TW Review: Babolat AeroPro Drive 2013 racquets

[morandi]

I just want to see more slow motion footage of Andy Gerst's serve. That thing is super smooth.

[DarkTennis]

does it glow in the dark like the spin attack video posted by babolat say play in the dark

[Bartelby]

Andy Gerst was looking a bit Freddie Mercury in Movember.

[crosscourt]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I would agree with this, but plenty of higher level players may still tell you the frame is too powerful because it doesn't suit their game. I know a few teaching pros currently entering and winning some fairly big open tournies who asked me why I was demoing the new one, and they said it was too powerful for how they liked to hit.

Guess the point is that there are grey areas. If you hit with a lot of spin and a western grip, the APD is a great option. If you want to go more SW and also drive through the ball a little more, you may find the stick to have too much power for how you like to hit. I could definitely adjust and play with an APD if it was not so stiff on my arm, but the way I like to hit the ball is better suited for more of a control frame.

I bolded the last statement because that applies to a ton of racquets in the player and tweener category.

In my review I said I think this stick is best for a junior who hits with a ton spin and prefers a defensive style of play. Still feel like that is accurate. What makes the racquet so cool is that anyone can use it, but definitely it takes someone with a lot of energy, endurance and developed footwork to really tap into the frame.

Well, I just dont know. I spent a week at an academy in France last year. There were all sorts of very good players there -- Davis Cup players, guys in the top 200, some of the top junior women in Europe. They almost all played Babolat, the APD was dominant. The power and spin they were hitting with was amazing. And that power and spin gave them the opportunity to do amazing things with the ball to win points. I find the idea that the rackets are too powerful a little strange. You do have to develop the way you play to get the most out of them. If you dont want to change then you may not benefit from them. But I am not sure that, for example, you must have an extreme grip. Of course, these rackets aren't for everyone.

[Francis27]

Originally Posted by DarkTennis

does it glow in the dark like the spin attack video posted by babolat say play in the dark

no its just a special effect.

[bluetrain4]

Loved the 2012 version of the the Pure Drive Roddick - enough to make it my regular stick. The regular Pure Drive 2012 is very good as well, but I like that little bit of extra weight.

But, there isn't a heavier version of the ADP, correct? I guess the heavier model in that line would be the Aero Storm Tour (no 2013 version yet), and for some reason, that's never clicked for me.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by crosscourt

Well, I just dont know. I spent a week at an academy in France last year. There were all sorts of very good players there -- Davis Cup players, guys in the top 200, some of the top junior women in Europe. They almost all played Babolat, the APD was dominant. The power and spin they were hitting with was amazing. And that power and spin gave them the opportunity to do amazing things with the ball to win points. I find the idea that the rackets are too powerful a little strange. You do have to develop the way you play to get the most out of them. If you dont want to change then you may not benefit from them. But I am not sure that, for example, you must have an extreme grip. Of course, these rackets aren't for everyone.

I agree, I have an extreme western forehand grip and I play with the APD with ease. Give me a Yonex racket which is a great racket and it may feel good for a while but later on I feel totally confused.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by Francis27

no its just a special effect.

darn, would be cool if it were real

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by bluetrain4

Loved the 2012 version of the the Pure Drive Roddick - enough to make it my regular stick. The regular Pure Drive 2012 is very good as well, but I like that little bit of extra weight.

But, there isn't a heavier version of the ADP, correct? I guess the heavier model in that line would be the Aero Storm Tour (no 2013 version yet), and for some reason, that's never clicked for me.

No, there is not a heavier version. But, I suggested a Tour version in the "Bonjour from Babolat" thread. I also think that too much weight in the APD will take away its whippiness and racket speed to hit fast, loopy strokes to develop a particular type of topspin. So, beware.
For now, if you want a heavier version TW customizes (20 bucks per racket) or do it yourself if you know how.
If I am not mistalen the Aero Storm has a different string pattern (16 x 20), has a smaller sweetspot and will be discontinued.