****the Pure Storm LTD Support Group****

ctdeuce said:

I use yonex overgrips...i switched from wilson to yonex and they last me a whole 2 times on court rather than the 1 time wilson was lasting, haha....just an option

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I tried those once before and I remember having a pretty good experience with them. I think I'll pick up a three pack again and give them a go.

Can you comment on the cushion of the Yonex? That's the main problem I have with the Wilson Pro going bad after one day; it flattens out way too fast.

rxblitzrx said:

Can you comment on the cushion of the Yonex? That's the main problem I have with the Wilson Pro going bad after one day; it flattens out way too fast.

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I find the Yonex to be more "cushiony" than the Wilson. The Yonex is a bit more plush and easier on the hand-especially with a leather grip. The yonex also comes in black which stays cleaner longer.

I'm a heavy sweater and live in the south so bear that in mind-the Wilson offers better grip for longer when playing but the yonex is a close close second. I recently tried some Gamma Supreme and when I played last week at 91 degrees, the gamma just twisted in my hand when it got wet.

PED said:

I find the Yonex to be more "cushiony" than the Wilson. The Yonex is a bit more plush and easier on the hand-especially with a leather grip. The yonex also comes in black which stays cleaner longer.

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I agree with everything said here...except that I use the white ones because they look damn good on my stick

You're right about that^^^I guess the Black wouldn't look too good on the PSL

PED said:

You're right about that^^^I guess the Black wouldn't look too good on the PSL

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nah not especially. makes everything too dark, haha. Only way it would look good is if I was using something like pro supex blue gears or maybe some spiky sharks to bring out some color in the stringbed.

I am now part of the Support group here!

It came down to a Prince EXO3 Rebel (Monfils). That demo was butter on the backhand. But I found pretty much the same result (could serve much more effectively) with the PSL. Also much more maneuverable at net (almost too much).

BTW, I demo'd the 4 3/8, but I'm buying the 4 1/4, for the same reasons mentioned above.

I can't believe it took me this long to realize I needed a tighter string pattern (have played 16*18 for about 8 years). Maybe I've improved that much.? I can not *confidently* work the ball crosscourt with my forehand.

Getting i strung with Prince Premier LT.

I could see myself eventually needing to add 20 grams of weight to slow it down some around the net.

Can't wait.

I guess I need a Babolat bag now too?

Time to sell some Wilsons.

chizzle said:

I am now part of the Support group here!

It came down to a Prince EXO3 Rebel (Monfils). That demo was butter on the backhand. But I found pretty much the same result (could serve much more effectively) with the PSL. Also much more maneuverable at net (almost too much).

BTW, I demo'd the 4 3/8, but I'm buying the 4 1/4, for the same reasons mentioned above.

I can't believe it took me this long to realize I needed a tighter string pattern (have played 16*18 for about 8 years). Maybe I've improved that much.? I can not *confidently* work the ball crosscourt with my forehand.

Getting i strung with Prince Premier LT.

I could see myself eventually needing to add 20 grams of weight to slow it down some around the net.

Can't wait.

I guess I need a Babolat bag now too?

Time to sell some Wilsons.

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Why can't we edit posts ?

Anyhow, "I can now *confidently* work the ball crosscourt with my forehand."

Just played a kid who was hitting several 110+mph (I suspect even higher) serves a game. On the several points where I decided to unwind and he didn't hit the line, this racquet was stable and lead to baseline scraping winners every single time (only had about 5 chances though ). Solid racquet. Unless you are too strong for it and it feels too light, anyone *****ing about the weight is simply wrong. This is a solid stick.

@chizzle: you can start editing your posts once you reach... 25 total postings? as a n00b, they deny you that privilege.

welcome to the PSL club!

I've been playing on and off with my friends, I was using a Head Ti.S5 for a couple of months, and I started hating the power that I got. Sometimes it would just hit too hard for my swing causing me to lose control, maybe I'm not any good But Today I picked up a Headlight racquet and I love it. Too bad the rain kept me from playing longer than 30 minutes. It's the Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. I have it strung with Luxilon Big ALU Power Fluoro 17 String on the Mains and Wilson NXT Tour 16 on the crosses. @ 58 They say this racquet is for 4.5+ but I'm not anywhere close. Maybe a 3. It hits well but more to come when the weather gets better here in New York.

Played with it last night and I have to say I'm a fan of it. My friend had it strung with Technifibre Black Code at 54lbs and it had great feel and control. I switched a few frames just to compare including the KPS88, nCode 6.1 Tour 90, i.Prestige Mid and my trusty PS85. I came back to the PS85 in the end but the PSL is right up there in a close second. Great stick.

After reading these TW posts for a couple of months now I suspect the average age of the posters is about 22 yrs old. I am 46 so I guess I am in a minority age group here. There are many interesting threads and some great analysis of various topics and they keep me coming back for more. I have learned of many things here and am thankful to all those share their knowledge.

Some of you may not relate to this but I am writing it in the hope that someone finds my experience useful to them. Since my first hit at the age of 12 I used to play tennis any chance I got. I learned to play with a Slazenger Ken Rosewall woodie that was soon replaced with a Head Arthur Ashe Comp 2. Until last year, when my children were beginning to show interest in playing tennis, I hadn't really played any tennis for years. When I stopped playing pennant competition in Melbourne in the late 80's I was still using a Pro Kennex Copper Ace. Before that, my all time favourite stick was an AMF Head XRC that some @#%$#*!! stole from the tennis club rooms.

(If I haven't bored you to tears and you are still reading this - thanks.)

I still have the old Copper Ace but it has a cracked hoop and some major head wear. In need of a racquet to hit with my sons, my brother gave me a Wilson Ncode Nvision tweener racquet last Christmas. I have tried my hardest to like it ever since but hitting tennis balls with it just didn't feel right to me. I tried other modern racquets at the local tennis club but nothing let me hit the ball like I remember I was able to with my old XRC. The racquets all felt so stiff and light and it was obvious to me that the ball stayed on the strings for such a short time. Power was no problem but the feeling of control was just not there. In particular, my old reliable sliced backhand which I used to hit as both a defensive and offensive stroke just never came back to me as I remembered hitting it. Also, my topsin angles and lobs were not anywhere near as consistent as I remember they used to be. It seemed that the ball spent so little time on the strings that where it landed was a bit of a lottery. I started to think I was just past it and perhaps my memories were not accurate at all and I was kidding myself all along about the shots I used to play.

Until last week that is. Last week I took my oldest son for a hit in another town at a club where there is a pro shop. After we played, I told the pro basically what I have written above. Adding also that my father used to sell Head tennis racquets and despite my previous fondness of them that I haven't yet found a new one that I liked. I mentioned that all the new Babolats, Princes and Heads I had looked at in the local sports store looked so 'chunky' and that nothing I saw appealed to me. He went over to the rack and showed me a Pure Storm Limited Edition. I was immediately wooed by her slender narrow beam, the earthy smooth leather grip and her beautiful oval shaped 95 square inch head. I was taken by the flat black on the throat contrasting with the shiny black and silver 'Carbon X' lettering above those stark white stripes. The bold orange crown pleading to be noticed. He was holding the racquet as he was telling me about it for so long that I nearly demanded that he hand her to me. I kept my mouth shut and reached out as he held out his arm telling me to feel for myself. I grasped the throat in my left hand and wrapped my right hand around the golden brown leather grip. I swung a few forehands and backhands as he spoke and I liked what I was feeling. I arranged to have a demo hit in the next few days.

Resisting the very compelling urge to dance with the Pure Storm LTD immediately, I first struck about 50 balls with the Wilson to get my timing and footwork up to a level worthy of a first dance with the attractive slender model. I went to the fence where the Pure Storm LTD was leaning and picked her up and walked to the baseline. The pro called out to me to be mindful of the clunky demo strings that she was afflicted with and not to judge her feel to harshly as a result. I swung at the incoming balls and our unified motion felt like a match made in heaven. Keeping in mind what he said about the strings, I moved to the net and angled some crisp feeling volleys to both sides of the court. It was a wonderful feeling of joy that came over me. Later, I was on the baseline and took a full swing at a topped forehand that must have been right in her sweet spot. The ball arced over the net and dipped into the forehand corner on the opposite side of the net. "Nice shot" was ringing in my ears as I struck the next incoming ball with a sliced backhand that just skimmed the net and went deep into the opposite corner. "Good one". It was right then that I mentally committed to buying two of these black beauties.

I picked them up yesterday having decided to string them with a 53/55 pound synthetic gut and poly hybrid job. Went to the local public courts and played for 45 minutes. I was in love after the first 10 shots. I resisted the urge to make a hasty decision to post my experience here until I gathered my composure, lest I was being duped by an attractive imposter. Went out again for a hit after work tonight and I can confirm that this is no fleeting infatuation.

The Babolat Pre Storm Limited Edition is an honest, rewarding and reliable partner for life. She makes you play full long strokes and quickly exposes your lazy ill considered pokes at the ball. Did you learn to play tennis with a wooden racquet or do you have full drives and do you like to construct points to create an opening? Do you like playing the angles and hitting accurate passing shots? Have you been feeling like you have spent the past few years playing around with classless bimbo models that are all surface without substance? If so, then try the Pure Storm Ltd, it is a classic.

Ps. Can anyone tell me if it really is a limited edition? Because if it is I am going to order some more before they stop making them.

@gpt: great story and welcome to the club! It's amazing how the right equipment can elevate the game to a whole new level. The PSL was my first choice coming back to the sport, after a ten year lay off, and it was instant bliss from ball one. Being a typical guy, I had to make sure it wasn't a fluke or that there wasn't something better out there. I demoed a LOT of racquets and finally came back to the PSL. Hitting with anything else is just frustration.

Try some Wilson Pro Overgrip or Yonex Super Grap if that's your thing. I prefer white to compliment the stark white stripes. But the main focus here is functional overgrip with excellent feel.

PS: I don't think it's "limited" per-say. I hope they make a PSL II that's got a little more power, though.

rxblitzrx said:

PS: I don't think it's "limited" per-say. I hope they make a PSL II that's got a little more power, though.

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Blasphemy!!! Maybe you should start working on rxblitzrx v2.0 and do some push-ups! LOL ;-)

Seriously though I think there is a certain group of players that will really enjoy the PSL. I love mine. I haven't even been tempted by another frame since I got mine. Not even the very nice KPS88 was able to woo me away.

The thing that really makes this stick sing is variety of spin, and skillful application of racquet head speed. If you can get them working together you can play some masterful tennis.

Kevo said:

Blasphemy!!! Maybe you should start working on rxblitzrx v2.0 and do some push-ups! LOL ;-).

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That was AMAZING, haha.

I honestly think the power is completely perfect....but I also have a great deal of body strength as well. Either way...I love it as it is.

True that. My muscles have atrophied the past three years since I don't have much time to get in shape. Ver 2.0 comin up in 2010. =)

rxblitzrx said:

True that. My muscles have atrophied the past three years since I don't have much time to get in shape. Ver 2.0 comin up in 2010. =)

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Im a personal trainer....so I guess that might be why we differ here and I enjoy the racquet as is, haha

Kevo said:

Blasphemy!!! Maybe you should start working on rxblitzrx v2.0 and do some push-ups! LOL ;-)

Seriously though I think there is a certain group of players that will really enjoy the PSL. I love mine. I haven't even been tempted by another frame since I got mine. Not even the very nice KPS88 was able to woo me away.

The thing that really makes this stick sing is variety of spin, and skillful application of racquet head speed. If you can get them working together you can play some masterful tennis.

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Great read gpt.

I to have demo'd them all. I came back to the LTD b/c of it's feel (flex and maneuverability). I can now hit a forehand crosscourt. I can now control points, and if I need to - play better defense. It's a great feeling swinging fully I tell you.

My next quest this this gem is string set up. I went with Prince Premier LT 17. I wonder if it has too much pop? I can hit some blister serves, but still hit a few long with them. I don't think I need a hybrid anymore with the tight pattern, but maybe I do?

I see plenty of suggestions (X1 biphase, hybrids, etc). Will a poly/soft hybrid hold back some pop? How about soft in the mains and poly in the crosses? The only time I broke a string in this wand was in a cross.

Good stuff. Keep them coming.

hey guys,

i have a chance to pick up a couple of the PSLs and would like some suggestions/opinions before i do.

PED, you can probably answer my questions best.

I am currently using PST, strung with full PHT 17s at 59 lbs.
Tweaked all 3 sticks to 12.55 oz, and 9 pts head light.
LOVE this set up.

i can never hit groundies with so much spin, pace and control
with my other racquets. and i have MANY.

My main question for your guys is:

Does PSL "flex" like the PST?
i know some don't like the buttery/mushy feel of the PST, but i absolutely LOVE it.
I looked at the specs on TW and flex for PSL is actually LOWER than PST. is this TRUE?

Spin potential wise i can deal with. probably just slap on some Black Code 18g.

Thanks for any inputs.

KOtennis said:

hey guys,

Does PSL "flex" like the PST?
i know some don't like the buttery/mushy feel of the PST, but i absolutely LOVE it.
I looked at the specs on TW and flex for PSL is actually LOWER than PST. is this TRUE?

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KO, I would be surprised if you didn't love the psl. The feel is quite nice. It's not as flexy as the PST but that's not a bad thing. Supposedly, both the PST and my prestige pro both flex at 63 but I've always found that my pst's felt much much softer because of where they flexed.

I played with the psl last month strung with kevlar mains at 63 and it felt like butter-seriously. I thought long and hard about making the switch to a psl myself but I've just gotten my strokes right on my Pro.

If I had to make a move today, it would be to the psl. I was surprised at how comfortable it was but was even more surprised at the spin and power I was getting. I was hitting against a heavy hitter so it would have been easy to leave the ball short if I wasn't putting enough on it.

You will have to add some lead in the hoop I think to bring up the sw but I would go for it.

Just received my demo today and had a chance to play a set with the PSl. I have been a Babolat Pure Storm User for about 4 years and before that a Pure Control user. I use an Eastern forehand, and one handed backhand. The PSl came through strung as a hybrid. Looks like Kirshbaum Super smash in the mains & a syn gut in the crosses. Feels like mid 50's on tension.

Here is what I noticed. The racquet has incredible control, I felt like I could hit out and go for shots I normally don't go for with my Pure Storms.
The PSL has a more solid feel then the Pure Storm, I could feel the ball on the strings better, just better feedback, overall. Power wise, I would say not quite the pop I have with my older Pure Storms, unless I really took very large swings, however, the PSL seems to deliver a heavier ball. Spin is where I found the PSL lacking compared to the regular Pure Storms. I don't hit with massive spin, but I do get more topspin with my current racquet. I am sure the 18x20 pattern on the PSL is responsible for that, could also be the strings.

Overall, a very impresive racquet. I love the feel and control. I am on the fence as far as switching over, mainly due to the lack of spin. I am going to spend the next couple of days with the PSl and my ball machine and see if I feel the same way.

PED,

I picked up a used PSL today.
very good looking racquet.

i immediately cut the string that was on there (hybrid of some syn and natural gut on mains) and strung it up with Black Code 18 gauge at 59 lbs.

added lead on the handle, at 3, 9 and 12 positions.
and changed the leather grip to my usual Gamma Contour grip, then Yonex Supergrap over that.

now it's at 12.45 oz, 9 pts headlight.

yes, all this BEFORE i even hit one ball with it

first impressions were good.
it has the soft, buttery feel, but JUST a tad more crisp than the PST. which is a good thing.

very steady players racquet.
i can see why people describe it as a mix of Wilson and Head old school player's racquet.

power wise, it is much less than PST, but i can lower string tension down a couple of pounds to compensate.

As for spin. since i slapped on Black Code 18s, there was plenty of spin.

I didn't get a chance to serve with it, will do that probably tomorrow night.

overall i am impressed with the racquet and glad i did pick one up.

I am sure at slight lower tension, this stick can be a real weapon for me.

KO, how much weight did you add to the hoop in total. I'm glad you like it so far.

i dont know exactly. but here is what i did.

added 3x 1/2' wide tape around the handle, close to the throat, not butt cap. the gripsize is 4 3/8, so i didnt want to make it bigger.

added 2x 3/4 inch wide, 5 inches long tape on the INSIDE of the throat.

4x 1/4 wide, 6 inches long tape at 3 and 9 o'clock.

2x 1/4 wide, 6 inches long tape at 12.

now its at 12.55 oz (was 12.45, i added more tape in the throat) and 8.5 pts head light.

thanks for the kind words chizzle. i am enjoying reading all these posts you guys, keep updating us. i am still in love with my pure storm ltd's.

I've had the racquet for a month or more now, and it still feels great. Stock frame has played well with everyone from the 3.5 - 5.5 level. And my rotator cuff no longer aches. Great stick... I love it

I just demoed/played 2 hours with this racquet, and I must say...WOWWWWWW!!! The racquet felt so solid, and it definitely helps in my control on my forehand. It's a little light for me personally, so if i'm going to get, I will need to add some weight to it. Tha'ts the only thing I can think of that I don't like. My serve was monster with this stick, reminds me of my hotmelt 300g from Dunlop, how head light it is.

Considering seriously of getting a couple of this stick...pocket pinchinggggg

had a second hitting session with my PSL this afternoon.

This time i played a couple of tie-breakers and got to serve with it.

very good control on all serves. flat, slice, kick.

The Black Code 18 gauge i had on there probably helped a lot with the slice and kick serves.

I must say it felt really under powered compared to my PST.

Looking forward to re-string it at slightly lower tension to see what happens.

1hbhs were a joy to hit.

I think i will alternate using this and my PST.

YAYYYY, just got 2 off of *bay

I saw those, one had a leather grip, one without?

taking away the leather grip would probably really change the way this one hits..

Update: I have had these sticks for a couple of weeks and I am so glad I made the switch. At first, I thought they were underpowered, but I think I have tightened up my technique and there is definately no lack of power after a bit of adjustment. I am hitting as well as I have ever hit off of both sides. And the OHBH is like butter against balls with pace The used ones I got came with Lux Big Banger Ace 18 and I might have to stick with Luxilon so as not to mess with the magic!

Cfidave said:

I saw those, one had a leather grip, one without?

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Yeah! The price is too good to pass up

I'll test how the two grip feels, since one is leather and one is not. The feel will prob be off so I might want to put a new overgrip on both. But might not since I always play w overgrip

Cfidave said:

I saw those, one had a leather grip, one without?

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Yeah! The price is too good to pass up

I'll test how the two grip feels, since one is leather and one is not. The feel will prob be off so I might want to put a new grip on both. But might not since I always play w overgrip

Just came back from a hit and the Pure Storm Limited is such a satisfying racquet.

I replaced the string dampner that I was using from my old Wilson with a rubber band and it was a match made in heaven. Just the right amount of pop off the strings.

If I am lazy with my strokes, the PS LTD will quickly remind me by producing a short shot. But if I drive through the ball, accuracy and depth are just spot on. When you nail a shot and hit the sweet spot there is no more satisfying feeling. The contact between ball and strings is like a perfect kiss.

I only have two PS LTD's now but I might have to order a couple more. Tomorrow if the weather is good I am going to play a doubles with three very good players and will give the PS LTD a real good workout for the first time. Can't wait.

what dampeners do you folks put the LTD. on? I've tried several but only custom damp works for me.

Sangria Munky said:

what dampeners do you folks put the LTD. on? I've tried several but only custom damp works for me.

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I found that a rubber band not tied too tightly is ideal. Everthing else feels/sounds dull.

rxblitzrx said:

@gpt: great story and welcome to the club! It's amazing how the right equipment can elevate the game to a whole new level. The PSL was my first choice coming back to the sport, after a ten year lay off, and it was instant bliss from ball one. Being a typical guy, I had to make sure it wasn't a fluke or that there wasn't something better out there. I demoed a LOT of racquets and finally came back to the PSL. Hitting with anything else is just frustration.

Try some Wilson Pro Overgrip or Yonex Super Grap if that's your thing. I prefer white to compliment the stark white stripes. But the main focus here is functional overgrip with excellent feel.

PS: I don't think it's "limited" per-say. I hope they make a PSL II that's got a little more power, though.

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Thanks rxblitzrx. I took your advice and put white Prince (nice and thin)overgrips on my PS LTD's. They look and feel great. Leather grips always got too shiny and slippy before long.

If the weather holds off I will play this afternoon and might try some experimenting with lead. The love of my life was always my Head XRC but not any more.

For overgrips, what do you put ? Thin or thick?

gpt said:

I found that a rubber band not tied too tightly is ideal. Everthing else feels/sounds dull.

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I totally agree....I rock with a rubber band only on the two middle mains.

Sangria Munky said:

For overgrips, what do you put ? Thin or thick?

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Yonex Supergrap has been my favorite thus far.

ctdeuce said:

Yonex Supergrap has been my favorite thus far.

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+1. The wilson overgrips are good too... very similar to the Yonex.

Did Babolat ever make a PSL with a 16 X 19 string-bed? In Europe maybe?


(I can't seem to get enough spin with an 18 X 20 string-bed.)

ctdeuce said:

Yonex Supergrap has been my favorite thus far.

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Babolat VS grip, nice & thin, lets the edges of the grip come thru, nice feel over the leather. Love the Babolat custom dampner as well.

hoodjem said:

Did Babolat ever make a PSL with a 16 X 19 string-bed? In Europe maybe?


(I can't seem to get enough spin with an 18 X 20 string-bed.)

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The Euro version is a 18X20 as well. They do make an XL version for the euro market though.

http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/descpageRCBABH-BPSL08.html


If you've not tried the PSL, you might be surprised at the spin you can get-the light SW leads to some serious racquet head speed

When I tried one last month, I was expecting it to play like a two by four with no power but I found it to have tons of power and plenty of spin as well.

ctdeuce said:

Yonex Supergrap has been my favorite thus far.

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I tried it and did not like it at all...I think I sweat way too much. I went back to the only grip that I can use w/o worry...tourna grip XL

Sangria Munky said:

what dampeners do you folks put the LTD. on? I've tried several but only custom damp works for me.

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Without question the only one I use is the Sampras black O. It is awesome and provides the perfect amount of dampening for me.

Fall back is a good thick rubberband.

fattsoo said:

I tried it and did not like it at all...I think I sweat way too much. I went back to the only grip that I can use w/o worry...tourna grip XL

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Tourna grip is my favorite by far, but the Wilson is not bad. I got a few rolls of the Wilson and have been happy with it. My only complaint is how quick white turns yukky!

PED said:

If you've not tried the PSL, you might be surprised at the spin you can get-the light SW leads to some serious racquet head speed

When I tried one last month, I was expecting it to play like a two by four with no power but I found it to have tons of power and plenty of spin as well.

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I have been trying this piece out and I have to agree with you. I was not believing it would have good spin or power. I was totally shocked by the amount of spin I could generate...I truly believe it is because of the low swing weight and the ability to crank up that head speed like you said. With that good can come some tough areas though. If you don't swing with this stick, get ready to get a ball fired back at you! I found if I did not fully swing on a shot it had a high probability of sitting up at mid court for my opponent to destroy. Love this stick though. I have been between this and a prestige pro and I think without question the PLS will win.

The PLS is a stick you absolutely must swing through on. It took me a while, but now I have the confidence to keep the racquet head moving through out the shot. I believe this racquet was made for full strokes, it will take care of the rest, providing the technique is sound. It is a little hard to adjust to after so many years of playing with more powerful sticks, but the results in placement and depth are well worth it