Bonjour from Babolat: Part Trois

kabrac · Apr 28, 2019

Will the Babolat Play racquets ever make a comeback? I know some people experienced issues when trying to upload data to the app.....

Also, if I bought a used PLAY racquet, is the app still downloadable to upload data or is Play technology and further updates been abandoned by Babolat? Thank You

TennisHound · Apr 28, 2019

kabrac said:
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

Dont get me wrong, the Pure Aero and Pure Drive are the best engineered 100” racquets made. The PA stringbed just needs to be “slightly” tighter. Needs only minimal change. The PA pattern is noticeably wider than the PD. The PD string pattern is fine just like it is. These do not need 8 mains. Having six mains creates a more uniform stringbed and works better than eight in the PA and PD IMO.

haqq777 · Apr 28, 2019

kabrac said:
Will the Babolat Play racquets ever make a comeback? I know some people experienced issues when trying to upload data to the app.....

Also, if I bought a used PLAY racquet, is the app still downloadable to upload data or is Play technology and further updates been abandoned by Babolat? Thank You

Yes, I have a similar question/concern regarding 2012 Pure Drive Play (1st gen) @Babolat Official - unable to update firmware, seems app is not being updated, and data does not transfer from racquet to app/pc. Says firmware update needed. Newish racquet, barely used. Thanks for taking time to answer.

kabrac · Apr 28, 2019

TennisHound said:
Dont get me wrong, the Pure Aero and Pure Drive are the best engineered 100” racquets made. The PA stringbed just needs to be “slightly” tighter. Needs only minimal change. The PA pattern is noticeably wider than the PD. The PD string pattern is fine just like it is. These do not need 8 mains. Having six mains creates a more uniform stringbed and works better than eight in the PA and PD IMO.

I agree pretty much, as I have used both, not the current versions though. I would love a PD Tour with 8 mains personally.

TomTennis495 · Apr 29, 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

Still waiting for a release date lol after all Thiem seems to be killing it with the V3 PS. Nice work.

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
Still waiting for a release date lol after all Thiem seems to be killing it with the V3 PS. Nice work.

Hi Tom,

I recently found out that the target release date for the new Pure Strikes is late August.

-Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

kabrac said:
Will the Babolat Play racquets ever make a comeback? I know some people experienced issues when trying to upload data to the app.....

Also, if I bought a used PLAY racquet, is the app still downloadable to upload data or is Play technology and further updates been abandoned by Babolat? Thank You

Hi Kabrac,

The Play technology has been discontinued, but we are still updating the app. The last update was at the end of March. Unless there issue is an with the hardware of the racquet, it should still work. I don't know how much longer we will be updating the app though to be honest. If you end up getting a racquet, please let me know if you have any issues and I will do my best to troubleshoot them for you.

Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

haqq777 said:
Yes, I have a similar question/concern regarding 2012 Pure Drive Play (1st gen) @Babolat Official - unable to update firmware, seems app is not being updated, and data does not transfer from racquet to app/pc. Says firmware update needed. Newish racquet, barely used. Thanks for taking time to answer.

Hi Haqq,

I sent you a message regarding this. Please send me an email and I will do my best to assist. Thanks!

Josh

TomTennis495 · Apr 29, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Tom,

I recently found out that the target release date for the new Pure Strikes is late August.

-Josh

Josh, think you meant to DM this ? I’ll fix it for you one sec——

“
Tom,

I recently found out that the target release date for the new Pure Strikes is late August. As a 48 year old, rapidly aging 4.5 - 5.0 who plays occasional USTA weekend tournaments and captains his pool and tennis club men’s league, we’ll be sending one of the first ones out to you. Looking forward to your feedback!

Ps- enjoy the complimentary new Roland Garros 12 racquet bag!! If anyone can sport this around the streets of Washington DC it’s you!”

Ahhh much better.

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

Nostradamus said:
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 ?

Hi Nostradamus,

I do not have any information for you unfortunately. I have heard the same things as you, but haven't been able to confirm. I will let you know when I do.

Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
Josh, think you meant to DM this ? I’ll fix it for you one sec——

“
Tom,

I recently found out that the target release date for the new Pure Strikes is late August. As a 48 year old, rapidly aging 4.5 - 5.0 who plays occasional USTA weekend tournaments and captains his pool and tennis club men’s league, we’ll be sending one of the first ones out to you. Looking forward to your feedback!

Ps- enjoy the complimentary new Roland Garros 12 racquet bag!! If anyone can sport this around the streets of Washington DC it’s you!”

Ahhh much better.

Good one

And I would love to hook you up if I could, but I am afraid that is a bit beyond my purview. Sorry!

Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

Wonie88 said:
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!

Hi Wonie,

I'm glad you like the pj! It has grown on me too. And good catch! It doesn't have the dimples, and I am not sure why not. I've been told one reason for the dimples is to help with counterfeit racquets, so maybe they don't feel anyone will try to counterfeit the rg version? Just a guess.

Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

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

Hi Dan,

Unfortunately, it appears he prefers to keep his specs confidential. Sorry!

Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

Wonie88 said:
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!

Sorry, it is otherwise the same as the 2019 Pure Aero, and does have the Cortex Feel in the hoop of the frame.

Josh

Babolat Official · Apr 29, 2019

TennisHound said:
@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.

Hi Tennis Hound,

I hear what you are saying, and in fact the 2019 PA was an attempt to get back some APD players who didn't appreciate the 2016 PA, at least from a feel standpoint. Obviously feel is subjective, but there's no doubt the influence the stringing pattern has on the feel of a racquet. I guess we will see how it goes with the 2019 version, and perhaps they will tweak the stringing pattern. Or maybe the Pure Aero VS will be what you're looking for? I still have no information on what that racquet will be though. I guess we'll all just have to stay tuned.

Thanks!

Josh

vsbabolat · Apr 29, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Tennis Hound,

I hear what you are saying, and in fact the 2019 PA was an attempt to get back some APD players who didn't appreciate the 2016 PA, at least from a feel standpoint. Obviously feel is subjective, but there's no doubt the influence the stringing pattern has on the feel of a racquet. I guess we will see how it goes with the 2019 version, and perhaps they will tweak the stringing pattern. Or maybe the Pure Aero VS will be what you're looking for? I still have no information on what that racquet will be though. I guess we'll all just have to stay tuned.

Thanks!

Josh

Here’s strange idea, how about just offer up the actual racquet that Nadal is using? I know it’s wild and out of the box. I know it’s not how the industry works any more. Actually providing the same racquet as your sponsored Pro Players. You could be revolutionaries. You guys can change the industry. Come on break some new ground!

jmacdaununder2 · Apr 29, 2019

TomTennis495 said:
Still waiting for a release date lol after all Thiem seems to be killing it with the V3 PS. Nice work.

Hi Babolat Official, Could you please confirm definitively that Thiem is now using the actual retail version three Pure Strike, and not some modified pro stock, like a version one without the X-siders, different lay up etc. etc. (Call me cynical...).

Exoticbottle · Apr 30, 2019

vsbabolat said:
Here’s strange idea, how about just offer up the actual racquet that Nadal is using? I know it’s wild and out of the box. I know it’s not how the industry works any more. Actually providing the same racquet as your sponsored Pro Players. You could be revolutionaries. You guys can change the industry. Come on break some new ground!

I've tried my own Nadal spec modified aeropro drive original and it's so polarized it's rediculous. I doubt many people would enjoy the frame. I think one of the reasons Fed's specs work in a consumer frame is because they are relatively palatable as far as pro specs go.

vsbabolat · Apr 30, 2019

Exoticbottle said:
I've tried my own Nadal spec modified aeropro drive original and it's so polarized it's rediculous. I doubt many people would enjoy the frame. I think one of the reasons Fed's specs work in a consumer frame is because they are relatively palatable as far as pro specs go.

I’m not talking about how Nadal customizes his racquets. Don’t conflate customization with mold and layup. Babolat should be selling Nadal’s mold and his layup with the string pattern and spacing. Not the BS they are selling.

Exoticbottle · Apr 30, 2019

vsbabolat said:
I’m not talking about how Nadal customizes his racquets. Don’t conflate customization with mold and layup. Babolat should be selling Nadal’s mold and his layup with the string pattern and spacing. Not the BS they are selling.

Just go find an APD original? I personally found it wasn't as good as babolats modern frames.

jmacdaununder2 · Apr 30, 2019

The issue isn't the perceived performance, the issue is the constant smoke and mirrors. (The eventual answer to post #867 will be interesting; either way, he - Thiem - just won Barcelona with a paint job of PS17, a racquet he's never actually used competitively.)

McLovin · Apr 30, 2019

@Babolat Official, this may have been asked already, but any chance of a ‘+’ version of the Pure Drive VS?

Babolat Official · May 1, 2019

McLovin said:
@Babolat Official, this may have been asked already, but any chance of a ‘+’ version of the Pure Drive VS?

Hi Mclovin,

My guess would be no, but if that line of racquets resonates with people, it's certainly possible. As of now, there are no plans as far as I know.

Josh

jmacdaununder2 · May 1, 2019

Babolat racquets always resonate, that's the problem isn't it?...

Karma Tennis · May 1, 2019

McLovin said:
@Babolat Official, this may have been asked already, but any chance of a ‘+’ version of the Pure Drive VS?

People are constantly asking about whether a manufacturer will release a PLUS version of a particular racquet.

Why not just buy the Standard length version and customise it with one of the "extended Butt Cap" solutions that is available?

Frankly I'm surprised that none of the Racquet Manufacturers don't just manufacture standard length racquets and offer extened butt-cap options for those who want PLUS size lengths.

jmacdaununder2 said:
Babolat racquets always resonate, that's the problem isn't it?...

All racquets "resonate". Some do so at a nicer pitch than others.

But it is very easy to tune pretty much any racquet to your desired pitch if you know what you are doing, or you can find someone who does.

Nostradamus · May 1, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Nostradamus,

I do not have any information for you unfortunately. I have heard the same things as you, but haven't been able to confirm. I will let you know when I do.

Josh

What do you think about the RPM blast 18 G compared to 17 G ? How does the power level and spin potential compare ?

Karma Tennis · May 1, 2019

Nostradamus said:
What do you think about the RPM blast 18 G compared to 17 G ? How does the power level and spin potential compare ?

All other things being equal ... 18G has greater depth potential, higher launch angle, greater spin potential. It is harder to control the ball with 18G though. (It has to be strung at higher tension and that makes it feel a lot stiffer.) And it's playability drops off a lot more quickly ... as much as 50% quicker depending on how hard the player hits the ball with topspin.

Nostradamus · May 1, 2019

Karma Tennis said:
All other things being equal ... 18G has greater depth potential, higher launch angle, greater spin potential. It is harder to control the ball with 18G though. (It has to be strung at higher tension and that makes it feel a lot stiffer.) And it's playability drops off a lot more quickly ... as much as 50% quicker depending on how hard the player hits the ball with topspin.

was asking about power level

Injured Again · May 1, 2019

McLovin said:
@Babolat Official, this may have been asked already, but any chance of a ‘+’ version of the Pure Drive VS?

Well, it sounds like there are no definite plans for a Plus version, which is pretty disappointing as my son really likes the PDVS but current plays with a PD Tour+ so is used to the extra half inch.

I did convert my PDVS into a Plus using an XTP buttcap. Details are in the PDVS test thread at the top of the page. It works well as a Plus as long as there's extra lead on the hoop to bring the weight up to a more substantial level. It cuts down the jarring impact from mis-hits, but did seem to create a weird hollow vibration feeling on slight mis-hits high on the sweetspot. Overall, a racquet that seems to take well to being modified and if you like the racquet as a whole, making it a plus isn't too hard.

Karma Tennis · May 1, 2019

Nostradamus said:
was asking about power level

No such thing as Power Level relating to tennis strings.

Elasticity is probably what you actually mean. 18G will be more elastic and will provide more of a trampoline effect.

Sounds like your playing style involves a short swing that is slow/medium speed. 18G will certainly give you more depth potential (ie easier to hit the ball deeper) than 17G will.

McLovin · May 2, 2019

Karma Tennis said:
Why not just buy the Standard length version and customise it with one of the "extended Butt Cap" solutions that is available?

That is a good point, unless you don't want to customize. Adding the XTP Butt Cap adds weight to the handle (I believe 5-7g?), and also throws another wrench in the system: You need to purchase 1 size smaller grip, then wrap the remainder of the grip w/ an overwrap before replacing the base grip, or else there will be a significant 'bump' where the butt cap ends & the handle begins. And that adds even more weight to the handle.

Also, you'd have to pay $20-30 for the butt caps. Last I checked, 'stock' extended frames don't cost more than the standard length frames.

Deleted member 19728 · May 2, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Tennis Hound,

I hear what you are saying, and in fact the 2019 PA was an attempt to get back some APD players who didn't appreciate the 2016 PA, at least from a feel standpoint. Obviously feel is subjective, but there's no doubt the influence the stringing pattern has on the feel of a racquet. I guess we will see how it goes with the 2019 version, and perhaps they will tweak the stringing pattern.

They did a really great job with the 2019 IMO, light years better than the 2016 which I thought was a total dumpster fire. I have been using the plus length version since it came out and love it. My favorite version of the racquet to date.

jmacdaununder2 · May 2, 2019

jmacdaununder2 said:
Hi Babolat Official, Could you please confirm definitively that Thiem is now using the actual retail version three Pure Strike, and not some modified pro stock, like a version one without the X-siders, different lay up etc. etc. (Call me cynical...).

Bump!! (The silence is deafening...).

Babolat Official · May 3, 2019

jmacdaununder2 said:
Bump!! (The silence is deafening...).

I'm impressed with all of your sleuthing.

Since Dominic joined Babolat, he has been heavily involved in the development and evolution of the Pure Strike line. We encourage all players, including our pros, to test, demo, track, and experiment to find the best equipment for their game. Stay tuned for some big news during the summer season.

And for the record, there are certain things I'm at liberty to discuss and certain things I’m not. Dominic has requested we not share any information regarding his racquet at this time. Love it, hate it, call it what you will, but that's how it works: we always have to respect the wishes of our tour players.

Josh

Rawen · May 8, 2019

Hi Babolat Official,
I'm currently playing with the Pure strike 16x19 (2017) and was looking to purchase new grommets from TW (Europe) together with additional rackets. However they informed me that the grommets are discontinued, is this correct? I know a new version is scheduled for this fall but find it strange if you have already stopped manufacturing of grommets for the current version... (I personally think grommets should be available at least one racket generation back). If correct, can you confirm if the new grommets will fit the current racket? If not I will have to re-think my planned racket purchase...

Babolat Official · May 8, 2019

Rawen said:
Hi Babolat Official,
I'm currently playing with the Pure strike 16x19 (2017) and was looking to purchase new grommets from TW (Europe) together with additional rackets. However they informed me that the grommets are discontinued, is this correct? I know a new version is scheduled for this fall but find it strange if you have already stopped manufacturing of grommets for the current version... (I personally think grommets should be available at least one racket generation back). If correct, can you confirm if the new grommets will fit the current racket? If not I will have to re-think my planned racket purchase...

Hi Rawen,

It appears that both the French and US subsidiaries are out of stock on these grommets, but we both do have some on order. I do not know when they are expecting them in France since I am based in the US. I suggest you send an email through our website and someone should be able to answer your question. Just be sure to choose your location by clicking on the link at the top right of the banner on the landing page. That way, your email will be routed to the appropriate person. We usually have grommets for years after a racquet is discontinued, especially for the popular frames. We still have grommets available for the 2012 Pure Drives and 2013 Aeropro Drives, for example. I haven't had the chance to see the new version of the Strike up close, so I cannot speak to whether the new grommets will fit the 2017 version. My guess would be no. Hope this helps!

Josh

jmacdaununder2 · May 8, 2019

Babolat Official said:
I'm impressed with all of your sleuthing. Since Dominic joined Babolat, he has been heavily involved in the development and evolution of the Pure Strike line. We encourage all players, including our pros, to test, demo, track, and experiment to find the best equipment for their game. Stay tuned for some big news during the summer season.

And for the record, there are certain things I'm at liberty to discuss and certain things I’m not. Dominic has requested we not share any information regarding his racquet at this time. Love it, hate it, call it what you will, but that's how it works: we always have to respect the wishes of our tour players.

Thanks for the reply! Humm, retail version three has a grommet change - time to start zooming in/overlaying @moonshot style on Thiem's 'old' and 'new' models. No grommet change would suggest he's not using the new retail version three; a change would suggest he could be using v. 3, or he has modified his v. 1, etc. etc.

Karma Tennis · May 8, 2019

I bought several 2013 APD grommet kits years ago. Haven't used them to date but probably will refresh the racquets soon enough.

Good to know that Babaolat are still selling them ... but you can never be sure how long for any given racquets. So, always good to play it safe and buy at least 1 kit per racquet you have at the time you buy the racquets.

Down_the_line · May 28, 2019

Hey @Babolat Official ,

Any news on a new Pure Aero VS / Pure Aero VS Tour? Asking because I read in another thread that Babolat was having a meeting around now regarding this (can't help but feel that's related to what I heard re: Babolat meeting about a future frame specially for Felix Auger-Aliassime).

Also, may be a silly question but I figure I'll confirm with you anyway: The PA VS stars and stripes is just an alternative cosmetic right? I went to one of the local shops here in Calgary, Canada and they didn't have the VS in stock but said they could order it. They made it sound like the stars and stripes is the primary cosmetic and that's what I'd be getting but I assume that's incorrect. However, I don't want to put in an order and find out that's what I actually got!

Thanks very much for your time!

simux94 · May 29, 2019

Me too interested in any news about the release of the new Pure Aero Vs

AeroPro Staff · May 29, 2019

Hey I was just wondering if the new Pure Strike 18x20 would be getting August release or if it would be released with a second wave around September?
Thanks for the info!

Nostradamus · May 29, 2019

Babolat Official said:
I'm impressed with all of your sleuthing. Since Dominic joined Babolat, he has been heavily involved in the development and evolution of the Pure Strike line. We encourage all players, including our pros, to test, demo, track, and experiment to find the best equipment for their game. Stay tuned for some big news during the summer season.

And for the record, there are certain things I'm at liberty to discuss and certain things I’m not. Dominic has requested we not share any information regarding his racquet at this time. Love it, hate it, call it what you will, but that's how it works: we always have to respect the wishes of our tour players.

Josh

Will you make this Legend in the making New pure strike that is coming out in Extended version ? please do. if not, why not ?

DTennis3 · May 29, 2019

Nostradamus said:
Will you make this Legend in the making New pure strike that is coming out in Extended version ? please do. if not, why not ?

I highly doubt you’ll see an extended version in this racquet. It would be a nice frame to have available but they simply don’t sell at the quantities to justify adding an additional model to the line considering there are already 6 new Pure Strikes not including the 2 current VS models. You have great extended options in the PA+, PD+ and PD Tour+ so if that’s your most important attribute I’d stick in that realm. New PA+ is solid.

Nostradamus · May 29, 2019

DTennis3 said:
I highly doubt you’ll see an extended version in this racquet. It would be a nice frame to have available but they simply don’t sell at the quantities to justify adding an additional model to the line considering there are already 6 new Pure Strikes not including the 2 current VS models. You have great extended options in the PA+, PD+ and PD Tour+ so if that’s your most important attribute I’d stick in that realm. New PA+ is solid.

You are right. but I think 2019 PA+ is little bit too heavy, so I can't switch to it. Nice practice racket but not for match day.

DTennis3 · May 29, 2019

Nostradamus said:
You are right. but I think 2019 PA+ is little bit too heavy, so I can't switch to it. Nice practice racket but not for match day.

Gotcha. If they were ever to make an extended version in the Pure Strike I’m sure it would also be 10.6(100 weight) or 10.8(16x19 weight) so you’d likely experience a similar issue as the PA+ is their standard 10.6.

jmacdaununder2 · May 29, 2019

Nostradamus said:
Will you make this Legend in the making New pure strike that is coming out in Extended version ? please do. if not, why not ?

Yeah, you'd think that a racquet which was originally made to be Tsonga's - who uses 27.5" - signature model would be available in longbody, but that's Babolat for ya...

DTennis3 · May 29, 2019

jmacdaununder2 said:
Yeah, you'd think that a racquet which was originally made to be Tsonga's - who uses 27.5" - signature model would be available in longbody, but that's Babolat for ya...

Who now uses the Pure Aero Plus which is in-line...

jmacdaununder2 · May 30, 2019

Isn't he still using the same APD+ that he was using before the Pure Strike debacle?

Nostradamus · Jun 4, 2019

Babolat Official said:
Hi Rawen,

It appears that both the French and US subsidiaries are out of stock on these grommets, but we both do have some on order. I do not know when they are expecting them in France since I am based in the US. I suggest you send an email through our website and someone should be able to answer your question. Just be sure to choose your location by clicking on the link at the top right of the banner on the landing page. That way, your email will be routed to the appropriate person. We usually have grommets for years after a racquet is discontinued, especially for the popular frames. We still have grommets available for the 2012 Pure Drives and 2013 Aeropro Drives, for example. I haven't had the chance to see the new version of the Strike up close, so I cannot speak to whether the new grommets will fit the 2017 version. My guess would be no. Hope this helps!

Josh

Congratulations , Konta is doing great at the French open with the new 2019 pure Aero, confirming its greatness. Is she using the plus version ? Thank you

Nostradamus · Jun 4, 2019

Bonjour from Babolat: Part Trois

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