String comparison
Xcel vs X-One Biphase
Babolat Xcel against Tecnifibre X-One Biphase: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Xcel leads on spin, control and durability. X-One Biphase leads on power and comfort. They score the same for arm friendliness (5/5).
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 spin (6 vs 5 out of 10)
- You want more control (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more durability (6 vs 5 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 X-One Biphase if…
- You want more power (9 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- Best for: players wanting natural gut feel without gut price
- Best for: those with arm issues or tennis elbow
- Best for: flat hitters with slow to medium swing speeds
Specs side by side
| Spec | Xcel | X-One Biphase |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Polyamide fibers in polyurethane matrix with dual coating | High Heat Capacity (H2C) fibers with Biphasic trimerization process and polyurethane immersion |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17, 18 |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $18–21 | $18–22 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | $200–250 |
| 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, 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. | 52-56 lbs for juniors. Holds tension well for a multifilament. |
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.
X-One Biphase in short
X-One Biphase is Tecnifibre's premium multifilament that combines their best technologies into a single string. The patented Biphasic process with visible marks extends string life by 20% while the H2C fibers allow extreme temperature treatment during manufacturing. Multifilament fibers are immersed in polyurethane for shock absorption and optimum comfort. Many users say "I've never tried natural gut, but X-One Biphase is what I imagine it would feel like." Easily one of the more powerful multifilaments available with cloud-like comfort even at higher tensions.
Xcel vs X-One Biphase: quick answers
Which has more spin, Xcel or X-One Biphase?
Babolat Xcel, with a spin rating of 6/10 against 5/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 5/5. Xcel is recommended from age 8 and X-One Biphase 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 X-One Biphase about $18–22, 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 (X-One Biphase).