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

LanEvo

Hall of Fame
I already have just 2" of lead at 12' (+1 gram), so I may try adding 3" strips at 3/9 (+3 grams) and then maybe another 4 on the handle to retain balance.

Try out 6 grams, 2g at 12, and 4g at 3/9 split evenly. I find it works well, although I just could not adjust to the sweet-spot being moved up a few inches. But try it out. I think you may enjoy it.

If not, I reccomend getting the Plus version after that, it has better plow, and as BC1 had mentioned earlier, I can trade you mine as well. I plan on sticking with the PDR+. So I am trying to get rid of my PD+ by trade or selling it.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
The alu power rough and spin should be fine. I prefer the reg alu power though. Not sure if ive tried spin. It should make much of a difference.

The babolat Rep is of course going to push the rpm. Its made by Babolat. I think most people agree alu power is a better poly, in any racquet.

i had bit of a issue with alu power in the past in that it would occasionally give me unpredictable power. this isn't a issue strung up on 2012 PD ?
 

BC1

Professional
i had bit of a issue with alu power in the past in that it would occasionally give me unpredictable power. this isn't a issue strung up on 2012 PD ?

Maybe there is. I too have experienced it as well, and usually attibute it to the pd, or lack of tension in the string, or even on some rare occassions - user error. Who knows.

Another good poly that everyone seems to like, me included, is Solinco Tour Bite.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I added 2 g's at 12' and 2 g's at 3/9 and now its up to 330 grams and 5 pts HL.

played tonite and ended up taking of the 2g's at 3/9 and it felt good with just the
2g's at 12'.
 
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DANMAN

Professional
I took my stock PD2012 standard and added a TW leather grip with a tourna grip and added 6g at 3 and 9 (3 g per side). I still have my Mamba gut and Pacific poly force crosses in there. I am hitting with a few other 5.0s tomorrow morning. I'm interested to see how the stick plays. It feels substantially heavier than my other two frames that are still spec plus overgrip (no lead and no leather). I want to thank ChicagoJack again for giving me the figures a few pages back. I know you recommended 5g at 3 and 9, but the Babolat lead tape I had is labeled such that 2" is equal to 3g and there were dots to cut on. If it feels too heavy, I'm going to lose the lead altogether. Preying on your expertise again, please correct me if I am wrong but I can't imagine there being any real difference between 5g and 6g at 3 and 9. I'm super anxious to try this out because I've never tinkered with lead before.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
I added 2 g's at 12' and 2 g's at 3/9 and now its up to 330 grams and 5 pts HL.

No matter what racquet I seem to get it always ends up around 340g. I added one over grip and 4g of lead to the head plus strings and some how it now weighs 335g. When I swap the synthetic for leather that will make it 340g or close to 12oz. I was trying to reduce weight!
 

carpewake

New User
the babbo babolatay

This guy seems to have some kind of insane obsession with babolat. maybe his playing partner and shaw should cohesively intervene.




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
 

BC1

Professional
This guy seems to have some kind of insane obsession with babolat. maybe his playing partner and shaw should cohesively intervene.

Funny Chaz (Carpewake). LOL. See you on the courts with your YONEX. You're gonna wish you had your Babolats back!! APDGT (or PD) against XI98 - it's on!!

BTW - Since you are a newby and this is your first post. This kind of "banter" is frowned upon here. Make your post valuable and racquet relevant! :). Seriously though. Looking forward to trying your xi98.
 
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JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Question for Garry or anyone else using Black Xcel...

did you notice more power during the first week? I know this
is the opposite what most multis seem to do, but I found my full
bed of Xcel very powerful the first 2 or 3 sessions and then it seemed
to settle down and stay at a slightly lower power level for the next
few weeks.
 

BC1

Professional
Question for Garry or anyone else using Black Xcel...

did you notice more power during the first week? I know this
is the opposite what most multis seem to do, but I found my full
bed of Xcel very powerful the first 2 or 3 sessions and then it seemed
to settle down and stay at a slightly lower power level for the next
few weeks.

I have experienced this as well jack with all types of strings. My theory is that you just become accustomed to the string. And it's more of a perception thing, or a performance thing. You play harder and more focused with new stings. Like you do with a new racquet. Kind of like the honeymoon period ending with a new racquet. All of the sudden the "racquet" doesn't seem to play as good. However, I may be totally wrong. Not sure. :confused:
 
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GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Question for Garry or anyone else using Black Xcel...

did you notice more power during the first week? I know this
is the opposite what most multis seem to do, but I found my full
bed of Xcel very powerful the first 2 or 3 sessions and then it seemed
to settle down and stay at a slightly lower power level for the next
few weeks.

yes jack i did notice loads of power (sometmes way to much) and not that much spin to start with and the more ive played the black excel has just got better and better in all departments!!!!!
and yes i can imagine it has lost tension so if i re-string with black excel again i would probably go 52-54 or even as low as 50!!!!!

ive been very impressed so far with excel but the price does put me off.
ive got mantis power poly to try next and at £3.50 a set i cant go wrong plus im about to do my 1st stringing job and im cacking myself lol.
and if i do mess up i will try again with another set..
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Are you guys mainly putting these lead in the head to get more power ?

ive added 5g to 3/9 o,clock and i think its supposed to make it a little more stable against hard shots and make the sweet spot wider,im a bit out of depth here so hope someone can put me right if im wrong!!!!!

ive also just added 2g of bluetack to 12 to see if it improves power/serve.
so if you want to play with adding weight to either 3/9 2/10 12 o,clock blutack is the way to go and you can adjust while on the court...
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
ive added 5g to 3/9 o,clock and i think its supposed to make it a little more stable against hard shots and make the sweet spot wider,im a bit out of depth here so hope someone can put me right if im wrong!!!!!

ive also just added 2g of bluetack to 12 to see if it improves power/serve.
so if you want to play with adding weight to either 3/9 2/10 12 o,clock blutack is the way to go and you can adjust while on the court...

I was told sweet spot was already pretty big on these rackets
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
I was told sweet spot was already pretty big on these rackets

im not sure on it being big but its a lot lower down than my last racket and has taken some time to get used to!!!!!
i do no if you add weight to 2/10 it does raise the sweetspot and maybe increase,s but how much im not sure of!!!!!

im sitting here thinking why am i trying to answer questions i have absolutley no idea about lol
but am giving it ago :)
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
im not sure on it being big but its a lot lower down than my last racket and has taken some time to get used to!!!!!
i do no if you add weight to 2/10 it does raise the sweetspot and maybe increase,s but how much im not sure of!!!!!

im sitting here thinking why am i trying to answer questions i have absolutley no idea about lol
but am giving it ago :)

Yea, perhaps check with Babolat. but i was told by the rep that Sweetspot on the 2012's are huge compared to previous models. He told me it is just as big as Yonex sweet spot.

and which racket are you using ? Pure drive 2012 or pure drive roddick 2012 ? I was talking about Pure drive Plus 2012.
 
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GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Yea, perhaps check with Babolat. but i was told by the rep that Sweetspot on the 2012's are huge compared to previous models. He told me it is just as big as Yonex sweet spot.

and which racket are you using ? Pure drive 2012 or pure drive roddick 2012 ? I was talking about Pure drive Plus 2012.

ahhhhhh,im using the 2012 PD and thats good info.
my last racket was a head LM8 112 with a sweetspot as lage as a house lol
shank it and it still used to fly/miss hit and it still flew lol
so adjusting to the PD has been a serious transition but well worth it....
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
ahhhhhh,im using the 2012 PD and thats good info.
my last racket was a head LM8 112 with a sweetspot as lage as a house lol
shank it and it still used to fly/miss hit and it still flew lol
so adjusting to the PD has been a serious transition but well worth it....

Why didn't you go for 2012 pure drive 107 ? I think that racket is pretty darn close to head LM8 112.
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Why didn't you go for 2012 pure drive 107 ? I think that racket is pretty darn close to head LM8 112.

i just didnt no enough about rackets so i came on here to get more of an insight to what racket would suit my game,
and low and behold i got a PD and im glad i did,its a great looking racket with the attitude to match!!!!!
there could have been a 100 rackets better to suit my game than a PD but i still would have got it,love at 1st sight so to speak lol
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Anyone want to trade their PDR 2012 for a PD12 Standard? I have 2 in the F/S section, but I thought I would see if anyone here with a Roddick wanted to try the lighter model?
 

LanEvo

Hall of Fame
Anyone want to trade their PDR 2012 for a PD12 Standard? I have 2 in the F/S section, but I thought I would see if anyone here with a Roddick wanted to try the lighter model?

I don't think you ad has appeared yet, as I cannot see it. Can you send me a PM, and I can offer you what I have?

Edit: I emailed you/sent you PM.
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
I don't think you ad has appeared yet, as I cannot see it. Can you send me a PM, and I can offer you what I have?

Edit: I emailed you/sent you PM.

saw your message....thanks but I'm not interested in any plus model racquets.
if you may want to just buy one of the PD12s, send me a email. They still look new.

If I do order new PDRs I may need to use TW's matching service. The swingweight is perfect with my demo, but any heavier and I wouldn't want it.
 

mawashi

Hall of Fame
im not sure on it being big but its a lot lower down than my last racket and has taken some time to get used to!!!!!
i do no if you add weight to 2/10 it does raise the sweetspot and maybe increase,s but how much im not sure of!!!!!

im sitting here thinking why am i trying to answer questions i have absolutley no idea about lol
but am giving it ago :)

Adding a bit of weigh to any location will stretch the sweet spot there sightly as the added weight will add plow through along that axis.

Adding lead to 12 will increase plow through and spin. 3 & 9 adds lateral stability. 2 & 10 is a compromise between.
 

Dgdavid

Professional
Hey Jack/Bc1,

But behind on reading posts. What's the latest with you fellas? You moving on from PD jack? To pro one?
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Adding a bit of weigh to any location will stretch the sweet spot there sightly as the added weight will add plow through along that axis.

Adding lead to 12 will increase plow through and spin. 3 & 9 adds lateral stability. 2 & 10 is a compromise between.

see i knew you would come up trumps "smart arse" lol :)

still not tested the 2g at 12 as weather hasnt been kind to us in the uk (wind/rain and more rain!!!!)
 

mawashi

Hall of Fame
see i knew you would come up trumps "smart arse" lol :)

still not tested the 2g at 12 as weather hasnt been kind to us in the uk (wind/rain and more rain!!!!)

Uk weather rain or rain harder lol! What's stopping your from adding some at 12 n bouncing a ball off e wall as a test?

Oddly enough it never seems to stop raining in e uk but u guys only get 550mm of annual rain fall whereas I get 2350mm of it here?

I am really enjoying the PDR right now. I am dropping the Rad Pro and the Pro
One and focusing on the PDR.

That's what u said bout a pd2012, let's hope it is e one finally lol!
 
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JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Wow, surprised by that. How are you finding the PDR?

I am loving it. It plays as easily as my standard PD but with extra plow and swingweight. Played 3 hours of drills today and the racquet lets me play my game without any thinking about the racquet. The weight is perfect to allow some of the racquet's heft to create power and spin. Serves are as good as ever and I really have no complaints. Now I just need to find someone to take my regular PD's off my hands! :)
 

TennisMD

Professional
I am loving it. It plays as easily as my standard PD but with extra plow and swingweight. Played 3 hours of drills today and the racquet lets me play my game without any thinking about the racquet. The weight is perfect to allow some of the racquet's heft to create power and spin. Serves are as good as ever and I really have no complaints. Now I just need to find someone to take my regular PD's off my hands! :)

JackB1: curious considering the Donnay Pro 1( demo on the way) How did you find the PDR to be superior?
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
JackB1: curious considering the Donnay Pro 1( demo on the way) How did you find the PDR to be superior?

They are pretty similar. Its just that I was already familiar with the regular Pre Drive so I felt at home with the PDR. I tried them both side by side and just preferred the PDR. The Pro 1 seemed better for flatter shots and the PDR better for spin. One really isn't "better" than the other....its just personal preference.
 

TennisMD

Professional
They are pretty similar. Its just that I was already familiar with the regular Pre Drive so I felt at home with the PDR. I tried them both side by side and just preferred the PDR. The Pro 1 seemed better for flatter shots and the PDR better for spin. One really isn't "better" than the other....its just personal preference.

ok thanks will add my thoughts after I demo the Pro 1
 

BC1

Professional
D
Hey Jack/Bc1,

But behind on reading posts. What's the latest with you fellas? You moving on from PD jack? To pro one?

Enjoying the apdgt right now. Stilll got pd and pro open in bag. Loved the 98d. Want to try 100s. Might just stick with the apdgt or pro open.
 

smirker

Hall of Fame
Played a league doubles match last night with my PD (leather grip, 4" of lead at 10/2 and 12). Me and my partner won our 4 sets 2,1,3,3 so pretty comfortably. The PD played great. Very stable but quick enough at net to pick up some quick reaction volleys. Rock solid on serve and predictable and powerful on groundies. I even hit a backhand slice return that was unplayable it stayed so low.

The Woofer system really seems to work on these rackets. When you hit the ball flush in the sweetspot there is a different noise and plush feeling on the ball which just has extra zip on it. I hit several serves and ground strokes that "woofed"!
 

BC1

Professional
Hey Jack/Bc1,

But behind on reading posts. What's the latest with you fellas? You moving on from PD jack? To pro one?

Update... coming back home to babolat. Sticking with the apdgt and pd2012. I'm done switching and demoing unless some new amazing stick comes along. The next racquet I "plan" on trying will be the apd2013. As far as which one will be my go to racquet, the pd or apd, that is still to be decided.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
Update... coming back home to babolat. Sticking with the apdgt and pd2012. I'm done switching and demoing unless some new amazing stick comes along. The next racquet I "plan" on trying will be the apd2013. As far as which one will be my go to racquet, the pd or apd, that is still to be decided.

As you play more with the APD Gt and the PD, would appreciate your thoughts while comparing them. Would appreciate your thoughts in regards to some of the following: do you find the higher SW of the APD beneficial, do you find the PD more powerful, and which in general do you find easier to play with. Thanks
 

BC1

Professional
As you play more with the APD Gt and the PD, would appreciate your thoughts while comparing them. Would appreciate your thoughts in regards to some of the following: do you find the higher SW of the APD beneficial, do you find the PD more powerful, and which in general do you find easier to play with. Thanks

I will. This has been hard for me to do because the pd I've been using lately has been so off spec and just doesn't feel right to me compared to other pds I have tried. The 3/8 grip seems abnormally large, the racquet weighs 11.6 with one overgrip, plus I'm not happy with the string job. (Specs look good on paper but something just seems off with it). Anyway, I'm in the process of acquiring a new one. My APDGT is perfect, 11.3 with overgrip and 4 pts headlight. When I got it, I compared it to 6 others on the shelf and found the one that felt the most HL and and weighed on spec.
 
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ArliHawk

Hall of Fame
I will. This has been hard for me to do because the pd I've been using lately has been so off spec and just doesn't feel right to me compared to other pds I have tried. The 3/8 grip seems abnormally large, the racquet weighs 11.6 with one overgrip, plus I'm not happy with the string job. (Specs look good on paper but something just seems off with it). Anyway, I'm in the process of acquiring a new one. My APDGT is perfect, 11.3 with overgrip and 4 pts headlight. When I got it, I compared it to 6 others on the shelf and found the one that felt the most HL and and weighed on spec.

I'm betting on APD being your choice. I have used the APD since October, and flirted with the PD, but the APD is just so much more comfortable. And I find the APD (contrary to some comments) to be a tremendous racquet for serves.
 

BC1

Professional
I'm betting on APD being your choice. I have used the APD since October, and flirted with the PD, but the APD is just so much more comfortable. And I find the APD (contrary to some comments) to be a tremendous racquet for serves.

So far you're right. The apd also feels more solid. However, I haven't been able to get my serve dialed in with the apd. The pd wins that one and that is the one thing that has kept me staying with the pd. Looking forward to trying them back to back once I get my new pd. I'm leaning towards the apd right now.
 

YesTennis

Semi-Pro
I'm betting on APD being your choice. I have used the APD since October, and flirted with the PD, but the APD is just so much more comfortable. And I find the APD (contrary to some comments) to be a tremendous racquet for serves.

So far you're right. The apd also feels more solid. However, I haven't been able to get my serve dialed in with the apd. The pd wins that one and that is the one thing that has kept me staying with the pd. Looking forward to trying them back to back once I get my new pd. I'm leaning towards the apd right now.

Thanks. Would also appreciate any string thoughts while you're playing/testing. I'm a little afraid of the stiffness and don't want to go full bed poly/co-poly. I'd like to maximize the playing characteristics of the racquet to was thinking that a hybrid would be best. Now I'm crazed as to whether to try gut(or multi)/poly or poly/gut(multi). I'm in your same boat that I just need to make a decision on a racquet and stop the demoing (but it's just so much fun). As an aside, did try the Juice 100 last week and really liked this one also.
 

ArliHawk

Hall of Fame
Thanks. Would also appreciate any string thoughts while you're playing/testing. I'm a little afraid of the stiffness and don't want to go full bed poly/co-poly. I'd like to maximize the playing characteristics of the racquet to was thinking that a hybrid would be best. Now I'm crazed as to whether to try gut(or multi)/poly or poly/gut(multi). I'm in your same boat that I just need to make a decision on a racquet and stop the demoing (but it's just so much fun). As an aside, did try the Juice 100 last week and really liked this one also.

I have two suggestions for strings in the APD: Prince Premier Attack and Head RIP Control. Both compliment the frame greatly and soften it up a bit.
 
My honeymoon period with my Black Drive + seems to be coming to an end. I'm finding it extremely difficult to play consistantly well with it. I've won a few matches with it but I just never feel satisfied with it when I've won. Time for something more surgical I think....
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
My honeymoon period with my Black Drive + seems to be coming to an end. I'm finding it extremely difficult to play consistantly well with it. I've won a few matches with it but I just never feel satisfied with it when I've won. Time for something more surgical I think....

try the Rebel 98
 

BC1

Professional
I have two suggestions for strings in the APD: Prince Premier Attack and Head RIP Control. Both compliment the frame greatly and soften it up a bit.

Just ordered rip control 17g and also rpm 18g. Going to try them both in each racquet for a comparison. Have had Lux alu power in both and prefer that over others I've tried. Got excel 16 black French Open in apdgt right now and I don't think I like it, but not positive yet, it might just need to be broken in. The excel feels like it has no power or spin whatsoever. Tension was 60 so that may be too high and the problem. So far with both of these racquets I have preferred poly but I have been fortunate not to have any arm problems.
 
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JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Just ordered rip control 17g and also rpm 18g. Going to try them both in each racquet for a comparison. Have had Lux alu power in both and prefer that over others I've tried. Got excel 16 black French Open in apdgt right now and I don't think I like it, but not positive yet, it might just need to be broken in. The excel feels like it has no power or spin whatsoever. Tension was 60 so that may be too high and the problem. So far with both of these racquets I have preferred poly but I have been fortunate not to have any arm problems.

Black Xcel @ 55 or 56 in my PD had plenty of power.
I think u just went too high.
 

BC1

Professional
Black Xcel @ 55 or 56 in my PD had plenty of power.
I think u just went too high.

Yes. I'm hoping that's it. Pretty sure it is. Plus to be fair, I didn't give it a good test. Just hit some serves and against the wall. It should loosen up in a few days.
 

BC1

Professional
Just ordered rip control 17g and also rpm 18g. Going to try them both in each racquet for a comparison. Have had Lux alu power in both and prefer that over others I've tried. Got excel 16 black French Open in apdgt right now and I don't think I like it, but not positive yet, it might just need to be broken in. The excel feels like it has no power or spin whatsoever. Tension was 60 so that may be too high and the problem. So far with both of these racquets I have preferred poly but I have been fortunate not to have any arm problems.

Update... the reaonable side of me decided to cancel the above string, and new pd order. I need to put a stop to this madness. Going to play a good while with the apd only and see how I do. Going to try my best not to pull out the pro open or pd. Might just take them out of the bag and store them away so I'm not tempted.
 
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GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
Black Xcel @ 55 or 56 in my PD had plenty of power.
I think u just went too high.

this setup is defo playing great for me at the moment:)

as i already posted,i dont no if the tension has dropped or i have just got used to how she plays but im loving the black excel,the power is controllable and the spin im getting is immense.

i played club doubles practice last nite which i also added 2g of lead to 12 and god did those balls fly,im now very happy with my current setup and have no intention on changing anything (might tinker with strings) but if i dont find anything that compares to black excel i will just have to swallow the price!!!!!

so anyone who,s new to the 2012 PD please try black excel first.
im going to stick with 56lbs because as soon as it breaks in its bloody awsome
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
this setup is defo playing great for me at the moment:)

as i already posted,i dont no if the tension has dropped or i have just got used to how she plays but im loving the black excel,the power is controllable and the spin im getting is immense.

i played club doubles practice last nite which i also added 2g of lead to 12 and god did those balls fly,im now very happy with my current setup and have no intention on changing anything (might tinker with strings) but if i dont find anything that compares to black excel i will just have to swallow the price!!!!!

so anyone who,s new to the 2012 PD please try black excel first.
im going to stick with 56lbs because as soon as it breaks in its bloody awsome

I agree. Plus the strings don't move around much either, so you're not constantly straightening them like u do with most multis
 

GarryClarke

Semi-Pro
I agree. Plus the strings don't move around much either, so you're not constantly straightening them like u do with most multis

thats another good point jack which didnt even enter my mind,not once have i had to straighten the strings!!!!!!



cheers garry
 
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