Babolat RPM Blast 18/1.20 String
Line: RPM Blast
$22.00
Big hitters looking for surgical control on their biggest swings have come to the right place. As one of the game's most iconic and popular co-polys, RPM Blast offers a seductive combination of spin and precision. Big hitters looking to load the ball with pace and spin will get dangerous levels of confidence from this string. Try this thin 1.20mm gauge for extra bite and feel. Did we mention the spin?
String specs
| Gauge | 18/1.20mm |
| Length | 40ft/12m |
| Composition | Co-polyester Monofilament |
| Color | Black |
Where to buy
What players say
Players who already like RPM Blast say the thin 18 gauge adds extra bite, feel, and liveliness over the 16/17 versions, with strong spin and control for players with fast, full swings. The main recurring complaint is durability: tension and playability drop off after 15-20 hours, and some players break the thin gauge well before that.
Best for
- Aggressive baseliners with long, fast swings
- Players chasing extra spin and bite
- Players with mild arm/elbow sensitivity to stiffer polys
- Players who restring often and want a softer poly feel
Pros
- Strong spin and bite from the shaped profile and slick coating
- Good control and feel for players who swing fast
- Softer and more comfortable than many stiff co-polys
- 18 gauge feels livelier and has more touch than 16/17 gauge versions
Cons
- Low inherent power; needs a full stroke to generate pace
- Goes "dead" and loses tension after roughly 15-20 hours for many players
- Thin gauge breaks sooner than 16/17 for some hard hitters (one player reported breakage around 4.5 hours)
- Feels a bit jumpy and less precise at net than the thicker gauges
Voices
— Jose (MA), Web
I have been using thin gauge strings for more than 10 years and RPM Blast 18 gauge is one of the best.
— Carl P (Pasadena, CA), Web
Excellent spin, control and accuracy... Great feel and durability. You need to supply your own power.
— Lee, Web
Best feel, spin, control and pop, compared to other polys. 18 gauge helped with arm issues.
— Austin, Web
Broke after around 4.5 hours of play time; prefers 16 or 17 gauge for durability.
— Tennis Warehouse staff playtest, Web
It's definitely a low-powered co-polyester... With its gear-shaped design this string grabs and pockets the ball extremely well.