Babolat RPM Soft is a polyamide monofilament designed to provide more comfort and power than a traditional polyester string while retaining greater physical durability than many multifilaments. It is the softest and most accessible member of Babolat’s RPM family.
Despite carrying the RPM name, RPM Soft is not a polyester string. Its round profile, flexible polyamide core and layered construction create a very different response from spin-focused strings such as RPM Blast and RPM Rough.
Babolat RPM Soft Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Power | 8.5/10 |
| Spin | 7/10 |
| Control | 7.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9/10 |
These ratings are editorial estimates based on the string’s verified construction, manufacturer positioning and independently reported characteristics. They are not personal playtest scores.
Babolat RPM Soft Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| String type | Polyamide monofilament |
| Construction | Flexible polyamide core with reinforced intermediate and outer layers |
| Shape | Round and smooth |
| Available gauges | 1.25mm and 1.30mm |
| Gauge equivalents | 17g and 16g |
| Available colors | Grey and Radiant Sunset |
| Available formats | 12m set and 200m reel |
| Country of manufacture | France |
| Primary characteristics | Comfort, power and durability |
| Intended player | Developing to intermediate players and comfort-focused competitors |
Material and Construction
Babolat RPM Soft uses a three-layer monofilament construction. Its central core is made from flexible polyamide, which provides greater elasticity and comfort than the polyester or co-polyester materials used in most performance monofilaments.
The intermediate co-polyamide layer contains aramid powder to improve resistance and physical durability. The outer layer contains silicone to facilitate string movement and reduce friction.
This construction gives RPM Soft some characteristics associated with multifilaments while retaining a solid monofilament structure. It is more flexible and powerful than a typical polyester, but it does not use the thousands of individual fibers found inside a true multifilament.
RPM Soft has a smooth, round profile rather than the sharp edges found on shaped RPM strings. Its spin potential comes primarily from string movement, snapback and the player’s technique rather than additional mechanical bite from its shape.
Performance Analysis
The following performance assessment is based on RPM Soft’s verified construction, official positioning and independently reported characteristics rather than a personal playtest.
Power
Power is one of RPM Soft’s strongest characteristics. Its flexible polyamide core returns more energy than a firm polyester monofilament, helping players produce depth without requiring an extremely fast swing.
This livelier response makes RPM Soft more accessible to developing players, intermediate players and anyone moving away from a low-powered polyester. It should also work well for players using a control-oriented racket that needs additional help producing depth.
The trade-off is that powerful players may find the launch response difficult to control, particularly in an open string pattern. As the string begins to notch and move out of position, the response may become even more lively.
Spin Potential
RPM Soft provides useful spin for a round polyamide string, but it should not be expected to match the spin potential of shaped co-polyesters.
The silicone-containing outer layer is intended to facilitate string movement. When the strings can slide and return efficiently, this movement can contribute to topspin and slice.
However, independent testing indicates that RPM Soft can notch relatively quickly. Once the main strings begin sticking out of position, snapback and spin consistency may decline.
Players who generate moderate spin should find enough assistance for normal topspin and slice. Aggressive baseliners who depend on maximum rotation will be better served by a shaped string such as Babolat RPM Rough.
Control
RPM Soft offers reasonable control for a comfortable and powerful string, but control is not its primary strength. Its flexible construction and high energy return create a livelier launch than a firm polyester.
Players with moderate swing speeds should be able to combine this power with dependable directional control. Flatter hitters may also appreciate the round profile and predictable initial response.
Players with long, fast swings may experience too much launch, particularly in powerful rackets and open string patterns. A denser string pattern, thicker gauge or slightly higher tension may help produce a more controlled response.
Comfort and Response
Comfort is RPM Soft’s clearest advantage. Polyamide is more flexible than the polyester and co-polyester materials normally used in performance monofilaments.
This allows the string bed to absorb and return energy with less of the rigid response associated with firm polyester. Ball pocketing should also be more noticeable, giving the string a softer and more forgiving character.
RPM Soft may be suitable for players who find traditional polyester too demanding but still prefer a monofilament construction. However, no string can guarantee protection from elbow, wrist or shoulder discomfort, and players experiencing persistent pain should not rely on equipment changes alone.
Expected Durability and Tension Maintenance
Babolat positions RPM Soft as more physically durable than a polyamide multifilament. Its solid monofilament core, reinforced intermediate layer and aramid powder are all intended to extend its usable life.
Independent testing supports good tension maintenance but identifies notching as the greater concern. The string may continue holding tension while its surface wears and the mains become stuck out of position.
This distinction is important because physical durability and playability duration are not the same. RPM Soft may remain unbroken while its spin, control and string movement have already declined.
Players should monitor deep notching, excessive string displacement and an increasingly unpredictable launch response. The guide explaining how often to change the strings on a tennis racket covers the main signs that a string bed needs replacing.
Choosing Between 1.25mm and 1.30mm
The 1.25mm version should provide slightly more response, ball pocketing and spin access. It is the better starting point for players who do not regularly break strings and want the most comfortable version of RPM Soft.
The 1.30mm gauge should offer greater stability and resistance to physical breakage. It is more appropriate for frequent players, open string patterns and players who want to reduce some of RPM Soft’s natural liveliness.
Players who are uncertain about which material or gauge suits their game can use the Tennis String Finder to compare RPM Soft with polyester, synthetic gut and multifilament alternatives.
Full Bed, Hybrid and Tension Guidance
A full bed of RPM Soft provides the greatest comfort, power and consistency of feel. This setup should suit developing players, intermediate players and anyone transitioning away from polyester.
RPM Soft can also be used in a hybrid. Babolat offers a dedicated RPM Blast and RPM Soft hybrid that combines the spin and control of RPM Blast with the additional flexibility of RPM Soft.
Installing RPM Blast in the mains preserves more of the polyester string’s spin-oriented response, while RPM Soft in the crosses adds power and comfort. Players should still watch for notching because a firm polyester main can wear into the softer RPM Soft crosses.
RPM Soft is more elastic and powerful than polyester, so it should not automatically be installed at the same low tension used for a firm co-polyester. The final tension should remain within the racket manufacturer’s recommended range and account for the racket’s power, string pattern and the player’s swing speed. The Tennis String Tension Calculator can provide a more suitable starting range.
Who Should Use Babolat RPM Soft?
Babolat RPM Soft is best suited to:
- Developing and intermediate players
- Players trying their first monofilament
- Players moving away from firm polyester
- Players who prioritize comfort and power
- Players who break multifilaments too frequently
- Flatter hitters and all-court players
- Players with moderate swing speeds
- Competitive juniors transitioning toward monofilament
- Players using dense or control-oriented racket patterns
- Players wanting a comfort-oriented hybrid string
RPM Soft should be especially useful for someone who wants more physical durability than a multifilament without accepting the stiffness and low power of a traditional polyester.
Who Should Avoid It?
RPM Soft may not be suitable for:
- Advanced players with very fast swings
- Heavy topspin players
- Frequent string breakers
- Players seeking maximum control
- Players who want the bite of a shaped polyester
- Players who dislike powerful string beds
- Players who need the longest possible playability duration
- Players who expect the strings to remain perfectly aligned
Aggressive players may find the string too lively and may cause rapid notching. A firmer polyester will usually provide greater control, spin and resistance during high-speed play.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent comfort | Less control than firm polyester |
| High power and easy depth | Can become too lively for fast swings |
| More physically durable than many multifilaments | Notching can reduce playability |
| Flexible polyamide construction | Lower spin ceiling than shaped polyester |
| Useful transition into monofilament | Strings may become stuck out of position |
| Suitable for full beds and hybrids | Not ideal for frequent string breakers |
| Good tension maintenance | Limited mechanical bite from the round profile |
| Two gauge options | May wear quickly in aggressive hybrid setups |
Babolat RPM Soft vs Similar Strings
Babolat RPM Soft vs Babolat RPM Blast
Babolat RPM Blast is an octagonal co-polyester developed around spin, control and durability. It is considerably firmer and less powerful than RPM Soft.
RPM Soft is the better option for players who prioritize comfort, ball pocketing and easy depth. RPM Blast is more appropriate for advanced players who swing quickly and require maximum spin and control.
Babolat RPM Soft vs Babolat RPM Team
Babolat RPM Team is a softer co-polyester with an octagonal profile. It provides a more forgiving response than RPM Blast while retaining the spin and control characteristics associated with polyester.
RPM Soft remains the more comfortable and powerful choice because it uses polyamide instead of co-polyester. RPM Team should suit players who still want a true polyester response with greater control and spin potential.
Babolat RPM Soft vs Babolat Xcel
Babolat Xcel is a multifilament designed around comfort, power and feel. Its multi-fiber construction should provide a softer and more elastic response than RPM Soft.
RPM Soft offers a more solid monofilament response and greater resistance to physical breakage than many multifilaments. Xcel is better suited to players who prioritize maximum comfort and power, while RPM Soft should appeal to those wanting additional durability and a more controlled response.
Babolat RPM Soft vs Babolat Xalt
Babolat Xalt is another comfort-oriented multifilament developed to provide power, control and durability. It should feel softer and more elastic than RPM Soft.
RPM Soft is the better choice for players specifically seeking a monofilament construction. Xalt should suit players who want multifilament comfort and do not require the firmer response of a solid-core string.
Final Verdict
Based on its construction and intended player profile, Babolat RPM Soft is best understood as a bridge between multifilament and polyester rather than a softer version of RPM Blast.
Its polyamide core and layered construction produce considerably more comfort and power than a traditional co-polyester. At the same time, its monofilament structure provides a firmer response and greater physical durability than many multifilaments.
Power and comfort are its greatest strengths. Spin and control are respectable for a round polyamide string, but aggressive players should not expect the precision, bite or durability of a shaped polyester.
The main weakness is not necessarily tension loss. Independent testing suggests that rapid notching and reduced string movement can cause spin and control to decline while the string remains unbroken.
RPM Soft is a strong option for developing players, intermediate competitors, multifilament breakers and players transitioning away from firm polyester. Advanced players with fast, spin-heavy swings will normally be better served by RPM Blast, RPM Rough or another control-oriented co-polyester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babolat RPM Soft a polyester string?
No. RPM Soft is a polyamide monofilament. It is more flexible and comfortable than the polyester or co-polyester strings normally found in the RPM family.
Is RPM Soft a multifilament?
No. It uses a solid monofilament construction with a flexible polyamide core and reinforced outer layers. Its comfort and power can resemble a multifilament, but its internal structure is different.
Is Babolat RPM Soft comfortable?
Yes. Comfort is its strongest characteristic. Its flexible polyamide construction produces a softer and more forgiving response than a traditional polyester monofilament.
Does RPM Soft produce good spin?
It provides useful spin for a round polyamide string, particularly while the strings can move and return efficiently. It does not offer the same spin ceiling as shaped co-polyesters such as RPM Blast or RPM Rough.
Is the 1.25mm or 1.30mm gauge better?
The 1.25mm gauge should provide slightly more response, comfort and spin access. The 1.30mm version should offer greater stability, control and resistance to physical breakage.
Is RPM Soft durable?
Babolat positions it as more durable than a polyamide multifilament. However, aggressive players may experience rapid notching and reduced playability even before the string breaks.
Does RPM Soft hold tension well?
Independent laboratory testing indicates good tension maintenance. Its practical playing life may still be limited by notching, string displacement and declining snapback.
Can Babolat RPM Soft be used in a hybrid?
Yes. It can be paired with polyester, natural gut, synthetic gut or multifilament. Babolat specifically offers an RPM Blast and RPM Soft hybrid for players seeking polyester spin with additional comfort.
Is RPM Soft suitable for beginners?
It can suit developing players who are ready for a monofilament but do not need the stiffness and low power of polyester. Complete beginners may still find synthetic gut or multifilament easier to use.