String comparison
Xcel vs NRG2
Babolat Xcel against Tecnifibre NRG2: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Xcel leads on control, durability and tension hold. NRG2 leads on power. They score the same for arm friendliness (5/5). NRG2 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 control (7 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more durability (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Best for: young juniors (8+) just starting
- Best for: players with arm sensitivity
- Best for: those wanting gut-like feel without gut price
Pick NRG2 if…
- You want more power (9 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $14 vs $18 a set)
- Best for: players with arm issues or tennis elbow
- Best for: developing juniors with slow to medium swings
- Best for: doubles players wanting touch on volleys
Specs side by side
| Spec | Xcel | NRG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Polyamide fibers in polyurethane matrix with dual coating | 1,120 Elastyl fibers bonded with flexy polyurethane resin, SPL coating |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $18–21 | $14–18 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | $150–180 |
| Arm friendliness | 5/5 · Excellent | 5/5 · Excellent |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate |
| 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. | 52-56 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.
NRG2 in short
Tecnifibre NRG2 features 1,120 individual Elastyl fibers bonded with polyurethane resin offering 400% elasticity. This gives 12% more power than standard synthetic polyamide strings. The SPL (Silicon Pyrogene Lubritec) coating improves durability and resistance to notching. "Let's not mince words, Tecnifibre NRG2 is powerful" - ideal for players with slow to medium strokes still developing their swings. Playtesters raved about the soft, buttery feel. One of the best tennis strings for tennis elbow.
Xcel vs NRG2: quick answers
Which has more spin, Xcel or NRG2?
They tie on our spin rating (6/10 each).
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 5/5. Xcel is recommended from age 8 and NRG2 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 NRG2 about $14–18, 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 (NRG2).