Babolat E-Sense Frames (PD mold)

Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
I was at Sports Chalet yesterday and noticed these recreational Babolat frames. It's basically a Pure Drive without the cortex. It also has side woofer grommets only... none in the head or throat. The price is $85-$99 (online)

Here are the specs:
Babolat E-sense Comp (blue)
Length: 27"
Stiffness (unstrung): 65 (62-63 strung)
Head size: 100 sq. in. (appears to be PD mold)
Pattern: 16x19
Material: 100% graphite
Weight: 9.7 oz. unstrung (10.2 strung)
Balance (unstrung): 335 mm or about 2.5-3 points HL (even balance strung)

With the low static weight and HL balance, a frame like this is perfect for customization. I'm wondering if the drill pattern is the same as the PD (so I can install and try new Woofer grommets as well).

There's also an e-sense lite (yellow) that is 0.5 oz. lighter and 3 points more HH ◄◄

Anyone know if these frames play similarly to the original Pure Drive being it's the same mold and composition with no cortex?

4586957285_713063a8a7.jpg


4587582126_00f092c0f4.jpg
 
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Fedace

Fedace

Banned
why is it so flexible ? 65 SI. Pure drives are 72 SI index. They should have made it that stiff.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Fedace said:
why is it so flexible ? 65 SI. Pure drives are 72 SI index. They should have made it that stiff.
Click to expand...

It's quite a bit less stiff than the PD and contains nothing besides graphite. The fact is also has no cortex makes me wonder if it isn't very similar in feel to the original PD.

I think I'll buy one and customize it to the same weight and balance as the original PD then try it with the regular throat and head grommets and then the full woofer grommets.
 
flashfire276

flashfire276

Hall of Fame
I've had my eye on these since it was announced earlier this year. I think you're onto something Bud. If it's built decent, and we can mod it correctly, we can probably recreate the Pure Drive non-Cortex.
I just hope that the racquet materials are decent quality to give a nice feel. It's flexy, which is a good sign.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
flashfire276 said:
I've had my eye on these since it was announced earlier this year. I think you're onto something Bud. If it's built decent, and we can mod it correctly, we can probably recreate the Pure Drive non-Cortex.
I just hope that the racquet materials are decent quality to give a nice feel. It's flexy, which is a good sign.
Click to expand...

I agree. I can tell you the stock grommets are lower quality than normal Babolat grommets. They look thinner and flimsier. That's why I was wondering if the Woofer grommets would fit the drill pattern.

However, the body and paint look decent. I can't imagine quality control is too much different for these versus the professional frames... which really probably aren't even the same frames the real pros receive.

I'll have to bite the bullet and buy one soon... then really examine it closely and determine how close the stock specs are to the printed specs.

I also notice that MW Sports sells a FO edition of the E-Sense Comp.

2nls9wh.jpg


23mo6fo.jpg
 
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C

CycloneSh0t

Rookie
Bud said:
I was at Sports Chalet yesterday and noticed these recreational Babolat frames. It's basically a Pure Drive without the cortex. It also has side woofer grommets only... none in the head or throat. The price is $85-$99 (online)

Here are the specs:
Babolat E-sense Comp (blue)
Length: 27"
Stiffness (unstrung): 65 (62-63 strung)
Head size: 100 sq. in. (appears to be PD mold)
Pattern: 16x19
Material: 100% graphite
Weight: 9.7 oz. unstrung (10.2 strung)
Balance (unstrung): 335 mm or about 2.5-3 points HL (even balance strung)

With the low static weight and HL balance, a frame like this is perfect for customization. I'm wondering if the drill pattern is the same as the PD (so I can install and try new Woofer grommets as well).

There's also an e-sense lite (yellow) that is 0.5 oz. lighter and 3 points more HH ◄◄

Anyone know if these frames play similarly to the original Pure Drive being it's the same mold and composition with no cortex?

4586957285_713063a8a7.jpg


4587582126_00f092c0f4.jpg
Click to expand...

for sure let us know how it goes! i'm excited to hear your responses! PD TEAM REVIVAL hopefully!
 
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BobFL

BobFL

Hall of Fame
Good stuff Bud! I think I saw them in my local SA. I will definitely check it out tomorrow and report back. Btw, the key here (apart from the mold which appears to be incredibly similar to say the lest) is the layup. Given the price I am kind of skeptical but hey! with a few yards of lead tape, it could be very close to the pre-cortex pd ...
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
BobFL said:
Good stuff Bud! I think I saw them in my local SA. I will definitely check it out tomorrow and report back. Btw, the key here (apart from the mold which appears to be incredibly similar to say the lest) is the layup. Given the price I am kind of skeptical but hey! with a few yards of lead tape, it could be very close to the pre-cortex pd ...
Click to expand...

Lol... shouldn't take that much... just an ounce or so :)

Well, yeah maybe a few yards now that I calculate it ;)
 
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V

Virtua Tennis

Semi-Pro
Those racquets are not 100% graphite. The racquet industry is not the FDA where they have to tell you exact percentage used.

Also I have tried the E-sense racquets along with Pure drives before and after GT tech. All I can say is you get what you paid for. Pure Drives play more solid like a $200 racquet compared to the E-sense frames.
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Virtua Tennis said:
Those racquets are not 100% graphite. The racquet industry is not the FDA where they have to tell you exact percentage used.

Also I have tried the E-sense racquets along with Pure drives before and after GT tech. All I can say is you get what you paid for. Pure Drives play more solid like a $200 racquet compared to the E-sense frames.
Click to expand...

So, when they say 100% graphite, they're lying :confused:

I'd find it hard to believe there's really that much difference in the frame quality between these and a Pure Drive. The PD layup is more complex in that it contains tungsten weave... not to mention the name and player endorsements.

BTW, some people think Pure Drives feel like hollow plastic toys so I'd have to try it for myself to see if there is really any quality difference between the E-Sense frames and the Pure Drive frames ;)
 
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flashfire276

flashfire276

Hall of Fame
Bud said:
However, the body and paint look decent. I can't imagine quality control is too much different for these versus the professional frames... which really probably aren't even the same frames the real pros receive.
Click to expand...

I certainly hope so. But let's remember, this is Babolat's range for mass-production racquets. Just like those low-class third-party retail racquets with dorky names like Head Liquidmetal Genesis, Wilson K Rage, and Prince Triple Threat Lightning, we'll probably have to expect the worst-case scenario. Sure, it's still graphite made. But it's going to be a lower-class graphite, which is not a good formula for our kind of taste.
If I remember correctly, the starting price on the E-Sense line is around $100. Worst case scenario, we use that money to find a cheap used Pure Drive non-Cortex right here on the TT Classifieds. BUT, if this thing really is a hidden gem, Babolat might have a new selling point (maybe not since the Rafa hype has died down a bit).
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Going to customize one

I finally got my hands on one of these (the yellow E-sense Light) from a friend who is looking for more weight and pop from the frame.

I'm going to match it to the specs of a stock Pure Drive :)
 
BobFL

BobFL

Hall of Fame
Bud said:
I finally got my hands on one of these (the yellow E-sense Light) from a friend who is looking for more weight and pop from the frame.

I'm going to match it to the specs of a stock Pure Drive :)
Click to expand...

Photos? :)
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
Final Stats and Pics

Babolat E-Sense Light

Stock Specs (strung):
Weight: 10.2 oz. 290g
Balance: 2-3 pts. HH

Modified Specs (strung):
Weight: 11.5 oz. 325g
Balance: 5-6 pts. HL

Specs are with overgrip and dampener ◄

Added 20g of silicone and lead fishing weights inside the butt cap. Added 6g of lead at 3/9 o'clock.

I'll have a hit with it, later this evening


P1080043.JPG


P1080044.JPG


P1080045.JPG


P1080046.JPG
 
user92626

user92626

G.O.A.T.
Bud said:
Gosen Micro 18 mains at 52# and Isospeed Baseline 16g crosses at 42#
Click to expand...

Hey, do the mains run/move alot in this hybrid? I'm debating whether to use synth gut with my isospeed Speed. I use gamma synth gut with polylon ice, which is a very slippery string, no?, and the gamma mains do not snap back straight :(

I truly hate mains staying split apart. Let me know.
 
BobFL

BobFL

Hall of Fame
Wow! It looks awesome! Thanks Mr. Bud :)

Waiting for a review now ;) Btw, I would REALLY like to know what the RA is lol
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
user92626 said:
Hey, do the mains run/move alot in this hybrid? I'm debating whether to use synth gut with my isospeed Speed. I use gamma synth gut with polylon ice, which is a very slippery string, no?, and the gamma mains do not snap back straight

I truly hate mains staying split apart. Let me know.
Click to expand...

The mains move great along the crosses and snap back into place (that's why I string them 10 lbs. heavier than the crosses). I also spray the stringbed with silicone after every 4 hours of hitting, so that definitely helps as well.

Bartelby said:
There's a blue e-sense comp that is 10 grams heavier.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that frame would be even better to customize, IMO. I had to make due with what was available, however :)

BobFL said:
Wow! It looks awesome! Thanks Mr. Bud :)

Waiting for a review now ;) Btw, I would REALLY like to know what the RA is lol
Click to expand...

It plays great. It feels very much like an original PD. It's so much more flexible in the hoop versus the current PD and APD's. The stringbed has a nice pop (sound) with this string hybrid. The frame also had excellent spin, most likely due to the string hybrid and extreme polarization I set it up with.

Overall, the quality of the finish and the feel from the stringbed is comparable to Babolat's high-end frames.

My friend picked it up brand new for $35 and I charged him $35 for all the customization and the stringjob. Great frame for $70 ;)
 
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Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
More play

Played another hour tonight with the frame. Yep, definitely reminiscent of the early PD's. Nice plush, soft feel on contact. The feel is not muted like the current PD as the frame has only side woofer grommets and no cortex.

IMO, those who liked the original would like this frame weighted and balanced to stock PD specs.
 
flashfire276

flashfire276

Hall of Fame
Bud said:
Played another hour tonight with the frame. Yep, definitely reminiscent of the early PD's. Nice plush, soft feel on contact. The feel is not muted like the current PD as the frame has only side woofer grommets and no cortex.

IMO, those who liked the original would like this frame weighted and balanced to stock PD specs.
Click to expand...

Another epic project Bud. Really, mad props to you.
Now, let's stock up on these "cheapo Babolat" frames!
 
BobFL

BobFL

Hall of Fame
The drill spacing is EXACTLY the same as on my pro stock PD (Moya's frame)! There is more space in the sweet spot area and the last cross is closer to the bridge. :) Good stuff!

Where did he find it for $35? :)
 
Bud

Bud

Bionic Poster
BobFL said:
The drill spacing is EXACTLY the same as on my pro stock PD (Moya's frame)! There is more space in the sweet spot area and the last cross is closer to the bridge. :) Good stuff!

Where did he find it for $35? :)
Click to expand...

BobFL said:
P1080043rr.jpg
Click to expand...

Some scalper was selling it for $50 at the tennis courts. He hesitated and the guy immediately knocked off $15 from the price :)

I'd be curious to hit with these back to back to see how much different they really are.
 
nalvarado

nalvarado

Semi-Pro
That looks amazing. If I come into some expendable cash soon I'll definitely pick one up for modding. Love my coach's PD Swirly but can't stand the new PDGTs.
 
N

nkjwlf

Rookie
Sorry to bring up this old thread. Would current pure drive grommets fit this? Thinking about getting a pair of the current model and bringing up to PDR specs in a polarized setup. Thanks.
 
S

SFrazeur

Legend
nkjwlf said:
Sorry to bring up this old thread. Would current pure drive grommets fit this? Thinking about getting a pair of the current model and bringing up to PDR specs in a polarized setup. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have an E-Sense Comp, I will check if the holes line up tomorrow morning. Central Time.
 
R

Ross K

Legend
What a fascinating thread recently bumped up again... anyone else 'done a Bud' and played with one of these lighter cheaper flexier Babs care to comment on their findings?...
 
S

SFrazeur

Legend
Relatively stable and maneuverable the E-Sense Comp 2012 has a smaller sweet spot than Pure Drives, PD Roddicks and Drive Z. It has a bit of a hollow feel that the Team and Cortex pure drive versions suffered from. It only has woofer grommets at 3&9 and lacks that woofer feel that I enjoy but others hate. In some ways it feels like an older 100' racquet.
 
S

SFrazeur

Legend
nkjwlf said:
Sfrazeur did you check out the grommets?
Click to expand...


They are different. An entire Pure Drive grommet set will not fit. You might be able to exchange the bridge grommet piece but I cannot tell if the drilled holes are large enough. I do not get why they used a different drill pattern.
 
S

SFrazeur

Legend
NickShot said:
Are the grip size/shape the same as the PD? Also, any more thoughts on this frame? Thanks
Click to expand...

The buttcap is different: cheaper, lacks a trap door, flatter bottom, lacks the angular bevels of the quality buttcaps. In the hand it does not feel the same either. The handle shape feels the same however.
 
K

KYHacker

Professional
I bought some of these a while ago and sold them to a friend of mine who was looking for a softer-flex Pure Drive. They are a Pure Drive without cortex and with a little less weight in the handle and a little more weight in the hoop. SW was somewhere around 320-325 if I recall. Cosmetics on the frame weren't great, but it played like a champ.

Does have the cheaper buttcap without a trapdoor and a truly horrible factory grip. Grip is an easy fix of course.

I did take it into a local shop to compare to the Pure Drive grommets and the string spacing is slightly different from current Pure Drives but it looked like Pure Drive Light grommets had the same spacing. Of course, this was just eyeballing it and they might not work.
 
N

nkjwlf

Rookie
Pure Drive and Pure Drive Light have the same spacing. The grommets are interchangeable. Pure Drive original grommets should fit since the E Sense came from that mould.
 
K

KYHacker

Professional
I don't think original Pure Drive grommets were woofer grommets. I could be mistaken, but I think there is a slight difference in the string spacing on the PDL versus the PD.
 
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