TW Review: Babolat AeroPro Drive 2013 racquets

[Roforot]

Originally Posted by travlerajm

I am one of the volunteer playtesters for this racquet. I haven't posted my review in the official playtest review thread yet. But I've hit with it a few times, so I'll chime in.

Brief Summary: It's a stiff tweener that's stable for it's weight, but can really use a bit of extra mass in the head. Seems stiffer than the older versions, and very similar to a PD (I was going to guess 69 RA, so I guessed right). So anyone who enjoys a stock PD will like it. I thought it really came alive and had a much more arm-friendly and solid feel and hit a heavier, more controlled ball when I leaded it up with about 12g in the upper hoop and a few grams in the butt (i.e., the Nadal configuration).

It's too light in stock form for me personally and was not balanced to my liking for my forehand, but it would be a solid choice as a customization platform.

Not that there's anything inherently wrong with the frame but 88 overall score? Come on. I think it's time for a score recalibration. What will they do when a truly great perfectly balanced frame comes along?

On a side note, the frame I demo'd had a 325 SW, considerably higher than the 316 listed. I probably would have liked the stock balance better had mine had the same specs as the TW official specs. Also, my demo was 26.9" and not 27", but since I don't plan on restringing it, I can't tell if 26.9" is the relaxed length or if it's due to a squashing stringjob.

Wow, I'm not diligent enough to measure SW or discern that degree of difference in the length. I do agree w/ your assessment of the frame. I'm one of the testers as well; the email didn't prohibit adding lead to the frame... is TW okay w/ us doing so? I think I would like the frame more w/ a half ounce of lead added on.
That being said, I would plan to play it stock for another week at least so I can give a fair report to others... and there may be something to it being so light that it lets me take huge brushes on the swing and keep the ball in play.

[BoomstickTPH]

Did anybody make a comparison between 2013 ADP vs 2012 PDR in terms of stiffness?

[mad dog1]

Originally Posted by Roforot

Well by looking at their comments, there are a lot of comparisons to the Pure Drive. I didn't hit w/ the regular version of the Pure Drive so I can't say how much power it has but the 2012 PDR weights a half ounce more and immediately/obviously gives help w/ the serve.

Again, I'm open to suggestions if there's a different technique or approach to serving w/ the Aeropro.

yeah, dunno. i've never tried serving w/ the PDR so i can't offer any comparison vs the APD. but compared to the Head PT630, the APD serves up serious heat.

[morandi]

Originally Posted by BoomstickTPH

Did anybody make a comparison between 2013 ADP vs 2012 PDR in terms of stiffness?

In play the PDR definitely feels like the stiffer of the two. I find the stiffness ratings somewhat deceptive on the APD because I feel the way the throat is designed offers some flex or the illusion of flex, at least thats the way it feels at contact.

[Roforot]

Originally Posted by morandi

In play the PDR definitely feels like the stiffer of the two. I find the stiffness ratings somewhat deceptive on the APD because I feel the way the throat is designed offers some flex or the illusion of flex, at least thats the way it feels at contact.

I agree the PDR feels and plays as a more stiff racquet. But I find the APD to be comfortable as well with the caveat being I'm a little sore from trying to find the groove w/ serves.

[Roforot]

Originally Posted by mad dog1

yeah, dunno. i've never tried serving w/ the PDR so i can't offer any comparison vs the APD. but compared to the Head PT630, the APD serves up serious heat.

That's a big difference in racquets. Are you enjoying the playtest so far?

[tennisnut09]

I've been playing the PDR 2012 for a while. I also hit with the PD 2012 and the APD cortex version (borrow from my tennis partners). The PD and the APD cortex can't match the PDR on serve and power. I like the PDR 2012 but I find that its SW is higher than 328. I also find that it is very stiff. I hope to find something with a SW between the PDR and the PD and a bit more flex. I think this new APD may be the one. I hope to get good inputs from you guys in the next 2 weeks.

[TennisJC]

Black Weekend Special - Free string (RPM, VS Touch, Xcel...exp 11/25):
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/orde...ml?pcode=APD13

*Free Black Strings (Includes the VS Touch Gut Black 16's!!)* - low 50's, full bed = yummy...maybe the now the Turkeys should feel sorry for the Cows

Hmmm....wonder if it would be possible to pre-order the racket unstrung and just get free a pack of VS Touch 16 - I will probably buy one pack of RPM's so I can hybrid 2x sets??

[tistrapukcipeht]

Originally Posted by TennisJC

Black Weekend Special - Free string (RPM, VS Touch, Xcel...exp 11/25):
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/orde...ml?pcode=APD13

*Free Black Strings (Includes the VS Touch Gut Black 16's!!)* - low 50's, full bed = yummy...maybe the now the Turkeys should feel sorry for the Cows

Hmmm....wonder if it would be possible to pre-order the racket unstrung and just get free a pack of VS Touch 16 - I will probably buy one pack of RPM's so I can hybrid 2x sets??

Only problem is, you have to buy a Babolat racquet

[crosscourt]

Originally Posted by mad dog1

Maybe it's cuz the TW playtesters in this playtest are generally using lower powered players sticks so compared to those, the APDC is more powerful.

If you look at the TW playtesters for the review they are all good or very good players. They have no problem generating power with different types of rackets. One of the things about the APD is that although a lot of club players like it because of the power it has, it is best in the hands of a very advanced player.

[Roforot]

Originally Posted by crosscourt

If you look at the TW playtesters for the review they are all good or very good players. They have no problem generating power with different types of rackets. One of the things about the APD is that although a lot of club players like it because of the power it has, it is best in the hands of a very advanced player.

You may be sort of right. I played some doubles this afternoon and feel I'm adjusting to this racquet. However, I still feel the TW review score of "87" is misleading considering the PDR 2012 got an 89? I know they discourage comparing numbers across reviews but we all do it anyway. The APD has nice spin and placement but I wouldn't want anyone to expect they were going to get a boost similar to the PDR.

Now that I've played singles, doubles, hit w/ the wall and ball machine, I feel I can justify adding lead. I'm sure the better players are able to hit the center of percussion reliably, but I'm feeling shaky on volleys. I can see why they rate it well for manuevarability and I do well in the hand to hand doubles net exchanges, but it's down right uncomfortable when they rip a shot at me from the baseline. Hopefully I can find a balance b/w mass and agility w/ this frame.

[galain]

Nice review. I liked the different camera angles and slow mo in this one and the location looks stunning.

[TW Staff]

Originally Posted by MAXXply

Slightly off-topic, but are the outdoor courts which are the venue for this video review also located in San Luis Obispo? The suburban park backdrop looks nice with the mountains in the background. It was kinda Pleasantville meets Wisteria Lane in Desperate Housewives.

Yes, the video was shot an at outdoor court close to us here in San Luis Obispo.

Tiffani, TW

[SFrazeur]

Can TW shed some light on the issue of swingweight? TW has 314/316 while others list a higher swingweight in the high 320s.

-SF

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by SFrazeur

Can TW shed some light on the issue of swingweight? TW has 314/316 while others list a higher swingweight in the high 320s.

-SF

Yes, I had brought this up in the racket thread for APD 2013. Other guys (bad guys) have the Swing weight as 329 for APD and 335 for APD plus 2013. From the video, it looks like you guys all felt that it was easier to swing which I assume translates into lower swingweight consistant with TW specs. Am I correct ?

[SFrazeur]

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

Yes, I had brought this up in the racket thread for APD 2013. Other guys (bad guys) have the Swing weight as 329 for APD and 335 for APD plus 2013. From the video, it looks like you guys all felt that it was easier to swing which I assume translates into lower swingweight consistant with TW specs. Am I correct ?

I agree with you. That's probably the thread I am posting in as well.

[JackB1]

guys...there is no ONE NUMBER for swingweight. It is an average, just like static weight and can vary depending on the luck of the draw. If you have a limit or range for your swingweight, best bet is to pay TW the extra $10 for matching service or bring a scale to your local store. Lower static weight will usually correspond with lower swingweight.

In my experience, my actual swingweight numbers are usually 5 to 10 pts higher on a local RDC machine as compared to TW's published numbers. If they say 315, I will usually get around 320-325 on my machine. I think they also measure without overgrip and dampener.

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by JackB1

guys...there is no ONE NUMBER for swingweight. It is an average, just like static weight and can vary depending on the luck of the draw. If you have a limit or range for your swingweight, best bet is to pay TW the extra $10 for matching service or bring a scale to your local store. Lower static weight will usually correspond with lower swingweight.

In my experience, my actual swingweight numbers are usually 5 to 10 pts higher on a local RDC machine as compared to TW's published numbers. If they say 315, I will usually get around 320-325 on my machine. I think they also measure without overgrip and dampener.

overgrip will lower the SW, not increase it. cause it will make the racket more head light.
Anyway, we were very surprised because the numbers were way way different. 316 from TW and 329 from other guys. That is 13 point difference. that is Unusual. 5 point difference is common.

[TimothyO]

Originally Posted by JackB1

guys...there is no ONE NUMBER for swingweight. It is an average, just like static weight and can vary depending on the luck of the draw. If you have a limit or range for your swingweight, best bet is to pay TW the extra $10 for matching service or bring a scale to your local store. Lower static weight will usually correspond with lower swingweight.

In my experience, my actual swingweight numbers are usually 5 to 10 pts higher on a local RDC machine as compared to TW's published numbers. If they say 315, I will usually get around 320-325 on my machine. I think they also measure without overgrip and dampener.

That's interesting. When I use TW's calculator and manual procedure my results are consistently under spec by several points. It doesn't bother me since I'm simply trying to match relative specs for my own frames. I'll mod one while hitting on the court with a friend a few times until it feels right, measure it once I'm home, and then match the others to it using scale, balance board, and calculator.

[SFrazeur]

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

overgrip will lower the SW, not increase it. cause it will make the racket more head light.
Anyway, we were very surprised because the numbers were way way different. 316 from TW and 329 from other guys. That is 13 point difference. that is Unusual. 5 point difference is common.

Adding mass will not lower swing weight.

-SF