Pros' Pure Drives

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
How do pros customize their Pure Drives?

I remember reading that Babolat doesn't have a pro room. So that means pros will customize with lead tape. And with most pros, can't see any visible lead tape on their racquets (with exception of Roddick as his racq has at 3&9)
So, do most PD pros put lead under the bumper at 12?

Anyone personally knows how most Babolat pros customize their PDs?
 

LPShanet

Banned
How do pros customize their Pure Drives?

I remember reading that Babolat doesn't have a pro room. So that means pros will customize with lead tape. And with most pros, can't see any visible lead tape on their racquets (with exception of Roddick as his racq has at 3&9)
So, do most PD pros put lead under the bumper at 12?

Anyone personally knows how most Babolat pros customize their PDs?

Some put it on the head, and it's just not that noticeable, others put it under the bumper. However, one of the most common places to add weight to a Pure Drive is in the handle, either by silicone, lead or replacement handle. And you're right about Babolat not having a pro room.
 
i was able to see marcelo melo's psl in miami (after he smashed it) and he had lead at 12, 3, and 9. i think it was about 7.5-8 grams total.
 

Go Tennis

Rookie
How do pros customize their Pure Drives?

I remember reading that Babolat doesn't have a pro room.

Anyone personally knows how most Babolat pros customize their PDs?

Of course Babolat has a pro department.
I known the man in charge.
The rakets are made heavy in the factory.
 
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ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
Of course Babolat has a pro department.
I known the man in charge.
The rakets are made heavy in the factory.

Well this is contradictory to what I have been reading here in the forums for a long time. Are you absolutely sure pro racquets are made (heavier) in Babolat factory?

Then can you explain why their flagship Roddick's racquet was not made with additional weight at 3&9, but he has been using racquet with lead for many years? :)
 
Well this is contradictory to what I have been reading here in the forums for a long time. Are you absolutely sure pro racquets are made (heavier) in Babolat factory?

Then can you explain why their flagship Roddick's racquet was not made with additional weight at 3&9, but he has been using racquet with lead for many years? :)

If that's that case(about there being a pro room), it's more than likely personal preference from Roddick. We've all heard stories of how meticulous the pros can be about their gear.
 

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
If that's that case(about there being a pro room), it's more than likely personal preference from Roddick. We've all heard stories of how meticulous the pros can be about their gear.

Then how about Moya's racquet pics with ton of lead everywhere? And the member (igotserved) who just mentioned seeing melo's racquet?
How about the pics of Nadal racquet with lots of lead at 12?

So, Babolat is saying "I will make a racquet heavier for you exactly how you like"

But these players (only the ones we could see lead, god knows countless others with hidden lead under bumper) are saying "Nah, I rather put my own lead in"? :)
 

LPShanet

Banned
Of course Babolat has a pro department.
I known the man in charge.
The rakets are made heavy in the factory.

I'm not sure which "man in charge" you're speaking of, but having a "pro department" is very different from having a pro room. Every racquet company has the equivalent of a "pro department", but as people have established on these boards, Babolat does not offer the same breadth of services as those companies with traditional Pro Rooms, such as Head and Wilson. In the case of Babolat, all of their frames, even those done for special makeup purposes, are at least based on a stock frame, while others (Wilson, for example) offer fully custom frames.
 

Go Tennis

Rookie
I'm not sure which "man in charge" you're speaking of, but having a "pro department" is very different from having a pro room. Every racquet company has the equivalent of a "pro department", but as people have established on these boards, Babolat does not offer the same breadth of services as those companies with traditional Pro Rooms, such as Head and Wilson. In the case of Babolat, all of their frames, even those done for special makeup purposes, are at least based on a stock frame, while others (Wilson, for example) offer fully custom frames.

Sooo....
Sorry, man, but what is your point against my post?
 

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
Point is, you stated that Babolat makes racquets "heavy in factory" (custom) specifically for its sponsored players.

LPShanet's, mine and many people's (who previously posted) point is that, Babolat pro players are provided "stock" or base frames to start with. Can you see the point?
 

LPShanet

Banned
Sooo....
Sorry, man, but what is your point against my post?

My point was that your post disagreed with one that stated that Babolat doesn't have a pro room. But in fact that original post was right. Babolat doesn't have a pro room. They generally provide paintjobbed versions of current or former stock frames for their pros, not full custom makeups as those companies with pro rooms do. You may want to check with your friend at Babolat...I think you'll find he supports this info. Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like with who he is...as I probably know him.
 

Go Tennis

Rookie
Point is, you stated that Babolat makes racquets "heavy in factory" (custom) specifically for its sponsored players.

LPShanet's, mine and many people's (who previously posted) point is that, Babolat pro players are provided "stock" or base frames to start with. Can you see the point?


I think you believe in Santa Claus as well.
 

Cruzer

Professional
Then how about Moya's racquet pics with ton of lead everywhere?

There have been a number of posts over the years saying that while Moya appeared to be using a Pure Drive he in fact used a Babolat Soft Drive (a racquet that has not been made for several years) that was, of course painted to look like a Pure Drive and since the Soft Drive was a fairly light racquet for a top level pro player to be using he added quite a bit of lead tape to it to give it some mass.
 

EP1998

Semi-Pro
My point was that your post disagreed with one that stated that Babolat doesn't have a pro room. But in fact that original post was right. Babolat doesn't have a pro room. They generally provide paintjobbed versions of current or former stock frames for their pros, not full custom makeups as those companies with pro rooms do. You may want to check with your friend at Babolat...I think you'll find he supports this info. Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like with who he is...as I probably know him.

Do you happen to know which of the current Babolat racquets is closest to the Pure Control? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
 

LPShanet

Banned
Do you happen to know which of the current Babolat racquets is closest to the Pure Control? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

It depends which aspects of the Pure Control you're trying to simulate (and which version of the Pure Control you're talking about). The Pure Storm Tour is closest in many ways to most Pure Controls, in that it's made from the same mold, and has a fairly similar weight and balance to the last generation of Pure Storms. However, the layup is different, and its flex pattern and rating are different, so it doesn't play as crisply. There is quite a bit more flex in the head, among other things. Weirdly, the Aerostorm, despite its very different look, flexes in a way that's more similar to the Pure Control than the other frames in the lines, although its shape and makeup are obviously quite different, especially in the shaft. I'd say those two are the closest in their respective ways. If you're a fan of the old swirly Pure Controls, you might also check out the Pure Storm Limited, which has some of the solid feel and flex of the swirly ones, but is different in many other ways (weight/balance, head size, etc.)

I haven't put the new GT versions of the Storm series through their paces yet, so can't give you a definitive report on how they differ from the existing versions.
 

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
It depends which aspects of the Pure Control you're trying to simulate (and which version of the Pure Control you're talking about). The Pure Storm Tour is closest in many ways to most Pure Controls, in that it's made from the same mold, and has a fairly similar weight and balance to the last generation of Pure Storms. However, the layup is different, and its flex pattern and rating are different, so it doesn't play as crisply. There is quite a bit more flex in the head, among other things. Weirdly, the Aerostorm, despite its very different look, flexes in a way that's more similar to the Pure Control than the other frames in the lines, although its shape and makeup are obviously quite different, especially in the shaft. I'd say those two are the closest in their respective ways. If you're a fan of the old swirly Pure Controls, you might also check out the Pure Storm Limited, which has some of the solid feel and flex of the swirly ones, but is different in many other ways (weight/balance, head size, etc.)

I haven't put the new GT versions of the Storm series through their paces yet, so can't give you a definitive report on how they differ from the existing versions.

I do have a swirly pj PC (66 stiffnes rate inside throat) Just needs a new string and cant wait to try that puppy! :)
Would you know if it is true that Gonzo strings his (plus vers) at like 20kg? :shock:
 

ericsson

Hall of Fame
There have been a number of posts over the years saying that while Moya appeared to be using a Pure Drive he in fact used a Babolat Soft Drive (a racquet that has not been made for several years) that was, of course painted to look like a Pure Drive and since the Soft Drive was a fairly light racquet for a top level pro player to be using he added quite a bit of lead tape to it to give it some mass.

Moya started out with the Soft Drive generation 1 in 1996 Paris Bercy, later he switched to the first Pure Drive, they share the same molds and grommets, i have them both at home. Infact i have a pro edition Pure Drive generation 1 where the lead is hide under the side grommets and in the handle.
 

ericsson

Hall of Fame
Do you happen to know which of the current Babolat racquets is closest to the Pure Control? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

If you are talking about the first generation PC you have to demo a Donnay PO supermidsize, come from the same mold.
 

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
Infact i have a pro edition Pure Drive generation 1 where the lead is hide under the side grommets and in the handle.

Do you mean lead is hidden at 3 & 9 locations?

Sorry, can't perfectly visualize how lead could be hidden on Pure Drives. Becasue, with CAP Head racquets, it is easy, lead could be anywhere on the head. But with Pure Drives, only place I see that lead could be hidden is the bumperguard from like 11-1 or the handle.
 

Eiffel59

Semi-Pro
It is obvious that you've never seen a PD Gen I. This has an elongated, oval grommet "shield" at 3 & 9 under which lead can stay hidden (this is the case of Ericsson's <new> and mine <Moya's-used> ).....
 

EP1998

Semi-Pro
It depends which aspects of the Pure Control you're trying to simulate (and which version of the Pure Control you're talking about). The Pure Storm Tour is closest in many ways to most Pure Controls, in that it's made from the same mold, and has a fairly similar weight and balance to the last generation of Pure Storms. However, the layup is different, and its flex pattern and rating are different, so it doesn't play as crisply. There is quite a bit more flex in the head, among other things. Weirdly, the Aerostorm, despite its very different look, flexes in a way that's more similar to the Pure Control than the other frames in the lines, although its shape and makeup are obviously quite different, especially in the shaft. I'd say those two are the closest in their respective ways. If you're a fan of the old swirly Pure Controls, you might also check out the Pure Storm Limited, which has some of the solid feel and flex of the swirly ones, but is different in many other ways (weight/balance, head size, etc.)

I haven't put the new GT versions of the Storm series through their paces yet, so can't give you a definitive report on how they differ from the existing versions.

Thank you. The Pure Controls I have left are the 2003 models which I grew to like. I have PSTs also, but was also thinking in terms of specs on paper and materials, the Aero Storm seemed the most similar. I have the Pure Drive GT because I was looking for some extra power on the serve and wanted something a bit lighter - or so I thought - but find I'm getting pushed around in the backcourt when I hit with certain players. I have added some lead but I think I need to add more - or bag the GT and go with an Aero Storm. But then I will have the decision of getting the heavier Aero Storm or getting the lighter one and adding lead.
 

ericsson

Hall of Fame
Do you mean lead is hidden at 3 & 9 locations?

Sorry, can't perfectly visualize how lead could be hidden on Pure Drives. Becasue, with CAP Head racquets, it is easy, lead could be anywhere on the head. But with Pure Drives, only place I see that lead could be hidden is the bumperguard from like 11-1 or the handle.

Ok, i took a pic:

 

LPShanet

Banned
Thank you. The Pure Controls I have left are the 2003 models which I grew to like. I have PSTs also, but was also thinking in terms of specs on paper and materials, the Aero Storm seemed the most similar. I have the Pure Drive GT because I was looking for some extra power on the serve and wanted something a bit lighter - or so I thought - but find I'm getting pushed around in the backcourt when I hit with certain players. I have added some lead but I think I need to add more - or bag the GT and go with an Aero Storm. But then I will have the decision of getting the heavier Aero Storm or getting the lighter one and adding lead.

As you've noted, that's a lot of variables. You may want to try hitting with a few demos. I personally found that the feel of the Aerostorm (heavy version...i.e. original or "tour") wasn't that far off from the post-swirly PC off the ground. The flex pattern is in the same general ballpark, though by no means a clone. I'd demo that, and if you don't mind waiting, you may want to try the new GT Pure Storm Tours when they come out, as I have a hunch they may try to stiffen it up slightly from the last version.
 

LPShanet

Banned
I do have a swirly pj PC (66 stiffnes rate inside throat) Just needs a new string and cant wait to try that puppy! :)
Would you know if it is true that Gonzo strings his (plus vers) at like 20kg? :shock:

That's a great frame. One of my faves of all time. I can confirm that Gonzo does use a plus version. I don't know what tension he's playing with right now, but he has played with anywhere between 20 kg and about 27kg at various times. Most of the time, he has used 24-25kg, as far as I've seen. For those of us not on the metric system, he's usually in the 53-55 lb. range.
 

LPShanet

Banned
LP, Bridget,

Not fans of the PDR then (older one or GT version)?

Hey Ross, hope all is well, mate. Bridget had asked for the Babolat that was closest to the 2003 PC's (which is the 320g post-swirly version), and the PDR is much stiffer and has a very different flex pattern, beam structure/width and mold. That's why I mentioned the others. The PDR is a bit closer than the standard PD to it in weight, etc., but quite different in most other respects from the PC. It has nothing to do with my being a fan or not:)
 

Ross K

Legend
Hey Ross, hope all is well, mate. Bridget had asked for the Babolat that was closest to the 2003 PC's (which is the 320g post-swirly version), and the PDR is much stiffer and has a very different flex pattern, beam structure/width and mold. That's why I mentioned the others. The PDR is a bit closer than the standard PD to it in weight, etc., but quite different in most other respects from the PC. It has nothing to do with my being a fan or not:)

Hi LP!

Okay. I see. Apologies - I only really just skipped in at the end of this thread without getting the full picture.

I found it v/interesting about some similarities maybe between the AeroStorm and swirly PC...

Ditto what you said RE the PD GT and thinking you'd try a lighter frame only to discover you suffered a bit against harder hitters. I found this myself to be the case after thinking 'lighter' was the way to go. Actually, I don't think I ever quite found the Bab frame that inherently had the right blend of maneuverability, heft and feel (though the PST wasn't so far off perhaps)... annnyway... hope you're happily settled down these days with a good racket!:wink:

R.
 

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
Ok, i took a pic:


Thanks for taking a pic, Ericsson. Now I can visualize better :)

Well this is the Gen 1 PD.
How about new PDs? If a pro player wanted to hide lead at 3 & 9, I can't see that happening. And since Babs def. needs lead for pro level play, lead must be going under the bumper (?)

I am trying to bring the words to this. I think, most Pure Drive playing pros of today, prefer the polarized set-up (which is lead or sili in handle & lead at 12ish under bumper) In other words, Babolats are specifically preferable racquets for polarized set-up for today's modern power game.
Can we say this?
 

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
That's a great frame. One of my faves of all time. I can confirm that Gonzo does use a plus version. I don't know what tension he's playing with right now, but he has played with anywhere between 20 kg and about 27kg at various times. Most of the time, he has used 24-25kg, as far as I've seen. For those of us not on the metric system, he's usually in the 53-55 lb. range.

Have seen few shots of Gonzo at slow-motion. When he was hitting a bh passing shot (forgot against who, at roland garros) I could clearly see that he is holding his racquet like an inch up from the butt cap. Almost looked like he is holding his racquet right in the middle of the handle lol. And I think even noticed this when serving (and I would assume he would use that xl racq to his advantage when serving) Also noticed this when volleying. But then, for which shots is he using his racq, fully extended? Maybe his big fh? Havent seen that in slow mo :) Or maybe he constantly plays by grabbing higher in handle?

I can't see myself switching high and low on an xl grip amidst quick exchanges. And I dont see an advantage to playing the way he does with a plus racq.
 
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LPShanet

Banned
Have seen few shots of Gonzo at slow-motion. When he was hitting a bh passing shot (forgot against who, at roland garros) I could clearly see that he is holding his racquet like an inch up from the butt cap. Almost looked like he is holding his racquet right in the middle of the handle lol. And I think even noticed this when serving (and I would assume he would use that xl racq to his advantage when serving) Also noticed this when volleying. But then, for which shots is he using his racq, fully extended? Maybe his big fh? Havent seen that in slow mo :) Or maybe he constantly plays by grabbing higher in handle?

I can't see myself switching high and low on an xl grip amidst quick exchanges. And I dont see an advantage to playing the way he does with a plus racq.

No clue. You'll have to ask him:) Maybe he likes the feel of being up on the grip instead of near the cap, but doesn't want to give away length. Just a guess, but I'll ask him if I run into him at any point.
 

LPShanet

Banned
Hi LP!

Okay. I see. Apologies - I only really just skipped in at the end of this thread without getting the full picture.

I found it v/interesting about some similarities maybe between the AeroStorm and swirly PC...

Ditto what you said RE the PD GT and thinking you'd try a lighter frame only to discover you suffered a bit against harder hitters. I found this myself to be the case after thinking 'lighter' was the way to go. Actually, I don't think I ever quite found the Bab frame that inherently had the right blend of maneuverability, heft and feel (though the PST wasn't so far off perhaps)... annnyway... hope you're happily settled down these days with a good racket!:wink:

R.

When I hit with the first generation (heavy) Aerostorm, I was surprised that the feel was as similar as it was to the PC. It cuts through the air very differently, but the flex pattern isn't too far off. I'm the wrong person to talk to about light frames, as I've always been most comfortable with a heavy one. I generally follow the "use the heaviest frame you're comfortable with" wisdom. But I'm old school. If you weren't too far off with the PST, you may want to try the Aerostorm (esp. the Tour version), and also the new GT PST when it comes out. I'm also a fan of the PS Ltd., once it's leaded up, but not sure if you are ok with a smaller head size.

As for me, I'm still using my 13-year old giant logs. No idea what I'll do once I do them in (or do in my supply of grommets for them). There's nothing made now that's similar.
 

EP1998

Semi-Pro
When I hit with the first generation (heavy) Aerostorm, I was surprised that the feel was as similar as it was to the PC. It cuts through the air very differently, but the flex pattern isn't too far off. I'm the wrong person to talk to about light frames, as I've always been most comfortable with a heavy one. I generally follow the "use the heaviest frame you're comfortable with" wisdom. But I'm old school. If you weren't too far off with the PST, you may want to try the Aerostorm (esp. the Tour version), and also the new GT PST when it comes out. I'm also a fan of the PS Ltd., once it's leaded up, but not sure if you are ok with a smaller head size.

As for me, I'm still using my 13-year old giant logs. No idea what I'll do once I do them in (or do in my supply of grommets for them). There's nothing made now that's similar.

Thanks for the help. The GT is the lightest frame I've used. I love it on some shots. I also like it from the baseline against some people. Funny you mention hitting with a thirteen year old racquet because I decided to hit with the racquets I used prior to the PC yesterday, and at the risk of sounding silly, I'm not sure they make racquets like that anymore. I had a hard time hitting drop shots with it for some reason, but it was great from the backcourt. I'm not sure about the grommet situation either because I used was using plastic tubing in some places so I'm not sure how long term of a solution that would be! I think I will contact them and see if I can get an Aerostorm to try.
 

EP1998

Semi-Pro
Hi LP!

Okay. I see. Apologies - I only really just skipped in at the end of this thread without getting the full picture.

I found it v/interesting about some similarities maybe between the AeroStorm and swirly PC...

Ditto what you said RE the PD GT and thinking you'd try a lighter frame only to discover you suffered a bit against harder hitters. I found this myself to be the case after thinking 'lighter' was the way to go. Actually, I don't think I ever quite found the Bab frame that inherently had the right blend of maneuverability, heft and feel (though the PST wasn't so far off perhaps)... annnyway... hope you're happily settled down these days with a good racket!:wink:

R.

The PST is a great racquet. I went to the lighter side because so many of my friends were doing it (sounds funny when applied to racquets) and when I demoed a bunch of racquets, I thought the Pure Drive could help me the most. And I do like it, but doubts are creeping in as to whether or not it is "the one." I played more tennis in the last year than I did in the last several years so it has been hard to figure out the needs of the current me compared to the younger me. How is your racquet selection going?
 

Ross K

Legend
Bridget,

As I alluded to in one of the above posts, I've been hunting down the right combo of good feel, good solid stability, and a little bit of extra juice. To wit I've been testing frames for a while, and tbh I'm very keen to settle on one as it hasn't done my game any favours. Of all the frames I checked out my faves were the very different AG 100 and the Exo Reb 95 (heavy one not the team.) At present I'm pretty close to committing to the Rebel, but I just want to see how I fare against better, big hitting opposition (which I shall do tomorrow.) I've posted quite a lot on both my tests as well as the Rebel, so do look them up if you think they might be of interest.

RE the Babs, because of a long association with their frames, I'll always have an interest in them I think. I must also confess to having a hit last week with my old PD (non-Cortex, standard model.) One of my slight issues with the Reb is it is a little slow on reaction shots or for those last-second wrist-flicks, etc, so I again felt a need to reinvestigate. However, the PD, for all its qualities, just feels to flimsy. And moving on, the PDR always felt odd re its balance and it plays very stiff. And my old faithful PD+ just feels too long and big (for a long time I've wanted to come down in head-size) and I felt too jammed up with it. And as for the PST, whilst it had control and touch far superior to any Bab I'd hitherto tried, I was never actually sold on the feel, and I always missed that bullying power one associates with the PD, PC, APD, etc, etc.

Good luck with your 'quest' though Bridget!

R.
 

LPShanet

Banned
Thanks for the help. The GT is the lightest frame I've used. I love it on some shots. I also like it from the baseline against some people. Funny you mention hitting with a thirteen year old racquet because I decided to hit with the racquets I used prior to the PC yesterday, and at the risk of sounding silly, I'm not sure they make racquets like that anymore. I had a hard time hitting drop shots with it for some reason, but it was great from the backcourt. I'm not sure about the grommet situation either because I used was using plastic tubing in some places so I'm not sure how long term of a solution that would be! I think I will contact them and see if I can get an Aerostorm to try.

Also, I'd say you should keep in mind the power of customization while you demo. You may be able to get the weight and balance of whatever you demo close to the range of your old racquet, depending on what the specs are. I'd suggest having your actual stick(s) spec'd, since the published specs are almost irrelevant. What was your old racquet? Often, drop shots (and other totally touch-based shots) are among the last to fall into place with a new frame, as they require the most familiarity with the frame and feel. So all is not lost.
 

EP1998

Semi-Pro
Also, I'd say you should keep in mind the power of customization while you demo. You may be able to get the weight and balance of whatever you demo close to the range of your old racquet, depending on what the specs are. I'd suggest having your actual stick(s) spec'd, since the published specs are almost irrelevant. What was your old racquet? Often, drop shots (and other totally touch-based shots) are among the last to fall into place with a new frame, as they require the most familiarity with the frame and feel. So all is not lost.

It would be interesting to get the specs on my entire racquet collection! I have never done anything like that. Again thanks for helping me. Right now my level of sophistication consists of adding lead and seeing what that does.

My pre-Pure Control racquet was the Wilson 6.1 Classic. Prior to that mostly Prince frames, CTS lightning, DB, etc.. I'm old enough to have used the Prince Classic and Prince Pro back in the day. Very good point about the touch shots. I need to practice more anyway. That is the main problem! There is always something in this crazy game but I guess that is what makes it fun.
 

EP1998

Semi-Pro
Bridget,

As I alluded to in one of the above posts, I've been hunting down the right combo of good feel, good solid stability, and a little bit of extra juice. To wit I've been testing frames for a while, and tbh I'm very keen to settle on one as it hasn't done my game any favours. Of all the frames I checked out my faves were the very different AG 100 and the Exo Reb 95 (heavy one not the team.) At present I'm pretty close to committing to the Rebel, but I just want to see how I fare against better, big hitting opposition (which I shall do tomorrow.) I've posted quite a lot on both my tests as well as the Rebel, so do look them up if you think they might be of interest.

RE the Babs, because of a long association with their frames, I'll always have an interest in them I think. I must also confess to having a hit last week with my old PD (non-Cortex, standard model.) One of my slight issues with the Reb is it is a little slow on reaction shots or for those last-second wrist-flicks, etc, so I again felt a need to reinvestigate. However, the PD, for all its qualities, just feels to flimsy. And moving on, the PDR always felt odd re its balance and it plays very stiff. And my old faithful PD+ just feels too long and big (for a long time I've wanted to come down in head-size) and I felt too jammed up with it. And as for the PST, whilst it had control and touch far superior to any Bab I'd hitherto tried, I was never actually sold on the feel, and I always missed that bullying power one associates with the PD, PC, APD, etc, etc.

Good luck with your 'quest' though Bridget!

R.

I tried a bunch of the new and old Princes at a tournament a few months ago. I did try the Rebel but I wasn't sure I would like it long term because it did feel heavy. Although my arm was toast that week so I think a feather might have felt heavy. One Prince frame I was surprised I liked was the Speedport Black.

As LPShanet suggests, maybe you could customize your PD? With the PST I felt like it was just awesome from the ground but I want/need help on my serve and for some reason I never liked overheads with it as much. The GT is fantastic on overheads and serves. However I have discovered that even though I think I've addressed some of the issues with my serve, I haven't really. I thought I was leaving my left arm up on my serve, but then a former coach popped into my head and I saw this vision of a guy from NZed and I remembered something from years back and I realized that there is a left arm up and there is a left arm UP. I was much lazier on this than I thought. So it is more of a practice issue for me.

I haven't looked at your other posts of racquets but have you looked at some of the Head models? I recently had a five minute hit with one a friend suggested I try and it had a very solid feeling to it. I was hitting two on ones with a couple of guys and it held up very well. The guys are nice to me though and dial it down so I can hang. I dont care for the grip shape of Head racquets. All that said about Prince and Head, it would be hard to leave Babolat. I really like their stuff and it is a good company also.

Good luck to you!
 

Aces09

Semi-Pro
Mister Roddick has his PDR customized 1/2 inch longer, to 27.5 inches, there are two strips of lead, on the "Powered by WOOFER" part of the racquet on both sides of the head. He has Pro Hurricane tour mains and babolat vs gut crosses, both 16 gauge, both strung tightly (at least it was at the indoor tournament I got the stick at) He uses a big rubber band dampener from the post office. The cortex is painted on, but he DOES use the woofer system. He has a black babolat syntec grip under his tournagrip.
 

LPShanet

Banned
Mister Roddick has his PDR customized 1/2 inch longer, to 27.5 inches, there are two strips of lead, on the "Powered by WOOFER" part of the racquet on both sides of the head. He has Pro Hurricane tour mains and babolat vs gut crosses, both 16 gauge, both strung tightly (at least it was at the indoor tournament I got the stick at) He uses a big rubber band dampener from the post office. The cortex is painted on, but he DOES use the woofer system. He has a black babolat syntec grip under his tournagrip.

Mister Roddick's PDR is actually a PD+. And the added length isn't customization...it comes 1/2" long stock, as do all the "+" series frames. You're right about the visible lead, though he sometimes puts additional lead under the bumper. The rest of your info is spot on.
 

Aces09

Semi-Pro
Roddick has lead at 3 and 9, one strip covering where it says "GT Technology" and another strip half the size on top of that.
 

ipitythefool

Semi-Pro
Roddick has lead at 3 and 9, one strip covering where it says "GT Technology" and another strip half the size on top of that.


Aces09, could you please explain what you mean by "another strip half the size on top of that"

He has lead tape at 3&9 (2 on each side) but is there lead anywhere else? Exactly where?

(and the lead tapes at 3&9, do you know if they are quarter inch or half inch lead strips?)

Thanks.
 
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