Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
I bought these new rings to go with new AERO pro 2019. VAMOS,, I will be vomosing everyone in 5.0 level. they will never know what hit them
Babolat Pure Aero 2019
- Thread starter LIONZ
- Start date
I bought these new rings to go with new AERO pro 2019. VAMOS,, I will be vomosing everyone in 5.0 level. they will never know what hit them
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I have the regular version. Love it.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
if you have 1-handed backhand, you should be able to hit it better than Tsitsipas with that racket.. VAMOS
maximus
Semi-Pro
Mannarino plying amazing and having the best year of his life in 2019........ this amazing racket is amazing Mannarino and making him ton of money too.
Wow, nice pic! he is hitting the ball a bit high from the sweet spot.
All my Babolat racquets are 4 1/4 even though I take 4 3/8 - 4 1/2.
I find Babolat grips to be on the larger side. I agree that they do play better with the smaller grip. In fact, I've put the Wilson feather thin grip on most of my Babolat racquets which takes them down in size a little. I love it. More of everything. The only downside is the racquet can turn in your hand if you're not prepared for a heavy fast ball hit at you or hard volley. Even the tourna pro thin grip works well too.
I too have gotten used to the new frame, especially the plus, which imo is the best of the bunch. For those of you hesitant to try the 27.5" plus, give it a shot. It swings effortlessly and you will kill on the serves. In no time, you won't even be thinking or feeling it's extended length. Babolat did a great job on the 2019 PA plus. Same goes with the 2019 PD plus.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
Apd with pure aero paint job. Have a look at the grommets. If you wanna rock what the pros rock, you gotta go back in time.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
I played with 4 1/4 grip size today, with overgrip on which probably made it 4 3/8. but WOW,, topspin and nasty angle I was able to generate with Alu power in there was just amazing. I was also able to hit some amazing slice serves as well with nasty 90 degree turning in the duce court. Also this racket shines on the full out sprint wide shots, I was able to put big time topspin and drive ball really deep on the run, therefore my opponent couldn't hurt me on the next shot...
Also amazing 1st volley off of some rocket returns, we were playing against 5.0 players and they were ripping some returns back but I was able to volley them deep cross court. I think that's where that high Twist weight really shines. Even in slight mishit, racket will remain very very stable..... giving you full control of the shot....
We won 7-5 7-5.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
4 3/8”. Maybe I should of gotten a size down? I will try to find a demo 4 1/4” to test out but most are 4 3/8” size for demos now! I guess I just have to live with it! I guessI never thought of downsizing my grip size before but now; in the future I will be testing a 4 1/4” hand grip just to try out!
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Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
One disadvantage with smaller grip size is that on the volley, grip could twist and you may lose accuracy. and you have to make sure you hit all your volleys in the center of the string bed. Albeit this racket has high twist weight that really helps to keep the head stable but then if you have grip that is too small, it is tougher to hit volleys with it.
The smaller grip size does make a difference exactly as described above. You can also reduce a 4 3/8 or whatever by using the Wilson Feather Thin Grip.
I just recently purchased a Technifibre Tflash 300 PS. I had to do the same thing with this racquet as the PA. It's 4 1/4 but I used a Wilson Feather Thin to bring it down a little more, and counter balanced it in the tail with some weight. BTW, this racquet is simply WOW!. Everything you have read about it is true. The string pattern does not get denser in the middle like many racquets. It's open just like a PA, and although it has a stiffness of 71, it certainly doesn't feel like that. Compared to the 2019 PA? Spin pretty close, more power for sure, and larger sweet spot. This racquet plays by itself. It's almost cheating when you use it. I liked it so much, I ordered a second one from TW. Would I prefer it over the 2019 PA? At this point, yes I would, but not over the plus model yet and only because of the serving the plus model has to offer. I can see why Chris switched to the Tflash 300 PS.
I just recently purchased a Technifibre Tflash 300 PS. I had to do the same thing with this racquet as the PA. It's 4 1/4 but I used a Wilson Feather Thin to bring it down a little more, and counter balanced it in the tail with some weight. BTW, this racquet is simply WOW!. Everything you have read about it is true. The string pattern does not get denser in the middle like many racquets. It's open just like a PA, and although it has a stiffness of 71, it certainly doesn't feel like that. Compared to the 2019 PA? Spin pretty close, more power for sure, and larger sweet spot. This racquet plays by itself. It's almost cheating when you use it. I liked it so much, I ordered a second one from TW. Would I prefer it over the 2019 PA? At this point, yes I would, but not over the plus model yet and only because of the serving the plus model has to offer. I can see why Chris switched to the Tflash 300 PS.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
I always hit my volleys with a very lite grip and seems to work well! Of course on my overheads, my grip is much firmer and I hit it with all my might, maybe 150 mph?
A_Instead
Legend
Dr.W
Cool you like the ps300..
You should try the extreme 360..
I was impressed with the ps300..but really impressed with the extreme 360..
Both play and feel very similar..hard to articulate..but those who have tried both will know..
An analogy..same model of car..but different trim levels..imo..extreme. Gives a little more added features...
But both are great..
Cool you like the ps300..
You should try the extreme 360..
I was impressed with the ps300..but really impressed with the extreme 360..
Both play and feel very similar..hard to articulate..but those who have tried both will know..
An analogy..same model of car..but different trim levels..imo..extreme. Gives a little more added features...
But both are great..
Greetings.
Funny you mention that because that's exactly the next racquet I want to try! One of the things I enjoy with the 300ps is how easy it is to swing. Is the 360 extreme similar in that aspect? Also, what's the string pattern like? The 300ps looks pretty close to a PA. It's not dense in the middle.
A_Instead
Legend
The ps300 and extreme 360 are so so similar..it's the geometry of the frames..
You will know nice you try the extreme 360..
Extreme 360 is very wide open string pattern..but balls do not fly..
Another advantage of the extreme 360..one can hit flat...sounds strange..but it is true..
You will know nice you try the extreme 360..
Extreme 360 is very wide open string pattern..but balls do not fly..
Another advantage of the extreme 360..one can hit flat...sounds strange..but it is true..
TennisHound
Legend
Why did you choose the Pure Aero + and not the Pure Drive + ?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I just got the MP and have a PA+. I’d suggest the MP. I prefer it to the Babolat due to the feel and the specs.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
easier to produce more Topspin with pure aero than pure drive
TennisHound
Legend
Edit
TennisHound
Legend
What is your game like? For example, mine is more of an attacking game, I try to put away the first shot. This probably comes from playing mostly doubles. Plus being 51yo, I am trying to be more accurate and efficient with everything. For me, the PD doesnt require as much racquet head speed as opposed to the PA. Do you play doubles more than singles, vice versa?
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
yes I play more doubles than singles. I have RAFA like topspin game from both sides and serve like Stephan Edberg. but I come to the net most of the time in doubles. I think Pure drive 2018 has more power but it is harder to produce same quality topspin. also Pure drive feels more sluggish at baseline than Pure aero 2019. But Pure drive 2018 is bit more maneuverable at net. Then why do I use pure aero 2019 ?? again because ability to generate topspin. I hit the ball pretty hard for 4.5 guy so only way I can keep the ball in is use as much topspin as I can.
Also I felt like you can hit the Flat serves better with Pure drive 2018 but you can hit the spin serve better with Pure Aero 2019.
TennisHound
Legend
I disagree with this part.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I have both the Pure Drive 2018, as well as the 2019 Pure Aero. To me, it’s a toss up because both play remarkably similar and have similar feel. I do feel that Pure Aero offers easier access to spin and offers slightly more power, but the Pure Drive is no slouch either. I think Pure Drive is better at hitting flatter shots, but then again, the new Pure Aero is awesome in just about every dept, They both drive the ball really well, and surprisingly, they both are good volleying sticks, too.
I kind of don’t understand why Babolat would offer both, but I’m happy that they do. Both are fantastic sticks. Hard to argue which is better, honestly.
I kind of don’t understand why Babolat would offer both, but I’m happy that they do. Both are fantastic sticks. Hard to argue which is better, honestly.
Karma Tennis
Legend
To take advantage of Brand loyalty. There are dyed in the wool APD fans and dyed in the wool PD fans. Both product lines have been around for a very long time now.
Even if they are similar, you will still have players who are convinced that the differences are important enough to differentiate them and will purchase according to preference.
From a Babolat perspective, the closer they are, the less it costs to manufacture both.
And by having the two product lines Babolat has the ability to move each line in a different direction as it sees fit. So it provides a lot of marketing flexibility.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
I was one of those person back in 2013 thinking the APD 2013 was superior to the Pure Drive 2012. In reality, I think it was the strings that made the differences in feel more than anything. One thing I know for sure is that the new Pure Aero is just awesome in every aspect. That said, I don’t think I could find a fault in the latest Pure Drive, either. Both are fantastic.
terminator97
New User
Anybody try a gut/poly in the 2019?
I would have if I owned it but I used a demo from another individual that I have since returned
I don’t think a lot of people here use gut. So it’s unlikely you will get it tested. I might have a chance at the new blade soon and I might put gut on that if my contact lets me use it for more than two to three weeks
I don’t think a lot of people here use gut. So it’s unlikely you will get it tested. I might have a chance at the new blade soon and I might put gut on that if my contact lets me use it for more than two to three weeks
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yes it does. Reading through this thread again - you have crazy issues man, my god.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Just to update my last post. If you are a player with arm pain, then the Head extreme MP is a strong option. It is very similar to the PA.
I go back and forth now between it and the 2016 PA+. I think the main thing about the 2016 plus is that extra length is just a game changer for these frames. I swapped the grips out for Skin Feels on the last version just to drop the grip size a touch. I really can go either way between the Head and Babolat the more I play with them, but the XL probably gives the edge to my PA+s. I bought them in early 2017 and have carried them in the bag ever since. Now they are marked down to $175, it’s tempting to just stay with that model rather than try a new one. For now, I’m carrying them and the Extreme and then I plan to add a new Blade to the mix when it comes out.
The other thing about the plus is that mine probably balances a little under 6 pts due to the grip change. I have been preferring standard frames with a balance around 3-4pts, but I think the extended lengths benfit from being a little more headlight.
I know its been said a million times, but now that the PD has the same string pattern as the PA+ (this is correct right?) I have trouble figuring out how much different they would play. It’s almost like you just want a different PJ and a little more stiffness. If the PD’s pattern is a little tighter, that would probably be a frame I’d check out. The Pure Aero’s eat strings, but 16 gauge poly works alright and if you have 2-3 you can just string a frame a week and usually be ok.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Disagree completely. PA plus2016 is just as hard to swing as Yonex extra longs
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Its not even close. Stop trolling and spreading false info. Anyone with half decent skillset knows the difference in swinging those frames.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Sooooooo,, anyone that disagree with you is trolling ???????? LOL. I tried both rackets Side by Side, giving both rackets 15 minutes each at the baseline and at the net. and PA plus 2019 is much much more easier to swing than PA plus 2016.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
In your case, yes you are a troll. Case in point this post. We were comparing the 2016 to the yonex and now you changed it to the 2019. Not even what was being discussed. You are incredibly odd.
BBender716
Professional
Looking to hit with a Babolat for more of a tweener frame vs the players frame I currently use (Angell TC 95, 16x19, 320g).
Can anyone with good experience with Babolat's help me understand the key differences in play between the Aero Pro Tour, Pure Strike 16x19, and Aero VS Tour?
They seem relatively similar spec wise. I'm mostly leaning towards the 2018 Pro Tour (new one looks to not have the greatest reviews) but the Pure Strike 16x19 for ridiculous reviews and may be more similar to what I'm used to...
Thoughts?
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Can anyone with good experience with Babolat's help me understand the key differences in play between the Aero Pro Tour, Pure Strike 16x19, and Aero VS Tour?
They seem relatively similar spec wise. I'm mostly leaning towards the 2018 Pro Tour (new one looks to not have the greatest reviews) but the Pure Strike 16x19 for ridiculous reviews and may be more similar to what I'm used to...
Thoughts?
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
That would be PD VS, I think.
they can't be of "similar specs"
Aero Pro Tour is a bit heavier than Aero Pro, isn't it?
Aero VS has a smaller head size than Aero Pro. The word Tour probably means again a slightly heavier frame. So smaller head size + heavier weight.
Pure Strike has a different shape when compared to Aero Pro, hence has a different set of characteristics when it comes to how one can swing it, maneuverability, access to power + spin.
BBender716
Professional
I know what you mean. I guess I was focusing in on swingweight, stiffness, and overall weight (when comparing tour models)
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Shadowcash
New User
Yes, my string setup for PA 2019 is Hybrid (Main - VS, Cross - RPM Blast, 24/23 kg). For previous PA, I has used only RPM blast. To be honest, hybrid in combo with new frame gave me a bit more power without control lost. Few times I has tried return to my old PA with full-poly but I felt a letdown.
Maybe, in combo with hybrid old PA will be the same, but, I havn't desire to try it
PS. But, I faced with a one flaw. Life of hydbrid maximum 1-1,5 month with playng 3 times per week. In case with poly - it was 2.5-3 month
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n8dawg6
Legend
she keeps threatening to switch to yonex, but im beginning to think its a hollow threat. thank goodness!
BBender716
Professional
Worth the premium of Aero Pro Tour 2019 vs 2018? What's the general consensus on the update? From what I read the newer one is slightly more muted but not for the better but that's just one opinion I read. Never played with an AP except demoing it.
I'm a 3.5-4 player who mainly plays singles and am used to lower powered heavier frames, fwiw.
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I'm a 3.5-4 player who mainly plays singles and am used to lower powered heavier frames, fwiw.
Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
well, in general there are many voices saying that 2018 Pure Aero is harsh on arm, as it is too stiff.
Then many voices say that the 2019 is slightly arm-friendly, at least in comparison with the 2018, as Babolat made it a bit less stiff.
I would say that you need to try both and then decide.
I do play with the 2018 Pure Aero for more than 12 months now, don't remember precisely when I bought it, and while I didn't face the arm / elbow issues described in the forums, I can certainly say that it puts more stress on my wrist.
Occasionally I will feel that it is better to take a day off, and let the right wrist / arm relax, something that didn't happen in the past.
Also, as of recently, as I am now kind of heavily focused on bringing my good old killing BH topspin back, hence I practice a lot proper hitting form BH wing, I do feel regularly that the left wrist / arm, is not so happy with 2018 edition, and this is something that didn't happen with the previous edition of Pure Aero.
Nothing critical, but it is something new for me. Combined with many voices talking about arm / elbow issues, makes me think whether I want to stick to this frame for the next 3-5 years, or whether I will switch earlier.
Karma Tennis
Legend
You were getting 36 hours (3 hours a week for 12 weeks) of playability out of a full bed of RPM Blast in a Pure Aero?
it's not impossible.
I used to play with RPM Blast, but I switched to the RPM Blast Rough, and to my memory the Rough breaks faster.
Long story made short.
I have the feeling that previous version of Pure Aero, previous to 2018, was OK, while 2018 version is a "string eating machine"
With the PA 2018 I can break the strings in just 1-2 hours, on one extreme, playing with 1.25 - 1.3, indoor clay, lots of humidity, ball machine, pressureles balls.
But at the same time, outdoor clay + indoor carpet, 1.35 Rough, healthy mix of ball machine + humans, and they stringbed last long.
The less the ball machine is used, the more it lasts.
OK, you could raise the valid question of playability.
As long as I keep playing with same racket, I adapt to it, so most of the time I don't have to cut the strings, they will break.
But yeah, as I recently switched mid of the training from an "old" stringbed 1.35 -> fresh 1.3, it took me 20 minutes to adjust.
And going back to the 1,35 that I didn't cut probably was one of the reasons I lost badly my last match
In summary, it depends on:
PA version
string gauge
players skill, in particular how hard do you hit the ball. I am breaking the strings the fastest when I train proper hitting, not average rally
player demand. Some players would cut the stringbed I still have now (1.35), others won't notice much difference
Shadowcash
New User
Yes, but with a bit correction. Total hours of the play per week: 1,5*3 = 4,5. And for 12 weeks it will be 54 hours
TennisHound
Legend
The only time my wrist hurt with the ‘18 PA was when I added weight to 3 and 9. The ‘19 feels slightly less harsh, but also feel slightly less sluggish. They still feel very similar.
BBender716
Professional
Thanks for the input. I'm going to demo a 2018 AP tour, 2019 regular AP, a Pure Strike 16x19, and a Pure Drive to compare.
I'm 80% likely to go with an Aero of some kind but I figured I could test the "feel" of the 2018 vs 2019 and also tour vs regular since I play with a 320g racket with lead at 3 and 9 but want to move more to a tweener.
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Karma Tennis
Legend
That's amazing.
Most elite junior players I know who use RPM Blast say it is fantastic for the first couple of hours. Ok for the third and fourth hour. By the 5th hour it completely bags out ... loses a lot of spin potential and becomes quite stiff and boardy.
That has been my experience with it as well ... in racquets like 2013 APD.
You are very fortunate to be getting 50 hours of play out of it. Saving yourself a fortune in string costs.
you are ignoring one important part: it depends on the player.
For example I am far from being an elite junior, hence my requirements are different.
And yes, if I switch from a 10 hours played RPM stringbed to a fresh one and back, I will feel the difference immediately. But as long as I keep playing, I simply adjust to it.
Why do I think that I am not the only one in this?
Karma Tennis
Legend
There is a BIG difference between 10 hours and 50 hours.
Poly and Co-Poly strings are designed to provide optimum playability in the first 8 to 16 hours of play. They are also designed for particular types of player and styles of play.
IMO, anyone using Poly or Co-Poly who does not derive the maximum benefit out of it is wasting money and / or exposing themselves to tennis related arm injuries in the medium to longer term. They would be better suited to Nylon or in some cases Natural Gut.
Also IMO, ADJUSTING one's playing style to compensate for a stringbed's declining performance over a longer period is not acceptable for many players.
YMMV.
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