BABOLAT Xcel French Open 16G Black Tennis String

I have been stringing hybrids for a while by using guts, biphase, Xcel Natural, Blue and now the Black for the crosses. I realized the coating for Black is a bit thicker comparing to the usual Blue that I used. Its a lot easier to string with the Black as there is almost no abrasion on the strings. It costs about half of the gut string and lasted about two weeks, about the same as gut string whereas the Blue would last only about a week because the edges of Savage and RPM Mains keep cutting into the Ecel. The Black is a little stiffer and maintain tension a little better than its cousins but doesnt generate as much spins. For all the multifillament strings out there, price/performance wise this is the closest to gut.

This string is pretty durable in my opinion and it doesnt die after just a few long days of play. I still had good access to spin and my control was good with this one. I recommend it. They look great too.

I purchase this string for my advanced junior player who hits with a lot of power and spin. I like this string because its a softer string and doesnt hurt his arm like others he has tried. He has a 1-handed backhand and this string allows him power and control without causing him any discomfort. The down-side is that we have to re-string every 2-3 weeks. But I think its worth it to prevent injury.

This string first of all looks killer in black. I have a Head Youtek Radical MP with Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power Rough on the mains. With my tennis elbow I really needed to find a string to give more comfort opposed to the very stiff Luxilons. This string feels very nice and doesnt get in the way with what my mains are doing. This string broke for me after a month so not too bad. A great string to be put in a hybrid combo.

I am currently using these as the cross, coupled with RPM Blast in the main. Love the feel and power with this combination.