Any 5.0 Players Switch From Players Frame to Babolat and Get Even Better?

asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
Hit with a Pure Drive and a Pure Aero today and was just floored as to how easy it is to absolutely crush the ball with 1/3 of the effort required with my H19 and friends RF97. You can just blow the ball away like nothing. Seems like an insane advantage to use these frames. I know this is old news, but I was like, wow.

Have any 5.0 players ditched their player frames and never looked back after seeing huge advantages and improvements after changing to Babolat?

I'm not crazy about the feel of the Babolat's compared to my H19 and RF97, but the Pure Aero with Hyper G actually felt a wee bit plush. Pure Drive was too stiff for my liking.
 
U

USPTARF97

Hall of Fame
asifallasleep said:
Hit with a Pure Drive and a Pure Aero today and was just floored as to how easy it is to absolutely crush the ball with 1/3 of the effort required with my H19 and friends RF97. You can just blow the ball away like nothing. Seems like an insane advantage to use these frames. I know this is old news, but I was like, wow.

Have any 5.0 players ditched their player frames and never looked back after seeing huge advantages and improvements after changing to Babolat?

I'm not crazy about the feel of the Babolat's compared to my H19 and RF97, but the Pure Aero with Hyper G actually felt a wee bit plush. Pure Drive was too stiff for my liking.
Click to expand...

After playing with Wilson racquets for allot of years I tried to play with Pure Drive. Hit great but had a hard time getting adjusted to playing with it. Lost control of the ball. Probably didn’t spend enough time with the racquet and USPTA contract took me on to Head and back to Wilson.
 
PSC85

PSC85

Semi-Pro
I share the same sentiments. I pride myself for being able to still wield midsize frames or those old school classic frames all this time. But the few times I’ve hit with pure storm, pure aero, PD, APD, I was just in awe how easy things come. And I can totally understand that there’s another dimension of game associated with players being able to use those frames even more effectively in the pro circuit. Except I don’t have the time to explore further down that path and gone back to the old school frames and happy for now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
topspn said:
We have all hit with them and as you stated, simple to play with and hit really big. Problem is 20 minutes later my is arm is falling off.
Click to expand...

That's my fear but wondering if hybrid or full multi would take care of that issue. The Pure Aero didnt feel too bad with Hyper G.

There's a guy I hit with regularly and I rip shots with my RF97 and H19 that no one get's back and he just cranks them back like they are nothing at all. He uses the Pure Aero, which made me demo it after trying his.
When I was using his frame I could blow the ball past him, finally.

The pace with the Bab just seems unreal.
 
topspn

topspn

Legend
asifallasleep said:
That's my fear but wondering if hybrid or full multi would take care of that issue. The Pure Aero didnt feel too bad with Hyper G.

There's a guy I hit with regularly and I rip shots with my RF97 and H19 that no one get's back and he just cranks them back like they are nothing at all. He uses the Pure Aero, which made me demo it after trying his.
When I was using his frame I could blow the ball past him, finally.

The pace with the Bab just seems unreal.
Click to expand...

Even with multi, it just wouldn’t work for me in comfort or control. I have no problem whatsoever with my Angells with any 4.5 player hitting with a aero pro. Solid as a rock and gives back with change
 
J

John Z.

Semi-Pro
I can't play with light frames even at comparable SW, partly because of arm issues (TE), but also because i do not like to swing fast on every ball like one has to do with light frames (which is likely part of the problem for my arm).

asifallasleep said:
Hit with a Pure Drive and a Pure Aero today and was just floored as to how easy it is to absolutely crush the ball with 1/3 of the effort required with my H19 and friends RF97. You can just blow the ball away like nothing. Seems like an insane advantage to use these frames. I know this is old news, but I was like, wow.

Have any 5.0 players ditched their player frames and never looked back after seeing huge advantages and improvements after changing to Babolat?

I'm not crazy about the feel of the Babolat's compared to my H19 and RF97, but the Pure Aero with Hyper G actually felt a wee bit plush. Pure Drive was too stiff for my liking.
Click to expand...
 
A

Attila_the_gorilla

Guest
I recommend adding some silicone to the handle of these stiff rackets. Makes the world of difference in comfort. Don't add lead tape, cotton balls etc to the handle for this purpose. They'll be useless.
 
DJ-

DJ-

Hall of Fame
Plenty I know have switched. Some come back some don't guess it depends on the results and arm health. Blutac in the handle does wonders in the pure aero and drive, actually feels good.
 
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asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
Attila_the_gorilla said:
I recommend adding some silicone to the handle of these stiff rackets. Makes the world of difference in comfort. Don't add lead tape, cotton balls etc to the handle for this purpose. They'll be useless.
Click to expand...

Seems like an obvious tip, one i haven't heard mentioned with all the complaints about the Bab stiffness. I never considered that as an option but it makes lots of sense. Thanks!!
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
DJ- said:
Plenty I know have switched. Some come back some don't guess it depends on the results and arm health. Blutac in the handle does wonders in the pure aero and drive, actually feels good.
Click to expand...

Are the bab pallets filled with foam? Or are they hollow and the blue tack can be just pushed it? Or are they foam filled and you remove the foam and replace with blue tac? Thanks.
 
apriliano

apriliano

Rookie
Lots of years here playing with prestige mp

Last two tournaments I played with Pure Aero. Nice effortless pace and spin from the baseline, awesome serves and no arm issues.

But I feel embarrassed when I pull it out of the bag

"what's the problem apri? Are you too old or too lazy now? Babolat? Really?"

This is me talking to myself

Bag in the bench
 
mad dog1

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
asifallasleep said:
Hit with a Pure Drive and a Pure Aero today and was just floored as to how easy it is to absolutely crush the ball with 1/3 of the effort required with my H19 and friends RF97. You can just blow the ball away like nothing. Seems like an insane advantage to use these frames. I know this is old news, but I was like, wow.

Have any 5.0 players ditched their player frames and never looked back after seeing huge advantages and improvements after changing to Babolat?

I'm not crazy about the feel of the Babolat's compared to my H19 and RF97, but the Pure Aero with Hyper G actually felt a wee bit plush. Pure Drive was too stiff for my liking.
Click to expand...
Not enough control with the pure drive and pure aero. I’ll stick to my ultra tour.
 
DJ-

DJ-

Hall of Fame
asifallasleep said:
Are the bab pallets filled with foam? Or are they hollow and the blue tack can be just pushed it? Or are they foam filled and you remove the foam and replace with blue tac? Thanks.
Click to expand...

No foam, very hollow, I usually use large cotton wool pieces or cotton balls and stuff it in followed by blutac. I use rounded chopsticks to get the blutac stuck on the inside walls/chambers and then fill the rest by pushing in with my thumb. 16g strings, and you can get great control. The pure drives play better in doubles play (lower trajectory)
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Babolat Pure Drive and Pure Aero are awesome rackets. They both make playing tennis easier and help players to hit harder balls with more spin. I do like to play with it whenever I play certain pushers who are great at frustrating their opponents. I can just aim at the general area and just blast the balls with lots of spin. The spin keeps not only the balls to stay in but makes them balls bounce where my opponents can’t easily attack back. The only problem is that, though it’s fun to blast the balls, you will miss the pin-point control of the Prestiges, RF 97 or other heavier, harder to play player’s rackets. If winning is all that matters, I’d say stick to the Babolat sticks sice they make playing easier, but I think it’s more fun to be player’s sticks that forces you to be creative and be more seletive on your shots. With Babolat Pure Drive and Pure Aero’s, they are all about blasting the balls.
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
topspn said:
No, they play pro stock babs made to their specs and far less stiff.
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I rememer Babolat Official mentioning that they don’t have the specific pro stock frames like other manufacturers. What he said was that some players loosen up the frames by stringing the frames at over 100lbs repetedly until she got her desired results (*I believe it was for Stousor). Maybe the pros that use the Babolat frames go through the similar process to make their frames feel softer.
 
topspn

topspn

Legend
mhkeuns said:
I rememer Babolat Official mentioning that they don’t have the specific pro stock frames like other manufacturers. What he said was that some players loosen up the frames by stringing the frames at over 100lbs repetedly until she got her desired results (*I believe it was for Stousor). Maybe the pros that use the Babolat frames go through the similar process to make their frames feel softer.
Click to expand...
He was not telling the truth, what a surprise. They produce pro stock definitively.
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
topspn said:
He was not telling the truth, what a surprise. They produce pro stock definitively.
Click to expand...
That’s weird how manufacturers are so secretive about having pro stick frames. I wonder why he lied about something like that. Strange.
BTW, I was lucky enough to have the stick that Mardy Fish used and the pro stock Six One 95. The Six One 95 definitely felt softer to hit than the retail version. Mardy Fish’s stick felt like lifting Thor’s hammer. I played great with it for two games. I think I play much better with the retail Pure Drive or Pure Aero.
 
topspn

topspn

Legend
mhkeuns said:
That’s weird how manufacturers are so secretive about having pro stick frames. I wonder why he lied about something like that. Strange.
BTW, I was lucky enough to have the stick that Mardy Fish used and the pro stock Six One 95. The Six One 95 definitely felt softer to hit than the retail version. Mardy Fish’s stick felt like lifting Thor’s hammer. I played great with it for two games. I think I play much better with the retail Pure Drive or Pure Aero.
Click to expand...
Sure, light, stiff, open pattern its simple to just arm a ball and get power and many recreational players do. Pros handle high weight, SW and want feel and consistency and its no problem for them to hit big.
 
K

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
Not a 5.0 but I have direct experience with this scenario. Been a long time user of classic players sticks PS 85, PSC 4.2, and now using RF 97. I did use the Pure Drive Tour for about 9 months. It is a great stick that is plenty stable and great spin. The issue I had was the same as some have mentioned, I could not control it as well as my players racquets.

I will say since you are used to heavier racquets you may want to try the tour versions of the Aero and Drive. These have more control imo than the standard versions. Also more stable which I wanted since I was coming from the RF when I flirted with the PDT. I have my PDT up for sale now but may just keep it for when the RF becomes too heavy for me.

Hopefully @Dominic chimes in. He went from the RF 97 to the Pure Aero Tour. Not sure if he still uses it but know he was happy with it.
 
Geoff

Geoff

Hall of Fame
I have gone from the Wilson RF97 to the 2018 Babolat Pure Drive. The changes in the new PD made the transition very seamless. I use a similar string set up in the PD that I used in the RF97. There are so many good racquets on the market nowadays that it can be a little overwhelming to "find" the one that you feel is perfect for you. I feel that the good news is there are multiple options and offerings that can fit everyone's game. Obviously string set up and grip size play into the equation as well. A fun debate/discussion that we can probably never all come to a complete consensus.
 
K

KaiserW

Hall of Fame
Geoff said:
I have gone from the Wilson RF97 to the 2018 Babolat Pure Drive. The changes in the new PD made the transition very seamless. I use a similar string set up in the PD that I used in the RF97. There are so many good racquets on the market nowadays that it can be a little overwhelming to "find" the one that you feel is perfect for you. I feel that the good news is there are multiple options and offerings that can fit everyone's game. Obviously string set up and grip size play into the equation as well. A fun debate/discussion that we can probably never all come to a complete consensus.
Click to expand...

Stock? You don't miss the stability of the RF?
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
Geoff said:
I have gone from the Wilson RF97 to the 2018 Babolat Pure Drive. The changes in the new PD made the transition very seamless. I use a similar string set up in the PD that I used in the RF97. There are so many good racquets on the market nowadays that it can be a little overwhelming to "find" the one that you feel is perfect for you. I feel that the good news is there are multiple options and offerings that can fit everyone's game. Obviously string set up and grip size play into the equation as well. A fun debate/discussion that we can probably never all come to a complete consensus.
Click to expand...

I hit briefly with an APD years ago which was not that stable but and the Pure Aero IMO is very very solid and stable in stock form and does not get pushed around at all. With the Pure Aero any bombs that were hit at me I could easily get back like they were nothing at all ------- the upgrades made to this frame are huge.

The sweetspot is absolutely huge, it had nice touch and feel at least for me with the hyper g and the ability to meet the ball so early on the rise with really high racquet head speed, to create the insanely high rpms i favor seriously made it a joy. In addition to all the spin, backhand slices, lobs, drop shots, angled shots, were all there for me.

I had no control issues at all with the Pure Aero. The spin was hitting lines and I could slice or flatten out at will.

I've always been an all court player so I have all the shots, am not a baseline basher, and with my heavy player frames over the years I've always strung at 40lbs with no control issues at all. This is what makes me believe the the Pure Aero may be an awesome frame for me. Like seriously taking my game to another level.

The ability to easily meet the ball soooo early and to redirect with all the power, easy access to control and spin, and excellent defense which is always offensive, is just so exhilarating.

It's like I trained all these year with heavy player frames from the PS85 PS88 K90 RF97 PT630 H19 and a bunch of others to create a solid solid foundation with mechanics and form and now I can use a modern frame that
rewards me.

I'm hitting at a very high level with my H19's and have no complaints but the Pure Aero gives me a extra few seconds on every shot and that is absolutely HUGE. I just can't ignore that, and the ease of use, no matter how much prefer everything about player frames and my H19.

I may be a reluctant convert.

I also have a stigma in my mind that Babolat users really aren't that good, the racquet really elevates them, and that the guys using player frames are the "real" tennis players. Shameful I know, but it's a perception I have.
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
KaiserW said:
Not a 5.0 but I have direct experience with this scenario. Been a long time user of classic players sticks PS 85, PSC 4.2, and now using RF 97. I did use the Pure Drive Tour for about 9 months. It is a great stick that is plenty stable and great spin. The issue I had was the same as some have mentioned, I could not control it as well as my players racquets.

I will say since you are used to heavier racquets you may want to try the tour versions of the Aero and Drive. These have more control imo than the standard versions. Also more stable which I wanted since I was coming from the RF when I flirted with the PDT. I have my PDT up for sale now but may just keep it for when the RF becomes too heavy for me.

Hopefully @Dominic chimes in. He went from the RF 97 to the Pure Aero Tour. Not sure if he still uses it but know he was happy with it.
Click to expand...

There was a time that I would have purchased the tour version but now I'll get the regular and mod it to my preferences. Gives me way more control. This is after years of using a too heavy stock RF97 and unsuccessfully trying to mod it.
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
apriliano said:
Lots of years here playing with prestige mp

Last two tournaments I played with Pure Aero. Nice effortless pace and spin from the baseline, awesome serves and no arm issues.

But I feel embarrassed when I pull it out of the bag

"what's the problem apri? Are you too old or too lazy now? Babolat? Really?"

This is me talking to myself

Bag in the bench
Click to expand...


My brain will be saying the same thing, hahahahahahahahahaha
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
DJ- said:
No foam, very hollow, I usually use large cotton wool pieces or cotton balls and stuff it in followed by blutac. I use rounded chopsticks to get the blutac stuck on the inside walls/chambers and then fill the rest by pushing in with my thumb. 16g strings, and you can get great control. The pure drives play better in doubles play (lower trajectory)
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for this tip. How much weight or grams of blue tac per frame?
 
E

el__zopilote

Rookie
After demoing a Pure Drive last week and being amazed at the power of the thing, I am demoing the Pure Aero and Pure Aero Tour because like you, I tried them out of curiosity and didn't want to like them. Even the paint job on the aero looks like something out of Fast and Furious 8. But the thing is, I loved the Pure Drive. Absolutely loved it. I was converted after the demo. Now just want to try the Aero to see if I like it even more.
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
John Z. said:
Sounds like a serious case of racketolism. Reality is, aside from personal preferences, the best frame for your game will be the one you commit to.
Click to expand...

This would be true if all frames were created equally and had the exact same specs. Based on your statement if a beginner commits to at 12.5+ frame, their game would flourish, just because they committed to it. Even if they don't have the strength or skill to use it. And that Fed guy, heck, if he had stayed committed to his K90 he'd have the same results. The RF97 made no difference to his game.
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
el__zopilote said:
After demoing a Pure Drive last week and being amazed at the power of the thing, I am demoing the Pure Aero and Pure Aero Tour because like you, I tried them out of curiosity and didn't want to like them. Even the paint job on the aero looks like something out of Fast and Furious 8. But the thing is, I loved the Pure Drive. Absolutely loved it. I was converted after the demo. Now just want to try the Aero to see if I like it even more.
Click to expand...

I'd be curious to see which one you decide on. I liked the Pure Aero better.
 
F

fuzz nation

G.O.A.T.
asifallasleep said:
That's my fear but wondering if hybrid or full multi would take care of that issue. The Pure Aero didnt feel too bad with Hyper G.

There's a guy I hit with regularly and I rip shots with my RF97 and H19 that no one get's back and he just cranks them back like they are nothing at all. He uses the Pure Aero, which made me demo it after trying his.
When I was using his frame I could blow the ball past him, finally.

The pace with the Bab just seems unreal.
Click to expand...

Haven't read this entire thread yet, but I've always been a little leery of racquets like the Pure Drive. It seems to me that so many players feel like they need to string these sorts of frames with a poly or poly hybrid just to get them under control. If that's actually the case and not just hype, then the racquet is probably too powerful for that player. If it's a decent fit - for that player - then it ought to fundamentally work with just any string, including syn. gut or multifiber.

Even strung with softer strings, I can't get decent feel or performance out of these racquets - that's just personal preference. Plenty of folks enjoy them and that's great. As long as our gear doesn't hurt us, having frames that we can enjoy is a big plus.
 
haqq777

haqq777

Legend
I'm a former NCAA Division II player who still plays with college guys so I can see where you are coming from. I played with Babolats all through high school and college myself - for almost a decade. Played with different Pure Drives first and then switched to APD in sophomore year. All weighted up slightly. Nothing like these Babs for free everything. Late on footwork? No problem, still convert defense to offense. Spin? You can hit fuzz off the ball. Power? You can get away with almost every ill-conceived and badly executed ground stroke and get tons of power to redirect.

I however switched to softer racquets because I simply preferred them for comfort and feel (Angells, Prestiges, PK etc). Some racquets were even completly different end of the spectrum and I still enjoy them. It seems my preferences have changed over time. I prefer Angells because the ones I have give me ample power and comfort with a lot of feel. I sometimes even prefer my Pacific X-Feels which I believe have the lowest power among any racquet I have ever hit with. Sometimes its the Prestiges for that precision and control.

Now, I can still pick up my Babs and smack the hell off the ball. Infact, I played with it a few days back because it was in my bag. But fact of the matter is, my preference now is feel, precision and comfort which they lack. I look for best combination now which can improve game and provide me with that feedback I am looking for. If you have the right mechanics, which a 5.0 absolutely does, you should be able to find a stick in your wheelhouse that gets you best of everything without having to comprise for something. I don't get pushed with a 332/325/335 Angell TC100 or a 345/321/335 Prestige. Those are pretty normal and easy to handle specs in my opinion.
 
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J

John Z.

Semi-Pro
asifallasleep said:
This would be true if all frames were created equally and had the exact same specs. Based on your statement if a beginner commits to at 12.5+ frame, their game would flourish, just because they committed to it. Even if they don't have the strength or skill to use it. And that Fed guy, heck, if he had stayed committed to his K90 he'd have the same results. The RF97 made no difference to his game.
Click to expand...

Thought i'd state the obvious. As for any other free and unrequested advice, feel free to discard. Good luck with your quest...
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
haqq777 said:
I'm a former NCAA Division II player who still plays with college guys so I can see where you are coming from. I played with Babolats all through high school and college myself - for almost a decade. Played with different Pure Drives first and then switched to APD in sophomore year. All weighted up slightly. Nothing like these Babs for free everything. Late on footwork? No problem, still convert defense to offense. Spin? You can hit fuzz off the ball. Power? You can get away with almost every ill-conceived and badly executed ground stroke and get tons of power to redirect.

I however switched to softer racquets because I simply preferred them for comfort and feel (Angells, Prestiges, PK etc). Some racquets were even completly different end of the spectrum and I still enjoy them. It seems my preferences have changed over time. I prefer Angells because the ones I have give me ample power and comfort with a lot of feel. I sometimes even prefer my Pacific X-Feels which I believe have the lowest power among any racquet I have ever hit with. Sometimes its the Prestiges for that precision and control.

Now, I can still pick up my Babs and smack the hell off the ball. Infact, I played with it a few days back because it was in my bag. But fact of the matter is, my preference now is feel, precision and comfort which they lack. I look for best combination now which can improve game and provide me with that feedback I am looking for. If you have the right mechanics, which a 5.0 absolutely does, you should be able to find a stick in your wheelhouse that gets you best of everything without having to comprise for something. I don't get pushed with a 332/325/335 Angell TC100 or a 345/321/335 Prestige. Those are pretty normal and easy to handle specs in my opinion.
Click to expand...


Thanks for your insight. Do you feel that your game is at the same level when playing with the Bab or the Angell? Are you working harder with the Angell, or is your game at a level where the frame has minimum impact?

I do feel that my H19's in the long run would keep my game honest and make me better and better as mechanically I'd have to always remain strong. Another fear with the Bab is that I'd get sloppy and just start flailing away cus I could get away with so much stuff.
 
haqq777

haqq777

Legend
asifallasleep said:
Thanks for your insight. Do you feel that your game is at the same level when playing with the Bab or the Angell? Are you working harder with the Angell, or is your game at a level where the frame has minimum impact?

I do feel that my H19's in the long run would keep my game honest and make me better and better as mechanically I'd have to always remain strong. Another fear with the Bab is that I'd get sloppy and just start flailing away cus I could get away with so much stuff.
Click to expand...
To be honest, I get ample power from the TC100 and I am pretty satisfied with the setup on those I have at the moment. I think switching to a Babolat will not make much of a difference for me at this point as I still move good, have clean contact and can grind out points if needed. Maybe when I am older, that extra bit of power of the Babs might look more enticing. With the Prestiges or the other traditional sticks I have however, yes most definitely I have to work harder for point construction especially if it is versus a top level player. The tweener power of the Bab is a real force and traditional sticks lack that power/spin potential in my opinion even after weighting them up. But coming back to the TC100, that already is a modern feeling and crisp playing frame - and very different from a traditional feeling racquet. It can hold its own against any Babolat for me. Not saying it would for everyone but for me, it works very well. I have both the 63 and 70 RA versions but mainly play with 63RA.

H19 you have are beautiful sticks. I saw the pictures. And absolutely! After a certain point, free power can start becoming a crutch, like you rightly mentioned. In the end, matter of how you balance it out. For me arm comfort and health is priority and even though I have not had TE or GE with those Babs, it can sneak up even on the best of players. I hit with a guy who had recently graduated and had got a job as asst coach for a pretty big and high ranked college. He told me he got wrist issues with PA after a few months of playing and he has the most beautiful and clean strokes I have seen. Defintely not a technique issue. I would be careful of that too. All that power and spin might come at a cost too.

Anyway, best of luck! Hope you find the right stick for you.
 
D

Deleted member 54265

Guest
What about the Pure Strike, how does that frame fit in between the PD and the PA. Dominique Thiem seem to hit a lot of RPM with a 18x20 Pure Strike.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
asifallasleep said:
That's my fear but wondering if hybrid or full multi would take care of that issue. The Pure Aero didnt feel too bad with Hyper G.

There's a guy I hit with regularly and I rip shots with my RF97 and H19 that no one get's back and he just cranks them back like they are nothing at all. He uses the Pure Aero, which made me demo it after trying his.
When I was using his frame I could blow the ball past him, finally.

The pace with the Bab just seems unreal.
Click to expand...

Try the pure aero plus and use a soft poly like RSLyon. You will be hooked. Ive been using it all year and have no real desire to change, besides fleeting interest in the pure drive. Currently have soft, amazing feeling, old school frames in my closet collecting dust.

The PA+ is an insane unfair advantage in terms of pace/spin.

Never had a hint of arm pain. I string at 52 and believe round , soft poly is the way to go.
 
A

Attila_the_gorilla

Guest
el__zopilote said:
Pure Drive vs. Pure Aero, what's the difference in feel? Specs are so damn close.
Click to expand...

I've been experimenting with the Aero Pro drive, which is the same mold as the Pure Aero. I found that its throat shape lends itself to more vertical swings. So you'll naturally tend to hit with more spin than with other rackets. Whereas the Pure Drive has a traditional shaped throat which feels quicker when you're trying to flatten out your shots.
 
asifallasleep

asifallasleep

Hall of Fame
haqq777 said:
To be honest, I get ample power from the TC100 and I am pretty satisfied with the setup on those I have at the moment. I think switching to a Babolat will not make much of a difference for me at this point as I still move good, have clean contact and can grind out points if needed. Maybe when I am older, that extra bit of power of the Babs might look more enticing. With the Prestiges or the other traditional sticks I have however, yes most definitely I have to work harder for point construction especially if it is versus a top level player. The tweener power of the Bab is a real force and traditional sticks lack that power/spin potential in my opinion even after weighting them up. But coming back to the TC100, that already is a modern feeling and crisp playing frame - and very different from a traditional feeling racquet. It can hold its own against any Babolat for me. Not saying it would for everyone but for me, it works very well. I have both the 63 and 70 RA versions but mainly play with 63RA.

H19 you have are beautiful sticks. I saw the pictures. And absolutely! After a certain point, free power can start becoming a crutch, like you rightly mentioned. In the end, matter of how you balance it out. For me arm comfort and health is priority and even though I have not had TE or GE with those Babs, it can sneak up even on the best of players. I hit with a guy who had recently graduated and had got a job as asst coach for a pretty big and high ranked college. He told me he got wrist issues with PA after a few months of playing and he has the most beautiful and clean strokes I have seen. Defintely not a technique issue. I would be careful of that too. All that power and spin might come at a cost too.

Anyway, best of luck! Hope you find the right stick for you.
Click to expand...


Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm so on the fence. There's nothing like the feel of cranking a winner with a player's stick. What I told my friend is that I play soooo well with the Bab but i love the feel of my Wilson, and i'm not too shabby with that either.
 
prjacobs

prjacobs

Hall of Fame
I had no business being in a 5.0 league and made the playoffs with my leaded, tail weighted 2103 APD. Personally, I think the APD is way better than the Pure Aero. I sold mine after a few months. I developed wrist pain with the PA, something I've never had. I went from a 12.2 ounce Head MGRadPro to the APD and it's just so easy to play with, it feels like cheating. I haven't had any arm issues with it, but many people do. I think people with better games have less trouble because they swing correctly. They also serve incredibly. I didn't find the newest Pure Strike to be in the same class as the APD or Pure Aero. As someone else on the forum said, they make your game dangerous.


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Faris

Faris

Professional
oh man, nothing beats free power from the Pure aero..but it most definitely creates victims out of us lowly 4.0-4.5 mortals...i had to let it go because it hurt my arm...wrist first and then when i tried modding with weights, it got my shoulder...probably my own doing but i know so many guys who could absolutely whack the ball but got hurt later on down the line....so yeah, its free power and make you feel king of the court but just be careful that you keep arm healthy!! Pretty addictive power though no doubt..
 
haqq777

haqq777

Legend
Power Player said:
Try the pure aero plus and use a soft poly like RSLyon. You will be hooked. Ive been using it all year and have no real desire to change, besides fleeting interest in the pure drive. Currently have soft, amazing feeling, old school frames in my closet collecting dust.

The PA+ is an insane unfair advantage in terms of pace/spin.

Never had a hint of arm pain. I string at 52 and believe round , soft poly is the way to go.
Click to expand...
I remember your posts about PA+ earlier, PP. Always think about trying the extended length after reading your posts (and STW's also). Just need to pull the plug one of these days and try atleast, lol.
 
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