The Babolat RPM Soft is the most comfort-oriented string in the RPM lineup from Babolat. Unlike the rest of the RPM family, known primarily for stiff, spin-friendly polyester strings, RPM Soft is designed with feel, comfort, and control in mind. This makes it a strong option for players who enjoy the RPM brand but need something easier on the arm, especially those dealing with elbow, shoulder, or wrist discomfort.
Babolat RPM Soft Score
| Power | 6 |
| Spin | 5 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Control | 7 |
| Durability | 4 |
Rather than catering to heavy topspin baseliners, RPM Soft targets intermediate players, flatter hitters, and comfort-focused competitors who want a controlled response without the harsh impact typical of traditional polys.
Specs of Babolat RPM Soft
- Gauge: 16 / 1.30 mm
- Composition: Polyamide core with two co-polyamide wraps
- Color: Grey
The thicker 1.30 mm gauge contributes to stability and control, while the multi-layer polyamide construction is what gives this string its noticeably softer feel.
Babolat RPM Soft Performance
First things first: RPM Soft is not a polyester string. While it sits under the “RPM” name, it’s actually a polyamide-based string, placing it closer to a soft synthetic gut or multi-style construction than a true poly. This distinction is important, because it explains both its strengths and weaknesses.
Comfort & Feel
Comfort is where RPM Soft truly shines. Impact feels muted and plush, with far less shock traveling up the arm compared to RPM Blast or RPM Rough. Touch shots, volleys, and defensive slices feel controlled and predictable, making it especially appealing for doubles players or all-court players who value feel.
Power & Control
Power is moderate, more than a polyester, but less than a typical multifilament. The string provides a controlled response, allowing players to swing freely without fear of the ball launching uncontrollably. Control is impressive for such a soft string, especially on flatter groundstrokes and directional hitting.
Spin Potential
Spin is the clear trade-off. Compared to other RPM strings, RPM Soft produces noticeably less bite on the ball. While topspin is still achievable, heavy spin hitters will find it lacking compared to RPM Blast, RPM Rough, or shaped polys. The smooth surface and softer construction simply don’t grip the ball the same way.
Durability & Tension Maintenance
Durability is another weak point. Players who hit with pace or heavy topspin may notice fraying or performance drop-off relatively quickly. Tension maintenance is also below average, with the string losing its crisp response after extended play, especially for hard hitters.
Pros
- Excellent comfort and shock absorption
- Arm-friendly and forgiving
- Decent power with solid control
- Good feel for touch shots and net play
Cons
- Below-average durability
- Limited spin potential
- Poor tension maintenance for aggressive players
Who Should Use RPM Soft?
Babolat RPM Soft is best suited for:
- Players with arm, elbow, or shoulder issues
- Intermediate players seeking comfort and control
- Flatter hitters or all-court players
- Players transitioning away from stiff polyester strings
It’s not recommended for advanced or competitive players who rely on heavy topspin, long-lasting tension stability, or maximum durability.
Final Verdict
Overall, Babolat RPM Soft is a niche but valuable option within the RPM family. It delivers standout comfort and arm safety, along with respectable control and manageable power. However, the lack of spin, durability, and tension stability keeps it from being a go-to choice for high-level or aggressive baseliners.
If comfort is your top priority and you still want a controlled, modern feel, RPM Soft is absolutely worth considering.