLT: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Xcel leads on comfort, durability and tension hold. For a junior with arm concerns, Xcel is the safer choice. Velocity MLT 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 durability (6 vs 5 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 Velocity MLT if…
- You want to spend less (from $8 vs $18 a set)
- Best for: budget-conscious players wanting multifilament
- Best for: young juniors needing comfort
- Best for: players with arm issues moving from poly
Specs side by side
| Spec | Xcel | Velocity MLT |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Polyamide fibers in polyurethane matrix with dual coating | 1000x nylon multifilament core with 30 extra nylon filaments, polyurethane resin, low-friction coating |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $18–21 | $8–10 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | $80–100 |
| Arm friendliness | 5/5 · Excellent | 4/5 · Good |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Play styles | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player | All court, Beginner, Touch player |
| Junior tension | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Multifilament is forgiving at various tensions. | 52-55 lbs for juniors. String 3-4 lbs higher if coming from poly. |
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.
Velocity MLT in short
Launched in 2015, Head Velocity MLT packs premium comfort at under $10. Unlike traditional high-powered multifilaments, Head built Velocity MLT for balance - sufficient power with good control. The 1000x nylon core with 30 extra filaments is bound with polyurethane resin and coated with low-friction coating for durability and spin potential. Lab tested stiffness of 153 lbf/in makes it soft. Provides lively yet controlled power - not as explosive as softer multis, which makes it easier to control. Great for intermediate players and those with arm issues wanting to move from poly.
Xcel vs Velocity MLT: quick answers
Which has more spin, Xcel or Velocity MLT?
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 Velocity MLT. It is recommended from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat Xcel rates 6/10 for durability against 5/10.
Which is cheaper?
Xcel costs about $18–21 a set and Velocity MLT about $8–10, 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 2025-01 (Velocity MLT).