Babolat first generation

[Florico]

great collection! Any update on it?

[ericsson]

Originally Posted by Florico

great collection! Any update on it?

Thanks, yes, update is on the way... (a little busy right now)

[Rulo]

Originally Posted by ericsson

The double lines are amongst the first ones but not all paintjobs, will talk about it more later on...

Yes almost but as i mentioned earlier, the construction is the most important thing that is different as the Soft Drive contains fiberglass.
Here a picture of the first Soft Drive (used by Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal in his younger years)






A lot more pics to come so stay tuned...

Do you have the strung specs for this racket?? Weight, Swingweight, Headsize, Balance, etc??

[ericsson]

Originally Posted by Rulo

Do you have the strung specs for this racket?? Weight, Swingweight, Headsize, Balance, etc??

I will post them as soon i have more time...

[ericsson]

[Florico]

What are the models on the right side and on the left side?

[MarrratSafin]

Beautiful, ericsson. If you find a second of the original Soft Control please let me know, have been looking for one for ages! I also have a Pure Control that I will post a pic of later..

[MarrratSafin]

Originally Posted by Florico

What are the models on the right side and on the left side?

The right side I am positive is original Soft Control, left side maybe Babolat Classic not sure.

[vsbabolat]

Originally Posted by ericsson

Ah!! The good stuff!

[ericsson]

Originally Posted by MarrratSafin

Beautiful, ericsson. If you find a second of the original Soft Control please let me know, have been looking for one for ages! I also have a Pure Control that I will post a pic of later..

Hi MS, as you may know these are extremely hard to find but i'll keep my eyes open

[ericsson]

Originally Posted by Florico

What are the models on the right side and on the left side?

From left to right:

Babolat Accessit (orginal double line)
Babolat VS Test Cordage
Babolat Soft Control (original double line, the very first one)


I really like the original Soft Control, very nice paintjob and graphics IMO
(Note that the writings/specs are still in French)

[ericsson]

Originally Posted by vsbabolat

Ah!! The good stuff!

LOL, specially for you VS

[jimbo333]

Originally Posted by ericsson

Nice

Sampras used this at some point in the early 1990's!

Is it the first coated gut?

[ericsson]

Originally Posted by jimbo333

Nice

Sampras used this at some point in the early 1990's!

Is it the first coated gut?

Hi J, hope all is well
Yes you're correct, Pete used this string in his early years, later he used the very thin VS 1.22

I think this was the first all weather coated VS gut. (1988 )

Note that Boris Becker used the VS "Uncoated" during his career...

[Dave M]

Originally Posted by ericsson

Hi J, hope all is well
Yes you're correct, Pete used this string in his early years, later he used the very thin VS 1.22

I think this was the first all weather coated VS gut. (1988 )

Note that Boris Becker used the VS "Uncoated" during his career...

you could still buy the little bottles of coating in France in the mid 90s, can't imagine being bothered to apply the stuff these days.
I had forgotten about that soft control, lovely looking frame you have a very nice collection.

[MarrratSafin]

Originally Posted by ericsson

Hi MS, as you may know these are extremely hard to find but i'll keep my eyes open

Thanks ericsson. Here's first gen Pure Control, also really nice cosmetics.

[ericsson]

Originally Posted by MarrratSafin

Thanks ericsson. Here's first gen Pure Control, also really nice cosmetics.

Hi MS, i really love those early editions, Babolat at its best!

[Hannah19]

Originally Posted by ericsson

Hi MS, i really love those early editions, Babolat at its best!

You mean, Donnay at its best with babolat PJ....?

[Dave M]

Originally Posted by Hannah19

You mean, Donnay at its best with babolat PJ....?

Makes you realise just what a big player in the early graphite years they were doesn't it

[Matt G]

I just picked up 2 x Pure control XL (the non swirly old red and white)

Coming from a STD length, i'll be interested in seeing how i go.

A few questions:

#1 whats a good string tension? I use pro line II 17L usually around 52lb. Just the usual??

#2 any good lead setups? Are the stable enough or lead at 3 and 9?? I use i.prestige mid's at 365g, 320mm balance

Thanks for any help!