2012 Pure Drive Question & GT/Cortex Comparison?

[TripleB]

I currently have the Babolat Pure Drive Cortex version, have been looking at the newer versions (GT and 2012), and have a couple questions.

The swingweight of the 2012 version has really dropped a lot compared to the two previous versions ( from 327 down to 308 ). I assumed that the drop in swingweight would add to maneuverability but looking at the T-W review it seems that may not be the case: "I did notice that I struggled with maneuverability, and I had to take a little extra time to set up for my volleys...I thought that I would struggle because the swingweight feels higher than I typically like...I found the racquet to be more sluggish than my own stick...The swingweight also felt high."

So, for those of you who have tried the 2012 Pure Drive and the Cortex or GT version, has maneuverability increased? ie: does it really feel like a 308 swingweight?

Also, for those that have tried the 2012 PD, did you have any arm problems with the increased stiffness?

Lastly, I'd love to hear any comparisons you can give between the Pure Drive Cortex version and the 2012 model or the GT model.

Thanks for any help.

TripleB

[DANMAN]

I like the Cortex versions better than the GT versions. If I could find a few more cortex versions, I would stick with those. They feel more solid on impact to me and also seem a little bit more hollow (but not tinny) and maneuverable. I like the hollow feel of the cortex version compared to the GT, which felt stiffer to me. I will be trying the 2012 shortly and will probably wind up with those since that's all I can find in my grip size (skipping the GT that is).

[Power Player]

The 2012 for me is clearly better in all aspects.

I owned a GT and was not feeling it, but the new 2012 has blown me away. The feel on the sweetspot is up there with the best sticks I have used.

I added 5 grams at 12 and use an overgrip. The balance is now closer to the 3 pts HL and my SW is in the upper 320s.. (i use the +).

The stick weighs 325 grams and hits like a 6.1 95 while still being very light.

[rlau]

Originally Posted by Power Player

I added 5 grams at 12 and use an overgrip. The balance is now closer to the 3 pts HL and my SW is in the upper 320s.. (i use the +).

Did you actually measure the SW or did you guesstimate?

According to TW's specs (http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babo...AB-BPDP12.html), its SW is 317, so with 5 grams of lead at 12, the SW should at least be 332....

[Power Player]

Im guesstimating until I get them on the RDC machine at my shop.

TW is almost always off in their SW specs, and normally goes too high.

[adso1973]

Last weeks I've been demoing the PDR+ Cortex and decided to go for the PDR+ 2012, and although there's almost no SW difference IMO the 2012 felt lighter to swing also serves and groundstrokes seemed to go faster probably due to it.

Also the new version felt softer and more compact hitting mantaining all the good qualities of the Cortex. Nice blend of power and control.

Hope that helps.
cheers

[bluegrasser]

The black feels a little more stiff w/ a lower *SW* & maybe a little more pop. I have mine strung w/ sensation at 57lbs.

[BC1]

As far as weight and sw goes, it all dpends on the racquet you end up wth. I have tested 5 different pd2012s and they have all been different. Two of them weighed in at 11.5 with overgrip and you could tell the extra weight was in the hoop. I never measured the sw but they felt as heavy as my 2009 pdr gt and the sw seemed as high, probably around 323-328. They felt sluggish. The one i have now is 11.2 with overgrip and I would guess sw is around 312. It is a little lighter then the standard 2009 version i had but i think that has more to do with quality control then manufacturing specs. It feels like an entirely different racquet then the other two heavier ones. The specs according to babolat didnt change with the new version, however they don't provide you with swing weights.

So, before you buy I would be sure to either weigh it ahead of time or request from Tw the specs you want. I ended buying a demo I knew I liked from a local shop as they did not have a new one that matched it in my grip size.

[Babolatboy]

I love my new 2012 pure drive.... Cortex is really good. Swingweight is PERFECT (at least to me it is) and also the paint job looks really cool

[BC1]

Originally Posted by Babolatboy

I love my new 2012 pure drive.... Cortex is really good. Swingweight is PERFECT (at least to me it is) and also the paint job looks really cool

Babboy, that's great congrats. If you have a chance to weigh it, let us know. I'm just curious if most of the pds are coming in at spec.

[Power Player]

I have 2 and they are 3 grams apart. A little extra lead on one and they are now the same weight and balance.

QC on Babs is +/- 7 grams.

[dgoran]

Mine pd+ came in at 302 gr

[Carlos A.]

I play with a PD Cortex with Babolat RPM 16 at 44 lbs. I am getting older so I look for something similar with some more comfort and power. Is PD2012 better at this spececifications? Thx

[levy1]

Originally Posted by TripleB

I currently have the Babolat Pure Drive Cortex version, have been looking at the newer versions (GT and 2012), and have a couple questions.

The swingweight of the 2012 version has really dropped a lot compared to the two previous versions ( from 327 down to 308 ). I assumed that the drop in swingweight would add to maneuverability but looking at the T-W review it seems that may not be the case: "I did notice that I struggled with maneuverability, and I had to take a little extra time to set up for my volleys...I thought that I would struggle because the swingweight feels higher than I typically like...I found the racquet to be more sluggish than my own stick...The swingweight also felt high."

So, for those of you who have tried the 2012 Pure Drive and the Cortex or GT version, has maneuverability increased? ie: does it really feel like a 308 swingweight?

Also, for those that have tried the 2012 PD, did you have any arm problems with the increased stiffness?

Lastly, I'd love to hear any comparisons you can give between the Pure Drive Cortex version and the 2012 model or the GT model.

Thanks for any help.

TripleB

Did not use the cortex, did not like the GT, after extensive testing bought the PD 2012 from TW as a matched pair, was able to get a SW of 324 at 2pts HL. Strung at 62 and 59 with natural gut and I tried addition at 60 and 58 with no arm problems.