Babolat RPM Hurricane Tennis String Review

Babolat RPM Hurricane is a firm, control-oriented co-polyester designed for powerful players who want spin, precision and resistance to breakage. It is the string previously sold as Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour, with the product itself remaining the same following the name and packaging change.

Its octagonal profile and low-powered response make it suitable for aggressive players who take long, fast swings. Compared with newer members of the RPM family, it offers a more traditional firm polyester response at a generally more accessible price.

Babolat RPM Hurricane Rating

Control and physical durability are RPM Hurricane’s strongest qualities. It also provides excellent spin for a shaped polyester, although it does not produce as much easy spin as RPM Blast.

Babolat RPM Hurricane Specifications

RPM Hurricane uses a solid co-polyester monofilament with an eight-sided profile. This shaped construction is intended to support spin while its firm response limits unwanted string-bed movement.

It should not be confused with the older Babolat Pro Hurricane. The current RPM Hurricane is the same string previously called Pro Hurricane Tour.

Babolat RPM Hurricane Performance

Power

RPM Hurricane is a low-powered string that requires the player to produce pace through swing speed and clean technique. It offers very little effortless depth compared with natural gut, multifilament or a softer polyester.

This low power is beneficial for players who hit hard. It allows aggressive swings without creating an excessively lively or unpredictable launch.

Players with slower strokes may struggle to achieve consistent depth, particularly when using RPM Hurricane in a complete bed. It is better suited to powerful rackets and players who already generate their own pace.

Power rating: 4.5/10

Spin

The octagonal profile gives RPM Hurricane strong spin potential. Its shaped edges can interact with the ball, while string movement and snapback contribute to additional rotation.

The string is particularly effective for players who use fast, upward swings. Heavy topspin groundstrokes, slices and kick serves should benefit from its combination of shape and control.

RPM Hurricane provides less easy spin than Babolat RPM Blast. However, its low-powered response still allows experienced players to accelerate confidently and create spin through technique.

The thinner 1.20mm and 1.25mm gauges should provide the easiest access to string movement. Thicker versions prioritize durability and stability.

Spin rating: 8.5/10

Control

Control is RPM Hurricane’s defining quality. Its firm construction, low power and stable response allow players to take complete swings while maintaining a predictable trajectory.

Independent testing rated its control particularly highly. The string is most effective for players who hit through the ball confidently and want to reduce the risk of shots launching long.

Directional accuracy should also remain relatively consistent as the string settles. However, no polyester maintains its original response indefinitely, and control will eventually decline as tension and elasticity change.

Control rating: 9.5/10

Comfort and Feel

RPM Hurricane provides a crisp, firm and direct response. Experienced polyester users may appreciate this connection, but players accustomed to multifilament or natural gut will find it considerably less forgiving.

Its comfort is reasonable within the firm polyester category, but comfort should not be considered a primary strength. Off-center contact in a stiff racket may produce a particularly demanding response.

Players who want similar control with greater forgiveness can consider a hybrid or a softer RPM string. String choice cannot prevent or treat an existing injury, and persistent discomfort should be assessed appropriately.

Comfort rating: 6/10

Durability and Tension Maintenance

RPM Hurricane has excellent physical durability. Its firm monofilament construction resists notching and breakage well, making it suitable for heavy hitters and frequent string breakers.

Its playability duration is also respectable for a polyester. Independent testing found that the firm construction helped it retain a controlled response longer than many softer co-polyester strings.

Tension loss will still occur. As the string ages, it may feel less responsive, produce less spin or require more effort to control depth.

Players should not wait indefinitely for polyester to break. The guide explaining how often to change tennis strings covers the main signs that a setup has moved beyond its useful playing period.

Choosing the Right RPM Hurricane Gauge

RPM Hurricane is available in several gauges, allowing players to adjust its spin, response and resistance to breakage.

The 1.25mm gauge is the most balanced starting point for players who want spin without making the string unnecessarily thick. It provides more responsiveness than 1.30mm while retaining good physical durability.

The 1.30mm version is appropriate for powerful players, open string patterns and frequent string breakers. It will generally feel firmer and produce slightly less string movement.

The 1.20mm gauge prioritizes spin and response but may break sooner. The 1.35mm option is mainly useful for players who regularly damage thinner polyester strings.

Players who are uncertain about the correct gauge can use the Tennis String Finder for additional guidance.

Full Bed or Hybrid Setup?

Full Bed of RPM Hurricane

A complete bed maximizes control, spin and resistance to breakage. It is best suited to experienced players who are comfortable with firm polyester and generate their own power.

This setup can complement a powerful or spin-oriented racket by reducing unwanted launch. It may feel excessively demanding in a low-powered or particularly stiff frame.

RPM Hurricane Mains With Softer Crosses

Placing RPM Hurricane in the mains preserves more of its control, spin and durability. A multifilament or synthetic gut cross can add power and comfort.

A string such as Babolat Xcel can produce a considerably softer hybrid than a complete bed of RPM Hurricane. The RPM Hurricane mains will still determine most of the setup’s overall character.

The softer cross may fray or break before the polyester mains. Players should inspect both strings regularly rather than judging the setup only by the condition of the polyester.

Softer Mains With RPM Hurricane Crosses

Installing a softer string in the mains allows comfort, feel and power to dominate. RPM Hurricane crosses can reduce the launch and add some control.

This configuration may suit players who want only a smaller amount of firm polyester influence. It will not provide the same spin-focused response as using RPM Hurricane in the mains.

Tension Guidance

RPM Hurricane should always be installed within the racket manufacturer’s recommended tension range. Because it is firm and low powered, it generally does not need the same tension a player might use with multifilament or natural gut.

An unnecessarily high tension can make its response overly demanding without producing a meaningful improvement in control. The correct setup depends on the racket, gauge, string pattern, swing speed and whether the string is being used in a hybrid.

The Tennis String Tension Calculator can provide a practical starting point before discussing the final setup with a stringer.

Who Should Use Babolat RPM Hurricane?

RPM Hurricane makes the most sense for:

• Intermediate to advanced players
• Aggressive players with long, fast swings
• Players who generate their own power
• Topspin-focused baseliners
• Players seeking maximum control
• Frequent string breakers
• Experienced polyester users
• Players using powerful rackets
• Players looking for a more affordable RPM polyester

Its low power means technique and racket-head speed matter more than playing level alone. A technically developed intermediate may benefit from it, while an advanced player with a slower or comfort-focused game may prefer something softer.

Who Should Avoid It?

RPM Hurricane may not be suitable for:

• Beginners with developing strokes
• Players needing effortless depth
• Players prioritizing comfort
• Players sensitive to firm polyester
• Players who leave strings installed for several months
• Players using low-powered rackets who need more assistance
• Players seeking the easiest possible spin
• Players who prefer a soft or heavily pocketing response

Players who want a more forgiving RPM string should consider Babolat RPM Team instead.

Pros and Cons

RPM Hurricane Compared With Other Strings

RPM Hurricane vs RPM Blast

Babolat RPM Blast provides greater spin and a more modern snapback-focused response. It is the better option for players prioritizing heavy topspin above everything else.

RPM Hurricane offers a firmer, more traditionally controlled response. It also provides excellent physical durability and is generally positioned as the more affordable option.

Choose RPM Blast for maximum spin. Choose RPM Hurricane for firm control, durability and value.

RPM Hurricane vs RPM Rough

Babolat RPM Rough is softer, livelier and more powerful. Its textured surface produces excellent initial spin but its response can become less predictable as tension declines.

RPM Hurricane is lower powered, firmer and more controlled. It better suits powerful players who want a stable response, while RPM Rough is more accessible to players needing additional depth and comfort.

RPM Hurricane vs RPM Team

RPM Team is the more forgiving choice. It provides easier depth and greater comfort while retaining the general spin and control characteristics expected from the RPM family.

RPM Hurricane provides stronger control and resistance to breakage. Players who find RPM Hurricane too firm will generally be better served by RPM Team.

RPM Hurricane vs Head Lynx Tour

Head Lynx Tour is another shaped polyester designed for spin and control. Both strings suit players with fast swings who want to limit excess power.

RPM Hurricane uses an octagonal profile and offers a particularly firm, durable response. Lynx Tour provides a different shaped-polyester feel and may appeal to players looking for a more modern alternative.

RPM Hurricane vs Solinco Tour Bite

Solinco Tour Bite uses a square profile with pronounced edges. It places an even stronger emphasis on ball bite and aggressive spin.

Both strings are firm and low powered. RPM Hurricane provides an octagonal response with excellent control, while Tour Bite is aimed more directly at players seeking maximum shaped-string spin.

RPM Hurricane vs Luxilon 4G

Luxilon 4G is known for control and exceptional tension maintenance. Its round construction does not provide the same shaped profile as RPM Hurricane.

RPM Hurricane is the more spin-focused option. Luxilon 4G is better suited to players who place tension stability and a consistent trajectory above shaped-string bite.

Final Verdict

Babolat RPM Hurricane remains a strong option for players seeking firm control, spin and physical durability. Its octagonal co-polyester construction supports aggressive swings without providing excessive power.

The string is best suited to experienced players who generate their own pace. Its low-powered response, firm feel and strong break resistance make it particularly effective in powerful rackets and topspin-focused baseline games.

RPM Blast offers more spin, while RPM Rough and RPM Team are easier to use. RPM Hurricane’s appeal comes from its straightforward combination of control, durability and comparatively accessible positioning within the RPM range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RPM Hurricane the same as Pro Hurricane Tour?

Yes. Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour was renamed RPM Hurricane. The string remained the same while the name and packaging changed.

Is RPM Hurricane the same as the original Pro Hurricane?

No. RPM Hurricane is the renamed Pro Hurricane Tour. The older Pro Hurricane was a separate string and has been discontinued.

What is RPM Hurricane made from?

RPM Hurricane is an octagonal co-polyester monofilament manufactured in France.

Is RPM Hurricane powerful?

No. It is a low-powered string intended for players who generate pace through their own swing speed and technique.

Does RPM Hurricane provide good spin?

Yes. Its octagonal profile and controlled response provide strong spin potential. However, RPM Blast generally offers easier access to maximum spin.

Is RPM Hurricane comfortable?

It offers reasonable comfort for experienced polyester users, but it remains a firm string. Players prioritizing comfort should consider a softer string or hybrid.

Is RPM Hurricane suitable for beginners?

It is generally too firm and low powered for beginners. Developing players will normally receive more benefit from a softer and more powerful string.

Which RPM Hurricane gauge should I choose?

Choose 1.25mm for the best overall balance. Choose 1.20mm for more response and spin, 1.30mm for additional durability or 1.35mm for maximum break resistance.

Does RPM Hurricane maintain tension well?

Its tension maintenance and playability duration are respectable for a polyester, particularly compared with some softer co-polyesters. It will still lose tension and elasticity with continued use.

Can RPM Hurricane be used in a hybrid?

Yes. It can be combined with multifilament, synthetic gut or natural gut. Using RPM Hurricane in the mains preserves more control and spin, while using a softer string in the mains prioritizes comfort and power.

Is RPM Hurricane worth considering?

It is worth considering for powerful players who want firm control, spin and durability without moving to a more expensive premium polyester. Players needing power or comfort should choose a softer alternative.