The black drive +

Power Player · 03-08-2012, 07:57 PM

I knew I had to stop trying sticks and save that cash for tourneys and a reel of strings. So here I am with a stick that I was afraid would be too stiff and would vibrate my arm off.

I just wanted to go back to an xl racquet and this looked like a good option.

Well it is. I have stopped using poly just because I like this racquet so much. Babolat changed the feel up..it is muted and very easy on the arm if you use a softer string. My choice so far is rip control, and I am loving the setup.

I added 3 grams of lead at 12 and it took the stick to the next level.

My serve is definitley aided with this racquet and it has made that part of the game fun for me again.

Who else uses this racquet? If you like tweeners, I'd put this on your demo list..it hits a much bigger ball than the standard length.

Anyway..great job by babolat. I had to walk away from the APDC three times and a pure drive 2009 because of vibrations and hand pain..most of this was due to using poly (mistake by me), but they really made this one feel great.

retlod · 03-08-2012, 08:40 PM

It's on my to-demo list. I used to play a lot with the PDGT+ and found myself in a long-term relationship with the APDGT+ last summer/fall. I like feeling like I can spin anything in with the APD, but missed the big, booming serves of the PD. As you know, I demoed the Juice Pro a week ago and absolutely loved it. Loved the weight, which I had not before. Loved the solid, tight string pattern that I could still get some pop out of. So that's got me thinking...should I give the weighted Black Drive + a try. How about the new PDR? Can I find the same solid feel and plow that the Juice had in a Babolat? Should I deviate from a full poly setup? So many questions.

I strung up one of my APDs today with OGSM to see how it would play. Believe it or not, I have NEVER put anything other than poly in APDs or PDs for fear of too much power. I even string it high at 60 and am lucky enough not to have arm problems. We'll see what it's like. The one constant for us is that nothing is ever constant. Good thing I stocked up on gift cards when they were on sale...

Bartelby · 03-08-2012, 09:05 PM

Its a good name for the new drive - the black drive! - I like it.

Rock Strongo · 03-09-2012, 04:50 AM

YAY! The name caught on!

Power Player · 03-09-2012, 05:36 AM

Yes it is a great name for a great paint job.

Retlod, there are a lot of questions there that can probably only be answered with demoing, but my setup of RIP Control at 57-59 with 3 grams of lead at 12 is extremely solid (even against harder 5.0 hitters). It just matters if you like heavy sticks or light ones..that is how you decide between the regular and the roddick.

I like the regular because I can mod it however I want.

pug · 03-09-2012, 06:01 AM

I bought the new PD + when TW first had them available, and I got the pure driver bag also. Both are very nice.

I added some lead at 12 oclock and put on a new gel grip bringing the weight up to about 330g or 11.7 oz. I will continue to tinker with the setup a little, but it feels pretty good right now.

A great playing stick, I am quite impressed with the controlable power and easy swinging feel. Volleys also feel quite crisp and control is also good.

I have mine strung with natural gut mains at 55 and syn gut crosses also at 53.

Racquet comfort feels to be above average for this type of racquet. Yes, if you shank one off of the tip of the head it is going to feel a bit harsh, but most racquets do. It has a generous sweet spot and when you dial it in, it feels really sweet. Stiffness rating at TW is 70 but the "feel" to me is not particularly stiff.

Cosmetics are really nice and the QC seems to be well done also on the one that I have.

Overall, I really like this racquet!

Power Player · 03-09-2012, 06:35 AM

That pure driver bag sounds awesome. I have a 6 pack Dunlop bag that I have had for 3 years and it is starting to get a little small since I will pack my clothes in it for after work matches.

I was wondering if you have worn it on your back like a backpack (i ride a bike with my bag on my back a lot) and how that works out..also space in the bag..etc.

I agree with everything you have said about this racquet. I remember I demoed it for 25 minutes before the strings broke and I was already sold on it.

Power Player · 03-17-2012, 04:03 PM

This racquet continues to deliver for me. The feel is what sold me more than anything, since I know what the pure drive is all about...it makes baseline tennis a freaking blast.

I tried prince premier attack, but I would not recommend it for this racquet. Rip control 16 is the best setup I have used. It gets plenty of spin, and the racquet feels comfortable with it. The control with this setup gives you massive power and spin but you will be able to control the ball as well as a players stick can..I know this since I came from a 6.1 .

I would not recommend full poly unless your arm can take it, but rpm blast played fantastic in the stick..black magic, tornado, tour bite would be my full poly suggestions.

The plus length is the way to go for me..demo it..give it time..see if you can adjust to it..you will have so much leverage on serve and backhand...you will pick up a lot more balls that normally you would miss...there is a reason so man pros use plus length sticks..I think it gives you an advantage if you have active feet and are moving and spacing properly.

Power Player · 04-04-2012, 07:41 AM

Settled in with RIP at 60#s.

I have only noticed vibration if I mishit my 2 hander pretty badly, and it vibrates my bottom hand at the bottom of the handle. It is jarring, but when you mishit it usually is.

Besides that, I can not find one issue with this racquet.

Herdsman76 · 04-04-2012, 09:33 AM

Not to hijack but who makes RIP strings? Thanks!

H76

keithfival · 04-04-2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retlod

I strung up one of my APDs today with OGSM to see how it would play. Believe it or not, I have NEVER put anything other than poly in APDs or PDs for fear of too much power. I even string it high at 60 and am lucky enough not to have arm problems.

How did you like the full bed of OGSM? I was just thinking of the exact same thing. Somehow never tried a non poly setup in my APDC+ even though it always feels too stiff, just assumed it would be uncontrollable.

Torres · 04-04-2012, 10:22 AM

Purely out of passing interest, did you try the PDR+, and if so, why did you prefer the PD+ with lead? Is that even / unduly tip weighted?

couch · 04-04-2012, 01:18 PM

Hitting again with mine tonight in my doubles league. Have it strung with BM at 53lbs. Hoping this is a good combination. Also have twisted razor and typhoon to try out but haven't received those yet.

Tried it with RPM and thought it was terrible. Only hit with it once and cut it out and the strings barely moved when cut. Looked like no tension maintenance at all.

I hit a lot with the PDGT+ but in the end it just seemed a little sluggish, especially in doubles. Loved the serve and groundies. Maybe it's just mental but the BD+ seems to swing a little easier.

So far I'm liking this racquet, just need to find some good strings to match. Tonight should be a good test.

Power Player · 04-04-2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torres

Purely out of passing interest, did you try the PDR+, and if so, why did you prefer the PD+ with lead? Is that even / unduly tip weighted?

Good question. The PDR+ is an amazing stick and was originally what got me really into the PD series. I may revisit it down the road, but I like the PD+ better for a few reasons. The first is that it is easier to control the power since it is lighter and I get more racquet head speed. I also like that I can keep it lighter or weight it up a little.

A + length at 12.1 ozs and close to 340 SW is a rather heavy racquet, so I wanted that option of staying lighter. I am going to experiment more with lead and see how heavy I can go..etc, but lead at 12 to bring the stick to 324 grams strung with dampener, OG is a really nice setup.

As for strings, RIP control is made by Head.

Hominator · 04-04-2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herdsman76

Not to hijack but who makes RIP strings? Thanks!

H76

Head Rip Control

Ross K · 04-04-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by couch

Hitting again with mine tonight in my doubles league. Have it strung with BM at 53lbs. Hoping this is a good combination. Also have twisted razor and typhoon to try out but haven't received those yet.

Tried it with RPM and thought it was terrible. Only hit with it once and cut it out and the strings barely moved when cut. Looked like no tension maintenance at all.

I hit a lot with the PDGT+ but in the end it just seemed a little sluggish, especially in doubles. Loved the serve and groundies. Maybe it's just mental but the BD+ seems to swing a little easier.

So far I'm liking this racquet, just need to find some good strings to match. Tonight should be a good test.

Will look out for your findings then. PD+ Team/Swirly were always mega-supreme from the b-line and on serve for me, but, yes, a bit sluggish... and the rare times I played doubles I struggled too.

Yourtenniscoach · 04-04-2012, 01:35 PM

My set up is working wonders for me. Simple, effective and easy on the arm!

Power Player · 04-04-2012, 02:51 PM

I have mine both now at 324 with lead at 12 which means the SW should be in the 330s. I need to get that measured and will report. but to hit right on the sweetspot with the racquet head speed of a 11.4 stick and a higher SW plus a balance focused towards the head is absolute bliss.

Ytc how long does your gosen last?

PowerPlay · 04-04-2012, 06:44 PM

I have the Black Drive Roddick +. I have not settled on a string set up yet. I started with Hurricane Feel 16g at 58. Now I have a hybrid of RPM Blast 17g and XCel. I think I am going to try a full bed of RPM Blast next. I do not like the hybrid set up at all...the ploy cuts into the multi way to much.

Power Player · 04-04-2012, 07:06 PM

Nvy is a much better option as a cross if you decide to try a hybrid again.

03-08-2012, 07:57 PM	#1
Power Player G.O.A.T. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: On my iPhone Posts: 13,602	The black drive + I knew I had to stop trying sticks and save that cash for tourneys and a reel of strings. So here I am with a stick that I was afraid would be too stiff and would vibrate my arm off. I just wanted to go back to an xl racquet and this looked like a good option. Well it is. I have stopped using poly just because I like this racquet so much. Babolat changed the feel up..it is muted and very easy on the arm if you use a softer string. My choice so far is rip control, and I am loving the setup. I added 3 grams of lead at 12 and it took the stick to the next level. My serve is definitley aided with this racquet and it has made that part of the game fun for me again. Who else uses this racquet? If you like tweeners, I'd put this on your demo list..it hits a much bigger ball than the standard length. Anyway..great job by babolat. I had to walk away from the APDC three times and a pure drive 2009 because of vibrations and hand pain..most of this was due to using poly (mistake by me), but they really made this one feel great. __________________ 🐐ing

03-08-2012, 08:40 PM	#2
retlod Professional Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 941	It's on my to-demo list. I used to play a lot with the PDGT+ and found myself in a long-term relationship with the APDGT+ last summer/fall. I like feeling like I can spin anything in with the APD, but missed the big, booming serves of the PD. As you know, I demoed the Juice Pro a week ago and absolutely loved it. Loved the weight, which I had not before. Loved the solid, tight string pattern that I could still get some pop out of. So that's got me thinking...should I give the weighted Black Drive + a try. How about the new PDR? Can I find the same solid feel and plow that the Juice had in a Babolat? Should I deviate from a full poly setup? So many questions. I strung up one of my APDs today with OGSM to see how it would play. Believe it or not, I have NEVER put anything other than poly in APDs or PDs for fear of too much power. I even string it high at 60 and am lucky enough not to have arm problems. We'll see what it's like. The one constant for us is that nothing is ever constant. Good thing I stocked up on gift cards when they were on sale... __________________ Cheating on my APDGT+ \| Co-Poly Du Jour

03-09-2012, 04:50 AM	#4
Rock Strongo Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Sweden Posts: 4,092	YAY! The name caught on! __________________ HY-AAAAH! does jump attack

03-09-2012, 05:36 AM	#5
Power Player G.O.A.T. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: On my iPhone Posts: 13,602	Yes it is a great name for a great paint job. Retlod, there are a lot of questions there that can probably only be answered with demoing, but my setup of RIP Control at 57-59 with 3 grams of lead at 12 is extremely solid (even against harder 5.0 hitters). It just matters if you like heavy sticks or light ones..that is how you decide between the regular and the roddick. I like the regular because I can mod it however I want. __________________ 🐐ing

03-09-2012, 06:01 AM	#6
pug Semi-Pro Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 490	I bought the new PD + when TW first had them available, and I got the pure driver bag also. Both are very nice. I added some lead at 12 oclock and put on a new gel grip bringing the weight up to about 330g or 11.7 oz. I will continue to tinker with the setup a little, but it feels pretty good right now. A great playing stick, I am quite impressed with the controlable power and easy swinging feel. Volleys also feel quite crisp and control is also good. I have mine strung with natural gut mains at 55 and syn gut crosses also at 53. Racquet comfort feels to be above average for this type of racquet. Yes, if you shank one off of the tip of the head it is going to feel a bit harsh, but most racquets do. It has a generous sweet spot and when you dial it in, it feels really sweet. Stiffness rating at TW is 70 but the "feel" to me is not particularly stiff. Cosmetics are really nice and the QC seems to be well done also on the one that I have. Overall, I really like this racquet! __________________ Clean zone adrenaline causes this: an increased availability of speed, yet slowed down speed, relaxed speed..........KB

04-04-2012, 09:33 AM	#10
Herdsman76 Rookie Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 230	Not to hijack but who makes RIP strings? Thanks! H76 __________________ Babolat AeroPro Team (x3), Dunlop Leather Grip, Babolat Original VS Overgrip, Pacific X-Force 18Ga. strings...