Babolat PA vs PAT

[M_k 87]

Hello,

Racquet newbie here--I'm trying to narrow down my list of racquets to demo. Could you help me understand the differences between the Pure Aero and Pure Aero Tour?

1) Given that the PAT is heavier (11.9 oz to 11.3 oz strung) but has essentially identical swingweight (PAT is 328 to PA's 327), what would be the benefits of the PA? Wouldn't the PAT's extra plowthrough and more head-light balance make up for its extra weight?

2) I noticed on the TW reviews of each racquet that the PA scored noticeably higher than the PAT on serves (PA: 91 to PAT: 85). Do you think this was just due to there being some different testers in each review?

3) How come the PAT is listed at $209, while the PA is listed at $219? Is it made from different materials?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. This is a terrific website and you folks do great work!

 

[TennisManiac]

I like your 3rd question. I'd like to hear the reason why as well. I have a feeling it's because they sell more of the PA, so they mark up the price to make more money. The whole world is all about money.

 

[Irvin]

http://www.racquetfinder.com/compare.php?pcode=BPA;BPATR
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/reviews/BPA/BPAreview.html
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Reviews/BPATR/BPATRReview.html

EDIT: As for the difference in prices the price is set by the manufacturers not the distributors like TW. You may be better off addressing that question to @Babolat Official. But again it is what it is I'm not so sure you will get an answer to convinces you one is worth $10 more than the other. It could be some as simple as the Tour is a limited model and the increase in price helps them recoup their investment. Maybe the $10 means nothing as far as better quality.

 

[TennisManiac]

Not sure why you posted a review of the VS Tour. That's an entirely different frame compared to the Pure Aero Tour which the OP was curious about.

 

[M_k 87]

Bummer, I guess I'll have to ask elsewhere.

Thanks for the replies. I did see both the written and video reviews of both racquets, which were great. However, only one playtester, Michelle, was the same. I'm hoping to narrow down my list since TWH doesn't ship demo racquets to Hawaii.

 

[Karma Tennis]

1) Given that the PAT is heavier (11.9 oz to 11.3 oz strung) but has essentially identical swingweight (PAT is 328 to PA's 327), what would be the benefits of the PA? Wouldn't the PAT's extra plowthrough and more head-light balance make up for its extra weight?

2) I noticed on the TW reviews of each racquet that the PA scored noticeably higher than the PAT on serves (PA: 91 to PAT: 85). Do you think this was just due to there being some different testers in each review?

3) How come the PAT is listed at $209, while the PA is listed at $219? Is it made from different materials?

1) The lighter PA appeals to a larger range of players who can't handle the heavier weight of the PAT. The PA, being lighter, is also a good platform for customisation.

2) Probably right about the different testers. But as the PA was relased and reviewed earlier it probably went through a bit of a honeymoon period.

3) From memory, both the PA and PAT were released with the same list price. It's understandable that the PAT price would drop more rapidly because it isn't as popular or in demand as the PA is. The PAT probably appeals to the more experienced player rather than the general masses.

 

[TW Staff]

Bummer, I guess I'll have to ask elsewhere.

Thanks for the replies. I did see both the written and video reviews of both racquets, which were great. However, only one playtester, Michelle, was the same. I'm hoping to narrow down my list since TWH doesn't ship demo racquets to Hawaii.

Chris was also on both playtests, if I'm remembering correctly. And as you have already hit on, yes, playtests are a matter of personal opinion making our scores all subjective. And if I remember correctly, Chris preferred the Tour and I preferred the Pure Aero.

Personally, I found the Pure Aero to do everything well. As someone mentioned, maybe it was a bit of a honeymoon period. However, for me, the "Aero" line of racquets doesn't always line up well with my flatter shots, so I felt like the Tour version it felt more apparent to me -- if I really had exaggerated dipping strokes, I think I would have fallen in love with the PAT, but instead it felt a bit erratic to me (and I love a heavy racquet, so I wouldn't say the grams heavier was the difference). With that being said, both Chris and Mark loved the PAT (Mark even made the switch to that racquet for a while).

As far as pricing, as someone mentioned, we don't set the price, so that would definitely be a question for Babolat.

I know you mentioned you can't take advantage of our demo program, but it would be great if you could get your hands on both the PA and PAT and see what you think! Maybe a local club have some demos? However, I can say with assurance, both are great racquets and I don't think you can make a wrong choice if this is the sort of racquet you like and these fall into your spec range.

Hope that helps -- if you have anymore questions, let us know!

Michelle, TW

 

[M_k 87]

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses! Much appreciated

I did read and watch the TW reviews for both racquets--it definitely surprised me that Michelle didn't prefer the heavier PAT outright! Thank you for your additional thoughts.

 

[TW Staff]

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses! Much appreciated

I did read and watch the TW reviews for both racquets--it definitely surprised me that Michelle didn't prefer the heavier PAT outright! Thank you for your additional thoughts.

M_k 87,

I was surprised as well since my RF 97 is well over that weight -- but, I'm just going to go with the fact that it just didn't line up well with my game. And, sometimes racquets just don't feel right in our hands for whatever reasons (even if the spec looks perfect on paper). I'd rather go into playtests blind so if I like a racquet, I like it, not because I'm supposed to or not based on specs.

Good luck!

Michelle, TW