Bonjour from Babolat

courtking · Oct 2, 2013

Lukhas said:
The official here said that it's happening. But not right now, later in 2014.

I read the official said they will make the Skike 305g 16x19 in April but not the Strike Tour 320g 16x19 in April though..

raging · Oct 2, 2013

JAY1 said:
Spoke with a UK Babolat rep today and the feedback from coaches and players so far, has been that the Stryke is very similar to the Wilson Blade.
The Pure Storm which will be replaced by the new Pure Control are almost identical.
The Control is slightly more flexible, this is due to the new material of the racquet.
The racquet I use The Pure Storm Ltd will be call The Pure Control 95

That's weird because I have only seen the New Pure Control in 3 versions and they are all 98.
They may be making a 95 later but Daniel can confirm.
I think the Strike plays better than the Blade and if you liked the Pure Storm Ltd then you will love the Strike Tour at 320g the balance is sensational and the 18/20 makes it stick!
The Control demos will be out soon but try the Strike First#

sixone90 · Oct 2, 2013

Australia are getting all the 16x19 in January

sixone90 · Oct 2, 2013

sixone90 said:
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.

Babolat Official said:
while I can't speak to the "marketing crap" (technical term?), you're not 100% correct....but the speculation is apprecaited

Now that there are leaks, tell me where I was not 100% correct

WhereIsMacMac · Oct 3, 2013

Artanis said:
Yes, as others said, I would like to know what is the stiffness of the new Storms. It should be less rigid than Strike or Drive line. Any info on the weight, string patterns and materials used?

Can you make a subjective comparison to the current GT generation and to the old (Carbone Xtreme) generation of Storms?

And a clue on the p.j., what are the dominant colors?

Thanks a lot!

300ish unstrung, 320ish unstrung for the tour. Very much like the pure drive's (and pdr's) weight. 69RA

Black's the more dominant color. But with "traditional" pure storm shades

Bartelby · Oct 3, 2013

The Strike seems like an upside down Aerostorm.

ArliHawk · Oct 3, 2013

Will there be a French Open version of the AeroPro Drive for 2013?

Artanis · Oct 3, 2013

WhereIsMacMac said:
300ish unstrung, 320ish unstrung for the tour. Very much like the pure drive's (and pdr's) weight. 69RA

Black's the more dominant color. But with "traditional" pure storm shades

69RA seems a bit too much. But dominant black would be a happy return to the old generations coloring style...

WhiteStripes · Oct 4, 2013

The new (regular) Pure Control is 295g like the regular Storm.

I've played extensively with the Pure Control/Storm lines back to the 2001 version. I wouldn't get caught up in the RA number. Everytime Storm gets updated, folks here see the 69RA that Babolat publishes for the unstrung RDC and they get all wound up and complain about how Babolat is screwing up the frame by making it stiff, blah, blah, blah. But it's the same RA number that Babolat's put out for the Storms for years.

Still hoping for a playtest review/update from Babolat Official on how the new Pure Control (Storm) plays, and how the new "Flexcarbon" affects the frame.

uk_skippy · Oct 4, 2013

JAY1 said:
Spoke with a UK Babolat rep today and the feedback from coaches and players so far, has been that the Stryke is very similar to the Wilson Blade.
The Pure Storm which will be replaced by the new Pure Control are almost identical.
The Control is slightly more flexible, this is due to the new material of the racquet.
The racquet I use The Pure Storm Ltd will be call The Pure Control 95

raging said:
That's weird because I have only seen the New Pure Control in 3 versions and they are all 98.
They may be making a 95 later but Daniel can confirm.
I think the Strike plays better than the Blade and if you liked the Pure Storm Ltd then you will love the Strike Tour at 320g the balance is sensational and the 18/20 makes it stick!
The Control demos will be out soon but try the Strike First#

IIRC new Pure control range should be Pure control, pure control +, Pure control tour, pure control tour +, and pure control 95. The 1st 4 are 98's, the last is 95 as was the former PS Ltd.

There's no pure control team, as theyve moved the 100sq rqt into the new strike range.

I've seen the new catelogue and those were the rqts in it.

Regards

Paul

Imago · Oct 4, 2013

Hopefully, it will be as arm-friendly as the old one, but looking at the weight I don't put much hope into that expectation.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

If you manage to try the Ltd., I have one interrogation. The current Ltd. has a very flexible hoop. In fact, the PS in general have a very, very flexible hoop. How does the new version compares on that point?[/QUOTE]

Not carrying in US, so did not test.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

tlimster said:
Can you let us know how the racket flex compares to the Pure Storm, and how stiff it compares to the APD that you use? I enjoy Babolat rackets but except for the PST and PST GT they tend to irritate my arm. If the new one is as comfortable as the PST GT then I think it may be a good frame to try.

My initial thoughts were the racquet was slightly more flexible.

two points:

1. I have not hit a PS in a couple months
2. Strung with RPM Team & Xcel, not my favorite set up

I'm having both old and new restrung this week (with RPM + VS) for a proper comparrison

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

Lukhas said:
The official here said that it's happening. But not right now, later in 2014.

more open string pattern coming in Spring

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

raging said:
There seems to be a real desire/need from some posters here for a softer flex in a player's racquet.

Babolat make generally stiffer frames in player's racquets.
Pure Storm was the one exception that played a lot softer, even than it's RA.

Both the Pure Strike & Pure Control are stiff RA, so it will be interesting if Daniel reports that the new Pure Storm is a softer flex than before. Part of his test should be with different strings.

I would try it with VS, Xcel, RPM variations to change feel.

It may be a chance for Babolat to appeal to another market segment.

The Storm update is supposed to be softer and felt so in my initial test.

We do our RA testing unstrung/ungripped...I believe TW does strung/gripped and on their own machines. Our numbers always tend to be a little higher.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

WhereIsMacMac said:
Saw the "new pure storm" a.k.a. pure control a while ago with 69 RA

There is a misprint in the sales book. And our numbers are unstrung/ungripped.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

Artanis said:
Yes, as others said, I would like to know what is the stiffness of the new Storms. It should be less rigid than Strike or Drive line. Any info on the weight, string patterns and materials used?

Can you make a subjective comparison to the current GT generation and to the old (Carbone Xtreme) generation of Storms?

And a clue on the p.j., what are the dominant colors?

Thanks a lot!

Will be more flexible than new hybrid line and APD/PDs.

The one I tested felt more flexible than PS.

Specific specs similar to old PS.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

sixone90 said:
Now that there are leaks, tell me where I was not 100% correct

Candidly, there are over 1500 posts in this, I can't remember every time someone has wrong information. You probably said something that was close to correct but not exact.

If info is out, doesn't really matter at this point?

If it is a serious issue, feel free to email me screen shots of all your posts and I'll go through them.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

Artanis said:
69RA seems a bit too much. But dominant black would be a happy return to the old generations coloring style...

Did not feel 69RA in my hit. Our numbers are unstrung and ungripped.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

WhiteStripes said:
The new (regular) Pure Control is 295g like the regular Storm.

I've played extensively with the Pure Control/Storm lines back to the 2001 version. I wouldn't get caught up in the RA number. Everytime Storm gets updated, folks here see the 69RA that Babolat publishes for the unstrung RDC and they get all wound up and complain about how Babolat is screwing up the frame by making it stiff, blah, blah, blah. But it's the same RA number that Babolat's put out for the Storms for years.

Still hoping for a playtest review/update from Babolat Official on how the new Pure Control (Storm) plays, and how the new "Flexcarbon" affects the frame.

Bingo.

I'm be doing a more extensive side by side comparison in the coming weeks. Initial review: same specs, slightly more flexible.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

Imago said:
Hopefully, it will be as arm-friendly as the old one, but looking at the weight I don't put much hope into that expectation.

specs have not changed drastically on new PS

longbody · Oct 4, 2013

uk_skippy said:
IIRC new Pure control range should be Pure control, pure control +, Pure control tour, pure control tour +, and pure control 95. The 1st 4 are 98's, the last is 95 as was the former PS Ltd.

There's no pure control team, as theyve moved the 100sq rqt into the new strike range.

I've seen the new catelogue and those were the rqts in it.

Regards

Paul

Hi Paul, could you please tell me what specs were listed for the non-Tour version of the Pure Control +? That could be an interesting new model. Thanks.

Artanis · Oct 4, 2013

Babolat Official said:
Will be more flexible than new hybrid line and APD/PDs.

The one I tested felt more flexible than PS.

Specific specs similar to old PS.

This would be nice, since the PS Carbon Xtreme version had an official 64RA value, and felt rigid enough, felt ok for my taste.

raging · Oct 4, 2013

Well played!

Babolat Official said:
The Storm update is supposed to be softer and felt so in my initial test.

We do our RA testing unstrung/ungripped...I believe TW does strung/gripped and on their own machines. Our numbers always tend to be a little higher.

That's good enough for me!
How it feels is important & putting gut in there will soften it nicely.
We all know how important strings are anyway.
I'll wait to test it myself but got lots of players looking for this type of frame.
Already a fan of Pure Strike Tour, got a good feeling now about the Pure Control.
If there are 5 versions of the PC that will be making this frame more accessible to more players.Smart & confident move from Babolat.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

raging said:
That's good enough for me!
How it feels is important & putting gut in there will soften it nicely.
We all know how important strings are anyway.
I'll wait to test it myself but got lots of players looking for this type of frame.
Already a fan of Pure Strike Tour, got a good feeling now about the Pure Control.
If there are 5 versions of the PC that will be making this frame more accessible to more players.Smart & confident move from Babolat.

Specific product mix for each market. Europe will have more models than US in some lines.

Babolat Official · Oct 4, 2013

gavna said:
Daniel

Were you here at Newks for the sales meeting this week???

Tried to find you and say howdy.

I was. My first time. Can't wait to get back.

raging · Oct 4, 2013

Babolat Official said:
Specific product mix for each market. Europe will have more models than US in some lines.

Sorry yes should have made it clear France, Germany , UK carrying all 5 in Pure Control. It obviously doesn't make sense to sell all 5 into the US when the market for them might not be big enough.

Nostradamus · Oct 6, 2013

Mr. Babolat, does college D1 players get these new rackets released to them before public does. Carol Zhao is already using the Babolat Pure Strike before it has been released to public as you see in the picture. How does this work ? Does D1 players have some kind of racket contract like the pros do ?

http://www.gostanford.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30600&ATCLID=209276739

Babolat Official · Oct 7, 2013

Nostradamus said:
Mr. Babolat, does college D1 players get these new rackets released to them before public does. Carol Zhao is already using the Babolat Pure Strike before it has been released to public as you see in the picture. How does this work ? Does D1 players have some kind of racket contract like the pros do ?

http://www.gostanford.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30600&ATCLID=209276739

No contracts with college players, is a violation of NCAA rules.

She probably got the frame from the Canadian distributor. To my knowledge (sports marketing desk is next to mine), didn't come from the US team.

Nostradamus · Oct 7, 2013

Babolat Official said:
No contracts with college players, is a violation of NCAA rules.

She probably got the frame from the Canadian distributor. To my knowledge (sports marketing desk is next to mine), didn't come from the US team.

It does make sense that she got it from Canadian rep. She is from Canada, it looks from her bio.

http://www.gostanford.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=208668960&DB_OEM_ID=30600

Bartelby · Oct 7, 2013

I know we will be seeing it soon, but is the Strike a blue red or an orange red?, if you know what I mean.

Is the closest red something like 'crimson' or 'raspberry'?:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Shades_of_red

raging · Oct 8, 2013

Bartelby said:
I know we will be seeing it soon, but is the Strike a blue red or an orange red?, if you know what I mean.

Is the closest red something like 'crimson' or 'raspberry'?:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Shades_of_red

I would have voted for scarlet

Bartelby · Oct 8, 2013

Scarlet-red Ferrari would be a good look for a racquet!

Babolat Official · Oct 8, 2013

Bartelby said:
Scarlet-red Ferrari would be a good look for a racquet!

We're calling it "flouro red"...Pantone 6004. Remember the code on the top of the blacked out frames?

See what we did there?

Bartelby · Oct 8, 2013

Very clever. I've only just discovered in the past year or two that colour had a Bible and its name was Pantone.

The number on the frame was a very good clue for those schooled in detective work, but it went over my head.

ArliHawk · Oct 8, 2013

Daniel,

Will there be a French Open version of the AeroPro drive in 2014?

Babolat Official · Oct 8, 2013

ArliHawk said:
Daniel,

Will there be a French Open version of the AeroPro drive in 2014?

With RG & Wimbledon as official partners, we'll announce celebratory cosmetic model later in the year.

Lukhas · Oct 8, 2013

Babolat Official said:
With RG & Wimbledon as official partners, we'll announce celebratory cosmetic model later in the year.

Hope I can hold a bit of breath for a Wimbledon coloured Pure Control. The SFXs were nice in a Wimbledon colourway, although I would've much more preferred the Propulses.

ArliHawk · Oct 8, 2013

Babolat Official said:
With RG & Wimbledon as official partners, we'll announce celebratory cosmetic model later in the year.

Great, thanks. Guess I'll hold out for a 2nd APD in either colorway.

tlimster · Oct 8, 2013

Babolat Official said:
My initial thoughts were the racquet was slightly more flexible.

two points:

1. I have not hit a PS in a couple months
2. Strung with RPM Team & Xcel, not my favorite set up

I'm having both old and new restrung this week (with RPM + VS) for a proper comparrison

Thanks for the feedback, I'll look forward to hearing about how the frame feels when you get your normal setup in there!

Torres · Oct 9, 2013

When is Syntec Feel being released to the masses?

MAXXply · Oct 9, 2013

Bartelby said:
Scarlet-red Ferrari would be a good look for a racquet!

Bartelby said:
Very clever. I've only just discovered in the past year or two that colour had a Bible and its name was Pantone.

I thought Ferrari's proprietary name for that colour is "Maranello Red". I think the Yonex RDTi-70 has been closest to that colour?

As a fledgling young marketing executive back in the day, a certain Pantone code was imprinted on my consciousness. Heaven forbid I should anger my stern boss, an unreconstructed Madison Ave Don Draper-like S.O.B, who would fly into a rage if the company logo was the wrong Pantone colour shade.

Babolat Official · Oct 9, 2013

Lukhas said:
Hope I can hold a bit of breath for a Wimbledon coloured Pure Control. The SFXs were nice in a Wimbledon colourway, although I would've much more preferred the Propulses.

Good feedback. We'll pass it on. I'm with you.

Babolat Official · Oct 9, 2013

Torres said:
When is Syntec Feel being released to the masses?

Should be rolling out in early 2014. To me, it's in between a leather and syntec pro. I prefer the syntec pro (after having been a leather guy for a while). However, a couple guys in the office have started putting this on their racquets (not just the new hybrid line).

Lukhas · Oct 9, 2013

Babolat Official said:
Good feedback. We'll pass it on. I'm with you.

Well I'd be more interested in a Pure Control with Wimby colourway than an APD or a PD. Even if a Wimbledon PD would make sense just because of Roddick, but we already had one last year. You know, grass, precision playing, S&V, very classic things... Doesn't sounds a lot like the APD, the PD or the Strike, much more like the Pure Control/Storm.

SFrazeur · Oct 9, 2013

Lukhas said:
Hope I can hold a bit of breath for a Wimbledon coloured Pure Control. The SFXs were nice in a Wimbledon colourway, although I would've much more preferred the Propulses.

It makes more sense for it to be the AeroPro Drive. It has been used by the winner of Wimbledon twice*. The Pure Control has never been used to win Wimbledon.

*Not including Doubles because I was too lazy to look up the winners.

SFrazeur · Oct 9, 2013

Babolat Official,

Any word on when we will hear from Babolat regarding the TW "Play" playtest? I was chosen and told to expect to be contacted by Babolat.

ArliHawk · Oct 9, 2013

Babolat Official said:
Good feedback. We'll pass it on. I'm with you.

Here's a vote for the APD in French Open colorway, since Nadal owns it.

Babolat Official · Oct 9, 2013

SFrazeur said:
Babolat Official,

Any word on when we will hear from Babolat regarding the TW "Play" playtest? I was chosen and told to expect to be contacted by Babolat.

patience, it will be a couple weeks

LanEvo · Oct 11, 2013

Babolat Official said:
patience, it will be a couple weeks

Do we get to keep them? Or will we have to return them after a while of play testing?

Bonjour from Babolat

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