2017 PureStrike 18x20

[RVAtennisaddict]

Is finally available for Pre-order. The TW write up sounds like I need it (if the paint job were the same as my 2014's, I would have already ordered).

Have any of you hit with it? Can any of the TW reviewers comment - I assuming one of them hit with it to help with the write up (though probably from Babolat).

I am especially interested to hear how it compares with its predecessor the old 18x20 (2014, non-tour) and is just a PJ change or is it a significant change in the racket.

I was about to order two more of the 2014's for my B-day and don't think it was a coincidence that it for sale now and shipping out the day after my B-day. (JK)

Thanks

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Is finally available for Pre-order. The TW write up sounds like I need it (if the paint job were the same as my 2014's, I would have already ordered).

Have any of you hit with it? Can any of the TW reviewers comment - I assuming one of them hit with it to help with the write up (though probably from Babolat).

I am especially interested to hear how it compares with its predecessor the old 18x20 (2014, non-tour) and is just a PJ change or is it a significant change in the racket.

I was about to order two more of the 2014's for my B-day and don't think it was a coincidence that it for sale now and shipping out the day after my B-day. (JK)

Thanks

The link to the review doesn't work. @TW Staff

 

[RVAtennisaddict]

I know, but there is a write up when you click to pre-order. Assume that TW has some input, but I may be making a BIG ASSumption.

And would love to know when the review is coming out.. trying to decide which rackets to get.

 

[CopolyX]

buying a frame based on reviews is not the way to go...
how about chris, michelle and andy test drive a few cars for you and then you will know what car is best for you to buy...
take the time, demo, demo ,demo...be open and don't be included by others...no sheep behavior....
“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”-BL

 

[RVAtennisaddict]

buying a frame based on reviews is not the way to go...
how about chris, michelle and andy test drive a few cars for you and then you will know what car is best for you to buy...
take the time, demo, demo ,demo...be open and don't be included by others...no sheep behavior....
“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”-BL

Agree, but I guess I really want to know if I should wait long enough to order. However, looks like Thiem still plays with old frame... and I definitely know exactly how I like it.. plus 89/frame. Hard to beat

 

[CopolyX]

cool beans, you are the expert of you man...
best of luck....

 

[TW Staff]

@Doc Hollidae, thanks for the head's up. Review isn't quite down. Should be up for the in stock date next week.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[g4driver]

buying a frame based on reviews is not the way to go...
how about chris, michelle and andy test drive a few cars for you and then you will know what car is best for you to buy...
take the time, demo, demo ,demo...be open and don't be included by others...no sheep behavior....
“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”-BL

My demo is 90 days, if if don't like after that, I sell the frame. In the case of two matches frames, I sell them both.

It's too hard for me to adjust to a frame in 30 days. If I like the frame after 90
days, I stick with it. It keeps me from switching frames. It the specs aren't in my wheelhouse and the frame won't likely improve my game overall, I don't Demo.

I have never hit with a Wilson
RF 97A and never will. In 20 years, I have purchased 8 different frames and played with 5 more than 3 months. When put down my Steam 99S 16x15 frames in May of 2016, I tried to go straight to a 16x19 Yonex DR 100, and couldn't. I then went with a 16x16 Head Speed MPA, and finally the Prince Extreme Warrior 100. All frames were built up to same specs with the same stings.

My goal is get back to a 12.2 oz 16x19 frame and continue to improve my game. Hoping the customized and modified PS Project One 7 helps, if not I will be back with Prince Textreme Warrior 100s (16x18)

 

[sundaypunch]

buying a frame based on reviews is not the way to go...
how about chris, michelle and andy test drive a few cars for you and then you will know what car is best for you to buy...
take the time, demo, demo ,demo...be open and don't be included by others...no sheep behavior....
“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”-BL

I am with g4driver on this. Demo's are useless to me. A 1-week hit with a racquet with random (and often worn) strings tells me nothing.

 

[CopolyX]

I am with g4driver on this. Demo's are useless to me. A 1-week hit with a racquet with random (and often worn) strings tells me nothing.

So are you saying racquet demos are useless to you. I can kind of understand that.
But are hinting that reviews are more important to you that actually testing (demo) a racquet???

Note: the first thing I do is cut out the strings(inspect/clean the frame) and string it up will my preferred stringbed configuration.
Now most players getting a demo frame (or more) that do not string on there own, have a conundrum.
I totally agree, the crap strings (different, used, whatever) really does impact the demo.
Since you are really demoing about 50 % racquet / and 50 % strings.....it does matter.....
What I do for most of my clients (repeat/long-time only), if they have a frame they are demoing - "I do not change any labor.
All they need to do is supply there string of preference or purchase one from me...that they are currently using.
If they decide they want to put on different string (I know from my database) , I will raise a flag, we will have a quick negotiation. They maybe a charge...
Same string...no problem....

 

[g4driver]

Not saying demos are useless, but throwing darts at a board isn't how I demo. I've been playing tennis 30+ years, so pretty much know what I like and don't like. I've read plenty of your posts, and you and I agree a vast majority of subjects. I have an Alpha Ghost, but like your Alpha Ghost 2 Johnny Cash looking one better. [emoji6] The all black Ghost 2 looks awesome!

I prefer open patterns 16x18/19, 18x16, 65 to 67 strung flex, 12 to 12.2 oz strung, 325-330 swingweight, around 8 PTS HL on a 27" frame and have learned to flatten out a swing with Open Frames. I don't hit as hard as Michele, but I like her style. [emoji4]

If the Wilson 6.1 95S was as 6.1 99S with the same weight and 18x16, I wouldn't be typing. Lol - But I shank too many balls on a 95 vs a 98/99/100

So reviews don't mean as much to me as the RDC Flex, the string pattern, and swing-weightl. But when I and others asked Babolat to make a less stiff Pure Drive over and over since my 2009 PD+ frames nearly trashed my elbow back in 2010, I heard from the Peanut Gallery, that's it wouldn't be a PD without being stiff and board like. I disagreed, and maybe Babolat listen to the folks like me who left them for Wilson or over less stiff frames. Maybe I just got lucky that the original Pure Strike needed an overhaul.

Since Babolat had the PD, PD Team, PD Lite, Tour, PD+, PD Tour+, and the PD 107 and 110, the only thing missing was Babolat version of the Wilson "Pro Open" or what might have been a PD "Soft". [emoji848]

Is the PS Project One 7 a Babolat frame, I hope hits like a less stiff PD? It is. Like you, I believe in demoing the frame with the same strings I normally use.

 

[dafobbishon3]

Watching this thread as well. I'm looking into getting this racket too but I'm debating between an 18x20 or 16x19.

My rackets in my previous years in order of use:
1. Babolat Pure Drive [100 sq] 16 x 19
2. Wilson N Code Tour 90 [90 sq] 16 x 19
3. Volkl DNX 10 Mid [93 sq] 16 x 19
4. Babolat Pure Storm Limited 2008 [95 sq] 18 x 20
5. Prince Rebel 95 EXO [95 sq] 18 x 20
6. Head Graphene Speed Pro [100 sq] 18 x 20
7. Wilson K Blade 93 [93 sq] 18 x 20
8. Prince Tour 95 [95 sq] 18 x 20
9. Wilson Blade 93 [93 sq] 18 x 20
10. Yonex Vcore Tour G [97 sq] 16 x 20

I currently use the Yonex but I want to switch to the Babolat Pure Strike. I have demo'd the 16x19 and it's not bad but I'm so used to a dense string pattern (as evidence by my racket history). My style is somewhat like Thiem's and I know he uses an 18x20 as well. Platform serve, strong whippy forehand (mine is semi-wester grip) and I have a one hand backhand. When I play singles, I'm mostly a baseliner but occassionally come to the net and serve and volley when necessary. When I play doubles, I'm mostly a serve & volleyer. I'm a 4.5+ level player and a teaching pro so I'll be able to get these rackets at wholesale price so cost isn't an issue.

I haven't seen any reviews on tennis warehouse on the 18x20 for the ProjectOne7 nor have I seen any on other online resources. I would love to hear other's experiences with the 18x20.

I feel I would love the 18x20 moreso but something about the 16x19 makes me want to give it another try. I already have access to a lot of spin with my Yonex and even with the Darth Vader Wilson Blade 93 so I don't think spin is an issue. I hit some deep and heavy ground strokes with my Yonex. The things that I don't like about the 16x19 is that it's not as stable as 18x20, and that strings break much faster. I can break multifilament in about 3-4 hours on my Yonex. Typically 16x19 does offer a slightly bigger sweet spot and more power so those are some positive points. Recently though I've been hitting very long, I feel I can't generate as much spin on my groundstrokes, it's starting to feel very board-like, so that's why I'm tempted to try out the 16x19. The least favorite racket I've used is probably the prince rebel 95. That one had terrible feel and just felt like a paddle. However with the 16x19 I've played with in the past, I felt that once they are in the mid plus range, the stability is much worse. The only 16x19 I liked was the Wilson nCode Tour and K Factor 90 because they were very stable. When I tried out the new APD, I got some power and plenty of spin but I feel control and consistency lacked in that department so I really don't know which way to go on this one.