MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I am in the process of trying to decide between the Aeropro Drive 2013 and the Pure Drive 2012. What are the differences between these two rackets especially on ground strokes?
Question for Siobhan or Brittany
- Thread starter MikeHitsHard93
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MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Advice from other play testers is welcome too btw!
TW Staff
Administrator
MikeHitsHard93,
Did someone say Pure Drive?!?
Everyone is going to laugh at me, but my pick is the Pure Drive (although I will say I'm partial to the GT line over the 2012s). It's no secret around here that I'm borderline obsessed with Pure Drives!
However, if you are looking for a little more access to some spin, the AeroPro Drive plays awesome and will help you out with that as well. I think it is a great racquet. Andy has been enjoying some time with the APD as of late and just won a doubles tournament using the APD.
Michelle, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
MikeHitsHard93,
Did someone say Pure Drive?!?
Everyone is going to laugh at me, but my pick is the Pure Drive (although I will say I'm partial to the GT line over the 2012s). It's no secret around here that I'm borderline obsessed with Pure Drives!
However, if you are looking for a little more access to some spin, the AeroPro Drive plays awesome and will help you out with that as well. I think it is a great racquet. Andy has been enjoying some time with the APD as of late and just won a doubles tournament using the APD.
Michelle, TW
Hahaha! I agree that the pure drive is a VERY addicting racket to use! The first time I played with one, I knew it was right for me and I should have stayed with it instead of trying numerous other rackets out.
I was highly considering the APD because of it's obvious popularity, and I thought it might help me to raise my game. However, I'm thinking that I may like the slice and booming groundstrokes a little more on the pure drive. Whats your opinion? Thanks
TW Staff
Administrator
Yep! I've been using the Pure Drive since it hit the states back in the day, had a brief stint with Wilson, but found my way back (quickly) to the Pure Drive.
Having the opportunity to playtest a bunch of different frames, I always go into a new racquet experience looking for something to take the place of my Pure Drive. Nothing comes close for me. Yes, the APD will help with the slice and spin, but I don't know if you will get anymore power out of it, in my opinion. The other similar racquets to the Pure Drive I have enjoyed would be the Donnay Formula 100 (I really enjoy this racquet at the net!) and the Dunlop F5.0 Tour (that one will definitely add some power to your game).
Don't get me wrong, I like the APD, just not enough to commit full time to it
Michelle, TW
Having the opportunity to playtest a bunch of different frames, I always go into a new racquet experience looking for something to take the place of my Pure Drive. Nothing comes close for me. Yes, the APD will help with the slice and spin, but I don't know if you will get anymore power out of it, in my opinion. The other similar racquets to the Pure Drive I have enjoyed would be the Donnay Formula 100 (I really enjoy this racquet at the net!) and the Dunlop F5.0 Tour (that one will definitely add some power to your game).
Don't get me wrong, I like the APD, just not enough to commit full time to it
Michelle, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Yep! I've been using the Pure Drive since it hit the states back in the day, had a brief stint with Wilson, but found my way back (quickly) to the Pure Drive.
Having the opportunity to playtest a bunch of different frames, I always go into a new racquet experience looking for something to take the place of my Pure Drive. Nothing comes close for me. Yes, the APD will help with the slice and spin, but I don't know if you will get anymore power out of it, in my opinion. The other similar racquets to the Pure Drive I have enjoyed would be the Donnay Formula 100 (I really enjoy this racquet at the net!) and the Dunlop F5.0 Tour (that one will definitely add some power to your game).
Don't get me wrong, I like the APD, just not enough to commit full time to it
Michelle, TW
I'm looking for something to replace my pro open actually! I broke one on an overhead smash, and I want to go with a new brand. Always liked babolat a lot and I'm a baseliner, so these rackets suit me well.
I've demoed about 30 rackets, and I've decided that I'm gonna buy one of these two. How do you feel about extended reach?
TW Staff
Administrator
Ahhh gotcha.
We've been toying around with the APD+, it's a fun frame! You get away a lot though using that frame though, so I'm trying to stay away from it for that reason.
I've also been playing around with the Pure Drive Roddick.
Michelle, TW
TW Staff
Administrator
souledge,
Shoes and strings to come soon! Hopefully some more racquets soon! Stay tuned!
Michelle, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
What do you mean "you get away a lot"? I learned the basics of the game using an extended racket, so I'm always curious about them.
I actually owned a PDRGT for a short time, but it was a bit bulky and I couldn't whip it fast enough to generate enough topspin. Solid feel though! Best part about it was the slice bh for me.
Last edited:
TW Staff
Administrator
Ahh ok, I played with an extended frame for a bit before making the Pure Drive switch, I don't think I'd switch back, but I don't have anything against them! I said this about the Steam 99 S as well, but I feel like the APD+ takes some discipline out of your game, so you "get away" with mishits or off timing or bad footwork. That's just my opinion. Some people say that about the Pure Drive too, so to each their own. I think if you enjoy the extended length and like a little extra spin, you'll love the APD+!
Michelle, TW
TW Staff
Administrator
I agree with Michelle! If I had to pick between the two racquets, I would pick the Pure Drive. For me, it has the perfect feel as well as the right amount of power for my game.
However while playtesting the AeroPro Drive and + versions, I found that I liked the plus over the standard length. My reasoning is that the APD is slightly more spin-oriented and the extra length gave me access to a little bit more power that I was craving.
Both are great racquets and really easy to use from the first hit.
Brittany, TW
However while playtesting the AeroPro Drive and + versions, I found that I liked the plus over the standard length. My reasoning is that the APD is slightly more spin-oriented and the extra length gave me access to a little bit more power that I was craving.
Both are great racquets and really easy to use from the first hit.
Brittany, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Thanks so much, ladies! I remember the pure drives grip being a bit short, and the plus length has a longer one. I think I am sold on the pure drive plus...I actually need a little help when it comes to being lazy on strokes LOL. I'm thinking the pure drive will have a more solid feel, and I should be able to get more than enough spin out of it.
Should I wait for my return to process first, or should I order my new racket right now? TW is AWESOME!!
I remember the pure drives grip being a bit short, and the plus length has a longer one. I think I am sold on the pure drive plus...I actually need a little help when it comes to being lazy on strokes LOL. I'm thinking the pure drive will have a more solid feel, and I should be able to get more than enough spin out of it. Should I wait for my return to process first, or should I order my new racket right now? TW is AWESOME!!
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
You inspired me to take the APD+ for a spin this afternoon...that and some of Chris' customized PD Roddick's...
with that being said, my vote still goes 100% to the Pure Drive! (or in your case, the PD+!)
Enjoy!
Michelle, TW
Haha
if you have time, let me know how it went! I am pretty certain on the Pure Drive+ now...now to decide the tension of my synthetic gut...thanks!
TW Staff
Administrator
Haha
Yep....the PD Roddick's are customized to between 12.6-12.8 ounces, 4-6 pts HL , 329-334 swingweight, a bit heftier and stiffer and we were playing with TCS at 60lbs in them (well one had Prince Syn Gut, but I stayed away from that one). Fun racquet, solid to hit.
The APD (and APD+) just don't suit me or my game. I play pretty flat and don't have any intention of adding extra spin to my game or balls, so it almost defeats the purpose for me to use that racquet (or the Steam 99S for that matter)...kinda like swimming upstream, trying to use a racquet with technology that I have no intentions of accessing...if that makes any sense?
But if I find a Pure Drive+ laying around, I may string it up and play with it for fun!
Have you thought about trying a poly or poly blend in your strings?
Michelle, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Yep....the PD Roddick's are customized to between 12.6-12.8 ounces, 4-6 pts HL , 329-334 swingweight, a bit heftier and stiffer and we were playing with TCS at 60lbs in them (well one had Prince Syn Gut, but I stayed away from that one). Fun racquet, solid to hit.
The APD (and APD+) just don't suit me or my game. I play pretty flat and don't have any intention of adding extra spin to my game or balls, so it almost defeats the purpose for me to use that racquet (or the Steam 99S for that matter)...kinda like swimming upstream, trying to use a racquet with technology that I have no intentions of accessing...if that makes any sense?
But if I find a Pure Drive+ laying around, I may string it up and play with it for fun!
Have you thought about trying a poly or poly blend in your strings?
Michelle, TW
That's a pretty hefty racket! I would say that my maximum static weight/sw combo is about 12.6 oz @325 sw. The Wilson 6.1 classic is pretty much the racket I'm referring to with this estimate.
When I ordered my PDR, I had hurricane mains @58 and n.vy crosses @60. Played wonderfully, but I tend to lose focus and let my swing get a little wild lol. I'm a 3.5-4.0 player btw.
I already hit with a lot of topspin, so I figured that I don't need any ADDED spin to my game...just a predictable and powerful response that lets me do my normal stroke
so I understand what you mean. When looking for a racket, you want it to fit YOU. Unless you're a beginner...which I know you aren't! I considered a poly hybrid...I always seem to play really well with synthetic gut in my pro open though. I'm not a chronic string breaker either...but I do enjoy the spin. Any hybrids I should consider?
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I think Mike's flirting now:razz::razz::razz
Demo both Mike
OK I admit it - Mike's got game!
Haha I asked for expert advice is all! Michelle seems to be pretty cool and we like the same types of rackets!
I'm done demoing lol. 30+ demoes is enough for me, unless I'm gonna get paid to do it!
TW Staff
Administrator
That's a pretty hefty racket! I would say that my maximum static weight/sw combo is about 12.6 oz @325 sw. The Wilson 6.1 classic is pretty much the racket I'm referring to with this estimate.
When I ordered my PDR, I had hurricane mains @58 and n.vy crosses @60. Played wonderfully, but I tend to lose focus and let my swing get a little wild lol. I'm a 3.5-4.0 player btw.
I already hit with a lot of topspin, so I figured that I don't need any ADDED spin to my game...just a predictable and powerful response that lets me do my normal stroke
I considered a poly hybrid...I always seem to play really well with synthetic gut in my pro open though. I'm not a chronic string breaker either...but I do enjoy the spin. Any hybrids I should consider?
Gotcha! And exactly, find a racquet to suit you, not a racquet you need to change your game for!
As long as you are getting some longevity out of the syn gut, awesome...once you start breaking strings every 2-4 hours, that's when you will definitely want to make the switch! Although the polys do have some performance qualities that are nice and have added benefits over the syn guts (added control, spin, power, etc.).
As far as a hybrid, one that we are all enjoy right now is Volkl Cyclone 16 with Volkl Power Fiber 2 16. We don't sell it as a hybrid yet...so you will have to get a pack of each, but it'd be fun to check out!
Michelle, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Yeah I've demoed rackets all the way from the prestige mp to the aeropro drive. Numerous rackets...thinking that they could instantly make my game better. Man, was I wrong! I have found the playing style that I like and am good at, which is baseline bashing lol.
I'm actually surprised that I don't break string more often, since I hit hard and with spin. I guess I'm lucky lol
I can get a good 10 hours out of syn gut until I break it. Poly spin is just addicting though...thanks for the recommendation! I forget what level you play at...no doubt its above mine.
TW Staff
Administrator
Yeah I've demoed rackets all the way from the prestige mp to the aeropro drive. Numerous rackets...thinking that they could instantly make my game better. Man, was I wrong! I have found the playing style that I like and am good at, which is baseline bashing lol.
I'm actually surprised that I don't break string more often, since I hit hard and with spin. I guess I'm lucky lol
Lucky, I was just saying today that I haven't used syn gut in probably 10 years which takes me back to my early college playing days (before polys were popular) but then I started breaking strings every 2 hours and the poly craze started! I hit with Prince Syn Gut yesterday and couldn't believe how erratic it felt compared to the polys I'm used to. I'm an open player.
And, yea, like you when I first got here I was playing around with almost everything from the Wilson Blades to the APDs, the Steam Series, to the prestiges and the new Heads and everything in between! I enjoy trying things out, but there's nothing like getting my Pure Drive back in my hands!! (I can hear everyone at TW laughing at me now!)
Enjoy the new PD+! Let us know how it hits once you get it out on the court!
Michelle, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Hahaha yeah well that just shows how much of an amateur that I am! The pure drive gt was such a revelation to me even on the first hit. I should have bought it right then and there! There's a reason why they're so popular.
Thanks for all the advice and the fun conversation! I will probably order my pure drive+ tonight when I get home from work. I will post in this thread after I have had the chance to hit with it
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
LMAO. You sound so sad!
Overdrive
Legend
Not really.
I tried adding lead to my racquets for the first time.
They played pretty well. However, the swingweight is increased.
Anyways, I just need to hit with less topspin to make shots flatter and be earlier than I should.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I know how that goes. Sometimes the ball just sits up and doesn't push forward enough. That's why I'm switching to synthetic gut from poly right now. Its not gonna cure the problem, but it will help me to develop the right stroke motion. I'm so close to 4.0 that I can taste it!.. The unforced errors and sitters are what kill me.
Overdrive
Legend
It's not about the strings for me. It's just about timing. I didn't have an excellent practice today because of the newly modified racquet.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Gotcha. What level are you, overdrive? Play on any teams?
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
There ya go! Get Jason in here
haha. Jason is a baseliner as well as at the 4.0 level. I would like to hear what he has to say about the pure drive+ and he can possibly answer overdrives questions that he may have!
Overdrive
Legend
Why is he using the Steam? That racquet is literally a waste of money due to increased tension loss. Bottom line: It's one of the best racquets for the racquet stringers.
Overdrive
Legend
v-verb
Hall of Fame
Try natural gut. Natural gut and an old school ProStaff 85 totally changed my tennis world...
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I'm worried that it would be a rocket launcher though :/ and guts expensive
v-verb
Hall of Fame
It wasn't a rocket launcher - I hit hard ('tho maybe not as hard as you) and with spin and I was painting lines like nothing else.
Gut is expensive but Klip isn't so pricey - if it's ever available again. And gut lasts a long time.
But anyhow it's a stretch for most people including myself. I got a racquet used already strung with gut at the same price as the frame with poly.
Getting back to the Bab Aero and Pure Drives - played both (PD a bit more) - like them a lot. If my wrist hadn't complained I would probably still be playing a Pure Drive
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
I was thinking about trying klip gut, but as you mentioned it's out of stock. I just think I can get away with a synthetic haha.
TW Staff
Administrator
I'll get Jason to try and give you some feedback and compare the Becker/Babolots/Steam 99 S.
Being at TW, we are lucky to have unlimited stringing options and can re-string whenever we want/need. And since we are always testing string, he actually has been trying different set-ups to see if he can find the winning combo to keep a string in there longer (I think right now he's testing some pre-stretched TCS). Plus, the Steam 99 S suits his game, he gets some great action on the ball off his forehand and serves, so luckily I don't think the string issue it's a deal breaker for him.
Michelle, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Thanks Michelle! I still haven't ordered my pure drive yet, and I think that I might just get the standard length version just to be safe.
I'm not surprised that Jason uses the 99s. It would probably be way more popular if more people had the access to stringing that he does.
TW Staff
Administrator
Let me see if I can help.
I really like both the Pure Drive and Aero Pro Drive racquets. I find them to provide an excellent blend of power and control. And the spin is great! If I had to choose between the 2, I'd go with the Aero Pro Drive. Not really sure why, I just like the feel of that one a bit more. The main reason I don't use them is because of the high stiffness rating. Especially since I love polyester strings, the combo does havoc on my arm.
I used to use Volkl and Boris Becker racquets before my current Wilson Steam 99S. They are arm friendly racquets, which is why I switched to them. I used to use the Boris Becker NYC and before that, the Boris Becker London and before that, the Volkl Powerbridge 9. They all featured the specs I liked, easy to swing, easy access to spin and midplus headsize.
As far as the Steam 99S goes, I love it! Mine are customized with .3 ounces of lead added to the handle to tail weight it. However, there are downsides. It's true, with such an open string pattern, tension loss is an issue. Especially with polyester strings. And the other problem I've come across is string breakage. The "S" in 99S might as well stand for "shredder" because of how often I break string. I've had my racquets for a little over 2 months now and have snapped 6 sets of polyester strings so far. Luckily, like Michelle said, it pays to work at TW!
Jason, TW
I really like both the Pure Drive and Aero Pro Drive racquets. I find them to provide an excellent blend of power and control. And the spin is great! If I had to choose between the 2, I'd go with the Aero Pro Drive. Not really sure why, I just like the feel of that one a bit more. The main reason I don't use them is because of the high stiffness rating. Especially since I love polyester strings, the combo does havoc on my arm.
I used to use Volkl and Boris Becker racquets before my current Wilson Steam 99S. They are arm friendly racquets, which is why I switched to them. I used to use the Boris Becker NYC and before that, the Boris Becker London and before that, the Volkl Powerbridge 9. They all featured the specs I liked, easy to swing, easy access to spin and midplus headsize.
As far as the Steam 99S goes, I love it! Mine are customized with .3 ounces of lead added to the handle to tail weight it. However, there are downsides. It's true, with such an open string pattern, tension loss is an issue. Especially with polyester strings. And the other problem I've come across is string breakage. The "S" in 99S might as well stand for "shredder" because of how often I break string. I've had my racquets for a little over 2 months now and have snapped 6 sets of polyester strings so far. Luckily, like Michelle said, it pays to work at TW!
Jason, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Let me see if I can help.
I really like both the Pure Drive and Aero Pro Drive racquets. I find them to provide an excellent blend of power and control. And the spin is great! If I had to choose between the 2, I'd go with the Aero Pro Drive. Not really sure why, I just like the feel of that one a bit more. The main reason I don't use them is because of the high stiffness rating. Especially since I love polyester strings, the combo does havoc on my arm.
I used to use Volkl and Boris Becker racquets before my current Wilson Steam 99S. They are arm friendly racquets, which is why I switched to them. I used to use the Boris Becker NYC and before that, the Boris Becker London and before that, the Volkl Powerbridge 9. They all featured the specs I liked, easy to swing, easy access to spin and midplus headsize.
As far as the Steam 99S goes, I love it! Mine are customized with .3 ounces of lead added to the handle to tail weight it. However, there are downsides. It's true, with such an open string pattern, tension loss is an issue. Especially with polyester strings. And the other problem I've come across is string breakage. The "S" in 99S might as well stand for "shredder" because of how often I break string. I've had my racquets for a little over 2 months now and have snapped 6 sets of polyester strings so far. Luckily, like Michelle said, it pays to work at TW!
Jason, TW
Thanks Jason! I really am quite jealous of you all that work at TW. That is honestly my dream job...
I am having a hard time deciding between the regular pure drive and the plus version. I don't want to make a wrong decision.
I've never played volkl, but a friend of mine at my club just purchased an organix 10 and loves it.
That's a lot of string...lol. Polyfibre TCS I presume since that's your alltime favorite?
TW Staff
Administrator
Yup! Right now, I have a pre-stretched set of TCS in 1 of my racquets. My other racquet has an experimental poly in it. It's tough testing out all these racquets, strings, and shoes! ;-)
I like the Pure Drive more than the Plus. Only because I've pretty much only played with stadard length racquets my whole life and when I use an extended version, it throws my timing off a little. I will say, it does add some nice pop, especially on serve.
Jason, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Hahahaha rub it in!!!!!
I may go with the standard length. Wouldn't want a huge difference between my pure drive and pro open... Especially in the middle of a match.
Thanks for all the insight Jason.
don't work too hard trying all of that nice new gear out...smh lucky people!
Overdrive
Legend
Jason,
Because you work at TW, you have no problem with the stringing issues. However, not everyone works at TW.
For the juniors and college players, if you can't afford any of the following
- strings
-stringing machine
-string jobs
Then the Steam is not for them.
You seriously broke 6 strings in 2 months. You're being scammed by Wilson I'm telling you!
I'm not a 'Babolat' hater, but the only reason why they are the "#1 racquet company in the market" is because of they sponsor hundreds of juniors which eventually develop into college players and the entire sling of influence starts from there.
Unfortunately, the trend of powerful, overpriced, stiff racquets will continue.. A $190 cosmetic update for the Pure Drive? Give me a break! :roll:
Thanks TennisMaverick for your help on guiding me towards this racquet.
Because you work at TW, you have no problem with the stringing issues. However, not everyone works at TW.
For the juniors and college players, if you can't afford any of the following
- strings
-stringing machine
-string jobs
Then the Steam is not for them.
You seriously broke 6 strings in 2 months. You're being scammed by Wilson I'm telling you!
I'm not a 'Babolat' hater, but the only reason why they are the "#1 racquet company in the market" is because of they sponsor hundreds of juniors which eventually develop into college players and the entire sling of influence starts from there.
Unfortunately, the trend of powerful, overpriced, stiff racquets will continue.. A $190 cosmetic update for the Pure Drive? Give me a break! :roll:
Thanks TennisMaverick for your help on guiding me towards this racquet.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Jason,
Because you work at TW, you have no problem with the stringing issues. However, not everyone works at TW.
For the juniors and college players, if you can't afford any of the following
- strings
-stringing machine
-string jobs
Then the Steam is not for them.
You seriously broke 6 strings in 2 months. You're being scammed by Wilson I'm telling you!
I'm not a 'Babolat' hater, but the only reason why they are the "#1 racquet company in the market" is because of they sponsor hundreds of juniors which eventually develop into college players and the entire sling of influence starts from there.
Unfortunately, the trend of powerful, overpriced, stiff racquets will continue.. A $190 cosmetic update for the Pure Drive? Give me a break! :roll:
Thanks TennisMaverick for your help on guiding me towards this racquet.
Shoo fly.....
TW Staff
Administrator
Jason,
Because you work at TW, you have no problem with the stringing issues. However, not everyone works at TW.
For the juniors and college players, if you can't afford any of the following
- strings
-stringing machine
-string jobs
Then the Steam is not for them.
You seriously broke 6 strings in 2 months. You're being scammed by Wilson I'm telling you!
Well I wouldn't necessarily say "it's not for them", but I can see the hesitation if you didn't have your own stringing machine or access to lots of string. But that is the trade off for accessing all that spin!
Jason, TW
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Michelle,
I hit with a Prostaff 95 today...I might have to cheat on the babolat LOL. The prostaff needs lead, but it was so nice to hit with.
I hit with a Prostaff 95 today...I might have to cheat on the babolat LOL. The prostaff needs lead, but it was so nice to hit with.
Overdrive
Legend
someone say becker????
That's a Boris Becker 11. They're more difficult to find than the Legend. No thanks.
zapvor
G.O.A.T.
That's a Boris Becker 11. They're more difficult to find than the Legend. No thanks.
i know. thats why i was excited
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