Babolat Rackets

Which racket do you prefer using?

  • Babolat Pure Drive GT

    Votes: 25 17.7%
  • Babolat AeroPro Drive GT

    Votes: 50 35.5%
  • Babolat Pure Storm GT 2011

    Votes: 66 46.8%

  • Total voters
    141

DarkXBlazer

New User
The only babolat I've used before is the Babolat Pure Drive GT, but I was interested in getting another. Based on your experiences with these rackets, what would you say as to the pros and cons of each of these rackets:

Babolat AeroPro Drive GT
Babolat Pure Drive GT
Babolat Pure Storm GT 2011

Which racket fits you the best? Which one works well where? What do you think of each of the rackets?

Also, feel free to give any other insight you have on the rackets.

Thanks~
 
I use a pure storm tour (not GT), and I love it. It has great feel and a good blend of power and control. I'm sure the GT should be pretty much the same thing. I tried my friend's Storm Ltd. (not GT), and I like it even better than the Tour because it has more control. The Storm is one of the most flexible racquets that Babolat makes, and I personally prefer flexible racquets.

I personally think the Pure Drive is too powerful, and I don't like the stiff frame. But that depends on your game and your preference.
 
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OldButGame

Hall of Fame
Babolat Pure Storm Limited (non GT)
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DarkXBlazer

New User
Ah, thanks for all of your responses, but could you give the pros and cons to your racket of choice and explain your decisions as well?

Thanks aznfatmonkey, though.

:)
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
Hm.. Everyone's just giving choices without reason..

Can you guys at least tell me which you'd rate best/worst for the following:

Feel:
Spin:
Power:
Control:
Overall:

Explain a little at least, please. :eek:
 

diredesire

Moderator
Hm.. Everyone's just giving choices without reason..

Can you guys at least tell me which you'd rate best/worst for the following:

Feel:
Spin:
Power:
Control:
Overall:

Explain a little at least, please. :eek:
It appears Babolat players are lazy, or have poor reading comprehension ;)

I'm in the process of switching to the Pure Storm Tour + (non GT). I feel that:

Feel: PDGT < APDGT < Storm
Spin: Depends on how you look at it. The drives have wicket bite, I might give the edge to APDGT, but the Storm is more predictable.
Power: PDGT >= APDGT > Storm (as far as i see it)
Control: Storm >= APDGT > PDGT

Overall: I chose the Storm because i got a good deal on them, and I wanted an extended racquet. The specs of the PST+ were very nice considering the extra length. The frame plays a little less "flexy" than the PD series, which has a really bizarre feel, IMHO. While the racquet is comfy/flexy itself, it feels more solid rather than bouncy.

The PSTGT+ was a little firmer, very stable, and had really, really great bite. I was surprised that the difference was so big, but then again, the strings were very, very different, so that may be the biggest factor. I didn't get a chance to customize both identically, so take that for what it's worth.
 

thug the bunny

Professional
PSL non-GT.

Feel: 4,000 out of 10
Spin: As much or as little as you want
Power: Not much, so you have to sweeten your swing
Control: "Scalpel" does not even come close to describing it
Overall: By far my favorite go-to stick

There are still some non-GTs out there....
 
Pure Drive and Aero too stiff and powerful for me. I like the Pure Storm Tour GT. It has great control, plush yet solid feel, and easy on the joints.
 

chasmatt

New User
I've just started playing again after 17 years. I used Pro Staffs and loved them. After a lot of demos, I settled on an Aero Pro. I played with that for awhile, but now I am switching to a Pure Storm Tour.

Aero Pro
Great feel - a terrific racquet. I had read that it was not good at the net, but I found the opposite to be true. I also felt that it was good for spin. I could hit backspin backhands that barely bounced. This racquet felt light to me so I tended to overswing a bit on overheads and ground strokes.

Pure Storm Tour
I liked the feel even better. It felt more like my Pro Staffs with a lot more power. The heavier swing weight slowed my swing down enough so I found the ball better on ground strokes. The ball explodes off this racquet. I found it to be a bit slow at the net, but I think that will improve as I get used to the weight. When I got the racquet in position in time, volleys were very crisp and sharp.

I felt like I had more power on overheads and serves with the Pure Storm, but the Aero Pro was better for getting spin on serves.

I hit a pretty flat ball so I cannot see a big difference in spin between the two racquets, except on serves.

I did not feel a big difference in control. Both racquets have good control. Neither seemed to suffer much from off center hits.

Overall, I think the Pure Storm Tour will be my choice - mainly because of the power and comfort.
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
Hmm. The Babolat Pure Storm seems to be the clear favorite.. Is there really that significant of a difference between the Ltd and Tour, GT and non-GT?

The leather grip bothers me on the Ltd-type Raquet, and I hate redoing the grip on new rackets.. I use a Syntec grip on the Pure Drive. How does the Skin Feel on the tour compare to the Syntec?

And of course, I'm still interested in anyone else's answers to the above questions..

Thanks to all who have responded already!
 
Hmm. The Babolat Pure Storm seems to be the clear favorite.. Is there really that significant of a difference between the Ltd and Tour, GT and non-GT?


Thanks to all who have responded already!

Tour GT is the heaviest and the most solid racquet of the three in the line. Standard GT is perfect for customizing but at stock, is too light and not solid enough for me. LTD GT is kinda in between the two but I didn't really like the feel of it.

Non GT racquets are a bit softer but I find that GT works better as I have also tried out the non GT ones.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Pure Storm Tour GT if you want a super plush feel and good control. It hits very hard though and swings slow, but it one of the best all court racquets Bab make, if not the best. Spin is pretty good, the ball stays low like a tight pattern stick.

The Pure Drive Roddick GT is much better than the regular Pure Drive IMO. You will hit the heaviest balls ever, but you have to make sure that you can handle the stiffness. It is also tough to play with at lower tensions, so you may have to copy Roddicks gut poly setup, which can get pricey if you break strings. Spin is excellent, and is needed with a racquet this powerful.
 
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DarkXBlazer

New User
Hmm. I'm really considering the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT... The only reason I'd take it over the Ltd is because it has a Skin Feel vs a leather grip.. Anyone know how babolat leather grips are? I'm used to the nice feel of the Syntecs, and ideally I'd like the Syntec, but unfortunately they only have Skin Feel for the racket.. Which one has the most similar feel?

Also, if I were to get the Pure Storm, what would be the ideal strings? I use Pro Hurricane Tour 17 on my Pure Drive crossed with Prince Synthetic Gut multifilament, and I haven't been experiencing any arm problems yet.. What would you suggest for the Pure Storm for the best play?

@PowerPlayer: Yeah, the Roddick is nice, but when I demoed it, I had a lot of forearm pain.. Not sure why, maybe it was just bad technique at the time.. So I stuck with the Pure Drive which was a little less. I tend to get wrist pain after extensive play, but that's about it. Shoulder pain after several hours of straight serving, but overall, nothing serious. Wrist lasts several days, and shoulder doesn't even last the night..

So.. back to you all :)

Thanks again~
 
I would go with the Ltd. because it has more control than the Tour, which will eventually be beneficial for you as you develop your game more. I personally wouldn't choose a racquet because of the grip. Seriously, it's not that hard to replace it. Or put an overgrip on it.
 

OHAI

Rookie
Hmm. I'm really considering the Babolat Pure Storm Tour GT... The only reason I'd take it over the Ltd is because it has a Skin Feel vs a leather grip.. Anyone know how babolat leather grips are? I'm used to the nice feel of the Syntecs, and ideally I'd like the Syntec, but unfortunately they only have Skin Feel for the racket.. Which one has the most similar feel?

Also, if I were to get the Pure Storm, what would be the ideal strings? I use Pro Hurricane Tour 17 on my Pure Drive crossed with Prince Synthetic Gut multifilament, and I haven't been experiencing any arm problems yet.. What would you suggest for the Pure Storm for the best play?

@PowerPlayer: Yeah, the Roddick is nice, but when I demoed it, I had a lot of forearm pain.. Not sure why, maybe it was just bad technique at the time.. So I stuck with the Pure Drive which was a little less. I tend to get wrist pain after extensive play, but that's about it. Shoulder pain after several hours of straight serving, but overall, nothing serious. Wrist lasts several days, and shoulder doesn't even last the night..

So.. back to you all :)

Thanks again~

You would pick it based off the grip? Why wouldn't you just install the grip that you wanted on the frame that you liked?
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
Because I'm not experienced with customizing rackets :p Would it be hard to replace the grip? And how does the leather grip feel in comparison to the Syntec grip?

Also, I've heard that the Ltd usually requires lead tape.. I've never installed lead tape on my rackets before.. Is the racket effective even without lead tape?

Thanks again
 

MayDay

Semi-Pro
I use the old Pure Control Team 98, but your question on lead tape and replacement grip:

1. You don't have to customize the racket with lead. Most of the time, I find that it depends on how good your competition is. If they hit a fast heavy ball and you feel like the racket is unstable, you'll probably want to experiement with a little bit of lead, but the Storm Tour has pretty good weight already. The heavier weight is what makes it more stable. You'll want to make sure you are comfortable with the swing weight - that's why demo'ing is the best option.

2. Look on youtube for replacement grip video or ask one of your friends to show you. It's REALLY easy to change the replacement grips. I changed from Syntec grip to Babloat leather grip. The leather grip is slightly thicker, more firm and gives a nice clear feel of the bevels - however, I always use an overgrip (gamma supreme or wilson pro). This way, the leather grip basically last forever as you only change the overgrip.

By the way the Babolat leather grip comes with double sided tape already on the grip, so it's just like putting on a syntec grip. Make sure to use good amount of pull pressure on the leather when you put it on. I didn't have to use a staple at the base of the grip, but it is recommended. (youtube it) Again, it's really easy.

Edit: The leather grip will add just a little weight to the racket (vs Syntec) and make it slightly more head light.
 
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No, you do not need lead tape for the Pure Storm Ltd. What gave you that idea? The Ltd. has more control than the tour, and is very stable.
 

mhj202

Rookie
That's actually the exact order and progression of rackets I've gone through to end up with the Pure Storm Tour GT, which I'm loving.
 

mhj202

Rookie
No, you do not need lead tape for the Pure Storm Ltd. What gave you that idea? The Ltd. has more control than the tour, and is very stable.

What do you mean by "more controal than the tour"? It's definitely not as heavy as the Tour and I find the Tour more stable than the Ltd.
 

okdude1992

Hall of Fame
Don't just listen to everybody and jump for a pure storm limited or tour. Both are totally different than the 3 rackets you previously listed. I'm not saying they aren't good, but to answer your original question:

Pure drive: Very easy to use, and powerful. At the same time, can be plush feeling with the right strings. Huge sweetspot.

Aeropro drive: Very similar to the Pure drive. Not quite as lively, or foregiving. Super easy access to depth and spin.
More Control.

Pure Storm: Softer and more flexible feel. Not as much "easy" depth or spin. Slight bit light and unstable. Pretty maneuverable.
 
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okdude1992

Hall of Fame
As for the other 2,

Pure storm limited: very light, and maneuverable. Small sweetspot compared to others. A bit unstable without lead. However, great control and precision.

Pure storm tour: heavier than the rest, very stable. Still very powerful and plush feeling, especially on serve
 
What do you mean by "more controal than the tour"? It's definitely not as heavy as the Tour and I find the Tour more stable than the Ltd.

According to the specs, the Ltd. should have more control. The Ltd. only slightly lighter. I don't know the specs of the Non-GT ones (they're not on TW anymore), but for the GT, the Ltd. is only .2 oz lighter, which is actually not that much. It has a smaller head size and is more headlight, which is more significant than the .2 oz weight difference.

In practice, I've only tried the Ltd. for about 15 min, so I'm not completely sure. My impression was that I was able to play more consistently and with more control with the Ltd than with my racquet (Tour).

To the OP: even if you feel that you need to add lead tape to make the Ltd. more stable, applying lead tape is also really easy.
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
Thanks for the responses.. I'm actually considering the Pure Storm..

Don't just listen to everybody and jump for a pure storm limited or tour. Both are totally different than the 3 rackets you previously listed. I'm not saying they aren't good, but to answer your original question:

Pure drive: Very easy to use, and powerful. At the same time, can be plush feeling with the right strings. Huge sweetspot.

Aeropro drive: Very similar to the Pure drive. Not quite as lively, or foregiving. Super easy access to depth and spin.
More Control.

Pure Storm: Softer and more flexible feel. Not as much "easy" depth or spin. Slight bit light and unstable. Pretty maneuverable.

I currently use the Pure Drive, and it's extremely stiff, but that might because of my setup, with Pro Hurricane Tours on mains with a multifilament cross.. I occasionally get shoulder pain from serving and wrist pain from extended play, but that may be because of inconsistent technique.. I know a friend who uses Pure Drives and APD's, but I've never played anyone who has used a Pure Storm, so I'm not sure I would like to be the first. The Pure Drive is definitely the most popular that I see around my area.

At school, I'm regularly a doubles player, but my partner's a much stronger volley player, while I'm usually the baseline player. I hit a lot of topspin from baseline, and when I play singles, I usually stay at baseline, rather than S&V, since I'm not that great of a volley player. I only have one racket right now, so I'm considering a second, and I just felt like having one that's slightly less stiff, so my arm takes less...

Also, you stated that the Pure Drive has the largest sweet spot? That might be a problem, because with mine, I find if I don't hit a good shot near the center, it's extremely dead and doesn't work at all... Could that possibly be the setup I use? (Pro Hurricane Tour 17 T:58 Mains, Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 17 T:57 Crosses) This is the first racket I've ever used, and the first setup I've ever used.. Didn't really have anyone helped me, so I kinda just researched and guessed..

Also, here's kind of an off-topic question, but I'm just gonna throw it out, since you all seem like good players.. When I play, I use a 2-H backhand, but when I hit, I get it either a bit high for my taste or it flying completely up and back down. How can I adjust it so that I get more of a topspin and be lower like a clean forehand? I hold a continental grip with my right hand and I'm usually not too conscious of what I'm really doing with my left hand.

Thanks in advance..
 
Don't just listen to everybody and jump for a pure storm limited or tour. Both are totally different than the 3 rackets you previously listed.

I agree that you shouldn't choose a racquet based off of other people's opinions because everybody has different preferences. However, since so many people like the Pure Storm Tour and Ltd, it would still be good to consider it. The best choice is always to demo.

When I was choosing a racquet (in middle school), I chose the heaviest/least powerful racquet that I could handle because I knew that I would get stronger, and I didn't want to "outgrow" my racquet. A less powerful racquet may be harder to use at first, but it really helps you learn to generate your own power as your game is developing. I am now a junior in high school, and the Pure Storm Tour still works really well for me. Even though I would prefer a racquet with less power now, it probably wouldn't make a huge difference. Some of my friends that bought racquets like the Pure Drive in middle school ended up having to get new racquets because they needed more control.

I think this idea would work for a lot of teens, especially because their muscles are still developing, but of course, not for everybody.
 
but I've never played anyone who has used a Pure Storm, so I'm not sure I would like to be the first. The Pure Drive is definitely the most popular that I see around my area.

Also, you stated that the Pure Drive has the largest sweet spot? That might be a problem, because with mine, I find if I don't hit a good shot near the center, it's extremely dead and doesn't work at all... Could that possibly be the setup I use? (Pro Hurricane Tour 17 T:58 Mains, Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 17 T:57 Crosses)
.

I personally don't think you should choose not to get a racquet just because it's not popular. What's wrong with being the first to get it?

But if you're not hitting the sweet spot consistently with the Pure Drive, you may not be able to handle the Pure Storm Ltd. or Tour yet.

Of course, if you're strings are old or dead, they won't play as well, and a full bed of synthetic gut or multifilament is more forgiving, but it's still a problem if you're not hitting the sweet spot right now.
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
I personally don't think you should choose not to get a racquet just because it's not popular. What's wrong with being the first to get it?

But if you're not hitting the sweet spot consistently with the Pure Drive, you may not be able to handle the Pure Storm Ltd. or Tour yet.

Of course, if you're strings are old or dead, they won't play as well, and a full bed of synthetic gut or multifilament is more forgiving, but it's still a problem if you're not hitting the sweet spot right now.

Ah, I'm not saying I'm not hitting the sweet spot often. It's just when I do not hit it directly, I get a pretty dead hit.

There's no problem with being the first one; I just meant that I wouldn't be able to try someone else's racket first. In fact, I'm actually really considering getting it.. It comes with a free set of RPM blast, as if I getting soon, too.. I just want to make sure it'd be a good racket for me. I don't like demoing because of the hassle of having to wait for it, try for 7 days, and having to ship it back..

Also, on my Babolat Pure Drive GT, the grip is too big.. I knew it the first day I got it, but I was just too lazy to send it back.. I ordered a 1/2, and 3/8 probably would have been a better choice.. L3 would be my size on a Pure Drive GT with the default Sytec grip (which I love). I'm a big reluctant to try a new grip (leather) on the Ltd.. Do the leather grips have as good of a feel as the Sytecs? And I have a friend who uses a Wilson racket, with some kind of grip that just feels awful.. It's more of a rough grip, rather than a smooth grip.. And finally, if I'm a L3 on a Pure Drive GT Syntec grip (I heard Pure Drives have extra big grips..), what would it be on the Leather Pure Storm Ltd and then the Skin Feel Pure Storm Tour?

And lastly, in comparing the smooth feel of the grip, how do Skin Feel and Leather grips compare to Syntec?
 
Ah, I'm not saying I'm not hitting the sweet spot often. It's just when I do not hit it directly, I get a pretty dead hit.

Of course it's not going to feel the same if you don't hit the sweet spot. Maybe I'm misunderstanding your question.

Also, on my Babolat Pure Drive GT, the grip is too big.. I knew it the first day I got it, but I was just too lazy to send it back.. I ordered a 1/2, and 3/8 probably would have been a better choice.. L3 would be my size on a Pure Drive GT with the default Sytec grip (which I love). I'm a big reluctant to try a new grip (leather) on the Ltd.. Do the leather grips have as good of a feel as the Sytecs? And I have a friend who uses a Wilson racket, with some kind of grip that just feels awful.. It's more of a rough grip, rather than a smooth grip.. And finally, if I'm a L3 on a Pure Drive GT Syntec grip (I heard Pure Drives have extra big grips..), what would it be on the Leather Pure Storm Ltd and then the Skin Feel Pure Storm Tour?

OK, so get the right grip size next time. And again, grips are all about preference. The leather grips are not rough. And again, it's REALLY easy to replace a grip. If you don't like what it comes with, just put on what you're using now.
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
I don't think you understood my question quite right on that one, haha.

Do leather grips have the same type of feel as the Syntecs? And how do the Skin Feel ones feel in comparison as well?

And finally, once again, if my size is 3/8 on a Pure Drive Syntec grip (With pure drives supposedly being slightly bigger and all), taking into account the thin/thick-ness of the leather grips, what would be my size on a Pure Storm Ltd Leather grip?

Thanks
 
Syntec and leather are pretty different. Leather is more slippery, but you can feel the bevels better. I don't know about skin feel.

And if you're 3/8, you're going to be 3/8 on any racquet.
 
Babolat frames are maybe not always the best at any one thing, but they do the best job of combining power, comfort, maneuverability and feel into all of their best sticks.

I do not have much experience with the various Drives, but....

Pure Storm Ltd
The best. Basically all of the control of a Pro Staff 85, the feel of a Prestige and the power of a nice 95 head like a Dunlop 200....with the modern, muted feel of the Woofer system and the thin beam of a retrostick. This racquet is legendary, but it will never sell well since Babolat's customer base is generally more open to the 98 and 100 headsizes and the midprofile. They had to do it, though, for the cred. They nailed it. Love these, especially the GT (though I still love the simpler look of my older black and yellow ones).

Pure Storm Tour
All of the above, only a little more power, an open pattern and a larger head. If I had to play a match, it would be with a bagful of these.

AeroStorm Tour
Same as above, only with a little more modern maneuverability and the Rafa yellow/black/white look.

Pure Storm and AeroStorm
For people who like light racquets, but still want the the real racquet feel of the three above. Also for people who like to play with lead tape, especially in the handle, which makes this frame even better.
 
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TimothyO

Hall of Fame
I didn't vote since I didn't see my particular model but I love the Pure Storm Limited GT (2009 and 2011 are the same...only difference is paint).

Precision along with excellent spin potential and power with the right string. Very comfortable too!
 
I didn't vote since I didn't see my particular model but I love the Pure Storm Limited GT (2009 and 2011 are the same...only difference is paint).

Precision along with excellent spin potential and power with the right string. Very comfortable too!

I demoed the Limited GT version and just felt that the Tour had a slight edge in power and comfort. If the Tour wasn't available, the Limited GT would have been the racquet I use.

Has anyone tried both the Limited and Limited GT and what would you say change by adding the GT technology to it?
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
Thanks for the review everyone. I should have separated the different Pure Storms in the poll, but I didn't think of it originally, as I didn't expect it to be so popular. The Limited and the Tour sound very appealing to me atm, and though the limited is much more popular, the Tour might fit me better, since i'm used to the open string pattern. How much different is the closed string pattern than the open? 16x19 is what I usually use (pure drive), so would switching to 18x20 be problematic?

I would demo the rackets, but receiving/shipping back is such a drag where I live..

Thanks
 

mhj202

Rookie
Thanks for the review everyone. I should have separated the different Pure Storms in the poll, but I didn't think of it originally, as I didn't expect it to be so popular. The Limited and the Tour sound very appealing to me atm, and though the limited is much more popular, the Tour might fit me better, since i'm used to the open string pattern. How much different is the closed string pattern than the open? 16x19 is what I usually use (pure drive), so would switching to 18x20 be problematic?

I would demo the rackets, but receiving/shipping back is such a drag where I live..

Thanks

If you like the more open string pattern, why not choose the Tour then? They are both about the same weight and similar in headsize (I believe ltd is 95 and tour is 98). Not sure what you would be gaining in the ltd unless you were specifically looking for the denser string bed.
 

DarkXBlazer

New User
If you like the more open string pattern, why not choose the Tour then? They are both about the same weight and similar in headsize (I believe ltd is 95 and tour is 98). Not sure what you would be gaining in the ltd unless you were specifically looking for the denser string bed.

Well, the thing is, I've never really tried the closed string bed, so I really don't know. Generally what are the advantages of the closed patterns?

Thanks
 
my 2 cents on PSL vs PST

^^ Thanks for the insightful review. Would you assessment of the GT versions for the Pure Storm line still apply?

Yes, very similar feel, almost the same specs...only maybe the GT version is more stable off center. Long-term, the GT seems to stay fresh longer. My old Ltd's (non-GT) feel really dead now, (4 frames over 1.5 yrs of decent tennis). The red GTs are still great (3 sticks over 1.5 yrs). Something about the paint is better on the new GTs, too. Less flaking/chipping.

I demoed the Limited GT version and just felt that the Tour had a slight edge in power and comfort. If the Tour wasn't available, the Limited GT would have been the racquet I use.

Has anyone tried both the Limited and Limited GT and what would you say change by adding the GT technology to it?

Improved durability, a little better stability and the paint.

Oh, and yeah, the Tour probably has more power. But the Ltd is the most maneuverable racquet on the market. I feel so precise with it....and it's still pretty powerful. Both are awesome. you guys cannot go wrong.

Last thing...about the dense pattern. If you come rom a 16m, open pattern, this 18x20 will feel dense and you might notice better durability and a little less spin potential. If you come from some 18m frames and you generate a lot of spin anyway, you will not feel this is dense at all. I got used to it pretty quickly. I dropped tension two lbs...and I've loved it ever since.
 
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