Babolat RPM Soft tested

The Babolat RPM Soft tested by Stephan. This string closes the gap between a multifilament and monofilament string: more wear-resistant than a regular multi, less stiff and stressful for the arm than a monofilament (poly) string.

Babolat LT 38.3 aka RPM Soft:

This review was still due to you! Some time ago we received a number of string sets from Babolat under the 'code name' LT 38.3. This turned out to be the new RPM Soft from Babolat. We have now been able to make more than enough hours with this string. Below Stephan shares his findings.

Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of testing the RPM Soft as the newest member of the RPM family. This new string from Babolat is, according to them, the “missing link” between the multi- and mono strings. It is a string that is both durable as a (co)-poly and flexible as a multifilament. Furthermore, the RPM Soft is the most arm-friendly string in the RPM family. I am very curious how this string will perform in my Prince Synergy 98. I tested the RPM Soft (in 16/1.30mm thickness) next to a regular polyester string.

Intro:

I don't know about you, but when I look at Babolat strings and specifically the RPM family, I quickly get lost. Babolat recently changed the naming and placed all RPM strings under the same category, namely the "Spin" category. That's not such a crazy idea when you consider that all Tour players who play with an RPM are known for the enormous amount of spin they display. Think of Rafael Nadal (RPM Blast), Dominic Thiem (RPM Power) and Felix Augier Aliassime (RPM Rough). In addition, we have the RPM Hurricane strings that now go by the name RPM Spin Durability. The new RPM Soft has also been given an addition, namely the RPM Spin - Comfort. The RPM Soft is a round string that consists of a polyamide core that is more flexible than a polyester string with a co-polyester wrap and silicone coating. A special and interesting construction.

Baseline:

Mike has put the RPM Soft on 24 kilos in my Prince Synergy 98. The string pattern of this racket is 18x18. So a fairly dense string pattern. From the baseline I notice that the RPM Soft gives a very dampened feeling. I also notice that I have to work a little less to get length compared to my other Prince Synergy with polyester string. The RPM Soft is a pretty lively string. After the warm-up we hit hard from the baseline. I notice no reaction at all on my sensitive elbow. That makes the test a success for me. The RPM Soft has a very nice combination of comfort and control with just enough power. The spin potential is clearly less than with an RPM Blast or Hurricane; that is why I think the category “Spin” does not quite fit this string. But the RPM Soft is certainly not inferior to other round (co) polyester strings in terms of spin and is also much more arm-friendly. I think the silicone coating contributes to the special dampened feeling. The 18x18 string pattern also keeps the strings in place. In a 16x19 pattern the strings could move more.

I would string the RPM Soft a bit softer next time to make it a bit more lively and to be able to get more rotation in the ball. Furthermore, the RPM Soft gives me a lot of confidence and a lot of control, but above all a predictable result. No strange swings with equal strokes. Compared to a round polyester string, I find the RPM Soft a lot more dampened. You have to like that. It automatically means that the direct feeling is less. I don't have much trouble with that because I am already happy that my elbow remains intact. This RPM Soft also seems to me to be a good string to play in a hybrid setup with a polyester string.

Sustainability:

I have had the RPM Soft in my racket for almost three months and have played with it for several (long) sessions. The tension retention is amazing. I do feel that it has deteriorated a bit, but the string still performs well. As for durability, I am also very satisfied. I am not a huge spin monster and I do not break strings very often. I see very small frays on the string, but that is not surprising after more than two months. The liveliness is gone after more than two months of intensive playing, but that is not surprising either. I think this RPM Soft does well in denser string patterns. In the 16x19, fraying might go faster.

Ball feel and comfort:

The RPM Soft is made for comfort and that is clearly noticeable. Because it is a dampened string, it does come at the expense of the direct feeling that you get from stiffer poly's. But for example at the net I could easily place volleys with more than enough touch. Also from the baseline I could aim for the lines without the balls flying wide. In short, the ball feel is fine for the comfort level of this string. I can imagine that this string in a hybrid setup with a polyester brings back the direct feeling and at the same time still feels comfortable. I will definitely try that again because I am convinced that Babolat has added a nice new string to the RPM family that players with arm problems should definitely test.

The RPM Soft from Babolat is now available in our webshop, both as a single set and a roll of 200m.