downs_chris
Professional
i also hated blackcode...this is nothing like it...
Babolat String Playtest-March 2010
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
i also hated blackcode...this is nothing like it...
T
TennisandMusic
Guest
For the record Black Code is my regular string (which I really like, but hated on first impression) and I really like this string so far.
I got my set and strung up my TGK 237.2. I am slightly color blind, so am interested to see what the official color is. At first I thought it was black, but then it appeared to be a light brown/olive/dark green color.
I also agree with other posts about it springing out of the package when opening. It is pretty easy to string for a poly.
I haven't had a chance to hit with it yet, but I can see that it has good bite potential as others have mentioned. It doesn't appear to be textured, rather the shape is not round. At first I thought it was rectangular, but when I looked at it closely, it was perhaps pentagonal or star shaped. Maybe someone can take a close look under a microscope with good light.
I will post more thought after I get a chance to hit with it .
Fedace
Banned
Thank Goodness for that......Please TW,,,,,,,,,,,,i am still waiting for my set. I promise to God for a smashing review.....likes of which you have never seen before.....:shock:
First time out
I received the Babolat string and immediately strung it on my Triple Threat Stealth last night. The racquet has a 16 x 19 pattern and tension was 54 lbs on both mains and crosses. I have used polys in hybrids before but this is the first time I have used an all poly setup. Stringing was typical for a poly
Today I played a singles match outdoors on clay with conditions being somewhat cool and windy. I am a 4.0 player with a strong forehand and an adequate backhand and like to get to net, since volleying is the best part of my game. My first impressions were positive.
The strings really bite into the ball particularly on my slice backhand and second serve. I don't use spin much in my game but anyone who does will really like these strings. Power was lower than my hybrid setup. I had to swing harder than normal in order to keep the ball deep and my volleys lacked their usual punch. On the other hand control was excellent - the balls went when I wanted them to. The strings are reasonably comfortable to play with and string movement was negligible.
I will play again today if it doesn't rain.
I received the Babolat string and immediately strung it on my Triple Threat Stealth last night. The racquet has a 16 x 19 pattern and tension was 54 lbs on both mains and crosses. I have used polys in hybrids before but this is the first time I have used an all poly setup. Stringing was typical for a poly
Today I played a singles match outdoors on clay with conditions being somewhat cool and windy. I am a 4.0 player with a strong forehand and an adequate backhand and like to get to net, since volleying is the best part of my game. My first impressions were positive.
The strings really bite into the ball particularly on my slice backhand and second serve. I don't use spin much in my game but anyone who does will really like these strings. Power was lower than my hybrid setup. I had to swing harder than normal in order to keep the ball deep and my volleys lacked their usual punch. On the other hand control was excellent - the balls went when I wanted them to. The strings are reasonably comfortable to play with and string movement was negligible.
I will play again today if it doesn't rain.
downs_chris
Professional
HitItHarder
Semi-Pro
Getting ready to string up my set now. When I first took it out of the package (I avoided the string explosion thanks to the prior warnings) I thought the string appeared smooth and round at first glance.
However, when I took a closer look in direct sunlight, I noticed that is appears to have an eight sided octagonal profile.
It has a good bit of coil memory. I'll post up how it strings shortly -- using my Alpha Revo 4000.
Standupnfall
Semi-Pro
String: Babolat B-432C
Racquet: ProKennex Ki5, 16x19 Pattern, 100" headsize
Tension: 54 pounds strung on Wise2086, constant pull ON, NO pre-stretch
Surface: Hardcourt, 50-60 Degrees F, Beautiful NY evening
Player: 31 year old 4.0 all court player with big serve and classic strokes with a full mix of shots including moderate topspin. (Master Poacher and Smasher)
Upon Opening:
String was coiled tight and would spring wildly as others posted. I put a twist tie while opening and uncoiled gently as I measured and cut the the string for the 2 piece stringing method I prefer.
String measured 40' almost exactly ( I ALWAYS measure because Black Code has screwed me a few times)
Stringing:
The string strung like a medium stiff poly. Not too slippery but no binding. Knots were easy to tie for a poly, a little easier than MSV Hex but of course not as easy as syn gut. Overall easy to work with.
To the touch:
For reference I found it closest in stiffness feel to Black Code. The string is much softer than Gosen PolyLon, and a little softer than Polystar Energy and MSV Focus Hex. And those were 17g while this is 16G. Method for this was not scientific I just bent all of my spare strings that I keep from each string I use and compared it to the leftover from this job.
Now onto the good stuff, Playtest:
String had fantastic pop and spring to it. It felt quite comfortable and had extreme accuracy. My serve was huge compared to the Maxim Touch I have been using at 60 pounds.
Net play was nice and comfortable and spin potential was fine. The string seems to have a slight octagonal profile but is pretty smooth. The putaway shots were back that had been lost since switching to the less powerful Multi last month.
I found the comfort to be on par with PolyStar Energy at the same tension although the energy feels a bit more rubber bandy while this was slightly more crisp.
So far I have only played against a wall for 15 min and an hour of hitting with a fellow 4.0 all court player like myself.
I have a competitive doubles day planned for Saturday so I will see how I like this for real clutch play action.
Overall if I was to use a full poly this would deff be in my top 5 choices. Others in that 5 are PolyStar Energy, Unique Big Hitter, CyberBlue and Possibly Black Code or MSV Focus.
If it keeps up similar play characteristics for more than 5 hours I will certainly buy some.
Racquet: ProKennex Ki5, 16x19 Pattern, 100" headsize
Tension: 54 pounds strung on Wise2086, constant pull ON, NO pre-stretch
Surface: Hardcourt, 50-60 Degrees F, Beautiful NY evening
Player: 31 year old 4.0 all court player with big serve and classic strokes with a full mix of shots including moderate topspin. (Master Poacher and Smasher)
Upon Opening:
String was coiled tight and would spring wildly as others posted. I put a twist tie while opening and uncoiled gently as I measured and cut the the string for the 2 piece stringing method I prefer.
String measured 40' almost exactly ( I ALWAYS measure because Black Code has screwed me a few times)
Stringing:
The string strung like a medium stiff poly. Not too slippery but no binding. Knots were easy to tie for a poly, a little easier than MSV Hex but of course not as easy as syn gut. Overall easy to work with.
To the touch:
For reference I found it closest in stiffness feel to Black Code. The string is much softer than Gosen PolyLon, and a little softer than Polystar Energy and MSV Focus Hex. And those were 17g while this is 16G. Method for this was not scientific I just bent all of my spare strings that I keep from each string I use and compared it to the leftover from this job.
Now onto the good stuff, Playtest:
String had fantastic pop and spring to it. It felt quite comfortable and had extreme accuracy. My serve was huge compared to the Maxim Touch I have been using at 60 pounds.
Net play was nice and comfortable and spin potential was fine. The string seems to have a slight octagonal profile but is pretty smooth. The putaway shots were back that had been lost since switching to the less powerful Multi last month.
I found the comfort to be on par with PolyStar Energy at the same tension although the energy feels a bit more rubber bandy while this was slightly more crisp.
So far I have only played against a wall for 15 min and an hour of hitting with a fellow 4.0 all court player like myself.
I have a competitive doubles day planned for Saturday so I will see how I like this for real clutch play action.
Overall if I was to use a full poly this would deff be in my top 5 choices. Others in that 5 are PolyStar Energy, Unique Big Hitter, CyberBlue and Possibly Black Code or MSV Focus.
If it keeps up similar play characteristics for more than 5 hours I will certainly buy some.
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![[d]ragon](/data/avatars/m/26/26312.jpg?1574364787){kind=avatar}
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Getting mine strung up in a few minutes.
amorco
Rookie
Babolat string playtest
* playing conditions (temperature, indoor/outdoor, court surface)
* tension it is strung (please do not hybrid)
* String pattern of your racquet
* power (or lack there of)
* feel
* tension maintenance (how long it holds its tension)
* likes/dislikes and why
*Outdoor, North Cali - 70F
*57 lbs
*16 x 19
*Power - 8/10
*Feel - 8/10
*Tension maintenance was normal of all polys. After an hours play, the tension went down to 51lbs as most of the polys after one use. No significant difference in tension improvement.
*Likes and dislikes - the string is resilient and has a good pop. It is a control type of string that is suited for baseliners and all courters. The feel is good, but not great, maybe because of the 16L I usually prefer 17L. The power could be an improvement but a lower tension should be suitable for this string. Overall, it is a good string, comfortable and not stiff like ALU, but not too flexible as some polys.
* playing conditions (temperature, indoor/outdoor, court surface)
* tension it is strung (please do not hybrid)
* String pattern of your racquet
* power (or lack there of)
* feel
* tension maintenance (how long it holds its tension)
* likes/dislikes and why
*Outdoor, North Cali - 70F
*57 lbs
*16 x 19
*Power - 8/10
*Feel - 8/10
*Tension maintenance was normal of all polys. After an hours play, the tension went down to 51lbs as most of the polys after one use. No significant difference in tension improvement.
*Likes and dislikes - the string is resilient and has a good pop. It is a control type of string that is suited for baseliners and all courters. The feel is good, but not great, maybe because of the 16L I usually prefer 17L. The power could be an improvement but a lower tension should be suitable for this string. Overall, it is a good string, comfortable and not stiff like ALU, but not too flexible as some polys.
Cup8489
G.O.A.T.
Playing Conditions: Session 1: Indoors (approx. 65F) Session 2: Outdoors (approx 60F)
Tension: 56 lbs strung on a constant pull machine
Racquet: Babolat Aero Pro Drive w/ Cortex (string pattern 16x19)
Ok, so my first impressions were this: When I opened the package, I found out there was no string tie, so almost lost control of it. i put a tie on until i planned to string, and when I did this i inspected and measured the string. I saw no kinks, deformities or the like on inspection, and the string measured 40'4". It had typical coil memory for a poly, though I thought it felt stiff (this is probably due to me exclusively using SPPP for so long, everything feels stiff compared to it ) I had no troubles with stringing, and definitely enjoyed the look of the stringjob when it was finished.
For my first session, indoors, it took me a good 10 minutes to get used to the string, since i am so ingrained with SPPP nowadays. I noticed a crispness not found with the SPPP, and at first it was putting me off. After i got used to it, I found that it gave ample spin, but not so much that my shots were landing short. It had some great feel, and my finesse shots seemed to be better than with the SPPP. Great power as well, seems like a typical babolat poly. Really fun first session.
Second time out it was a little breezy, and i felt that this string gave me more control than did my usual setup. I found i could hit deep with considerable spin, and the wind (up to 20 mph in gusts) did not adversely affect my game. I really liked this stuff the second time out, and it's definitely starting to grow on me. If they do decide to release this (which Im sure they already have) I may be considering a switch. Cant comment on tension maintenence, but I suspect it will be fairly good. The elasticity was also there, but not as much as with SPPP. normally this would put me off, but I actually liked this stiffness of this string.
Pictures:
Tension: 56 lbs strung on a constant pull machine
Racquet: Babolat Aero Pro Drive w/ Cortex (string pattern 16x19)
Ok, so my first impressions were this: When I opened the package, I found out there was no string tie, so almost lost control of it. i put a tie on until i planned to string, and when I did this i inspected and measured the string. I saw no kinks, deformities or the like on inspection, and the string measured 40'4". It had typical coil memory for a poly, though I thought it felt stiff (this is probably due to me exclusively using SPPP for so long, everything feels stiff compared to it
) I had no troubles with stringing, and definitely enjoyed the look of the stringjob when it was finished.For my first session, indoors, it took me a good 10 minutes to get used to the string, since i am so ingrained with SPPP nowadays. I noticed a crispness not found with the SPPP, and at first it was putting me off. After i got used to it, I found that it gave ample spin, but not so much that my shots were landing short. It had some great feel, and my finesse shots seemed to be better than with the SPPP. Great power as well, seems like a typical babolat poly. Really fun first session.
Second time out it was a little breezy, and i felt that this string gave me more control than did my usual setup. I found i could hit deep with considerable spin, and the wind (up to 20 mph in gusts) did not adversely affect my game. I really liked this stuff the second time out, and it's definitely starting to grow on me. If they do decide to release this (which Im sure they already have) I may be considering a switch. Cant comment on tension maintenence, but I suspect it will be fairly good. The elasticity was also there, but not as much as with SPPP. normally this would put me off, but I actually liked this stiffness of this string.
Pictures:
downs_chris
Professional
that sums it up for me as well...the more i play with it, the more i like it...
Cup8489
G.O.A.T.
yeah. i'm hoping it won't be TOO expensive.. the biggest appeal for me with SPPP is the price vs performance ratio. but I just ordered myself a new BLX Tour 90 from my tennis club, and I'm hoping to maybe try this 'RPM Blast' in it whenever this string comes out.
downs_chris
Professional
haha...i also just order a BLX90 -- i have an extra set of RPM Blast, i'm kind of wondering if i should put it in there...
Cup8489
G.O.A.T.
austinjbrunner
Rookie
I am highly disappointed that my string just broke as I was stringing....for some reason the string would just not take or release well in the linear gripper and it snapped on about the 5th main. I don't force the drop-weight, I slowly lower and allow the weight to do the work, but it didn't work well for whatever reason. Possibly luckily it broke while stringing the mains, therefore, I will use it in as a hybrid with the Hurricane that is supposed to come tomorrow.
Yes, I realize that TW did not want a hybrid review from the testers, but under these circumstances, that is what I will do. I apologize that this happened though, I have never had it happen. It seems like TW got a lot of testers though, so I feel a consensus of how good the string is will be reached.
Edit: I just realized I have never tried a hybrid, and I am wondering if a hybrid with two poly's would be worthwhile? The string I am expecting is the Pro Hurricane (not tour) in 17 gauge. I have little choice when it comes to placement (the RPM would go in the crosses due to length remaining) so would the different gauges affect the playability of the hybrids?
Yes, I realize that TW did not want a hybrid review from the testers, but under these circumstances, that is what I will do. I apologize that this happened though, I have never had it happen. It seems like TW got a lot of testers though, so I feel a consensus of how good the string is will be reached.
Edit: I just realized I have never tried a hybrid, and I am wondering if a hybrid with two poly's would be worthwhile? The string I am expecting is the Pro Hurricane (not tour) in 17 gauge. I have little choice when it comes to placement (the RPM would go in the crosses due to length remaining) so would the different gauges affect the playability of the hybrids?
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Fedace
Banned
Guy,, you said it has good pop and then you say lack of power.....which is it ????? feel is good but not great,,,,ok just like a poly,, i guess. do you know of any other poly that has better feel ???
downs_chris
Professional
i don't think this should be a huge deal...i mean, 80% of your feel is from your mains anyway...
These strings are beginning to grow on me. Played a fun match today on hard courts in 70 degree breezy weather. Spin is not a big part of my game - the only time I use significant spin is on a backhand slice approach and on my second serve. With these strings I feel I can swing hard on both of these shots. I now have logged 3hours of play time on these strings. Still too early to comment on durability
Fedace
Banned
who cares about durability. usually Poly goes dead after about 6-8 hours of play. and how was the power and spin when Serving ???
vincent_tennis
Professional
LOL I THOUGHT IT WAS 2 RACQUETS AT FIRST GlAnce LOL
austinjbrunner
Rookie
Yea, I don't think I will try a hybrid with two polys. Almost seems pointless. I am sorry TW that the string broke. Will not blame the string, I must blame myself, although I do not know what I did wrong....yet.
True. Perhaps I should have said tension stability. Power was borderline, spin was awesome. Slice approaches skidded and stayed really low and second serves were kicking up much higher than normal
downs_chris
Professional
maybe it somehow got a kink in it? with all the coil-memory? that does kind of suck though...
JRProstaf9
Rookie
Recieved my set in the mail this week. Will string up a racke tonight or this weekend and post feedback within the next week.
amorco
Rookie
Second day of hitting with the Babolat string test, I noticed a retained string tension compared to my other poly strings. The 16L string has kept the racket head heavy almost like the feel of a Luxilon original. I still was unable to generate more power, but control and feel was very prominent.
downs_chris
Professional
Second day of hitting with the Babolat string test, I noticed a retained string tension compared to my other poly strings. The 16L string has kept the racket head heavy almost like the feel of a Luxilon original. I still was unable to generate more power, but control and feel was very prominent.
i also noticed that the string weighs a few (2 or 3) more grams than my normal cyber flash 1.20mm....
amorco
Rookie
Luxilon ALU, Original, Kirshbaum Helix, Super Smash, to name a few that has better feel, control, and power. When I meant pop, it means resilient and pop can't equal to power. Pop may produce control and feel and may lack power as this Babolat test show.
amorco
Rookie
Yes it does, I think it is because of the thickness, being 16L a 17L would be much lighter. You mentioned Cyber flash 1.20, this is a 1.25 and that could equal the differences in grams.
downs_chris
Professional
Yes it does, I think it is because of the thickness, being 16L a 17L would be much lighter. You mentioned Cyber flash 1.20, this is a 1.25 and that could equal the differences in grams.
yep
i just never use 16 gauge -- so yeah, i wasn't really thinking of it at first...wait, did you get the 1.25mm version? mine (and all the other packs i've seen) have been 1.30mm...
amorco
Rookie
yep
You know, come to think of it...it is a 1.30mm not a 1.25mm, sorry. Either way, it would be much heavier than the 1.20mm Cyber Flash.
I am a 4.0 player that mostly hit with top spin on the forehand side and a mix of top spin and slice on the backhand side. I like to come to the net often. My stroked are very loopy and long. In the past I've used Babolat natural gut, Bow brand Gut, BDE gut, Babolat addiction, Luxilon Big bager, Alu, Technofiber NRG, Prince Premier LT, Unique Big hitter Blue, Ashway kevlar, Wilson NXT, Wilson sensation, Wilson hollow core...ect
When Stringing I noticed it was like I was trying to man handle a slinky. The string had so much bounce, it was not the easiest to start. Once you get the first few in, it was considerably easier. I appreciated the string was not very harsh on the hands. It was stiff and passed though grommets with ease.
playing conditions (temperature, indoor/outdoor, court surface)
It was 50 and slightly windy, hard court. Played 1 set and rallied for 1/2 hour.
tension it is strung (please do not hybrid)
Prince Original Graphite 93sqin, strung at 56/56 String pattern 14 x16
Overall impression
At first I didn't get the feeling the string was very powerful. It was adequate compared to other pollys, maybe a lower tension might make it a tab more powerful. I swing hard, but the ball did not take off like a rocket. I also did not get a very good ball pocketing feel from this string.
The spin potential is not as much as Luxilon and Unique, but it was not bad either. I would give it 7/10 for spin. Again more spin could be obtained by stringing it at 55 or 54. On the serve it was another story. The spin could be easily obtained. The wide serves were also easier.
There was definitely good control with this string. I could hit with very good precision. when I came to the net it did not have very good feel for touch shots. But the punch vollies and slice aproach shots were very good.
I felt the backhand slice was the best shot with this string. The ball stayed low and skidded like crazy. Overall on ground strokes I rate it 7/10, it is a good string, but no one part of the string caused me to say "this is amazing".
The string seems to hold tension well. When using I only saw the crosses move and not the mains. Usually for me this is the other way around.
I can't say I dislike this string, I like it. But at the same time it won't cause me to abandon any of my current setups either. (Alu/Vs, BHB). I would like to give it another try and string it a little lower and also hit with it a little longer than 1 hour and see how it fairs. Will have another chance to try it out next weekend and I will add more observations then.
When Stringing I noticed it was like I was trying to man handle a slinky. The string had so much bounce, it was not the easiest to start. Once you get the first few in, it was considerably easier. I appreciated the string was not very harsh on the hands. It was stiff and passed though grommets with ease.
playing conditions (temperature, indoor/outdoor, court surface)
It was 50 and slightly windy, hard court. Played 1 set and rallied for 1/2 hour.
tension it is strung (please do not hybrid)
Prince Original Graphite 93sqin, strung at 56/56 String pattern 14 x16
Overall impression
At first I didn't get the feeling the string was very powerful. It was adequate compared to other pollys, maybe a lower tension might make it a tab more powerful. I swing hard, but the ball did not take off like a rocket. I also did not get a very good ball pocketing feel from this string.
The spin potential is not as much as Luxilon and Unique, but it was not bad either. I would give it 7/10 for spin. Again more spin could be obtained by stringing it at 55 or 54. On the serve it was another story. The spin could be easily obtained. The wide serves were also easier.
There was definitely good control with this string. I could hit with very good precision. when I came to the net it did not have very good feel for touch shots. But the punch vollies and slice aproach shots were very good.
I felt the backhand slice was the best shot with this string. The ball stayed low and skidded like crazy. Overall on ground strokes I rate it 7/10, it is a good string, but no one part of the string caused me to say "this is amazing".
The string seems to hold tension well. When using I only saw the crosses move and not the mains. Usually for me this is the other way around.
I can't say I dislike this string, I like it. But at the same time it won't cause me to abandon any of my current setups either. (Alu/Vs, BHB). I would like to give it another try and string it a little lower and also hit with it a little longer than 1 hour and see how it fairs. Will have another chance to try it out next weekend and I will add more observations then.
Playing Conditions: Indoor courts, around 60 degrees F?
Tension: 55 lbs (full bed)
Racquet: Wilson KPro Tour, 16x20 in a 96in head
A very nice string. The control was amazing 10/10
The spin was mediocre for a poly, lower than my normal SPPP. Since I am normally a relatively flat hitter at the baseline, I didn't mind it. However, more second serves went long. Also, on short balls, I was slightly more inconsistent due to the shortage of spin to dip the shot into the court. However, this lack of spin may just be because I normally use 17L.
Volleys were good, I could punch them deep and also go for sharp angles. Serve placement was amazing, but again, the lack of spin is a
The feel was average, and got a little wrist pains afterwards.
I like the crispness and "pop" of the string. It seems to retain tension relatively well, no string movement for me.
It's a great string, though I will probably not switch when it comes out. (at least not a 16 gauge version)
Tension: 55 lbs (full bed)
Racquet: Wilson KPro Tour, 16x20 in a 96in head
A very nice string. The control was amazing 10/10
The spin was mediocre for a poly, lower than my normal SPPP. Since I am normally a relatively flat hitter at the baseline, I didn't mind it. However, more second serves went long. Also, on short balls, I was slightly more inconsistent due to the shortage of spin to dip the shot into the court. However, this lack of spin may just be because I normally use 17L.
Volleys were good, I could punch them deep and also go for sharp angles. Serve placement was amazing, but again, the lack of spin is a
The feel was average, and got a little wrist pains afterwards.
I like the crispness and "pop" of the string. It seems to retain tension relatively well, no string movement for me.
It's a great string, though I will probably not switch when it comes out. (at least not a 16 gauge version)
Toad
Rookie
Just curious...are we sure this string is RPM Blast? I took a close look at the profile in a high resolution scan and it appears to have a circular cross-section. I'll take a look under a microscope to verify, but I don't think I will find anything different. I thought RPM Blast was supposed to have a more octagonal profile. Either way, I don't really care what it is, I just care how it plays. I will string this up probably the middle of next week and find out.
Fedace
Banned
Toad
Rookie
maybe it is the new Hurricane we all heard about...
That seems much more likely to me, and is what I was thinking it was.
finally...it could be anything...some have been sent RPM, some PHT samples.
It doesn't matter what you have got...keep testing.
Thanks for the feedback!
Fedace
Banned
Send me 1/2 of the set and i will test it for you as hybrid.. and if it is new hurricane,,why isn't Roddick using it ?
because it is not the same hurricane, there are lots of them!
Roddick maybe likes his PHT and he knows best!
All I can say is how does this stuff compare to ALU? IMO there is nothing that has the power, elasticity, and ball pocketing of ALU, but after seeing players like Tsonga switch to this from that I wonder. If someone could do a side by side with it that would be great. Or idk if its too late but shout out to TW. I would be a great candidate for stringing this stuff. I have been a religous ALU POWER user and I string my own racquets on my Star 5 at home. Nationally ranked junior... etc...
Star you would be a better candidate...babolat did the same in France, Australia earlier in the year...RPM is supposed to be a high performance string and should be run comparatively to ALU and also the PHT(whatever is out there!!). TW would only have limited sample stock like any retailer, other Babolat coaches may have more in the states as there is a huge market there.
It would be interesting to read some of the reports on the clay as then you should be able to get some ridiculous spin and bounce.
You certainly need extreme spin and fast swing speeds to make this stuff work...I am too old to swing it that fast anymore, certainly not for 2 hours! but just interested for some of the kids I coach as an alternative to PHT albeit an expensive one!
I am a sponsored coach but everything takes longer in the UK!
Maybe somebody has managed to get their hands on a sample?
I will get it eventually and put it in a few racquets for them to try in comparison. It makes sense to test this stuff...
PED
Legend
I had my first go today with the Bab test string. It was 81 degrees and bright sun. I strung it at 54/52 in a Head Radical Pro. I am a 16g full poly user so this was a natural fit for me.
I'm a baseliner who takes a full cut at the ball, full western FH and 2 hander bh. I use a Head Radical Pro which has a really open 16X19 pattern.
As far as a comparison with ALU, they play totally different. They both grip the ball with excellent spin, but while the end result is the same, the method they use to get there is different.
ALU is stiffer overall while the Bab test string is much more elastic and softer. I did mine at 54/52 and I should have gone to at least 56/54 or 57/55. The problem is that we had a temp spike in the last 2 days and it was 81 on the court today. Good problem to have
I don't come in to net much but was effective with the test string today when I did, the feel was excellent. The Bab string was great on serve and I was getting some nice action and was able to catch the corners pretty well. It took me awhile to get it dialed in as my usual string is Genesis SpinX. They are actually similar but the Bab is more elastic and a bit more arm friendly. If anything, the Bab strings feels thinner than a 1.30mm as it's so comfortable.
I used it in groundstroke drills and an 8 game pro set. I won the set so I guess I'm switching...lol.
It took me some time to figure out just how much I could hit out with it and once I dialed in my IO forehand everything got better. Control was excellent, I just wish I'd had the higher tension for control in the heat as the ball was really flying. Nice string though and the key to me is how well it maintains tension and how long before it breaks.
I'll be hitting again tomorrow and will report back. I like it so far and as a long time ALU user, I think Bab has the edge on it in the high end string department. I also think the Bab string is big step over Lux Adrenaline as well. Adrenaline is nice but it still plays like a first gen poly whereas the Bab def benefits from the recent developments in string technology: tastes great and less filling so to speak.
I don't know if mine is pht black or rpm blast but I was big user of pht back in 2007 and this feels NOTHING like pht. Thanks TW (via KC)
I'm a baseliner who takes a full cut at the ball, full western FH and 2 hander bh. I use a Head Radical Pro which has a really open 16X19 pattern.
As far as a comparison with ALU, they play totally different. They both grip the ball with excellent spin, but while the end result is the same, the method they use to get there is different.
ALU is stiffer overall while the Bab test string is much more elastic and softer. I did mine at 54/52 and I should have gone to at least 56/54 or 57/55. The problem is that we had a temp spike in the last 2 days and it was 81 on the court today. Good problem to have
I don't come in to net much but was effective with the test string today when I did, the feel was excellent. The Bab string was great on serve and I was getting some nice action and was able to catch the corners pretty well. It took me awhile to get it dialed in as my usual string is Genesis SpinX. They are actually similar but the Bab is more elastic and a bit more arm friendly. If anything, the Bab strings feels thinner than a 1.30mm as it's so comfortable.
I used it in groundstroke drills and an 8 game pro set. I won the set so I guess I'm switching...lol.
It took me some time to figure out just how much I could hit out with it and once I dialed in my IO forehand everything got better. Control was excellent, I just wish I'd had the higher tension for control in the heat as the ball was really flying. Nice string though and the key to me is how well it maintains tension and how long before it breaks.
I'll be hitting again tomorrow and will report back. I like it so far and as a long time ALU user, I think Bab has the edge on it in the high end string department. I also think the Bab string is big step over Lux Adrenaline as well. Adrenaline is nice but it still plays like a first gen poly whereas the Bab def benefits from the recent developments in string technology: tastes great and less filling so to speak.
I don't know if mine is pht black or rpm blast but I was big user of pht back in 2007 and this feels NOTHING like pht. Thanks TW (via KC)
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downs_chris
Professional
playtest
I'm unfamiliar with the tennis warehouses playtest program. Will someone let me know, if they will eventually let us know for sure what kind of string this is. Also, will it be in this thread or a different location? I kind of anxious now after hearing the positive reviews.
I'm unfamiliar with the tennis warehouses playtest program. Will someone let me know, if they will eventually let us know for sure what kind of string this is. Also, will it be in this thread or a different location? I kind of anxious now after hearing the positive reviews.
T
TennisandMusic
Guest
Excellent feedback PED. I think we pretty much agree on this one.
PED
Legend
I would think they will inform us in this thread.
FWIW, The test string is much more elastic than the old skook PHT and def worth a go.
Spatula
Semi-Pro
Babolat String Playtest
I'm a 32 year old, 4.5 level player. My racquet history runs from the Prostaff Classic 6.1, KFactor 6.1, Prestige Pro, to the BLX 95 now (all open pattern). My game is based around my serve and forehand as my weapons. My two handed backhand is a consistent, rally shot along with slice. I close the net when the point allows for a solid, deep approach.
My typical string setup is a a hybrid of Lux BBALU Power/Biphase or Syngut or on a more economical Cyberflash/Gosen. Tension range is from 52-54lbs on the mains and 54-56 on the crosses.
I play tested this Babolat string over 6.5 hours this weekend. Condition were outdoor hard court, low to mid 70's and sun. GREAT weather! I strung up this string at 52lbs as it was clear it was a poly. String experience was easy and nothing out of the ordinary.
The feel on the string was great out of the gates. For the first two hours of rallying/baseline drills I felt a great connection of the ball coming off the string bed. I had a solid yet comfortable feel but an excellent amount of spin. I was able to put the ball inside a 3x3 box in the corners consistently without problem. Backhand slice was the most noticeable stroke where the spin and bite of the ball was most evident. Heavy, deep and penetrating slices. 8.5/10
Serves were above average. Placement was rock solid as was spin. Power however took more work. A flat serve up the "T" took a bit more leverage and work to get the same heft to the ball. An above average string when serving, 8/10
Volleying was average, again the "pop" wasn't quite where I like it personally. Had no problem with depth, or control but from a personal standpoint not quite there , 6.5-7/10
Tension maintenance was great right up to the 4 hour mark. After 4 hours of heavy baseline training I felt the tension drop significantly. Typically I get right around 4-5 hours out of a stringbed so this was average. By 6 hours it was smoked and screaming to be cut out. Overall 7/10
Overall I enjoyed the string a lot. I wouldn't use it in a full setup as I like a bit more pop off the bed but if you restring every 4-6 hours of court time (heavy hitting/match play) it's a solid performer. I will buy a few packs for myself and incorporate a hybrid setup as well pending the price point against BBALU. Overall a 8/10 string!!!
Thanks for the opportunity TW!
I'm a 32 year old, 4.5 level player. My racquet history runs from the Prostaff Classic 6.1, KFactor 6.1, Prestige Pro, to the BLX 95 now (all open pattern). My game is based around my serve and forehand as my weapons. My two handed backhand is a consistent, rally shot along with slice. I close the net when the point allows for a solid, deep approach.
My typical string setup is a a hybrid of Lux BBALU Power/Biphase or Syngut or on a more economical Cyberflash/Gosen. Tension range is from 52-54lbs on the mains and 54-56 on the crosses.
I play tested this Babolat string over 6.5 hours this weekend. Condition were outdoor hard court, low to mid 70's and sun. GREAT weather! I strung up this string at 52lbs as it was clear it was a poly. String experience was easy and nothing out of the ordinary.
The feel on the string was great out of the gates. For the first two hours of rallying/baseline drills I felt a great connection of the ball coming off the string bed. I had a solid yet comfortable feel but an excellent amount of spin. I was able to put the ball inside a 3x3 box in the corners consistently without problem. Backhand slice was the most noticeable stroke where the spin and bite of the ball was most evident. Heavy, deep and penetrating slices. 8.5/10
Serves were above average. Placement was rock solid as was spin. Power however took more work. A flat serve up the "T" took a bit more leverage and work to get the same heft to the ball. An above average string when serving, 8/10
Volleying was average, again the "pop" wasn't quite where I like it personally. Had no problem with depth, or control but from a personal standpoint not quite there , 6.5-7/10
Tension maintenance was great right up to the 4 hour mark. After 4 hours of heavy baseline training I felt the tension drop significantly. Typically I get right around 4-5 hours out of a stringbed so this was average. By 6 hours it was smoked and screaming to be cut out. Overall 7/10
Overall I enjoyed the string a lot. I wouldn't use it in a full setup as I like a bit more pop off the bed but if you restring every 4-6 hours of court time (heavy hitting/match play) it's a solid performer. I will buy a few packs for myself and incorporate a hybrid setup as well pending the price point against BBALU. Overall a 8/10 string!!!
Thanks for the opportunity TW!
