2013 AeroPro Drive

[Rafaboy]

also, less mass= less absorbed shock.

[ArliHawk]

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

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

Absolutely.

[ArliHawk]

Originally Posted by 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.

The problem is I used the same setup in the 2013 that I did in the 2010. Just didn't work for me in the 2013.

[Boricua]

Polyfibre TCS mains (52) and Babolat Excel or Gamma Professional crosses (54) is a very soft setup for the APD. I personally prefer full poly but will re-visit this Poly/ multi setup later on to see how it goes with the 2013 APD.

[slice bh compliment]

It plays at its best when you add some lead to the handle and practice while this song is playing.

http://www.myspace.com/music/player?sid=90337579&ac=now

[rolleroh]

Spent very little time w earlier versions of the APD, or Babs holistically, due to almost instant arm discomfort.......

2012 PD w Active Cortex was the game-changer for me----
Demoed bc ridiculous cosmetics & could not believe the improved/ dampened feel- ultimately just not right fit, but no discomfort issues.....

2013 APD def IS right fit for me, & stiffness has not been an issue at all,,,,,
I string as well, so tried multiple setups just bc I can, and happy w multiple full poly configs <play poly/poly hybrids pretty much exclusively>........
Only setup that has not worked for me is either VS or soft multi mains, bc too powerful w overly dampened feel, resulting in poor control......

Favorite to date is Tour Bite 1.15 Mains/ Big Ace Micro 1.15 Crosses @ 57.5/56.5 w leather grip + Supergrap o/g <6pts HL / 11.7oz static>

This setup has played phenomenal for me----
HUGE controlled power/ spin w incredible comfort & feel.... prefer playing w/out dampener w this setup bc very minimal difference

Highly recommend

[Nostradamus]

^^^this racket has a lot of power. RPM blast and X-1 biphase at 60 lbs is little too powerful for me. maybe I should try the Proline X

[Tan]

Is new APD 2013 has less control than the previous model?

[slice bh compliment]

I feel it has more control.
I am a Storm tour guy, so I prefer a controlled feel over the harsh stiff feel of the former APDs.

The new cortex (from the pure drive) makes this powerful racquet feel solid but not muted.
I have added leather and silicone. The new handle makes the whole silicone process really easy, btw.

The result is Storm Tour specs (heavy, headlight balance) with a powerful profile and a very solid feel.

Like, uhmm, LIKE.

[aryansmith]

I've been enjoying mine since early Dec. I did have TW match the online specs on both so they are identical. I used the original years ago and tried this stick on a whim while waiting for the Steam 99S not really expecting much. Glad I did, having spent time with both now I prefer the APD 2013.

Since I've hit the past models a good bit here are my thoughts to compare:

I found the GT to be a bit more jarring and less plush then the AC non GT version which really turned me off of that model. I had this disconnect with the GT version which was my least favorite. The new one seems to take the good things about the GT and combine it with the AC but eliminate the AC's hollow feel.

The 2013 is very solid with some decent feel. Let's face it Bab's in general are not the best for feel imo. Comfort on it has been wonderful as my shoulder has had many issues in the past so trust me I would know. No arm issues at all. I feel it has more control and oddly more power at least serving. I would actually compare it to the PD as far as serve power which was not the case with the GT or AC model. Spin is excellent as always and control improved. Yes it's on the stiff side but again that is the case with most Babs. I even find the PSGT to be somewhat stiff despite the flex rating. Not a painful stiff but you can certainly feel it's not flexing very much.

I use RPM Blast 16 full bed around 57 and may go a bit higher as it get's warmer for control reasons. Think I'll also try some 18g to see how it feels in the future. I'm a 4.5 all court player mostly doubles but can hold my own in singles as needed. This is just a fun stick to play with and well worth a demo at the least. As always your mileage may vary from mine

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by ArliHawk

Absolutely.

Ok, I have been using this for about 3 weeks now and it is really different than the Pure drives. It just feels very clumsy more and more I use it. and it is much more difficult to volley at net, especially in doubles. It seems and feels like easy to swing but when I actually go and play matches with it, it feels clumsy and very slow at net. I am talking compared to pure drive 2012.

Did anyone else notice this ? I was very tired today but still that shouldn't really affect me that much

[MUZZA1973]

Seriously considering purchasing this racquet as i've heard and read some pretty good reviews.

Little sacred with the stiffness etc of the frame as i've had a little tennis elbow in the past.

Having said all that, prepared to give it a crack with a soft string like Technifibre Black Code - 18 at aound 55lbs.

39 y/o male 6'4". Big serve and groundies playing mainly doubles these days..

Am i wasting my time or am i onto a winner with my thoughts and set up?

All feedback greatly appreciated...

Cheers

[Peedub]

@muzza1973 - you sound like my tennis twin except I'm only 5'10! I'm in exactly the same situation coming from a Radical Pro (go muzza!) via a Prestige MP. I demoed the Aeropro out of curiosity and loved it with the stock string (excel at mid tension). I tried a friend's previous aeropro and felt it on my elbow after just 10 minutes but spent an hour with the 2013 and my arm felt fine.

I'm carrying on with the Prestige MP but the Aeropro is an itch I'm just going to have to scratch.

[NogaroS4]

I got the racquet a couple days ago and havent had time to go string it. Dying to play test this. I'm not sure what I want to string it with as I gotta see what this new tennis club I go to now has for strings. I've used every iriteraton of the apd and all has given me TE..I'm hoping this doesnt. I've used a pd gives me TE from time to time. Currently using a 2013 Blade 18x20 after leaving a Organix 10 325. Any string/tension recommendations that possibly would be easier on the arm?

[Francis27]

Originally Posted by NogaroS4

I got the racquet a couple days ago and havent had time to go string it. Dying to play test this. I'm not sure what I want to string it with as I gotta see what this new tennis club I go to now has for strings. I've used every iriteraton of the apd and all has given me TE..I'm hoping this doesnt. I've used a pd gives me TE from time to time. Currently using a 2013 Blade 18x20 after leaving a Organix 10 325. Any string/tension recommendations that possibly would be easier on the arm?

any poly i like 48-50lbs

For multis i heard Prince premier attack is pretty good on this at 57lbs. Polys either RPM Blast, Tecnifibre black code, volkl cyclone

[richsox]

Originally Posted by Nostradamus

Ok, I have been using this for about 3 weeks now and it is really different than the Pure drives. It just feels very clumsy more and more I use it. and it is much more difficult to volley at net, especially in doubles. It seems and feels like easy to swing but when I actually go and play matches with it, it feels clumsy and very slow at net. I am talking compared to pure drive 2012.

Did anyone else notice this ? I was very tired today but still that shouldn't really affect me that much

I am totally with you on this. Having been a PD user for last 10 years (have PD Team and PD 2012 in the bag), I jumped on the APD 2013 "must have" bandwagon. I demo'ed the APD 2013, and eventually bought into it, and promoted it to my 1st stick, The Honeymoon is fast coming to an end.

I too have felt the clumsiness of it, especially on serving conpared to my PD's. In fact I am of the opinion that if I must have a "alternative" in my bag, just for the sake of having a "different" stick, I would go back to a Pure Storm GT (which I sold previously and regret it).

I always veered away from the APD's due to the chunky-clunky look, and hollow toy like feeling, and yes the 2013 did address the hollow feel, but I just can't synch with increasing feeling of clumsiness.....(I also notice a twinge in my inside elbow--which may be due to-ing and fro-ing between racket's. Funnily enough when I have stuck with my PD's, I never really had any arm issues at all......)

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by richsox

I am totally with you on this. Having been a PD user for last 10 years (have PD Team and PD 2012 in the bag), I jumped on the APD 2013 "must have" bandwagon. I demo'ed the APD 2013, and eventually bought into it, and promoted it to my 1st stick, The Honeymoon is fast coming to an end.

I too have felt the clumsiness of it, especially on serving conpared to my PD's. In fact I am of the opinion that if I must have a "alternative" in my bag, just for the sake of having a "different" stick, I would go back to a Pure Storm GT (which I sold previously and regret it).

I always veered away from the APD's due to the chunky-clunky look, and hollow toy like feeling, and yes the 2013 did address the hollow feel, but I just can't synch with increasing feeling of clumsiness.....(I also notice a twinge in my inside elbow--which may be due to-ing and fro-ing between racket's. Funnily enough when I have stuck with my PD's, I never really had any arm issues at all......)

OK. but today I played again with the Aeropro 2013 and it somehow felt better. I lost the match but I served pretty well with it. It is just fine one the baseline but it gets little SLOW and Clumsy at Net. This is especially true in Doubles.
I was REALLY REALLY tired yesterday so it probably was worse than it really should have been. I am going to give this racket 2 more weeks of trial and I will decide then. Thank you

[DustinW]

Has anybody added weight to the APD+? I rarely ever tweak my rackets, but this one felt two light and head heavy... so I added weight to the handle and in the hoop from 10-2. It is now 12.1 oz and 8 points HL.

I will hit with it tomorrow and report back, but just wondering if anybody has done something similar.

[zapvor]

Originally Posted by rolleroh

Spent very little time w earlier versions of the APD, or Babs holistically, due to almost instant arm discomfort.......

2012 PD w Active Cortex was the game-changer for me----
Demoed bc ridiculous cosmetics & could not believe the improved/ dampened feel- ultimately just not right fit, but no discomfort issues.....

2013 APD def IS right fit for me, & stiffness has not been an issue at all,,,,,
I string as well, so tried multiple setups just bc I can, and happy w multiple full poly configs <play poly/poly hybrids pretty much exclusively>........
Only setup that has not worked for me is either VS or soft multi mains, bc too powerful w overly dampened feel, resulting in poor control......

Favorite to date is Tour Bite 1.15 Mains/ Big Ace Micro 1.15 Crosses @ 57.5/56.5 w leather grip + Supergrap o/g <6pts HL / 11.7oz static>

This setup has played phenomenal for me----
HUGE controlled power/ spin w incredible comfort & feel.... prefer playing w/out dampener w this setup bc very minimal difference

Highly recommend

active cortex??? babolat is amazing..........

[Jakesteroni]

Ok, So I bit the bullet and got this racket after reading the reviews and trying out the Plus version. I purchased the std length and strung it up with tour bite 16L at 48lbs on a lockout machine. I've gotta say that this surprised me a lot. I usually play with box beam frames i.prestige mid, pure storm tour, dunlop mw 200g. I've never liked the stiff thick beams. This newer version is something else with it's feel. Yes it is light and doesn't absorb off center shots as well in its stock form, but lead can help with that. Usually I would feel hollowness in these type of light thick frames, but it's just the opposite.

What I find is that even with the open pattern and thick beam the control is still there get the feel of box beam instead of massive trampoline feel, but power is easily accessible when you want it. Spin is nice, but I didn't notice too much of a difference from the pure storm tour I was using, but I did polarize it so that may be why. Swinging is definitely much easier and cleaner due to the weight and swingweight. I haven't yet served with it but overall I really love this racket and will switch. Best part is that my backhand is my weakest and this helped with a bit more juice and spin.