Bonjour from Babolat: Part Trois

Thank you. I think TW strings the demos with either all poly or all multi. Anyway, about 3-4 days ago, TW and other online sellers had Pure Aero plus with spec in their website but I noticed next day, it was all taken off the website. This was kind of strange. Did Babolat tell them to take it off the website til the date of release ?
Have y'all not heard of a littl' thang called screen shot?
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Hi Nostradamus,

Yes, I believe they had the info up a little early. We ask that the info is not posted any earlier than a week before the launch date, so you should see it back up in a day or two I imagine.

-Josh
I had no idea the 2018 Pure drive Plus had such moderate swing weight of 325. Flex Rating 70 Range: 0-100, Swing Weight325 Range: 200-400. that is Great, I might switch to that. But why didn't Babolat make the Pure Aero Plus with same swing weight ? they are both plus versions and latest models. I think the pure Aero 2019 plus would have been even better with SW of 325 instead of 330.
 
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Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Hi Nostradamus,

As far as any playtests go, we usually do a hybrid of an RPM family string (RPM, RPM Team or RPM Rough) with either Excel or Origin. Demos will be strung by the dealer you demo from since we don't stock pre-strung versions of our premium racquets in the US.

-Josh

Congratulations, it seems like TW playtester all loved the new pure Aero plus 2019, you seem to have a winner here. and most other sites love the frame as well, it seems. Usually great review like this one from TW guys means hot selling racket. Great job. I still wish the SW was little lower around 325......LOL

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Aero_Plus_2019/descpageRCBAB-BPAPR.html
 

JG0185

New User
Congratulations, it seems like TW playtester all loved the new pure Aero plus 2019, you seem to have a winner here. and most other sites love the frame as well, it seems. Usually great review like this one from TW guys means hot selling racket. Great job. I still wish the SW was little lower around 325......LOL

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Aero_Plus_2019/descpageRCBAB-BPAPR.html
You will not notice the difference from a 325 to 330 SW. Generally frames have a ±5 grams difference so you may get one around 325 as frames vary in specs due to inconsistency in graphite application.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
You will not notice the difference from a 325 to 330 SW. Generally frames have a ±5 grams difference so you may get one around 325 as frames vary in specs due to inconsistency in graphite application.
You may not notice, but I do notice. I am extremely sensitive to minute changes. I can notice as little as 3 points in difference in SW. You can take 100 rackets and pick out the one with lowest SW, I suppose and get the one close to 325 since babolat has so much variance in weight and SW in the rackets.
 
Hello "Babolat" !!! Really need your help... Finally THE Babolat racquet I've been waiting for will hit she shelves... A thinner and smaller Pure Drive... VERY light, however... And that's why I need help from you... Should I just go ahead and buy this one (I need at least 4 frames) and tweak it up to Pure Drive Tour specs? Or should I wait for the Pure Drive VS TOUR (if there is such a racquet soon to be released) ???? THANKS in advance !!!!!
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Hi Dags,

This is the correct sku, and I am not aware of any update to the grommets, or any plans for an update.

-Josh
Mr. babolat. one question. Would the headguard that is bit skinnier that is on 2018 Pure drive plus fit into the new 2019 Pure Aero plus rackets ? I am trying to reduce some more weight in the head of 2019 pure aero plus and I thought that headguard from pure drive might do just that.

Also again Congrat on making a Great racket in new Pure Aero plus 2019 rackets. Overall, it is a great racket that does almost everything well, insane spin, penetrating groundies. but little bit slower at net that 2018 pure drive plus due to slightly higher SW. but overall, this is seriously great racket
 

JG0185

New User
Mr. babolat. one question. Would the headguard that is bit skinnier that is on 2018 Pure drive plus fit into the new 2019 Pure Aero plus rackets ? I am trying to reduce some more weight in the head of 2019 pure aero plus and I thought that headguard from pure drive might do just that.

Also again Congrat on making a Great racket in new Pure Aero plus 2019 rackets. Overall, it is a great racket that does almost everything well, insane spin, penetrating groundies. but little bit slower at net that 2018 pure drive plus due to slightly higher SW. but overall, this is seriously great racket

No, The grommet sets are different and will not fit... Try replacing the synthetic grip to a thinner and lighter one: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Tourna_Pro_Thin_Replacement_Grip_Black/descpageUNIQUE-UTPTRG.html, an 18-17 G string (less weight compared to a 16G) and use a thin overgrip like tourna grip XL with no dampener. That's pretty much all i can think of to lower the specs.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
No, The grommet sets are different and will not fit... Try replacing the synthetic grip to a thinner and lighter one: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Tourna_Pro_Thin_Replacement_Grip_Black/descpageUNIQUE-UTPTRG.html, an 18-17 G string (less weight compared to a 16G) and use a thin overgrip like tourna grip XL with no dampener. That's pretty much all i can think of to lower the specs.
I need it to become more head light and need to take off weight off the Head not the handle. That head guard and grommets look very similar to pure drives, are you sure it won't fit ?
 

JG0185

New User
I need it to become more head light and need to take off weight off the Head not the handle. That head guard and grommets look very similar to pure drives, are you sure it won't fit ?

Yes it wont unfortunately, maneuverability will allow you to swing the racquet easier especially at net. In order to increase maneuverability i suggest you do the things i've mentioned. HL can only be increased by either adding a leather grip (which adds more weight but increases HL balance to + 2 pts) or adding lead (even more weight) to shift the weight distribution which is something you would find challenging to handle.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Yes it wont unfortunately, maneuverability will allow you to swing the racquet easier especially at net. In order to increase maneuverability i suggest you do the things i've mentioned. HL can only be increased by either adding a leather grip (which adds more weight but increases HL balance to + 2 pts) or adding lead (even more weight) to shift the weight distribution which is something you would find challenging to handle.
why did they make the grommet different so I can't change the headguard ? that is weird. these headguards should be interchangeble
 
@Nostradamus, remove the head-guards altogether. Tube all the strings. That will certainly reduce the static weight of the hoop and racquet, reduce the swing weight, and make the racquet a lot more Head light.

The only downside, you have less protection for the frame and strings from scrapes etc. (Perhaps using a very light weight protection tape might help there.)
 

JG0185

New User
why did they make the grommet different so I can't change the headguard ? that is weird. these headguards should be interchangeble
Sorry i thought you were talking about grommets not the head guard my apologies. And Yes, you can to swap the head guard and the grommets however, that is alot of effort just to reduce your SW from 330 to 325. I would recommend changing your replacement grip to the one mentioned and use and 18G string and dont use a Vibration Dampener . Happy hitting :)
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Sorry i thought you were talking about grommets not the head guard my apologies. And Yes, you can to swap the head guard and the grommets however, that is alot of effort just to reduce your SW from 330 to 325. I would recommend changing your replacement grip to the one mentioned and use and 18G string and dont use a Vibration Dampener . Happy hitting :)
I think with slightly less swingweight by swapping out the head guard, this racket could be perfection. It does everything really well, except at net with doubles fast volley exchages with all 4 guys at net. Plus it was bit slow on the 1-handed backhand when my opponent hit a big forehand with ton of pace inside out to that side. All of these could be alleviated by slightly less SW.
 
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Deleted member 19728

Guest
Played with the new pure aero plus....overall solid raquet and I like the hoop, but it is a little unstable compared to the model two generations before....light years better than the last model....my final take in the the thing is this.... dear Babolat for the love of god do not listen to fedace’s constant whining about swing weight needing to be lower. I think I need to add lead to mine and if you drop the swing weight even further stability is only going to continue to suffer. The feel is nice in the current model and it pockets well, but the lower swing weight than my other models makes it less stable....listening to fedace is a good way to make this raquet unusable junk.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Mr. babolat. Above poster has no clue what he is talking about. 2019 Pure aero Plus has high twist weight so it is incredibly Stable even on off center hits way off the sweet spot. I also felt this when I was hitting volleys that was off center on backhands that was hit off center went Deep and accurate due to high twist weight of the frame
 
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Deleted member 19728

Guest
Mr. babolat. Above poster has no clue what he is talking about. 2019 Pure aero Plus has high twist weight so it is incredibly Stable even on off center hits way off the sweet spot. I also felt this when I was hitting volleys that was off center on backhands that was hit off center went Deep and accurate due to high twist weight of the frame

Sorry unlike you, I have actually played with the racquet after it showed up last night from my preorder. I question at times if you have ever played tennis whatsoever or just enjoy trolling....If they ever made your precious low swing weight pure aero plus, I am sure it would never make it past the play testers. When the pace began to pick up, the current model is unstable in stock form. I am going to add 5 grams of weight to head to add stability and go from there. You can resume trolling for the racquet Babolat will never make....
 
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Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
You may not notice, but I do notice. I am extremely sensitive to minute changes. I can notice as little as 3 points in difference in SW. You can take 100 rackets and pick out the one with lowest SW, I suppose and get the one close to 325 since babolat has so much variance in weight and SW in the rackets.

Can you post your blinded testing that proved this claim you make. Unless you are a robot I highly doubt a) you can notice such a slight difference and b) that it would make any difference in your game. Many people on this board seem to have inflated opinions of their sensory abilities much like wine tasters.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Can you post your blinded testing that proved this claim you make. Unless you are a robot I highly doubt a) you can notice such a slight difference and b) that it would make any difference in your game. Many people on this board seem to have inflated opinions of their sensory abilities much like wine tasters.
Yes I can but more importantly, Specs are already out there. SW of 330 with fairly high Twist weight as well gives you Extremely stable head and on impact. It is a Scientific fact. That is why I say, Babolat can go down on SW some like 4-5 points and still have the extremely stable head on impact on this 2019 Pure Aero Plus racket.
 

am1899

Legend
Yes I can but more importantly, Specs are already out there. SW of 330 with fairly high Twist weight as well gives you Extremely stable head and on impact. It is a Scientific fact. That is why I say, Babolat can go down on SW some like 4-5 points and still have the extremely stable head on impact on this 2019 Pure Aero Plus racket.

nzu2igx.jpg
 

JG0185

New User
Yes I can but more importantly, Specs are already out there. SW of 330 with fairly high Twist weight as well gives you Extremely stable head and on impact. It is a Scientific fact. That is why I say, Babolat can go down on SW some like 4-5 points and still have the extremely stable head on impact on this 2019 Pure Aero Plus racket.
Nostradamus, What is your current racquet of choice? Is it extended in length. Most extended length have a SW around 330-340.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Nostradamus, What is your current racquet of choice? Is it extended in length. Most extended length have a SW around 330-340.
Babolat pure drive plus 2018 with SW of 325. Also Aeropro drive Plus 2013 had SW of 323. and yes extended length rackets can have SW of 325 or below and be GREAT rackets, and they need to make more of these.
 
In other words, beliefs, assertions, feelings, etc. do not equate to scientific facts.

With regards to all tennis equipment there is only ONE SCIENTIFIC FACT THAT IS PERTINENT.

Does using it help you to WIN MORE TENNIS MATCHES?

That is the only thing that is important IMO.

:)
 
D

Deleted member 19728

Guest
Yes I can but more importantly, Specs are already out there. SW of 330 with fairly high Twist weight as well gives you Extremely stable head and on impact. It is a Scientific fact. That is why I say, Babolat can go down on SW some like 4-5 points and still have the extremely stable head on impact on this 2019 Pure Aero Plus racket.

Fedace,
Where exactly is this phantom stability coming from if you drop the SW from 330 to 320? "Scientific fact" right lololol oh lerdz you trolling is so epic....if there was a troll hall of fame you would be inducted in the first class. If you think the current pure aero plus is the most stable racquet ever created, you must be hitting against five year olds...try hitting with a KPS88 and learn what mass can do for stability and plow...turning the Pure aero plus into a granny stick will be no improvement if you are playing against anyone with reasonably developed strokes....2021 babolat pure aero now with extra science....
 

Harry_Wild

G.O.A.T.
Any chance of a bigger backpack for the Pure Aero in mustard yellow like that of the coach’s version or a 3 pack racquet bag? The 6 racquet size do not fit the new style locker in fitness clubs. They are to wide. Plus it looks silly to be carrying two racquets in a 6 size racquet bag. The Babolat backpack is really smallish in size. Does not have a lot of space for anything other then a t-shirt, shorts and a single can of balls since the shoe take around 60% of the volume inside the main storage compartment.
 
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Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Any chance of a bigger backpack for the Pure Aero in mustard yellow like that of the coach’s version or a 3 pack racquet bag? The 6 racquet size do not fit the new style locker in fitness clubs. They are to wide. Plus it looks silly to be carrying two racquets in a 6 size racquet bag. The Babolat backpack is really smallish in size. Does not have a lot of space for anything other then a t-shirt, shorts and a single can of balls since the shoe take around 60% of the volume inside the main storage compartment.

Hi Harry,

Unfortunately, no, there are no plans for a larger backpack or a three pack in the yellow at this time. We only make a Pure Line 3 pack in the black/grey/silver, and the larger backpack we have is the Team line maxi backpack in black. Sorry! I will pass your feedback along to the product team in France though. Thanks!

-Josh
 

Harry_Wild

G.O.A.T.
Hi Harry,

Unfortunately, no, there are no plans for a larger backpack or a three pack in the yellow at this time. We only make a Pure Line 3 pack in the black/grey/silver, and the larger backpack we have is the Team line maxi backpack in black. Sorry! I will pass your feedback along to the product team in France though. Thanks!

-Josh

Josh,

Babolat Pure Aero owners will have to buy something to meet their needs and may not be Babolat racquet color or branded. It a poor decision not to shore up the missing 3 bag size racquet bag for new Pure Aero racquet. Since Babolat has the 3 bag in Pure Drive, it just adding a new color and producing this size bag. Babolat not very competitive in terms of matching their customers needs at the player level who are transition from college or pro level to part time USTA or teaching pro level. Not many players will carry a 6-racquet bag around that is empty inside either.

Thanks Josh
 
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Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
With regards to all tennis equipment there is only ONE SCIENTIFIC FACT THAT IS PERTINENT.

Does using it help you to WIN MORE TENNIS MATCHES?

That is the only thing that is important IMO.

:)

That's how lots of people end up with tennis elbow.

There is only one important thing for a recreational player's equipment: Will it prevent or contribute to injury?

Performance is always secondary to comfort if you are a rec player. If someone is paying you millions of dollars to win then sacrifice your health all you want. Otherwise be smart and make sure the setup isn't overly harsh.
 
That's how lots of people end up with tennis elbow.

There is only one important thing for a recreational player's equipment: Will it prevent or contribute to injury?

Performance is always secondary to comfort if you are a rec player. If someone is paying you millions of dollars to win then sacrifice your health all you want. Otherwise be smart and make sure the setup isn't overly harsh.

How many tennis matches are you going to win if you have tennis elbow or tennis related arm injuries? In my book, not too many.

I don't treat "performance" and "comfort" as conflicting aspects. I don't know of too many players that can perform well when they are uncomfortable.

Most Rec tennis players play to have "fun". Winning is a lot more "fun" than losing is. (to paraphrase Brad Gilbert).
 

netlets

Professional
Hi Netlets,

There will be a 9-pack bag to accompany the Pure Drive VS racquets. It will launch in mid-February.

-Josh

thanks, Josh! Interesting only the 9 - colors the same as the racquet I assume? Wonder why just the 9. I'm going to hit with it tonight - excited to see how it plays.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
thanks, Josh! Interesting only the 9 - colors the same as the racquet I assume? Wonder why just the 9. I'm going to hit with it tonight - excited to see how it plays.

That is a great question! I don't know why just a 9 racquet bag. I understand the need to keep the offering small since there is only one racquet, but I don't know how they decided on the 9 pack to be honest. And yes, it will have a color scheme to match the racquets. Let us know what you think of the racquets. I'm excited to hit them too once I can get back on court. I have a feeling it will be the racquet I've been looking for. Enjoy!

-Josh
 

netlets

Professional
I really enjoyed hitting with the Pure Drive VS tonight. I strung it up with Solinco Tour Bite 16L at 48lbs. I am a 5.0 player with a semi-western forehand and a two handed backhand. I've used the Pure Drive in all of it's iterations since 2003. I felt like I could generate more racquet head speed than the PD even though it is a bit heavier, maybe because it is thinner. I had better feel with it as well. If I caught the ball behind me I didn't have the power of the PD to compensate, so I'll have to get used to that when I'm on the defensive. The PD is a more powerful stick, but the PDVS is better for groundies and volleys (more maneuverable) and on the serve - easier to generate racquet head speed for my topspin serve. It lacks the real easy power of the PD, but has plenty of power, is less stiff, and has better feel. I've used it on two separate occasions now. I really like the way the ball flew off my racquet when I knifed a backhand slice.
 

Jster

Professional
I need it to become more head light and need to take off weight off the Head not the handle. That head guard and grommets look very similar to pure drives, are you sure it won't fit ?

They won't fit.
You can try to weight the grommets before buying before changing them. I am sure every set of grommets weights differently
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
I really enjoyed hitting with the Pure Drive VS tonight. I strung it up with Solinco Tour Bite 16L at 48lbs. I am a 5.0 player with a semi-western forehand and a two handed backhand. I've used the Pure Drive in all of it's iterations since 2003. I felt like I could generate more racquet head speed than the PD even though it is a bit heavier, maybe because it is thinner. I had better feel with it as well. If I caught the ball behind me I didn't have the power of the PD to compensate, so I'll have to get used to that when I'm on the defensive. The PD is a more powerful stick, but the PDVS is better for groundies and volleys (more maneuverable) and on the serve - easier to generate racquet head speed for my topspin serve. It lacks the real easy power of the PD, but has plenty of power, is less stiff, and has better feel. I've used it on two separate occasions now. I really like the way the ball flew off my racquet when I knifed a backhand slice.

I'm so glad to hear it! This seems to be the feedback I've been getting on this frame as well, and why I'm excited for it. Similar to a PD overall, just a little less power and more feel. Hope it keeps working for you!

-Josh
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
They won't fit.
You can try to weight the grommets before buying before changing them. I am sure every set of grommets weights differently
I was told by another poster that the Headguard for the 2019 Pure aero plus will be able to change into headguard from pure drive 2018. Grommet can stay the same, I only need the headguard changed. What do you think Babolat Official ?
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
I was told by another poster that the Headguard for the 2019 Pure aero plus will be able to change into headguard from pure drive 2018. Grommet can stay the same, I only need the headguard changed. What do you think Babolat Official ?

Hi Nostradamus,

Unfortunately, the parts are not interchangeable. Not only do the holes not match, but the Pure Drive bumper is a little bit longer, and is actually 0.4 grams heavier than the bumper for the Pure Aero (8.5 vs 8.1 g).

-Josh
 

Pleb123

Semi-Pro
I'm so glad to hear it! This seems to be the feedback I've been getting on this frame as well, and why I'm excited for it. Similar to a PD overall, just a little less power and more feel. Hope it keeps working for you!

-Josh
Hi Josh,

do you know of any plans for an extended length PD VS, as with the PD.
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Hi Nostradamus,

Unfortunately, the parts are not interchangeable. Not only do the holes not match, but the Pure Drive bumper is a little bit longer, and is actually 0.4 grams heavier than the bumper for the Pure Aero (8.5 vs 8.1 g).

-Josh
Thank you. Why did you guys make the Pure aero plus 2019, more heavy ? 11.2 OZ instead of 11.1 OZ ? I think that is why SW is slightly heavier at 330. is there any other way to take off little weight off the head ?
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Thank you. Why did you guys make the Pure aero plus 2019, more heavy ? 11.2 OZ instead of 11.1 OZ ? I think that is why SW is slightly heavier at 330. is there any other way to take off little weight off the head ?

Hi Nostradamus,

The target unstrung weight of the PA+ is 10.6 ounces, +/- .246 ounces. I presume the 11.2 ounce weight you are referencing is a strung weight? I have no doubt, given the tolerances, that you could find a strung one at 11.1 ounces if that is the weight you are looking for. I might suggest looking for one even a bit lighter so you can add a little weight to get it just right. I don't know any advisable way to remove weight from the head if you already have a racquet. I've seen folks trim off portions of the bumper guard, but 0.1 ounce is roughly 2.8 grams, which means you would have to remove about 35% of the bumper guard on the PA+ to drop the weight by 0.1 ounce. That wouldn't leave much left in the way of protection, imho.

-Josh
 
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