The PURE DRIVE 2012 Forum (club)

LanEvo · May 12, 2012

I think I need to switch to the regular PD, from the PDR, it feels so much different from the old PDRCs I own. So I think I will end up selling the PDR or trading for the regular PD in either standard or plus versions. The new PDR is just a bit too head heavy for me. Compared to the old PDRC, the new one feels like it is more heavy although the weights and the balance point is the same. Solid yes, but a tad too powerful I would say. If anyone is interested let me know by messaging me, but I posted it in classifieds as well.

Nostradamus · May 12, 2012

JackB1 said:
Lead adds power....as long as u can swing it at the same speeds. Only thing u can do is raise the string tension and/or use a low power string setup.

Jack, is there a way to add little more power to 2012 Pure drive without adding more lead ? I really like the balance on this frame alot. but i really don't want to make it heavier. This racket is great for serve and volley due to lighter SW, but it could use little more pop from the baseline.
I supposed there is no such thing as perfect racket.

LanEvo · May 12, 2012

Nostradamus said:
Jack, is there a way to add little more power to 2012 Pure drive without adding more lead ? I really like the balance on this frame alot. but i really don't want to make it heavier. This racket is great for serve and volley due to lighter SW, but it could use little more pop from the baseline.
I supposed there is no such thing as perfect racket.

Use a different string setup.

ArliHawk · May 12, 2012

JackB1 said:
funny u should mention that...I do something feel little wrist pains after playing with the PD. Also a little sore in the shoulder sometimes too. Nothing that lingers or lasts though thankfully, but it was noticeable and something I never had with other racquets.

Neither a doctor nor a scientist, but I think the flexibility of the APDGT's throat is enough from feeling its stiffness, which is similar to that of the Pure Drive.

JackB1 · May 12, 2012

Nostradamus said:
Jack, is there a way to add little more power to 2012 Pure drive without adding more lead ? I really like the balance on this frame alot. but i really don't want to make it heavier. This racket is great for serve and volley due to lighter SW, but it could use little more pop from the baseline.
I supposed there is no such thing as perfect racket.

Only way then is strings / tension. What do you have in it now? I also don't want to make it heavier since its great at the net in doubles.

Why not try a full bed of a powerful multi like Xcel at around 55 lbs?

YesTennis · May 12, 2012

JackB1 said:
Only way then is strings / tension. What do you have in it now? I also don't want to make it heavier since its great at the net in doubles.

Why not try a full bed of a powerful multi like Xcel at around 55 lbs?

I just had a regular PD strung full bed with Xcel 16g at 58. Won't be able to play till Wednesday, but I'll report how it plays. Got the new blue color that looks great in the racquet.

JackB1 · May 12, 2012

YesTennis said:
I just had a regular PD strung full bed with Xcel 16g at 58. Won't be able to play till Wednesday, but I'll report how it plays. Got the new blue color that looks great in the racquet.

What did you have before?

Full Xcel at 58 should have a nice mix of power and control.

Nostradamus · May 12, 2012

JackB1 said:
Only way then is strings / tension. What do you have in it now? I also don't want to make it heavier since its great at the net in doubles.

Why not try a full bed of a powerful multi like Xcel at around 55 lbs?

i currently use hybrid setup of babolat xcel power and RPM blast( was using BB few month ago). Wouldn't the full Xcel be too powerful ?

Ross K · May 12, 2012

Do ppl feel the new PD is a lot better than the GT version? Are they similar? Worlds apart? What's the consensus of opinion on this?

stronzzi70 · May 12, 2012

JackB1 said:
Lead adds power....as long as u can swing it at the same speeds. Only thing u can do is raise the string tension and/or use a low power string setup.

best string for it?

ChicagoJack · May 12, 2012

Cant remember who, but somebody last week asked about a full set of gut in this frame. I put a full set of VS Touch 16 Black at 58/53 in one of my 3 frames, and much to my surprise, I don't like it at all. I much prefer the Gut/Co-Focus setup in my signature. The difference in spin potential is really, really, striking. I hit a much flatter ball with gut, and had trouble controlling the depth and hitting my zone over the net. Just can't get any ground stokes dialed in. The Gut/Co-focus seems a perfect match for the pure drive. I get enough spin to swing away, clearing the net by 3-4 feet and then ball just dives straight down about 3/4 of the way into my opponents court. I used to think strings don't matter much, boy was I wrong about that one.

YesTennis · May 13, 2012

JackB1 said:
What did you have before?

Full Xcel at 58 should have a nice mix of power and control.

I've been using gut/poly, VS/RPM, at 58/58, and like it very well. Was given a package of the new blue Xcel, so thought I'd give it a try.

DANMAN · May 13, 2012

Ross K said:
Do ppl feel the new PD is a lot better than the GT version? Are they similar? Worlds apart? What's the consensus of opinion on this?

Worlds better in every aspect in my book...including the looks category

JackB1 · May 13, 2012

YesTennis said:
I've been using gut/poly, VS/RPM, at 58/58, and like it very well. Was given a package of the new blue Xcel, so thought I'd give it a try.

let me know how it plays compared to the Gut/poly

JackB1 · May 13, 2012

ChicagoJack said:
Cant remember who, but somebody last week asked about a full set of gut in this frame. I put a full set of VS Touch 16 Black at 58/53 in one of my 3 frames, and much to my surprise, I don't like it at all. I much prefer the Gut/Co-Focus setup in my signature. The difference in spin potential is really, really, striking. I hit a much flatter ball with gut, and had trouble controlling the depth and hitting my zone over the net. Just can't get any ground stokes dialed in. The Gut/Co-focus seems a perfect match for the pure drive. I get enough spin to swing away, clearing the net by 3-4 feet and then ball just dives straight down about 3/4 of the way into my opponents court. I used to think strings don't matter much, boy was I wrong about that one.

Why did you drop the tension on the crosses to 53? I would have went with 58 lbs for both. That may be why its too powerful? But its a known fact that gut/poly is skinnier than full gut. The hard slick poly crosses let the gut slide and snap back, giving more spin. Full gut will be the most comfortable and powerful, but definitely isn't optimum for spin.

JackB1 · May 13, 2012

stronzzi70 said:
best string for it?

Try a poly/syngut hybrid at 56/58.
can't imagine that not giving enough control.

JackB1 · May 13, 2012

Nostradamus said:
i currently use hybrid setup of babolat xcel power and RPM blast( was using BB few month ago). Wouldn't the full Xcel be too powerful ?

Not necessarily. I don't believe the new PD 2012 is as powerful as most people think. It will be slightly more powerful than your hybrid. Try it at 57. I promise you it won't be THAT powerful.

DrewRafter8 · May 13, 2012

I tried Tourna Black 7 @ 52/50 yesterday. It's far and away the softest poly I've ever played with. It was solid, but I don't know that it wowed me like I was hoping. I'll put it this way, It certainly doesn't have the ALU factor. However, I'm thinking about putting it on the short list as I demo strings for the Black Drive+. I didn't play my best yesterday, so I need another time out with it. Serves were excellent though. I could crush my 1st, but then again I've been able to do that with every string I've used so far.

Power Player · May 13, 2012

JackB1 said:
Not necessarily. I don't believe the new PD 2012 is as powerful as most people think. It will be slightly more powerful than your hybrid. Try it at 57. I promise you it won't be THAT powerful.

I would agree, but I do like that. The new PD favors a fast swing..lots of racquet head speed, and when you go for control you get more of it. Even with the PDR, which is very powerful, you want to be able to get lots of racquet speed and the resulting pace and spin and the most I have gotten.

The Gut/poly setup adds to this even more as well.

finky · May 13, 2012

Male 43 year old club player,just joined the club, switching from Prestige Pro. Picking racquet up tomorrow, stringing with rpm blast @ 60 lbs. Stringing tight to extract a bit of control, letting the frame provide the power.

I have gone for the Roddick edition,figured 300gr was just a bit too light...I have ohbh,fairly old school game but am looking forward to hitting a heavier ball.

Power Player · May 13, 2012

Im real interested in seeing how you like it coming from the Prestige Pro. IMO, it is much easier to use and hits a lot bigger. I actually demoed a Prestige Pro and a 2010 PDR together, and that was when my love affair begin. The stiffness scared me off, but gut poly has taken that out of the equation.

ArliHawk · May 13, 2012

finky said:
Male 43 year old club player,just joined the club, switching from Prestige Pro. Picking racquet up tomorrow, stringing with rpm blast @ 60 lbs. Stringing tight to extract a bit of control, letting the frame provide the power.

I have gone for the Roddick edition,figured 300gr was just a bit too light...I have ohbh,fairly old school game but am looking forward to hitting a heavier ball.

That's a little high for poly. Might be in some trouble.

JackB1 · May 13, 2012

ArliHawk said:
That's a little high for poly. Might be in some trouble.

I agree. That thing's going to feel like a board.

mawashi · May 13, 2012

JackB1 said:
Not necessarily. I don't believe the new PD 2012 is as powerful as most people think. It will be slightly more powerful than your hybrid. Try it at 57. I promise you it won't be THAT powerful.

Jack, I've been using the PD for a short time but several things some to mind.

1. You don't need to swing that hard or fast to create a really heavy ball a lot of your descriptions of arm and shoulder aches sounds like you are swinging very fast cus the stick is so light and easy to do so.

2. It isn't boardy at all especially at lower tension of around 52 an below even with a full poly bed.

Seriously, I think I'll most likely switch and stay with this stick for the foreseeable future with full poly and strung around 52 - 50 lbs.

Even syn gut or multi, the tensions need not be in the 58 or so lower to around 56 -54 it should play fine, let the spin, power come from the stick.

JackB1 · May 13, 2012

mawashi said:
Jack, I've been using the PD for a short time but several things some to mind.

1. You don't need to swing that hard or fast to create a really heavy ball a lot of your descriptions of arm and shoulder aches sounds like you are swinging very fast cus the stick is so light and easy to do so.

2. It isn't boardy at all especially at lower tension of around 52 an below even with a full poly bed.

Seriously, I think I'll most likely switch and stay with this stick for the foreseeable future with full poly and strung around 52 - 50 lbs.

Even syn gut or multi, the tensions need not be in the 58 or so lower to around 56 -54 it should play fine, let the spin, power come from the stick.

What you are saying contradicts what Power Player is saying. He says this stick needs to be swung fast to be effective and I think I agree with him. Half hearted swings won't impart the spin needed to bring the ball down inside the lines. But you may be right...I may be overswinging with the PD. I will lower the tension next time and try get more from the racquet with less effort. I am not sure it will work but its about the only thing left for me to try.

mawashi · May 13, 2012

JackB1 said:
What you are saying contradicts what Power Player is saying. He says this stick needs to be swung fast to be effective and I think I agree with him. Half hearted swings won't impart the spin needed to bring the ball down inside the lines. But you may be right...I may be overswinging with the PD. I will lower the tension next time and try get more from the racquet with less effort. I am not sure it will work but its about the only thing left for me to try.

Jack, what I was saying was that the hurt you feel could be from over swinging not that you don't have to swing fast with this stick. I didn't have shoulder pain from serving with my heavy vantages but with the PD cus it was so light I was swinging like hell and guess what... shoulder aches...

It was when I allowed the power of the stick to do more of the work and swung with more control did the serves get bigger and better... new stick, new swing... not good.

I should have just played the same with the Pd as I did with the v95s... lesson learnt.

JackB1 · May 14, 2012

mawashi said:
Jack, what I was saying was that the hurt you feel could be from over swinging not that you don't have to swing fast with this stick. I didn't have shoulder pain from serving with my heavy vantages but with the PD cus it was so light I was swinging like hell and guess what... shoulder aches...

It was when I allowed the power of the stick to do more of the work and swung with more control did the serves get bigger and better... new stick, new swing... not good.

I should have just played the same with the Pd as I did with the v95s... lesson learnt.

What's the difference between "overswinging" and swinging fast? What exactly are you recommending I do?

Power Player · May 14, 2012

Over swinging is arming the ball with a fast swing. High Racquet head speed involves swinging under control with proper technique. Huge difference. I dont go out there and swing out of my shoes and exhaust myself. I swing relaxed but still generate a lot of racquet head speed as a result of using my whole body to hit the ball.

So the main thing is you need to simply be able to do this consistently with any racquet you pick. If not, you will be switching racquets until your technique is developed.

That is why when posters say stuff like "the X racquet was inconsistent for me"..I already know they have to work on technique.

mawashi · May 14, 2012

JackB1 said:
What's the difference between "overswinging" and swinging fast? What exactly are you recommending I do?

Don't force yourself to swing faster then what you feel is comfortable.

It's like with the serve, a lot of guys just want to pound the ball when they serve and end up serving junk balls even though they are swinging like hell and getting shoulder aches.

Timing and proper contact is more important.

JackB1 · May 14, 2012

Power Player said:
Over swinging is arming the ball with a fast swing. High Racquet head speed involves swinging under control with proper technique. Huge difference. I dont go out there and swing out of my shoes and exhaust myself. I swing relaxed but still generate a lot of racquet head speed as a result of using my whole body to hit the ball.

So the main thing is you need to simply be able to do this consistently with any racquet you pick. If not, you will be switching racquets until your technique is developed.

That is why when posters say stuff like "the X racquet was inconsistent for me"..I already know they have to work on technique.

I think I may be more apt to do this while serving then during groundstrokes.
But I typically don't do well with lighter sticks that require very fast swings to generate power. I prefer to use some weight from the racquet for power.

bluetrain4 · May 14, 2012

I'm REALLY enjoying my 2012 PDR. I had purchased it back when it was released, and I also had purchased a 2012 BLX 6.1 95 16x18. I went back and forth for a while. The PDR with 17g RPM was good, but I hated he strings after a short amount of time, when they started to get rubbery. I restrung with syn gut/kevlar and also have tried it with syn gut/poly and the string bed is much crisper, I'm getting a nice pocket, everything is good.

Results have been fantastic, but I should have known this because I had used the previous version last summer. It simply matches my game very well. This one has much better ball feel than previous versions, though I'd stop short of saying it's "great" in the feel department.

In terms of harshness, I don't know what Babolat did, but I am honestly having no trouble with this frame. I used to feel a little shoulder twinge or wrist twinge with the previous version, but this one doesn't have that. I know that for some a PDR could never feel comfortable enough to use. But, for me, this is that frame.

Overall, I'm very happy. I've decided this will be my tournament frame for summer 2012 and will be ordering a second frame shortly.

Dgdavid · May 14, 2012

JackB1 said:
You are right and I still have a Warrior, but I was trying to stick it out with the PD for the time being, but one area I cant compromise is on serve. I may go back...we'll see.

So what are u playing with now?

Swapping between my POG oversizes and a Volkl Organix V1 Midplus. Like them both a lot, it is a luxury to be picking between two I like for once. Very different sticks. V1 looks like it is winning as POG is pretty uncomfortable the day after playing. Never had to consider arm issues before. V1 is a real surprise, never thought I'd get on with a light stick but it plays more solidly than I expected. Not declaring a switch yet though but getting close. Maybe I am not done with tweeners afterall.

ArliHawk · May 14, 2012

Dgdavid said:
Swapping between my POG oversizes and a Volkl Organix V1 Midplus. Like them both a lot, it is a luxury to be picking between two I like for once. Very different sticks. V1 looks like it is winning as POG is pretty uncomfortable the day after playing. Never had to consider arm issues before. V1 is a real surprise, never thought I'd get on with a light stick but it plays more solidly than I expected. Not declaring a switch yet though but getting close. Maybe I am not done with tweeners afterall.

The V1 would be considered a tweener. Its heritage is from the very first tweener.

Korso · May 14, 2012

Anyone try a full natural gut setup yet in the PDR? If so how was the control and durabilty? What tension?

Power Player · May 14, 2012

JackB1 said:
I think I may be more apt to do this while serving then during groundstrokes.
But I typically don't do well with lighter sticks that require very fast swings to generate power. I prefer to use some weight from the racquet for power.

Just put lead on the PD then.

DrewRafter8 · May 14, 2012

Gut/poly users, how long are you playing with this setup? I'm tempted to try it with 15 gauge gut mains....

Power Player · May 14, 2012

It lasts around 15-20 hours for me. I have no idea how because I hit with a lot of spin and hard. I think it boils down to your hitting partners. If you are hitting against big hitters every day, 8-10 hours. If not 15-20.

Totally worth it for me. PDR combined with gut/poly is the best racquet/string setup I have ever used.

Power Player · May 14, 2012

bluetrain4 said:
I'm REALLY enjoying my 2012 PDR. I had purchased it back when it was released, and I also had purchased a 2012 BLX 6.1 95 16x18. I went back and forth for a while. The PDR with 17g RPM was good, but I hated he strings after a short amount of time, when they started to get rubbery. I restrung with syn gut/kevlar and also have tried it with syn gut/poly and the string bed is much crisper, I'm getting a nice pocket, everything is good.

Results have been fantastic, but I should have known this because I had used the previous version last summer. It simply matches my game very well. This one has much better ball feel than previous versions, though I'd stop short of saying it's "great" in the feel department.

In terms of harshness, I don't know what Babolat did, but I am honestly having no trouble with this frame. I used to feel a little shoulder twinge or wrist twinge with the previous version, but this one doesn't have that. I know that for some a PDR could never feel comfortable enough to use. But, for me, this is that frame.

Overall, I'm very happy. I've decided this will be my tournament frame for summer 2012 and will be ordering a second frame shortly.

I agree with everything. I have 6 grams of lead at 3 and 9 and am addicted to this setup, but considering stock again..its a tough call as the lead really takes it to another planet of power and stability. I just never served a lot with it at stock and went to the lead rather fast. who knows what I will do there, but it will either be stock or this setup.

The feel is really nice for me, but it goes to great with gut. I am convinced the combo of gut mains in a stiff racquet is what the tennis gods want us to be using.

Nostradamus · May 14, 2012

Question on grip shape of this racket. i feel that it is slightly different than Head or Wilson shape that i am used to.
and this is causing my forehand to fly long sometimes. but strangely, this shape actually helps my backhand slice alot. What do you guys think i should do ?

Power Player · May 14, 2012

Fedace, I don't know..get used to the grip and practice more?

DrewRafter8 · May 14, 2012

Power Player said:
It lasts around 15-20 hours for me. I have no idea how because I hit with a lot of spin and hard. I think it boils down to your hitting partners. If you are hitting against big hitters every day, 8-10 hours. If not 15-20.

Totally worth it for me. PDR combined with gut/poly is the best racquet/string setup I have ever used.

I don't recall seeing you post what gut you're using? I know I loved using 15 gauge tonic years ago. I saw some $15 gut that piqued my interest.

Power Player · May 14, 2012

I use 16 gauge. Pacific Classic right now and trying others next.

I am very very happy with the durability of Pacific and would strongly recommend it.

DrewRafter8 · May 14, 2012

Nostradamus said:
Question on grip shape of this racket. i feel that it is slightly different than Head or Wilson shape that i am used to.
and this is causing my forehand to fly long sometimes. but strangely, this shape actually helps my backhand slice alot. What do you guys think i should do ?

Head yes, Wilson not as much. I've found that Head really has a stranger grip shape on their stock racquets. It's more rectangular. Maybe that's why I liked their pro stocks with the more traditional shape so much. I've had no issue with Babolat other then it is a size larger then some companies. You can always do like I do, take a 4 3/8 and put three overgrips on it. It's nice and round after the third.

bluetrain4 · May 14, 2012

Power Player said:
I agree with everything. I have 6 grams of lead at 3 and 9 and am addicted to this setup, but considering stock again..its a tough call as the lead really takes it to another planet of power and stability. I just never served a lot with it at stock and went to the lead rather fast. who knows what I will do there, but it will either be stock or this setup.

The feel is really nice for me, but it goes to great with gut. I am convinced the combo of gut mains in a stiff racquet is what the tennis gods want us to be using.

Yeah, syn gut has been very good, but I'm tempted to try a hybrid of poly and actual gut just to see if the frame can play even better. Though, it would have to be some sort of "budget" gut.

bluetrain4 · May 14, 2012

DrewRafter8 said:
Head yes, Wilson not as much. I've found that Head really has a stranger grip shape on their stock racquets. It's more rectangular. Maybe that's why I liked their pro stocks with the more traditional shape so much. I've had no issue with Babolat other then it is a size larger then some companies. You can always do like I do, take a 4 3/8 and put three overgrips on it. It's nice and round after the third.

Babolat is fairly similar to Wilson, I agree. But, the one thing I noticed on the 2012 BLX 6.1 that I purchased recently, is that the grip on the new Wilsons (at least my new Wilson) flare out at the butt-cap much more than before (and much more than Babolat). I noticed it right away and it was sort of annoying. But, I have a a sample size of one frame, so maybe it's just my frame.

Power Player · May 14, 2012

bluetrain4 said:
Yeah, syn gut has been very good, but I'm tempted to try a hybrid of poly and actual gut just to see if the frame can play even better. Though, it would have to be some sort of "budget" gut.

If you put poly in the crosses (the cofocus is the best one in terms of price and slickness) with a gut main like Pacific Classic or Supra gut..I guarantee it wil play far better with the amount of comfort, power and heavy spin you generate.

Dgdavid · May 14, 2012

ArliHawk said:
The V1 would be considered a tweener. Its heritage is from the very first tweener.

That's why I said maybe I am NOT done with Tweeners

Nostradamus · May 14, 2012

DrewRafter8 said:
Head yes, Wilson not as much. I've found that Head really has a stranger grip shape on their stock racquets. It's more rectangular. Maybe that's why I liked their pro stocks with the more traditional shape so much. I've had no issue with Babolat other then it is a size larger then some companies. You can always do like I do, take a 4 3/8 and put three overgrips on it. It's nice and round after the third.

then how do you find the grip if it is round ?

neil1b · May 14, 2012

I have to pipe in here.......I picked up one of these three days ago......put the hybrid vs gut and rpm blast gut mains at 60 and blast in the crosses at 56.....

I come from an aeropro drive for years and a donnay pro one 97 for the last 6 months.....

I do not find the spin you speak of and have a very hard time controlling the power. Everything wants to go long with a normal stroke. I have to fight and tweak my swing to try to keep it in and I hit with heavy topspin.

Any ideas or suggestions????

I mean.....anything?

BC1 · May 14, 2012

Dgdavid said:
That's why I said maybe I am NOT done with Tweeners

Funny, I missed seeing the "not" the first time I read your post as well. Glad the volkl is working out. You don't find it too light? It is very far removed from your prestige 93 you liked. How would you compare it to the warrior?

**The PURE DRIVE 2012 Forum (club)**

Hall of Fame

Bionic Poster

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Semi-Pro

G.O.A.T.

Bionic Poster

Legend

Professional

Hall of Fame

Semi-Pro

Professional

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Professional

Bionic Poster

Rookie

Bionic Poster

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Bionic Poster

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Professional

Hall of Fame

Semi-Pro

Bionic Poster

Professional

Bionic Poster

Bionic Poster

Bionic Poster

Bionic Poster

Professional

Bionic Poster

Professional

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Bionic Poster

Professional

Bionic Poster

Rookie

Professional

Similar threads

The PURE DRIVE 2012 Forum (club)