2013 AeroPro Drive

[gavna]

Just got to see the planned 2013 APDGT's - the only new "Tech" will be the addition of the "new" cortex down the handle (Just like the current Pure Drives) and the paint job is exactly like the current limited edition French Open model except where you see the Red Clay it will be yellow for 2013. So like the 2012 Pure Drive with Black the main color and Blue the trim - Black with some Yellow trim is the new APDGT set up. Looks very clean and less bumble beeish.

[Action Jackson]

Nice!
Cant wait for it.

[tennis_balla]

Will be interesting to see how they hide/paint job the new Cortex onto Nadal's rackets.

[ArliHawk]

I assume it was a prototype and you didn't get to hit with it?

Sounds interesting, though. Will have to take it for a test drive when it comes out next year. Still loving the current APD, especially in the 2011 French Open paint job.

[tistrapukcipeht]

Originally Posted by Action Jackson

Nice!
Cant wait for it.

Can't wait for the same racquet with different colors??

The guy described the racquet as the same, we all know how bad it is.

[db10s]

I'm assuming the same pj style applies to the Aero Storm etc...?

[Fed Kennedy]

They shoukd drop stiffness a little

[ArliHawk]

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

They shoukd drop stiffness a little

For some reason, I don't find this racquet to be nearly as stiff as the RDC would indicate. It's much more forgiving than the Pure Drive for example.

[quest01]

Cool, I've always been a fan of the APD's

[Bud]

No pics???

[BobFL]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

For some reason, I don't find this racquet to be nearly as stiff as the RDC would indicate. It's much more forgiving than the Pure Drive for example.

Exactly my thoughts. I can feel some flex when I hit with APD but none when I hit with PD. It plays firm but not super stiff. If I had to estimate its stifness I would say ~67. Definitely not above 70...

[Fed Kennedy]

I would love to see them bring it in at 67. The plus feels ok to me but I feel every bit of the 70 rating on the standard.

It feels ok while Im hitting but afterwards my arm is saying things.

[Fed Kennedy]

Originally Posted by Bud

No pics???

Lets see a photoshop of the rg paint with yellow instead of red...

[ben123]

Originally Posted by Fed Kennedy

I would love to see them bring it in at 67. The plus feels ok to me but I feel every bit of the 70 rating on the standard.

It feels ok while Im hitting but afterwards my arm is saying things.

yes a 67 apd would be great

[MAXXply]

OP, do you know if there will be an update to the Aero Storm line also? I do wish they gave it a different PJ to differentiate it from the APD Bumblebee-ness.

[Yourtenniscoach]

Pics or it didn't happen!

[gavna]

Originally Posted by db10s

I'm assuming the same pj style applies to the Aero Storm etc...?

No discussion - the Storm line is really secondary - the BIG movers are the PD and the APD globally.....lots of promises on how the "play and connect" will change the way the rec player (3.0 to 5.0) will use this tech to improve...etc etc etc. If you add up all the global sales Babolat has the APD and the PD lines alone out sell ALL other Babolat frames by over 2 to 1.

In fact one huge issue with the powers that be at Babs is how they HATE the fact both Harrison's are using the PS Ltd's - a stick Babolat just can't market beyond a very small segment.

[gavna]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

For some reason, I don't find this racquet to be nearly as stiff as the RDC would indicate. It's much more forgiving than the Pure Drive for example.

Its supposed to be - they have 2 completely different layups - the main difference is that the Pure Drive has the GT fibers throughout the whole head of the frame - the AeroPro Drive has GT fibers only at the 3 and 9 o'clock - it changes the torsional response and in fact makes the APD the spin monster it is.

[pheonix6579]

Originally Posted by gavna

No discussion - the Storm line is really secondary - the BIG movers are the PD and the APD globally.....lots of promises on how the "play and connect" will change the way the rec player (3.0 to 5.0) will use this tech to improve...etc etc etc. If you add up all the global sales Babolat has the APD and the PD lines alone out sell ALL other Babolat frames by over 2 to 1.

In fact one huge issue with the powers that be at Babs is how they HATE the fact both Harrison's are using the PS Ltd's - a stick Babolat just can't market beyond a very small segment.

The PS Ltd is the "red-head step child" of Babolat

[gavna]

Originally Posted by pheonix6579

The PS Ltd is the "red-head step child" of Babolat

Hey i play with it - I use the PSL Ltd+ extented version only sold in Europe - BUT i have been looking to cross over to the dark side and start using the APD - I play ITF seniors and it seems all of us (50 yrs old +) are all using a PD or APD......I may have to just give in