Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero 2023

[GimmeBackMyDog]

As far as the volleying goes...

I volleyed really well today with the Pure Aero 2017/Hyper G combo.

Of course, my PAVS is my favorite at the net. 98 inch, more headlight, easy to maneuver.

But...

I'm probably in the minority in that, for me, my Pure Strike actually feels more cumbersome than my regular Pure Aeros.

For me, the Pure Strike feels like a baselines smasher.

But, despite it's 100 inch head, the Pure Aero has enough whippiness to make some plays at the net.

The Pure Strike is almost so cumbersome that I'm considering putting some weight in the handle.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

I had a great friendly match at my club today against a player better than me and I won . My first with the PA 23.

I think the easy power and spin really helped. I especially managed to win quiet a few points from defensive positions thanks to the easy depth from the PA23.

Though I am still not very confident swinging freely on the forehand side with the PA 23 especially when playing high balls. Tend to send them long. I countered that by playing quiet a few slices and chips and surprisingly they seemed effective due to the extra spin on them. Any thoughts on this strategy when playing matches?

 

[Trip]

I'm probably in the minority in that, for me, my Pure Strike actually feels more cumbersome than my regular Pure Aeros.

Not a minority observation at all. Despite identical stock strung balance (4pts HL), the Strikes have more mass towards the top of the hoop and have a noticeably higher stock swing weight, so they will tend to feel more cumbersome on your average ground stroke -- again, in stock form.

Though I was am still not very confident swinging freely on the forehand side with the PA 23 especially when playing high balls. Tend to send them long. I countered that by playing quiet a few slices and chips and surprisingly they seemed effective due to the extra spin on them. Any thoughts on this strategy when playing matches?

My forehand definitely took longer to stabilize with the PA23, and I reverted to doing a bit of the same at times, and found that most shots has enough RPM on them to cause my opponent at least momentary pause, which helped to reduce the potency of his counterstrikes, even if by just a little. That little difference, though, is often enough to turn the tide in a lot of rallies, especially on clay, so yes, such shots can be an effective weapon (versus taking a topspin forehand with a high chance of hitting long).

 

[esm]

Posted the below in the ‘holic thread earlier this arvo… going to be away for a couple of weeks, so will try a new setup when I return. Still need to aim for bigger targets, but am getting better at “fine tune” the angles and shot into “tighter” spaces. Enjoyable session all in all.


The PA23 shined again today.

I strung one of them with fullbed shaped multi at the same tension as Angell Halo multi - it was a nice(r) feeling and nice(r) pocketing.

Had a really good session and had loads of fun. I was able to do whatever I wanted, but I think I need to up the tension/DT abit more, as at times it was abit too powerful when I got “carried away”. Lol.

I purposely not measured the specs with the shaped multi before today’s session, so I’d be interested to see what it’d be.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Not a minority observation at all. Despite identical stock strung balance (4pts HL), the Strikes have more mass towards the top of the hoop and have a noticeably higher stock swing weight, so they will tend to feel more cumbersome on your average ground stroke -- again, in stock form.

My forehand definitely took longer to stabilize with the PA23, and I reverted to doing a bit of the same at times, and found that most shots has enough RPM on them to cause my opponent at least momentary pause, which helped to reduce the potency of his counterstrikes, even if by just a little. That little difference, though, is often enough to turn the tide in a lot of rallies, especially on clay, so yes, such shots can be an effective weapon (versus taking a topspin forehand with a high chance of hitting long).

Yeah, I haven't played much with the Pure Strike. Probably because I like the more head light feeling Aeros and the extra spin.

But when I did use it, hit some nasty ground strokes with it.

I just ordered some tungston putty from TW to throw in the buttcap to hopefully make it feel a little more head light.

I naturally swing with quite a bit of power so it seems I tend to gravitate toward the more head light but less powerful PAVS.

But I would like to get all four of my rackets to where I enjoy using them all...which means learning to do a little customization.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

I had a great friendly match at my club today against a player better than me and I won . My first with the PA 23.

I think the easy power and spin really helped. I especially managed to win quiet a few points from defensive positions thanks to the easy depth from the PA23.

Though I am still not very confident swinging freely on the forehand side with the PA 23 especially when playing high balls. Tend to send them long. I countered that by playing quiet a few slices and chips and surprisingly they seemed effective due to the extra spin on them. Any thoughts on this strategy when playing matches?

I still learning so no expert on hitting high balls. Just learning to hit a normal ball properly.

But the Pure Aero certainly will be bit more of a challenge hitting high balls than some rackets due to the increased spin.

So I reckon you just gotta get used to flattening out the swing a little on the high and short balls.

I got the same problem. I can put some away but they will fly sometimes when I don't flatten out the swing a little.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

I still learning so no expert on hitting high balls. Just learning to hit a normal ball properly.

But the Pure Aero certainly will be bit more of a challenge hitting high balls than some rackets due to the increased spin.

So I reckon you just gotta get used to flattening out the swing a little on the high and short balls.

I got the same problem. I can put some away but they will fly sometimes when I don't flatten out the swing a little.

I am facing exactly the same issue on the forehand side on short and high balls.

Somehow I don't have any problem with the backhand. I can flatten and keep high and short balls in with ease. I have a 2 handed BH so maybe that helps.

But I am getting better at controlling th FH. Will keep at it and see how it progresses in coming weeks.

 

[esm]

The PA23 is a great candidate for the 2HBH.
I have been trying to “get back” to playing 2HBH full time for the past 3-4 months and was struggling abit with thin beams player type racquets (I am sure it is definitely me…), but with the PA23, it is juts more achievable and more stable - am able to pretty much point and shoot majority of the time with flatter shots if I can get my footwork right/close enough and chuck the ball higher if I need to. It is more effortless IMO.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

The PA23 is a great candidate for the 2HBH.
I have been trying to “get back” to playing 2HBH full time for the past 3-4 months and was struggling abit with thin beams player type racquets (I am sure it is definitely me…), but with the PA23, it is juts more achievable and more stable - am able to pretty much point and shoot majority of the time with flatter shots if I can get my footwork right/close enough and chuck the ball higher if I need to. It is more effortless IMO.

I will second that. I have always played with a 2 handed backhand and the backhand has always been a reliable stroke for me.

With the PA 23 it has become more of a weapon as I find it easier to hit it deep and create angles along with spin.

 

[esm]

I will second that. I have always played with a 2 handed backhand and the backhand has always been a reliable stroke for me.

With the PA 23 it has become more of a weapon as I find it easier to hit it deep and create angles along with spin.

In saying that though, the 1HBH slice can be lethal too if I can keep it low and deep, as well as some of the drop slice backhands on a fast/deep first service.
the second serve DTL is quite addictive too, if I can get my footwork right. Lol

PA23 is just a (more) stable racquet.

 

[tomato123]

So I got a chance to play with the 2023 PA yesterday indoors playing singles with my hitting partner and compared head to head with the 2013 APD.

Overall, I feel like the 2023 PA is a slight improvement in almost every area compared to the 2013. A little more control, a little more forgiveness, comfort, maybe even a little more spin with about equal power. The only difference for me was that I am so used to the feel of the 2013, the 2023 feels a bit too muted for me. I'm not sure if the demo strings had to do with it as well - it was a light gray, shaped string which I guessed was Tour Bite which I never tried before, compared to T1 Black Knight on my 2013. I've come to really like the direct, crisp feedback on contact I get from the 2013, which I know others may understandably see it as harsh or stiff feeling on the arm so I get it if this is a very subjective assessment. But if I did not have 2013 as my reference point I could see myself using the 2023 any day as it still has that "cheating" feel where you just brush up on the ball and swing away, and it will reward you with a heavy, authoritative ball that is very much controllable to your liking. May not be like a "point and aim for the lines" type of control like the PSVS, but you're still making the opponent run side to side with great angles and safe margins.

Just to highlight the subjective nature of the feel department, my hitting partner loved how this racquet played and felt, and he is actually switching to the 2023 after this demo session and it felt like he could not miss with this racquet. We are both 4.0 rated players. As for me, I am going to stick with my trusty 2013 APD and eagerly wait to see how the upcoming PA Rafa will look in terms of specs and cosmetics.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Since I prefer to PAVS over my two regular Pure Aeros and Pure Strike...I'm trying an experiment.

I put some Tungston Putty into the handle of the regular Pure Aeros and Pure Strike.

Don't have a scale or anything. Just put some putty in handle until they hang from the finger at about the same angle as the PAVS.

Use the whole ounce, so it comes out to about a third of an ounce to move them from 4 points headlight to about 6 points headlight.

Hopefully I did it right.

I wrapped the tungston in cotton and then wrapped the cotton in saran wrap.

 

[esm]

Since I prefer to PAVS over my two regular Pure Aeros and Pure Strike...I'm trying an experiment.

I put some Tungston Putty into the handle of the regular Pure Aeros and Pure Strike.

Don't have a scale or anything. Just put some putty in handle until they hang from the finger at about the same angle as the PAVS.

Use the whole ounce, so it comes out to about a third of an ounce to move them from 4 points headlight to about 6 points headlight.

Hopefully I did it right.

I wrapped the tungston in cotton and then wrapped the cotton in saran wrap.

What are you trying to achieve? Are other aspect of the specs the same for all three, including the string type (and/or maybe tension to a certain degree?)

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

Since I prefer to PAVS over my two regular Pure Aeros and Pure Strike...I'm trying an experiment.

I put some Tungston Putty into the handle of the regular Pure Aeros and Pure Strike.

Don't have a scale or anything. Just put some putty in handle until they hang from the finger at about the same angle as the PAVS.

Use the whole ounce, so it comes out to about a third of an ounce to move them from 4 points headlight to about 6 points headlight.

Hopefully I did it right.

I wrapped the tungston in cotton and then wrapped the cotton in saran wrap.

How would you compare PAVS to Pure Aero?

I played with one my friend has for a couple of hours. It was great on volleys though seemed underpowered from the baseline. Not much easy power and depth like the PA. Though I haven't played much with it so my views could be wrong.

What are your thoughts?

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

What are you trying to achieve? Are other aspect of the specs the same for all three, including the string type (and/or maybe tension to a certain degree?)

I have Solinco Hyper G in three and RPM Blast in the old Pure Aero. But it seems I feel more connected to the ball with the Hyper G over the RPM Blast.

The tension is pretty similar. PAVS 51lbs and the others are 52/53lbs.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

How would you compare PAVS to Pure Aero?

I played with one my friend has for a couple of hours. It was great on volleys though seemed underpowered from the baseline. Not much easy power and depth like the PA. Though I haven't played much with it so my views could be wrong.

What are your thoughts?

I do agree that the VS lacks a little power from the baseline compared to the other rackets.

But I do get depth with it. I think I tend to swing away and like relying on my arm for the power rather than the racket.

I feel like I'm in more control over where I'm putting the ball.

With the PAVS I seem to do a better job of confidently putting the ball inside the back of the baseline without accidentally hitting it long.

I'm going to go play in a couple hours and I'll see how making the Pure Aero and Pure Strike more headlight effects their performance.

Looking at the specs, the only thing I've done by putting weight in the buttcap is make them more like the tour versions.

But just taking a few practice with them afterward they definitely feel a little bit better IMO.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Played a little with both the regular Pure Aero and Pure Strike with weight in the handle.

Didn't play well, but I was probably just off. So that's my fault.

I actually liked the Pure Strike a little better but put it back in the bag because I missed the topspin I'm used to getting since beginning tennis with an Aero this summer.

The Pure Aero was just okay. The hoop just feels too big for my liking. For a mediocre player like myself, you'd think the 100 inch hoop would be beneficial. But it's not, a 98 inch hoop feels better to me.

Bottom line is despite putting weight in the handle I still much prefer my Pure Aero VS over both.

So dropped it off to be restrung and will be back on the court using the VS next week.

Keep in mind, I'm not a very good player. But it's obvious that for whatever reason I just play better with the VS than the other Babolat rackets.

So I reckon I'll just wait until the 98 comes out before I invest money into another racket.

Kind of a bummer since the banana yellow Pure Aero is on sale right now.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

Played a little with both the regular Pure Aero and Pure Strike with weight in the handle.

Didn't play well, but I was probably just off. So that's my fault.

I actually liked the Pure Strike a little better but put it back in the bag because I missed the topspin I'm used to getting since beginning tennis with an Aero this summer.

The Pure Aero was just okay. The hoop just feels too big for my liking. For a mediocre player like myself, you'd think the 100 inch hoop would be beneficial. But it's not, a 98 inch hoop feels better to me.

Bottom line is despite putting weight in the handle I still much prefer my Pure Aero VS over both.

So dropped it off to be restrung and will be back on the court using the VS next week.

Keep in mind, I'm not a very good player. But it's obvious that for whatever reason I just play better with the VS than the other Babolat rackets.

So I reckon I'll just wait until the 98 comes out before I invest money into another racket.

Kind of a bummer since the banana yellow Pure Aero is on sale right now.

Are you playing matches as well or just practice sessions?

I ask because I have played a lot with Pure strike and a bit with PA VS. I agree with you that the Pure aero with its 100 inch head and thick beams does seem more cumbersome to maneuver. Though when I play matches I find it also gives lot of free power especially when stretched and not having enough time for a complete swing.

While the pure strike and VS are great racquets, they just seem less forgiving on off centre balls. In practice they play great but in my experience I found the Pure Aero giving me more of an advantage in matches.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Are you playing matches as well or just practice sessions?

I ask because I have played a lot with Pure strike and a bit with PA VS. I agree with you that the Pure aero with its 100 inch head and thick beams does seem more cumbersome to maneuver. Though when I play matches I find it also gives lot of free power especially when stretched and not having enough time for a complete swing.

While the pure strike and VS are great racquets, they just seem less forgiving on off centre balls. In practice they play great but in my experience I found the Pure Aero giving me more of an advantage in matches.

I'm playing practice sessions/class. So mostly playing in a doubles format.

I'm still finding my swing so things could change. I understand how you might feel the Pure Aero gives you an advantage in matches.

For doubles I certainly like the VS. In a singles match I can see someone wanting that extra power.

I got four different rackets now and I honestly don't really notice any difference in off center hits.

It's just that I feel more connected to the VS.

I played with Head Extreme Tour today and really enjoyed that as well. It has similar specs to the VS.

Despite the free power, for some reason I just don't feel connected to the Pure Strike and regular Pure Aero.

Maybe it just comes down to your swing style.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

I'm playing practice sessions/class. So mostly playing in a doubles format.

I'm still finding my swing so things could change. I understand how you might feel the Pure Aero gives you an advantage in matches.

For doubles I certainly like the VS. In a singles match I can see someone wanting that extra power.

I got four different rackets now and I honestly don't really notice any difference in off center hits.

It's just that I feel more connected to the VS.

I played with Head Extreme Tour today and really enjoyed that as well. It has similar specs to the VS.

Despite the free power, for some reason I just don't feel connected to the Pure Strike and regular Pure Aero.

Maybe it just comes down to your swing style.

I totally understand your point of view now. Even I will probably find the VS better if I played in this format. The problem I have with the VS in singles matches is finding power and depth when on the stretch/ short of time.

In my experience I found the Pure Aero to have a much larger sweet spot and able to generate decent power and depth even on incomplete swings.

Though it's crazy that you have 4 different racquets given that you just started recently. Love the passion

 

[Chairman3]

I totally understand your point of view now. Even I will probably find the VS better if I played in this format. The problem I have with the VS in singles matches is finding power and depth when on the stretch/ short of time.

In my experience I found the Pure Aero to have a much larger sweet spot and able to generate decent power and depth even on incomplete swings.

Though it's crazy that you have 4 different racquets given that you just started recently. Love the passion

Definitely true, I've used both the VS and PA23 for singles and the regular PA is easier.
The VS just needs a bit of customizing for power. The smaller head isn't that unforgiving but that 16x20 pattern really drains the power and provides a much flatter trajectory.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

When does the pure aero 98 release?! Same time as 2023 vcore january?????

 

[StringStrungStrang]

When does the pure aero 98 release?! Same time as 2023 vcore january?????

I've heard January. If it plays even better than the PA 23 then my whole collection of racquets is in BIG trouble!!

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

I've heard January. If it plays even better than the PA 23 then my whole collection of racquets is in BIG trouble!!

I am so keen on a PA 98 with 16*19 pattern. I don't get why babolat isn't introducing it.

Other brands with racquets similar to Pure aero have a 98 inch 16*19 frame. I don't really see the point of 16*20 and even if there is a market for it then they should have both the 16*20 and 16*19 options.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

I am so keen on a PA 98 with 16*19 pattern. I don't get why babolat isn't introducing it.

Other brands with racquets similar to Pure aero have a 98 inch 16*19 frame. I don't really see the point of 16*20 and even if there is a market for it then they should have both the 16*20 and 16*19 options.

Oh damn I assumed it would be 16x19 like the regular... they have the VS for the 16x20... what

 

[StringStrungStrang]

I am so keen on a PA 98 with 16*19 pattern. I don't get why babolat isn't introducing it.

Other brands with racquets similar to Pure aero have a 98 inch 16*19 frame. I don't really see the point of 16*20 and even if there is a market for it then they should have both the 16*20 and 16*19 options.

Oh damn I assumed it would be 16x19 like the regular... they have the VS for the 16x20... what

@Nadal - GOAT and @Aestheticsaboveallelse all hope is not lost yet! Not sure if it will be available in 16 x19 BUT keep in mind it may be possible - depending on the spacing etc. - to string as a 16 x19. On my Yonex Duel G 97 330 (16 x20 ) stringing as a 16x19 is possible and has become a thing for many, Tiafoe and myself included. Sometimes this is a possibility, but I guess for now we will just have to wait and see. FWIW it does change the Yonex in positive way.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

Oh damn I assumed it would be 16x19 like the regular... they have the VS for the 16x20... what

I asked in a babolat official thread where the company rep said it will most likely be 16*20. Still hopeful that it is 16*19.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

@Nadal - GOAT and @Aestheticsaboveallelse all hope is not lost yet! Not sure if it will be available in 16 x19 BUT keep in mind it may be possible - depending on the spacing etc. - to string as a 16 x19. On my Yonex Duel G 97 330 (16 x20 ) stringing as a 16x19 is possible and has become a thing for many, Tiafoe and myself included. Sometimes this is a possibility, but I guess for now we will just have to wait and see. FWIW it does change the Yonex in positive way.

That's interesting. Though I read somewhere that stringing a 16*20 as 16*19 gives bad vibrations. Maybe it differs from racquet to racquet and also probably how one makes the adjustment.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

That's interesting. Though I read somewhere that stringing a 16*20 as 16*19 gives bad vibrations. Maybe it differs from racquet to racquet and also probably how one makes the adjustment.

Depends on the racquet! On some it will be an absolute disaster, on others like the Duel G it's a matter of personal preference. Ideally, designed by the engineers would be best.

 

[Chairman3]

I've heard January. If it plays even better than the PA 23 then my whole collection of racquets is in BIG trouble!!

That's what all addicts say...
"If I just get this next one, that's it no more"

I'm speaking from experience of course

 

[Chairman3]

I am so keen on a PA 98 with 16*19 pattern. I don't get why babolat isn't introducing it.

Other brands with racquets similar to Pure aero have a 98 inch 16*19 frame. I don't really see the point of 16*20 and even if there is a market for it then they should have both the 16*20 and 16*19 options.

That's basically just a Pure Drive VS

 

[StringStrungStrang]

That's what all addicts say...
"If I just get this next one, that's it no more"

I'm speaking from experience of course

I go to weekly meetings for this of course. I've admitted I'm powerless over new racquets - and that my garage has become unmanageable.

Join us!

 

[McLovin]

Oh damn I assumed it would be 16x19 like the regular... they have the VS for the 16x20... what

The PA98 is the VS. They just rebranded it.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

The PA98 is the VS. They just rebranded it.

OH REALLY NOW?!

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

That's basically just a Pure Drive VS

Good point. Though I have played a bit with the Pure Drive and find it harder to control than the Aero. Also more brutal on the arms.

Don't you think having this variant in Pure Aero will be a good addition to the racquet choices available?

 

[Chairman3]

Good point. Though I have played a bit with the Pure Drive and find it harder to control than the Aero. Also more brutal on the arms.

Don't you think having this variant in Pure Aero will be a good addition to the racquet choices available?

Not really, I think a 98sq-in Pure Aero with a 16x19 wouldn't have as much control as the VS nor would it have the spin of the normal Pure Aero.
I am not a huge Babolat fan, their racquets just don't suit my game and I like a softer feel, but I respect that they keep a limited number of silos and a limited number of variants.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Not really, I think a 98sq-in Pure Aero with a 16x19 wouldn't have as much control as the VS nor would it have the spin of the normal Pure Aero.
I am not a huge Babolat fan, their racquets just don't suit my game and I like a softer feel, but I respect that they keep a limited number of silos and a limited number of variants.

Why on earth would it not have as much spin as a normal pure aero? Just like vcore 98 and 100 should have similar levels of spin?

 

[Chairman3]

Why on earth would it not have as much spin as a normal pure aero? Just like vcore 98 and 100 should have similar levels of spin?

100sq-in vs 98, reduced hitting area/"spin window"
16x19 in a smaller hesdsize will be inherently tighter than in a larger headsize, reduced string movement/snapback
Those are the technical reasons.
Practically speaking, spin comes down to the player.
And in terms of Babolat, they have plenty of 98Sq-in, 16x19 racquets (Pure Strike and Pure Drive VS)
For Babolat the company, that is enough, adding a Pure Aero 98 16x19 might cannibalize one of their other frames. They keep it simple and it works for them.
That's just my opinion

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Somehow this is the only racquet that really demands and responds perfectly to a very supinated dropback style of serve... really interesting I guess its cause of the aerodynamics. Doesnt work so well with any other racquets

 

[ajspurs]

Had a change of strings from my 17 gauge RPM Blast at 53lbs and went for Hyper G 16 gauge at 56lbs and wow. Wasn't even getting it over the net initially, was dipping before it but once I adjusted to the launch angle/lower power it was an absolute pleasure to hit with. Not only could I really hit out and have the control to aggressively hit my targets, but I also had that put away power if I did wish to go for a winner. Was a really nice balance and I felt miles more confident hitting than I did with RPM Blast. Now just have to see how long this feeling lasts for.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Had a change of strings from my 17 gauge RPM Blast at 53lbs and went for Hyper G 16 gauge at 56lbs and wow. Wasn't even getting it over the net initially, was dipping before it but once I adjusted to the launch angle/lower power it was an absolute pleasure to hit with. Not only could I really hit out and have the control to aggressively hit my targets, but I also had that put away power if I did wish to go for a winner. Was a really nice balance and I felt miles more confident hitting than I did with RPM Blast. Now just have to see how long this feeling lasts for.

Noob you were supposed to be using RPM 16 its wayyyyyyyyy better than RPM 17, one of the best strings ever

 

[ajspurs]

Noob you were supposed to be using RPM 16 its wayyyyyyyyy better than RPM 17, one of the best strings ever

Yeah I may try it next time. How is it in comparison to Hyper G 16?

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Yeah I may try it next time. How is it in comparison to Hyper G 16?
[/QUOTE

I prefer Hyper G in the gauges I have tried to RPM Blast. I've used 16, 16L, 17 and I find the Solinco to have more spin, more pop, control to be near equal, more durable. Personal preference. I like a touch livelier string. RPM is great but not for me, because I enjoy the added pace on serves and have no problem controlling the Hyper-G. In ROS I like how the Hyper-G can put me in a more offensive position, while with RPM I get everything back, but more likely to get destroyed. RPM makes me work too hard for the pace I want, which for a point or two is fine, but over a few hours - not desirable. Now if I generated too much power or had control issues RPM Blast might be just what the doctor ordered. Color and price can definitely factor into this too.

They both work great in the Pure Aero 23. It brings out more spin and power in those strings than my PS 98 16 x19.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

Has anyone tried PA 23 with a full bed of multi.. I have played with Solinco Confidential and Hyper G. Both are great but I want to switch from Poly due to arm issues.

Any suggestions?

 

[Trip]

@Nadal - GOAT - I bet Velocity MLT 1.30 or 1.35 would be great in the the PA23, as it's lower-powered and fairly muted, perfect for counteracting the PA's more raw, unfiltered feel and trampolining string bed. If you wanted something with more bite, Dunlop Silk Spin 16 would offer similar qualities.

 

[Chairman3]

Has anyone tried PA 23 with a full bed of multi.. I have played with Solinco Confidential and Hyper G. Both are great but I want to switch from Poly due to arm issues.

Any suggestions?

Have not tried yet in this racquet, but have in another racquet and it was pretty good...
Gamma Marathon 15L
It's a 1.40 so durable, half the price of most multi's, feel is more like synthetic gut so not as soft as multi, but much softer than poly.
Excellent control, pretty low-powered for this type of string. Spin is lacking compared to poly, but technique will provide spin. Spin mostly dropped off as it got close to breaking.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

@Nadal - GOAT - I bet Velocity MLT 1.30 or 1.35 would be great in the the PA23, as it's lower-powered and fairly muted, perfect for counteracting the PA's more raw, unfiltered feel and trampolining string bed. If you wanted something with more bite, Dunlop Silk Spin 16 would offer similar qualities.

My stringer has Velocity, Rip control and Babolat excel.. would you say velocity would be the best choice among the 3?

 

[Trip]

@Nadal - GOAT - Of those three, I would say Velocity is going to play the best, as it's the most muted, the lowest-powered (although Rip Control is close), and will have by far the best and longest-lasting snapback, as it has much lower string-to-string friction than both Xcel and RIP. I would start with Velocity 1.30 at ~10% higher reference tension than you normally use for full-bed poly. So if you were stringing poly at 50 pounds, try Velocity at 55. If you find control lacking, increase reference tension by 1kg or 2-3lb increments at a time. If you need more durability, move up to Velocity 1.35 (or even 1.40 if you can source it).

If after all that you still desire more control and/or spin, then here's an idea for a potential best-of-both-worlds setup, which would split the different between full poly and full multi -- I would hybrid Velocity or Silk Spin mains with IsoSpeed Cream crosses. Either combo will give you more control and spin, with more and longer-lasting snapback, and since Cream is 50% rubber, it won't die a typical "poly death", and remains very playable well past the 20-30 hour mark. Just a thought that could be worth looking into.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

@Nadal - GOAT - Of those three, I would say Velocity is going to play the best, as it's the most muted, the lowest-powered (although Rip Control is close), and will have by far the best and longest-lasting snapback, as it has much lower string-to-string friction than both Xcel and RIP. I would start with Velocity 1.30 at ~10% higher reference tension than you normally use for full-bed poly. So if you were stringing poly at 50 pounds, try Velocity at 55. If you find control lacking, increase reference tension by 1kg or 2-3lb increments at a time. If you need more durability, move up to Velocity 1.35 (or even 1.40 if you can source it).

If after all that you still desire more control and/or spin, then here's an idea for a potential best-of-both-worlds setup, which would split the different between full poly and full multi -- I would hybrid Velocity or Silk Spin mains with IsoSpeed Cream crosses. Either combo will give you more control and spin, with more and longer-lasting snapback, and since Cream is 50% rubber, it won't die a typical "poly death", and remains very playable well past the 20-30 hour mark. Just a thought that could be worth looking into.

Thanks a lot for your inputs. Will certainly try the options you mentioned.

 

[Nadal - GOAT]

@Nadal - GOAT - Of those three, I would say Velocity is going to play the best, as it's the most muted, the lowest-powered (although Rip Control is close), and will have by far the best and longest-lasting snapback, as it has much lower string-to-string friction than both Xcel and RIP. I would start with Velocity 1.30 at ~10% higher reference tension than you normally use for full-bed poly. So if you were stringing poly at 50 pounds, try Velocity at 55. If you find control lacking, increase reference tension by 1kg or 2-3lb increments at a time. If you need more durability, move up to Velocity 1.35 (or even 1.40 if you can source it).

One more question please. From what I understand multifilament have a lower launch angle as compared to poly. So how does a Velocity with a Pure Aero (which typically has a higher launch angle among racquets) combine in this regard?