Bonjour from Babolat: Part Deux

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Kalin

Legend
I even find the Pure Strike Tour to be a comfortable racket if it's not strung with full poly.

That's a very good point. The stiffest polys, in particular, can turn even a very arm-friendly stick into a very uncomfortable experience.

And yes, Babolat does have arm-friendly sticks but they made their name with the high-stiffness racquets so naturally this is where they have the most models. Their sales numbers seem to justify it judging from what I see on the courts.
 

PhxRacket

Hall of Fame
My teen son has been using the PD+ for a year with great success. Prior to that, he used an 18x20 Blade. I had been demoing and he picked up a PCT on my advice. I watched him destroy drills and challenge matches with Varsity players. His ball was not loopy, not ultra fast, but heavy and spiny. The only time the ball was left short was when his preparation lapsed. Serves...dominating. He didn't lose a challenge match, I think they were 21 point tie breakers. On the drive home I asked him how he liked the PCT. He mentioned what I had observed, but added on off center hits, no vibration. In addition, he liked that it didn't feel like the PD+. When I pressed him for what he meant, he simply said it was more solid. Too bad it is disappearing....
 

Ozellman

Rookie
Congrats to Babolat for developing and launching the Jet shoe. It's the best fitting and fastest shoe I've ever tried and it's very stable, supportive and well dampened. Traction is superb. Durability? We'll have to wait and see but the outsole looks pretty solid.
 
@Babolat Official , A while back I purchased a Pure Drive Team, I've never abused it or done anything wrong to it and just today I noticed a 3 way hairline fracture and the top of it. I don't know who to call about it and I'm pretty upset about this....
 

lidoazndiabloboi

Hall of Fame
@Babolat Official Hey Mansoor, sorry I didnt have time to see you at IW. Way too busy with stringing. Maybe i'll see you there next year. Oh, I also saw a Babolat Pure Strike Ctrl Tour (+). That's new!
 
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ArliHawk

Hall of Fame
Indeed it does. My first impression is that racquet would look significantly better with a black colored handle. Fortunately that is easily done with a black overgrip or upgraded black grip.

I like the white grip since the racquet is navy and red. Full French flag effect.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Don't you think it strange that your company is the only major brand not to offer an arm-friendly racquet? Most club players these days are either middle aged or retired. After hitting millions of tennis balls, their joints simply can't handle a stiff racquet. Even young players will find stiff racquets very uncomfortable if they cannot regularly find the sweet spot.

I've belonged to two tennis clubs, and only one player had a Babolat and she was in her thirties. Everyone else had a Wilson, Head, Dunlop, Pacific, Prince, or Yonex. It seems to me, that your company is ignoring a very large proportion of the market.

I'm sorry to hear that our rackets are giving you arm problems. We definitely don't make rackets with the intention of causing injuries and woes.

That said, we do work hard to make our products suitable to the game of tennis as it evolves. At the moment, we believe that many of our frames suit the modern game well. Of course, our products are not for everyone, and in truth, the stiffness is what makes a Pure Drive a Pure Drive and an Aero an Aero.

We offer more arm friendly rackets in our Pure Control family. While many have stated it is being discontinued, as far as I know, that is not the case. Rather, they are being integrated into the Pure Strike line and will live on as Pure Strike CTRLs. Moreover, the Pure Strike line offers a more arm friendly, control oriented frame, albeit not quite as flexible as the Pure Control family.

Have you experimented with string setups? I can suggest some if you like, though I know this board is full of string aficianados who will just as quickly offer many soft setups all the same :)

And, as @Kalin mentioned, a stiff string like poly can make any racket uncomfortable.

Stretchy Man, a while ago, i probably would have agreed with you, but, one day, i hit with the Pure Control Tour, and was quite impressed. The PCT has a low stiffness and is very much a 'classical players' type stick. Im surprised there are not more users out there as this is a great option for people looking for 'softer' control orientated racket.

Im a old school, classic type player, but am slowly being converted to the new style of stiffer, 'modern' rackets.

I appreciate you bringing up the Pure Control Tour. As a player who grew up using classic frames, I love the PCT. It's a classic frame injected with modern, Babolat DNA, in my experience.

My teen son has been using the PD+ for a year with great success. Prior to that, he used an 18x20 Blade. I had been demoing and he picked up a PCT on my advice. I watched him destroy drills and challenge matches with Varsity players. His ball was not loopy, not ultra fast, but heavy and spiny. The only time the ball was left short was when his preparation lapsed. Serves...dominating. He didn't lose a challenge match, I think they were 21 point tie breakers. On the drive home I asked him how he liked the PCT. He mentioned what I had observed, but added on off center hits, no vibration. In addition, he liked that it didn't feel like the PD+. When I pressed him for what he meant, he simply said it was more solid. Too bad it is disappearing....

That's wonderful to hear. I saw your message as well, and though at the moment current Pure Controls are not being produced further, the next model will arrive alongside Pure Strike CTRLs. I don't have final specs or release date at the moment, but the Pure Strike CTRLs will retain PC/PCT features and be distinct from the Pure Strikes.


P.S. Ditto on the lack of vibrations :)

Congrats to Babolat for developing and launching the Jet shoe. It's the best fitting and fastest shoe I've ever tried and it's very stable, supportive and well dampened. Traction is superb. Durability? We'll have to wait and see but the outsole looks pretty solid.

Glad to hear you're enjoying it! I absolutely love that shoe, and it helps that they're very easy on the eyes.

@Babolat Official , A while back I purchased a Pure Drive Team, I've never abused it or done anything wrong to it and just today I noticed a 3 way hairline fracture and the top of it. I don't know who to call about it and I'm pretty upset about this....

Are you based in the US? If so, you can call our warranty department: 1-877-316-9435 xt 284

If not, shoot me an e-mail: msafi@babolat.com

What updates to the Pure Strike line - in particular to the 16x19 version - will there be in 2017?

We took the feedback the folks on this board offered and are working to integrate them in the final offering. Though I don't have technical details at the moment, expect a bit more pop and ease of use. But current Pure Strike users, fret not: preliminary playtests confirm it still retains the Pure Strike's control and feel.

@Babolat Official Hey Mansoor, sorry I didnt have time to see you at IW. Way too busy with stringing. Maybe i'll see you there next year. Oh, I also saw a Babolat Pure Strike Ctrl Tour (+). That's new!

Understandable! I met with far fewer people than I had hoped. For my first time at the tournament, it was quite busy, but definitely an experience. And yes, the Pure Strike CTRLs are part of the upcoming Pure Strike family :)

Saw the French Open pure aero at my local store. Beautiful racquet. Well done.

I appreciate it. The French Open Pure Aero is definitely a beauty.
 

srvnvly

Hall of Fame

What updates to the Pure Strike line - in particular to the 16x19 version - will there be in 2017?
We took the feedback the folks on this board offered and are working to integrate them in the final offering. Though I don't have technical details at the moment, expect a bit more pop and ease of use. But current Pure Strike users, fret not: preliminary playtests confirm it still retains the Pure Strike's control and feel.

Thanks for the response - please leave the swing weight in the 320's and add a little mass in the hoop, where I found some instability; looking forward to the next iteration!
 

zapvor

G.O.A.T.
Bonjour,

The old thread had reached a size that was beginning to be a bit cumbersome, and the @TW Staff moderators have been very gracious to allow me to start a new thread.

My name is Mansoor, and I work for Babolat. Many of you interacted with this handle while Daniel was running it, and it has since been transferred to me (Don't worry, Daniel is still with Babolat!).

I actually am a once active member of the forums. I went under the handle of Mansewerz, though that account has not seen activity in some time now. Nevertheless, I am excited to be back in the midst of my fellow tennis enthusiasts!

We at Babolat love how passionate and excited the community on this forum is. From debating tennis rackets to discussing your favorite vibe dampeners, we know that we can count on you all to keep our sport alive and growing.

Like my predecessor, I am not here to sell you Babolat product. Some people love Babolat, and some people don’t. Instead, I am here to serve as an informational resource for you all. While I may not have all of the answers off of the top of my head, I will do my best to get them for you from the relevant teams (i.e. warranty, products, etc). If you have any Babolat product questions, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at: msafi@babolat.com

Here’s a bit of my tennis background...
Playing Experience: Began playing at 15, played high school tennis, currently looking to join USTA leagues
Play Style: Aggressive baseliner looking to finish the point at net, Semiwestern forehand, 2HBH
Current Set-up: Pure Control Tour with 2 grams of lead at 9 & 3, Babolat VS Touch @ 56 lbs, grip 3 no overgrip

Racket History:
- Yonex RDX500 MP, Gosen OG Micro 16 g @ 60 lbs
- Fischer Pro Number One, Gosen OG Micro 16 g @ 60 lbs
- Head Flexpoint Radical Tour, Gosen OG Micro 16 g @ 57 lbs
- Dunlop Aerogel 100 w/Leather grip, Gosen OG Micro 16g @ 54 lbs
- Volkl C10 Pro (stock), Gosen OG Micro 16 g @ 55 lbs
- Volkl C10 Pro (9 grams at 9 and 3), Gosen OG Micro 16g @ 54 lbs
- Wilson KSix One Tour 90, Pacific Classic Gut 16L @54 (mains), MSV CoFocus 17L @ 52 (crosses)
- Volkl C10 Pro (stock), Pacific Classic Gut 16L @54 (mains), MSV CoFocus 17L @52 (crosses)
- Volkl C10 Pro (stock), Tourna Big Hitter Blue @55 lbs (mains), Gosen OG Micro 16g @ 57 lbs (crosses)
- Babolat Pure Drive GT Play (2014), Babolat Xcel @ 57 lbs
- Babolat Pure Aero, RPM Blast @ 47 lbs
- Babolat Pure Aero, M7 @58 lbs


I know that there is a great deal of speculation, theories, product discussion, and history on these forums, which is awesome! In fact, I myself learned a great deal while a member of these forums thanks to very informed community members like yourselves. You are all an incredibly active and informed community, and I think it is safe to say that you all helped me deepen my love for this sport. I will help this community in any way that I can.

And while we're at it, here's some fun facts about me
-Recently graduated Duke University (and enjoyed watching the Blue Devils beat UNC on their home turf last night :cool:)
-Big fan of weight training to complement my tennis game
-Go to shot is either Kicker out wide on the Ad court or forehand shank that lands in every time :)


Also, here is the original "Bonjour from Babolat" thread for easy references:
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/bonjour-from-babolat.447810/page-112
did your activity here help you get the job at babolat? curious:)
 

JDMasFCK

Semi-Pro
The Pure Aero French Open looks so good! Probably the best colorway I've seen yet! Reminds me of the "Iron Patriot" from Iron Man lol
 

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
Don't you think it strange that your company is the only major brand not to offer an arm-friendly racquet? Most club players these days are either middle aged or retired. After hitting millions of tennis balls, their joints simply can't handle a stiff racquet. Even young players will find stiff racquets very uncomfortable if they cannot regularly find the sweet spot.

I've belonged to two tennis clubs, and only one player had a Babolat and she was in her thirties. Everyone else had a Wilson, Head, Dunlop, Pacific, Prince, or Yonex. It seems to me, that your company is ignoring a very large proportion of the market.

I belong to only one tennis club and see tons of players and coaches with Babolat rackets. Mostly PD's and AP's but also a few Pure Strikes. Soften the stringbed and the stiffness becomes much less of a factor. My PD+ isn't any harder on my arm than my old Wilson K Factor. And I'm an old fogey in tennis terms.

And if stiffness isn't your thing, the Pure Strike CTRL line will likely be up your alley.
 

chrisingrassia

Professional
Yes! There will be a full line of grand slam tennis bags, both French Open and Wimbledon. The French Open bags will be based on the Pure Aero/Drive bag construction whereas the Wimbledon one will be based on the Strike bag. I have to say, the French Open bag and entire line this year is one of the prettiest cosmetics I've seen.

Will they finally fit Babolat extended frames? If not, then these Babolat Official posts are clearly useless. We've been talking about that since 2014 how the bags don't even fit their own extended length frames.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Let's play a game:
What racquet is this in babolat lineup:
100sqin
16x19
302gram unstrung with plastic on the handle
31.8 cm balance (that's also measured with plastic on the handle
RA 64
 

Carf

New User
@Babolat Official , Hey Mansoor, I really like the Aeropro Drive and been using it for 4 years now. Sadly, I really don't like the new Pure Aero at all, for me it is just not as manoeuvrable and solid as the old Aero. I have both the standard one and tour model with RPM blast, identical setup with the Aeropro.
No wonder a lot of people who can't use Aeropro a Drive is liking this new racquet...it is a very different racquet!
I am pretty sure a lot of hardcore Aeropro fan want their racquet back. Is there any plan for Babolat to come out with something similar to the old Aeropro? If not, what will be the racquet in current Babolat line that is closest to the old Aeropro Drive? Pure Drive?
 

srvnvly

Hall of Fame
@Babolat Official , Hey Mansoor, I really like the Aeropro Drive and been using it for 4 years now. Sadly, I really don't like the new Pure Aero at all, for me it is just not as manoeuvrable and solid as the old Aero. I have both the standard one and tour model with RPM blast, identical setup with the Aeropro.
No wonder a lot of people who can't use Aeropro a Drive is liking this new racquet...it is a very different racquet!
I am pretty sure a lot of hardcore Aeropro fan want their racquet back. Is there any plan for Babolat to come out with something similar to the old Aeropro? If not, what will be the racquet in current Babolat line that is closest to the old Aeropro Drive? Pure Drive?

The new Pure Drive, last version of APD that is on sale now, or the version before that can be found on the bay.
 

BillKid

Hall of Fame
If you look at the specs measured by TW (especially SW), the last PD seems very similar to the APD
String patterns are slightly different but still very close.
I'm familiar with the APD and tested the PD FSI. I found it quite similar to the APD.
The PA has a higher SW and is more polarized. Not sure but I think the string pattern is a bit more open on the PA.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Will they finally fit Babolat extended frames? If not, then these Babolat Official posts are clearly useless. We've been talking about that since 2014 how the bags don't even fit their own extended length frames.

We've heard your feedback regarding the bags, and we've incorporated that into the development of our next generation of bags. I don't know for sure when those come out, but when I have a release date, I will let you know.

I haven't personally tested the new FO bag as I have not yet received our shipment here in the US. It's the same construction as our Pure Aero bag, so I will have to check before I give you a definite answer.

@Babolat Official , Hey Mansoor, I really like the Aeropro Drive and been using it for 4 years now. Sadly, I really don't like the new Pure Aero at all, for me it is just not as manoeuvrable and solid as the old Aero. I have both the standard one and tour model with RPM blast, identical setup with the Aeropro.
No wonder a lot of people who can't use Aeropro a Drive is liking this new racquet...it is a very different racquet!
I am pretty sure a lot of hardcore Aeropro fan want their racquet back. Is there any plan for Babolat to come out with something similar to the old Aeropro? If not, what will be the racquet in current Babolat line that is closest to the old Aeropro Drive? Pure Drive?

I'm glad to hear you like the APD, and sorry about your woes with the new Pure Aero. That said, the Pure Aero is the update to the AeroPro Drive. We simply rebranded the AeroPros as Pure Aero. Now each family line is Pure + a word that represents its characteristics. The Aero, for example, is spin friendly and aerodynamic.

When we update rackets and change its playing characteristics, we do our best to maintain that racket family's DNA while still updating the newer models to adapt to where we see the game going and to optimize the frame based on feedback. With the new Aero, we wanted to optimize spin and thus, the frame became more aerodynamic to make it more spin friendly. Of course, we also shifted the weight distribution a bit, and in my opinion, it's become more stable and solid from the backcourt. We understand that not everyone will be a fan of these changes. We are always looking to help everyone improve with the frame, but there will always be folks who prefer the previous model and aren't as big of fans of the changes.

Unfortunately, the previous AeroPro Drive is no longer in production, and I cannot tell you what the future of the Aero family is right now as the new model just recently came out. But, I'll pass on your feedback to the product team.

Thanks!
 

pepka

Professional
Even though i probably won't play with it (shoulder issues) i will get the PAFO. That's a damn, sexy looking stick. Great job :).
 
I cannot tell you what the future of the Aero family is right now as the new model just recently came out.

I can.

The 2019 Pure Aero models will have the same frame specs as their 2016 Pure Aero counterparts but with the tighter 2013 APD drill pattern and oblong grommets (with standard grommet kits available as an after purchase option). The 2019 PA paint job will be matte charcoal with very plain daffodil yellow highlights. All racquets in the range will have black grips and black bumpers.

That would be one very sweet model range.

You heard it here first! :)
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
I can.

The 2019 Pure Aero models will have the same frame specs as their 2016 Pure Aero counterparts but with the tighter 2013 APD drill pattern and oblong grommets (with standard grommet kits available as an after purchase option). The 2019 PA paint job will be matte charcoal with very plain daffodil yellow highlights. All racquets in the range will have black grips and black bumpers.

That would be one very sweet model range.

You heard it here first! :)

You had sold me at daffodil highlights. I'll take 3.
 

TakyBo

New User
Thx Karma Tennis and Babolat offical for the reply. This makes sence for me, thanks. I always thought the crosses would have a stronger effect holding the mains to stiffen it up, thanks for clearing that up.
Measuring the stiffness on a naked racquet makes the most sence and it is nice to hear that babolat measures that way. One thing that makes me think flex ratings shouldnt be overrated in general is that the progression is not measured. So two racquets measured at RA 60 can either be linear and stiff or super progressive but soft at the beginning. Both can be achieved with different layups. I highly doubt that anyone can say babolat uses different layups on pro sticks just because someone measured different flex ratings.

@Stretchy Man: There are so many people here writing that babolat is harsh on the arm. There are 4 reasons why people get arm problems: 1) bad technique 2) bad fitness 3) grip tape 4) stiff string 5) stiff racquet. The racquet is the one that has by far the smallest effect. Babolat grip tapes are softer than leather but harder than most. Babolat strings have a pretty dead feel, which I like very much, but many guys like lively feel and. Many shops string babolat racquets with babolat strings and this might be a reason why some people write about babolat related arm problems. Cortex does a much better job at reducing vibrations than most other companies. I use leather grips on all racquets and I have tested many racquets.
In the clubs I use to play most buy the racquets they get sold in the nearest shop or the one the trainer tells them to buy. There are very view people who buy something online just for a long playtest time with same strings. My favorite sticks are yonex 100s and wilson pro cobra and I really like the babolat Pure drive and APD for giving a solid feel everywhere. Head is for sure selling big time but they have only the instinct with 100sq. If you like 98 head speedradicalprestige this might be your company. But there is simply no company out there offering so many good sticks, no matter what billion ball arm pain old farts think there is a babolat for most people. Most companys offer sticks that basicly nobody uses. Wilson fakes the heads for many players. Head has some special good sticks but not many options. Radical and instinct thats it. Babolat offers extended frames and not much ********. it is hard fo find something better than Pure strike PD, APD and PA. I guess most radical playsers will find some access to the strikes or controls while all 100sq players will have it even easyier.
 

QuadCam

Professional
Babolat Official,

Any update on the return of the Aero Storm? Previously, you mentioned it would be brought back (or something similar) in the Pure Strike Series. My Aero Storms are getting old and have been strung so many times. I still have a couple new ones sitting in the closet but the difference between the old and new is amazing. They definitely loose some pop as the age.
 

netlets

Professional
A friend of mine wanted me to ask this following question based on the POP: Does a one handed backhand record less topspin than a two handed backhand because of a lack of the opposite hand to swing up with? He hits decent topspin on his one hander and it just registers as minimal spin. He's a 5.0 player and teaching pro. Also, what happens when you feed a ball or hit drop shots? Are those even calculated? Is there an instance when you hit so softly it doesn't register on the PLAY? thanks!
 

pepka

Professional
^ Dream specs, a PD with RA around 62-63 (strung)...
1cc1ada40000a7f14540c252f3c23034
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Babolat Official,

Any update on the return of the Aero Storm? Previously, you mentioned it would be brought back (or something similar) in the Pure Strike Series. My Aero Storms are getting old and have been strung so many times. I still have a couple new ones sitting in the closet but the difference between the old and new is amazing. They definitely loose some pop as the age.

At the moment, all I can say is stay tuned....though, they won't be as part of the Strike family. You may be thinking of the Pure Controls turning into Strike CTRLs, a familiar racket being merged into a newer family.

Also, the point you made about the old and new rackets is valid. Those older frames will have a different feel over time, so I'm glad you have the new ones as well so you don't get too used to the older ones.

A friend of mine wanted me to ask this following question based on the POP: Does a one handed backhand record less topspin than a two handed backhand because of a lack of the opposite hand to swing up with? He hits decent topspin on his one hander and it just registers as minimal spin. He's a 5.0 player and teaching pro. Also, what happens when you feed a ball or hit drop shots? Are those even calculated? Is there an instance when you hit so softly it doesn't register on the PLAY? thanks!

I don't see what it would as the POP is still only on one wrist. Moreover, I've personally found I can apply more topspin with one hand since the motion is freer than with a twohander. My twohander seems flatter than if I were to swing with one hand. That said, I can verify to be sure. Does this friend hit with significant topspin?

^ Dream specs, a PD with RA around 62-63 (strung)...
1cc1ada40000a7f14540c252f3c23034

Wonderful gif, hilarious movie. Chris Brander, ladies and gentleman.

a flexible low powered thick clunky beam racquet would be awesome. i cant conceive of a better combination of features.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
 

QuadCam

Professional
At the moment, all I can say is stay tuned....though, they won't be as part of the Strike family. You may be thinking of the Pure Controls turning into Strike CTRLs, a familiar racket being merged into a newer family.

Also, the point you made about the old and new rackets is valid. Those older frames will have a different feel over time, so I'm glad you have the new ones as well so you don't get too used to the older ones.

Thank you for the response. Watching the new babolat ads featuring Jack Sock and seeing the american theme going on......... A combination of the upcoming election, the US OPEN, and the Olympics.

I have a feeling that there will be a new release of the Aero Storm in an american theme paintjob..... as the Aero Storm was part of the aero family..... I'm thinking we might see a late arrival to the Pure Aero family..... with a 98 SqIn 16x20 head.

Babolat wouldn't be putting together an entire series of ads for Jack Sock if they didn't have a big reveal coming.....
 

MixedMaster

Semi-Pro
Babolat Official:
I'm wondering if I've missed something??!!?? I noticed TW has the Strikes on sale, but I don't see any Strike 100's listed in the sale or shown on their regular Babolat line-up. Have you stopped making them or is TW just out and not going to re-order? I have two that I've been using since they came out and I'm really comfortable with them. Do I need to buy up a few or is there going to be a "great" update coming soon??
 

thefederman

Rookie
the new aero storm's will be part of the pure aero line as well as having a special "america" cosmetic along with the aero line
 

BallShaver

New User
Love my pure aero. Used to alternate between my PCT and my PS as my racquet of choice but then I got a PA just to see if it was worth the hype. It is. Looking at getting another so I always have a second one strung with fresher strings. Debating between waiting for FO one or getting a Play cause I'd probably enjoy seeing the data it collects. Any thoughts? Or are you guys putting out a Play FO edition anyway to solve my dilemma for me?
 

jarko111

Hall of Fame
Should have an American theme when you consider how many top American men are playing with painted Aero Storms.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Babolat Official:
I'm wondering if I've missed something??!!?? I noticed TW has the Strikes on sale, but I don't see any Strike 100's listed in the sale or shown on their regular Babolat line-up. Have you stopped making them or is TW just out and not going to re-order? I have two that I've been using since they came out and I'm really comfortable with them. Do I need to buy up a few or is there going to be a "great" update coming soon??

I can't say for sure, let me follow up and I'll get back to you.

That said, the Pure Strikes will not be discontinued. I don't have specifics on the next iteration of the Pure Strikes, but they're our next family due to be updated.

Love my pure aero. Used to alternate between my PCT and my PS as my racquet of choice but then I got a PA just to see if it was worth the hype. It is. Looking at getting another so I always have a second one strung with fresher strings. Debating between waiting for FO one or getting a Play cause I'd probably enjoy seeing the data it collects. Any thoughts? Or are you guys putting out a Play FO edition anyway to solve my dilemma for me?

Unfortunately, I do not believe there are plans for a Play version of the Pure Aero in a French Open cosmetic this year. Only the standard, non-connected version will come in a Roland Garros edition.

As for a backup, it's very much up to you. Since the Pure Aero and Pure Aero Play are identical, it's very easy to go back and forth between the two. Play is a great feature to have and can give you great data on your game. If you're interested in that, it seems like the Play version is your best bet.
 

JCmua

New User
Hi Babolat,

Im interested in a changing over my APD's to the new PLAYs, but it appears it doesnt work with Windows phone currently from what I can see on your website?

there is a desktop app that you can use to transfer the play data to your account, and you can see all of it on a web page on your browser, the truth is that you really don't need a phone to use a Babolat play racquet.
 

Pneumated1

Hall of Fame
. . . As for the Pure Strike, I need to update my signature. I like the 16 x 19 a great deal, but I really enjoy the extra stability and comfort I feel with the PCT. That's both comfort as in feel as well as piece of mind from using a familiar type of frame. Others have mentioned that the PCT has a classic feel with modern updates. I'd agree pretty wholeheartedly with that sentiment. Plus, I like the light swinging feel of the PCT, so I can still come around, even on defense.

The lighter feel of the PS was a very pleasant difference, though. I think I could come over the ball a bit more and it felt a bit more spin friendly, though I think with either, slight adjustments to the frame would allow for a similar ball. I like how limber the PS is at the net as well, and it's excellent on backhand slices. Though, it's a bit of an unfair comparison because I'm comparing a Tour with a non-tour frame. I'd have to try the PST, though the main reason I haven't yet is that I'm more of an open pattern guy. I'll have to pull one out soon and give it a whirl.

I actually got a chance to play with the Strike 16x19, and I was very impressed with the racquet at net: very plush and nimble, as you say. And I would agree that slices were very good as well. I honestly felt like spin was a wash, comparing it to my PCTs, but with the Strike's lighter weight, I felt like a few more options were open on any given shot. Interestingly, I found that I hit better forehands (my weaker side) with the Strike than the PCT, but my backhand was a little off, but I suspect that the significant balance shift was to blame. I immediately thought of a leather grip or added lead under the grip to get the balance more customary/traditional, but I'd hate to change the dynamics of the frame on the forehand, at net, on slices, or serves. I have to admit that I was surprised how much I liked the Strike 16x19.
 
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