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

[BC1]

There are many great "club" threads discussing the Pure Drives and Babolats from over the years. However, there doesn't appear to be one main thread for all users of the new and amazing Pure Drive 2012 (all versions). Also known around these parts as the "Black Drive".

Pure Driver's, let's use this thread to discuss all things (good and bad) about the Pure Drive 2012. The PD is one of the most popular and game changing racquets ever made and the 2012 version seems to be one of the best yet.

If you are a PD2012 user (any version), join the "club" and tell us your experiences. Let's discuss set-ups, specs, ask questions, give advice, and help each other with tips and techniques. If you're not a pd2012 user, join in the conversation and take advantage of all the knowledge and experience on this forum. Most importantly, let's have some fun!


EDIT... There are a lot of great threads on the PD and Babolat Racquets on this site. Far too many to list. However, here are a few you may want to check out that will provide you with more information and history on the Babolat PD and others.
BABOLAT ALLIANCE CALLING http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=121480&highlight=babolat+alliance
THE BLACK DRIVE + http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=416266&highlight=babolat
Impressive babolat collection (pics):
PURE DRIVE 2012 QUESTIONS http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=420110&highlight=PURE+DRIVE
TW PD2012 RODDICK REVIEW http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=409412&highlight=pure+drive+roddick

 

[fibonacci888]

I'm here!

Short introduction:

Dutch tennisplayer for five years now and always looking to improve. My current level locally is around 5,5. Which in the USA that is around 4.0 I guess.

I played several years with the Exo3 red and found my balls flying long. Therefor started my search for a tweener and last year bought a exo3 black. After a small injury i couldn't find my way with the racket and decided to look for a new one.

My testing was: wilson pro open, technifibre TFlash 300 and the Pacific Xfast. In the end the choice was between the Babolat and the Pacific but found more feel with the Babolat. Although the Babolat i pretty stiff and my arms feels heavy some times i found the feel and ways of attacking the balls more important.
Currently my setup is pacific synth gut in the mains at 26kg and pacific Xforce string in the corss 25kg.

 

[BC1]

^^^ Welcome Fibonacci, I think this is a similar story that many of us will have. It's a struggle to find the "perfect" tweener. I know I have tried many over the past few months and a lot over the past two years.

What amazes me about the 2012 PD is the control and feel the racquet has. I have about as much control with it as any player racquet I've tried. I think this is what seperates it from the other similar tweeners. It also does give you that incentive to attack the ball and hit with confidence.

I'm liking the fxp tour strings, but I would like to get another PD2012 strung with Lux Alu Power at 54-56lbs. This racquet is comfortable enough in my opinion to handle full poly at a low tension. And YES I know it's not advisable or smart, and I'm asking for problems, etc. (I don't want to get into that whole poly debate!!)

 

[Dgdavid]

Count me in. I have one strung with Alu Power at 53lbs and it is very nice indeed. Live in Surrey, England.

 

[fibonacci888]

^^^
I'm liking the fxp tour strings, but I would like to get another PD2012 strung with Lux Alu Power at 54-56lbs. This racquet is comfortable enough in my opinion to handle full poly at a low tension. And YES I know it's not advisable or smart, and I'm asking for problems, etc. (I don't want to get into that whole poly debate!!)

My next setup will have gut in the mains and a thin poly in the cross.

If you want to try out the poly, i should do it. So many peoples so many wishes. A poly a low tensions is an option, but i'm going with gut/poly and later for a full multi for my first tests.

 

[BC1]

Count me in. I have one strung with Alu Power at 53lbs and it is very nice indeed. Live in Surrey, England.

Dg, now tell us about your racquet journey over the past 8 weeks and how you ended up with the PD2012

Just kidding, we all know it's been well documented in the Warrior thread. I am curious though if you are still holding on to your IG prestiges, or do you feel the PD gives you enough control that you don't need a "control" racquet in your bag? Maybe all the other sticks have already been sold?

It's amazing how control and pure drive are now being used in the same sentence. It was an oxymoron before the pd2012. I personally don't look at it as just a power racquet anymore.

53lbs sounds good for alu power. How's the spin?

 

[anubis]

*kicks stone, hangs head*
aww shucks, I only have two 2011's. I can't come and play

But seriously, do you really notice a difference between the 2011 and 2012?

 

[BC1]

*kicks stone, hangs head*
aww shucks, I only have two 2011's. I can't come and play

But seriously, do you really notice a difference between the 2011 and 2012?

Of course you're welcome. And YES, there is a difference. Maybe not as huge as I or others seem to be making it out, but to me there is a noticeable difference in power, control and feel. A little less power, more control, and better feel. Plus it seems slightly more solid, not as hollow feeling or sounding.

And from what I've heard, there are some major manufacturing changes - it's definitely not the same racquet with a new pj.

I also played with the 2010/11 PDGT. The 2012 has the same PD characteristics, but as I've heard others say, it's more refined.

 

[BC1]

JackB1, hope your PD2012 gets here soon so you can come join the party!!
I look forward to your impressions.


Also, Power Player, I know you are using the "Plus", but we need your valuable posts here as well!
I am actually planning on trying the plus as soon as I can get a demo. Is there any advantage to having a plus and a standard? or would it be detrimental to your game trying to switch back and forth? I would think so.

 

[YesTennis]

I'm ready to join! I've also been demoing a slew of racquets. The PD is really great. I've been trying to generate more topspin, and this racquet really helps. Opponents have commented on the spin and heaviness. I'm pushing 50 yo, and had fears of the stiffness. None after the first hitting session, and have now been using it for 2 months. Softened it up a little with VS mains and RPM crosses at mid tension. My ego has had me trying more "players racquets," but the results have been best with the PD. Like the other racquetholics, I'll probably still demo some others, but I'm really happy with the PD.

 

[fibonacci888]

As i'm not playing for that long my timing isn't always correct. The longer rackets tend to emphazise that problem.

On the other hand when you are ready for the ball and in a good position you have more swingspeed and power to punish the ball.

 

[RollTrackTake]

I had 4 hours with the 2012 PD this morning and a came away thoroughly impressed. It was strung with a poly 4lbs below mid (51?). I tried the GT version 2 year ago when that came out and did not take to it. IMHO This version felt a lot better in every department. It maintained the beastly serving and groundstrokes while adding in the comfort and control areas.

 

[BC1]

As i'm not playing for that long my timing isn't always correct. The longer rackets tend to emphazise that problem.

On the other hand when you are ready for the ball and in a good position you have more swingspeed and power to punish the ball.

Makes sense, and I often find myself too bunched up, even with a standard, so I probably need to stay away from the extended length.

 

[Dgdavid]

Dg, now tell us about your racquet journey over the past 8 weeks and how you ended up with the PD2012

Just kidding, we all know it's been well documented in the Warrior thread. I am curious though if you are still holding on to your IG prestiges, or do you feel the PD gives you enough control that you don't need a "control" racquet in your bag? Maybe all the other sticks have already been sold?

It's amazing how control and pure drive are now being used in the same sentence. It was an oxymoron before the pd2012. I personally don't look at it as just a power racquet anymore.

53lbs sounds good for alu power. How's the spin?

I agree, it has changed my opinion on the level of control from a power/tweener racket. I am finding the PD to do everything I need. The Alu Power gives lots of spin and control for me and I finally have strong flat and topspin shots in the same racket (I had the former only with the Prestige, the latter only with the Warrior). The weakest shot for me was the OHBH with the PD as I normally need a bit more weight for consistency but a combination of the new string and gripping it tighter (not normally recommended) has really sorted that.

My racket collection is going to be slimmed down, it is only finding buyers with decent offers slowing it down. I have 2 x Warrior 100, 2 x Yonex Vcore 98D, 2 x Dunlop Biomimetic 200, the PD 2012 (keeping) and an incoming Volkl Organix V1 (who knows?!). I may well keep the 200s in case I go back to control rackets but only if I get no decent offers. If the V1 doesn't measure up, I would be very happy to own nothing except three PD 2012s.

Agile with controlling power and accuracy, that's the PD 2012.

 

[BC1]

^^DG, did you say your OBH is weak with the PD, or improved with the PD? Because that is the one area that I am having problems with. It's never been a strong part of my game, but last night it was absolutely horrible. (and of course I got to attribute some of that to the racquet.) I was playing against a lefty in doubles and he kept serving to by backhand right down the center line and it would just curve in, hit the tape (clay courts) and kick out to my left. I was playing the duece side. No matter what I did, or how far center I stood, he kept hitting it to by backhand - I DO NOT LIKE LEFTIES!! very tough to play if you're not use to it. We ended up winning. And I left the night still very satisfied with the PD, but my backhand stunk all night.

 

[fibonacci888]

I DO NOT LIKE LEFTIES!! very tough to play if you're not use to it.

Try playing against a lefty with a PD2012 in his hand :twisted:

 

[Dgdavid]

^^DG, did you say your OBH is weak with the PD, or improved with the PD? Because that is the one area that I am having problems with. It's never been a strong part of my game, but last night it was absolutely horrible. (and of course I got to attribute some of that to the racquet.) I was playing against a lefty in doubles and he kept serving to by backhand right down the center line and it would just curve in, hit the tape (clay courts) and kick out to my left. I was playing the duece side. No matter what I did, or how far center I stood, he kept hitting it to by backhand - I DO NOT LIKE LEFTIES!! very tough to play if you're not use to it. We ended up winning. And I left the night still very satisfied with the PD, but my backhand stunk all night.

My OHBH is weaker with the PD, it doesn't come through the ball like the Prestige or even the Warrior (highly SW than PD). However, I have modified my stroke in the past two matches and it has really helped, maybe even resolved the problem but time will tell. I had to do the following:

1. Hold the grip significantly tighter than usual on my backhand shot
2. Done away with the brushing up motion and hitting it flatter over the net like I used to with Prestige
3. Hitting a more solid, powerful shot. Item 1 seems to be stopping it flying. Really concentrated on hitting in front.
4. Preparing even earlier than usual and forcing myself to do a full stroke (the power of the PD keeps making me want to shorten it but that doesn't work)

The above has given me hard low drives again rather than deep floaters. Also getting better slices with item 1. I know gripping tighter is not normally recommended but it is working.

ps. I recently started returning constant attacks to my backhand to deep middle court rather than cross court to the corner. Draws a lot more errors from them from their off forehand (for righties).

 

[BC1]

Dg, thank you for the tips and great timing. I will be playing in a singles and doubles tournament this weekend. My first round match is in two hours! The pd2012 will hopefully see a lot of play time!!

 

[fibonacci888]

Dg, thank you for the tips and great timing. I will be playing in a singles and doubles tournament this weekend. My first round match is in two hours! The pd2012 will hopefully see a lot of play time!!

Lots of luck in the tournament! In 14 hours our second round of the competition starts.

 

[Power Player]

Not sure what else to say on the plus except that for me personally I like to have the same length sticks. It really helps me on my 2 hander and serve. It also has a higher SW in stock form so just add some lead at 12 and I have modded it.

I would not want to switch back and forth though between standard and extended in a match.

 

[Dgdavid]

Good luck!

 

[ArliHawk]

You guys are bad influences. I'm probably picking one up tomorrow.

 

[Bud]

OP, why not place links in he OP to the other 2012 PD/PDR threads. There is some good info in those that will get lost otherwise.

 

[stronzzi70]

Im here,,,,,,,,,I have two Pure Drive Roddick 2012 nice racquet, I m very happy with it, I going to leave my Prestige Mid for a while.

 

[stronzzi70]

strung with cheap but very good strings believe me:
Prince Tournament Poly 60 lbs, It is perfect for this racquet IMO.

 

[dkent]

I love my 2012 Pdr! I am trading in my new Wilson 6.1 95 blx for a second Pdr this weekend. I like the feel way better. Just wondering what most peoples sw are for this racket.

 

[DrewRafter8]

I've got a couple of Black Drive +'s. I made the move from the APDC+ to these sticks. Been very pleased especially once I added a little lead at 12. I'm still experimenting with strings. Latest string job was an experiment. Went with Ashaway Kevlar 17 mains and Twisted Razor crosses. Strung up at 45/49 and am shocked that I like it. Played with it heavy today and it really hits well. I'll probably go back to using a full poly setup, but no higher then 50.

 

[JackB1]

I got one coming but can't decide his to string it. Need a soft string but low powered. Was thinking of NXT Control or Prince Premiere Attack or maybe a multi/poly hybrid? Can anyone assist?

 

[ArliHawk]

I got one coming but can't decide his to string it. Need a soft string but low powered. Was thinking of NXT Control or Prince Premiere Attack or maybe a multi/poly hybrid? Can anyone assist?

Head RIP Control is not particularly soft, but definitely works well with frames like this.

 

[Bergboy123]

I have 2 PDR rackets! I love them so very much.

Does anybody know if MVS is a type of string? I think that's what I have, it's a polly string, but I don't know anything about this string or any strings haha. Is this good/bad?

 

[YesTennis]

Jack- I've got mine strung with VS gut mains/RPM crosses. Great combo for this racquet. You can adjust tension accordingly. The gut really softens up the frame. IMHO it gives the racquet the best of both worlds( controllable power and spin)
I also tried this racquet with a full bed of Tecnifibre X Code and thought that it played well also.
It was recommended to me to try Solinco tour bite mains with Gosen crosses by someone who has tried it and liked it

 

[Power Player]

I got one coming but can't decide his to string it. Need a soft string but low powered. Was thinking of NXT Control or Prince Premiere Attack or maybe a multi/poly hybrid? Can anyone assist?

I think I have posted rip like 1000 times..lol. I string it at 60. Ppa does not have as much control in the pd..I tried that as well.

I'm also going to try red alert as well.

 

[BC1]

OP, why not place links in he OP to the other 2012 PD/PDR threads. There is some good info in those that will get lost otherwise.

Good idea. I will. Thanks. No Time right now, off to play tennis , but if you or someone else want to post the links now I will copy and add to op later. Thanks

 

[tennisnut09]

I have 2 PDRs 2012, BHB7 16/BHBR 17 54/56, and BHB7 full bed 56. I am still making friend with them but so far it is great. I may lower the tension a bit.

 

[tennisnut09]

Please, post your strings along so we can all learn from. Thanks!

 

[DrewRafter8]

I have 2 PDRs 2012, BHB7 16/BHBR 17 54/56, and BHB7 full bed 56. I am still making friend with them but so far it is great. I may lower the tension a bit.

What do you think about the full bed of 7? I'm thinking of trying that after Tour Bite.

 

[anubis]

I have PPA 16 @ 58 and Babolat Addiction 16 @ 55 now.

The verdict: PPA wins. The addiction strings have no grip to them, I have to work too hard for spin. The PPA are great: very soft so absolutely no pain. Plenty of grip, can produce all the spin I want.

But, not happy with the poundage. When I get both PDs restrung, I'll go 60 on both. Balls tend to sail out on lower tensions, so hopefully I can get a little more control.

 

[JackB1]

I have PPA 16 @ 58 and Babolat Addiction 16 @ 55 now.

The verdict: PPA wins. The addiction strings have no grip to them, I have to work too hard for spin. The PPA are great: very soft so absolutely no pain. Plenty of grip, can produce all the spin I want.

But, not happy with the poundage. When I get both PDs restrung, I'll go 60 on both. Balls tend to sail out on lower tensions, so hopefully I can get a little more control.

The PPA at 58 is still too powerful?

 

[JackB1]

I think I have posted rip like 1000 times..lol. I string it at 60. Ppa does not have as much control in the pd..I tried that as well.

I'm also going to try red alert as well.

I know about Rip Control, but it has horrible feel. To me it feels almost like poly. Yes it has low power, but I want to have nice feel on impact too. Wish there were more choices out there with a soft feel and low power.

 

[JackB1]

Jack- I've got mine strung with VS gut mains/RPM crosses. Great combo for this racquet. You can adjust tension accordingly. The gut really softens up the frame. IMHO it gives the racquet the best of both worlds( controllable power and spin)
I also tried this racquet with a full bed of Tecnifibre X Code and thought that it played well also.
It was recommended to me to try Solinco tour bite mains with Gosen crosses by someone who has tried it and liked it

I might try a gut/poly hybrid.

what tension do you use?

 

[Power Player]

I know about Rip Control, but it has horrible feel. To me it feels almost like poly. Yes it has low power, but I want to have nice feel on impact too. Wish there were more choices out there with a soft feel and low power.

I have a half set of gut poly left so I'm trying that and also red alert as well. The feel of rip is fantastic for me. It is crisp though so a lot of people don't like that.

If you are not a string breaker there are a ton of options..try micronite. Mikeler loves it and it lasts..also has a gut full.

 

[JackB1]

I have a half set of gut poly left so I'm trying that and also red alert as well. The feel of rip is fantastic for me. It is crisp though so a lot of people don't like that.

If you are not a string breaker there are a ton of options..try micronite. Mikeler loves it and it lasts..also has a gut full.

I am not a string breaker and just want something to soften up the ultra stiff Pure Drive without adding too much power to an already powerful frame.. Maybe I'll just try a reverse hybrid of multi/poly?

 

[Power Player]

Why? That makes no sense. Try the micronite at 60#s. I very likely may give it a run as well. It's described as xone biphase without the tension loss.

You don't need poly in your racquet if you don't break strings. Especially this racquet.

 

[JackB1]

Why? That makes no sense. Try the micronite at 60#s. I very likely may give it a run as well. It's described as xone biphase without the tension loss.

You don't need poly in your racquet if you don't break strings. Especially this racquet.

its just that multi/poly is lower powered than full multi.

Xone is a very powerful multi. Why doesn't anyone mention NXT Control? Seems like it would be a perfect fit in the PD? I loved it in my London at the time and that was a similar powered frame.

 

[richsox]

Proud to be on Board!

Me = Mid-Forties, 1BH, average club player in UK, play 4 times a week. Loyal Pure Drive User for 10 Years, started with Team version which until the 2012 came along, i used to say was the best ever for me, but the Black Drive is fast becoming an iconic stick.

I string mine with VS Touch @ 57lbs, syntec grip, VS orginal over grip.

Have demo-ed zillions over the years, and even bough a few others only to sell them and return to my Pure Drive Roots.

I am now satisfied to not touch any other rackets. The 2012 is the Daddy!

Long Live the Pure Drives

Ironically I was wondering if the 2012 delivered the same power as previous versions, but I believe that with the new much more solid and muted feel, that it does (but you just don't feel it in the arm as much as in other versions)

 

[JackB1]

just thought of another string that might be a good choice for the PD...Head FXP Tour. Soft and control oriented. I think it has some poly in there too. Might be similar to NXT Control? It was too mushy and muted in my Instinct, but might be a good fit for the Pure Drive?

 

[Power Player]

No one knows what works for you. You are going to have to try for yourself. The stick has only been out 3 months. Rip is good..ppa is not as precise..that's all I know so far.

 

[Torres]

I'm only passing through this PD club out of interest, but everyone's heard of the Wilson weight variances - how would you say the Babolat PDs and similar compare in this regard? Honestly.

The reason I ask is because I turned up at my club today having forgotten to bring my racquets so I borrowed a current PD demo from the club shop.

Although I owned a PD many moons away, I'm no expert on recent iterations of the PD, but the balance and weighting of this racquet just did not feel right at all. Just felt too 'hammer' heavy in the head with a very, very light handle. I could be wrong but I don't remember my old PD feeling like that.

The strings were worn out 16g Xcel that had lost a ton of tension, but I just couldn't jive with the stick, so a friend of mine, lent me his spare APDC. It must be years since I've played with that type of stick but it felt so much better as if there was more mass in the handle (the only change I could see was an OG) with an overall better balance to it / more even distribution of mass, and such an easy racquet to swing! You don't have to do anything to generate power, topspin, keep the ball in the court etc. And an unbelievably forgiving hoopsize (even if its the the slight expense of pinpoint accuracy).

 

[YesTennis]

Jack- I used VS gut mains/RPM crosses at 60/60. Figured the poly would drop a few pounds quickly. I think a hybrid really compliments this frame well.
I used the FXP tour in a Prestige S and didn't like it at all. I agree that it felt mushy. Don't think I'd try it again
I was thinking about the TF X code ( not X One Biphase) next time, but the current combo works so well I'm somewhat hesitant to change

 

[YesTennis]

In follow-up to Torres question, I've never played with APD Gt. Just out of curiosity, just wondering how it compares to the PD from anyone who's played with both.