Babolat Starting Clamp Review

[Rabbit]

I ordered a Babolat Starting clamp from across the pond and it arrived Friday. I had the weekend to try it out. I have 4, well had 4, I gave away my Alpha starting clamp a few months ago. I have a Gamma, GSS Babolat knock off and now the new real deal. The Babolat is, as to be expected, solid. The pressure required to open the jaws is almost up there with the Alpha I had. It is certainly harder to open than the GSS or for sure the Gamma. The head on this clamp is larger as well. I guess they figured more area is more grip and it does the job. The handle is comfortable albeit a bit wide for my tastes. All in all, I wish the GSS starting clamps were still available. I'm going to buck the current trend of all things Babolat being the holy grail and say categorically that my favorite starting clamp is the GSS followed by the Babolat, then the Gamma, and finally the one I gave away (big surprise).

The Babolat starting clamp is a find and recommended addition to anyone's tool set. It holds fast and serves its purpose. I think the new ones are more reasonable priced than previous models as well. Of the 4 I've owned though, any will do the job as advertised.

 

[MixedMaster]

I have a starting clamp from an old TR Stringer that works like a vise grip. You have to adjust a screw in the handle like a vise grip in order to get a certain setting. I actually love this as it lets me make my own settings. This comes in handy especially having a drop weight/floating clamp set-up. I have a regular starting clamp also and find them both handy depending on the situation.

 

[am1899]

Thanks for the review Rabbit. If may impose, what's the price for the holy grail of starting clamps these days?

 

[Rabbit]

You sure can, $61.07

 

[insiderman]

and now... you've been hooked up - or as they say:
Je vous doué mon ami!
Ich begabt Sie mein Freund!
(Since it was a mutual-cultural 'swag' delivery...)

 

[dak95_00]

I have three starting clamps as a result of acquiring 'stuff.' I just realized today that the first and favorite of my starting clamps is an old Babolat. I didn't realize it because it has their old logo on it from the 80s. I'm sure this clamp is that old too. That said, it's so much better than the other two. The others are just cheap feeling and looking compared to this one. Sure their springs are shinier and there's three instead of only two but those two are stronger than the three (or six). The other ones also appear to go out of their way to put a sandpaper type surface on the inside; not this old Babolat. It's just strength. I've wondered what all of the hubbub was and now I know. Other starting clamps aren't the same or even close.

 

[gdeangel]

As of 8/3, the Alpha starting clamps was still available ~35 USD + S&H but you have to throttle Google to find the merchant.

 

[Irvin]

As of 8/3, the Alpha starting clamps was still available ~35 USD + S&H but you have to throttle Google to find the merchant.

New Tech Tennis is the distributor for Alpha and Stringway. They don't list a starting clamp except one in a tool kit for $59 that comes with case and tools.

http://www.newtechtennis.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=108

 

[Clintspin]

Yes they do list a single clamp under accessories then click on clamps