Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I'll have to ask a racquet tech. I'm out of the office but will try to find out asap. shoot me an email dbecker@babolat.com and I'll get you a response.
Bonjour from Babolat
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I'll have to ask a racquet tech. I'm out of the office but will try to find out asap. shoot me an email dbecker@babolat.com and I'll get you a response.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
HI Daniel
Is there a resource offered by babolat that would tell us if certain tennis shop is babolat reseller or not.
I bought a racquet from famous shop in LA and they are swearing that they are official babolat reseller but racquet has no bar code in the throat or in the handle under the grip so I fear its fake.
I sent you an email about it so if you would rather take this offline just search for my email gdraskovic at gmail
Is there a resource offered by babolat that would tell us if certain tennis shop is babolat reseller or not.
I bought a racquet from famous shop in LA and they are swearing that they are official babolat reseller but racquet has no bar code in the throat or in the handle under the grip so I fear its fake.
I sent you an email about it so if you would rather take this offline just search for my email gdraskovic at gmail
http://www.babolat.com/dealer
The place (90039 zip code) I assume you are referring to is listed as an authorized dealer. I thought those guys were no longer authorized due to violating MAP pricing/advertizing.
Perhaps Daniel can explain.
The place (90039 zip code) I assume you are referring to is listed as an authorized dealer. I thought those guys were no longer authorized due to violating MAP pricing/advertizing.
Perhaps Daniel can explain.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Thanks sfrazeur
I am hoping for "official" explanation as well as this is either some bad qc where someone forgot to put bar codes or "the doctor" is obtaining these Babolats from some questionable source...the manager I spoke to over the phone was very unfriendly to say the least while I was really trying to be sweet about this whole ordeal...
She did mention that years ago they lost license but Babolat "begged them" to come back and sell their products again...
This almost feels like the racquet was made in the same factory as official Babolat racquets but did not make it through qc but still made it to the retail channel...
I am hoping for "official" explanation as well as this is either some bad qc where someone forgot to put bar codes or "the doctor" is obtaining these Babolats from some questionable source...the manager I spoke to over the phone was very unfriendly to say the least while I was really trying to be sweet about this whole ordeal...
She did mention that years ago they lost license but Babolat "begged them" to come back and sell their products again...
This almost feels like the racquet was made in the same factory as official Babolat racquets but did not make it through qc but still made it to the retail channel...
Their website used to state that babolat racquets had "no warranty." And that "Adidas, Babolat and Head/Penn are three companies that have terminated (censored) for selling below mandated price levels." They also stated: "We are not an authorized Babolat Dealer. This racquet does not come with a manufacturer warranty." Which explains the sticker removal. No Map, no sticker.
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parasailing
Legend
There has been some confusion as to whether the Pure Stryke is the successor to the Pure Storm or whether this is a new line in addition to the Pure Storm?
If the Pure Stryke is another line, then will the new Pure Storm be renamed to Pure Control?
And when are both racquets expected to come out?
sixone90
Hall of Fame
The Pure Stryke is a different line to the Pure Storm. The current Pure Storm line is being renamed Pure Control, it will be the same mold but have added material (sorta like Basalt, d3O, marketing crap, etc.) that will change the feel of the racquet slightly. Both racquets due Australian Open time or just before.
parasailing
Legend
Thanks for the clarification. I guess I better save up some money for next year's mad rush with all the new racquets coming out.
palmerop
Rookie
Hey Babolat Official,
What does different string patterns mean??? 18x20 and 16x18 or maybe also some 16x15-like pattern? Also I noticed you switched from 18 gauge to 17 gauge, why?
What else can you add about the Pure Stryke? Is it a racquet in between the Pure Drive and Pure Storm?
Lukhas
Legend
See the AeroStorm? That's where it is.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
we have an authorized dealer locator on our website. did I respond to your email? it's been a crazy couple days.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
we only sell directly to authorized dealers, which can be found on our website. if they are not an authorized dealer, we do can not guarantee the quality or authenticity of their product.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
while I can't speak to the "marketing crap" (technical term?), you're not 100% correct....but the speculation is apprecaited
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Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
correct, different string patterns are different mains/crosses combinations.
I was going through the 18 in 1-3 hours and it was getting cumbersome when I traveled for work to take 4-6 rackets. if i'm in the office for a long stay, I go back to the 18.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
it will be a frame that reflects the continuing evolution of the game and meets demands of more players in the skill and game style spectrum.
and it will be pretty awesome.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
more info end of 2013. release date varies by market. first wave of US should be Jan 2014 with additional model later in the year.
does it also comes in sz junior 26?
Recoveringhobo
Rookie
How is it any different than the old Aero Storm? I thought that line was supposed to be the cross between a player's frame (PST) and modern racquets (APD).
No matter what I'm excited. I've been using old Pure Storm Teams for over a decade -- the metallic orange and black ones -- since I've never found the newer ones to have the same feel. I think it may be time for an upgrade.
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
Does the company see any need for low stiffness racquet ranges, especially in relation to the new range?
Or does your research show no real benefits or concerns with regard to stiffness?
Is feel also one of the highest priorities in racquet design?
Do the players help to define the feel of the racquets and how do they describe the feel they want in a design?
Big questions I know.
Or does your research show no real benefits or concerns with regard to stiffness?
Is feel also one of the highest priorities in racquet design?
Do the players help to define the feel of the racquets and how do they describe the feel they want in a design?
Big questions I know.
WhereIsMacMac
Professional
LOL are you actually serious about this?
I admire your patience in dealing with all the speculation.
I have been meanwhile experimenting with string/tension in different racquets, PD 107, PD & Aeropro Team.
Enjoying what I do have rather than getting too
concerned about what is coming up.
Works for me
PureDriveFan
New User
Would it be possible to find out in what order the new rackets will be released and roughly when? I'm looking buy a new one and would like to know how long I'm going to have to wait?
Eg. New Pure Storm for US Open, followed by Babolat Play for Xmas, followed by the 'new' line for AUS Open?
Will any pro's be using the 'new' line of rackets? Are there any names we could look out for?
Thanks.
Eg. New Pure Storm for US Open, followed by Babolat Play for Xmas, followed by the 'new' line for AUS Open?
Will any pro's be using the 'new' line of rackets? Are there any names we could look out for?
Thanks.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
The growing success of the AS was one of the inspirations for this new racket. It fills a void in our offering. It will be a hybrid between what some of our current frames offer.
There will also be an update to the Pure Storm range.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
For the new line: Through Nov/Dec we'll announce the full range, as half is already produced and the rest are in production based off player feedback (but we will have final specs).
You may see info on Play before that.
Pure Storm update will be post Aussie Open.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
Despite the conspiracy theories, we are not out to destroy arms.
The range will be more flexible.
Our priority is to offer the best range of products that help players raise their game to their highest levels. The game is constantly evolving and our product development aims to reflect such changes.
We play test rackets with: pro players, jrs, teaching pros, amateurs, etc. All of this feedback goes into the design. If you take an objective look at our product line and the criticisms we receive...this new line should reflect much of such feedback.
Not everyone likes our products. And that is ok.
Our competitors have a lot of strong offers. Our goal is to offer gear that suits as many game styles, experience levels, and needs as possible. There is no end, but something we are constantly striving for through inspiration and innovation.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
shhh. top secret.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I admire your patience in dealing with all the speculation.
I have been meanwhile experimenting with string/tension in different racquets, PD 107, PD & Aeropro Team.
Enjoying what I do have rather than getting too
concerned about what is coming up.
Works for me
what is your current string set up?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Please can you make these new pure drives and new aeropros with exact same specs as 2012 and 2013 models but make them in 102 sq inches head size ??? 100 is little too small and 105 or 107 is too big. Thank you
Have been stringing 107 with Xcel @58lbs, 100 with Xcel/RPM Blast @54lbs & Aeropro Team with RPM Dual at 54lbs.
It makes tennis fun, changing between all 3 on a daily basis.
For what it is worth the PD 107 is still a great racquet for older, classical style: serve/volley players who want to use softer strings, more feel
Very easy on the arm.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I'll pass on your comments. What benefit are you looking for from those 2 square inches?
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
Have been stringing 107 with Xcel @58lbs, 100 with Xcel/RPM Blast @54lbs & Aeropro Team with RPM Dual at 54lbs.
It makes tennis fun, changing between all 3 on a daily basis.
For what it is worth the PD 107 is still a great racquet for older, classical style: serve/volley players who want to use softer strings, more feel
Very easy on the arm.
Big fan of the PD107. Can't wait to use it later in my career.
He's gotta be messing with you... at least I really hope so
Don't take him seriously, otherwise Babolat will go bankrupt.
There was once a great poster called Fedace, who had really good ideas, but this guy is not like that.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Never got a response but i understand busy...
so according to babolat site they are authorized so why is it missing bar codes?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Bigger sweet spot and power and control high in the head too
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
Yes, well, it wasn't really a question about conspiracies.
It was about whether there is any research logic behind why companies choose mostly to stiffen racquets.
i have no great orientation to softer or stiffer racquets, but there is some evidence that players choose far softer racquets than those available.
I've found no advantages in stiffer racquets, but I'm sure others do. Research seems to indicate only smallish benefits on off centre hits.
It was about whether there is any research logic behind why companies choose mostly to stiffen racquets.
i have no great orientation to softer or stiffer racquets, but there is some evidence that players choose far softer racquets than those available.
I've found no advantages in stiffer racquets, but I'm sure others do. Research seems to indicate only smallish benefits on off centre hits.
I realise you are responding to Babolat Official but do you mean players are choosing older model racquets that are softer??
I know there seems to be a bit of fear of stiffer frames in correlation with arm injuries/added vibration etc, particularly on off centre hits.
I think it may be a lot of factors leading to arm problems: / incorrect strings ,
and/or stringing,incorrect technique, overuse (overplaying), players physiology(propensity to back & arm injuries).
Working with juniors playing every day it is sometimes difficult to stop them playing & realise they need to listen to their body & know when to rest.
Some adult players need to be restrained & retrained as well.
On a positive note, if Babolat are going to market a softer, more flexible line then this will address the needs of players looking for this feel.
That can only be applauded.
WhereIsMacMac
Professional
I sent you an email regarding the babolat pure drive 2012. Hope you'll be able to answer my query
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
The whole stiffness causes injury issue does not worry me and given that stiffness is not that important for power, I'm curious as to why it's built into a lot of newer racquets. I don't think the science leads to this outcome.
Presumably consumer preferences alone dictate these decisions.
I have an original Pure Drive without the woofer grommets and it has a stiffness of 67 and, more generally, I've never found that a stiffness level much above 65-67 adds anything to a racquet.
Presumably consumer preferences alone dictate these decisions.
I have an original Pure Drive without the woofer grommets and it has a stiffness of 67 and, more generally, I've never found that a stiffness level much above 65-67 adds anything to a racquet.
I realise you are responding to Babolat Official but do you mean players are choosing older model racquets that are softer??
I know there seems to be a bit of fear of stiffer frames in correlation with arm injuries/added vibration etc, particularly on off centre hits.
I think it may be a lot of factors leading to arm problems: / incorrect strings ,
and/or stringing,incorrect technique, overuse (overplaying), players physiology(propensity to back & arm injuries).
Working with juniors playing every day it is sometimes difficult to stop them playing & realise they need to listen to their body & know when to rest.
Some adult players need to be restrained & retrained as well.
On a positive note, if Babolat are going to market a softer, more flexible line then this will address the needs of players looking for this feel.
That can only be applauded.
WhereIsMacMac
Professional
have you tried the 2012 pure drive though, it has a stiffness of 72
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I can't speak for the other companies...
Stiffer rackets usually mean more power. And with the evolution of the game, more and more people want more power from their frames. We're trying to address the needs of all players, and our entire product mix for 2014 will reflect another step in this direction.
counterpuncher64
New User
Any tips on strings to help make a PD/APD racquet more arm-friendly? I love those racquets, but I was testing them out with synthetic gut and my arm got so sore that it was almost unbearable. Given that I normally use uber stiff strings (kevlar), I don't think even stringing my setup at a super low tension will help much (or could it?).
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
just got back to you, thanks for the note
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
If anyone is at Cincy today (Thursday), stop by the Fast Serve Cage today at 3 PM. I'll be there and you can watch Jack Sock hit some big serves.
Bartelby
Bionic Poster
Yes, well, the correlation between racquet stiffness and power is just not there. Power varies with swingweight for any given racquet length with stiffness having a small effect on off centre hits and stability.
So if Babolat racquets have had power it's because the swingweight has been high, which in my experience has been the case although the recent iterations of the drive and the aeropro drive have less swingweight.
I'm sure you can't speak for other companies, but the way companies copy each other makes one think they talk a lot about each other. There do seem to be fashion trends in tennis equipment.
So if Babolat racquets have had power it's because the swingweight has been high, which in my experience has been the case although the recent iterations of the drive and the aeropro drive have less swingweight.
I'm sure you can't speak for other companies, but the way companies copy each other makes one think they talk a lot about each other. There do seem to be fashion trends in tennis equipment.
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