Babolat Xcel 16/1.30 String — image 1
Babolat BXCL16

Babolat Xcel 16/1.30 String

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 2 sources

Reviewers consistently rate Babolat Xcel 16 as one of the most comfortable multifilaments around, with easy power and decent control for a soft string. The trade-off is lower spin and shorter durability than players get from polyester, with tension dropping faster too.

Best for

  • Arm-friendly comfort
  • Non-poly players wanting power
  • Beginner to intermediate level
  • Players with elbow or shoulder sensitivity

Pros

  • Comfort and vibration dampening stand out as the top trait
  • Easy, effortless power without feeling unwieldy
  • Good ball pocketing and feel
  • Above-average control for a soft multifilament

Cons

  • Less spin than a firm polyester, needs higher tension to bite the ball
  • Durability is the weakest score, frays and loses tension sooner than a poly or newer multis
  • Can feel too lively for players who generate their own pace

Voices

This was a very, very comfortable string.

— Chris (Tennis Warehouse playtest team), Web

I would say it probably ranks as one of the lowest powered multis I have hit with.

— Brittany (Tennis Warehouse playtest team), Web

While it doesn't have the control of a poly, it definitely had enough to keep me satisfied.

— Brittany (Tennis Warehouse playtest team), Web

That length of durability is right in there with what I would expect from other multis like NXT and NRG2.

— Chris (Tennis Warehouse playtest team), Web

easy, effortless power

— Chris Nash, Tennisnerd, Web

saw fraying much earlier

— Chris Nash, Tennisnerd, Web

Sources

Know what players think before you buy

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