Babolat Xcel 16/1.30 String Black — image 1
Babolat BXCELRG

Babolat Xcel 16/1.30 String Black

Line: Xcel

$22.00

Reference price as of June 2026 Not a live offer

Offering an almost unmatched combination of comfort, touch and feel this newer version of XCel adds a durability upgrade to Babolat's time-tested original recipe. The increase in durability will allow stronger players with longer strokes to enjoy maximum playability. While this one has more than enough pop for players with shorter strokes, the control is actually quite good for the breed. Suitable to all ability levels, this one is a genuine treat for any non-poly player who wants to experience one of the most responsive multifilaments on the market.

String specs

Gauge 16/1.30mm
Length 40ft/12m
Composition Multifilament
Color Blue, Natural

Where to buy

What players say

Liked 3 sources

Players and reviewers describe Babolat Xcel 16/1.30 as a soft, arm-friendly multifilament with easy power and a plush feel, closer to a true comfort string than a control string. The main trade-offs reviewers point to are modest spin and durability that falls short of polyester, with some reporting fraying or tension loss within a short time.

Best for

  • Arm or shoulder issues
  • Players wanting easy power and comfort
  • Baseline control rather than heavy spin
  • Beginner to intermediate players

Pros

  • Comfortable, plush feel that testers and customers repeatedly call easy on the arm
  • Good ball pocketing and natural, effortless power without feeling unwieldy
  • Above-average control for a soft multifilament, according to polyester-leaning testers
  • Large sweetspot and forgiving response

Cons

  • Noticeably less spin than a firm polyester, requiring higher tension or more swing effort to bring the ball down
  • Durability trails polyester and some other multis; several users report fraying or notching
  • Tension loss can be inconsistent, with at least one user losing string tension the same day it was strung
  • Can feel too lively or less controlled for players with big, fast swings

Voices

I really enjoyed the feel of this string.

— Brittany, Tennis Warehouse playtester, Web

With this multifilament string there really wasn't that much spin to work with.

— Brittany, Tennis Warehouse playtester, Web

To our surprise, however, we didn't experience the unwieldy power level that big hitters often encounter with soft multis.

— Chris, Tennis Warehouse playtester, Web

Xcel is far more powerful vs Xplore... that classic multifilament 'trampoline' effect.

— Chris Nash, Tennisnerd, Web

Tension drops quicker than Xplore.

— Chris Nash, Tennisnerd, Web

Very muted and comfortable feeling, but Xcel 16 didn't last very long in my racquet.

— SN, Tennis Warehouse customer review, Web

Sources

Know what players think before you buy

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