Babolat BXCL17

Babolat Xcel 17/1.25 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 string 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	17/1.25mm
Length	40ft/12m
Composition	Multifilament
Color	Natural, Blue

Where to buy

Tennis Warehouse

What players say

Liked 2 sources

Players and Tennis Warehouse's playtest team agree the Xcel 17 is one of the more comfortable multifilaments around, with milder power than expected and surprisingly solid control for a soft string. The recurring complaint is that it falls short of a firm polyester on spin and string life, with some buyers reporting fast tension loss.

Best for

Comfort and arm-friendly feel
Control-minded players who dislike a dead string bed
Poly/multi hybrid mains
Players coming back from elbow issues

Pros

Comfortable, soft feel on and off the sweetspot
Power is milder than typical soft multis, not unwieldy for bigger swings
Above-average control for a flexible multifilament, even for poly players
Good feedback and feel on contact
Works well in a hybrid with a poly like RPM Blast to soften the bed

Cons

Noticeably less spin than a firm polyester
Durability and tension hold are the weakest points; some players report losing tension within days
Not the choice for players who prioritize spin or long string life