Do the top Seniors in your area use the Pure Drive ?

atatu · 09-28-2012, 07:49 AM

Got my butt kicked last night by a 61yo guy (I'm 50) in doubles. He is a former tour player from Australia who now plays for the US in international competitions. He was using a Babolat Pure Drive, as do a lot of the top 50 and over guys around here. I'm always amazed by that, I thought the frame was for younger guys, but now I'm seriously thinking of trying it out. Curious if this is true in other areas of the country.

yemenmocha · 09-28-2012, 07:56 AM

Yes I see quite a few of the better 50yr+ folks use them, and they're good.

Nostradamus · 09-28-2012, 08:02 AM

Why is the PD for younger guys only ? LOL. because it is harsh on the arm ?
FYI, PD has ton of power and control is pretty good so i think it is perfect racket for older guys in high level.

Not all old guys use Big Bubba. So how fast did this old guy serve ?

he must have been getting pretty good pop still with this racket. and what was he doing to you that was so good that he was kicking your butt ? Figure that out and maybe you can learn from it and do it yourself too.

atatu · 09-28-2012, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

Why is the PD for younger guys only ? LOL. because it is harsh on the arm ?
FYI, PD has ton of power and control is pretty good so i think it is perfect racket for older guys in high level.

Not all old guys use Big Bubba. So how fast did this old guy serve ?

he must have been getting pretty good pop still with this racket. and what was he doing to you that was so good that he was kicking your butt ? Figure that out and maybe you can learn from it and do it yourself too.

Yeah, because it's pretty tough on the arm, I did try the GT version briefly and it felt pretty harsh, which is why I'm surprised when I see older guys using the frame. I use a Donnay Pro One myself, and even then I have to be careful with my strings.

Hi I'm Ray · 09-28-2012, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atatu

Yeah, because it's pretty tough on the arm, I did try the GT version briefly and it felt pretty harsh, which is why I'm surprised when I see older guys using the frame. I use a Donnay Pro One myself, and even then I have to be careful with my strings.

The seniors here use granny sticks. Some are actually pretty good players. The PDGT was pretty harsh but the 2012 is noticeably easier on my arm. Poly can make even the soft flexy rackets feel harsh (depending on the string & tension) but IMO you can just avoid poly altogether as tweeners can play just fine multis. If you want to play it on the safe side with your arm health, the Organix V1 mp (it might need some lead) comes close to PD in power and is very comfy, the PD 107 is also quite easy on the arm and is even more powerful than the PD.

Nostradamus · 09-28-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atatu

Yeah, because it's pretty tough on the arm, I did try the GT version briefly and it felt pretty harsh, which is why I'm surprised when I see older guys using the frame. I use a Donnay Pro One myself, and even then I have to be careful with my strings.

put on Gamma pro RX replacement grip. it will feel like you are hitting with dunlop 200 g racket

Rozroz · 09-28-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

put on Gamma pro RX replacement grip. it will feel like you are hitting with dunlop 200 g racket

this is interesting.. can you tell some more?

Nostradamus · 09-28-2012, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rozroz

this is interesting.. can you tell some more?

i was introduced to it few month ago by local pro. He also had some arm problems and dampener wasn't helping. so he put on this Gamma pro RX grip with built in vibration dampening cushion system. and all his pain went away.

atatu · 10-03-2012, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

Why is the PD for younger guys only ? LOL. because it is harsh on the arm ?
FYI, PD has ton of power and control is pretty good so i think it is perfect racket for older guys in high level.

Not all old guys use Big Bubba. So how fast did this old guy serve ?

he must have been getting pretty good pop still with this racket. and what was he doing to you that was so good that he was kicking your butt ? Figure that out and maybe you can learn from it and do it yourself too.

Ok, you just posted in the Donnay P1 thread that your PD is killing your shoulder ? What's up ?

KenC · 10-03-2012, 09:48 PM

Here in Italy I see the older generation using the Head Crossbows. They look like they have to be 150in. racquets.

ced · 09-28-2012, 08:23 AM

Do the top Seniors in your area use the Pure Drive ?

Don't believe anyone in my group does. Mostly Head, Wilson and Prince plus a few Pro Kennex (like me).

Nastase · 09-28-2012, 08:42 AM

Theres a mix in my group...a few do use the PD, but several have played with that racquet and have since moved back to thinner beam racquets and have just moved up in head size to accomodate for aging. I have tried several iterations and while I could easily play with it, I dont. I dont find the PD to be as powerful as folks say...but did find it easy to play with in general since it has a big sweet spot, open pattern etc...comfort was ok, no arm issues for me. Preference dictates.

jorel · 09-28-2012, 08:56 AM

wasnt laver using one

Hi I'm Ray · 09-28-2012, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorel

wasnt laver using one

Was he really using a PD? When I met him at TW many years ago he was hitting with a PK, kind of the opposite of the PD

jorel · 10-01-2012, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hi I'm Ray

Was he really using a PD? When I met him at TW many years ago he was hitting with a PK, kind of the opposite of the PD

a pd is a pk (or used to be)

Larrysümmers · 09-28-2012, 09:33 AM

yup. some older guy. 70ish, strings it up with "cat gut". he may foot fault everytime, but what a wicked slice serve, and nice little drop shots. i played with it once, nicht schlect.

IA-SteveB · 09-28-2012, 09:58 AM

At my club, I haven't seen anyone above 30 but myself using a PDGT. Wilson flavors are everywhere.

LeeD · 09-28-2012, 03:55 PM

67 year old guy who lost in the finals of the local 65's here uses a old WilsonProStaff 85, redirects the ball with a flat short stroke, seldom hits deeper than the service line, and keeps it close to 3' of the sidelines. He makes everyone run forwards to field his low short angles.
Beat me 0 and 0 in singles.

recreationalplayer · 09-28-2012, 05:48 PM

I am 55, use a 110sq inch PD w/ Tonic 16g string and love the combination. I have added lead tape to the handle and frame & serve as well as 4.0's where I live, if not a little better on a good day. In the area of NC where I live, the "Piemont," the PD is used by male players of all ages with the possible exception of age 70 and above.

LeeD · 09-28-2012, 05:50 PM

At 55, your serving should not be impaired by age too greatly.
Now try again at 63, with multiple shoulder injuries.

09-28-2012, 07:49 AM	#1
atatu Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,715	Do the top Seniors in your area use the Pure Drive ? Got my butt kicked last night by a 61yo guy (I'm 50) in doubles. He is a former tour player from Australia who now plays for the US in international competitions. He was using a Babolat Pure Drive, as do a lot of the top 50 and over guys around here. I'm always amazed by that, I thought the frame was for younger guys, but now I'm seriously thinking of trying it out. Curious if this is true in other areas of the country. __________________ Check out my blog: http://austintennis.blogspot.com/

09-28-2012, 08:02 AM	#3
Nostradamus Hall Of Fame Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: In the future Posts: 4,162	Why is the PD for younger guys only ? LOL. because it is harsh on the arm ? FYI, PD has ton of power and control is pretty good so i think it is perfect racket for older guys in high level. Not all old guys use Big Bubba. So how fast did this old guy serve ? he must have been getting pretty good pop still with this racket. and what was he doing to you that was so good that he was kicking your butt ? Figure that out and maybe you can learn from it and do it yourself too. __________________ Babolat Pure drive 2012, 55 lbs, Kirschbaum Proline X / X-1 biphase. Nalbandian backhand and Nadal forehand.

10-03-2012, 09:48 PM	#10
KenC Professional Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Cliffs of Insanity Posts: 1,347	Here in Italy I see the older generation using the Head Crossbows. They look like they have to be 150in. racquets. __________________ 3X PK Ki5 315 ::: 4X PSLGT and 1X PSL ::: 2X PSTGT and 1X PST MCS mains and PPA crosses

09-28-2012, 08:23 AM	#11
ced Semi-Pro Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 618	Do the top Seniors in your area use the Pure Drive ? Don't believe anyone in my group does. Mostly Head, Wilson and Prince plus a few Pro Kennex (like me). __________________ I am entirely made of flaws, stiched together with good intentions.....www.weplaytennis.com

09-28-2012, 08:56 AM	#13
jorel Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2,326	wasnt laver using one __________________ wowzers