If you wonder what are the best strings for Babolat Pure Drive, here are the best options with maximum power and spin without limiting control.
The most common issues reported by Babolat Pure Drive users are frequent string breaking, overpowering, underpowering, and lack of control. Babolat Pure Drive is one of the best-selling rackets of the last two decades, as it hits the needs and abilities of players of all levels.
All these issues happen when we are not using the right string and setting for this power frame. If you wonder what are the best strings for Babolat Pure Drive, I’ve got you covered. After trying out multiple strings and hybrid setups with Babolat Pure Drive, I’ve come up with a list of the best options.
Our Top Picks
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Babolat RPM Blast Tennis String
PREMIUM PICK
Babolat RPM Blast Rough 12m
BUDGET PICK
Babolat Touch VS 17G Tennis
Best Strings For Babolat Pure Drive Comparison Table
1. Babolat RPM Blast Tennis String
2. Babolat RPM Blast Rough 12m String
3. Babolat Touch VS 17G Tennis String
4. Babolat Hybrid Rpmp125 + Xcel 130 String
5. Babolat Xcel 16 String Natural
5 Best Strings For Babolat Pure Drive
1. Babolat RPM Blast Tennis String
Babolat RPM 100 g string, as preferred by Rafael Nadal, has made its way to the top of the list of best strings for Babolat pure drive. The string is for players who need more control and spin, and it is my go-to pick for the Babolat racket. I’m a hard hitter with heavy topspin. The string offers just a perfect amount of power, control, and spin.
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When I started using Babolat RPM Blast, at 50 lbs, I felt it a bit underpowered as most shots were landing down the baseline. However, with a little adjustment and practice, it took my pace and spin to a whole new level. With this extra pace and spin, I can now hit efficiently at tighter angles without losing the distance and control.
So if you have a powerful swing and you are looking for more control, this is a definite way to go. However, if you are under 18 and looking for a more competitive setup to begin your pro career, you need to make a hybrid setup. A full poly setup can cause some serious arm injuries at this age. The string in a hybrid setup reduces the chances of injuries and lets you generate more spin and pace with average swing and power.
The ideal tension for this string is between 52 to 55 lb. If you are interested in more power and less control, you can use it at high tension, like 56 lbs. I usually restring my racket after 15 to 16 hours. This durable string offers dependable tension, unbeatable power, and control for 15 to 16 hours. The only downside of this string is that it is slightly expensive.
Babolat RPM Blast is one of the best strings for Babolat Pure Drive I’ve ever used. If you have a powerful swing and heavy topspin, this poly string is the best option you can have.
2. Babolat RPM Blast Rough 12m String
Babolat RPM is good for a spin but is more about control and power. If you’re looking to generate more spin in the easiest possible way, Babolat RPM Blast Rough is the best option you can have. This premium poly string is exclusively made for a spin and is advertised as the Spin Max version of the string. This is also a little softer than the original Babolat RPM. It acts soft on your arms and lets you generate plenty of spins, even with an average swing.
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Since it isn’t as stiff as Blast RPM, the chances of injuries are pretty low. I use this string in a hybrid setup for mains. I love the hurricane feel that it generates for crosses. Also, it helps me reduce the overall stiffness for an untiring long practice session. The best part of this string is that it lets me improve spin without sacrificing control.
Unlike generic poly string, it allows you to introduce topspin without affecting the pace and flight control and help you make your shots land exactly where you want them to. The string is available in multiple gauges from form 15 to 18. I mostly prefer it in 16 as it offers the maximum life in low gauge. However, if you are more concerned about playability and control, you may look for a 17 gauge.
A 17-gauge string breaks faster than 15 or 16-gauge strings but offers better comfort and playability. I’ve been using the string for quite a while now, and I’ve nothing to complain about quality and performance. However, it is too stiff, especially if you are trying a poly string for the first time. So it is recommended to use this string in a hybrid setup.
If you want to generate plenty of spin without any muscle aches and losing control, Babolat, RPM blast rough is the best string you can have. The string’s ability to generate spin, extra flex, and long-lasting construction helps it stand among the best strings for Babolat pure drive.
3. Babolat Touch VS 17G Tennis String
Next on the list of best strings for Babolat pure drive is Babolat Touch VS 17G. I first strung my Babolat pure drive with this string a few months ago. Before this, I used RPM Blast series strings to get maximum advantage for my heavy topspin. This string is the best for power, and I was quite surprised how it lets you generate power without causing any pain or discomfort in the arms.
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I’m not a heavy baseline player, but I was trying to hit some powerful baseline shots. This string is the best for power, and I could see a huge difference in power after getting this string on my racket. The best part of this string is that it doesn’t ask you to lower the tension if you want to generate more power.
I kept the tension at 56 lbs and was quite surprised at how well this string absorbed the pace. I could land the ball wherever I wanted. However, I have a powerful swing, and if your swing is average or just above average, you may need to go for lower tension. I love the touch and feel it offers at the ball impact.
The string doesn’t last as long as other poly strings. If you are not a hard hitter, it can last for up to 18 hours. However, for more serious players and heavy baseliners, the strings won’t serve for more than 14 hours. It retains the tension well if stretched prior to stringing.
Babolat Touch VS 17 is the best poly string for power that lets you generate pace and power without hurting your elbow or arm muscles. With excellent flex, the ability to generate pace, and an unmatched impact feel, this is one of the best strings for Babolat Pure Drive that you can buy today.
Related: Master Your Game with these Best Yonex Strings (Top 9 Pick)
4. Babolat Hybrid Rpmp125 + Xcel 130 String
Next on the list are Hybrid Ramp 125 and Xcel 120, string by Babolat. If you want to make a hybrid setup to create a balance between power, spin, and control, this option by Babolat is a definite way to go. Babolat Xcel strings are known for power, and they are highly recommended for the Babolat Pure drive. However, they offer power while sacrificing control, making them less suitable for beginners.
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However, this string combo by Babolat is just a perfect balance between power spin and control. What I love most about this hybrid string setup is that it allows me to hit the angles without losing control.
This is a standard string setup used by Dominic Thiem. The recommended tension for this hybrid setup is 50-59 lbs. Thiem keeps the tension at 55 lbs for this hybrid setup and uses excel for the main and Ramp for the crosses.
This hybrid string setup offers good control and power. It absorbs the pace really well, and even at higher tension, like 58 lbs, I could hit some successful heavy baseline shots even with an average swing speed. Unlike Babolat VS 18 G, this string benefits the players with a good topspin. With a powerful swing, you can generate sufficient topspin without limiting the control. The string offers a soft yet crisp feel at the impact.
This hybrid setup is quite soft when compared to other hybrid setups. It retains the tension really well, and since it has a lot of flex, it can last longer than other strings. This is an all-around setup that combines power spin and control. However, if you want to generate a little extra spin or power, this setup may not work for you.
If you want to create a beginner-friendly setup for well-balanced power control and spin, Ramp125 + Xcel120 is the best hybrid string you can buy. This setup has a lot of flex, works over a wide tension range, and has been used by many pros, so we can say it is one of the best strings for Babolat Pure Drive.
5. Babolat Xcel 16 String Natural
Babolat Xcel 16 String is the final option on the list. This string is made for comfort, and if you’re a teenager or anyone who finds it difficult to play with stiff poly strings, this is for you. Excel strings work really well with the high-strength frame of the Pure drive. The string is ideal for offensive baseline play.
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It allows me to lower the topspin for better control and make the land ball on the desired spot. The string offers unmatched playability without being overpowered or underpowered. It allows you to hit consistent volleys and running shots around the net. The string is also a great option for groundstroke and topspin. Since it offers impressive control, I love playing topspin and flat shots with this string.
The recommended tension for the string is between 50 lb to 60 lb. If you have a powerful swing, you can keep the tension high. This durable string features highly elastic polyamide fibers with a polyurethane resin coating for maximum durability.
The string retains the tension really well; if you are not an offensive player, you can expect it to last for upto 20 hours. This string is a good option for control and spin, but it feels a little underpowered if you are a power hitter.
Babolat Xcel 16 is one of the best strings for Babolat Pure Drive as it is fully compatible with this power frame and lets you play both offensive and defensive strokes with maximum efficiency. It is the most comfortable poly string and retains the tension really well.
Related: Best Padel Racket Brands
Top 5 Best Strings For Babolat Pure Drive Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Babolat RPM Blast Tennis String | Check Price |
| 2. Babolat RPM Blast Rough 12m String | Check Price |
| 3. Babolat Touch VS 17G Tennis String | Check Price |
| 4. Babolat Hybrid Rpmp125 + Xcel 130 String | Check Price |
| 5. Babolat Xcel 16 String Natural | Check Price |
FAQs
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Wrapping Up
I’m hopeful that this review will help you choose the best strings for Babolat pure drive. All the options reviewed above are used by pros and are recommended by Babolat for their Pure Drive racket. Here are my top two picks from the list:
- Babolat RPM Blast Tennis String (12m) for its compatibility with Pure Drive unmatched topspin, decent and long-lasting tensions.
- Babolat Touch VS 17G Tennis String for unbeatable power, durability, impressive touch, feel, and comfort.
Finally, I recommend you consider your skill level and gaming needs while buying strings for your Pure Drive racket. If you’re a teenager or beginner, you should look for lower gauge strings. Also, you should use a poly string in a hybrid setup to avoid injuries.
Meet Daniel, a highly experienced writer who is passionate about pickleball. Widely recognized as a trusted source in the pickleball community, Daniel has extensively tested and reviewed countless pickleball products, ranging from paddles to shoes and beyond. Their writing showcases a keen understanding of the sport and its various intricacies.