Just got a 2013 AeroPro Drive

[RackofSlamb]

Originally Posted by djdannyj25

Not necessarily, I got mine from TW on spec to my GT (did the matching service), and this new APD feels a lot faster through the air for some reason.

I believe the 2013 has a lower swingweight than the 2012 version does.

[djdannyj25]

Originally Posted by RackofSlamb

I believe the 2013 has a lower swingweight than the 2012 version does.

The service includes matching the swingweight (matched it to my GT).

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by RackofSlamb

I believe the 2013 has a lower swingweight than the 2012 version does.

Yes definitely does

[db10s]

Well then it feeling lighter is just you...

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by db10s

Well then it feeling lighter is just you...

No not just me. 90 % of the playtesters including the TW playtesters including Chris felt this racket swings lighter and easier. thank you

[Doubles]

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

No not just me. 90 % of the playtesters including the TW playtesters including Chris felt this racket swings lighter and easier. thank you

I've hit with several versions of the APD, there was not a significant difference in the weight between different models.

[djdannyj25]

Originally Posted by Doubles

I've hit with several versions of the APD, there was not a significant difference in the weight between different models.

Strange, I have all of the generations now, and I find the 2013 swings faster, nothing too noticeable, but it's still faster. Different strokes for different folks I guess. :P

[Doubles]

Originally Posted by djdannyj25

Strange, I have all of the generations now, and I find the 2013 swings faster, nothing too noticeable, but it's still faster. Different strokes for different folks I guess. :P

Exactly, it's all personal preference. A lot of that might have to do with quality control which could make the minute differences in how they swing. If there is a difference, to me, it is so negligible that it doesn't bother me.

[T.P3D0R]

What string/tension did you all try the new APD at?

As a starter, I put RPM Blast 16 @ 54 lbs.

I wasn't overly impressed - never have been by this string for some reason. Will probably re-string with BHBR

[Francis27]

I liked the rpm blast 16 at 48lbs on the new APD. It felt really great on the arm and the spin i got was amazing. Gonna try a 17g or 18g imagine the spin on that!

[T.P3D0R]

Originally Posted by Francis27

I liked the rpm blast 16 at 48lbs on the new APD. It felt really great on the arm and the spin i got was amazing. Gonna try a 17g or 18g imagine the spin on that!

I'd have to try it again at a low tension probably. 54# seemed too tight for 16g string (for me at least). I don't know about the jump down to 48#, but I may attempt somewhere around 50-52#.

[Dberger820]

I have the new APD with a hybrid of RPM Blast 16 at 53# and Head FXP 16 @ 55#. This set-up makes it very comfortable for me but a bit too powerful. I will be looking for a soft poly as a full-bed on my next restring. No arm pains yet and I came from a IG Radical Pro which is very flexible.

[RackofSlamb]

like my original post says i am getting mine with rpm blast 17g at 56 pounds, i usually go 58 to 60 in my bab's but this is a pretty stiff racquet so lowered the tension a bit, it is being shipped today and im gonna hit with it tonight so after that i will let you all know how it went, are yall using vibration dampeners on yours?

[Dberger820]

I use a dampener which helps produce a very muted feeling for me. Love it with a dampener

[anubis]

I just got a new 2013 APD as well and I have to say, I love this racquet. I have it strung with Tourna BHB7 17 @ 54 lbs. I'm using one Tourna Tac overgrip and a dampener. Otherwise, I have not added lead.

Previously I was using Prestiges and Radicals. The racquet is very comfortable and very light. I enjoy not being "tired out" by the end of the match after swinging heavy players frames. It's very head light so its easy to maneuver. The big head size (Prestige/Radicals are 95si) means I shank far less often. The sweetspot is huge. I don't remember ever missing it.

I've played two matches with it already and have another interesting observation. Compared to my other low-powered, soft frames, I get WAY more zip with this frame. It's not so much a power issue. I have no issues hitting deep with a Prestige. It's just the relative velocity of the ball is faster with the APD.

For instance, last night I was playing a match with some 4.5 women (I'm a 3.0). They're pretty darn good, too. But this was the first time -- really in my life -- that I hit more than one winner and more than one ace. I'm not known for my serves, they are very weak. 3.5 men regularly destroyed my serves with Radicals. But with the APD, I served at least 3 aces in one 3 set match. That's 3x more than I usually hit, which is usually 0.

And, I hit probably 10 or so forehand winners. With my prestige and radical, I usually hit 1 winner per match. I could never finish off a point due to my "superior" play. I'd either outlast the person, or I hit into the net. No two-ways about it. But now I'm actually hitting winners. It's a good feeling, and very new to me.

Its comfortable, no arm pains even with poly. but that's because I string fairly low (1 lb below their lowest rec. tension).

[RackofSlamb]

Hey everyone, as an update, my hitting partner has been unavailable the last week so i am sitting here waiting to use this beast, it is excrutiating not being to play with it immediately....i will say one thing i have noticed from holding it in my hand is the grip feels thicker than it should....by that i mean i ordered a 4 3/8", which it is indicated to be on the side of the racquet, but it just feels thicker than that.....more like 4 1/2" if you order one, go a size down, just my suggestion

[djdannyj25]

Originally Posted by RackofSlamb

Hey everyone, as an update, my hitting partner has been unavailable the last week so i am sitting here waiting to use this beast, it is excrutiating not being to play with it immediately....i will say one thing i have noticed from holding it in my hand is the grip feels thicker than it should....by that i mean i ordered a 4 3/8", which it is indicated to be on the side of the racquet, but it just feels thicker than that.....more like 4 1/2" if you order one, go a size down, just my suggestion

That's Babolat grips for ya, always order one size down with Babs

[AndyMurray22]

Any body maybe want to trade for my 2013 Blade 98 (19 by 20) My grip is 3/8 but I would want a 1/4. Email me at Koopercrow@gmail.com

[RackofSlamb]

Originally Posted by AndyMurray22

Any body maybe want to trade for my 2013 Blade 98 (19 by 20) My grip is 3/8 but I would want a 1/4. Email me at Koopercrow@gmail.com

There is a For Sale/Trade forum. Take this there.

[AndyMurray22]

Sorry I am new here. I just saw rackets and clicked on it. My apoligies.