R
red rook
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I'm a big fan of the 2015 blade 18x20 and heard this new pure strike is good. I hope someone can do a comparison of these.
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
Got my pure strike 2017 today. handle is empty.I just realized what this Racquet feel reminds me of...I was picking my brain and hitting with all my racquets side by side than it dawned on me...
new 2016 Donnay Quad core Pro number one 16x19 Very similar solid stable feel...one thing confused me though. Donnay is foam filled while to my surprise i popped open the buttcap and new p17 is NOT?
Is that just my demo or are they all not foam filled anymore? Can you guys check yours?
Thanks for checking... wonder if it's just a handle that empty as it does feel like a foam filled frameGot my pure strike 2017 today. handle is empty.
They are very different racquets indeed, I guess the point is that some guys (including myself) love both PS and Dr98 and it is hard to decide which one to stick to. I play very well with both.
I have both PS at 12oz around 7pts headlight now. Played 2 sets today. 6-1 6-2 against someone who usually takes me to tiebreaks. We both played very well but the Strike hit some seriously heavy penetrating shots, serves sounded like cracking bones and gunshots. I think I found was I was looking for. It was a good day.Exactly. I haven't seen anyone say they're indistinguishable. Just that they both rock, and it's really, really difficult to choose between them.
I can see this as I punched the wall today with dr98 and ps17. probably will be down to what feel one likes as that is the only drastically different aspect. They both do the job but in slight different wayExactly. I haven't seen anyone say they're indistinguishable. Just that they both rock, and it's really, really difficult to choose between them.
I've now played 6 sets of doubles over 2 sessions with the PS17. As a little background, I'm a USTA computer rated 4.5 all court player with a one handed backhand.
I'm a long time 6.1 95 16x18 user. My normal string setup is Pacific Tough Gut in the mains with Gosen Micro Syn Gut in the crosses. Both 16g at 60lbs.
My PS17 came prestrung with 16g Babolat Addiction (multi) at what felt like around 60lbs. I hit both sessions with this string. The string was crisp the first session, but kind of mushy at times during the 2nd session. My set scores and play were mostly similar to what I would expect with my normal 6.1.
Overall, I didn't have much problem adjusting to the PS17. My best shot is my forehand and that's probably the one shot that took some initial adjustment. I was initially hitting forehands either into the net or short. Once I got used to it, I was able to drive forehands more consistently deep in the court with moderate topspin.
The PS17 was comfortable and did not have a tinny, hollow feel to it. However, on certain shots, mostly forehand drive exchanges and first serve return drives, I could feel the lighter weight and less plow compared to the 6.1. Also, on blocked returns and chip-n-charge balls, the lighter static weight of the PS17 was noticeable. This is probably all to be expected since the PS17 is a lighter static weight racket compared to the 6.1.
On the plus though, the PS17 is more manuverable and is easier to create racket head speed. Sitters were really fun to put away with the PS17. Touch and control were both very good.
Concerning spin, I didn't find the PS17 to be anything close to a spin monster, but I found it easier to generate spin than with the 6.1. I was happy with the spin.
On backhands, I had no real problem hitting slice and topspin backhands which both felt solid and were probably easier to hit with the PS17 vs the 6.1.
The serve was interesting. In doubles, I mostly use spin and placement on 1st and 2nd serves. During my first doubles session, my serves were easily, consistently deep and well-placed, with good pace. Much easier than with the 6.1. However, for whatever reason, I had a more difficult time during the second session. The control wasn't as good and I had difficulty generating consistently good pace. Volleys & overheads were very solid for me during both sessions.
I'll be restringing with my normal 6.1 string setup (nat gut/syn gut) before my next session. I'll continue to play with the PS17 as my regular racket probably for at least a month to gain more experience with it. I think the PS17 is easier overall to play with than the 6.1, but the bigger question for me will probably be if I want to give up the better plow feel of the 6.1.
I finally got to play some doubles last night w the PS17 and the DR98. One of the biggest differences is how a ball reacts when I'm stretched out for a volley. The DR98 absorbs most of the impact whereas the Babolat doesn't absorb as much impact and pops the ball back over the net with a little more speed. Now I can't tell if it's beacuse of the strings or the racquet itself... but I gotta return the demos today.
But that means I can demo some SVs now, if they ever get demos.
Demoing PS17 and few other new releases. So far, my experience is not that good with the new Pure Strike compared to the stellar reviews. It is relatively a good racquet, has good spin, control and power, but overall only 80/100 in my scale. Usually TW scores are accurate, but I do not agree in this case; definitely not a 90. I would rate Pure Control Tour higher than the PS17. Just my two cents... demo it before you buy.
My 11 year old also tried it, but did not like it much. He is currently playing with Head Instinct XT MP and happy with it so far.
Also trying out the new Head Speed Touch racquets. Got a chance to hit with Pacific X Force Pro No 1 252 for a brief period of time. And I am very impressed! Such a solid racquet, with plow through and control. Among all the new releases that I have tried so far, Pro No 1 is in the top. That gets 90 in my scale!
Just waiting for my Tour G 330s though.
Demoing PS17 and few other new releases. So far, my experience is not that good with the new Pure Strike compared to the stellar reviews. It is relatively a good racquet, has good spin, control and power, but overall only 80/100 in my scale. Usually TW scores are accurate, but I do not agree in this case; definitely not a 90. I would rate Pure Control Tour higher than the PS17. Just my two cents... demo it before you buy.
Woah, I didn't look into their individual numbers but you're right. She is the one messing up the result.If you remove Hannah's super high 9.5-9.7 Scores from the review numbers the racket would not be a 90.
I visited my stringers pro shop. He said some like it when they demo, some don't. It's a nice update, but he will sell way more Aero's than Strikes. Good advise to demo before you buy.
If you remove Hannah's super high 9.5-9.7 Scores from the review numbers the racket would not be a 90.
I visited my stringers pro shop. He said some like it when they demo, some don't. It's a nice update, but he will sell way more Aero's than Strikes. Good advise to demo before you buy.
What did you dislike about the new pure strike?
Woah, I didn't look into their individual numbers but you're right. She is the one messing up the result.
Hannah's Scores
Power 9.6 Serves 9.5
Control 9 Groundstrokes 9.7
Maneuverability 9.7 Returns 9.7
Stability 9.5 Slice 9.5
Comfort 9.7 Topspin 9.5
Touch/Feel 9 Volleys 9
Overall 9.6
Virtually perfect in exactly all aspects.
Come on...
Thank you for doing all of that work and recalculating! That makes much more sense!!So... If we disregard those rather enthusiastic numbers we are left with a respectable, but believable, overall score of 86.
Power 8.4
(9.6)
Serves 8.4
(9.5)
Control 8.5
(9)
Groundstrokes 9.2
(9.7)
Maneuverability 8.8
(9.7)
Returns 8.9
(9.7)
Stability 8.3
(9.5)
Slice 8.6
(9.5)
Comfort 8.5
(9.7)
Topspin 8.8
(9.5)
Touch/Feel 8.6
(9)
Volley 8.5
(9)
Keeping in perspective that she is coming from years of playing with a Pure Drive it makes sense that she would like it this much. I suspect many long time Babolat fans will like this frame. That is not me but to each their own.
Any one played with Head Graphene Radical Pro can give a comparison with new PS 17?
Reading all the comments, it seems both are pretty similar with PS being more comfortable.
I would go with the play tester than mimics your play style and not focus so much on everyone's review. For me, Chris and Andy are two play tester than have used similar racquets to what I have hit with in the past and based on their reviews provide me with a good idea of what to expect from the racquet.
I would go with the play tester than mimics your play style and not focus so much on everyone's review. For me, Chris and Andy are two play tester than have used similar racquets to what I have hit with in the past and based on their reviews provide me with a good idea of what to expect from the racquet.
...
I visited my stringers pro shop. He said some like it when they demo, some don't. It's a nice update, ...
If you remove Hannah's super high 9.5-9.7 Scores from the review numbers the racket would not be a 90.
I visited my stringers pro shop. He said some like it when they demo, some don't. It's a nice update, but he will sell way more Aero's than Strikes. Good advise to demo before you buy.
SV = Solid. Very different to the DR.I finally got to play some doubles last night w the PS17 and the DR98. One of the biggest differences is how a ball reacts when I'm stretched out for a volley. The DR98 absorbs most of the impact whereas the Babolat doesn't absorb as much impact and pops the ball back over the net with a little more speed. Now I can't tell if it's beacuse of the strings or the racquet itself... but I gotta return the demos today.
But that means I can demo some SVs now, if they ever get demos.
SV = Solid. Very different to the DR.
SV = Solid. Very different to the DR.
The comfort ratings given on this stick don't feel very "real" to me given the stiffness rating. I think all sticks should be tested by people with sensitive elbows, as they are best placed to determine what comfort really is... that said most sticks would set them off so maybe a bad idea!
This is one of the main reasons I don't use flexible racquets anymore namely Pro Tour 630. Once on defence there were no free lunches like stiffer racquets can provide.I finally got to play some doubles last night w the PS17 and the DR98. One of the biggest differences is how a ball reacts when I'm stretched out for a volley. The DR98 absorbs most of the impact whereas the Babolat doesn't absorb as much impact and pops the ball back over the net with a little more speed. Now I can't tell if it's beacuse of the strings or the racquet itself... but I gotta return the demos today.
But that means I can demo some SVs now, if they ever get demos.
Yeah. I'm a Wozniacki player.This is one of the main reasons I don't use flexible racquets anymore namely Pro Tour 630. Once on defence there were no free lunches like stiffer racquets can provide.
Got to have a short 45 min hit with the SV100 version so I have no real insights into the frame however, I found it to feel very really solid , smooth and powerful. I think people will enjoy this frame.Elaborate, please, you lucky person, you!
Forgot to Add quick (probably false) impressions since the string type is different on PS17 vs others
PS 17 vs:
Blade:
Original Strike 18x20
DR98
Pro Staff 6.1 Classic 18x20