The black drive +

Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I knew I had to stop trying sticks and save that cash for tourneys and a reel of strings. So here I am with a stick that I was afraid would be too stiff and would vibrate my arm off.

I just wanted to go back to an xl racquet and this looked like a good option.

Well it is. I have stopped using poly just because I like this racquet so much. Babolat changed the feel up..it is muted and very easy on the arm if you use a softer string. My choice so far is rip control, and I am loving the setup.

I added 3 grams of lead at 12 and it took the stick to the next level.

My serve is definitley aided with this racquet and it has made that part of the game fun for me again.

Who else uses this racquet? If you like tweeners, I'd put this on your demo list..it hits a much bigger ball than the standard length.

Anyway..great job by babolat. I had to walk away from the APDC three times and a pure drive 2009 because of vibrations and hand pain..most of this was due to using poly (mistake by me), but they really made this one feel great.
 
retlod

retlod

Professional
It's on my to-demo list. I used to play a lot with the PDGT+ and found myself in a long-term relationship with the APDGT+ last summer/fall. I like feeling like I can spin anything in with the APD, but missed the big, booming serves of the PD. As you know, I demoed the Juice Pro a week ago and absolutely loved it. Loved the weight, which I had not before. Loved the solid, tight string pattern that I could still get some pop out of. So that's got me thinking...should I give the weighted Black Drive + a try. How about the new PDR? Can I find the same solid feel and plow that the Juice had in a Babolat? Should I deviate from a full poly setup? So many questions.

I strung up one of my APDs today with OGSM to see how it would play. Believe it or not, I have NEVER put anything other than poly in APDs or PDs for fear of too much power. I even string it high at 60 and am lucky enough not to have arm problems. We'll see what it's like. The one constant for us is that nothing is ever constant. Good thing I stocked up on gift cards when they were on sale...
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yes it is a great name for a great paint job.

Retlod, there are a lot of questions there that can probably only be answered with demoing, but my setup of RIP Control at 57-59 with 3 grams of lead at 12 is extremely solid (even against harder 5.0 hitters). It just matters if you like heavy sticks or light ones..that is how you decide between the regular and the roddick.

I like the regular because I can mod it however I want.
 
pug

pug

Semi-Pro
I bought the new PD + when TW first had them available, and I got the pure driver bag also. Both are very nice.

I added some lead at 12 oclock and put on a new gel grip bringing the weight up to about 330g or 11.7 oz. I will continue to tinker with the setup a little, but it feels pretty good right now.

A great playing stick, I am quite impressed with the controlable power and easy swinging feel. Volleys also feel quite crisp and control is also good.

I have mine strung with natural gut mains at 55 and syn gut crosses also at 53.

Racquet comfort feels to be above average for this type of racquet. Yes, if you shank one off of the tip of the head it is going to feel a bit harsh, but most racquets do. It has a generous sweet spot and when you dial it in, it feels really sweet. Stiffness rating at TW is 70 but the "feel" to me is not particularly stiff.

Cosmetics are really nice and the QC seems to be well done also on the one that I have.

Overall, I really like this racquet!
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
That pure driver bag sounds awesome. I have a 6 pack Dunlop bag that I have had for 3 years and it is starting to get a little small since I will pack my clothes in it for after work matches.

I was wondering if you have worn it on your back like a backpack (i ride a bike with my bag on my back a lot) and how that works out..also space in the bag..etc.

I agree with everything you have said about this racquet. I remember I demoed it for 25 minutes before the strings broke and I was already sold on it.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
This racquet continues to deliver for me. The feel is what sold me more than anything, since I know what the pure drive is all about...it makes baseline tennis a freaking blast.

I tried prince premier attack, but I would not recommend it for this racquet. Rip control 16 is the best setup I have used. It gets plenty of spin, and the racquet feels comfortable with it. The control with this setup gives you massive power and spin but you will be able to control the ball as well as a players stick can..I know this since I came from a 6.1 .

I would not recommend full poly unless your arm can take it, but rpm blast played fantastic in the stick..black magic, tornado, tour bite would be my full poly suggestions.

The plus length is the way to go for me..demo it..give it time..see if you can adjust to it..you will have so much leverage on serve and backhand...you will pick up a lot more balls that normally you would miss...there is a reason so man pros use plus length sticks..I think it gives you an advantage if you have active feet and are moving and spacing properly.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Settled in with RIP at 60#s.

I have only noticed vibration if I mishit my 2 hander pretty badly, and it vibrates my bottom hand at the bottom of the handle. It is jarring, but when you mishit it usually is.

Besides that, I can not find one issue with this racquet.
 
K

keithfival

Professional
retlod said:
I strung up one of my APDs today with OGSM to see how it would play. Believe it or not, I have NEVER put anything other than poly in APDs or PDs for fear of too much power. I even string it high at 60 and am lucky enough not to have arm problems.
Click to expand...

How did you like the full bed of OGSM? I was just thinking of the exact same thing. Somehow never tried a non poly setup in my APDC+ even though it always feels too stiff, just assumed it would be uncontrollable.
 
T

Torres

Banned
Purely out of passing interest, did you try the PDR+, and if so, why did you prefer the PD+ with lead? Is that even / unduly tip weighted?
 
couch

couch

Hall of Fame
Hitting again with mine tonight in my doubles league. Have it strung with BM at 53lbs. Hoping this is a good combination. Also have twisted razor and typhoon to try out but haven't received those yet.

Tried it with RPM and thought it was terrible. Only hit with it once and cut it out and the strings barely moved when cut. Looked like no tension maintenance at all.

I hit a lot with the PDGT+ but in the end it just seemed a little sluggish, especially in doubles. Loved the serve and groundies. Maybe it's just mental but the BD+ seems to swing a little easier.

So far I'm liking this racquet, just need to find some good strings to match. Tonight should be a good test.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Torres said:
Purely out of passing interest, did you try the PDR+, and if so, why did you prefer the PD+ with lead? Is that even / unduly tip weighted?
Click to expand...

Good question. The PDR+ is an amazing stick and was originally what got me really into the PD series. I may revisit it down the road, but I like the PD+ better for a few reasons. The first is that it is easier to control the power since it is lighter and I get more racquet head speed. I also like that I can keep it lighter or weight it up a little.

A + length at 12.1 ozs and close to 340 SW is a rather heavy racquet, so I wanted that option of staying lighter. I am going to experiment more with lead and see how heavy I can go..etc, but lead at 12 to bring the stick to 324 grams strung with dampener, OG is a really nice setup.

As for strings, RIP control is made by Head.
 
R

Ross K

Legend
couch said:
Hitting again with mine tonight in my doubles league. Have it strung with BM at 53lbs. Hoping this is a good combination. Also have twisted razor and typhoon to try out but haven't received those yet.

Tried it with RPM and thought it was terrible. Only hit with it once and cut it out and the strings barely moved when cut. Looked like no tension maintenance at all.

I hit a lot with the PDGT+ but in the end it just seemed a little sluggish, especially in doubles. Loved the serve and groundies. Maybe it's just mental but the BD+ seems to swing a little easier.

So far I'm liking this racquet, just need to find some good strings to match. Tonight should be a good test.
Click to expand...

Will look out for your findings then. PD+ Team/Swirly were always mega-supreme from the b-line and on serve for me, but, yes, a bit sluggish... and the rare times I played doubles I struggled too.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I have mine both now at 324 with lead at 12 which means the SW should be in the 330s. I need to get that measured and will report. but to hit right on the sweetspot with the racquet head speed of a 11.4 stick and a higher SW plus a balance focused towards the head is absolute bliss.

Ytc how long does your gosen last?
 
P

PowerPlay

Rookie
I have the Black Drive Roddick +. I have not settled on a string set up yet. I started with Hurricane Feel 16g at 58. Now I have a hybrid of RPM Blast 17g and XCel. I think I am going to try a full bed of RPM Blast next. I do not like the hybrid set up at all...the ploy cuts into the multi way to much.
 
couch

couch

Hall of Fame
Hit with the BD+ again tonight in my doubles league. Main problem was me! I have been battling a low back issue lately and it has really hindered my play, especially when serving. It doesn't bother me too much when hitting groundstrokes but as soon as I hit a serve it really pulls that muscle and affects the rest of my game.

I began with the BD+ and after the first set I switched back to my trusty Volkl Tour 8. In hind sight it probably wouldn't have mattered too much which racquet I used. I couldn't move or play up to my ability given my back issues.

I had the racquet strung at 53lbs with BM and may try typhoon at 50lbs or less next time. Felt like BM didn't give me the power I was looking for. Feel like I need more "easy" power given my physical issues. Starting to experiment with all poly at lower tensions. Just really frustrating at the moment. Our league is off next week for spring break and I'm thinking about not playing for a couple weeks. I'm too stubborn though so we'll see. LOL Also have a doctors appointment next week (after months of this problem).

Anyway, the jury is still out on the BD+. I feel like the BD+ is the natural replacement for my Tour 8. I just have to make the commitment and not give up on it after a bad outing, especially given my physical problems. :-(
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Couch if you want easy power don't use poly. Poly is a control string. You probably would be much better off with a syn gut/multi or full gut. Prince Premier Ace gives a lot of power.
 
0d1n

0d1n

Hall of Fame
Why didn't you just stay with the 7G ??
I'm sure you could find a string setup that gives just as much power as your current pure drive setup, with lots more comfort/feel.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I like more open pattern..I like the trajectory and heavy spin I can get. The 7G is very nice for spin, but the Pure Drive is on a different level. I also much prefer the balance of the PD...the 7G is 9pts HL..I hated that..it is also heavier, so to lead it and rebalance it made it into a heavy racquet..I tried that as well.

My current and preferred balance is 3 pts HL.
 
Chyeaah

Chyeaah

Professional
Man... If only they made it longer, the added length was a B**** to play with, it still felt shorter than what i want XL sticks to be.
 
A

ArliHawk

Hall of Fame
This racquet in standard length is piquing my interest. But I would hate the thought of parting with my APDGT, which I really enjoy.
 
Larrysümmers

Larrysümmers

Hall of Fame
the perfect tweener. easy power and spin. light enough to swing really fast. loved the demo, but not going to cough up the dough just yet lol
 
pug

pug

Semi-Pro
Power Player said:
There are some serious pure drive haters here based on the star ratings..lol.
Click to expand...


Yes, it is fashionable to hate Babolat for some groups. Of course most have never even hit with it and have no idea what a great racquet it is, they just repeat what they have been told by others...who have never hit with it either!

This is a solid racquet with controlled power and is very fun to customize.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
mikeler said:
I bumped you up even though I don't care about the racket.
Click to expand...

Lol thanks. You would probably love this thing.

tlm said:
I know a lot of people play well with the pure drives, but i am surprised that you would use one after having wrist injuries.
Click to expand...

yes, I have explained this though. Short story: now barely ever arming/ overusing wrist..better technique. Hitting sweetspot majority of the time. Not using poly.Profit.
 
0d1n

0d1n

Hall of Fame
Power Player said:
I like more open pattern..I like the trajectory and heavy spin I can get. The 7G is very nice for spin, but the Pure Drive is on a different level. I also much prefer the balance of the PD...the 7G is 9pts HL..I hated that..it is also heavier, so to lead it and rebalance it made it into a heavy racquet..I tried that as well.

My current and preferred balance is 3 pts HL.
Click to expand...

Buy a bigger grip size for the 7G and use a thinner and lighter grip, or even a couple of overgrips without a base grip. That will give you the mass and the balance you're looking for as well.
Anyway...you're not going to do that now that you have your Pure Drives dialed in...not until "next time" at least :).

Haven't hit the latest pure drives, but I've hit with the older generations and...well...not my cup of tea. I have nothing against babolat as a brand...they make some great strings, leather grips...and racquets...most likely...but I'm more of a man suited to the storm series "on paper" and I haven't had the chance to hit with those yet. Don't really feel the need to do it either...just got "dialed in" with the switch from the Volkl Tour 10 to the vantage 95's ...so ... life is good.
I only saw 2 or 3 storms in an ocean of drives and aeropros around here anyway ... :).
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
I appreciate the passive aggressive criticism but the 7G and Pure Drive are not the same sticks for multiple reasons. I also could not re balance them by simply using a lighter grip, since I tried that. I don't like using 2 overgrips. It does not give the same balance anyway. If you have used a 7G and a Pure Drive you would realize the differences.
 
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DrewRafter8

DrewRafter8

Professional
BD+ is a great racquet especially with a little lead at 12. I had no problems with it stock but I've found that the serve really cranks up with lead. Only thing I'm working on is finding a string setup that I like. I dropped tension into the 40's last week but it was with a kevlar main. Felt fine but I'm not sure how crazy I am about kevlar mains. I'm normally a full set of poly type of guy. RPM team was ok and Twisted Razor was just ok. The kevlar main with razor cross has been the best setup so far, but I'm thinking blue Typhoon or Tour Bite might be a better match for this stick strung in the mid to upper 40's.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
RIP is awesome for me..out of raw curiosity I am going to try Red Alert as well.

Point being, I am not using poly in this racquet and still getting a ton of spin and control.
 
DrewRafter8

DrewRafter8

Professional
Definitely can see that. The demo I took out for all of December had RPM Team until I broke it. My club's owner strung it up with full Addiction and it was great, but I knew I'd break it quick. Had plenty of spin and I could hit my spots well.
 
Power Player

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah it really matters if you can get enough time out of the strings to jusitfy cost. I can get 10-12 hours out of RIP, so I buy in bulk.

I'd be needing to swap out poly after 6-10 hours so I save money and protect my joints this way.
 
mikeler

mikeler

Moderator
Power Player said:
Yeah it really matters if you can get enough time out of the strings to jusitfy cost. I can get 10-12 hours out of RIP, so I buy in bulk.

I'd be needing to swap out poly after 6-10 hours so I save money and protect my joints this way.
Click to expand...


It only gets worse with time. :(
 
0d1n

0d1n

Hall of Fame
Power Player said:
I appreciate the passive aggressive criticism but the 7G and Pure Drive are not the same sticks for multiple reasons. I also could not re balance them by simply using a lighter grip, since I tried that. I don't like using 2 overgrips. It does not give the same balance anyway. If you have used a 7G and a Pure Drive you would realize the differences.
Click to expand...

I haven't used a 7G...no. Never said they were the same sticks either, glad you like your pure drive, hope the love affair turns into a "marriage" :).
Hit them well ...
 
ChicagoJack

ChicagoJack

Hall of Fame
Power Player -

I've gotten the same frame for an extended demo. I plan on stringing up a full bed of gut in the higher ranges. I'm thinking that will be a pretty sweet combo, we'll see.

-Jack
 
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B

Ballistec_J

Banned
I have my black drive roddick+ customized to 28" long with 8g lead in the handle and 8g lead at 3:00 & 9:00. 4 3/8 grip size with 2 overgrips over the black syntec grip. Everytime i hit a big forehand or crank a serve this thing sounds like a shotgun going off. I am deciding between RPM17/VS16 @64 and PHT17/VS16 @63. This thing is absolutely baller. So between the 2 overgrips and 16 total grams of lead i think that puts this beast at around 12.5g strung. May switch to a babolat leather grip to make it more head light. Sick plowthrough.
 
Y

Yourtenniscoach

Banned
I can't stand people who play poly and a stiff racquets like the Pure Drives, etc and wonder why their elbow hurts. If you're not a college or pro level player it doesn't pay to play poly. #1 its not cost effective for your average player because it goes dead so fast and you constantly need to replace the string and #2 it's just too harsh on the arm.
 
A

ArliHawk

Hall of Fame
Yourtenniscoach said:
I can't stand people who play poly and a stiff racquets like the Pure Drives, etc and wonder why their elbow hurts. If you're not a college or pro level player it doesn't pay to play poly. #1 its not cost effective for your average player because it goes dead so fast and you constantly need to replace the string and #2 it's just too harsh on the arm.
Click to expand...

Agree completely. I use an APDGT and have used nothing but multi in it. Head RIP control works the best for me. It tames the racquet's power and also softens it up.
 
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