Mareqnyc
Hall of Fame
do you play with the new strike?
2017 Pure Strike
- Thread starter kmtennis
- Start date
gino
Legend
Great stuff mate. I am thrilled that my PS17 is on the way. It already has TW leather installed (pretty much identical to the spec you've settled on), but i was considering throwing some weight in the throat or at 12. After hearing you say that tip speed is significantly reduced if you add weight there, I probably won't mess with it. Does the PS17 have trap door access? Is there anyway to add some weight inside the handle without buttcap removal?
Thanks @Mareqnyc
Mareqnyc
Hall of Fame
I didn't mess with the buttcap, just put a long strip of 1/2 inch tape under the overgrip at the end. Not sure what your regular setup is, but this thing plays very nicely stock, probably the most stable stick I have tried in this weight class, plus it is not really that headlight so it just plows through the ball if you swing fast. Soft grippy poly 17g or less around 55/53 or 53/51 and you can't go wrong.
Roland G
Hall of Fame
Thanks. Would love to try both. Which hits a more consistent and powerful ball from the baseline would you say?
gino
Legend
Fantastic. My typical setup is 12.2oz - 13oz with a HL balance - anywhere from 8PTS HL to 12/13 PTS HL. I will probably try and add some weight inside the butt using putty or something of the like. My only concern is torsional stability if I add too much weight to the handle. Have you played around with any weight in the throat of the PS17?
So, what's your favorite string setup in this one?
Roland G
Hall of Fame
Just add a leather grip. Job done!
You would probably enjoy hitting your one handed backhands (goes through the air quicker) with it as Wilson 6.1.95 is your preferred racquet just like me.I felt like this racquet has little bit bigger head size and sweetspot compared with Wilson 6.1 but I still haven't tested it during match situations as that's when I know if it fits my game.
Would be interested to know your thoughts.There are lot of positive reviews hopefully this frame would turn up well for lot of styles.
gino
Legend
@bkr I'll throw down a more thorough review after I get on court with the frame tomorrow. I've always been picky about the way a frame has it's weight distributed in the actual retail layup. The 6.1 weight distribution was always ideal for me, as you know. The PWS providing stability in the upper hoop, while still feeling whippy and headlight. A real shame Wilson closed the 6.1 chapter, cause it would have made them a lot of money when these young kids emulating one-handers like Stan and Grigor are looking for good sticks for the one-hander.
Anyways, let me know how your PS17 feels in a more competitive enviornment. Really excited to hear what you think of it during matchplay. I usually resonate with what Chris from TW has to say about frames, and if he's right on this one, it may be my new frame of choice. Will need a few days to dial it in and mess with string tensions/setups.
Mareqnyc
Hall of Fame
Im gonna say I am more consistent with P17. Yonex hits a loopier, slightly more powerful ball, both launch angle and power can be adjusted with string setup though. I overhit with the Babolat less
Mareqnyc
Hall of Fame
I played my best tennis with Gamma Zo Verve around 50 lbs with this. Solinco Revolution 18g was great as well. Id say any thin shaped poly will work very well with this one. Id stay away from 16g since the four mains are closer to each other and you will lose some grip if you go too thick with string choice.
parasailing
Legend
smalahove
Hall of Fame
@Babolat Official
Do the new Pure Strikes have the same-sized grips as the old ones?
Ime, the PS grips are thinner (physical dimensions) than f.inst. the Pure Aero/Drive ones.
Do the new Pure Strikes have the same-sized grips as the old ones?
Ime, the PS grips are thinner (physical dimensions) than f.inst. the Pure Aero/Drive ones.
Serjojeee
Rookie
That's a lot of weight. Wright now I'm trying to figure how much weight do I need on 18x20, which was good stock, but felt even better with 2,5 gms at 12 and next step is 3,4 gms - and I don't want it to became slow thrue the air... sw 335 will hopefully be the best of both worlds
It won't be based on having 8 mains that go through the throat like the prior storm tours and control series and prior strikes. The pure drives and aeros have 6 mains that go through the throat which means the spacing is more for the drives and aeros.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I just held a Pure Aero grip 2 and Pure Strike grip 2. They both felt to be the same size.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
The Pure Aero's string spacing is wider and more open.
heartattack
Semi-Pro
mrtrinh
Professional
Agreed. My strikes came in yesterday and the grips feel the same size. They may feel smaller because of the babolat skin feel grip on the pure strikes vs syntec pro on the pure drives
Mareqnyc
Hall of Fame
It always is trail and error when playing around with lead. No matter where you put the weight swingweight will always increase, much more if you add it in the hoop
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
@Babolat Official Is there a tentative release date for the Pure Strike VS Tour? And is it the replacement for the Pure Control Tour?
Thank you.
Thank you.
smalahove
Hall of Fame
manisthe
New User
I allready asked this question in another thread but maybe this is better channel for it.
@Babolat Official Please tell us will there be any upgrades on Pure Strike VS Tour and Pure Strike VS comparing to Control version? Of course mold is the same as said (in other thread) and PJ will change but does it have FSI for example or any other changes?
@Babolat Official Please tell us will there be any upgrades on Pure Strike VS Tour and Pure Strike VS comparing to Control version? Of course mold is the same as said (in other thread) and PJ will change but does it have FSI for example or any other changes?
kmtennis
New User
I just got my pair of 16x19 Strikes, perfectly matched by Paul Reed at the great TW. They matched the racquets for weight and balance, targeting specs I provided. It's an excellent service and well worth the $20 ($10/racquet)!
I thought I would share one surprise that I found upon comparing the 2017 Strike to my 2014 Strike. There are many subtle dimensional changes that I was aware of. But there are also several others that I was unaware of and that I noticed upon comparison with both racquets in hand. The head shape, the throat dimensions, the beam width (throughout), and many other noticeable changes lead me to believe that this is total redesign. A redesign that is inspired heavily by the original Strike, but one that improves (imo) on the original Strike in every way.
The most surprising difference, to me, is the shape of the head. The new head is substantially more round, which I'm sure is one of the contributing factors to its improved stability. The old head was more oval, something I always disliked. I don't have calipers, but a crude measurement will show you what I mean.
I thought I would share one surprise that I found upon comparing the 2017 Strike to my 2014 Strike. There are many subtle dimensional changes that I was aware of. But there are also several others that I was unaware of and that I noticed upon comparison with both racquets in hand. The head shape, the throat dimensions, the beam width (throughout), and many other noticeable changes lead me to believe that this is total redesign. A redesign that is inspired heavily by the original Strike, but one that improves (imo) on the original Strike in every way.
The most surprising difference, to me, is the shape of the head. The new head is substantially more round, which I'm sure is one of the contributing factors to its improved stability. The old head was more oval, something I always disliked. I don't have calipers, but a crude measurement will show you what I mean.
@gino & @bkr.
As a fellow 12oz+ 6.1 95 user (longtime), I'm very interested in hearing more of your experiences with the new PS.
I'm really curious if its as solid as most the reviewers have stated. I've tried lighter rackets a few times over the years, but have always returned to the 6.1 95 because of its solid feel, which the lighter rackets have lacked. (Note: I like to play my rackets stock, except for maybe the grip. Everytime I play around with adding lead, my tinkering never stops.
)I'm also curious about the spin. The impression I got from the TW reviewers is that its a spin machine, while it seemed most of the Play Testers seemed to have difficulty generating spin. I hit with moderate top spin most of the time but also like to flatten it out at times. The 6.1 95 suits me very well in this regard and I was wondering if the new PS is similar.
I'd say it has similar spin as a pure drive, but less power. I hit pure drive lite, pure aero lite (both leaded to similar specs as standard versions), and new pure strike 98 side by side w ball machine. Ball trajectory is similar to pure drive, but since less power I ended up with more spin because of a harder swing to compensate. Its more of a tight penetrating spin rather than a loopy spin the pure aero has. Those two (strike, drive) are much more similar to each other than the pure aero, which has a very different (and less penetrating) ball flight. Serving wise the pure strike was good, but less speed than pure drive and less action than pure aero. Basically serves like a pure drive minus 3+5%. The pure strike how I had it was also the smallest sweetspot (had the same 3g lead at 3/9 on all 3 rackets). Maneuverability wise, it was between the pure aero (most maneuverable) and pure drive. Don't know why the pure drive lite feels so clunky, on paper has the lowest swingweight and twistweight, but it does.@gino & @bkr.
As a fellow 12oz+ 6.1 95 user (longtime), I'm very interested in hearing more of your experiences with the new PS.
I'm really curious if its as solid as most the reviewers have stated. I've tried lighter rackets a few times over the years, but have always returned to the 6.1 95 because of its solid feel, which the lighter rackets have lacked. (Note: I like to play my rackets stock, except for maybe the grip. Everytime I play around with adding lead, my tinkering never stops.
I'm also curious about the spin. The impression I got from the TW reviewers is that its a spin machine, while it seemed most of the Play Testers seemed to have difficulty generating spin. I hit with moderate top spin most of the time but also like to flatten it out at times. The 6.1 95 suits me very well in this regard and I was wondering if the new PS is similar.
parasailing
Legend
@bagledog - Is the pure strike more solid and less hollow than both the aero and pure drive?
gino
Legend
@haqqani1777 @parasailing @bkr @SC in MA
@bkr I have to say you hit the nail on the head. The sweetspot feels a tad larger than a 6.1 or 95 sq in frame, but the frame does not lack in the control department. I was totally connected to the ball. I mean totally. The string bed is really responsive, yet not wild or tough to control. What I found interesting was that the frame felt much more stable than it's weight suggested. I was able to hit shots off-balance or outside of the sweetspot with depth that I would normally leave short in the court. I was baffled by the stability this frame provided at it's 330ish weight.
Babolat has truly worked some magic with the layup, enabling the frame to come through the air quick, but not lack that solid/plush feel. It honestly felt like a blend of the pure control line and the Wilson blade 16x19 (@parasailing). Nice and whippy through contact, but heavy enough to block back shots with depth and weight of shot. @parasailing asked me to compare this with the HEAD GSP, it's a much different frame. The beam width on the GSP enables you to generate easier power, but it's a much tougher frame to control. The PS17 is much more stable than the GSP and the weight distribution works perfectly for me. It has enough power in the upper hoop to enable me to put shots away with ease, but it is not overpowered.
The most surprising aspect of my first time on court with this frame was that it doesn't feel remotely similar to the 2014 Pure Strike. Not even close. That frame was tinny and hollow feeling (similar to a Pure Drive or Pure Aero frame), but this frame reminds me more of a older prestige than anything, with some added pop. I liked the way that Chris from TW described it, claiming that it falls between the Pure Drive and Pure Control lines. It isn't as low powered as a Pure Control might be, but it offers some nice free pop like a PD.
For all my 6.1 nerds out there - this is the most practical replacement on the market. I own all of the other reasonable 6.1 replacements (RF97, PS97, Graphene XT Prestige Pro, Angel TC95, Angell TC97) and none of those frames offer the consistently stable and solid feel like a 6.1 does. Maybe the Angell TC95 comes close in that department, but you'd really have to weight up a TC95 to get that feel. You really don't need to weight up this PS17 (that much), to get the response you're looking for. It plows through the ball with ease and weight of shot, but doesn't feel to lively. I can compare it to a customized Pro Staff 97 with added control. The Pro Staff 97 is very very vey lively in the upper hoop, the PS17 isn't. The FSI string pattern really provides control/power in the right spots. It is a wonderful blend of control and power, something I've been searching for since the news Wilson discontinued the 6.1 line.
Lastly, I came at @Babolat Official with some heat after I found out they removed "FLEX Carbon" from the layup. That was shortsighted of me. I will have to retract those negative comments, as I found this new PS17 to be the softest Babolat frame I've ever used. I have owned the Pure Control Tour, which has flex carbon and a stiffness RA of 62/63ish. Very very low for a Babolat. I believe that the only frame with a lower RA produced by Babolat was the Pure Storm LTD (RA of 58/59). This frame feels and IS softer/more plush than BOTH the Pure Control and Pure Storm LTD series. That is something I am sure a lot of purists won't believe - until you hit with it. The layup's construction reminds me a lot of the nCode 6.1, crisp, yet soft and plush -- but, this PS17 is much more maneuverable and quick than the n6.1. I think that any 6.1 user will gladly switch over to the PS17, and I believe I am making the switch. Actually, I know I am.
Happy hitting homies
@bkr I have to say you hit the nail on the head. The sweetspot feels a tad larger than a 6.1 or 95 sq in frame, but the frame does not lack in the control department. I was totally connected to the ball. I mean totally. The string bed is really responsive, yet not wild or tough to control. What I found interesting was that the frame felt much more stable than it's weight suggested. I was able to hit shots off-balance or outside of the sweetspot with depth that I would normally leave short in the court. I was baffled by the stability this frame provided at it's 330ish weight.
Babolat has truly worked some magic with the layup, enabling the frame to come through the air quick, but not lack that solid/plush feel. It honestly felt like a blend of the pure control line and the Wilson blade 16x19 (@parasailing). Nice and whippy through contact, but heavy enough to block back shots with depth and weight of shot. @parasailing asked me to compare this with the HEAD GSP, it's a much different frame. The beam width on the GSP enables you to generate easier power, but it's a much tougher frame to control. The PS17 is much more stable than the GSP and the weight distribution works perfectly for me. It has enough power in the upper hoop to enable me to put shots away with ease, but it is not overpowered.
The most surprising aspect of my first time on court with this frame was that it doesn't feel remotely similar to the 2014 Pure Strike. Not even close. That frame was tinny and hollow feeling (similar to a Pure Drive or Pure Aero frame), but this frame reminds me more of a older prestige than anything, with some added pop. I liked the way that Chris from TW described it, claiming that it falls between the Pure Drive and Pure Control lines. It isn't as low powered as a Pure Control might be, but it offers some nice free pop like a PD.
For all my 6.1 nerds out there - this is the most practical replacement on the market. I own all of the other reasonable 6.1 replacements (RF97, PS97, Graphene XT Prestige Pro, Angel TC95, Angell TC97) and none of those frames offer the consistently stable and solid feel like a 6.1 does. Maybe the Angell TC95 comes close in that department, but you'd really have to weight up a TC95 to get that feel. You really don't need to weight up this PS17 (that much), to get the response you're looking for. It plows through the ball with ease and weight of shot, but doesn't feel to lively. I can compare it to a customized Pro Staff 97 with added control. The Pro Staff 97 is very very vey lively in the upper hoop, the PS17 isn't. The FSI string pattern really provides control/power in the right spots. It is a wonderful blend of control and power, something I've been searching for since the news Wilson discontinued the 6.1 line.
Lastly, I came at @Babolat Official with some heat after I found out they removed "FLEX Carbon" from the layup. That was shortsighted of me. I will have to retract those negative comments, as I found this new PS17 to be the softest Babolat frame I've ever used. I have owned the Pure Control Tour, which has flex carbon and a stiffness RA of 62/63ish. Very very low for a Babolat. I believe that the only frame with a lower RA produced by Babolat was the Pure Storm LTD (RA of 58/59). This frame feels and IS softer/more plush than BOTH the Pure Control and Pure Storm LTD series. That is something I am sure a lot of purists won't believe - until you hit with it. The layup's construction reminds me a lot of the nCode 6.1, crisp, yet soft and plush -- but, this PS17 is much more maneuverable and quick than the n6.1. I think that any 6.1 user will gladly switch over to the PS17, and I believe I am making the switch. Actually, I know I am.
Happy hitting homies
gino
Legend
I just got my pair of 16x19 Strikes, perfectly matched by Paul Reed at the great TW. They matched the racquets for weight and balance, targeting specs I provided. It's an excellent service and well worth the $20 ($10/racquet)!
I thought I would share one surprise that I found upon comparing the 2017 Strike to my 2014 Strike. There are many subtle dimensional changes that I was aware of. But there are also several others that I was unaware of and that I noticed upon comparison with both racquets in hand. The head shape, the throat dimensions, the beam width (throughout), and many other noticeable changes lead me to believe that this is total redesign. A redesign that is inspired heavily by the original Strike, but one that improves (imo) on the original Strike in every way.
The most surprising difference, to me, is the shape of the head. The new head is substantially more round, which I'm sure is one of the contributing factors to its improved stability. The old head was more oval, something I always disliked. I don't have calipers, but a crude measurement will show you what I mean.
GREAT post @kmtennis ..... This is important to note, the PS17 is SOOOO much different than the PS14
gino
Legend
100x times more solid, mate. Feels nothing like an APD/Pure Aero/Pure Drive
Hey Gino. Thanks for the detailed write-up. The nCode 6.1 is/was my favorite of the 6.1 family, though I haven't hit with it for a very long time. My guess is I would probably think it's sluggish now, compared to the 2014 version which I've been playing with since it first came out. I've really come to appreciate the 2014 version.
In any event, I'm really intrigued by the PS17 and appreciate your comments. I should have one in my hands by sometime next week.
parasailing
Legend
@gino - Great review. How does it compare to the 2015 Blade 18x20? I have played with the Pure Storm Tour GT and I loved how that felt but it wasn't as whippy as the Blade 98. I really not a fan of Babolats mainly due to the hollow and tinny feel, is this one any different?
The only racquet that Babolat made that was solid and not hollow or tinny was the Pure Storm Tour GT. The Pure Control Tour did have that plush feel but I agree it lacked power so it was a disappointment when they said that the Pure Control Tour replaced the Pure Storm Tour GT.
The only racquet that Babolat made that was solid and not hollow or tinny was the Pure Storm Tour GT. The Pure Control Tour did have that plush feel but I agree it lacked power so it was a disappointment when they said that the Pure Control Tour replaced the Pure Storm Tour GT.
smalahove
Hall of Fame
Nooooooo .... *GAS* .... That just made me consider getting two instead of one (because of #2 discount + shipping&customs fees).
I really love my RF97As for that solid feel and plow, but I'm getting hammered at the net in doubles, and when my lowe body gets tired, the RF97A sure doesn't let you off easy
smalahove
Hall of Fame
I just got my pair of 16x19 Strikes, perfectly matched by Paul Reed at the great TW. They matched the racquets for weight and balance, targeting specs I provided. It's an excellent service and well worth the $20 ($10/racquet)!
I thought I would share one surprise that I found upon comparing the 2017 Strike to my 2014 Strike. There are many subtle dimensional changes that I was aware of. But there are also several others that I was unaware of and that I noticed upon comparison with both racquets in hand. The head shape, the throat dimensions, the beam width (throughout), and many other noticeable changes lead me to believe that this is total redesign. A redesign that is inspired heavily by the original Strike, but one that improves (imo) on the original Strike in every way.
The most surprising difference, to me, is the shape of the head. The new head is substantially more round, which I'm sure is one of the contributing factors to its improved stability. The old head was more oval, something I always disliked. I don't have calipers, but a crude measurement will show you what I mean.
FYI, ime, if you do not have the same string type, dimension and tension - stringed at the same time, more or less - dimensional comparison of two identical frames will not be accurate. I can't remember the exact measurements, but I've done this when measuring SW and RW, and found that (total) length and with can be in the +/- 5 mm region.
That being said, I've always thought the (old) PS have a strange form; I would say that they have almost vertical/flat sides, resembling a superellipse that has been leveled on the sides.
Wilhelm
Hall of Fame
Thanks, Gino! Another 6.1 user here...
dkappelman
New User
I'm another guy coming from the Wilson 6.1 (2014, 16x18), though I've played with a number of the previous iterations. I've hit about 6 hours with the PS17, (2 sets with a typical hitting partner and 2 practice sessions), and have come away impressed. Just for reference, I'm a 4.5 player, baseliner, with my forehand as my main weapon, good serve, with a mostly slice backhand.
I used the exact same string setup on the PS17 as I did with the 6.1 (Mantis Power Polyester 17 @ 51 main/ Dunlop S-Gut @ 54 cross) and I felt right at home.
On forehands, I think there is some added spin and power vs the 6.1, but the stability and control remain excellent if not better. I could place the ball exactly where I wanted and perhaps felt even more confident in taking big cuts at the ball with the PS17. When I hit the first few balls, the launch angle took some minor adjustment, but within 15 minutes I was completely fine. Redirecting the ball down the line off a cross court shot was an absolute dream come true. I think that the PS17 is lighter and has the same or better control / stability allowed me redirect with complete confidence.
I mainly slice my backhand. This actually took more of an adjustment with the PS17. The stringbed is a little bit livelier than the 6.1, so there was some tendency for my slices at first to sail a little bit long and maybe float a little bit more than expected. I'm not really concerned here because some adjustment is to be expected and I think I am getting more dialed in with each session.
When I do hit my 2-handed backhand, which is probably about 20% of the time, things seemed pretty good. This is the shot for me where the racquet felt maybe even a little bit stiffer than the 6.1. Overall it's tough for me to comment on this because it's not the strong point of my game and it's probably better to ask someone who relies a lot more on their 2-hander.
Serving felt great. No real adjustment needed on my end. I think oddly on the serve there was a little more control, but perhaps slightly less power than the 6.1. I'm not sure if this makes sense, but it was my perception. It also might have been the balls I was playing with that day, which just seemed kind of slow for whatever reason, so time will tell. Definitely not a step backwards.
My volleys were more or less the same. Things didn't feel a whole lot different, which I'll consider a good thing.
I don't demo a ton of racquets, but have been looking to switch to something new after Wilson discontinued the 6.1. I broke two 6.1 frames this year while serving (just slipped right out of my hand in 100 degree heat) and they are getting a little tricky to find. I tried the RF97 when it first came out and it was too much for me. I definitely considered switching to it, but at the end of the day it took too much effort play well with it. I also tried the PS97 and did not like it at all compared to the 6.1. The PS97 didn't have the control I was looking for, the ball really flied on me way more than it should have with that racquet.
To sum up, I've played with various versions of the 6.1 (starting the PS Classic 6.1) for 15 years and the PS17 to me feels pretty similar. In some sense, it seems like a more modern take on the 6.1. If Wilson had released this as the new 6.1 I wouldn't have batted an eye. My current thought is I will probably switch the the PS17, but I want to give it another 10 hours or so before I go out and buy another 3 of them.
I used the exact same string setup on the PS17 as I did with the 6.1 (Mantis Power Polyester 17 @ 51 main/ Dunlop S-Gut @ 54 cross) and I felt right at home.
On forehands, I think there is some added spin and power vs the 6.1, but the stability and control remain excellent if not better. I could place the ball exactly where I wanted and perhaps felt even more confident in taking big cuts at the ball with the PS17. When I hit the first few balls, the launch angle took some minor adjustment, but within 15 minutes I was completely fine. Redirecting the ball down the line off a cross court shot was an absolute dream come true. I think that the PS17 is lighter and has the same or better control / stability allowed me redirect with complete confidence.
I mainly slice my backhand. This actually took more of an adjustment with the PS17. The stringbed is a little bit livelier than the 6.1, so there was some tendency for my slices at first to sail a little bit long and maybe float a little bit more than expected. I'm not really concerned here because some adjustment is to be expected and I think I am getting more dialed in with each session.
When I do hit my 2-handed backhand, which is probably about 20% of the time, things seemed pretty good. This is the shot for me where the racquet felt maybe even a little bit stiffer than the 6.1. Overall it's tough for me to comment on this because it's not the strong point of my game and it's probably better to ask someone who relies a lot more on their 2-hander.
Serving felt great. No real adjustment needed on my end. I think oddly on the serve there was a little more control, but perhaps slightly less power than the 6.1. I'm not sure if this makes sense, but it was my perception. It also might have been the balls I was playing with that day, which just seemed kind of slow for whatever reason, so time will tell. Definitely not a step backwards.
My volleys were more or less the same. Things didn't feel a whole lot different, which I'll consider a good thing.
I don't demo a ton of racquets, but have been looking to switch to something new after Wilson discontinued the 6.1. I broke two 6.1 frames this year while serving (just slipped right out of my hand in 100 degree heat) and they are getting a little tricky to find. I tried the RF97 when it first came out and it was too much for me. I definitely considered switching to it, but at the end of the day it took too much effort play well with it. I also tried the PS97 and did not like it at all compared to the 6.1. The PS97 didn't have the control I was looking for, the ball really flied on me way more than it should have with that racquet.
To sum up, I've played with various versions of the 6.1 (starting the PS Classic 6.1) for 15 years and the PS17 to me feels pretty similar. In some sense, it seems like a more modern take on the 6.1. If Wilson had released this as the new 6.1 I wouldn't have batted an eye. My current thought is I will probably switch the the PS17, but I want to give it another 10 hours or so before I go out and buy another 3 of them.
Wilhelm
Hall of Fame
Thanks for all the 6.1 comparisons! It's very helpful since I use the exact same frames as you, but can't find any new ones where I live.
gino
Legend
Compared to the 2015 Blade it's going to practically double your spin potential, not to say you can't flatten out your shots, but it is very spin friendly. This is the most solid/stable/control oriented Babolat I've hit with. It really has a plush feel to it. Not necessarily soft or too flexy, but just plush and comfy. Something I could play 5 sets with today. I really loved the way that the ball compresses on the stringbed, reminiscent of the Prestiges of old or a classic Wilson 6.1
gino
Legend
No worries, mate. Like you - I too loved the n6.1 - it was actually the frame I won my first USTA match with back in 2005. Very plush and comfy, but crisp and classic Wilson feeling. This new pure strike is a more manuverable and forgiving type of frame, but truly provides the same classic control-oriented response. Let me know what you think of it, curious to hear the thoughts of other 6.1 users!
gino
Legend
Sorry about that mate, I have to say sorry to your wallet as well!Nooooooo .... *GAS* .... That just made me consider getting two instead of one (because of #2 discount + shipping&customs fees).
I really love my RF97As for that solid feel and plow, but I'm getting hammered at the net in doubles, and when my lowe body gets tired, the RF97A sure doesn't let you off easy
haqq777
Legend
I just got my pair of 16x19 Strikes, perfectly matched by Paul Reed at the great TW. They matched the racquets for weight and balance, targeting specs I provided. It's an excellent service and well worth the $20 ($10/racquet)!
I thought I would share one surprise that I found upon comparing the 2017 Strike to my 2014 Strike. There are many subtle dimensional changes that I was aware of. But there are also several others that I was unaware of and that I noticed upon comparison with both racquets in hand. The head shape, the throat dimensions, the beam width (throughout), and many other noticeable changes lead me to believe that this is total redesign. A redesign that is inspired heavily by the original Strike, but one that improves (imo) on the original Strike in every way.
The most surprising difference, to me, is the shape of the head. The new head is substantially more round, which I'm sure is one of the contributing factors to its improved stability. The old head was more oval, something I always disliked. I don't have calipers, but a crude measurement will show you what I mean.
Great pictures! Very interesting observation regarding head shape. What were the specs you had matched from TW if you don't mind me asking?
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I'll follow up on the updates to the VS models compared to the Controls.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
Ignore, double post.
Great review again!!!.Thanks for your time and effort to share with us.
Unfortunately I had to return my DEMO PS17 frame back to store and haven't had a chance to test with my regular string and most importantly under match conditions thats when my muscle memory kicks in and tells me how racquet is helping or not helping my strokes/style.As we all know this takes a long time and I cann't purchase another one now and add to the long list of racquets already in my possession.I'm not in a rush as I have stopped playing tournaments so I can wait more time to make the decision.
Hopefully this is not a honeymoon period for lot of us as we've all experienced how it feels.For those of us Wilson 6.1 lovers it's a big ask and big shoes to fill in but for sure I need a little bigger sweetspot as days goes by
Good luck and happy hitting to those you have made the switch.It would be interesting to see how the new heaver VS models would turn out considering PS17 has been received well so far.
