Which version of the Pure Drive is the best? (year wise)

henweezy · Feb 24, 2015

Out of all the pure drive models (swirly, sky blue, 2012/2013 dark blue with cortex, and 2015), which do you guys think is the best? What did you like or dislike about them?

I am currently leaning towards a Pure Drive Roddick 2013, but am curious to what everyone thinks about it. I'm more interested in the heavier versions (tour and roddick) No extended versions though.

MisterP · Feb 24, 2015

I have a 2015 Tour and have played with the 2013 Roddick recently. The 2015 does not feel much different to me from the previous version. That whole FSI thing seems to be a marketing ploy. If I were in the market for one I'd get the 2013 and save a bunch of cash. But you should demo to be sure.

dimkin · Feb 25, 2015

MisterP said:
I have a 2015 Tour and have played with the 2013 Roddick recently. The 2015 does not feel much different to me from the previous version. That whole FSI thing seems to be a marketing ploy. If I were in the market for one I'd get the 2013 and save a bunch of cash. But you should demo to be sure.

Give up the Babby ... AI 98 is a way superrior blend of power/control/arm friendliness . . .

jersey34tennis · Feb 25, 2015

i have the pure drive team seen here

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/REVIEWS/BPDP/BPDPReview.html

with silicon in the handle and a leather grip that weighs 12.3 ounces strung with tournagrip and dampener. softer and more solid feeling than most. the gt (mostly sky blue ) version of the roddick plus had more power and only was better on serve. this version i felt like is easier to control and you can actually hit a decent flat ball with it as well as the big spinning groundstrokes.

colan5934 · Feb 25, 2015

I've hit with all of them, and my favorite 3 in order are the Team from '03 (light blue and black), the swirly, and the first GT (bright blue). They all swung a bit heavier and had good stability given the weight. The newest models don't have enough mass in the head for me, and the first Cortex model was super stiff for me. They are all pretty similar, though, so it's just personal preference.

DJTaurus · Feb 25, 2015

dimkin said:
Give up the Babby ... AI 98 is a way superrior blend of power/control/arm friendliness . . .

But what about the muted feeling and lack of power that lots of people mention? With babolats power and touch are piece of cake. Maybe Wilson blade 18x20 which has similar behavior to ai98 is a better option.

jarko111 · Feb 25, 2015

I love the '09 107 and the '12 Pure Drive Lite.

dimkin · Feb 25, 2015

DJTaurus said:
But what about the muted feeling and lack of power that lots of people mention? With babolats power and touch are piece of cake. Maybe Wilson blade 18x20 which has similar behavior to ai98 is a better option.

I played with AI 98 today ... to me it had plenty of power (reminded me of the APD that I gave up) very muted "plush" feeling + flexy and no vibration.

If I wanted to stay with more powerful stick AI98 >> APD or PD ...

AND NO ARM PAIN!!!

Pleb123 · Feb 25, 2015

dimkin said:
I played with AI 98 today ... to me it had plenty of power (reminded me of the APD that I gave up) very muted "plush" feeling + flexy and no vibration.

If I wanted to stay with more powerful stick AI98 >> APD or PD ...

AND NO ARM PAIN!!!

I have switched from the AI98 to the 2015 Pure Drive (via a few other sticks). It may be the trajectory of the ball leaving the strings on the AI98 but I found the only way to control the power was to string mid fifties with 4G which ended up killing my elbow.

I can string the 2015 Pure Drive at a lower tension and find myself overhitting less than with the AI98, I think because of the tighter FSI string pattern/ lower trajectory. Have it modded to 12 ounces and 8.5 points head light. Feels pretty good to me - NO ARM PAIN.

DJTaurus · Feb 25, 2015

Pleb123 said:
can string the 2015 Pure Drive at a lower tension and find myself overhitting less than with the AI98,

String tension you used ?

dimkin · Feb 25, 2015

Pleb123 said:
I have switched from the AI98 to the 2015 Pure Drive (via a few other sticks). It may be the trajectory of the ball leaving the strings on the AI98 but I found the only way to control the power was to string mid fifties with 4G which ended up killing my elbow.

I can string the 2015 Pure Drive at a lower tension and find myself overhitting less than with the AI98, I think because of the tighter FSI string pattern/ lower trajectory. Have it modded to 12 ounces and 8.5 points head light. Feels pretty good to me - NO ARM PAIN.

Wow ... I strung my APD and PD at 58 and 60 ... that was the only way I could keep the ball in ... CRUSHED my elbow and shoulder ...

henweezy · Feb 25, 2015

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm usually not a babolat guy but I'm just grabbing a pure drive as a toy stick as the power and pop is very fun to mess around with. I usually play with my PB10, but sometimes when playing with less competitive people, I borrow my friend's APDs or Blades for the heck of it.

Pleb123 · Feb 25, 2015

DJTaurus said:
String tension you used ?

Purchased it strung at 50lbs (as that was the lowest tension option) with Alu Power, but I will go lower next stringing because the feel has improved as tension dropped over the past 3 weeks - and control has not suffered. Mid-forties I would suggest.

Pleb123 · Feb 25, 2015

dimkin said:
Wow ... I strung my APD and PD at 58 and 60 ... that was the only way I could keep the ball in ... CRUSHED my elbow and shoulder ...

Was the PD the new one - 2015? I think it is different - tighter string pattern in top third of hoop, better control, so can use lower tension and still keep it in IMO.

dgoran · Feb 25, 2015

Basically from my personal experiences and what I hear other say 1st gen babolat pure drive was PERFECT...but under pressure to "innovate" babolat had to do something so they basically started messing with it and they made it worse every year after that...only to "fix" next one in 3yrs cycles with new and "improved model" that would "fix" what they effed up previously...

In short ANY version before cortex will be better than these new ones they are making now...

1st gen was 300gr 67 RA open pattern beauty (yes the one fognini is using still till today)

2nd gen they "improved" 1st gen by closing string pattern and making it stiffer (74 ra) so they added woofer to make it appear more comfy than it is...(people arms started to hurt)

3rd gen they made it softer by a little 74 vs 70 again but with the same less open pattern and added kevlar (people arms started to fall off)

4th gen they "fixed" discomfort that most likely stiffness and Kevlar caused by adding cortex and forever effed up pure drive

5th gen they tired to FIX disconnected feel that cortex brought with smaller cortex and they added tungsten...WHOOPS they lied that they added tungsten I mean...BUT at least they painted tungsten fibers on the frame so that it least looks good

6th gen they continue to eff around with cortex this time naming it active cortex cause it ***** sound like its doing something and they of course LEFT Graphite tungsten (GT technology) in the frame cause its good for us RIGHT...only that it not really there...

7th they decided to close open pattern racquet even more cause they were left with NOTHING else they can do...
And don't fall for this we saw in the play app BS When I was using Play app form the beginning I saw that it was recording my hits as upper hits...bunch of us that were testing it complained and they FIXED the app so thet it started registering our strokes more to the middle...we were told it was software error...year or so later not they are saying that was not an error but the whole string bed needed to be changed...please...starting to sound like iPhone you are holding it wrong Steve Jobs antennagate...

Anyhow you get the picture...try to find older pre cortex model and call it a day....

sundaypunch · Feb 25, 2015

dimkin said:
Wow ... I strung my APD and PD at 58 and 60 ... that was the only way I could keep the ball in ... CRUSHED my elbow and shoulder ...

In that case, the AI98 is a much better fit for you. It is an outstanding racquet but nothing like a Pure Drive. If you can't keep the ball in play with a PD strung at 60, it obvious that you don't hit with a lot of spin. That is not a good or bad thing (or a criticism). Unless you are an old guy with a really slow swing, you must use topspin for control with the PD or APD.

I would assume the OP knows this so I won't try to talk him out of a Pure Drive. I agree with dgoran's observations above. The early pre-Cortex models tend to be a little softer. It's all relative though. Any of them will feel stiff and hollow compared to a PB10.

I have played everything from the swirly to the new model. There really isn't a major difference. Your string choice and tension will be more important than which generation you buy. My guess is that you will either love the PD or hate it regardless of whether you buy an early one or new one.

henweezy · Feb 25, 2015

I've tried the regular PD and was, like I said in the original post, purchasing one as a fun/toy racquet so playability doesn't bother me a bit. I still use my PB10 for competitive matches, but the PD would be for fun.

DJTaurus · Feb 25, 2015

dgoran said:
Basically from my personal experiences and what I hear other say 1st gen babolat pure drive was PERFECT...but under pressure to "innovate" babolat had to do something so they basically started messing with it and they made it worse every year after that...only to "fix" next one in 3yrs cycles with new and "improved model" that would "fix" what they effed up previously...

In short ANY version before cortex will be better than these new ones they are making now...

1st gen was 300gr 67 RA open pattern beauty (yes the one fognini is using still till today)

2nd gen they "improved" 1st gen by closing string pattern and making it stiffer (74 ra) so they added woofer to make it appear more comfy than it is...(people arms started to hurt)

3rd gen they made it softer by a little 74 vs 70 again but with the same less open pattern and added kevlar (people arms started to fall off)

4th gen they "fixed" discomfort that most likely stiffness and Kevlar caused by adding cortex and forever effed up pure drive

5th gen they tired to FIX disconnected feel that cortex brought with smaller cortex and they added tungsten...WHOOPS they lied that they added tungsten I mean...BUT at least they painted tungsten fibers on the frame so that it least looks good

6th gen they continue to eff around with cortex this time naming it active cortex cause it ***** sound like its doing something and they of course LEFT Graphite tungsten (GT technology) in the frame cause its good for us RIGHT...only that it not really there...

7th they decided to close open pattern racquet even more cause they were left with NOTHING else they can do...
And don't fall for this we saw in the play app BS When I was using Play app form the beginning I saw that it was recording my hits as upper hits...bunch of us that were testing it complained and they FIXED the app so thet it started registering our strokes more to the middle...we were told it was software error...year or so later not they are saying that was not an error but the whole string bed needed to be changed...please...starting to sound like iPhone you are holding it wrong Steve Jobs antennagate...

Anyhow you get the picture...try to find older pre cortex model and call it a day....

Wow.

1) Can you make a similar analysis for APD? At least do u think it's better than pure drive ?
2) have you actually tested the pure drive 2015? It seems from people comment that it is at least more friendly to the arm.

Hankenstein · Feb 25, 2015

I have played with all Pure Drives in pretty long periods and the PD gen 1 is the most comfortable and maneuverable frame in the PD history.
Unfortunately for me i can use it only a couple of times, then i start to get insecure by the great power and dont hit through the ball, and it sails long, and i step of the gas even more and it is just pancake of everything.

The PD I have had best success with is the PD Team. That frame was more like a Pure Storm in the control but with a larger sweetspot so it was a bit easier to play with.

I still have one PD Team at home. Think i will take it out for a drive next week =)

penguin · Feb 26, 2015

How similar is the Pro Kennex Composite destiny to the pure drive swirly? Can anybody provide a comparison of those Pro Kennex's that come from the same mould as the Pure Drive on playing characteristics please?

rlau · Feb 26, 2015

Hankenstein said:
I have played with all Pure Drives in pretty long periods and the PD gen 1 is the most comfortable and maneuverable frame in the PD history.
Unfortunately for me i can use it only a couple of times, then i start to get insecure by the great power and dont hit through the ball, and it sails long, and i step of the gas even more and it is just pancake of everything.

The PD I have had best success with is the PD Team. That frame was more like a Pure Storm in the control but with a larger sweetspot so it was a bit easier to play with.

I still have one PD Team at home. Think i will take it out for a drive next week =)

Pure Drive Team is this one?
http://s218.photobucket.com/user/bigrush1001/media/000_0021.jpg.html

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts about this PD version.

donquijote · Feb 26, 2015

2008 PD with Cortex/Woofer was the best.
2012 PD Black/Blue was the worst.

richsox · Feb 26, 2015

I have owned very generation since the PD Team 2003, and cherish that stick as being my "Go to" stick.

I just bought the PD Tour - yes I do like it, and yes it is more solid then every PD generation since the PD Team. I did sell every std Pure Drive since the PD 03 team but never would I part with the 03 Team......never

dgoran · Feb 26, 2015

rlau said:
Pure Drive Team is this one?
http://s218.photobucket.com/user/bigrush1001/media/000_0021.jpg.html

I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts about this PD version.

Hankenstein is a 100% spot on I sold my last team and gentlemen who bought it immediately asked me if I had more to sell he would buy it all from me lol...

It is imho better than swirly (due to lower stiffness)however the issue was Kevlar which imhe bothers certain people...but for other provides necessary feedback... I was chuckling when I was reading rf97a thread when people was excited about Wilson bringing back Kevlar to their frames since only 10 years earlier everyone here on talk tennis was complaining about Kevlar in pure drive and how terrible it was for their arms...

I'm getting solinco protocol to test it as some have reported that it's pure drive clone I'll find out when Tt ships the demos

mhkeuns · Feb 26, 2015

Not sure how nice the first gen. Pure Drive was, but I've played with both last version and the current one, and they are nice sticks. I think there is a reason why every racket manufacturers are trying to copy it.

Rock Strongo · Feb 27, 2015

Only tried the previous generation and the sky blue one.

The blue one is just fantastic in every single way whereas the black one... Well I thought it lacked feel. I didn't feel secure with hitting through the ball.

bluetrain4 · Feb 27, 2015

The previous 2012 Cortex version (The Pure Drive Roddick specifically) is the only one that I have played with as my regular frame. But, I did hit and play many times with the two previous generations - simply because I'm a racquet junkie and various friends and acquaintances were kind enough to let me fool around with their racquets. And, I've demoed the newest version.

Not to be bias, but I really think that the previous version (the 2012-13 version that's now on sale) is great. And, it's readily available and cheap. The newest version is great and looks great, but there was nothing about it that made me want to switch. I'll probably get a third 2012-13 PDR in the next couple of weeks (assuming someone still has them in stock). I know, it's all subjective opinion, but I don't think you can go wrong with that version -- assuming you're the type of player who likes Pure Drive racquets.

chrischris · Feb 27, 2015

dgoran said:
Basically from my personal experiences and what I hear other say 1st gen babolat pure drive was PERFECT...but under pressure to "innovate" babolat had to do something so they basically started messing with it and they made it worse every year after that...only to "fix" next one in 3yrs cycles with new and "improved model" that would "fix" what they effed up previously...

In short ANY version before cortex will be better than these new ones they are making now...

1st gen was 300gr 67 RA open pattern beauty (yes the one fognini is using still till today)

2nd gen they "improved" 1st gen by closing string pattern and making it stiffer (74 ra) so they added woofer to make it appear more comfy than it is...(people arms started to hurt)

3rd gen they made it softer by a little 74 vs 70 again but with the same less open pattern and added kevlar (people arms started to fall off)

4th gen they "fixed" discomfort that most likely stiffness and Kevlar caused by adding cortex and forever effed up pure drive

5th gen they tired to FIX disconnected feel that cortex brought with smaller cortex and they added tungsten...WHOOPS they lied that they added tungsten I mean...BUT at least they painted tungsten fibers on the frame so that it least looks good

6th gen they continue to eff around with cortex this time naming it active cortex cause it ***** sound like its doing something and they of course LEFT Graphite tungsten (GT technology) in the frame cause its good for us RIGHT...only that it not really there...

7th they decided to close open pattern racquet even more cause they were left with NOTHING else they can do...
And don't fall for this we saw in the play app BS When I was using Play app form the beginning I saw that it was recording my hits as upper hits...bunch of us that were testing it complained and they FIXED the app so thet it started registering our strokes more to the middle...we were told it was software error...year or so later not they are saying that was not an error but the whole string bed needed to be changed...please...starting to sound like iPhone you are holding it wrong Steve Jobs antennagate...

Anyhow you get the picture...try to find older pre cortex model and call it a day....

What string pattern did the 2nd gen of the Swirly model have , the closed pattern??

badkitty · Feb 27, 2015

jersey34tennis said:
i have the pure drive team seen here

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/REVIEWS/BPDP/BPDPReview.html

with silicon in the handle and a leather grip that weighs 12.3 ounces strung with tournagrip and dampener. softer and more solid feeling than most. the gt (mostly sky blue ) version of the roddick plus had more power and only was better on serve. this version i felt like is easier to control and you can actually hit a decent flat ball with it as well as the big spinning groundstrokes.

Thanks for the insight. The Pure Drive Team seems like it would be ideal candidate to customize. How did the directional control on the weighted Pure Drive Team compare to either a standard Pure Drive or PDR Roddick/Tour? The thing I really like about the Pure Drive is how easy it is to change direction and control the height of the ball.

FedererExpress · Feb 27, 2015

I have played with just about all the pure drives except for the original and the newer 2015 model. I like the 2012 model the best. The slightly lower swingweight really helped me out.

dgoran · Feb 27, 2015

chrischris said:
What string pattern did the 2nd gen of the Swirly model have , the closed pattern??

same as 2012 model as far as i know only 1st gen was more open

RetroSpin · Feb 28, 2015

If someone really wants to hit with an older technology PD, there is an easy solution. Get a Solinco Protocol. http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/SolincoRacquets.html They were described by the TW tester as a PD with all the modern technology stripped out. Having hit with both versions of them, I can tell you they play like a PDR but with a raw feel.

dgoran · Feb 28, 2015

RetroSpin said:
If someone really wants to hit with an older technology PD, there is an easy solution. Get a Solinco Protocol. http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/SolincoRacquets.html They were described by the TW tester as a PD with all the modern technology stripped out. Having hit with both versions of them, I can tell you they play like a PDR but with a raw feel.

Yes mold is the same as 1st gen pure drive with open pattern but some people that hit with both 1st gen and solinco said that solinco is nowhere close to 1st gen pure drive in terms of feel...only mold is the same...

If anyone is interested I'll hit with solinco tue wed and I'll compare them to every pure drive minus 1st edition that I still can't find...

RetroSpin · Mar 1, 2015

I haven't hit with any PD except for 2012/13, so I can't make a comparison to the first gen. You certainly can feel the family resemblance though. The solinco just has a visceral raw feel that has been refined out of the PDR.

Brad1981 · Mar 1, 2015

I really like the Solinco Protocol 325. That little bit of extra weight is nice. If the sweetspot was just a little bigger, it would be perfect. The Solinco and PDR (2009 and 2012) versions are my go-to racquets.

Brad1981 · Mar 1, 2015

dgoran said:
Yes mold is the same as 1st gen pure drive with open pattern but some people that hit with both 1st gen and solinco said that solinco is nowhere close to 1st gen pure drive in terms of feel...only mold is the same...

If anyone is interested I'll hit with solinco tue wed and I'll compare them to every pure drive minus 1st edition that I still can't find...

Yes, I would be very much interested on your take of how the Solinco compares. Right now, I'm switching between the Solinco and PDR. I like the extra weight of the Solinco, but the sweetspot of the PDR is great.

jayserinos99 · Mar 2, 2015

I really like the Swirly PD. I still have a couple and it's a bit of a challenge to tame the power in that frame. I've got a couple strung with Biphase 17 at 40 lb that I mess around with. As long as I keep my foot on the gas and hit through with enough spin, I hit some nasty shots with it.

I still like the original PDC just because it didn't hurt my arm after I hit with it.

dgoran · Mar 3, 2015

Brad1981 said:
Yes, I would be very much interested on your take of how the Solinco compares. Right now, I'm switching between the Solinco and PDR. I like the extra weight of the Solinco, but the sweetspot of the PDR is great.

Okay got solinco the 300 g version for demo cause I have bunch 300g pure drives to compare to and apd orig...And this thing has amazing feel...i'm not sure about the first-generation PD but this one has hint of pro stock feel in that it's super sweet on mishits but unless you are using rubber dampner I felt some buzzing ( could be strong job) I'll have to restring it but I can already tell you guys this is the best pure drive you can buy right now...

I'll post more after I hit more and after I restring

mexicandimitrov · Mar 3, 2015

the 2015 update is a nice one but all of them are too stiff

dgoran · Mar 4, 2015

Hit some more with solinco protocol 300 and it's amazing...easily best pure drive version including 2nd gen swirly ... (Again I never tried 1st gen but if it's fraction of what solinco is it easily better than any subsequent gen)

Reminded me of that raw pro stock feel that for example tgk260 had vs retail radical... Perhaps smaller but sweeter sweet spot

Feedback is fenomenal as one instantly knows where in the string bed the ball make a contact...keep in mind on mishits it is less powerful but not jarring like regular pure drives... Ball has that dwell time that was missing since aeropro

I am a one handed and I found that balance was working for me much better than pure drive stock balance so if you have a one handed backhand this is a clear winner over apd or pd
If you have patience and know what you are doing break out a lead tape and make this into whatever Specs you want...

mexicandimitrov · Mar 4, 2015

the 2015 update is the best one

bertrevert · Mar 4, 2015

As far as I can see (demo of 2015 Pure Drive) I think the PD isn't the raw killer of old.

I have had TE and GE and am susceptible to elbow ailments however although the PD is most definitely stiff they have done a good job of reducing vibration and stiffness. While this makes for a bit more of a disconnected hitting experience (I have never liked dampeners) yet it isn't too bad. The frame has solidity and comfort to a degree not felt in previous versions.

In fact borrowed a guy's 2012 Bab version just the other night and I can report the latest Bab feels better.

The 2015 version also has reduced power (not a bad thing on a PD) but more control due to the tighter sweetspot up top. On serve this helped me hit my spots for aces in crucial moments, but I don't know if I got the kick I wanted on seconds.

monomer · Mar 4, 2015

dgoran said:
Hit some more with solinco protocol 300 and it's amazing...easily best pure drive version including 2nd gen swirly ... (Again I never tried 1st gen but if it's fraction of what solinco is it easily better than any subsequent gen)

Reminded me of that raw pro stock feel that for example tgk260 had vs retail radical... Perhaps smaller but sweeter sweet spot

Feedback is fenomenal as one instantly knows where in the string bed the ball make a contact...keep in mind on mishits it is less powerful but not jarring like regular pure drives... Ball has that dwell time that was missing since aeropro

I am a one handed and I found that balance was working for me much better than pure drive stock balance so if you have a one handed backhand this is a clear winner over apd or pd
If you have patience and know what you are doing break out a lead tape and make this into whatever Specs you want...

I have had every version of the Pure Drive except the first one so I am intrigued by the Solinco. The only thing that has kept me from trying it are the TW reviews. Most of the play testers said the string bed was erratic. It has great power and feel that drops off dramatically outside the sweetspot.

Did you find this to be worse than a Pure Drive?

Pleb123 · Mar 7, 2015

bertrevert said:
As far as I can see (demo of 2015 Pure Drive) I think the PD isn't the raw killer of old.

I have had TE and GE and am susceptible to elbow ailments however although the PD is most definitely stiff they have done a good job of reducing vibration and stiffness. While this makes for a bit more of a disconnected hitting experience (I have never liked dampeners) yet it isn't too bad. The frame has solidity and comfort to a degree not felt in previous versions.

In fact borrowed a guy's 2012 Bab version just the other night and I can report the latest Bab feels better.

The 2015 version also has reduced power (not a bad thing on a PD) but more control due to the tighter sweetspot up top. On serve this helped me hit my spots for aces in crucial moments, but I don't know if I got the kick I wanted on seconds.

There are two raised sections inside the handle of the 2015 Pure Drive which are foam-filled (can clearly be seen when trap door is removed). I suspect this feature contributes to the added comfort that you found, compared to the old.

bertrevert · Mar 8, 2015

Pleb123 said:
There are two raised sections inside the handle of the 2015 Pure Drive which are foam-filled (can clearly be seen when trap door is removed). I suspect this feature contributes to the added comfort that you found, compared to the old.

Yes agreed but to add a bit of detail here - the foam itself is like honeycomb, hard, not spongy, and runs the length on only two sides, the two shorter sides of a grip, I think perhaps this is where the fingers wrap, so perhaps it is taking vibration away not from the palm sides, but more where the fingers end their wrapping over.

Looking closely the whole grips is hard honeycomb. I can see through other slits in the buttcap that the honeycomb continues perhaps as part of the grip itself.

PDs are uber stiff but this one doesn't feel it. In the harder hit shots of serves or cross-court drives it feels very connected.

The balance is different to my pro-open. Perhaps the PD is more polarised, something is different, perhaps it is more longitudinally polarised it seems to rotate around the length axis far easier. It's as if flipping from FH to BH is easier. Cannot explain this.

The hoop took a few bunts (flubbed overheads, late volleys) and stood up very well, not transmitting shock overly, nor juddering away in slow motion as some racquets will.

racquetreligion · Mar 9, 2015

I found the smaller headed Wilson BLX Juice Pro with 1cm less and some lead on the handle up to 356gsm to be easier to control and way more precision power than the PD range till 2014. Is there a Babolat PD 95-98 or rip off copy version from another maker something similar to the Wilson BLX Juice Pro that Ive missed?

TobyTopspin · Mar 9, 2015

I've tried them all and owned most. For me the Team was the best followed by the Swirly. My least favorite was the Cortex version. I never got along with it for some reason.

Cobra Tennis · Mar 9, 2015

I'll chime in and throw a vote for the Solinco 300.

I played with every PD before the 2012.
Swirly>Team>Cortex>GT

The Solinco 300 is the EXACT same mold as the swirly, but with a slightly different drilling/ swing pattern. Holding the 300 side by side with the PD you would smirk...

The power is there, but the harsh stiffness that the Cortex / GT had is not. I feel like I can rip FHs, but still have feel around the net, all with the easy PD power.

I am in LOVE with the Solinco 300 and plan on ordering 3 or 4 more to compliment the 2 I have already. Amazing stick!

mrtrinh · Mar 9, 2015

Pure Drive Team +, generation after the swirly was my favorite. Felt more solid than any other pure drive I've played with and I regret selling them. Currently playing with the 2015 PD+. Surprisingly very stable and the power is unreal. Although it's stiff, I don't feel any vibration or discomfort. Really happy they bumped back up the SW.

Pleb123 · Mar 9, 2015

bertrevert said:
Yes agreed but to add a bit of detail here - the foam itself is like honeycomb, hard, not spongy, and runs the length on only two sides, the two shorter sides of a grip, I think perhaps this is where the fingers wrap, so perhaps it is taking vibration away not from the palm sides, but more where the fingers end their wrapping over.

Looking closely the whole grips is hard honeycomb. I can see through other slits in the buttcap that the honeycomb continues perhaps as part of the grip itself.

PDs are uber stiff but this one doesn't feel it. In the harder hit shots of serves or cross-court drives it feels very connected.

The balance is different to my pro-open. Perhaps the PD is more polarised, something is different, perhaps it is more longitudinally polarised it seems to rotate around the length axis far easier. It's as if flipping from FH to BH is easier. Cannot explain this.

The hoop took a few bunts (flubbed overheads, late volleys) and stood up very well, not transmitting shock overly, nor juddering away in slow motion as some racquets will.

Those are some very interesting observations about the honeycomb structure of the grip and comfort.

It makes me wonder why Babolat PR makes no mention of such new technology in construction of the 2015 PD and to my suspicious mind it suggests they don't do so in case it draws unwanted attention to racquet stiffness. Yet, despite not mentioning anything about it in the official advertising, there is a perceivable boost in comfort and solidity as reported on these boards by users of the new PD such as yourself.

I also find it is solid and has not caused me any arm pain after several weeks of hitting - unlike other Babolat's (original APD and 2012 PDR) I have tried, although I cannot compare it to previous PD's.

I recently had mine strung with gut/ 4G at 50/48 lbs and am loving the comfort and solidity even more with that hybrid.

Which version of the Pure Drive is the best? (year wise)

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Professional

Professional

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Semi-Pro

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Rookie

Semi-Pro

Semi-Pro

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Professional

Hall of Fame

G.O.A.T.

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Legend

G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T.

Rookie

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Rookie

Rookie

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

New User

Hall of Fame

New User

Legend

Rookie

Semi-Pro

Legend

Hall of Fame

Professional

Professional

Professional

Semi-Pro

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