Bonjour from Babolat: Part Trois

Karma Tennis · Mar 31, 2019

Nostradamus said:
I need bumper guard with holes in them. I need the bumper guard. if taken off , it will damage the frame during play. and you will have to buy it from me since you told me to take them off

You can just use two strips of Head Guard tape to protect the frame. It does a fine job and is way lighter than the plastic bumper strips.

I told you to stop playing tennis and learn how to play the flute. Why haven't you listened to me?

jmacdaununder2 · Mar 31, 2019

Oh, he spends a lot of time playing with his flute...

Babolat Official · Apr 1, 2019

danbrenner said:
@Babolat Official can you please tell us what version of the pavs Felix is using Reg or tour. And please give us his specs strung.
Weight and balance. And string and tension of you know. He is the most exciting babilat user since Thiem. Thanks in advance Dan

Hi Dan,

Felix is using the Pure Aero VS strung with RPM Blast Rough 1.30 (16) gauge at 22 kg (~48.5 lbs). I'm afraid I can't speak to anything beyond that. Felix and his team have asked us to keep his exact specs confidential.

Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 1, 2019

Geoff said:
Hello @Babolat Official is there a grommet set that fits the first generation Babolat Pure Drive. I believe it is referred to as the swirly version. I know I should use the search function but...

Hi Geoff,

Those can use part number 900055 or 900096. The 900096 part is more recent, and has some "holes" in the plastic part of the bumper. The original 900055 part had a solid bumper, but it's hard to find at this point. I don't know the exact weight difference between the two bumpers, but it's not much. If you want a solid bumper, you can use the part for the old Aeropro Drive, which is 900021.

Josh

danbrenner · Apr 1, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Dan,

Felix is using the Pure Aero VS strung with RPM Blast Rough 1.30 (16) gauge at 22 kg (~48.5 lbs). I'm afraid I can't speak to anything beyond that. Felix and his team have asked us to keep his exact specs confidential.

Josh

Thanks for that. So is it closer innweight to the VS tour or the regular vs

Babolat Official · Apr 1, 2019

danbrenner said:
Thanks for that. So is it closer innweight to the VS tour or the regular vs

Hi Dan,

Unfortunately, I don't know, and couldn't say even if I did. Sorry!

Josh

Geoff · Apr 1, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Geoff,

Those can use part number 900055 or 900096. The 900096 part is more recent, and has some "holes" in the plastic part of the bumper. The original 900055 part had a solid bumper, but it's hard to find at this point. I don't know the exact weight difference between the two bumpers, but it's not much. If you want a solid bumper, you can use the part for the old Aeropro Drive, which is 900021.

Josh

Thanks Josh!

TomTennis495 · Apr 1, 2019

Great thread. Thanks Josh. I made the switch over to the PS last year and have never been happier with a racket! Im looking forward to testing out the upcoming PS this fall (?) Keep up the great work.

Babolat Official · Apr 1, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
Great thread. Thanks Josh. I made the switch over to the PS last year and have never been happier with a racket! Im looking forward to testing out the upcoming PS this fall (?) Keep up the great work.

Thanks Tom! I appreciate the kind words. I do my best

And glad to hear you're liking the PS. I can't wait for the new version either. Not sure if it will be fall or when exactly yet, but stay tuned!

Josh

Karma Tennis · Apr 1, 2019

danbrenner said:
Thanks for that. So is it closer innweight to the VS tour or the regular vs

The way FAA wields his VS, I would imagine it is closer to the VS Tour static weight wise. But I think much of the weight is probably in the handle making it very Head Light Balance. Felix seems to generate a lot of RHS and he is not that big physically - by that I mean he looks very gangly.

Nostradamus · Apr 2, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Thanks Tom! I appreciate the kind words. I do my best And glad to hear you're liking the PS. I can't wait for the new version either. Not sure if it will be fall or when exactly yet, but stay tuned!

Josh

Do you know where I can get some more of those plastic rubber piece that goes on the throat of Pure Aero 2019 rackets ? I would like to buy them if needed to pay. When I replace my grip, for some reason I keep tearing it and I have to toss it. Some might say I can just use any old plastic piece or don't even really need one,, but I would like to have it on with same rubber piece that racket came with. Would TW carry these ?? Thank you

Babolat Official · Apr 2, 2019

Nostradamus said:
Do you know where I can get some more of those plastic rubber piece that goes on the throat of Pure Aero 2019 rackets ? I would like to buy them if needed to pay. When I replace my grip, for some reason I keep tearing it and I have to toss it. Some might say I can just use any old plastic piece or don't even really need one,, but I would like to have it on with same rubber piece that racket came with. Would TW carry these ?? Thank you

Hi Nostradamus,

We do offer these, and they are called Custom Rings. I couldn't find them on the TW site, but they might be willing to order them for you.

Josh

TomTennis495 · Apr 2, 2019

kailash said:
@Babolat Official It would be awesome if Babolat can release an arm friendly version of Pure Strike 2017 (project 17). Reduce the stiffness couple of points or foam fill or use some shock absorbing technology!!

I play 2 to 3 hours a day 6 days a week. sometimes I hit 200 practice serves. I haven’t had any issues with the flex/ stiffness . ‍♂️

kabrac · Apr 2, 2019

kailash said:
@Babolat Official It would be awesome if Babolat can release an arm friendly version of Pure Strike 2017 (project 17). Reduce the stiffness couple of points or foam fill or use some shock absorbing technology!!

I agree. Very nice control racquet with some pop, but really harsh. I used the red/black 100 and have hit multiple times with the ps17. Only time it felt good was using syn gut and multi at lower tension. Other than that, really good racquet.

jmacdaununder2 · Apr 2, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
I play 2 to 3 hours a day 6 days a week. sometimes I hit 200 practice serves. I haven’t had any issues with the flex/ stiffness . ‍♂️

Remember that you my be setting yourself up for issues down the track; there's are reasons why not many pros play with stiff racquets, risk of eventual overuse injuries being one of them.

gazz1 · Apr 3, 2019

FYI - I found the Pure Strike project One 7 to be an exceptional racket.
The only problem was that it aggravated my tennis elbow.
There are plenty others here that echo my thoughts.

I realise there's always a tradeoff, but IMHO, a more arm-friendly version of the PS17 would be an absolute sensation.

jmacdaununder2 · Apr 3, 2019

Ironically, kinda like the original one?

kailash · Apr 3, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
I play 2 to 3 hours a day 6 days a week. sometimes I hit 200 practice serves. I haven’t had any issues with the flex/ stiffness . ‍♂️

I am not sure if it is stiffness, but there is something in this racquet that is not arm friendly. Red/black version was much better in that regard. You can read the forums and the main reason for people switching away from this is arm problems.

For example, I played several times with the Red/black version, Pure Aero 2019; no issues. Just one session with PS17 and my arm was feeling heavy! Couple of other kids had discomfort in wrist; eventually they chose the Red/black version.

My take is that if Babolat adds some shock absorption technology/material to this racquet, it will sell more!!

TomTennis495 · Apr 3, 2019

jmacdaununder2 said:
Remember that you my be setting yourself up for issues down the track; there's are reasons why not many pros play with stiff racquets, risk of eventual overuse injuries being one of them.

I’m 48 so I’m already down the track .

Stefanm · Apr 3, 2019

Babolat Official said:
If you want a solid bumper, you can use the part for the old Aeropro Drive, which is 900021.

Josh

I actually prefer the 900021 (solid bumper) for the Pure Drive GT. It lasts a lot longer and protects a bit better

jmacdaununder2 · Apr 3, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
I’m 48 so I’m already down the track .

There are obviously a lot of variables from individual to individual, playing level, technique, stroke power, etc. etc. I personally was fine until I got into my mid 50s, now my arm can't tolerate stiff racquets and poly combos on a regular basis; if you're fine with the racquet, particularly with full poly, then you're doing better than many on these boards. What string do you normally use? I could probably tolerate the PS with gut/poly or full multi, but full poly would be tough for me. Obviously YMMV. Either way, thumbs up!

michael valek · Apr 17, 2019

Hi babolat!! How come Rafa isn’t using the new aero rg paint? Using a decima at Monte Carlo.

Wonie88 · Apr 20, 2019

Hey Babs guys,

I have a question about the new Roland Garos PA Frame. It doesnt have the dimples on the frame like the regular 2019 PA. Does it not have the new cortex? Perhaps it is a paint job of the gen1 PA?

The Pj is really great though!

Thanks for your time!

ron schaap · Apr 24, 2019

jmacdaununder2 said:
Remember that you my be setting yourself up for issues down the track; there's are reasons why not many pros play with stiff racquets, risk of eventual overuse injuries being one of them.

I think a lot of WTA players use stiffer racquets successfully. So injury proneness is no issue.

kabrac · Apr 24, 2019

kailash said:
I am not sure if it is stiffness, but there is something in this racquet that is not arm friendly. Red/black version was much better in that regard. You can read the forums and the main reason for people switching away from this is arm problems.

For example, I played several times with the Red/black version, Pure Aero 2019; no issues. Just one session with PS17 and my arm was feeling heavy! Couple of other kids had discomfort in wrist; eventually they chose the Red/black version.

My take is that if Babolat adds some shock absorption technology/material to this racquet, it will sell more!!

Agree 100%

danbrenner · Apr 24, 2019

@Babolat Official please can you tell us Fognini racquet weight and balance strung.. not unstrung. i cant understand the measurements that way. thanks, Dan.

jmacdaununder2 · Apr 24, 2019

ron schaap said:
I think a lot of WTA players use stiffer racquets successfully. So injury proneness is no issue.

Lol Shaapstradamus: Unsubstantiated claim that a group of elite 20 something athletes are using stiff racquets - like her Babolat - without injury ramifications; so 'down the track' is what - 26? Paint jobs of lower ra frames, constant restringing and elite conditioning also play a part, as well as youth.

Nostradamus · Apr 24, 2019

jmacdaununder2 said:
Lol Shaapstradamus: Unsubstantiated claim that a group of elite 20 something athletes are using stiff racquets - like her Babolat - without injury ramifications; so 'down the track' is what - 26? Paint jobs of lower ra frames, constant restringing and elite conditioning also play a part, as well as youth.

That is why they love the slightly lighter version of the pure Aero 2019. it is just as good of racket but easier to swing

Karma Tennis · Apr 25, 2019

kailash said:
My take is that if Babolat adds some shock absorption technology/material to this racquet, it will sell more!!

Many retail Babolat racquets are easily customisable to introduce certain levels of shock absorption.

The main problem is the Retailers and Coaches. Many of them simply label many Babolat racquets as being very stiff often because they have vested interests in selling other brands.

A decent Racquet Technician or Coach will understand that for those who simply MUST have a Babolat racquet there are simple inexpensive solutions to make those racquets more comfortable.

max · Apr 25, 2019

Hey Babolat People:

I gave the Pure Strike project a try-out, a demo. Loved how it served. . . but can you make a racquet that DOESN'T hurt the arm?

Not at all polemical here; your record speaks for itself. Make the Pure Strike Project in a healthy racquet spec, and I'd buy plenty.

netlets · Apr 25, 2019

jmacdaununder2 said:
Remember that you my be setting yourself up for issues down the track; there's are reasons why not many pros play with stiff racquets, risk of eventual overuse injuries being one of them.

The Pure Aero and Pure Drive are significantly stiffer. I’ve played with PD for 16 years and just switched to Pure Strike. It is so much more plush and better for my shoulder. You have to string it properly or have good technique. I string TB at 45lbs. Way too harsh for me in the 50s.

Karma Tennis · Apr 25, 2019

max said:
Hey Babolat People:

but can you make a racquet that DOESN'T hurt the arm?

I know several decent players who have been using Babolat racquets for years (some more than 10 years) and have not had a single arm issue.

Of course, most of them understand the importance of proper customisation, proper stroke mechanics, frequent restringing (esp. with Poly string solutions), and ongoing preventative physical maintenance of their bodies.

And of course, there will always be some players whose physiology simply isn't compatible with certain types of equipment. So be it. That is why we have so much choice. If one thing doesn't work for you, there is probably something else that will. No one is compelled to stick with one brand.

TomTennis495 · Apr 25, 2019

Karma Tennis said:
I know several decent players who have been using Babolat racquets for years (some more than 10 years) and have not had a single arm issue.

Of course, most of them understand the importance of proper customisation, proper stroke mechanics, frequent restringing (esp. with Poly string solutions), and ongoing preventative physical maintenance of their bodies.

And of course, there will always be some players whose physiology simply isn't compatible with certain types of equipment. So be it. That is why we have so much choice. If one thing doesn't work for you, there is probably something else that will. No one is compelled to stick with one brand.

Nailed it on the head. As I wrote earlier in this thread I play the PS 16x19 6 days a week , 2-3 hours a day for over a year now and zero arm problems. * knock on wood

jmacdaununder2 · Apr 25, 2019

max said:
Hey Babolat People:

I gave the Pure Strike project a try-out, a demo. Loved how it served. . . but can you make a racquet that DOESN'T hurt the arm?

Not at all polemical here; your record speaks for itself. Make the Pure Strike Project in a healthy racquet spec, and I'd buy plenty.

Polemical - great word! I love a good word!

max · Apr 25, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
Nailed it on the head. As I wrote earlier in this thread I play the PS 16x19 6 days a week , 2-3 hours a day for over a year now and zero arm problems. * knock on wood

so how do you take a stock Pure STrike project and make it less harsh on the shoulder/elbow? What technics?

Karma Tennis · Apr 25, 2019

max said:
so how do you take a stock Pure STrike project and make it less harsh on the shoulder/elbow? What technics?

There is a lot of information on the net to answer your question. It is a "well worn path" for many.

1/ Add poster putty or silicone inside the handle.
2/ Add a thicker spongier grip.
3/ Add lead tape at various points around the hoop.
4/ Reduce tension of existing strings.
5/ Consider changing string configuration to softer strings.
6/ Take some private lessons with a decent tennis coach to fine tune stroke technique.
7/ Instigate regular programs for shoulder / elbow conditioning, both prehab and rehab.

These things are the obvious examples that can be used as starting points.

TforTommy · Apr 26, 2019

Karma Tennis said:
There is a lot of information on the net to answer your question. It is a "well worn path" for many.

1/ Add poster putty or silicone inside the handle.
2/ Add a thicker spongier grip.
3/ Add lead tape at various points around the hoop.
4/ Reduce tension of existing strings.
5/ Consider changing string configuration to softer strings.
6/ Take some private lessons with a decent tennis coach to fine tune stroke technique.
7/ Instigate regular programs for shoulder / elbow conditioning, both prehab and rehab.

These things are the obvious examples that can be used as starting points.

This, ^

had severe problems with injury after using a pure aero. Played with it with 3 grams under the bumper, leather grip and 15 gauge rpm and it was the most painful setup i've ever had.

Decided to change to a synthetic grip, add 10 grams of silicone in the handle and go to a thinner gauge and different string and it plays just fine.

I've never had any arm problems before that

For me I think the main parts to keeping a babolat comfortable is - keeping with a soft synthetic grip, leather can make the racquet feel very very hard and stiff, picking a soft string, stringing slightly lower and keeping proper form

TforTommy · Apr 26, 2019

max said:
Hey Babolat People:

I gave the Pure Strike project a try-out, a demo. Loved how it served. . . but can you make a racquet that DOESN'T hurt the arm?

Not at all polemical here; your record speaks for itself. Make the Pure Strike Project in a healthy racquet spec, and I'd buy plenty.

What string setup was it? Was it a poly?

max · Apr 26, 2019

Karma Tennis said:
There is a lot of information on the net to answer your question. It is a "well worn path" for many.

1/ Add poster putty or silicone inside the handle.
2/ Add a thicker spongier grip.
3/ Add lead tape at various points around the hoop.
4/ Reduce tension of existing strings.
5/ Consider changing string configuration to softer strings.
6/ Take some private lessons with a decent tennis coach to fine tune stroke technique.
7/ Instigate regular programs for shoulder / elbow conditioning, both prehab and rehab.

These things are the obvious examples that can be used as starting points.

Right. I meant specific to the frame.

Karma Tennis · Apr 26, 2019

max said:
Right. I meant specific to the frame.

1/ Lead Tape at 3 and 9 (run longer strips between 2 and 4, and 8 and 10).
2/ Swap out Stock Skin Feel grip for a Syntec Pro grip.
3/ Poster Putty inside the handle as counter balance to lead tape in hoop.

max · Apr 26, 2019

Karma Tennis said:
1/ Lead Tape at 3 and 9 (run longer strips between 2 and 4, and 8 and 10).
2/ Swap out Stock Skin Feel grip for a Syntec Pro grip.
3/ Poster Putty inside the handle as counter balance to lead tape in hoop.

what is the weight for the frame after you've done this?

I'm really very curious. I might have to switch to this frame and setup. . . I like the PS.

Karma Tennis · Apr 26, 2019

max said:
what is the weight for the frame after you've done this?

Bit hit and miss. But ....

Stock Frame unstring with Syntec Pro Grip ... 310g
Solinco Hyper-G 1.30 ... 15g
Lead Tape at 3 and 9 ... 3g + 3g = 6g
1 x TournaGrip OG ... 5g
Poster Putty inside Handle ... 5g

Total Static Weight ... 341g. approx.

max · Apr 26, 2019

Karma Tennis said:
Bit hit and miss. But ....

Stock Frame unstring with Syntec Pro Grip ... 310g
Solinco Hyper-G 1.30 ... 15g
Lead Tape at 3 and 9 ... 3g + 3g = 6g
1 x TournaGrip OG ... 5g
Poster Putty inside Handle ... 5g

Total Static Weight ... 341g. approx.

Thanks. I feel like I need something lighter. I'm used to 349g, but want something around 325 or so, to help with my swing speed.

Nostradamus · Apr 26, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Thanks Tom! I appreciate the kind words. I do my best And glad to hear you're liking the PS. I can't wait for the new version either. Not sure if it will be fall or when exactly yet, but stay tuned!

Josh

Congratulations. Jonas Jiberts has switched to New pure aero plus 2019. and he seem to be playing great with it.

Karma Tennis · Apr 27, 2019

Nostradamus said:
Congratulations. Jonas Jiberts has switched to New pure aero plus 2019. and he seem to be playing great with it.

Ummm, WHO is Jonas Jiberts?

I cannot find any mention of him on Google.

I imagine he is a US College Tennis Player. All well and good I guess, but a long way from ATP Level.

TennisHound · Apr 27, 2019

@Babolat Official, I know it’s a long shot, and many people like the Pure Aero. . . But the string pattern is a little too open. A good update would be to offer an updated version with a slightly tighter string pattern (only a slight change). Babolat could market it as enhanced control and spin, similar to what Head did with the Speed MP. I can guarantee you this would keep existing customers and gain a whole new group, such as longtime Aero Pro (APD) users who quit after the string pattern was severely altered for the Pure Aero.

TennisHound · Apr 27, 2019

I actually like the Pure Aero, but the problem happens when the strings stop snapping back (after maybe an hour of play). The pattern is so wide already, that if the strings don’t snap back, there is a large hole in the stringed.

kabrac · Apr 28, 2019

Haven't tried it yet, but like how the new Pure Aero stiffness is coming down.

On another note, and can we confirm, the string spacing for both the Pure Drive and Pure Aero is basically the same now, with slight edge to Pure Aero for increased spacing, albeit only slightly?

Seems these lines are morphing into each other. Only difference is shaft design on both.

And the Pure Strike needs a sun tan...

Other than that, I like Babolat and will continue to use their products

Nostradamus · Apr 28, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Nostradamus,

We do offer these, and they are called Custom Rings. I couldn't find them on the TW site, but they might be willing to order them for you.

Josh

do you have any information on what string Thiem is using ? he may not be using the babolat strings anymore, some mentioned he is using a new prototype head string ? Since he is still the babolat contract player, do you have any information on his new strings ?

kabrac · Apr 28, 2019

Also, I would add, would love to see especially in the Pure Drive, 8 mains in the throat, as opposed to 6. Kinda like what Volkl does on alot of their racquets and Babolat's Pure Strike....

I highly doubt they do that, being that most people who play with Babolats, and the general public, want more spin

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