Bonjour from Babolat: Part Trois

Geoff

Hall of Fame
I can’t remember all the colors that they offered but I seem to remember some muted colors as opposed to the more popular fluorescent colors that are popular today.
 

vsbabolat

G.O.A.T.
I can’t remember all the colors that they offered but I seem to remember some muted colors as opposed to the more popular fluorescent colors that are popular today.
I remember there was brown, blue, black, grey, salmon. My personally favorite was salmon gripsy
 

Geoff

Hall of Fame
I remember there was brown, blue, black, grey, salmon. My personally favorite was salmon gripsy
Great memory! I remember using the brown on my Prince Borons. When I was with Prince in the 1980's my rep was very good to me!
 
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Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
@Nostradamus The 2013 head guard does not fit the 2018 model due to the new spacing in the string pattern (FSI Power technology).
So I playtested the Demo of 2018 Pure drive plus 2 times so far, I am noticing significantly lower power level than the previous Pure drive plus models. Was this done intentionally or is it something else ?
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Awesome to hear! Which hybrid did you switch to?
Mr. Babolat,,, CONGRATULATIONS on receiving TENNIS magazine's Editor's choice award for Pure Drive 2018 model. Magazine was raving about the improvements on the frame.

Anyway, I checked with 2 of the local pros that owns shops and they are telling me that these new 2018 Pure drives are flying off the shelf,,, they can't keep enough in stock, it is so popular. and what is surprising is that NEW 2018 Pure Drive Plus is also selling very very well. in the past, these shops told me that Plus versions just didn't sell as well as the Standard length pure drives. But now with lower Swingweight, Plus models has also become really popular among the amateurs and it is selling very quickly.

Anyway, Congratulations.
 
TENNIS magazine's Editor's choice award for Pure Drive 2018 model.

Link to that announcement Please?

(Another racquet got 2018 Editor's Choice for Player's Racquet of the Year. That announcement is all over the Internet. But I don't see any reference to any Pure Drive awards.)
 
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dnguyen

Hall of Fame
Bonjour, why don’t ask babalot to start producing small head sized racquets like 90 - 95 like the phantom 93P.
 

Shadowcash

New User
Hello, mr. Babolat?
What happened with Pure Aero Play model? In last month this racket disappeared from shelves of the stores. Even from tennis-warehouse too.
Will be update line?

Thank you fo reply!
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Hi Michael,

I looked at the photo, and have no idea what that is either. I sent an email to our tour player manager and I will let you know what I find out.

-Josh
Where is Mr. Babolat. These new 2018 Pure Drive and Pure Drive plus is selling like Hotcakes since the swing weight has been lowered and frame made more maneuverable.
 

Shadowcash

New User
Let me update this thread and repeat my question regards Babolat Pure Aero Play.

"Hello, mr. Babolat?
What happened with Pure Aero Play model? In last month this racket disappeared from shelves of the stores. Even from tennis-warehouse too.
Will be update line?
Thank you fo reply!"


For me it is a very strange case. All european dealers of Babolat informed that Play series was discontinued and on their stock remain only few ones pieces with small grips (2,3). However, on official Babolat site Pure Aero Play stays in actual line. No anything comments, no insiders rumours. Just a total silence.

Maybe anybody knows anythin about that? Thank you in advance!
 

KluddKalle

Semi-Pro
Let me update this thread and repeat my question regards Babolat Pure Aero Play.

"Hello, mr. Babolat?
What happened with Pure Aero Play model? In last month this racket disappeared from shelves of the stores. Even from tennis-warehouse too.
Will be update line?
Thank you fo reply!"


For me it is a very strange case. All european dealers of Babolat informed that Play series was discontinued and on their stock remain only few ones pieces with small grips (2,3). However, on official Babolat site Pure Aero Play stays in actual line. No anything comments, no insiders rumours. Just a total silence.

Maybe anybody knows anythin about that? Thank you in advance!

My guess is that it has something to do with a stand alone sensor they’ll put out this year that fits where the trap door is in the buttcap.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Mr. Babolat,,, CONGRATULATIONS on receiving TENNIS magazine's Editor's choice award for Pure Drive 2018 model. Magazine was raving about the improvements on the frame.

Anyway, I checked with 2 of the local pros that owns shops and they are telling me that these new 2018 Pure drives are flying off the shelf,,, they can't keep enough in stock, it is so popular. and what is surprising is that NEW 2018 Pure Drive Plus is also selling very very well. in the past, these shops told me that Plus versions just didn't sell as well as the Standard length pure drives. But now with lower Swingweight, Plus models has also become really popular among the amateurs and it is selling very quickly.

Anyway, Congratulations.

@Nostradamus Thank you for your comments and we apologize we stepped away for a few days! The Pure Drive has been receiving great reviews since it's launch and we are really proud of the versatility it offers all players. Definitely a winner!
 

@Babolat Official, Excellent Stuff. Thank you for that. A glowing review for a fantastic product. Though I'm more of an AeroPro Drive fan myself.

I'm chuckling at the "Extremely Stiff" Flexibility Rating. Extremely Stiff compared to what? A 1960's woodie maybe?

"That said, when contact was in the sweet spot, it felt remarkably solid".

And therein is the key to Babolat Pure Drive. I see a lot of players with great stroke technique who have used PDs for years and never had an issue with them, even when using Poly at mid to high tensions.(And a bit of extra weight in the right places helps too.)

Thanks Again and Keep up the Great Work.
 
@Babolat Official - any chance they’ll tighten up the string pattern on the Pure Aero? Thanks

Already have, haven't they ... it's called the Pure Aero VS. The 16x20 pattern is tighter than the stock PA 16x19 pattern.

Otherwise, consider going back a generation to the 2013 AeroPro Drive.

Saying that, I would not be the least bit surprised if the next gen Pure Aero goes back to the 2013 APD pattern or some sort of modified FST pattern. We'll just have to wait and see.
 

TennisHound

Legend
Already have, haven't they ... it's called the Pure Aero VS. The 16x20 pattern is tighter than the stock PA 16x19 pattern.
Are you kidding me?! A “Hall of Fame” poster that doesn’t know the difference between the PA VS and the PA?! Wow. Just Wow.

Next thing you tell me is that the old Pure Storm Limited GT was really just a Red APD.
 
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Are you kidding me?! A “Hall of Fame” poster that doesn’t know the difference between the PA VS and the PA?! Wow. Just Wow.

In the hands of a "Hall of Fame" PLAYER, the PA VS is a MUCH BETTER racquet than the PA. The PA is a "racqet for the masses". It is like a V8 Sedan car.
The PA VS and the 2013 APD are like High Performance Sports Cars. In normal hands they work quite well, but in the hands of a great driver, they shine.

I have seen a lot of players who migrated from 2013 APDs to PAs. It wasn't long before they ditched the PA and either moved back to their APDs or PA VS or something else a lot more control oriented.

The reason why Babolat introduced the PA VS well after the PA release should be pretty obvious.
 

TennisHound

Legend
In the hands of a "Hall of Fame" PLAYER, the PA VS is a MUCH BETTER racquet than the PA. The PA is a "racqet for the masses". It is like a V8 Sedan car.
The PA VS and the 2013 APD are like High Performance Sports Cars. In normal hands they work quite well, but in the hands of a great driver, they shine.

I have seen a lot of players who migrated from 2013 APDs to PAs. It wasn't long before they ditched the PA and either moved back to their APDs or PA VS or something else a lot more control oriented.

The reason why Babolat introduced the PA VS well after the PA release should be pretty obvious.
The point is, the PA VS is a totally different racquet than the PA and the APD (I can’t believe I have to state that). So the answer is “No, Babolat hasn’t tightened up the string pattern on the PA.” - which is what I stated earlier. Dude, if you love the PA VS then just tell yourself that it’s a tight patterned PA and be happy in your delusion.

Now back to reality. The PA is a great racquet For the masses, but the “Spin effect” racquets are on the way out. The PA was obviously made to be a middleoftheroad spin racquet with its extra open string pattern.

But It could be close to perfect with an APD string pattern (and no, the PA VS is not the answer). The masses would love it and the pros already love it (APD pjs).
 
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The point is, the PA VS is a totally different racquet than the PA and the APD (I can’t believe I have to state that). So the answer is “No, Babolat hasn’t tightened up the string pattern on the PA.” - which is what I stated earlier. Dude, if you love the PA VS then just tell yourself that it’s a tight patterned PA and be happy in your delusion.

Now back to reality. The PA is a great racquet For the masses, but the “Spin effect” racquets are on the way out. The PA was obviously made to be a middleoftheroad spin racquet with its extra open string pattern.

But It could be close to perfect with an APD string pattern (and no, the PA VS is not the answer). The masses would love it and the pros already love it (APD pjs).

I think you have confused yourself and actually strayed away from the initial discussion. Anyway, all the best to you :)
 

TennisHound

Legend
I think you have confused yourself and actually strayed away from the initial discussion. Anyway, all the best to you :)
Look, the point is that the Pure Aero's string pattern is too wide. If it was tightened up just slightly (similar to the APD) it would be the best 100" racquet available today (IMO). The PA VS is not even remotely like the Pure Aero. This argument from you confused and derailed my comment to @Babolat Official.
 

g4driver

Legend
Perhaps the next generation Pure Aero will have a 16x20 or 18x19 pattern :rolleyes:

Yuck on tighter patterns for me. [emoji23]

The current Pure Aero is the only Babolat Frame that provides the pop, spin and arm forgiveness (darn that PD RDC Flex) that my elbow likes.

When price drops to $179ish , I will be buying four matched PA pluses.

But Babolat can always do the same genius marketing with 16x19 and 18x20 patterns like they do with the Pure Strike. Why not sell the PA frame to two crowds..those that like more open and those that want a tighter pattern? Babolat gets it. They are a tennis only company and do a great job of accepting inputs.

Wish there was 67 RDC 16x19 Pure Drive Plus.. A guy can dream can't he ? [emoji4]
 

El_Yotamo

Hall of Fame
(I actually made a thread on this but since I've hardly gotten any answers I'll post my question here) @Babolat Official

How would you compare the different colors of RPM Blast Rough? Mainly how would you compare the red to the yellow? I'm wondering because many strings play differently at different colors so I was thinking it's likely this string works like that as well. Thanks! :)
 

g4driver

Legend
@TennisHound they are still developing prototypes for the next Aero and I know more stability and control is being heavily discussed. Other than that, I do not have any further specifics, sorry!

There seems to be a lot of request of a tighter string pattern on the Pure Aero, but I am not in that camp. I love my Pure Aeros as is. The frame is uber stabile with a leather grip and weighted up to 340 grams. But I have never been one to follow a crowd and certainly not but products based off endorsements. I carried Wilson frames in a Babolat bag for years as the bag was nicer than anyone else's.

I doubt Babolat will release sale figures on here but doesn't one trade group publish the number of frames sold and a top ten list? I know i have seen this list a few times and the AeroPro Drive was number 1 in each of those lists.

If the Pure Aero sales slide well south of the APD numbers, of course we can expect a change. But I sure seem to see a lot of Pure Aeros our there from 3.0 women to 5.0 men, so I am curious where the Pure Aero ranks. I can't imagine the sales are that much lower.

One thing the APD didn't compete with was a 2017 Pure Strike. I would imagine the 2017 line of Pure Strikes cannibalized some sales from the Pure Aeros. I know I bought two Pure Strikes before selling them and buying Pure Aeros.

Perhaps TW would tell us their top three racquet sales.
 

g4driver

Legend
Yep, They only need to make slight changes, nothing crazy. The PA only needs a slightly closer string pattern, not extreme.

That makes sense. Love the way the current frame plays at 12 oz / 340 grams and 335 swing weight.

I personally like the pattern, but won't freak out if it is slightly tighter.
 

TennisHound

Legend
The reason the PD and APD have been so popular is because Babolat has made slight updates and revisions over time. Other companies like Head, tried to reinvent the wheel (with Graphene) and have damaged their customer base.
 
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