Federerkblade
Hall of Fame
anyone tried blast and biophase by the way as a hybrid
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick 2012 REVIEW!
- Thread starter holytennis
- Start date
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I disagree. I bet the reason dg David can't hit big with the pdr is because he is not getting enough racquet head speed to control the ball. I love that stick but it is a 12 oz racquet and it needs real good racquet head speed if you want to control it. it's stiff...heavier and has a bigger swingweight.
The pd plus was my choice because the swingweight is good out of the box considering how much power the stick has. It's easy to control since it is around 320 grams after strings and over grip. You can also mod the regular pure drives with lead and make them spec however you want.
But I hit with a big hitter today who played open tournaments when he was a little younger and my racquet never got pushed around because I could always meet the ball out in front.
Also it sounds like he is buying too many racquets and not spending enough time to figure out his game or what he really needs. Pick a racquet and use it a few months so you can figure out exactly what you need or you will be chasing your tail. 2 sets of tennis is just not long enough to know in my opinion.
after reading all the hype in TT forums.. I had to try one for myself.. We demo the BLX PS 95 for my son but it's not as good as I thought so when we were there we bought the PD Standard L2 for him to play.. My 6 year old son hit awesome with this racket but for me it's quite light.. and the grip is big on Babolat compare to other brand.. so I went back and bought the PDR grip 1, string it up with VSGut main 45lb and RPM 40lb.. It plays much much better than the PD standard and it's still a little too light for me.. I play with a custom KPS88 395g for the past 4 years.. ..
PDR perform extremely well compare to the last 2 versions.. I hate Babolat but this PDR 2012 is nice..
After about 3hrs of play I felt my wrist and elbow stiffen a little bit.. Yeah, the racket feels very stiff even at that low tension.. next time I will try my old setup which is 40lb main on gut and 35lb main cross..
I am planning to put in a fairway leather grip, with few grams of lead at 3,9 and above the grip to crank up the SW and static weight a little bit..
The 1HBH perform great on this new PDR but my forehand kept hitting the net.. The volley touch is unbelievable good.. First hard flat serve is awesome but I double fault alot more than I used to with my KPS.. Even I crush the balls very hard but my wife told me it is not feel as heavy as my KPS88.. I think after the tuning every thing will click..
PDR perform extremely well compare to the last 2 versions.. I hate Babolat but this PDR 2012 is nice..
After about 3hrs of play I felt my wrist and elbow stiffen a little bit.. Yeah, the racket feels very stiff even at that low tension.. next time I will try my old setup which is 40lb main on gut and 35lb main cross..
I am planning to put in a fairway leather grip, with few grams of lead at 3,9 and above the grip to crank up the SW and static weight a little bit..
The 1HBH perform great on this new PDR but my forehand kept hitting the net.. The volley touch is unbelievable good.. First hard flat serve is awesome but I double fault alot more than I used to with my KPS.. Even I crush the balls very hard but my wife told me it is not feel as heavy as my KPS88.. I think after the tuning every thing will click..
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
I will be soon. Most likely gut at 60#s and poly at 55.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
I love this racket too. It would be perfect if it has little bigger sweet spot though. If they can make this racket into isometric head shape then i think this could become the GOAT of all rackets.
RacketFever
New User
Isometric is patented. Whats wrong with the Babolat's Sweetspot? According to TWU data, it is supposed to have a pretty large sweetspot.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
LOL, this is not buckethead, nor am i the fedace fellow who i thought was federer in the beginning.
but i do know buckethead from facebook site. He is one of the most knowledgeble guys in that yonex site and seem to be a nice guy too. I have been using the RDIS 100 for a while now so i do visit that yonex site frequently.
But i will tell you that Babolat has made something very special with these new 2012 pure drives. This model could become their new best seller.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
holytennis
New User
What is your point and why the hell should they make the PDR isometric? IMHO the babolat is the most forgiving 100 sq inch racket right now.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Well, i agree but if you hit way up top of the racket head or hit the plastic or graphite parts, you can lose control of the ball and go wild. With Yonex isometric head, i had found that you can hit on the edge of the racket and still maintain control of the ball.
JackB1
G.O.A.T.
So the racquet's no good because it isn't forgiving enough when you frame shots???
:shock:
mawashi
Hall of Fame
Wahahaha fedfail fedfail lol! Yeah only yonex allows you to hit with the frame and still manage ball control ROFL!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
This is Fedace at his finest.
ChicagoJack
Hall of Fame
On the old Prince Triple Threat racquets, if you hit either of the tungsten / graphite sections at 10 or 2 those were like 2 more sweet spots. The feel was incredible and you could get an extra 10 mph on yer serve if you hit em just right.
mawashi
Hall of Fame
I though if you hit it all in the right order it becomes a magical sword lol!
cocarrot
Rookie
Playtested Pure Drive Roddick 2012 today, adjusted the specs to ~345g/31.5cm and here we go:
+ my 2hbh has never been that effortlessly powerful, just wow
+ off centre hits are no longer an issue, even late returns go through
+ this stick is a serve monster, my service was lethal at times
+ spin city, could be hitting topspin groundstrokes all day long
+ maneuverable and solid by the net, volleys better than I expected
- too much power on my fh side, difficult to control with a full swing
- limited feel, the racket seems to be somehow hollow and dull
- not precise on touch shots, drops etc, perhaps it needs some getting used to
- expected better stability, but this might come from lacks in my technique as well
- the shiny lustrous parts of the paintjob suck, but that's my subjective opinion
Overall, definitely a keeper for me. Needs some getting used to as I usually play with much flexier and thinner beam control frames. This user-friendly stick will be great for the games when I lack my own power or play not against my rivals but against the d**n hangover after Saturday night parties
+ my 2hbh has never been that effortlessly powerful, just wow
+ off centre hits are no longer an issue, even late returns go through
+ this stick is a serve monster, my service was lethal at times
+ spin city, could be hitting topspin groundstrokes all day long
+ maneuverable and solid by the net, volleys better than I expected
- too much power on my fh side, difficult to control with a full swing
- limited feel, the racket seems to be somehow hollow and dull
- not precise on touch shots, drops etc, perhaps it needs some getting used to
- expected better stability, but this might come from lacks in my technique as well
- the shiny lustrous parts of the paintjob suck, but that's my subjective opinion
Overall, definitely a keeper for me. Needs some getting used to as I usually play with much flexier and thinner beam control frames. This user-friendly stick will be great for the games when I lack my own power or play not against my rivals but against the d**n hangover after Saturday night parties
cocarrot
Rookie
Forgot to mention, PDR was strung with Solinco Tour Bite/Head RIP Control @53lbs. Strings were moving a lot, perhaps full poly at similar or higher tension will do the job for those who doesn't like string movement.
Had my first go w/ the PDR 2012 on the wall and practicing serves.
First thing I noted is that their handle is bigger than Yonnex/Wilson. I use a 4 3/8ths and this felt like a 4 1/2. Might be another factor for why people're having arm problems w/ this frame. Also helps explain why Nadal uses a relatively small grip.
The big thing is that the frame felt good and very stable. I'm used to having the frame flex and feeling the ball shoot out w/ my Yonex... that feeling is gone w/ the PDR, the swing is more like the wave of an ocean swallowing the tennis ball. Can see how some might want more feedback from hitting the ball.
I was most surprised by how well I hit the one handed topspin BH. Especially against the wall, I struggle to hit the ball early or on the rise w/ my regular racquet, but the PDR despite looking thick, felt very manueverable and was exceptionally stable.
Slice BHs felt awkward but it may be more the head shape coming from YY.
The big thing is the serve of course? Initially I wasn't too impressed. My legs were sore from having worked out the day prior. Switching to my old frame for a few rounds, I could see though that the PDR definitely had more power. It may have more spin too but not sure. I felt the 2nd serves had the same height but a bit more velocity.
With the serve again there's the difference in feel. With the Yonex if I hit the ball right, there's a wonderful flex and the ball shoots out just as hard as anything. With the PDR I feel I can consistently hit a hard/heavy serve.
I'm a 4.0 all court player. The demo was strung w/ a Prince multi. Coming from a racquet TW reviewed w/ a power level nearly 20 points lower, I was surprised how easily I adjusted to the PDR. Will try it in some matchplay to see about volleys, touch shots.
The only nagging issue is b/c of the gripsize or shape, I don't plan on playing more than a set at a time. It feels comfortable but I hope this week will be enough of a test on my elbow.
First thing I noted is that their handle is bigger than Yonnex/Wilson. I use a 4 3/8ths and this felt like a 4 1/2. Might be another factor for why people're having arm problems w/ this frame. Also helps explain why Nadal uses a relatively small grip.
The big thing is that the frame felt good and very stable. I'm used to having the frame flex and feeling the ball shoot out w/ my Yonex... that feeling is gone w/ the PDR, the swing is more like the wave of an ocean swallowing the tennis ball. Can see how some might want more feedback from hitting the ball.
I was most surprised by how well I hit the one handed topspin BH. Especially against the wall, I struggle to hit the ball early or on the rise w/ my regular racquet, but the PDR despite looking thick, felt very manueverable and was exceptionally stable.
Slice BHs felt awkward but it may be more the head shape coming from YY.
The big thing is the serve of course? Initially I wasn't too impressed. My legs were sore from having worked out the day prior. Switching to my old frame for a few rounds, I could see though that the PDR definitely had more power. It may have more spin too but not sure. I felt the 2nd serves had the same height but a bit more velocity.
With the serve again there's the difference in feel. With the Yonex if I hit the ball right, there's a wonderful flex and the ball shoots out just as hard as anything. With the PDR I feel I can consistently hit a hard/heavy serve.
I'm a 4.0 all court player. The demo was strung w/ a Prince multi. Coming from a racquet TW reviewed w/ a power level nearly 20 points lower, I was surprised how easily I adjusted to the PDR. Will try it in some matchplay to see about volleys, touch shots.
The only nagging issue is b/c of the gripsize or shape, I don't plan on playing more than a set at a time. It feels comfortable but I hope this week will be enough of a test on my elbow.
tennisnut09
Rookie
This racket is easy to play with as long as you get the right string and tension.
First day playing some points (rained out past 2 days)... overall I feel no discomfort. By the end of the day, I felt adjusted more adjusted for serves... but still finding my range. The neat thing I found is that I can defend much better... but missed a lot of shots into the net b/c 1) I was worried about hitting the ball out and 2) There's a lot of spin here... Net play was awkward... I hit a lot of volleys deeper than intended.
Best news is there isn't any pain or twinge of pain. I feel I can adjust/control to the frame but it will take me longer than a week.
I'm thinking of buying a PDR for an extended go at it. Worse case if I have arm issues, I'll sell it in the classified around Christmas.
But if I like it, I'll need to order more frames. I've heard quality control can be sketchy on Babolats. Is this true w/ their flagships as well?
If I just weight this first frame and have them send out frames w/ close weight, is that going to close enough? Or do I need to take it up a level and ask for SW measurements?
I mentioned I feel this handle is slightly bigger than most 4 3/8ths I've used. I was going to order a 4 1/4th but is this something that may vary as well?
Thanks.
Best news is there isn't any pain or twinge of pain. I feel I can adjust/control to the frame but it will take me longer than a week.
I'm thinking of buying a PDR for an extended go at it. Worse case if I have arm issues, I'll sell it in the classified around Christmas.
But if I like it, I'll need to order more frames. I've heard quality control can be sketchy on Babolats. Is this true w/ their flagships as well?
If I just weight this first frame and have them send out frames w/ close weight, is that going to close enough? Or do I need to take it up a level and ask for SW measurements?
I mentioned I feel this handle is slightly bigger than most 4 3/8ths I've used. I was going to order a 4 1/4th but is this something that may vary as well?
Thanks.
tennisnut09
Rookie
I've tried quite a few setups and I think I finally find the right set up for this racket (took recommendation from other thread). In my experience, the hybrid of pacific classic main and co focus cross 58/54 is perfect for this racket. It is very easy on the arm. It is soft and it gives you control, and spin. If you string yourself, it costs around $20 per set.
Thanks for the suggestion... I honestly feel my control issues are primarily related to the new frame. If I can control the serve then it's more a matter of technique than equipment...
Don't want to change anything for the next month or so, but I'll keep your stringing recommendations in mind when I do get around to mixing it up.
Do you have any advice related to quality control? How many frames do you have? Are they pretty even? I'd prefer to have three or so frames in the end and want the other two match the first one...
Don't want to change anything for the next month or so, but I'll keep your stringing recommendations in mind when I do get around to mixing it up.
Do you have any advice related to quality control? How many frames do you have? Are they pretty even? I'd prefer to have three or so frames in the end and want the other two match the first one...
tennisnut09
Rookie
I have 2. I bought one new and one used. They are not even but very close. One feels a little head heavier than the other but they are still acceptable.
D
Deleted member 19728
Guest
lol shocking it was too much to control on the FH side with an extra 10 or so grams of lead...lol I don't know how I missed this post before...the trick to this baby is tons of spin off both wings...if you hit a flatter ball, I think you want to look elsewhere.
The Isomotion31
Semi-Pro
Picked this up from a local shop for an excellent price. Coming from the PDR GT the transition was not much. But the specs are what I love. It does feel a little more dampened than the PDR GT.
D
Deleted member 19728
Guest
I have been playing the gt plus for sometime and thinking about taking the plunge on some new 2012s....is the dampened feel the only difference between the raquets?
The Isomotion31
Semi-Pro
I can slightly feel the lighter swing weight. I have them both leaded at 3 and 9.
The dampened feel makes the racket feel just enough less stiff imo.
In all honesty, I'd have to be majorly tuned in if someone where to give me my old racket paint jobbed to the 2012.
The reason why I "upgraded" was the deal was too good and it was the last in my grip size.
The dampened feel makes the racket feel just enough less stiff imo.
In all honesty, I'd have to be majorly tuned in if someone where to give me my old racket paint jobbed to the 2012.
The reason why I "upgraded" was the deal was too good and it was the last in my grip size.
D
Deleted member 19728
Guest
I am pretty sure from talking with my buddy who is a babolat rep that they haven't discontinued this baby yet... I was going to wate for a better discount before I picked up a couple.
