**The PURE DRIVE 2012 Forum (club)**

ArliHawk

Hall of Fame
Had a go with a PDBlack demo this morning at my club. That thing is brutal. The power is fun but my wrist is really aching. I just don't see any substantial difference in arm torture compared with prior models.

I had one for a couple of weeks, and this is why I got rid of it. Oddly enough the APD (which is similar in stiffness) doesn't give me the same type of problem.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Garry..ice and 600-800mgs of ibuprofen plus rest is the best route to take.

I had to do that when the yonex vcore 95 bugged my elbow.

Agree. Get one of those wraps that you put the liquid ice inside, so you vs. Wrap it around your elbow and walk around with it on. When one melts and
gets warm, switch it out for another. Do for 30 mins about 3 x a day.

it sounds like TE to me....outside of elbow is TE....inside is GE.

Still can't understand the Xcel "getting stiff" on u....anyone else heard of a multi getting stiff as it ages?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Got my 2nd PDR yesterday and its a perfect 338 grams! Had a hit last night with it and the weight and swingweight was perfecto! :). Looks like 340g's is my magic number.
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
uh oh. Sounds like an inflamed tendon to me. Does it feel almost hot? Not a medical term but the best way I can describe how mine felt. Ice and Volterol cream helped mine heal plus resting it and a Vulcan elbow strap. Fingers crossed no re-occurrence despite playing with the PD (maybe the gut is helping in this regard) Babolats do have a reputation for being hard on the arm. I think my bout of TE was brought on by using full poly and swapping between too many different racquets.

think your right mate
yes the tendon feels sore to the touch and it does feel hot too!!!!!
ice is now on and i have a TE strap which i will be wearing from now on.
i no the PD has a reputation for harshness but never having any arm trouble i thought i would be fine!!!!!
im not put off one bit by it and wont give up on the PD even if my arm falls off lol.
might go back to the LM8 for a bit as its strung with a full bed of syngut so easier on the arm.

cheers garry
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Garry..ice and 600-800mgs of ibuprofen plus rest is the best route to take.

I had to do that when the yonex vcore 95 bugged my elbow.

cheers PP
advice taken and iced as we speak,the pain has eased off but i will get some ibuprofen.

havent gone to doubles tonight and will give it a rest till saturday

cheers garry
 
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GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Agree. Get one of those wraps that you put the liquid ice inside, so you vs. Wrap it around your elbow and walk around with it on. When one melts and
gets warm, switch it out for another. Do for 30 mins about 3 x a day.

it sounds like TE to me....outside of elbow is TE....inside is GE.

Still can't understand the Xcel "getting stiff" on u....anyone else heard of a multi getting stiff as it ages?

havent got one of those wraps jack but got ice soft bags that you can refreeze,can wrap it in a towel and add pressure to my elbow.

and you could be right about it being TE as ive felt the tendons from below and above the elbow and there sore as you like!!!!

and as for the xcel i cant explain it apart from it didnt feel right and was as stiff as a board to hit with?????
after nearly an hour i had to switch rackets as the vibration was not good at all and if i didnt have my LM8 i would have stopped,strange i no but something for you to keep an eye on in the future.
ive just rstrung the PD with pro's blackout/babolat blue syngut,not sure if to even try it as i dont want to make my elbow worse...
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I honestly don't see any benefit to poly mains anymore. Now that I have switched to gut poly. More spin, far better feel, touch..etc.

It costs more..no doubt. But gut is the best string by miles.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Had a go with a PDBlack demo this morning at my club. That thing is brutal. The power is fun but my wrist is really aching. I just don't see any substantial difference in arm torture compared with prior models.

I don't find it all that harsh. On off centre hits maybe but the sweet spot is plush and comfortable or maybe it's just because I use gut mains?
 

Turbo-87

G.O.A.T.
Based on the advice of a few peeps in this thread, I ordered some Babolat Xcel 17ga black string and I am going to try lowering my tension to 56 or 58, I haven't decided which. The local club doesn't stock Xcel, so I ordered some from here. Thanks for the suggestions.

I will report the difference going from 62 pounds in my current setup.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Based on the advice of a few peeps in this thread, I ordered some Babolat Xcel 17ga black string and I am going to try lowering my tension to 56 or 58, I haven't decided which. The local club doesn't stock Xcel, so I ordered some from here. Thanks for the suggestions.

I will report the difference going from 62 pounds in my current setup.

do 56. Its not as powerful as you think
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
played for a couple of hours today,nothing serious just a knock about with a mate.
wore my TE strap and havent had a reaction so far!!!!!,its feeling better and thanks for all the advice guys:)

i took all the lead off the PD as i wanted a gauge on how the blackout/babolat syngut would play and feel and i was surprised it played very well indeed,no where near as powefull as the xcel but i didnt think it would,had to really step into my F/H flat/topspin shots which didnt bother me to much but i did miss the power of xcel:(
volleys were very nice and controlled better than the xcel.
serves were good with plenty of power and again i didnt expect it at all!!!!!
i was disappointed in the lack of spin considering the blackout is supposed to be a spin string?????
the xcel oozed spin once it settled in a bit but its way to harsh for me/arm:(
maybe the syngut is hampering the spin potential?????
i think this setup will defo suit my doubles more than singles but as i play more doubles its going to stay in for now......
 
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smirker

Hall of Fame
what's your exact setup smirker?

Bab VS Team 1.25 mains (BT7 version) @56 and MSV Co-Focus 1.23 @ 52.

4g total @ 10/2 balanced with 4g and a little blu-tac in the trapdoor.

1 Tourna grip over the original. I did have leather on there but took it off and like the softer feel (on this racquet at least)
 

fattsoo

Semi-Pro
this might sound stupid..but what replacement grommet do i use? i tried looking thru the selection but there's a few of them and i dont know exactly which one to buy. thanks in advance
 

JLDN

New User
Standard vs Plus

Apologies in advance if I have missed this if it has already been covered in this thread (and I will continue to use the search engine) but...has anyone compared the Standard and the Plus versions of the Roddick 2012?

I have seen the video reviews as well as read the written reviews and appreciate the positive attributes of the Plus. However, I am concerned about some comments about "sluggish" feel due to extra length.

I have been able to demo the Standard but am unfortunately not able to demo the Plus. Would like to buy asap and was hoping for some more opinions based on direct comparison.

I am 6'2" and am an intermediate level player.

Thanks.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Anyone else have any trouble removing lead tape from the Pure Drive? I peeled off a 4" piece I had at 12' and it took the paint with it!. Any way to prevent this from happening again?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
strung up my PDR with SP Evolution and Prince Attack at 52/56 and played with it today. Power was a little lower than my full Xcel setup and I was wishing it had a little more pop, but the poly mains gave me more control overall. Also, I was hitting killer dropshots all over the place. Next time I think I'll try Xcel mains and Evo crosses.
 

A_Instead

Legend
Jack1B,
Yes that sucks as most racquets paint tends to peel when one removes lead.
I put the lead on the outside bumper until I get the desired spec. Then put it under the grommet once I have the right amount.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Jack1B,
Yes that sucks as most racquets paint tends to peel when one removes lead.
I put the lead on the outside bumper until I get the desired spec. Then put it under the grommet once I have the right amount.

how do you get it under the grommet?
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Anyone else have any trouble removing lead tape from the Pure Drive? I peeled off a 4" piece I had at 12' and it took the paint with it!. Any way to prevent this from happening again?

jack

i took mawashi,s advice and used lighter fluid (petrol lighter fluid not gas)
i just peeled it slowly while squirting the lighter fluid which breaks down the glue and hey presto no paint removed.
 

JLDN

New User
I joined the club today...Pure Drive 2012 Roddick Plus.

Getting back into tennis after a 24 year absence and have been using my trusty '87/'88 Kennex Black Ace for a few weeks. Demoed an older Pure Drive GT (blue one) and really enjoyed it so went for the 2012 version.

Found the string choices truly overwhelming so went with Powergy at 57 lbs as a starting point.

Hope to be able to hit tomorrow....


IMG-20120709-00007.jpg
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
I joined the club today...Pure Drive 2012 Roddick Plus.

Getting back into tennis after a 24 year absence and have been using my trusty '87/'88 Kennex Black Ace for a few weeks. Demoed an older Pure Drive GT (blue one) and really enjoyed it so went for the 2012 version.

Found the string choices truly overwhelming so went with Powergy at 57 lbs as a starting point.

Hope to be able to hit tomorrow....


IMG-20120709-00007.jpg

welcome to the club:)

keep us posted on how you get on with 2012 PDR+

cheers garry
 
I am back with the Pure Drives after about a 6 year hiatus. The 6 years I spent in limbo amongst other less spectacular racquets.

I am glad I made the decision to come back. The Black Drives are SICK!!! More feel, most power, biggest sweetspot and by far the best paint.
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Can't believe this thread has slipped to page 3

Have cut out the pro,s blackout/syngut as it didn't have enough spin for my liking plus just not enough power,I did add 3grams of lead at 12 but still not what I'm after.

Have just string PTS @ 52/50 full bed and wil be on court Saturday to try it out,it gets a good write up so I'm hoping it will add that extra spin to my game and as a full poly it's supposed to be arm friendly!!!!!!!

Stringing it was a nightmare as its my 1st poly job,but if it gives me what I'm after then it was worth it.
 

BC1

Professional
Can't believe this thread has slipped to page 3

Get with it! The pd is old news. Haven't you heard? Yonex is getting all the attention right now!

Just kidding ya! But seriously, most of the posts have been yonex related lately (me included). There will always be a spot in my heart saved for the pd though.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Get with it! The pd is old news. Haven't you heard? Yonex is getting all the attention right now!

Just kidding ya! But seriously, most of the posts have been yonex related lately (me included). There will always be a spot in my heart saved for the pd though.

BC1, I know you are only teasing with the derogatory PD comments!

Re Yonex, admittedly I have only hit with two Yonex frames (RD7 and RDiS 200) but both have felt underpowered to me. The RDiS is a mate of mines and he has since purchased a PD as he was getting out hit from the baseline when using the RDiS. A lot of his shots were dropping on the service line with loopy spin and getting punished. Since he bought the PD his shots have become deeper and more penetrating.

I like Yonex sticks and think they are some of the best quality wise. I have yet to find one that matches up in performance terms.

Any recs on which ones I should try?
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Get with it! The pd is old news. Haven't you heard? Yonex is getting all the attention right now!

Just kidding ya! But seriously, most of the posts have been yonex related lately (me included). There will always be a spot in my heart saved for the pd though.

lol and i did wonder!!!!,i thought everyone was on holiday lol

im enjoying my PD more than ever now ive got a stringing maching to play around with strings,plus now i no it was the excel that was doing my arm big time but it has fully recovered and im smashing the balls as hard as ever:)

i dont think i will ever get rid of the PD as it is a serious weapon and gives me bags of power/spin,just how i like to play and my game has improved 10 fold and long may it continue:)
 

BC1

Professional
BC1, I know you are only teasing with the derogatory PD comments!

Re Yonex, admittedly I have only hit with two Yonex frames (RD7 and RDiS 200) but both have felt underpowered to me. The RDiS is a mate of mines and he has since purchased a PD as he was getting out hit from the baseline when using the RDiS. A lot of his shots were dropping on the service line with loopy spin and getting punished. Since he bought the PD his shots have become deeper and more penetrating.

I like Yonex sticks and think they are some of the best quality wise. I have yet to find one that matches up in performance terms.

Any recs on which ones I should try?

No derogatory pd comments from me. Seriously, the pd is a great racquet. Hell, I started this thread! And I still stand by it. To be honest with you I don't think I'm good enough for it. If I had a better top-spin game that allowed me to swing all out and keep the ball in, there isn't a better frame imo. And I will always hold on to one. I just seem to be inconsistent with them lately, more so then norm, and am trying out a playerish frame to see how i do with that. I wouldn't bet against the pd anyday, and I might end up back with one or something like it.

I almost think the pds are for 3.0s or upper 4.0 and above. Not upper 3.5s and lower 4.0s. Here me out (others have actually agreed with this logic). The pd is great for beginners and most anyone because you can just throw the racquet out there and keep the ball in play. And they are great for advanced players, because an advanced player can control the power and use the power to their advantage with the proper top-spin stroke, swing through and technique (one reason you see so many at the college and pro level). However, with an upper 3.5 game or lower 4.0 game some players (me included) don't have a great topspin game, yet I do have a good swing and good all around game. Playing the opponents I do (upper 3.5s and 4.0+), I need to do far more then just get the ball back over the net. Yet I lack the control with the pd due to the power. So, I'm not bad enough for it, or good enough for it. That's my story for now. How's that for rambling on? Anyway, the pd is a very good stick. I'm just ready for something different. It has served me well for years and probably will again.

As far as the yonex goes, the Xi100, xi 98 or the vcore 100s will give you what you want. Comparable to a pd but with a little more control and flex (maybe). Lots of power in the XIs. But I have a hard time with the xi headshape - to square for me.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
I joined the club today...Pure Drive 2012 Roddick Plus.

Getting back into tennis after a 24 year absence and have been using my trusty '87/'88 Kennex Black Ace for a few weeks. Demoed an older Pure Drive GT (blue one) and really enjoyed it so went for the 2012 version.

Found the string choices truly overwhelming so went with Powergy at 57 lbs as a starting point.

Hope to be able to hit tomorrow....


IMG-20120709-00007.jpg

what grip size is that ? and is powergy synthetic or poly ?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
BC1, I know you are only teasing with the derogatory PD comments!

Re Yonex, admittedly I have only hit with two Yonex frames (RD7 and RDiS 200) but both have felt underpowered to me. The RDiS is a mate of mines and he has since purchased a PD as he was getting out hit from the baseline when using the RDiS. A lot of his shots were dropping on the service line with loopy spin and getting punished. Since he bought the PD his shots have become deeper and more penetrating.

I like Yonex sticks and think they are some of the best quality wise. I have yet to find one that matches up in performance terms.

Any recs on which ones I should try?

Honestly, none of the stuff you mentioned is actually on the racquet. the RDIS is not underpowered at all, but it is a stick that rewards good timing and a relaxed swing. If you muscle the ball, dont prep right or hit with poor timing you will not get a lot out of the racquet.

The stiffness of the PD bails out poor technique a lot, and it also will reward good technique as well.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Honestly, none of the stuff you mentioned is actually on the racquet. the RDIS is not underpowered at all, but it is a stick that rewards good timing and a relaxed swing. If you muscle the ball, dont prep right or hit with poor timing you will not get a lot out of the racquet.

The stiffness of the PD bails out poor technique a lot, and it also will reward good technique as well.

Sorry PP, not sure I get what you are saying in the first sentence?

In your hands I am sure it's a real weapon but in his (and mine) it was a bit of a liability. Not saying it's the racquet at fault, probably just not suited to our skill level. Do you consider it to be a players frame or more of a game improvement stick? It could just be that I don't get on with Yonex frames. Never had a Babolat before either so no bias there.
 

Turbo-87

G.O.A.T.
I almost think the pds are for 3.0s or upper 4.0 and above. Not upper 3.5s and lower 4.0s. Here me out (others have actually agreed with this logic). The pd is great for beginners and most anyone because you can just throw the racquet out there and keep the ball in play. And they are great for advanced players, because an advanced player can control the power and use the power to their advantage with the proper top-spin stroke, swing through and technique (one reason you see so many at the college and pro level). However, with an upper 3.5 game or lower 4.0 game some players (me included) don't have a great topspin game, yet I do have a good swing and good all around game. Playing the opponents I do (upper 3.5s and 4.0+), I need to do far more then just get the ball back over the net. Yet I lack the control with the pd due to the power. So, I'm not bad enough for it, or good enough for it. That's my story for now. How's that for rambling on? Anyway, the pd is a very good stick. I'm just ready for something different. It has served me well for years and probably will again.

I tend to agree with what you are saying and I follow your logic. When I picked up a racquet early this year after a long layoff, I thought the PD was great because of a massive serve and good power potential. It made up for a lot in my 3.0 game at the time. As I progressed over the past few months playing a LOT, I tended to want to swing more because I felt comfortable doing so. The problem was, I wasn't good enough at spinning it to keep it in. I consider myself a middle card 3.5 right now and I am still doing well with the racquet. I will be trying out a new string setup tonight, which is Xcel French Open 17ga at 56 pounds. When strung at 62, it was pretty tame so I am eager to see if I can adjust to a lower tension since I think I have a better forehand than even a few weeks ago. I will know in a few hours!
 
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smirker

Hall of Fame
No derogatory pd comments from me. Seriously, the pd is a great racquet. Hell, I started this thread! And I still stand by it. To be honest with you I don't think I'm good enough for it. If I had a better top-spin game that allowed me to swing all out and keep the ball in, there isn't a better frame imo. And I will always hold on to one. I just seem to be inconsistent with them lately, more so then norm, and am trying out a playerish frame to see how i do with that. I wouldn't bet against the pd anyday, and I might end up back with one or something like it.

I almost think the pds are for 3.0s or upper 4.0 and above. Not upper 3.5s and lower 4.0s. Here me out (others have actually agreed with this logic). The pd is great for beginners and most anyone because you can just throw the racquet out there and keep the ball in play. And they are great for advanced players, because an advanced player can control the power and use the power to their advantage with the proper top-spin stroke, swing through and technique (one reason you see so many at the college and pro level). However, with an upper 3.5 game or lower 4.0 game some players (me included) don't have a great topspin game, yet I do have a good swing and good all around game. Playing the opponents I do (upper 3.5s and 4.0+), I need to do far more then just get the ball back over the net. Yet I lack the control with the pd due to the power. So, I'm not bad enough for it, or good enough for it. That's my story for now. How's that for rambling on? Anyway, the pd is a very good stick. I'm just ready for something different. It has served me well for years and probably will again.

As far as the yonex goes, the Xi100, xi 98 or the vcore 100s will give you what you want. Comparable to a pd but with a little more control and flex (maybe). Lots of power in the XIs. But I have a hard time with the xi headshape - to square for me.

Will have a look at those on TW but difficult to get hold of Yonex round here. Happy with the PD right now, just hope my elbow holds up!
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
No derogatory pd comments from me. Seriously, the pd is a great racquet. Hell, I started this thread! And I still stand by it. To be honest with you I don't think I'm good enough for it. If I had a better top-spin game that allowed me to swing all out and keep the ball in, there isn't a better frame imo. And I will always hold on to one. I just seem to be inconsistent with them lately, more so then norm, and am trying out a playerish frame to see how i do with that. I wouldn't bet against the pd anyday, and I might end up back with one or something like it.

I almost think the pds are for 3.0s or upper 4.0 and above. Not upper 3.5s and lower 4.0s. Here me out (others have actually agreed with this logic). The pd is great for beginners and most anyone because you can just throw the racquet out there and keep the ball in play. And they are great for advanced players, because an advanced player can control the power and use the power to their advantage with the proper top-spin stroke, swing through and technique (one reason you see so many at the college and pro level). However, with an upper 3.5 game or lower 4.0 game some players (me included) don't have a great topspin game, yet I do have a good swing and good all around game. Playing the opponents I do (upper 3.5s and 4.0+), I need to do far more then just get the ball back over the net. Yet I lack the control with the pd due to the power. So, I'm not bad enough for it, or good enough for it. That's my story for now. How's that for rambling on? Anyway, the pd is a very good stick. I'm just ready for something different. It has served me well for years and probably will again.

As far as the yonex goes, the Xi100, xi 98 or the vcore 100s will give you what you want. Comparable to a pd but with a little more control and flex (maybe). Lots of power in the XIs. But I have a hard time with the xi headshape - to square for me.

hey bobby

no explanation need for me as its your choice on whatever you play with or dont play with,and if youve found the racket that suits you then im more than happy for you.

its a shame im to inexperienced to no what your trying to explain but i will take your word for it lol

i still switch back to my LM8 at hitting practice and i enjoy that racket too,the PD just seems to have more quality on ball purchase if you no what i mean.
i can leather the ball and it stays well in court which i just cant do with the LM8 plus i string that with soft syngut/maxim touch.

i will have a look at the yonex range as im now curious!!!!!

cheers garry
 
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GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
I will be trying out a new string setup tonight, which is Xcel French Open 17ga at 56 pounds.

steve

i was using xcel FO @56 and its a pretty stiff setup for a multi!!!!
just be careful as its IMO its not arm friendly,i had never had any arm/shoulder problems and after a couple of weeks hitting with the xcel i had numbness in the back of my hand and sore TE tendons,im not saying it will do that to you or anyone else but it got cut out and replaced with a softer setup till my hand/TE (which is now healed) got better.

good luck with the xcel as it,s a great string with bags of power.spin is ok but all of this is IMO only

keep us posted on how it hits:)

cheers garry
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
steve

i was using xcel FO @56 and its a pretty stiff setup for a multi!!!!
just be careful as its IMO its not arm friendly,i had never had any arm/shoulder problems and after a couple of weeks hitting with the xcel i had numbness in the back of my hand and sore TE tendons,im not saying it will do that to you or anyone else but it got cut out and replaced with a softer setup till my hand/TE (which is now healed) got better.

good luck with the xcel as it,s a great string with bags of power.spin is ok but all of this is IMO only

keep us posted on how it hits:)

cheers garry

What are you now using instead of the Xcel?
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Oh boy, i am still in search of ideal string setup for this PD 2012 racket. I tried the Kirschbaum Proline Evolution hybrid with X-1 biphase strung at 57 lbs. Did NOT work. had some major issue with control. maybe it was the different stringer i used. my usual guy was on vacation and i had to use a different stringing shop.

Has anyone experience with this ? Use a different stringer and have control issues on next match ? This new guy i used is not a bad stringer. certified stringer he is. maybe it was the different machine he was using ?
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Sorry PP, not sure I get what you are saying in the first sentence?

In your hands I am sure it's a real weapon but in his (and mine) it was a bit of a liability. Not saying it's the racquet at fault, probably just not suited to our skill level. Do you consider it to be a players frame or more of a game improvement stick? It could just be that I don't get on with Yonex frames. Never had a Babolat before either so no bias there.

Yeah what I mean is that the short balls..the loopy spin dropping on the service line - thats all on the player. I know exactly what you are saying because if I arm the ball or don't swing relaxed, I get the same result with the rdis 200. I have moved past that bad habit though, so now I find the racquet to have a lot of power. It is almost weird how you can swing very relaxed, but still crush the ball as long as you are swinging properly.

It is not a super challenging racquet so I dont cough up short balls all the time if I am out of position and stabbing at stuff..so it is a nice balance of forgiveness in a players frame.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Yeah what I mean is that the short balls..the loopy spin dropping on the service line - thats all on the player. I know exactly what you are saying because if I arm the ball or don't swing relaxed, I get the same result with the rdis 200. I have moved past that bad habit though, so now I find the racquet to have a lot of power. It is almost weird how you can swing very relaxed, but still crush the ball as long as you are swinging properly.

It is not a super challenging racquet so I dont cough up short balls all the time if I am out of position and stabbing at stuff..so it is a nice balance of forgiveness in a players frame.

I get you now. Having re-read the review and watched back the video that was one of the failings for Chris on the racquet, its lack of plough through but I suspect that is largely down to player input.

The RDiS seemed to emphasise this for my friend who has a habit of rolling the ball in rather than hitting through the ball with pace. At the level we play it is not enough just to get the ball back in play, one needs to dictate the pace a little more. I just think the frame is a little too heavy/demanding for him and the PD a better fir for his game. I have added some lead to the upper hoop so will see if that improves it.
 

JLDN

New User
what grip size is that ? and is powergy synthetic or poly ?

Hi the grip is size 3 and Powergy is synthetic. The overgrip is Babolat "Comfort" ProTeam (0.55 mm thick).

Was finally able to hit today and enjoyed it - looking forward to really getting to know this racquet. As others have said, the Plus size takes a little getting used to.
 
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