String comparison
Xcel vs Rexis Comfort
Babolat Xcel against Yonex Rexis Comfort: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are multifilament strings. Xcel leads on spin, control, durability and tension hold. Rexis Comfort 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 4 out of 10)
- You want more tension hold (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You restring often and want it cheaper to keep up (cost score 3/5 vs 2/5)
- Best for: young juniors (8+) just starting
- Best for: players with arm sensitivity
- Best for: those wanting gut-like feel without gut price
Pick Rexis Comfort if…
- You want more power (8 vs 7 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (10 vs 9 out of 10)
- Best for: players with tennis elbow or arm issues
- Best for: veterans with shorter swings
- Best for: beginners wanting premium comfort
Specs side by side
| Spec | Xcel | Rexis Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifilament | Multifilament |
| Construction | Polyamide fibers in polyurethane matrix with dual coating | Multifilament with FORTIMO (highly elastic polyurethane by Mitsui Chemicals) plasma-bonded to nylon filaments |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 16L |
| Stiffness | Low | Low |
| Set price | $18–21 | $18–22 |
| Reel price | $180–220 | $190–230 |
| Arm friendliness | 5/5 · Excellent | 5/5 · Excellent |
| Cost to maintain | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 8 | Age 8 |
| Levels | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Play styles | All court, Serve and volley, Touch player | All court, Touch player, Beginner |
| 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.
Rexis Comfort in short
Yonex Rexis Comfort is Yonex's softest high-end multifilament, built with FORTIMO - a highly elastic polyurethane developed by Mitsui Chemicals. The resin is plasma-bonded to nylon filaments at the molecular level for improved repulsion and durability. "Best String for Tennis Elbow" - many report it's the only string that let them continue playing after months of pain. Plush, smooth and connected feel that pockets the ball beautifully. Touch shots, lobs and drop shots are especially easy. Limited durability (some report 2.5 hours) - better suited for up to 4.0 level players.
Xcel vs Rexis Comfort: quick answers
Which has more spin, Xcel or Rexis Comfort?
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 Rexis Comfort from age 8.
Which lasts longer?
Babolat Xcel rates 6/10 for durability against 4/10.
Which is cheaper?
Xcel costs about $18–21 a set and Rexis Comfort 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 (Rexis Comfort).