Babolat Xcel 17/1.25 String Reel Blue - 660'
Line: Xcel
$309.00
This newer version of the Babolat XCel Premium string offers everything that the older string had as well as more durability. With a new construction phase that uses polymid binds instead of polyurethane, Babolat was able to increase the durability and tension maintenance of the string. Plays very soft and natural gut-like, this is one of the better multi-filament strings available.
String specs
| Gauge | 17/1.25mm |
| Length | 660ft/200m |
| Composition | Multifilament |
| Color | Natural |
Where to buy
What players say
Players and Tennis Warehouse's playtest team agree the Xcel 17 is a soft, arm-friendly multifilament with strong comfort and better control than expected for a string this soft. The trade-off reviewers keep pointing to is reduced spin and shorter durability compared with a firm polyester.
Best for
- Arm or elbow comfort
- Players switching off polyester
- Hybrid mains with polyester crosses
- Feel and touch over raw spin
Pros
- High comfort, easy on the arm and elbow
- Good control and touch for a multifilament
- Clear feedback on mishits
- Works well as a hybrid with a polyester main
- Moderate power without feeling unwieldy
Cons
- Less spin than a firm polyester
- Durability is the weakest category; some players see breakage or tension loss within one to two weeks
- Can feel dead or muted once it loses tension
Voices
— Chris, Tennis Warehouse playtester, Web
This was a very, very comfortable string.
— Brittany, Tennis Warehouse playtester, Web
There was nothing I really disliked about the string, but I always appreciate more spin potential.
— Brittany, Tennis Warehouse playtester, Web
I would say it probably ranks as one of the lowest powered multis I have hit with.
— Joe D, Tennis Warehouse customer review, Web
This string gives great feedback to the player when striking the ball.
— Steve Petegorsky, Tennis Warehouse customer review, Web
These strings are often called playable, and for good reason: you can play long and hard with them
— Anonymous reviewer (Hong Kong), Tennis Warehouse customer review, Web
This string doesn't have the crisp spinning feeling and the ball really is hard to drive.