Babolat RPM Team 16/1.30 String Reel Black - 660'
Line: RPM Team
$289.00
Carlos Alcaraz's string of choice, RPM Team provides outstanding durability, spin and control to advanced players with long, fast strokes. Babolat injects air bubbles into the core, which is meant to give it a slightly softer feel than RPM Blast. Our playtesters found this one to play quite firm, which makes this most suitable to big hitters with sound mechanics. Our stronger 5.0 + playtesters discovered a very high level of precision on their highest swing speeds. The coating on this string makes it easier for the main strings to deflect (absorb energy) and then return to their original position (snapback) with greater force. This means that players who bring their own power will find their efforts multiplied with explosive pop and spin.
String specs
| Gauge | 16/1.30mm |
| Length | 660ft/200m |
| Composition | Extruded co-poly monofilament with an octagonal profile |
| Color | Black |
Where to buy
What players say
Tennis Warehouse's staff playtesters and a Tennisnerd reviewer rate RPM Team highly for control, spin, and comfort that outperforms its lab stiffness. Retailer customer reviews are more split: several players praise the control and comfort, but others report a harsh, stiff feel, arm discomfort, fast tension loss, or reels with inconsistent quality.
Best for
- Big hitters with fast, full swings
- Players wanting poly control without a harsh feel
- Players moving from a stiffer poly who still want comfort
- Stiffer frames paired with fast swings for extra spin
Pros
- Feels more comfortable than its stiff lab rating suggests, per multiple reviewers
- Strong control rating from staff playtesters (8.8/10 in one TW test)
- Good spin from the slick coating and octagonal profile, though not top-tier
- Several long-term users report solid durability and tension holding for weeks
Cons
- Some users find it stiff and report arm or elbow discomfort
- A few reviewers describe inconsistent reels, with mains breaking right after stringing
- Control and depth can fade once tension drops after a few weeks
- Power is modest; not the pick for players wanting more pace from the string bed
Voices
— Munish, TW staff playtester (4.5-5.0 level), Web
I definitely think RPM Team has more control than power.
— Oak, TW staff playtester (4.5-5.0 level), Web
RPM Team has broken in without breaking down, which I am always a fan of.
— Stefan Kornitzky, Tennisnerd guest reviewer, Web
I do not miss control when hitting heavy.
— Skyler, customer review, Web
I've never played better
— Larry, customer review, Web
Babolat's quality control with this string is terrible.