Bit the bullet and bought a 2012 PDR today

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

Bud we have the same string color..I love the feel and look of it personally. I am just interested in seeing how long it lasts. I need it to last for me a week or so.

Arm friendly wise so far this racquet is pretty comfortable so far for being so stiff. I think the key is to avoid stiff polys and use softer strings.

I remember the last PDR being a total boom stick. This PD plus has delivered as well in power..so far I like it in stock form.

Do you guys know how much extra weight that Wilson grip adds to the frame and how much bulkier it makes the handle feel?

Hominator · Mar 2, 2012

Power Player said:
Bud we have the same string color..I love the feel and look of it personally. I am just interested in seeing how long it lasts. I need it to last for me a week or so.

Arm friendly wise so far this racquet is pretty comfortable so far for being so stiff. I think the key is to avoid stiff polys and use softer strings.

I remember the last PDR being a total boom stick. This PD plus has delivered as well in power..so far I like it in stock form.

Do you guys know how much extra weight that Wilson grip adds to the frame and how much bulkier it makes the handle feel?

I never weighed the Wilson grip, but it's pretty heavy - as heavy as leather. I think someone on this board weighed one and posted the weight - does 22 grams sound right? Anyway, it's in one of these threads...

The grip adds very slightly to the size - feels less than one overgrip more to me. The best thing about this grip is that despite the gel strip that runs along the length of the grip, the grip still feels quite firm, not mushy, and it retains good bevel definition.

I think I'm going to string this frame with some pre-stretched Wilson natural gut 17 at around 53/50. That, along with the new grip, should make it just about as arm-friendly as it can be.

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

Awesome..thanks Hom. I feel like that grip could be a really nice option to help with stiffer sticks, but of course I'd need to counterweight and do all kinds of creepy math to retain the original balance.

I prefer 5 pts HL or less.

Also feeling this racquet at stock right now (315 grams). That could change, but the + has so much power and I love that I can control it with racquet head speed.

Bud · Mar 2, 2012

Power Player said:
Awesome..thanks Hom. I feel like that grip could be a really nice option to help with stiffer sticks, but of course I'd need to counterweight and do all kinds of creepy math to retain the original balance.

I prefer 5 pts HL or less.

Also feeling this racquet at stock right now (315 grams). That could change, but the + has so much power and I love that I can control it with racquet head speed.

Math isn't creepy

:shock:

Post a pic of your frame PP

Hominator said:
Thanks, Bud. I just received one. Mine strung with a multi, dampener and Wilson Shock Shield grip comes in pretty heavy at 12 ounces, though the grip is pretty heavy.

Doubt that I'll switch from my Volkl X10 325, but it should be a fun hit!

Let us all know what you think when you've had a chance to hit a few times with it.

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

ok will do when i get home.

and math still creeps me out.

Bud · Mar 2, 2012

Power Player said:
ok will do when i get home.

and math still creeps me out.

I could do frame customization with math but always use trial and error.

I'll cut lead and just lay it on the frame or on the handle right at the butt cap while the frame is on the balance board. Using this method, you can quickly tune weight and balance.

The Wreck said:
Gah I want one of these bad boys so bad! I'm trying to debate whether I want PDR or PDR+. I know if I demo them, it's likely I'll hit better with the standard length, only because I haven't had time to adjust to the extended. But if given the proper time, I'm wondering if I'd enjoy the plus better, if only for the extra length on the handle for my two hander.

I'd demo the standard. If you like it then go +

The Wreck · Mar 2, 2012

Gah I want one of these bad boys so bad! I'm trying to debate whether I want PDR or PDR+. I know if I demo them, it's likely I'll hit better with the standard length, only because I haven't had time to adjust to the extended. But if given the proper time, I'm wondering if I'd enjoy the plus better, if only for the extra length on the handle for my two hander.

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

The Wreck said:
Gah I want one of these bad boys so bad! I'm trying to debate whether I want PDR or PDR+. I know if I demo them, it's likely I'll hit better with the standard length, only because I haven't had time to adjust to the extended. But if given the proper time, I'm wondering if I'd enjoy the plus better, if only for the extra length on the handle for my two hander.

Go plus..oh man is it awesome on the 2 hander. But the PDR+ is going to be pretty heavy so make sure you are keeping the ball in play and getting the racquet head speed for that spin to drop the ball in.

I just use the regular PD+ and it hits a big ball at 315 grams strung. You may want to try that if you like the PDR+ because you can always make it heavier.

Bud, you are right..its not that bad. What I really mean is that I hate dialing up the specs all over again. If you put a grip on that is 10 grams heavier, then the balance has changed and now you have to lead the head to get the balance back..that could end up being too heavy..etc.

The Wreck · Mar 2, 2012

Power Player said:
Go plus..oh man is it awesome on the 2 hander. But the PDR+ is going to be pretty heavy so make sure you are keeping the ball in play and getting the racquet head speed for that spin to drop the ball in.

I just use the regular PD+ and it hits a big ball at 315 grams strung. You may want to try that if you like the PDR+ because you can always make it heavier.

Bud, you are right..its not that bad. What I really mean is that I hate dialing up the specs all over again. If you put a grip on that is 10 grams heavier, then the balance has changed and now you have to lead the head to get the balance back..that could end up being too heavy..etc.

Thanks guys. I was leaning towards the PDR only because it's already in the exact spec range, weight wise, that I'd like to go. But the flexibility of adding to the PD is something to consider.

I guess my biggest concern is that I'm already long (6'2") and not the greatest mover and don't want the plus to really exaggerate that by jamming me all the time. But the only way to find out is to go and give em a demo, I guess.

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

Yeah..I personally adapted instantly and it was so easy I was sold on the racquet after 25 minutes. It's that good.

If you can get the PDR, PDR + and PD plus that would be an awesome demo.

I think the PDR+ is a heck of a lot of stick, but it is a howitzer.

Topaz · Mar 2, 2012

My demo arrives Tuesday!

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

Sorry my iPad camera bloaws. Doesn't really do the pj justice. I usually don't care about pjs, but this one is just awesome.

Murrayalmagrofan · Mar 2, 2012

Bud said:
Head Rip Control 17 at 55/48

Have you been happy with this string set-up & tension? Are there any adjustments you might make or try next?

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

Murrayalmagrofan said:
Have you been happy with this string set-up & tension? Are there any adjustments you might make or try next?

Wow that's low..I have mine at 59 and it hits big.

LeeD · Mar 2, 2012

PowerPlayer...
I'm thinking of augmenting my game, play with a Aero500 now, does the PDR play much bigger than my racket?

Power Player · Mar 2, 2012

LeeD said:
PowerPlayer...
I'm thinking of augmenting my game, play with a Aero500 now, does the PDR play much bigger than my racket?

Well lee I am using the regular pd+ and I think it probably has more power. If you like extended sticks you will love it. If you like standard your racquet is going to be pretty similar.

The pdr is going to end up swinging at 12 ozs if you put on an overgrip, so while it hits really big, it will be a little bit of a weight jump, which is why I like the regulars better.

Bud · Mar 2, 2012

Murrayalmagrofan said:
Have you been happy with this string set-up & tension? Are there any adjustments you might make or try next?

I'm pretty happy with it but look forward to trying the frame with all NG

Nostradamus · Mar 3, 2012

I too feel no arm pain after about 6 hours of play. this is an improvement over the older versions. I am 90% sure i will buy this racket now.

Torres · Mar 3, 2012

Hominator said:
I never weighed the Wilson grip, but it's pretty heavy - as heavy as leather. I think someone on this board weighed one and posted the weight - does 22 grams sound right? Anyway, it's in one of these threads...

Are you talking about Shock Shield? If so, it weighs 28g (untrimmed) straight from the packet.

Hominator · Mar 3, 2012

Torres said:
Are you talking about Shock Shield? If so, it weighs 28g (untrimmed) straight from the packet.

That's it! Thanks.

PrinceMoron · Mar 3, 2012

Bought 4 - one each of Pdrgt/Pdrgt+ /pdgt2012/pdgt2012 plus

All strung at 52 in blast and now going to have fun comparing.

2012s look great. The artwork is not all flush, you can feel a slight edge at 9.00, and you can get you nail under the top of the cortex.

Funny but I think the old bright blue takes your eye off the ball, I seem to focus better with the 2012s.

2012 plus seems to come through a little faster than the old
Model. Oh, and the QC seems good as the weight and balance seem spot on. All a bit general, but not a shot played in anger yet.

Tension - I always start as low as seems possible and then work my way up in increments of 2.

Last thing, I ordered these a month ago and it took until the last day in Feb for them to get to the store.

klementine · Mar 3, 2012

Don't know if it's the pj... or maybe improvements but I stopped by my local pro shop this morning....

..and there was a box FILLED with the previous version of this frame. I counted 16 frames.

People seem to have traded their old PD's in for some store credit and purchased the new one in bunches. They were out of the new ones in every grip size except a 1/4 and 5/8's.

Ashanti · Mar 3, 2012

alot of people are saying the 2012 pdr and pd gives you lots of spin what does this mean for the apd cause its main thing was spin now the pdr gives you that power and a few extra mph on serve

Power Player · Mar 3, 2012

klementine79 said:
Don't know if it's the pj... or maybe improvements but I stopped by my local pro shop this morning....

..and there was a box FILLED with the previous version of this frame. I counted 16 frames.

People seem to have traded their old PD's in for some store credit and purchased the new one in bunches. They were out of the new ones in every grip size except a 1/4 and 5/8's.

Well the new pj is one of the greatest I have seen. But I had a pure drive for a little while last year and it just was not nearly as impressive to me as this one in terms of feel and comfort. So I would say its a combo of new look and the racquet is just improved to me a lot from the prior version.

Hominator · Mar 4, 2012

Hit with the Roddick earlier today. Wow, I don't know what they did to the frame, but it's so much more arm friendly than the previous version. Absolutely rock solid with plenty of plow through, too. Mine is strung with natural gut at 55/52.

Is the new regular Pure Drive equally arm friendly as this new Roddick? Thanks.

Power Player · Mar 4, 2012

Hominator said:
Hit with the Roddick earlier today. Wow, I don't know what they did to the frame, but it's so much more arm friendly than the previous version. Absolutely rock solid with plenty of plow through, too. Mine is strung with natural gut at 55/52.

Is the new regular Pure Drive equally arm friendly as this new Roddick? Thanks.

I have not hit with the roddick. But the new pure drives I have are very comfortable. None of that crazy hollow tuning fork vibration if you mishit a ball. The feel is also way better to me. Not so woofery. I am playing the plus at stock weight right now and it is holding up to big hitters just fine.

prjacobs · Mar 4, 2012

Hominator said:
Hit with the Roddick earlier today. Wow, I don't know what they did to the frame, but it's so much more arm friendly than the previous version. Absolutely rock solid with plenty of plow through, too. Mine is strung with natural gut at 55/52.

Is the new regular Pure Drive equally arm friendly as this new Roddick? Thanks.

Nice to hear. I know you've had a long relationship with TM and volkl frames and played with many other frames that I like. I look forward to trying it. I also use an all gut setup.
No gut, no glory

. At least for me....

Hominator · Mar 4, 2012

Power Player said:
I have not hit with the roddick. But the new pure drives I have are very comfortable. None of that crazy hollow tuning fork vibration if you mishit a ball. The feel is also way better to me. Not so woofery. I am playing the plus at stock weight right now and it is holding up to big hitters just fine.

I'll have to check out the regular version, too. I'll hopefully answer my own question later this week

Hominator · Mar 4, 2012

prjacobs said:
Nice to hear. I know you've had a long relationship with TM and volkl frames and played with many other frames that I like. I look forward to trying it. I also use an all gut setup.
No gut, no glory . At least for me....

I still love my Volkl X10 325s. If the X10 is an extension of my arm, however, the 2012 PDRGT is my arm with a rocket launcher surgically attached to it.

The power really is addictive and the racquet is a fun hit.

Bergboy123 · Mar 4, 2012

Hey, just want to ask here about serves with this stick. I just got one to demo and played for about 5 hours with it today.

Firstly, since it's a demo racket, I think the strings are about the bottom of the barrel but I don't know strings well so that's just a hunch.

Groundies, I love! Had to adjust, but still love them.

Serving though, I had a lot of trouble with. At first I was serving great, but when I went to play some sets it went out the door. I couldn't get as much spin as with my APD, and I double faulted at least 12ish times in 2 sets.

I have also started to develop a blister on my right palm; the buttcap seems to be very uncomfortable but I don't have any overgrip on it so I'm not too worried. It's the serving that bothers me. Anyone else deal with this? Could it just be the strings, and making the adjustment from APD over?

Rjtennis · Mar 4, 2012

Rozroz said:
I always thought that when i switch to a new racquet it's because i can play
Better with a new frame. Otherwise, why change?

It hurts more than it helps to switch sticks all the time imo. Plus, the difference between this years PD and last years is probably nothing more than a paint job. If you have something you play well with, keep it. However, I understand that it is fun to have the latest paint job.

sixone90 · Mar 4, 2012

Rjtennis said:
It hurts more than it helps to switch sticks all the time imo. Plus, the difference between this years PD and last years is probably nothing more than a paint job. If you have something you play well with, keep it. However, I understand that it is fun to have the latest paint job.

The difference between this year's PD and last year's PD is actually much more different than many people think. If you open up the butt cap of both of them, you will see that last year's PD used a twin tube construction where as this year they have moved to a single tube construction which in theory should make it feel quite different

Power Player · Mar 4, 2012

sixone90 said:
The difference between this year's PD and last year's PD is actually much more different than many people think. If you open up the butt cap of both of them, you will see that last year's PD used a twin tube construction where as this year they have moved to a single tube construction which in theory should make it feel quite different

I read drakulies posts on this and he knows his stuff, but I have it agree that this new pure drive to me is a lot better in terms of feel and comfort.

Maybe the paint job is so amazing that I am blinded by it and worship it as a god stick.

It could be all the cortex I have been on as well.

PrinceMoron · Mar 5, 2012

Bergboy123 said:
Serving though, I had a lot of trouble with. At first I was serving great, but when I went to play some sets it went out the door. I couldn't get as much spin as with my APD, and I double faulted at least 12ish times in 2 sets.

I have also started to develop a blister on my right palm; the buttcap seems to be very uncomfortable but I don't have any overgrip on it so I'm not too worried. It's the serving that bothers me. Anyone else deal with this? Could it just be the strings, and making the adjustment from APD over?

The harder you hit, the more the ball seems to bite down into the court. I try and focus on where the ball is going to bounce up and away towards rather than worrying about keeping the ball inside the service box.

12 double faults sounds really high for this racket, even if you are just trying to hit the ball as hard as you possibly can. I think I am hitting fewer doubles with this version than the old swirly, and as serving as hard. The same accuracy as last years model but with more pace.

I did keep some of the old versions, but the 2012 is really much more comfortable so I am not sure I even want to pick up the old versions anymore. I put 7g on the handle and the same on the hoop, thinking that would be the minimum I would need, but I might end up playing at stock specs, I am that happy with frame out of the box.

klementine · Mar 5, 2012

Is anybody adding weight to this frame?

If so, how's the high flex and extra grams feeling?

I realize most play the PD stock and rightfully so but I got a buddy of mine who's used to a racquet in the 12oz+ range and is currently looking to demo some frames.

TIA

Power Player · Mar 5, 2012

You talking PDR or PD?

The PDR will be around 12.1 after overgrip and dampener. Most people adding lead in this case seem to prefer 3 and 9 to keep the swingweight from ballooning too high.

Regular Pure Drives are like a pro stock frame..you can do about whatever you want.

PD+ seems to be set up for a little lead at 12 and that could do it.

klementine · Mar 5, 2012

^Thanks PP.

Talkin' 'bout the PD, not the PDR. This is the same guy that's been hittin' with the MgRad (customized) and is looking to step-up to a more powerful frame but would like to keep the specs he's used to in terms of weight and balance, which I believe were somewhere around 12.4oz and 5pts HL.

Power Player · Mar 5, 2012

PD is perfect to customize..he can match it to the stick he has now if he wants.

The PDs take lead real well so really the world is his oyster with this racquet. The + hits so big in stock form that you don't even need lead to be honest.but if you did, a little at 12 is going to work out quite well.

sixone90 · Mar 5, 2012

Power Player said:
I read drakulies posts on this and he knows his stuff, but I have it agree that this new pure drive to me is a lot better in terms of feel and comfort.

Maybe the paint job is so amazing that I am blinded by it and worship it as a god stick.

It could be all the cortex I have been on as well.

I haven't seen that post, mind posting a link to it? I only realised the other day when I popped open the butt cap to inject some silicone into it.

Bud · Mar 5, 2012

Continued...

Two more doubles sessions, yesterday and today, with this frame. I can't see myself going back to my APD's now. This frame just seems right in the zone with me.

In 7-8 outings with this frame, since Feb 24, I've not had a poor hitting session.

Think I'll be picking up a second frame within the next few days.

Power Player · Mar 5, 2012

sixone90 said:
I haven't seen that post, mind posting a link to it? I only realised the other day when I popped open the butt cap to inject some silicone into it.

I can't find it but search drakulies recent posts.

Bud, I agree. I thought the APd was awesome, but these new pure drives are sensational.

PrinceMoron · Mar 6, 2012

Just tried with a vibration dampener - a Wilson "W" - and it is amazing, just all sweet spot. Brand new Slaz Hi Vis balls and they feel like a ping pong ball.

That was really unexpected. BH slice is faster and more weight than I thought possible. I need to get some big hitters on the other side of the net to see if this racket has any limitations.

This is a BIG improvement on last year's model. I am very surprised on day 3.

bluetrain4 · Mar 6, 2012

I just received mine today. Very excited to get out and hit with it today or tomorrow. I used the previous PDR last summer, really out of nowhere. Had never used a Babolat and did it just to switch it up. Didn't feel that great, but the results were outstanding. It cracked near the end of the summer, and I had no plans to go back to Babolat. But, I got the itch once these new PDs and PDRs were announced and I read some good stuff about them.

Power Player · Mar 6, 2012

bluetrain4 said:
I just received mine today. Very excited to get out and hit with it today or tomorrow. I used the previous PDR last summer, really out of nowhere. Had never used a Babolat and did it just to switch it up. Didn't feel that great, but the results were outstanding. It cracked near the end of the summer, and I had no plans to go back to Babolat. But, I got the itch once these new PDs and PDRs were announced and I read some good stuff about them.

Congrats, and please post what you think about the 2012 feel after you play.

To me, it is improved.

sixone90 · Mar 6, 2012

Power Player said:
I can't find it but search drakulies recent posts.

I have and there's no mention of anything about a Pure Drive

The Wreck · Mar 6, 2012

sixone90 said:
I have and there's no mention of anything about a Pure Drive

He mentioned in a post, I believe, that the 2012 was exactly the same as previous version, just with a new paint job. Most people who have used them though seem to disagree.

Bud · Mar 6, 2012

The Wreck said:
He mentioned in a post, I believe, that the 2012 was exactly the same as previous version, just with a new paint job. Most people who have used them though seem to disagree.

Definitely not the same frame. Even the Cortex system has changed

Someone else mentioned the single tube in the handle, as well.

Bud · Mar 7, 2012

2nd frame on order!

I broke the RIP Control 17 earlier tonight and will now string the frame up with natural gut for Friday doubles! At $10 per set I was reluctant to cut the RC out prematurely

As a result, I ended up playing an entire set with my backup original APD with full gut. It allowed me to compare the frames back to back, objectively and during match play. This made the decision easier to switch frames to the slightly modified Roddick 2012.

2nd frame is on order and should be in hand Friday

- -

Still no arm, wrist or shoulder issues with this new frame. The 2009 PDR, I had to sell after 2-3 hitting sessions. That frame was an arm buster.

courtking · Mar 7, 2012

I hit with the PDR 2012 about 3 hrs total and my elbow, wrist feel the pain already.. I switched back to my normak KPS88 395g and it's fine.. so PDR 2012 is a good racket but it will be an arm breaker.. watch out..

Bud · Mar 7, 2012

courtking said:
I hit with the PDR 2012 about 3 hrs total and my elbow, wrist feel the pain already.. I switched back to my normak KPS88 395g and it's fine.. so PDR 2012 is a good racket but it will be an arm breaker.. watch out..

What type of string?

Bit the bullet and bought a 2012 PDR today

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