****the Pure Storm LTD Support Group****

Hey PSL SUPPORT GROUPPO

I just ordered 3 of these lovely sticks from TW Europe, but unfortunately my good connection there no longer can sell me the special made Babolat racquets, which are custom made by the Babolat Tour department

So was offered to have Pacific check my 3 PSL GT racquets, so that they match perfectly regarding swing weight, balance and so on.

Sure hope not to have triuble with the butt cap though, this will really **** me off if I experience this

I missed an all Babolat VS TEAM 17 setup in my racquets, and while I absolutely LOVE my 4 Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT sticks, an all Babolat VS TEAM 17 natty gut setup was way too powerful for me in the PST GT.

Ever since the origimal PSL was released I thought about buying it, but never did get it.

Now that I search for a racquet that will be suited for an all VS TEAM 17 natty gut setup, which also will be good for serve & volley (I like to serve og volley, when I play on indoor fast carpet during the winter season) and for doubles, I decided to just buy 3 PSL GT sticks and set them up with a bit of lead at 10, 12 and 2 (1.5 gram X 3 = 4.5 gram total) and use these low powered sticks as my full VS natty gut sticks.

To the guys, who have tested the PSL or the new PSL GT frames with natty gut - how well does this stick perform for you with the full natty gut ?

Looking forward to getting them and have them strung with VS TEAM 17 NATTY GUT

i'm still hung up on testing the racquet out with polys...although i bet a full set of natty gut would feel pretty nice...i bet the slight extra power would be a good thing...

how much low powered is the PSL-GT compared to nBlade98 and how does it perform when u are on the defense and dont have time to make a full swing ? I have played with PSL and liked it, but I was playing against a guy who is not a hard hitter, so I tested the racquet only playing very agressively.

My GT came in today. Nice to see it was dead on spec:320g unstrung.

I went for full pl2 at 50/48 and did 3g at the tip to bring the static weight up to 346-spot on

I thought I'd have to add more lead but the gt seems to weigh a bit more than the older model and the full poly adds some to the SW as well. Can't wait to take this thing out tomorrow.

let me know how you like! i'm loving my PSL GTs right now...i'm definitely happy with my PC600 replacement -- other than the buttcap issue -- haha, but i won't get back into that...

What is exactly the problem with the buttcap? It goes off or causes any other problem?

the buttcap on one of my two is coming lose and squeaks...and this was only after about 2 or 3 hours of hitting...i've noticed some other people were having issues too -- so far it hasn't happened on my 2nd racquet, but then again -- i've only hit with that one for about 2 "light" hours...i have 2 more coming so we'll see...

i've been reading that some people are having butt cap problems with all of their PSL GT -- the solution is to take off the grip and then re-secure the buttcap -- i think with additional staples and/or some super glue...i haven't had time to deal with it yet, but might give that a crack...either way, i still LOVE the racquet...

It would be helpful to report if the more recent GT's are having the same issue. I mean to check whether Babolat was notified and decided to fix the problem...
TT is always providing the best feedback and input...
It's so enjoyable being part of such community...

i thought i read that this was also an issue with the previous model? or with people who hold the racquet towards the end of the racquet and use it for leverage? or something?

i don't think this buttcap thing has been an issue with any other babolat racquet -- just from the few posts i've read...

I finally got to play with the GT today. I find it much better all around than the older version. As some have said, it's different but i can't put my finger on it.

It feels more solid which I think it is as it my GT weighs 5g more stock than the demo I had last week.

I played around with setups today and ended up adding a tad more lead at 12 to bring up the SW and I ended up preferring the feel of a dampener with the full poly.

Great all around feel. I did 50/48 with full pl2 and wish I'd done 53/51 or so but it was also 80 today which was unusually warm.

I was really impressed with the all around strengths-you can pound from the baseline while also getting pin point accuracy. The GT seems to have a bit more pop as well. I've got 4g total at the tip and my static weigh is 350g but it still swings SO sweetly So far so good.

PED said:

Kevo, one more question, what's the strung weight on your xl PSL's currently?

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They are 379g with overgrip, dampener, and full 17g poly. I wanted them to weigh close to what my wood frame weighs, and I got them closer than I thought. I just weighed my wood frame, and it's 374g with no dampener and no overgrip.

I added all the weight in the handle and I think I added silicon until they all weighed 310g with no grip, string, or butt cap. They were all within a gram of each other after I put them all back together and strung them.

do any pros use this racquet?

Pslgt--holy Cow!

Oh God--I may need some help!! Was sooo excited to take all my newly arrived demos out for a test spin tonight. Went down to play with 4.0 team and ended up hitting for over 3.5+hrs!!--I had the following sticks: RDiS 100MP, RDS 001MP and the Babolat PSLGT. I had hit with the PSTGT and older PSL a couple of weeks ago and loved them both--BUT the PSTGT's SW is too much and the PSL just did not have enought oommph on shots. Was pretty much dead set on one of the yonex sticks as I had pretty much written off the PSLGT as too much stick with the tight 18*20. Played with the Yonex's pretty much all night and there was just no "wow" factor with either one of them. Then decided to pick up the PSLGT demo. It is strung with full conquest 16g at around 55#--well this thing just feels like an extension of your arm and is pure BUTTER!! Much better and more stable than the older PSL. My left wrist has been buggin me on the 2hb b/c of flutter/instablility with the Diablo, well NONE whatsoever with this stick. It is just very very SOLID and STABLE are the 2 best words!!

Would love to try this in a diff 17g and at about 52# setup as it would offer even more feel and pop. Really suprised how much spin there is with this tight 18*20. The super HL balance is a joy to whip around. May have to play with the lead a bit---what does a little lead (3-4g) at 12 do to this?? more power? Thanks and really enjoy this stick!!!!!:twisted:

Kcraig said:

what does a little lead (3-4g) at 12 do to this?? more power?

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Yes, lead at 12 will give you a bit more power, but this is still a control frame. You'd have to add a good bit of lead to get substantially more power. I think a better string will benefit you more than lead in the power department. Especially since too much lead in the hoop will probably reduce your spin, but it's all a balancing act. What works for you will be a little bit different from everybody else, so give it a shot and see how it goes.

KCraig, spot on, the GT is a big improvement over the older one. 17g poly is magic in there and at the lower tension as well. Even at 50/48, the tight stringbed gives you the control.

It's very satisfying to use, but surprisingly, it's alot of fun as well. Never thought I'd say that about a 19mm beam, low powered stick but there it is

I've got 4g at the tip and it makes it feel like a jai lai stick-that extra weight just really brings it around and adds some serious ouch on both sides. The SW is so low before hand that it doesn't make it unwieldy at all.

People always told me that my Prestige Pro feel sluggish when swinging but I never really thought that til I've played with the psl the last 2 weeks.

Kevo, I think that xl version would be really nice. It swings so quickly anyway that the extra half inch would not be an issue like on some sticks. I always found the xl pdr to be cumbersome.

Kcraig said:

.........Then decided to pick up the PSLGT demo. It is strung with full conquest 16g at around 55#--well this thing just feels like an extension of your arm and is pure BUTTER!! Much better and more stable than the older PSL. My left wrist has been buggin me on the 2hb b/c of flutter/instablility with the Diablo, well NONE whatsoever with this stick. It is just very very SOLID and STABLE are the 2 best words!!

Would love to try this in a diff 17g and at about 52# setup as it would offer even more feel and pop. Really suprised how much spin there is with this tight 18*20. The super HL balance is a joy to whip around. May have to play with the lead a bit---what does a little lead (3-4g) at 12 do to this?? more power? Thanks and really enjoy this stick!!!!!:twisted:

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I think you should try the PSL GT with a Babolat VS 17/16 full natty gut set up. I have VS 17 in the mains @ 28 kg (circa 60 lbs) and VS 16 in the crosses @ 27 kg (circa 58 lbs). I use VS 16 in the crosses, so that the crosses have a harder time sawig into the mains. I get some extra hours out of the full natty gut this way.
With string savers, I get 8-10 hours out of a full VS 17 setup and 12-15 hours out of the a hybrid of VS 17 mains and VS 16 crosses - and they feel a like

I have my PSL GT lead up with 6 gram over the handle under the finishing tape, 1.5 gram at 10, 1.5 gram at 12 and 1.5 gram at 2 o'clock.
I also play with an overgrip, so the balance should be pretty much 7-8 points headlight.

Best racquet and string combo I've ever owned

ClubHoUno said:

I think you should try the PSL GT with a Babolat VS 17/16 full natty gut set up. I have VS 17 in the mains @ 28 kg (circa 60 lbs) and VS 16 in the crosses @ 27 kg (circa 58 lbs). I use VS 16 in the crosses, so that the crosses have a harder time sawig into the mains. I get some extra hours out of the full natty gut this way.
With string savers, I get 8-10 hours out of a full VS 17 setup and 12-15 hours out of the a hybrid of VS 17 mains and VS 16 crosses - and they feel a like

I have my PSL GT lead up with 6 gram over the handle under the finishing tape, 1.5 gram at 10, 1.5 gram at 12 and 1.5 gram at 2 o'clock.
I also play with an overgrip, so the balance should be pretty much 7-8 points headlight.

Best racquet and string combo I've ever owned

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Thanks for the advice-- I added about 3.5g at 12 and will give it a go tomororw. If I decide to pick up this stick, I was thinking about going w/ Pacific Classic 16/Genesis Black Magic or CF at 54/52 or even 52/50 with the cooler weather moving in. I think this frame, tight pattern and lower tension would just have unbelievable feel and controllable pop.

I used a Klip/Big Ace hybrid in my Diablo MP (16*18) strung at 56/53 and with stringsavers got about 15-18hrs on it and playability was good from start to finish. SO with the 18*20 the string life should be as long if not even longer. Whatcha think? How is that Pacific Classic--not a bad price!

Kcraig said:

Thanks for the advice-- I added about 3.5g at 12 and will give it a go tomororw. If I decide to pick up this stick, I was thinking about going w/ Pacific Classic 16/Genesis Black Magic or CF at 54/52 or even 52/50 with the cooler weather moving in. I think this frame, tight pattern and lower tension would just have unbelievable feel and controllable pop.

I used a Klip/Big Ace hybrid in my Diablo MP (16*18) strung at 56/53 and with stringsavers got about 15-18hrs on it and playability was good from start to finish. SO with the 18*20 the string life should be as long if not even longer. Whatcha think? How is that Pacific Classic--not a bad price!

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Have only tried Babolat VS natty gut, so can't comment on that

Kcraig said:

I used a Klip/Big Ace hybrid in my Diablo MP (16*18) strung at 56/53 and with stringsavers got about 15-18hrs on it and playability was good from start to finish. SO with the 18*20 the string life should be as long if not even longer. Whatcha think? How is that Pacific Classic--not a bad price!

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i'd say go with the Babolat -- maybe even the Tonic if cost is an issue (although I've only used VS, but I've heard Tonic works just ask well)...the Pacific Blue Spiral stuff I tried felt a little...stiffish? I mean, it was stiff comfortable -- not sure how it compares to Pacific Classic Natty gut...

i want to try VS gut, but i'm scared i will start a very expensive habit...haha -- i have a few packs lying around so I guess I should give it the old college try...

ClubHoUno, have you tried the SP Tornado yet, in your PSL GTs? I was thinking about trying that with gut crosses...is the tension maintenance of the tornado pretty decent?

downs_chris said:

i'd say go with the Babolat -- maybe even the Tonic if cost is an issue (although I've only used VS, but I've heard Tonic works just ask well)...the Pacific Blue Spiral stuff I tried felt a little...stiffish? I mean, it was stiff comfortable -- not sure how it compares to Pacific Classic Natty gut...

i want to try VS gut, but i'm scared i will start a very expensive habit...haha -- i have a few packs lying around so I guess I should give it the old college try...

ClubHoUno, have you tried the SP Tornado yet, in your PSL GTs? I was thinking about trying that with gut crosses...is the tension maintenance of the tornado pretty decent?

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I agree with you on the VS--I don't want to even try it cause it could be an addiction I could not afford! The Pacific Classic/Black Magic or Cyberflash hybrid will only come out to about $18.00/stick which is much more reasonable--about the same price as Tech X-1 or NXT package!

The great thing about the PSL is the same thing that's great about the PST: the softer nature of the stick allows you to use almost anything as a string combo-hybrids, full gut or full poly.

When I used the PDR, the 71 RA rating really cut down on my choices of what worked well.

I can't wait to use the new Prince Geared Spin Poly-it's green like the Grinch and will look wicked in the red and white PSL

Kcraig said:

I agree with you on the VS--I don't want to even try it cause it could be an addiction I could not afford! The Pacific Classic/Black Magic or Cyberflash hybrid will only come out to about $18.00/stick which is much more reasonable--about the same price as Tech X-1 or NXT package!

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are you using the cyberflash in the mains? how's the durability and tension maintenance of it? i just hit with it for the first time yesterday (full bed) and actually enjoy the stuff...thinking about hybrid'ing it with a soft multi or even gut...what guage are you using? thanks!

downs_chris said:

are you using the cyberflash in the mains? how's the durability and tension maintenance of it? i just hit with it for the first time yesterday (full bed) and actually enjoy the stuff...thinking about hybrid'ing it with a soft multi or even gut...what guage are you using? thanks!

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Tension maintenance is great on CF, it usually goes for at least 15 hours before going dead or breaking. I used to use it but I felt CF had a slicker finish to it and it didn't grab the ball like I prefer.

CF works well in a poly poly hybrid with Cyber Blue mains.

PED...

i just picked up a Pure Storm GT (standard)... working through balance and weight customization... but so far, it's a nice hit. Strung it with TS Concept Pure at 53lbs, the stick feels like it can handle a much lower tension

jcstennis -- have you tried the limited version yet? with the 18 x 20 string pattern...

downs_chris said:

jcstennis -- have you tried the limited version yet? with the 18 x 20 string pattern...

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no... but the specs look good what's funny i have customized mt PSGT to 337gs, 9pts HL with leather (very close to the Limited).

jcstennis said:

no... but the specs look good what's funny i have customized mt PSGT to 337gs, 9pts HL with leather (very close to the Limited).

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i've tried the Pure Storm GT Tour (i heard it's different from the regular non-tour version -- besides just the reduction in weight -- constructed different or something) -- but I enjoyed the Limited one a bit more...reminds me more of my prestige classic mids -- plus i was going through strings like crazy in that 16 x 20 string pattern...

jcstennis said:

no... but the specs look good what's funny i have customized mt PSGT to 337gs, 9pts HL with leather (very close to the Limited).

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J, my advice is don't hit with the psl....unless you want to switch to it. My first exposure to it was hitting with a guy this past spring-he used it bone stock and produced the nastiest ball ever with it. He used poly/kevlar in it at 62 and it still felt nice. Mine is 349g with a 330SW but the balance makes it feel more like only 342g or so in static weight.

I had only hit with the older version before buying the GT and was pretty blown away by the GT one. I would say it hits like I thought the MGMP "should" hit-flexy with plenty of control and spin. That thin beam is great. It seems to produce a really heavy ball. I've got 4.5g at the tip and it really makes me wonder how far I could go with lead up there before it slows down my stick speed.

Full pl2 is great but I need to go up to 52/50 at least next time.


The only problem I have is that Head sent me a new YT Rad Pro to warranty my broken Prestige and I'm dying to string it up and try it when I know I need to just sell it on and get another PSL.

Wow, I've been searching for the perfect racquet for my 1hbh, I should definitely give the LTD GT a try! So far I am liking the Volkl Power Bridge 10 Mid... very solid and great touch because of the flex rating. Has anyone tried both and could give me a quick comparison?

downs_chris said:

are you using the cyberflash in the mains? how's the durability and tension maintenance of it? i just hit with it for the first time yesterday (full bed) and actually enjoy the stuff...thinking about hybrid'ing it with a soft multi or even gut...what guage are you using? thanks!

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I'm actually going to put the CF in the crosses and gut mains! The 18*20 pattern and some stringsavers will have this baby lasting a good while and playability of the gut in the mains is pretty darn good from start to finish!

jcstennis said:

PED...

i just picked up a Pure Storm GT (standard)... working through balance and weight customization... but so far, it's a nice hit. Strung it with TS Concept Pure at 53lbs, the stick feels like it can handle a much lower tension

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JC--I have tested all the new Pure Storm GTs--Here are my impressions so far:

First--PSTGT--this is a great very solid/stable hit with tons of plow and still manuverable with the HL balance. However the SW is 333+ and was wearing me down some on serving. Had 2 demos--1 had full addiction 16 and was very solid and hit a nasty heavy ball. Last one had Alu Rgh/PSGD and was loooooose--but was naaassssssttttyyy off the groundies! Really, really liked this stick. Was def stiffer than the PSLGT.

Next was the PSGT--tried it stock--with an OG it is still pretty even balanced. So I added 12g under the grip and got static up to 11.8, and balance at 12.8ish, but still just not manuverable at all. Did not like it for some reason. Just had trouble diggin out those low balls on the run and whipping shots dtl or cross court. Also, was a little underwelmed on serving--too stiff and unstable!!

NOW demoing the PSLGT--I have only hit with it once and I really really like it alot!!! Great flexy and super HL stick that is VERY manuverable and as PED stated, it can hit a nasty ball even with the 18*20. Feels as solid as the PSTGT, but SW is 315ish and therefore much easier to handle for longer periods of play! Demo I have has full Conquest 16g and is OK, but their is still tons of feel and loads of dwell on the strings. A better string setup and this is $$$$$. I am going to try 3.5g at 12 to see how it works, but stock is also just fine for me. PSLGT is loads better than the orig PSL (which I also hit of course!)--more pop and same soft feel.

Good thing about all these sticks is the PJ is SICK on ALL of THEM!!! Best PJ available IMO.

MY votes go to the PSLGT and PSTGT--both stable and just plain fun to play with! Hope this helps some.

welcome to the club! haha...

downs_chris said:

i'd say go with the Babolat -- maybe even the Tonic if cost is an issue (although I've only used VS, but I've heard Tonic works just ask well)...the Pacific Blue Spiral stuff I tried felt a little...stiffish? I mean, it was stiff comfortable -- not sure how it compares to Pacific Classic Natty gut...

i want to try VS gut, but i'm scared i will start a very expensive habit...haha -- i have a few packs lying around so I guess I should give it the old college try...

ClubHoUno, have you tried the SP Tornado yet, in your PSL GTs? I was thinking about trying that with gut crosses...is the tension maintenance of the tornado pretty decent?

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Yeahh, I got 4 bags from a German reseller - and I have still only used the first bag in my two PST GT racquets with X-One in the crosses and Tornado in the mains.

I also experiment with a setup of Tornado amins and Recoil corsses and it plays fantastic too
The tension maintenance of the Tornado is up there with Silverstring and Turbotwist and SSSP - awesome tention stability, retention and maintenance - what ever you prefer to call it.

The Hyperion, the sister to the Tornado but without the twist structure, to me seems like it has even better tension maintenance. Hyperion is extremly good at holding tension, while the Tornado is just great at it - I only tested two bags from each, so it's based on that - but also from talks to other players, who tested these strings.

Therefore I prefer to use Hyperion as a cross hybrid string in my other two PST GT with VS 16 Nat gut in the mains, also because I get slightly more durability out of the Hyperion 1.24 as a hybrid cross string, because the gauge is a bit thicker and won't saw into the soft gut and the Hyperion is not twisted like the Tornado and a twisted string would also saw into the mains faster.

There has also been debate as to a twisted and not rugged string (like for instance the Alu Rough, which just has 'ROUGH' spots on the string and not a twisted structure) will work as a cross string. Some believe the twisted structure only works, when placed in the mains - other says this is not true, and that it works both ways.

Alu Rough works both ways because this string is not twisted, but full of small rugged 'spots', which grab the ball and bites into it.

I mainly use a CoPoly in my VS Natty gut hybrid to tame the elsticity and power of the nat gut and because the hybrid combination of a somewhat stiff CoPoly with good tension maintenance (for a CoPloly that is) and the soft elastic natural gut creates a great hybrid, which many tennis players love.

So I'm not looking for a dedicated spin string in my VS nat gut hybrid, when I place the CoPoly in the crosses, as the spin and control mostly comes from the amins anyway. The cross string contributes comfort, feel and power - this is why many can't get why you would place a CoPoly in the crosses and a natural gut string in the mains in a hybrid - they think it shoudl be the other way around. But as I say, until you try the hybrid with nat gut in the mains and the CoPoly in the crosses, you will not quite understand how well it plays.

I would think the topspin power player will prefer the CoPoly in the mains in a nat gut hybrid, while the more traditional flat medium power player will like the CoPoly in the crosses in a nat gut hybrid.
I have tested it both ways, and can see benefits from both hybrids, but prefer the feel I get from natty gut mains and CoPoly crosses, it's GGGGGGggggggRRRRRRRReeeaaaaaaatttttttt

PED said:

J, my advice is don't hit with the psl....unless you want to switch to it. My first exposure to it was hitting with a guy this past spring-he used it bone stock and produced the nastiest ball ever with it. He used poly/kevlar in it at 62 and it still felt nice. Mine is 349g with a 330SW but the balance makes it feel more like only 342g or so in static weight.

I had only hit with the older version before buying the GT and was pretty blown away by the GT one. I would say it hits like I thought the MGMP "should" hit-flexy with plenty of control and spin. That thin beam is great. It seems to produce a really heavy ball. I've got 4.5g at the tip and it really makes me wonder how far I could go with lead up there before it slows down my stick speed.

Full pl2 is great but I need to go up to 52/50 at least next time.


The only problem I have is that Head sent me a new YT Rad Pro to warranty my broken Prestige and I'm dying to string it up and try it when I know I need to just sell it on and get another PSL.

Click to expand...

H,

i may have to try this stick out... the PSGT is a touch too stiff and a little too muted, sorta feels like a Pure Control that has a thinner feel/hit.. my PC's felt a bit more muted but hit a fatter ball. (if that makes sense)... the PSGT is a nice stick and will have a lot of followers, it plays a crisp controlled game with good spin. (but i feel my PS will be up in the classifieds soon)

Kcraig said:

JC--I have tested all the new Pure Storm GTs--Here are my impressions so far:

First--PSTGT--this is a great very solid/stable hit with tons of plow and still manuverable with the HL balance. However the SW is 333+ and was wearing me down some on serving. Had 2 demos--1 had full addiction 16 and was very solid and hit a nasty heavy ball. Last one had Alu Rgh/PSGD and was loooooose--but was naaassssssttttyyy off the groundies! Really, really liked this stick. Was def stiffer than the PSLGT.

Next was the PSGT--tried it stock--with an OG it is still pretty even balanced. So I added 12g under the grip and got static up to 11.8, and balance at 12.8ish, but still just not manuverable at all. Did not like it for some reason. Just had trouble diggin out those low balls on the run and whipping shots dtl or cross court. Also, was a little underwelmed on serving--too stiff and unstable!!

NOW demoing the PSLGT--I have only hit with it once and I really really like it alot!!! Great flexy and super HL stick that is VERY manuverable and as PED stated, it can hit a nasty ball even with the 18*20. Feels as solid as the PSTGT, but SW is 315ish and therefore much easier to handle for longer periods of play! Demo I have has full Conquest 16g and is OK, but their is still tons of feel and loads of dwell on the strings. A better string setup and this is $$$$$. I am going to try 3.5g at 12 to see how it works, but stock is also just fine for me. PSLGT is loads better than the orig PSL (which I also hit of course!)--more pop and same soft feel.

Good thing about all these sticks is the PJ is SICK on ALL of THEM!!! Best PJ available IMO.

MY votes go to the PSLGT and PSTGT--both stable and just plain fun to play with! Hope this helps some.

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damn straight, the PJ is nice! thanks for the input, i 100% agree the PSGT left me wanting (or searching) more on my serves... played stiffer than advertised... and my whippy cross court FH's were falling into the net... i tried lead at 3&9, a ton on the handle... but the set up that worked best for me was to make the stick a little more HL, more maneuverable.

next step, try the Limited GT! I'll let you know how it goes!

JCS, from reading your stuff over the years, I think you like a more HL balanced stick and the pslgt is that. the GT version is a tad heavier with a little bit more SW-315 compared to 305 of the original. I played today and it was only 60 and the ball was flying a bit on me so I need to go up in my tension. I don't find there to be a lack of power at all.

How about your Eagles....that was a certified beat down of the G Men yesterday and my Panthers looked good against the Cards....a little payback from the playoffs last year

Do you think the Phillies can get it going again?

BTW, the pslgt hits a wicked cross court fh , you can drive it flattish or you can whip it high and deep with a little sidespin too. I wish I'd tried an 18 20 pattern years ago.

For those that have tried the LTD GT, how are you guys liking the 18 x 20 string pattern? Would you have preferred it to be 16 x 19? I'm curious to why babolat did not stick with a more open string pattern if they were trying to make it an "old school" type of racquet.

smooveken said:

For those that have tried the LTD GT, how are you guys liking the 18 x 20 string pattern? Would you have preferred it to be 16 x 19? I'm curious to why babolat did not stick with a more open string pattern if they were trying to make it an "old school" type of racquet.

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Considering the fact that every single other racquet they make has 16x something. They were shooting for more of a prestige competitor than an "old skool" racquet. They just did a damn good job and thats what they ended up with. If you want the racquet with the 16x20 pattern get a PST.

star 5 15 said:

Considering the fact that every single other racquet they make has 16x something. They were shooting for more of a prestige competitor than an "old skool" racquet. They just did a damn good job and thats what they ended up with. If you want the racquet with the 16x20 pattern get a PST.

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Ahh I gotcha, Thanks for the info. And I know i asked this before but have any of you guys hit with the volkl pb 10 mid in comparison with this one?

smooveken said:

Ahh I gotcha, Thanks for the info. And I know i asked this before but have any of you guys hit with the volkl pb 10 mid in comparison with this one?

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I for one haven't.

PED said:

JCS, from reading your stuff over the years, I think you like a more HL balanced stick and the pslgt is that. the GT version is a tad heavier with a little bit more SW-315 compared to 305 of the original. I played today and it was only 60 and the ball was flying a bit on me so I need to go up in my tension. I don't find there to be a lack of power at all.

How about your Eagles....that was a certified beat down of the G Men yesterday and my Panthers looked good against the Cards....a little payback from the playoffs last year

Do you think the Phillies can get it going again?

BTW, the pslgt hits a wicked cross court fh , you can drive it flattish or you can whip it high and deep with a little sidespin too. I wish I'd tried an 18 20 pattern years ago.

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that's right, HL is a must for me... with SW i can go up to about 325 and feel comfortable... good to hear about the power potential... i have been playing "flexier" racquets this spring/summer/fall and have found some nice racquets that have good flex and a bit-o'-power... my 4D200 16x19 has a very nice, even blend of flex/stability/power (just the right amounts of each). But this year i moved back to a more open string pattern and enjoy being back... how convincing is the PSLGT's pattern... i would hope for good spin with nice control, but more inportantly how is feel/touch?

I'm going to go back and read more in this thread, but what are your thoughts on the PSLGT's flexibility? Where is it most pronounced and does it feel noodley, is it too soft, etc...

Eagles looked great, hope they are starting to hit their stride, they just went through their easiest part of their schedule, they have some tough games coming up.. the win over the Gnats was a nice win... the Cowgirls are next... i love the Witherspoon pick up on defense... what a nice addition!

I am so tired... staying up all week past midnight watching the Phils... what a game last night! Our relief pitching is giving me angina!

Cowgirls...I like that!

I have always stayed away from 18 20 patterns because I feared a lack of power and spin but that's not the case here. I would go so far as to say that I prefer this pattern in the psl.

The 2007 PST was a bit of a noodle and the MGMP I thought was too soft in the throat-I never could get the right action with that stick on my io forehand. The pslgt just has an abundance of feel. It's as stiff as it needs to be and handles pace very well. The only area I'm still adapting is the timing on my 2hbh. The Prestige Pro (in hindsight) is a bit more sluggish so the stick speed is faster using the psl and I'm trying to get that sorted out but that's just a matter of time.

Volleys are solid and you can place them where ever you want.

PED, have you made any modifications to your PSL? Lead tape anywhere?

Chris, I've added 4g of lead to the tip and that seems to be all I need. It's so HL in stock form that I didn't want to add anywhere else.

The static weight is now 348 which is perfect. I tried a bit more lead and that slowed my stick speed down so I went back down to 4g.

I cut out my pl2 today. I loved the string but the grommets were new when I had it strung last week and the tension REALLY dropped in the last few days.

PL2 will likely be my go to setup, but I have a pack of the new Prince geared spin poly that I really want to try out. I bumped the tension up to 53/51 and I'll see how it goes. I would imagine that in the summertime I'll be back up at 55 or 56.

One thing I will note is that this thing has plenty of power. It's not high powered but it has plenty. I was really worried going into it that power would be an issue but not so far.....

yeah...i just added about 5 grams in the 3 and 9 o'clock position, but I haven't got a chance to hit with it yet -- yeah, i agree -- adding a little lead to a racquet that's already soo headlight, doesn't really do too much to the swingweight...

i've really enjoyed the MSV Focus Hex and the Cyber Flash polys (both hybrids with Gosen OG Sheep)...my plan is to play test those side by side this week...with my setup using a weiss cannon silver string hybrid, and the final racquet with a full set of natty gut...too many options!

Looks like i'll be joining this support group soon...Just finished demoing this racquet and boy am I loving it!

The demo came with 16g strings at a pretty high tension, which i've been hitting pretty well with, but I will definitely need to try a 17g at 55lbs like many of you are suggesting. Maybe some Gosen micro og sheep 17 will do the trick.

The pure storm limited is the best racket ever made by babolat you get the same amount of spin as you would with a pure drive and the same stiffness you would from the pure storms. The pure storm limited was a great racket i had six of them and loved them. For the best results with the racket i highly suggest a hybrid string like pro hurricane tour xcel strung at a lower tension for controlled player and high tension for heavy hitters. when babolat came out with the gt line they only improved the masterpiece. The racket is good for all around players. i love it.
Recommended String:
Babolat Revenge for big hitters
Xcel for players who love to hit angles and love control
Pro hurricane VS for all around players (or xcel for a little less comfort and more durability)
Tension:
61-63-big hitters
59-61-all around players
55-58-control

The published SW on this frame is 305. I played with a guy last night who had a few of these and the SW felt much higher than that -- closer to 320/325. Does anyone have actual SW data on an unmodified frame?

Brad Smith said:

The published SW on this frame is 305. I played with a guy last night who had a few of these and the SW felt much higher than that -- closer to 320/325. Does anyone have actual SW data on an unmodified frame?

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305 are you sure, this model not the previous...?

smooveken said:

Ahh I gotcha, Thanks for the info. And I know i asked this before but have any of you guys hit with the volkl pb 10 mid in comparison with this one?

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I would also like to have a comparison with the PSLGT