****the Pure Storm LTD Support Group**** - Page 4

PED · 03-09-2009, 10:56 AM

From your description of the way you like to play, you're correct to forget about the Pure Storm demo. The Ltd plays like a smooth old skool stick while the Pure Storm is pure BABOLAT. That's not a bad thing as I used to own one but it does play totally different from the LTD.

One that you may like would be the storm tour. It's got a 16X20 pattern too but the control is nice and it creates a nice heavy ball. However, if you like the LTD, then I would stick with that.

stician · 03-09-2009, 11:17 AM

I bought two in May ‘08 with the following stock specs strung with small Babolat alien dampener and Yonex supergrap overgrip:

(1) Head Light Balance 12 2/16, Weight 336g
(2) Head Light Balance 12 7/16, Weight 335g

They are currently strung with $7/set Head Rip Control 17 – 62 lbs on (1) and 64 lbs on (2) using an Eagnas machine. I’m getting 8 sets totaling 7 hours including warm-ups before breaking the cross first.

I have tried PSGD (nice for a three sets and then I want it out), Klip K-Boom (poly can’t hold tension after 2 sets), Klip Legend/PSGD hybrid (love it for 4 sets and then PSGD crosses drop off in tension). I like low powered crisp string beds and so far I’m impressed with Head Rip Control. It doesn’t move around much and holds tension remarkably well until it breaks.

rxblitzrx · 03-09-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Man

Glad to hear you're sticking with 18x20. I've hit with the Pure Storm and there is no comparison to the great PSL! It felt like a toy. Forget it.

Regarding power, you can always get more by lowering your string tension. For me the absolutely only thing that could possibly make the PSL even better is increasing the stiffness a bit. So I've ordered a custom frame from Vantage Tennis with the exact same specs as the PSL except for a stiffness factor of 70. Should be here next week. Will report on how it goes.

Sounds impressive! I'd have to agree a little on the stiffness. Sometimes it seems like the frame flexes a little too much on off-center shots.

rxblitzrx · 03-09-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PED

From your description of the way you like to play, you're correct to forget about the Pure Storm demo. The Ltd plays like a smooth old skool stick while the Pure Storm is pure BABOLAT. That's not a bad thing as I used to own one but it does play totally different from the LTD.

One that you may like would be the storm tour. It's got a 16X20 pattern too but the control is nice and it creates a nice heavy ball. However, if you like the LTD, then I would stick with that.

I've got one coach that I hit with that plays low powered (but not junk) but takes everything insanely early. He's a nightmare to play against and he takes all your time away.

I was really looking for something with a little more power, but sticking to 18x20 with swingweights below 310.

I love the extreme maneuverability of the LTD but it feels underpowered more often than I would like. I'm going to analyze the type of shots I'm returning, more intensely, on my next courting. It might just be that I'm wanting to hit an awesome line-drive on a ball that would be best hit with more angle and placement than drive. I might be taking the ball too late as well, leaving little room for offense without using a lot of energy.

blackdot_fit · 03-09-2009, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxblitzrx

I was really looking for something with a little more power, but sticking to 18x20 with swingweights below 310.

I love the extreme maneuverability of the LTD but it feels underpowered more often than I would like. I'm going to analyze the type of shots I'm returning, more intensely, on my next courting. It might just be that I'm wanting to hit an awesome line-drive on a ball that would be best hit with more angle and placement than drive. I might be taking the ball too late as well, leaving little room for offense without using a lot of energy.

i totally feel you on this. this is why i am replacing the PSL with the PST! more power, and almost the same great feel! i say "almost" because it has a thicker beam and a bit more open stringbed.

in all honesty, though, i can't quite handle the PSL yet! i'm far too out of shape for this frame, but you can bet your bottom dollar that i'll be back with the PSL as my primary stick just as soon as i can lose some pounds.

i love that the Pure Storm Ltd rewards great technique! if you're fit, and you're a ball striker, look no further.

Kevo · 03-09-2009, 06:18 PM

I went from the PDR to the PSL, and I can tell you that I hit the ball with as much power with the PSL as I did with the PDR. Right after I got the PSLs I measured my serve on radar and it was about 3-4mph less than the PDR. After a little adjustment time, I am now hitting the serve harder with the PSL. Groundstrokes were about the same as well, but I can actually hit more spin with the PSL than I did with the PDR.

Power has a lot more to do with technique than the frame. Admittedly the frame can make a difference and some frames are more powerful than others, but if you can find a frame to maximize your technique with, that will probably make more difference than finding a more powerful frame that doesn't really maximize your technique.

So if you're comfortable with your PSL then forget about the power in the frame and just go practice. That will make the most difference. If you really are uncomfortable with the frame, then I would say go ahead and get something else. Just make sure to demo and find a frame your really comfortable with so you can stick with it and focus on improving your play.

rxblitzrx · 03-09-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevo

I went from the PDR to the PSL, and I can tell you that I hit the ball with as much power with the PSL as I did with the PDR. Right after I got the PSLs I measured my serve on radar and it was about 3-4mph less than the PDR. After a little adjustment time, I am now hitting the serve harder with the PSL. Groundstrokes were about the same as well, but I can actually hit more spin with the PSL than I did with the PDR.

Power has a lot more to do with technique than the frame. Admittedly the frame can make a difference and some frames are more powerful than others, but if you can find a frame to maximize your technique with, that will probably make more difference than finding a more powerful frame that doesn't really maximize your technique.

So if you're comfortable with your PSL then forget about the power in the frame and just go practice. That will make the most difference. If you really are uncomfortable with the frame, then I would say go ahead and get something else. Just make sure to demo and find a frame your really comfortable with so you can stick with it and focus on improving your play.

that's some great insight Kevo. i do hit some great shots with the PSL. i'll give it another month and reevaluate. well played, sir.

Expired · 03-10-2009, 07:49 AM

I had a dream I played with a Pure Storm Ltd. last night. XD

rxblitzrx · 03-10-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expired

I had a dream I played with a Pure Storm Ltd. last night. XD

I wish I did. I just put a new grip on mine and the best I could do is hold it while I was on the can.

rxblitzrx · 04-05-2009, 07:37 PM

Well, I'm still pummeling little fuzzy balls with the PSL and loving it. I've got my timing down on both sides now and couldn't ask for a better racquet. It's got amazing control and my arm never gets tired swinging this thing; even after 3+ hours.

I'm still looking for a little more power out of it, but I think I've found the solution (hence my posting). I just strung up with X1 Biphase 18 guage today and I can already tell the ball jumps off the string bed more lively than it did with the 17 guage version.

I'll post back again after I've taken it out this week.

blackdot_fit · 04-05-2009, 11:06 PM

after 3 rounds of racquet demos (4 frames each), i'm still with my PSL. the only frame that really moved me to consider switching was the Dunlop 4D 200.

i switched from Gosen micro white 16 @ 63 lbs to Gosen micro natural 17 @ 58 lbs and i'm loving it! if i ever go back to that high of a tension, it'll have to be at least 17 gauge. 16 gauge just felt too "boardy." I'll probably go to 60 lbs with the 17g next time around. i'm much closer to finding my ideal gauge/tension setup.

but the good news is, i've found my holy grail, and it won't be long before i have my second PSL!

like i said in another thread, i can't stand the woofer grommet system! maybe i would like NXT string more if Babolats didn't have this. I kinda wish Bab would leave the comfort system mumbo-jumbo to the frames that are geared towards club players.

rxblitzrx · 04-06-2009, 10:10 PM

X1 Biphase 18 guage has considerably more pop, power, liveliness.... whatever adjective you want to use, over 17 guage. It was also very comfortable right from the start.

G-Man · 04-07-2009, 02:25 PM

Did you string at 55 lbs?

WBF · 04-10-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackdot_fit

so with that being said, i can't recommend this stick to anyone unless they plan on customizing. If you want to keep the racquet, you've gotta find your ideal setup. it's just plain "too light" of a frame, with a very, very dense 18x20 pattern.

lolwut.

To anyone?

rxblitzrx · 04-18-2009, 09:50 PM

I tried the following racquets to find something equivalent to a PSL, with more power:

1. MG Radical MP (not HL enough, otherwise perfect)
2. MG Prestige MP (swings funny)
3. Dunlop 4D 300 Tour (too stiff, and not enough ball pocketing)
4. Youtek Speed MP (flutter and small sweet spot. not headlight enough)
5. Volkl Power Bridge 10 295gram (too light, not stable and no solid feel on impact)

I think I'm finally content with my PSL. There's really nothing out there with these specific characteristics and it's perfect for my game. I think it's time I just buy another one.

ctdeuce · 04-20-2009, 03:12 AM

PSL is so darn good

rxblitzrx · 04-26-2009, 04:11 PM

I just looked at my strings yesterday and noticed a nice, tight wear-pattern, located a little above dead-center. It spanned about 6 mains x 6 cross. I felt good to see such consistency and even better to know that I'm at home with this racquet.

Kevo · 04-26-2009, 06:13 PM

I recently added some lead to the top of the frame. I didn't notice any improvement on pace with groundstrokes really. I did notice that playing against hard hit balls seemed a bit easier on the arm, but not much additional pace. I also only hit against one guy so far that I feel like it's much of an advantage against since most people at my level don't hit as hard as I do anyway.

The only thing right now that keeps me from taking it back off is the additional pop on the serve. I was raining down some absolute rocket first serves during my last match. I hit some aces that weren't even out of reach they just were too fast for my opponent to get his racquet on them.

The flip side to that is that my kick serves weren't always dropping in and I had more doubles than usual. I think that is something that I will be able to fix once I adjust to the additional swing weight.

rxblitzrx · 04-26-2009, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevo

I recently added some lead to the top of the frame. I didn't notice any improvement on pace with groundstrokes really. I did notice that playing against hard hit balls seemed a bit easier on the arm, but not much additional pace. I also only hit against one guy so far that I feel like it's much of an advantage against since most people at my level don't hit as hard as I do anyway.

The only thing right now that keeps me from taking it back off is the additional pop on the serve. I was raining down some absolute rocket first serves during my last match. I hit some aces that weren't even out of reach they just were too fast for my opponent to get his racquet on them.

The flip side to that is that my kick serves weren't always dropping in and I had more doubles than usual. I think that is something that I will be able to fix once I adjust to the additional swing weight.

I hate how you have to increase the swingweight to get a more stable frame on hard hit balls, and I don't think there's any way around this! Love the PSL though. Just gotta fight your battles the right way with it.

suppawat · 04-26-2009, 11:52 PM

I just had a chance to try Babolat Pure Storm Limited last week for 2 hours. It was strung with a hybrid of Xcel and Hurricane (don't know tension). I'm surprised that there is old-school classic feel in this modern frame. It feels very good in hand and also swings very light. IMO, it shares the similar characteristics of other tour racquets.

Feel on ball impact: like Wilson PS85, but not that stable
Power: like Head LM Radical Tour, very hard to hit power winners
Swingweight and stability: like Volkl PB10

Like several comments here, the PSL has stability issue on off-center shots. If this problem is fixed, it'd be perfect.

03-09-2009, 10:56 AM	#61
PED Legend Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 5,193	From your description of the way you like to play, you're correct to forget about the Pure Storm demo. The Ltd plays like a smooth old skool stick while the Pure Storm is pure BABOLAT. That's not a bad thing as I used to own one but it does play totally different from the LTD. One that you may like would be the storm tour. It's got a 16X20 pattern too but the control is nice and it creates a nice heavy ball. However, if you like the LTD, then I would stick with that. __________________ You have my name, come find me. Just leave your nonsense out of this thread. Last edited by PED : 10-23-2009 at 05:10 PM.

04-05-2009, 07:37 PM	#70
rxblitzrx Rookie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 322	Well, I'm still pummeling little fuzzy balls with the PSL and loving it. I've got my timing down on both sides now and couldn't ask for a better racquet. It's got amazing control and my arm never gets tired swinging this thing; even after 3+ hours. I'm still looking for a little more power out of it, but I think I've found the solution (hence my posting). I just strung up with X1 Biphase 18 guage today and I can already tell the ball jumps off the string bed more lively than it did with the 17 guage version. I'll post back again after I've taken it out this week. __________________ Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. (X1 Biphase 18 @ 53lbs)

04-06-2009, 10:10 PM	#72
rxblitzrx Rookie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 322	X1 Biphase 18 guage has considerably more pop, power, liveliness.... whatever adjective you want to use, over 17 guage. It was also very comfortable right from the start. __________________ Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. (X1 Biphase 18 @ 53lbs)

04-18-2009, 09:50 PM	#75
rxblitzrx Rookie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 322	I tried the following racquets to find something equivalent to a PSL, with more power: 1. MG Radical MP (not HL enough, otherwise perfect) 2. MG Prestige MP (swings funny) 3. Dunlop 4D 300 Tour (too stiff, and not enough ball pocketing) 4. Youtek Speed MP (flutter and small sweet spot. not headlight enough) 5. Volkl Power Bridge 10 295gram (too light, not stable and no solid feel on impact) I think I'm finally content with my PSL. There's really nothing out there with these specific characteristics and it's perfect for my game. I think it's time I just buy another one. __________________ Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. (X1 Biphase 18 @ 53lbs) Last edited by rxblitzrx : 04-26-2009 at 04:07 PM.

04-20-2009, 03:12 AM	#76
ctdeuce Rookie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 301	PSL is so darn good __________________ 2x Pure Storm Ltd - Babolat Addiction M @ 60#, Global Gut X @ 56# GOOD KNIGHT...(PS Trooper - L div)

04-07-2009, 02:25 PM	#73
G-Man New User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 36	Did you string at 55 lbs?