Specifications:

Brand: Babolat
String: RPM Power
Thickness: 1.25 mm
Type: Lively co-poly with a crisp playing feel
Similar strings: Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 and Laserfibre JB Tour 100 1.25

The Babolat RPM Power is now available in our webshop per set of 12 meters or roll of 200 meters.

Judgement:

Durability: 8
Voltage retention: 7.5
Spin: 8
Ball control: 8
Power: 9
Control: 7.5
Comfort: 7.5

I have the Babolat RPM Power in the Diadem Elevate 98 tested. This racket has similar specifications to a Babolat Pure Strike 16×19 (2020) or Wilson Blade 98 16×19 (V7.0) . I strung the racket at 22/21 kg. What was immediately noticeable when stringing was the crackling sound the string makes, especially when threading the cross strings.

Durability/Voltage maintenance

I have now tested the RPM Power 1.25 for a good 4 hours in the hall on carpet. In terms of durability (on this surface) the string holds up fine. After 4 hours of play there is little to no wear visible. The string does not have the extreme snapback of its brother the RPM Blast. Partly because of this, the tension retention is also better in my opinion with this RPM Power. I actually played very well and consistently with it. I am not a huge power player, so I can use and appreciate a little help from the string setup in this area. In terms of durability on gravel the string still has to prove itself, but this first test in the hall was fine. Babolat claims to be offering this string as a counterpart to the Luxilon Alu Power. In terms of durability I cannot yet indicate any major differences. In terms of tension retention I think this RPM Power performs better.

Spin

The spin of this copper-colored Babolat RPM Power 1.25 came out better than I had expected. The ball is quite easy to 'pocket'/grab in the string bed. Due to this fractionally longer ball/string contact moment, the spin is still quite good. Of course, the ball rotation is not as extreme as with the RPM Blast 1.25, but it is better than with the Laserfibre JB Tour 100 that I tested earlier. Slices were also easy to cut. Also in this category the comparison with the Alu Power 1.25: in terms of spin I find the strings to be quite equal. The Alu Power feels a bit thinner in terms of play compared to the RPM Power. This makes it seem to comb over the ball a bit easier, but no major differences in this category.

Ball feel and comfort

In my opinion, the RPM Power has a bit more feel compared to the RPM Blast. I noticed that especially with stop volleys and a sporadic drop shot in the hall. The comfort is ok, reasonably in line with the regular RPM Blast, perhaps fractionally more comfortable. But in this respect the strings are not much inferior to each other. The comfort of the Laserfibre JB Tour 100 was slightly higher. Compared to the Alu Power, I find the comfort to be slightly better. With both strings you do need a trained arm/wrist/shoulder, let that be clear. Ball feel is equal.

Power/control

The Alu Power has more 'slapping' power/coarse power than this new Babolat string, but the power of the RPM Power is a bit more consistent and controlled. In terms of control and consistency, I find the RPM Power a bit nicer. Fresh from the machine, I find the Alu Power even livelier.

The control is actually quite good for a power string. I think the control of this RPM Power is better than the RPM Blast, although you get a higher launch angle (higher ball trajectory) which means that some balls land just before the line. I myself have a somewhat flatter swing and I didn't have the idea that the balls started to float quickly. Apparently I got just enough rotation in it.

Bottom line

The Babolat RPM Power 1.25 is a nice addition to the string line-up of the French brand! The string certainly stands out from the other poly's that Babolat offers and is a great counterpart to the Alu Power of Luxilon. And from what I understand, the RPM Power is a lot better priced than the Alu Power. Dominic Thiem has already completely (and successfully!) switched to this string since this year's Rolex Shanghai Masters. For us, we will have to wait a little longer. The expected release is December 2019.