The 2016 was my main frame for two years and I did demo the 2019. Since Babolat’s specs tend to vary so much, it’s probably not very accurate to draw conclusions from one frame (the demo I had was slightly over spec/ 2 grams on weight and a 1/2 pt. more HH).
Keeping that in mind, the 2019 I tried was pretty different from my 2016’s. On the positive side, it was more arm friendly, had more control, and was more consistent on serves, hitting a heavier ball with better placement. Negatives for me were that it was clubby, less maneuverable, and more difficult to generate RHS and thus spin.
The 2019 played more like a 2013 APD with weight added to the head. That’s probably a good thing for a lot of people, but the 2019 was a step in the wrong direction for my game. It lacked the maneuverability and whippiness that, combined with stability, made the first PA unique.
With the right string combo, I can get all the control I need with the 2016. I still pull it out often against advanced opponents that aren’t troubled by pace. The depth and ridiculous spin befuddles lesser players and even keeps 4.5/5.0 types back on their heels.
The 16 would still be my main frame if it was a little easier on the arm and was just a bit more consistent on flatter shots. For example, I often get too much spin on put aways and that can give a fleet footed opponent a chance to get to a ball. It’s easier to blow the ball by people with less spin. The 19 is better at that than the 16.
So, the 19 isn’t better in every way, just different. And, it definitely isn’t the better frame for everyone. It depends on your game.
![[d]ragon](/data/avatars/m/26/26312.jpg?1574364787){kind=avatar}
or any of us plebs
