Nadals Aeropro and gossip

Boricua · Apr 1, 2011

Can anyone tell me the weight and swingweight of Nadal's Aeropro and how would one customize a racket to get it to that weight and swingweight?

What would be the pros and cons of customizing it to Nadals specifications?

Is it true that Nadal uses the original Aeropro with a paint job and if so what is your source of information?

Is it true that Nadal uses Duralast and not RPM Blast? Proof?

Just curious, as it is certainly imposible to play like him. But customization maybe could help a bit.

Also, where I live there is a phrase that says: "I don't like gossip but it entertains me." ("No me gusta el chisme pero me entretiene")

ucr_tennis90 · Apr 1, 2011

there are probably hundreds of threads that have the details of nadal's setup on TT.

here's the gist of it:

he uses the original aeropro drive (no cortex, no GT) painted like the GT.
he uses RPM Blast 1.35mm (several TT members who have strung his racket have confirmed the shape of the string is the same as RPM/PHT, not smooth like duralast)

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=373926

and here's a picture of nadal posted by Carolina Racquet in another thread where you can clearly see that the cortex on nadal's racket is painted on:

and another posted by Fabfed comparing Rafa's racket and a stock APDGT:

VamosRafa06 · Apr 1, 2011

why does Nadal use a non-cortex? What would the benefit be to not having the cortex system on there? I played with the non-cortex APD & PD, and now use a PDGT with the Cortex...I really don't remember the difference. But I'm also of course no Nadal...
I am curious though

Boricua · Apr 1, 2011

ucr_tennis90 said:
there are probably hundreds of threads that have the details of nadal's setup on TT.

here's the gist of it:

he uses the original aeropro drive (no cortex, no GT) painted like the GT.
he uses RPM Blast 1.35mm (several TT members who have strung his racket have confirmed the shape of the string is the same as RPM/PHT, not smooth like duralast)

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=373926

and here's a picture of nadal posted by Carolina Racquet in another thread where you can clearly see that the cortex on nadal's racket is painted on:

and another posted by Fabfed comparing Rafa's racket and a stock APDGT:

i dont see the paint job but maybe thats why I use glasses or contacts

Nevertheless, is there a big difference between the original ADP and the GT?

sixone90 · Apr 2, 2011

Boricua said:
i dont see the paint job but maybe thats why I use glasses or contacts Nevertheless, is there a big difference between the original ADP and the GT?

Look at da Cortex!

Alan_Hill · Apr 2, 2011

OMG
In this pic, it written "Pro Hurricane" on the main string

Power Player · Apr 2, 2011

Dude just buy a bandanna, an original aeropro drive and some Babolat poly strings. Then google "pro racquet specs" to get his lead placement. Then you can go out on the courts dressed like him with his racquet and trying to hit like him as well. Please videotape once you do.

Lsmkenpo · Apr 2, 2011

You won't be able to handle it, the racquet will be too heavy and stiff for you.

VGP · Apr 2, 2011

Here's a link from a reputable source (Greg Raven) regarding Nadal's specs....

Mind you, these are from four years ago, but I'd be willing to guess that things haven't changed too much for him.....

BTW - those pics above are from Fabfed, a fellow member that's purchased actual Federer and Nadal frames.

Rhythm Man · Apr 2, 2011

Alan_Hill said:
OMG
In this pic, it written "Pro Hurricane" on the main string

Yeah, I noticed that right away. What's the deal with that?
The pic definitely verifies the paint job cortex but now I'm confused about what string he uses. How can I hit like Nadal if I dont know if its hurricane or rpm?

Deathsticks · Apr 2, 2011

Equipment doesn't make a person good.

JoelDali · Apr 2, 2011

Where can I get Cortex crystals?

Djokolate · Apr 2, 2011

ucr_tennis90 said:
there are probably hundreds of threads that have the details of nadal's setup on TT.

here's the gist of it:

he uses the original aeropro drive (no cortex, no GT) painted like the GT.
he uses RPM Blast 1.35mm (several TT members who have strung his racket have confirmed the shape of the string is the same as RPM/PHT, not smooth like duralast)

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=373926

and here's a picture of nadal posted by Carolina Racquet in another thread where you can clearly see that the cortex on nadal's racket is painted on:

and another posted by Fabfed comparing Rafa's racket and a stock APDGT:

Yeah.
Pretty much most epic post on what Nadal uses.
And don't forget it's Grip Size 1 1/4 (L2) and 55-56lbs if I remember

ucr_tennis90 · Apr 2, 2011

nadal tested playing with pro hurricane tour several years ago and didn't like the string, hence why he stuck to duralast. so if he switched away from duralast to a string shaped like RPM/PHT (which once again has been confirmed by several TT members), it can be assumed its either PHT in black (which could and most likely would change how the string plays compared to the yellow/golden version [or a more likely answer, PHT black is RPM blast]) or some variant of RPM that is slightly different in composition to the consumer version (which i believe there were several types that were sent out for play testing).

basically, you will probably never be able to get the exact string nadal uses. RPM Blast 16g is probably the closest you will get.

Canadian Kid · Apr 2, 2011

VamosRafa06 said:
why does Nadal use a non-cortex? What would the benefit be to not having the cortex system on there? I played with the non-cortex APD & PD, and now use a PDGT with the Cortex...I really don't remember the difference. But I'm also of course no Nadal...
I am curious though

feel and feedback....Cortex mutes those qualities a bit. Also the cortex actually makes the racquet slightly less stiff by taking a piece out of the frame and inserting cortex....this weakens the entire frame.

I never traded in my all black APD's and actually I think they play a whole lot better than the newer versions.....and Nadal agrees....lol.

AeroFan · Apr 2, 2011

does that say pro hurricane on rafas strings? i thought he used RPM Blast...

ucr_tennis90 · Apr 2, 2011

AeroFan said:
does that say pro hurricane on rafas strings? i thought he used RPM Blast...

his old duralast strings said pro hurricane on them too, but they were obviously duralast.

read what i wrote above... it should answer your question.

Boricua · Apr 4, 2011

Power Player said:
Dude just buy a bandanna, an original aeropro drive and some Babolat poly strings. Then google "pro racquet specs" to get his lead placement. Then you can go out on the courts dressed like him with his racquet and trying to hit like him as well. Please videotape once you do.

Then, Ill play you and hit some nasty forehand topspin and then youll look like Sponge Bob asking for his mommy to help him...

Boricua · Apr 4, 2011

Lsmkenpo said:
You won't be able to handle it, the racquet will be too heavy and stiff for you.

Do you know me?

Power Player · Apr 4, 2011

Boricua said:
Then, Ill play you and hit some nasty forehand topspin and then youll look like Sponge Bob asking for his mommy to help him...

Can you hit with topspin now? How old are you?

Boricua · Apr 4, 2011

Power Player said:
Can you hit with topspin now? How old are you?

Nasty topspin and not my age should be the issue...

Power Player · Apr 4, 2011

You should be able to hit with heavy topspin with any racquet. I ask your age, because you seem like a kid from your posts. I have been hitting with heavy spin since I was around 11, and I did not have the luxury of trying a million sticks to do it. I basically learned how on a Prince 90 graphite racquet.

My point is that instead of studying Nadal's specs, making a ton of posts about the same thing, and fantasizing about hitting with heavy spin, just go grab your racquet and do it now. I say this because there is a chance that the APD is not even the most ideal racquet for your stroke, but since you seem to be obsessed with getting it, you will force yourself to stay with it and it could hinder your game.

Food for thought.

Boricua · Apr 4, 2011

Power Player said:
You should be able to hit with heavy topspin with any racquet. I ask your age, because you seem like a kid from your posts. I have been hitting with heavy spin since I was around 11, and I did not have the luxury of trying a million sticks to do it. I basically learned how on a Prince 90 graphite racquet.

My point is that instead of studying Nadal's specs, making a ton of posts about the same thing, and fantasizing about hitting with heavy spin, just go grab your racquet and do it now. I say this because there is a chance that the APD is not even the most ideal racquet for your stroke, but since you seem to be obsessed with getting it, you will force yourself to stay with it and it could hinder your game.

Food for thought.

Well, maybe Im a kid in heart but Im a Dad of a 4 year old and a two year old. But, better sound and feel young than the other way around...

Obsession is a word that tends to bring negative traits to the table. In my case, I have been using the Aerpro for four years but have demoed other rackets as well.

Before Nadal was born, I hit heavy topspin and it is not a matter of imitating him or any other player. I like the weight and balance of the APD and was wondering what Nadal did to customize it to make it better for him.

Obviously, what is good for Nadal could be good or bad to others. But, there is no crime or obsession in analyzing specs and qualities of rackets, strings, shoes, etc.. that I think is part of objectives of the these forums.

Anyhow, thank you for sharing your ideas

Ah, and watch out for the wicked topspin be it of Nadal or the Nadal wannabees like me

Power Player · Apr 4, 2011

I have that myself

But I thought the APD would work for me. It did, but I am more of an all courter, and can't just baseline bash forever..I like to mix in drop shots extreme angles and rush net sometimes.

If you have the aeropro, you have the best one IMO. You are good to go and do not need to upgrade. I would get some soft poly strings, and string low..like around 52 or so and you are all set. the Black Magic could be a real nice string for you.

Boricua · Apr 5, 2011

Power Player said:
I have that myself But I thought the APD would work for me. It did, but I am more of an all courter, and can't just baseline bash forever..I like to mix in drop shots extreme angles and rush net sometimes.

If you have the aeropro, you have the best one IMO. You are good to go and do not need to upgrade. I would get some soft poly strings, and string low..like around 52 or so and you are all set. the Black Magic could be a real nice string for you.

Thank you for the advice amd enjoy your Head Prestige, which I think is the racket you use.

rafabull · May 20, 2011

ucr_tennis90 said:
there are probably hundreds of threads that have the details of nadal's setup on TT.

here's the gist of it:

he uses the original aeropro drive (no cortex, no GT) painted like the GT.
he uses RPM Blast 1.35mm (several TT members who have strung his racket have confirmed the shape of the string is the same as RPM/PHT, not smooth like duralast)

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=373926

and here's a picture of nadal posted by Carolina Racquet in another thread where you can clearly see that the cortex on nadal's racket is painted on:

and another posted by Fabfed comparing Rafa's racket and a stock APDGT:

It looks like he uses Pro Hurricane instead of RPM Blasts as well.

Up&comer · May 20, 2011

rafabull said:
It looks like he uses Pro Hurricane instead of RPM Blasts as well.

Did you even read the previous posts? We've discussed this countless times, when he used duralast it said pro hurricane, and, well, just go back and read the other posts on this.

LPShanet · May 21, 2011

Boricua said:
Can anyone tell me the weight and swingweight of Nadal's Aeropro and how would one customize a racket to get it to that weight and swingweight?

What would be the pros and cons of customizing it to Nadals specifications?

Is it true that Nadal uses the original Aeropro with a paint job and if so what is your source of information?

Is it true that Nadal uses Duralast and not RPM Blast? Proof?

Just curious, as it is certainly imposible to play like him. But customization maybe could help a bit.

Also, where I live there is a phrase that says: "I don't like gossip but it entertains me." ("No me gusta el chisme pero me entretiene")

Just to help summarize after all the blabbing in the thread. Nadal uses the original APD with a pj of the current APDGT. Aside from the numerous pics on various threads here that demonstrate this, there are quite a few of us who either have first hand knowledge of his frames, or have held them and strung them. The only people who would dispute that he uses the first gen APD are people who don't know. There isn't really any serious disagreement on the subject from anyone with any clue.

It is true that he uses RPM Blast. It is false that Nadal uses Duralast and not RPM. It is also false that he uses any form of PHT. However, it is true that he USED to use Duralast, even when it was being labeled as PHT. He has never used PHT at all on a regular basis. To be fair, RPM is technically very similar in construction to PHT, apart from coatings, etc.

As for the pros and cons of matching his specs...
Pros: 1. You can say you use his specs. 2. It might give you confidence to know you're using what he does.

Cons: 1. Those specs are based on HIS swing, mechanics, physique, game and needs. 2. It's a waste of time, trouble and money to try and copy these things, when it won't do much for you. 3. It may distract you from figuring out what will work best for YOU...presumably a player of much lesser ability than he (since pretty much everyone except one or two humans on the planet are). 4. Relentless (and totally appropriate) ridicule from posters on these boards.

LPShanet · May 21, 2011

VamosRafa06 said:
why does Nadal use a non-cortex? What would the benefit be to not having the cortex system on there? I played with the non-cortex APD & PD, and now use a PDGT with the Cortex...I really don't remember the difference. But I'm also of course no Nadal...
I am curious though

It is not a matter of benefit or lack thereof, professional players tend not to like to switch equipment once they are comfortable with something they like. Unlike consumers, they aren't taken in by the miraculous annual technology "breakthroughs" and prefer to have a known quantity in their hands. This is why the entire paintjob practice exists. Since Nadal used the non-cortex version for many years, there was no reason for him to switch.

As for the differences, besides the different feel of the Cortex itself, the stiffness and flex pattern of the GT is very different from the original APD and from the 2nd Gen (Cortex) version.

LPShanet · May 21, 2011

JoelDali said:
Where can I get Cortex crystals?

You can get them on many street corners in the Cortex part of town. Wait long enough, and a dealer will offer them to you. Make sure you don't get taken by fake ones, though...ask for a sample.

LPShanet · May 21, 2011

Canadian Kid said:
feel and feedback....Cortex mutes those qualities a bit. Also the cortex actually makes the racquet slightly less stiff by taking a piece out of the frame and inserting cortex....this weakens the entire frame.

I never traded in my all black APD's and actually I think they play a whole lot better than the newer versions.....and Nadal agrees....lol.

That's not necessarily true at all. The layup, not the presence of Cortex, is what determines stiffness and flex pattern. The current GT versions (which have Cortex) are MUCH stiffer than the original APD.

LPShanet · May 21, 2011

rafabull said:
It looks like he uses Pro Hurricane instead of RPM Blasts as well.

It would be helpful to the boards (and to the OP of this thread) if people would stop making posts without full knowledge of the situation. What is printed on strings is irrelevant to what they actually are. Just like racquet paintjobs. Rafa had his Duralast painted with Pro Hurricane Tour Nadal for many years.

It's also worth noting that RPM Blast was based on the Pro Hurricane Tour string. The main difference is that they added an anti-friction coating to it. Prior to marketing the string, the original plan was to introduce it as Pro Hurricane Tour Black, but when they added the RPM low-friction technology and realized they could make some coin by making a bigger deal of it, they came up with a proprietary name: RPM Blast. Some of the batches of string that Rafa uses came from the early batches of prototypes, and still say Pro Hurricane Tour on them.

Bottom line: Rafa uses RPM Blast, regardless of what is printed on them in any given week. RPM Blast is a string that is very similar in many ways to Pro Hurricane Tour. The main differences are the coating and the subtle changes that coloration causes. However, Pro Hurricane Tour was never made commercially available here in black because they decided to sell a version of it as RPM Blast instead. End of story. I hope we don't have to rehash this yet again.

LPShanet · May 21, 2011

And.....scene!

klementine · May 22, 2011

LPShanet put the thread on track and then dropped it like it's hot.....

klementine · May 22, 2011

Played around with the APD GT about a year ago and enjoyed it.... strange racquet.... the APD is.... it would take me awhile to adjust to it....

Agreed, that Nadal's set-up is not for everyone... if I remember... he had a bunch of lead @ 12 and another glob of toxicity known to the state of california under the handle/grip.... should be a very 'polarized' set-up... something that should be tried... I for one couldn't groove with it.... too sluggish for me.... granted I have tried 'polarized' set-ups on other frames... don't know how the APD would react.

West Coast Ace · May 22, 2011

LPShanet said:
You can get them on many street corners in the Cortex part of town.

Sounds like something out of a William Gibson sci-fi novel...

klementine79 said:
Played around with the APD GT about a year ago and enjoyed it.... strange racquet...

Thanks for the details - I think I'll stick with my Prestige/RPM Blast set up...

klementine · May 22, 2011

West Coast Ace said:
Thanks for the details - I think I'll stick with my Prestige/RPM Blast set up...

Not much... I know... it was a brief hit with demo strings.

Up&comer · May 22, 2011

Did fabfed check to see what grip he has on there? Is it 3 overgrips or one regular and one overgrip?

FedererBestTennis · May 22, 2011

rafabull said:
It looks like he uses Pro Hurricane instead of RPM Blasts as well.

Wowwww...For the last time, the yellow string was Duralast, and the black string is B432-C.

LPShanet · May 22, 2011

FedererBestTennis said:
Wowwww...For the last time, the yellow string was Duralast, and the black string is B432-C.

Showoff

For those who don't know, B-432C is RPM Blast. They used the code B-432C for one of the prototypes before the string was released to retail. As stated above many times, he uses RPM Blast.

airdupont · May 23, 2011

What's the weight and balance of his racquet?

eliza · May 23, 2011

Canadian Kid said:
feel and feedback....Cortex mutes those qualities a bit. Also the cortex actually makes the racquet slightly less stiff by taking a piece out of the frame and inserting cortex....this weakens the entire frame.

I never traded in my all black APD's and actually I think they play a whole lot better than the newer versions.....and Nadal agrees....lol.

Funny that many people dislike the new GT version, and prefer the Cortex.....
Do not you think he stays with the original just because he is used to it?

got spin? · May 23, 2011

Roddick is the only one I know of that actually plays with a weighted stock Racket

Up&comer · May 23, 2011

got spin? said:
Roddick is the only one I know of that actually plays with a weighted stock Racket

Ummm no. He uses a racket without a cortex which means it definitely isn't stock.

LPShanet · May 23, 2011

got spin? said:
Roddick is the only one I know of that actually plays with a weighted stock Racket

Nope. Most of the Babolat players use weighted stock racquets. They get their matching/customization done aftermarket. Gonzales, Ginepri, and the rest do the same.

LPShanet · May 23, 2011

Up&comer said:
Ummm no. He uses a racket without a cortex which means it definitely isn't stock.

Actually, yes. It is an old stock model. But it is stock.

LPShanet · May 23, 2011

eliza said:
Funny that many people dislike the new GT version, and prefer the Cortex.....
Do not you think he stays with the original just because he is used to it?

I don't think it's funny or surprising. The GT is a very different racquet (i.e. much stiffer) so those who liked the original won't find the same qualities in the GT. Some like the GT better, but they're definitely different. Babolat made the GT stiffer because they believed that more people at the recreational level (who are likely to be the biggest purchasers) are more likely to prefer it that way. It gives the intermediate player a bump in power, but is less appealing to those who don't like stiff racquets.

And yes, I do think Nadal stays with the original because he is used to it (and because there is no benefit to him in switching), just like most pros stay with what they are used to.

kiteboard · May 23, 2011

airdupont said:
What's the weight and balance of his racquet?

334g, 352g sw, 33.5", 65 RA.

apd

TheBoom · May 23, 2011

Nice lookin sticks there kiteboard!!!!

Pioneer · May 24, 2011

It's generally inadvisable to customize your stick to some pro's specs because their customization takes in mind their weight, height, appendix length, strength, speed, etc.

Nadals Aeropro and gossip

Hall of Fame

Rookie

New User

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Rookie

Bionic Poster

Hall of Fame

Legend

Rookie

Rookie

Talk Tennis Guru

Professional

Rookie

Banned

Rookie

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Bionic Poster

Hall of Fame

Bionic Poster

Hall of Fame

Bionic Poster

Hall of Fame

Semi-Pro

Hall of Fame

Banned

Banned

Banned

Banned

Banned

Banned

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Professional

Banned

Semi-Pro

eliza

Guest

Banned

Hall of Fame

Banned

Banned

Banned

Banned

Hall of Fame

Professional

Similar threads