2013 AeroPro Drive

[ArliHawk]

Well, it seems the honeymoon with the 2013 APD might be over for me. Feeling some elbow tenderness, so I am borrowing my wife's Volkl Organix V1 MP (affectionately nicknamed the turd) for some social doubles tonight. If it works, I might be picking one up. Love the new APD, it just doesn't seem to love me.

[tray999]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

Well, it seems the honeymoon with the 2013 APD might be over for me. Feeling some elbow tenderness, so I am borrowing my wife's Volkl Organix V1 MP (affectionately nicknamed the turd) for some social doubles tonight. If it works, I might be picking one up. Love the new APD, it just doesn't seem to love me.

Arlihawk,

What do you have your APD strung with?

[db10s]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

Well, it seems the honeymoon with the 2013 APD might be over for me. Feeling some elbow tenderness, so I am borrowing my wife's Volkl Organix V1 MP (affectionately nicknamed the turd) for some social doubles tonight. If it works, I might be picking one up. Love the new APD, it just doesn't seem to love me.

Thats what a dose of APD will do to you.

[quest01]

I'm not sure if I want to go with the 2013 version of the APD or the Wilson Steam 99S. I've been an avid APD user for years and I've kind of built my game with this racquet since I was a 3.0. I'd customize the racquet similarly to the APDGT but maybe an inch more lead at the 3 and 9 on the 2013 edition due to the lower swing weight. The stiffness rating was never an issue for me even while stringing poly at 63 pounds mains and 64 crosses, I've never experienced arm pain. I no longer string this high anymore, I dropped it 5 pounds to 58/59.

[db10s]

Originally Posted by quest01

I'm not sure if I want to go with the 2013 version of the APD or the Wilson Steam 99S. I've been an avid APD user for years and I've kind of built my game up through the NTRP ratings down from the 3.0 level to where I'm at today with the APD. I'm kind of reluctant to switch to something totally different, but will consider if I can elevate my game to the 5.0 level. I'd customize the racquet similarly to the APDGT but maybe an inch more lead at the 3 and 9 on the 2013 edition due to the lower swing weight.

DEMO.... And see if you can hold onto your arm.

[ArliHawk]

Originally Posted by db10s

DEMO.... And see if you can hold onto your arm.

After using my wife's Organix V1 MP last night, it looks like I am moving away from the APD. It is a great racquet, and I am somewhat jealous of those who use it. For me, unfortunately, it is just a smidge too stiff. But what a great serving, powerful racquet. You guys enjoy it, and I'll enjoy my new Organix V1 (affectionately nicknamed the turd).

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

After using my wife's Organix V1 MP last night, it looks like I am moving away from the APD. It is a great racquet, and I am somewhat jealous of those who use it. For me, unfortunately, it is just a smidge too stiff. But what a great serving, powerful racquet. You guys enjoy it, and I'll enjoy my new Organix V1 (affectionately nicknamed the turd).

Have you used full gut or gut/poly? Ive read that Pacific Classic Gut mains and MSV CoFocus crosses is a great setup and it should soften the APD considerably. If that does not work then you can dismiss the APD.

[ArliHawk]

Originally Posted by Boricua

Have you used full gut or gut/poly? Ive read that Pacific Classic Gut mains and MSV CoFocus crosses is a great setup and it should soften the APD considerably. If that does not work then you can dismiss the APD.

I was using full multi (Head RIP Control 17), so that should be as soft as anything.

[Hominator]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

After using my wife's Organix V1 MP last night, it looks like I am moving away from the APD. It is a great racquet, and I am somewhat jealous of those who use it. For me, unfortunately, it is just a smidge too stiff. But what a great serving, powerful racquet. You guys enjoy it, and I'll enjoy my new Organix V1 (affectionately nicknamed the turd).

Also check out the Dunlop F 3.0 Tour, if you can. I found that it plays similar to an Aero Pro Drive, but is much softer and has more control. Surprising pop and spin for an 18x20.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

I was using full multi (Head RIP Control 17), so that should be as soft as anything.

I have not used RIP Control but Ive read that it is not the softest multi. Try full gut, (Pacific Classic gut or Babolat Tonic gut) or hybrid gut mains with multi as a cross string to pay less. Mantis Comfort Synthetic and Babolat Excel Premium are soft polys that you can also consider either full jobs or as cross strings. Genesis Thunderblast Ive read is a good and soft multi as well.

[monomer]

Originally Posted by Boricua

Have you used full gut or gut/poly? Ive read that Pacific Classic Gut mains and MSV CoFocus crosses is a great setup and it should soften the APD considerably. If that does not work then you can dismiss the APD.

I have played the APD for quite some time. I have tried everything in it but was hesitant to try gut because I thought it would be too powerful. I gave Pacific Classic / CoFocus a try and couldn't be happier. I have it strung at 58/54 and it is perfect for me. I can swing out as hard as I want and the spin keeps the ball in. It is so much better than any of the full poly jobs that I have tried (at tensions from 40lbs - 60lbs). It is so much better feeling than anything else I have tried in the APD including Rip Control.

I put Pacific Classic / Lux. 4g in my backup racquet at the same tension. Too stiff and not enough power or spin. It's possible I would like it at a lower tension. At this point I will probably just stick with the Classic / Co Focus.

[Boricua]

Originally Posted by monomer

I have played the APD for quite some time. I have tried everything in it but was hesitant to try gut because I thought it would be too powerful. I gave Pacific Classic / CoFocus a try and couldn't be happier. I have it strung at 58/54 and it is perfect for me. I can swing out as hard as I want and the spin keeps the ball in. It is so much better than any of the full poly jobs that I have tried (at tensions from 40lbs - 60lbs). It is so much better feeling than anything else I have tried in the APD including Rip Control.

I put Pacific Classic / Lux. 4g in my backup racquet at the same tension. Too stiff and not enough power or spin. It's possible I would like it at a lower tension. At this point I will probably just stick with the Classic / Co Focus.

There you go. Dont quit yet on the APD Arlihawk.

[acura9927]

Demoed it once, just couldnt serve with it. Too much of a round head for me. I like to serve with Dunlop oval or Yonex squarish. My 1hbh didnt feel right either.
It does do windshield wiper forehands better than any racquet I have ever tried. Top notch looks.

[morandi]

Its funny, for me the APD is the only racquet that doesnt give me any joint pain. Strung with full RPM.
I played with supposedly softer, more flexible racquets that caused me a world of hurt.
I am totally in love with the 2013 APD plus. Never thought I would like an extended length racquet, but this one is awesome.

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by db10s

DEMO.... And see if you can hold onto your arm.

I am really confused about this. from my experience, Aeropro drive is much easier on the arm than the Pure drives. I was surprised how much less arm pain I had with the New aeropro 2013 than after hitting with Pure drive I use.

[Dberger820]

I agree as well. Just played a weekend tournament, 4 matches, with the new APD and not an ounce of pain in my arm. Have it strung with a hybrid with RPM and basic nylon. I then hit for two hours with a Prestige MP an my elbow was screaming. I found this odd as everything I read says it should be the opposite. Even get some tenderness from my very flexible IG Rad Pro. I'm thinking of trying out a full bed in the APD to try my luck and see if it still feels comfy with some better control.

[ArliHawk]

Think it's fair to say everyone has different experiences. The 2010 version treats me fine, but the 2013 doesn't work. This seems counter intuitive, since the 2013 is supposed to be better on the arm. I appreciate it is a great racquet, it's just not the racquet for me.

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

Think it's fair to say everyone has different experiences. The 2010 version treats me fine, but the 2013 doesn't work. This seems counter intuitive, since the 2013 is supposed to be better on the arm. I appreciate it is a great racquet, it's just not the racquet for me.

but you do agree that 2013 version is bit easier to swing and seem to have lower swingweight than the previous years, right ?

[RollTrackTake]

Originally Posted by morandi

Its funny, for me the APD is the only racquet that doesnt give me any joint pain. Strung with full RPM.
I played with supposedly softer, more flexible racquets that caused me a world of hurt.
I am totally in love with the 2013 APD plus. Never thought I would like an extended length racquet, but this one is awesome.

Andy from TW gave the plus (+) version a glowing review. What are your thoughts on its strengths, weaknesses and overall playability?

[Rafaboy]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk
Think it's fair to say everyone has different experiences. The 2010 version treats me fine, but the 2013 doesn't work. This seems counter intuitive, since the 2013 is supposed to be better on the arm. I appreciate it is a great racquet, it's just not the racquet for me.

I had the same problem, until i went with softer strings/less tension. For me, it depended on setup and style of play.