Hope its a great string for the APD.
Bonjour from Babolat
- Thread starter Babolat Official
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Hope its a great string for the APD.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
The new logo is being called "the flag." We wanted to have something more uniform and to get more creative with. We now have a stencil pattern that is being shipped globally to shops.
It is a big change from the double line. As someone who played with Babolat on and off for 10 years, it took some time to get used to. After seeing the new marketing campaigns and all my racquets stenciled, I'm used to it...But then again I work for the company so I might not be the most objective person to ask.
cluckcluck
Hall of Fame
Welcome to the boards. I am a big fan of your shoes.
One thing that I wanted to know about babolat racquets is the quality control. What, as a company, are you doing to ensure that you are producing as close to similar racquets?
In the past, I've ordered a few PDR and they were all off significantly in weight and balance (+/- 15 grams).
One thing that I wanted to know about babolat racquets is the quality control. What, as a company, are you doing to ensure that you are producing as close to similar racquets?
In the past, I've ordered a few PDR and they were all off significantly in weight and balance (+/- 15 grams).
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
First of all, it's great to have an opportunity to get official information and clarification from Babolat on this forum. I appreciate the time and effort you invest in answering all the questions.
Now, don't you think it's overstatement to attribute all the differences between 2010 APD and 2013 APD solely to new and improved "active" cortex system? Correct me if I'm wrong, but these two generations differ in many things:
1) Swing weights
2) Stiffness level
3) Probably slightly different structural/material properties
4) ...and finally Different "Cortex Dampening System"
(Malicious people would even say that no two Babolat racquets play identically, even if they are the same model/generation, but I don't agree with that...
It's not my intent to argue or alienate, nor I have anything against Babolat as a company. On the contrary, I am happy and regular Babolat user and have used many, many Babolat products over time (strings, shoes, overgrips, balls, textile, racquets...) but I really get annoyed with cheap marketing tricks.
After seeing dissection photos of "Cortex System" I see it simply as "snake oil", and so far I haven't change my standpoint.
Can you please ask your engineers what was changed in the 2012/2013 cortex dampening system (except turning it from V shape into A shape) to make it "active" and noticeably different (in your own words) than 2010 version?
Best regards,
Dragan
My intention was not to overstate the subtle changes to the racquet (as you outlined). My point is that whatever they may be, we can debate their merits until we go blue in the face...or we can actually test and try the product. And as someone who plays a lot of tennis (20 hours a week) and has used a lot of racquets, I feel there is a difference. You are correct, I am not an engineer (contemporary African-American history major, sociology minor), nor or am I on the product team. I'll email them your post and repost their reply.
Perhaps I get less hung up on the technical specifics of what was actually changed because I've always been more interested in how the product actually felt and played. And I apologize for that if I'm subtly imposing my perspective and method for forming opinions on new product.
Still learning. Thanks for the question.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
We test all racquets to ensure they are within +/- 7 grams (unstrung) before they are shipped. If you have racquets that vary more than that, submit them to warranty through your local dealer.
Glad you like the shoes!
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I haven't heard anything but we're always testing new ideas. We're pretty pleased with the current set up of our frames.
McLovin
Legend
I don't suppose there are any plans to resurrect the Pure Control 'Swirly', are there?
I never really gelled w/ the Pure Storm line (even though it is essentially the same mold) and have since moved on from Babolat.
But if I could get some new Swirlys...
Also, someone earlier asked about junior sponsorship. I coach a girls high school team. Do you offer 'player packs' for high schools? Or do they have to be USTA ranked?
I never really gelled w/ the Pure Storm line (even though it is essentially the same mold) and have since moved on from Babolat.
But if I could get some new Swirlys...
Also, someone earlier asked about junior sponsorship. I coach a girls high school team. Do you offer 'player packs' for high schools? Or do they have to be USTA ranked?
I have used APD Cortex and later the 2010 APD. The 2010 APD I found stiff when playing with poly and to mushy when playing with multifilament.
Two weeks ago I experienced pain in the tip of my elbow when I mishit a serve and later in the week when mishitting a backhand. At that time I was using Solinco Revolution and later a hybrid of LTEC string, poly mains and synthetic gut crosses.
The elbow pain was not great but was bothersome and one never knows what to expect. Fortunately, I've been playing for many years and have never had a long term arm injury (or any other) related to tennis.
So, after the injury I rested for a week and traded in my APD for a Yonex VCORE 97 Tour (330). The VCORE has more mass, a bigger sweetspot and absorbs shock better. Also, its more stable and has more control than the 2010 APD. I can also hit good topspin, more in a "drive" type of way. But, I miss the racket speed, the aero design and the ability to hit topspin with greater ease that the APD offers.
I am a bit skeptical on the improvement that the 2013 APD brings. I still remember when the 2010 APD came along and pre-sale marketing stated that it was a much better racket than the APD Cortex. Personally, I think the 2010 APD was not better than the Cortex, it was just different. So, isn"t this a repeat that states that the 2103 APD is much better than the 2010 APD but substantially there is no real improvement?
Still, the APD is a great racket, I would just hope it had the solidity and cushioned feel that the Yonex offers.
I would appreciate your response and comments. Thanks.
Two weeks ago I experienced pain in the tip of my elbow when I mishit a serve and later in the week when mishitting a backhand. At that time I was using Solinco Revolution and later a hybrid of LTEC string, poly mains and synthetic gut crosses.
The elbow pain was not great but was bothersome and one never knows what to expect. Fortunately, I've been playing for many years and have never had a long term arm injury (or any other) related to tennis.
So, after the injury I rested for a week and traded in my APD for a Yonex VCORE 97 Tour (330). The VCORE has more mass, a bigger sweetspot and absorbs shock better. Also, its more stable and has more control than the 2010 APD. I can also hit good topspin, more in a "drive" type of way. But, I miss the racket speed, the aero design and the ability to hit topspin with greater ease that the APD offers.
I am a bit skeptical on the improvement that the 2013 APD brings. I still remember when the 2010 APD came along and pre-sale marketing stated that it was a much better racket than the APD Cortex. Personally, I think the 2010 APD was not better than the Cortex, it was just different. So, isn"t this a repeat that states that the 2103 APD is much better than the 2010 APD but substantially there is no real improvement?
Still, the APD is a great racket, I would just hope it had the solidity and cushioned feel that the Yonex offers.
I would appreciate your response and comments. Thanks.
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vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
Thank you for your response. Why cant Babolat offer the original formula VS Gut and call it Classic VS? I can tell you in the real world the BT7 is not 15% more durable. So it was decided to sacrifice performance over a 15% increase of durability in the lab? I've been very frustrated and disappointed with the change in Gut to BT7.
Thank you for your response and addressing my questions about the new gut.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
No plans to resurrect the Pure Control. Shoot me an email about sponsorship, we have pretty tight requirements. dbecker@babolat.com.
I can second VS babolats complaint. I have witnessed his complaint many times and for a very long period. Please bring VC Classic again so this guy is happy again.
vsbabolat
G.O.A.T.
I can second VS babolats complaint. I have witnessed his complaint many times and for a very long period. Please bring VC Classic again so this guy is happy again.
Thanks for the help!
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
1. I haven't played with the VCore, but it sounds like you enjoy it. So that is good. For every advantage, there is a drawback, and it sounds like you've found a good combination in this racquet (inversely to the advantages/drawbacks you felt with the APD).
2. You didn't like the 2010 APD Cortex. Which is fine. Some people did. Our product team is constantly working with pros, juniors, and rec players to technologically innovate racquets that help people elevate their game. Still, at the end of the day "real improvement" is subjective to the user. You can guess how a racquet will feel (better, different, worse), but you don't know until you try it. And you don't have to try it if you don't want to. We did a play test of the 2013 APD in these very forums. Everyone had unique opinions. What matters most is what you as a user think/believe and how it helps your game on the court. Luckily, TW has a big demo stock.
3. Haven't hit with the Yonex since that Hewitt model everyone loved (RDi something?)...but if you send me one, I promise I will.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
Alright, I'm signing off for the day. We've got some big news being released. Check out facebook/twitter/website tonight.
I'll tackle more questions tomorrow.
Happy hitting,
Daniel
I'll tackle more questions tomorrow.
Happy hitting,
Daniel
Hi,i have a question;
Babolat Viper 105,black/white pj sold as Xs 105, and the Xs 105 Red, are they really the same besides the paint and strings ?
The specs on the racquets says the same weight/balance but they play so different,im curios if the strings can make that kind of difference.
If i hit a forehand with the same power required to hit between the serve line and the base line with the red racquet, i hit the wall behind the court with the Black one called "Viper".
In comparison,i currently play with Yonex Vcore 100s,with wilson sensation at 27kg, The red Xs 105 is alot less powerful than Vcore,but the black is alot more powerful.
I am thinking of stringing both Xs 105 with N.Vy and switch with them again,if they would play the same,but my stringer doesnt have it in stock so ill have to order some myself, thats why i ask in advance so i dont get dissapointed later.
Im also considering to switch to a completely new model,since i feel the Vcore a bit stiff,and the Xs 105 abit oversized,i have read the whole PSGT limited thread and that seems to be a possible switch for me,control oriented,softer than both above models and alot of players seems happy with them.
Thanks in advance from Sweden.
Babolat Viper 105,black/white pj sold as Xs 105, and the Xs 105 Red, are they really the same besides the paint and strings ?
The specs on the racquets says the same weight/balance but they play so different,im curios if the strings can make that kind of difference.
If i hit a forehand with the same power required to hit between the serve line and the base line with the red racquet, i hit the wall behind the court with the Black one called "Viper".
In comparison,i currently play with Yonex Vcore 100s,with wilson sensation at 27kg, The red Xs 105 is alot less powerful than Vcore,but the black is alot more powerful.
I am thinking of stringing both Xs 105 with N.Vy and switch with them again,if they would play the same,but my stringer doesnt have it in stock so ill have to order some myself, thats why i ask in advance so i dont get dissapointed later.
Im also considering to switch to a completely new model,since i feel the Vcore a bit stiff,and the Xs 105 abit oversized,i have read the whole PSGT limited thread and that seems to be a possible switch for me,control oriented,softer than both above models and alot of players seems happy with them.
Thanks in advance from Sweden.
Unfortunately I can not demo as I do not live in the United States. I will probably buy the 2013 APD and keep using the VCORE 97 (330) as well.
The APD adjusts perfectly to my strokes as I like to hit with heavy topspin. Hope vibrations on mishits are much less than in the 2010 model.
TW has a great demo program for Yonex VCORE Tour 97 (330), you can check it out without Babolat knowing, lol.
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boeitmeniks
New User
It is, also amazing with gut, both barely loose tension so i was in 7th heaven
In a hybrid with gut? Gut in mains or crosses?
Is there any chance that one can still acquire any Pure Drive Teams via your help?
I certainly believe that Babolat would make a mint if they were to introduce into their line "a classic range" featuring the very popular Pure Drive Team model (the best ever in my opinion, and I know for many others).
Do you see that as a possiblilty in either case above?
Many thanks
boeitmeniks
New User
First ofmall I'd like to say thank you for such a great customer service!
Second
I agree with the guys against bt7, almost 90 percent of the board agrees that we'd like the old one back, we all loved it and bt7 caused people to leave for wilson gut so please, please consider this
Recreate old vs gut but don't kill bt7
Create 2 gut departments
VS Classic and VS Techno, you are allowed to use this names, LOL
VS Classic: old VS gut with 15 layers
VS Techno: VS GUT BT7
That would be so nice and your sale rate would really go up, people would lwave Wilson immidietly
Would be nice if you made them black as well,
Vamos and please listen, there have been over 10.000 complains on this bord alone about bt7
Read the feedback on TW and it says the same
Please, please consider
Second
I agree with the guys against bt7, almost 90 percent of the board agrees that we'd like the old one back, we all loved it and bt7 caused people to leave for wilson gut so please, please consider this
Recreate old vs gut but don't kill bt7
Create 2 gut departments
VS Classic and VS Techno, you are allowed to use this names, LOL
VS Classic: old VS gut with 15 layers
VS Techno: VS GUT BT7
That would be so nice and your sale rate would really go up, people would lwave Wilson immidietly
Would be nice if you made them black as well,
Vamos and please listen, there have been over 10.000 complains on this bord alone about bt7
Read the feedback on TW and it says the same
Please, please consider
Simple question - why not move one step ahead of the competition and allow for user customized ordering. To this end, I mean - for same cost or a slight premium (offset perhaps, through a modification of any return policies) - permit customers to order racquets with somewhat modifiable specs (i.e. flex/composition, weight, colors, grip, etc.). We're all savy on how things operate - with production overseas in China- I'm sure such customization will entail a smaller profit margin (reducing it from, say, 75% to 65%), but will conceivably result in much greater sales. Basically, you are shifting quantity of demand and not just demand - something that surprisingly no other racquet manufacturer has thought about doing respective to general consumers (of course, until a small competitor comes along doing exactly this and the big dogs attempt to - ahem - rectify any such gains) .
To this end, I'm happy to help consult, but of course reserve my rights concerning such implementation if it were to occur.
To this end, I'm happy to help consult, but of course reserve my rights concerning such implementation if it were to occur.
sansaephanh
Professional
Nvm previously answered.
db10s
Hall of Fame
Simple question - why not move one step ahead of the competition and allow for user customized ordering. To this end, I mean - for same cost or a slight premium (offset perhaps, through a modification of any return policies) - permit customers to order racquets with somewhat modifiable specs (i.e. flex/composition, weight, colors, grip, etc.). We're all savy on how things operate - with production overseas in China- I'm sure such customization will entail a smaller profit margin (reducing it from, say, 75% to 65%), but will conceivably result in much greater sales. Basically, you are shifting quantity of demand and not just demand - something that surprisingly no other racquet manufacturer has thought about doing respective to general consumers (of course, until a small competitor comes along doing exactly this and the big dogs attempt to - ahem - rectify any such gains) .
To this end, I'm happy to help consult, but of course reserve my rights concerning such implementation if it were to occur.
That's what Angell sport/vantage is for.
Your comment is a non sequitur - I'm well aware that Angell produces custom made racquets (as do various other small companies). As noted, however, I'm speaking about large manufacturers - i.e. those that directly compete against Babolat. Not just on this board, or TW's customers - but the masses of people purchasing racquets from other vendors and big-box stores.
Further, are you saying that Angell racquet play like Babolats? Doubt it. If one was looking for a custom made Dunlop, I'm sure Angell is a great company to work with...
boeitmeniks
New User
I usually want a bit more power so I put gut in the mains
But for allround ness not 80 to 20, put rpm dual mains
I think it is the bad looking but the best poly in the world by a few miles
db10s
Hall of Fame
I think there would be to many requests for Babolat to do custom things, and they would most likely be a minimum order size. I was only suggesting a custom racket company...
Sure, and I'm not suggesting its an effort without cost, but they can likely afford doing so while capturing increased sales. Would you order the 2013 with a sub-63/5 flex?
Francis27
Semi-Pro
Has anyone checked the new Babolat website? www.babolat.com it looks so cool! plus they show some new things on it too like RPM DUAL and propulse 4 shoes.
What is better in your opinion about the old PD Team compared to the generally much lauded PD 2012?
boeitmeniks
New User
Great site from Bab, the best by far.
I really like this and tnx for response Mr. becker. Hope my nephew gets sponsered, he'd do anything
I really like this and tnx for response Mr. becker. Hope my nephew gets sponsered, he'd do anything
I simply feel more connected to the PD team, and I don't know if it is the materials used (Kevlar/Graphic, a known and much plauded mix for racket manufacturing), or perhaps the 69 flex rating.
For sure, with a bed of VS Touch, it simply gives me that special feel, with power, and just enough flex for optimum contriol, that no other PD since, even the PD 12 (which I also am ahuge fan, and belive this edition to be the 2nd best) has delivered.
I know that there are many who favour the PD Swirly, but I never handled that stick.
This is a definite. If I am playing with new players, who are known to be good, and I have to impress and play at my best,...then always, but always I pull the PD team out of the bag, and frankly pretty much keep for those occasions when I am in a "must win" or "must impress" situation.
BTW-- just to throw a curve ball in here,...I just puirchased the new APD GT 2013, after demo-ing for a week. In the past I never warmed to it (excluding the orginal), but felt the new APD GT, certainly is a muct have stick adding to my stable of Pure Drives....but I still prefer the PD Team over all else
db10s
Hall of Fame
I think he knew about the flood of questions/comments that would come in.... Did he think the thread would die after a few weeks...? 'Cause it won't
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I actually agree with you El Zed. It's no different than special orders from retail stores. I work at Menards and special orders sell like crazy. They are also mostly more expensive than regularly stocked items, so the revenue would come from something like that. Also, if someone doesn't like it, there should be a 15% restock fee or more. This could offset production costs a little bit as well. Not only would this make people happy, but it would influence more players to buy babolat rackets IMO. There are plenty of people that would like a custom aeropro drive.
Babolat official, has anyone ever thought this way that you know of? Maybe you could look into how angell is doing financially?
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
He probably got it all set up with his supervisors and into his job description. Its no different than customer service!
Hey Daniel welcome to the boards. My only question is if you could provide any differences/comparison with the hybrid of PHT and VS. Ive been using PHT/VS forever... dating back to when PHT first came out. And throughout the years I have never really felt the urge to swap the VS with the PHT and put it in the mains. Do you have any personal experiences with this? If not could you provide any knowledge that would be beneficial before I go ahead and possibly try it out? I don't pop strings ever... so I'm cutting out my strings once they go dead
Babolat Official,
Please have a word with your colleagues and get them to forward my rather substantial royalty cheques, preferred package options and other pay-offs and benefits accrued from creating the below and helping to generate the buzz about Babs some years back.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=121480
Please have a word with your colleagues and get them to forward my rather substantial royalty cheques, preferred package options and other pay-offs and benefits accrued from creating the below and helping to generate the buzz about Babs some years back.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=121480
Such an interesting read, richsox, as you don't hear that much praise for the PD Team. As a pre-cursor to checking out the Black Drive, I actually recently was playing around with a PD Team and liked it a fair amount. I should also say that I consider the PD Team + to have been my first real racket I got in the groove with and got into tennis with as a late-starter. That said, I've been very much an APD fan/user in recent years. Good to hear about this frame though.
D
Deleted member 369227
Guest
RPM Dual and APD 2013 officially launched, I guess. Check out the website.
Francis27
Semi-Pro
Propulse 4 aswell
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