Babolat RPM Team 12m Tennis String

Some poly strings make you choose between spin and comfort. The Babolat RPM Team refuses to.

Built on the same octagonal co-polyester monofilament construction as the benchmark RPM Blast, the RPM Team takes that formula and makes one significant change: a low-density co-polyester core with micro air bubbles built into the structure. Those air pockets cushion ball impact from the inside out, giving the string a noticeably softer, more elastic feel without sacrificing the control and spin that the RPM range is known for. The result is a string that plays with greater power, comfort and forgiveness than RPM Blast, while retaining the octagonal bite that generates heavy topspin and makes balls drop sharply back into the court.

The cross-linked silicone surface coating is the other key piece. It reduces friction between mains and crosses, which speeds up snapback - the rapid return of the string to its resting position after contact. Faster snapback means more rotation imparted on the ball per swing, and less frictional wear on the string itself, which contributes to the RPM Team's above-average durability for its level of flexibility.

On court, the RPM Team delivers a consistent, homogeneous response across the string bed. Off-centre hits are handled tolerantly rather than punished, and the feel on contact is clean and connected — not harsh, not mushy. Power sits in the medium-to-strong range for a polyester, with ball speed coming from the elasticity of the construction rather than from raw force. Tension maintenance is above average for a co-poly, with the string breaking in smoothly and continuing to perform without the sharp drop-off common in stiffer monofilaments.

It was the string of choice for Carlos Alcaraz during his early Grand Slam victories - a real-world endorsement from one of the fastest, heaviest-hitting players in the modern game.

Available in 1.25mm and 1.30mm gauges. The 1.25mm delivers the best combination of spin bite, comfort and playability for most players. The 1.30mm adds durability and a marginally firmer response, making it the better choice for frequent string breakers and heavy hitters. Colours: Black, Blue and Pink. Sold as a 12m / 39ft single-racquet set.

Recommended tension: 46-51 lbs / 21-23 kg. Players coming from a stiffer RPM Blast are advised to increase tension by approximately 1 kg to compensate for the added elasticity.