Babolat Hybrid RPM Blast 17 + Touch VS 16 String
Line: RPM Blast
$49.00
Control! Spin! Feel! Power! Who says you can't have it all? Combining Rafael Nadal's string of choice, RPM Blast, along with the high quality natural gut VS, Babolat creates the perfect storm of hybrids. RPM Blast creates exceptional control with tremendous access to spin while VS Gut provides top notch power, comfort and feel. This offers the best of both worlds for the player seeking the best in performance from their string bed.
String specs
| Gauge | Babolat RPM Blast 17 (1.25mm) / Babolat VS 16 (1.30mm) |
| Length | Babolat RPM Blast - 20 ft / Babolat VS - 20 ft |
| Composition | Extruded monofilament with an octagonal profile and natural gut |
| Color | Black |
Where to buy
What players say
Tennis Warehouse reviewers rate this hybrid 4 out of 5 stars across 10 reviews, pairing RPM Blast poly in the mains with VS natural gut in the crosses. Most players say it keeps much of the spin and control of a full poly bed while feeling noticeably softer on the arm, with a few calling it the best combination of power, control, and comfort they have tried. A minority, including some higher-level players, found the gut cross too stiff or the overall feel not to their liking, and one noted the gut half-set is too short for 18x20 mains.
Best for
- Players wanting poly spin with a softer feel
- Arm/elbow-sensitive players who still want control
- Intermediate to advanced baseliners
- Players moving off full poly for more comfort
Pros
- Keeps good spin and control from the RPM Blast mains
- VS gut crosses add comfort and feel, easier on the arm
- Several reviewers report durability better than expected for a gut hybrid
- Praised for pop combined with control
Cons
- Less spin than a full poly bed for some players
- Gut cross can feel stiff/firm rather than plush to some users
- Not to the liking of some higher-level players
- Gut half-set length may be too short for 18x20 mains
Voices
— Paul (TX), Web
Best string there is, period.
— Zack (CA), Web
It grips nicely for a lot of topspin and still has a good amount of pop.
— Rye (VA), Web
Too stiff ... tolerable RPM Blast.