Babolat stringing machines history

ericsson

ericsson

Hall of Fame
Here the different machines Babolat made over a long period.
This thread is dedicated to Drakulie

Babolat history:


Babolat Multilec 01 (1977)
Babolat Multilec 02 (1979)
Babolat Exclusive (1980-81)
Babolat Starring (1982-83)
Babolat Star (1984)
Babolat Multilec 03 (1985)
Babolat 1001 and 1002
Babolat 2001 and 2002
Babolat 2501 and 2502
Babolat Star 2 (USA)
Babolat Star 3 (USA)
Babolat Star 4 (USA)
Babolat 3001 , 3002 (1990)
Babolat 3502
Babolat 4001 , 4002, 4502 (1997)
Babolat 5502 (1997)
Babolat Sensor mono and dual
Babolat Sensor Expert mono and dual
Babolat Star 5


Multilec:
2vc6bsp.jpg


5mlnnr.jpg



Exclusive:

330s5si.jpg


2n1cch4.jpg
 
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drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Oh, wow!!! :shock: You weren't kidding when you said you had lots of photos. Thanks for starting the thread.

I had never seen a Bab Starring e, with the one clamp.


Are any of these your machine????
 
ericsson

ericsson

Hall of Fame
drakulie said:
Oh, wow!!! :shock: You weren't kidding when you said you had lots of photos. Thanks for starting the thread.

I had never seen a Bab Starring e, with the one clamp.


Are any of these your machine????
Click to expand...


You're welcome, no none of them are mine but i did strung on some, i have friends who own some of these wonderful machines, some are very old and still going strong, talk about high quality!
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
steve, here you go. Although this is not from a star 2, it is the same set up.

1stringer007.jpg
 
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drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
ericsson said:
You're welcome, no none of them are mine but i did strung on some, i have friends who own some of these wonderful machines, some are very old and still going strong, talk about high quality!
Click to expand...


which one is your favorite??? Also, have you even strung on a 5502??
 
ericsson

ericsson

Hall of Fame
drakulie said:
which one is your favorite??? Also, have you even strung on a 5502??
Click to expand...

Drak, that's a tough question but i really like the 2502, very nice and simple machine, a couple years ago i had the chance to buy one in great condition but waited too long...

No unfortunately never strung on the 5502, that's a very nice machine with a big digital screen, i saw one live, another great machine with digital screen is the 4002.

4002:

k2dd14.jpg


jj2qn8.jpg


5502: (courtesy Jan Frijters)

2vjog1f.jpg


rapzpk.jpg
 
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drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
ericson, those machine look sick! I've seen Jan's 5502 on the photo library project, and I know Richard Parnell has one as well. Lucky *******s. I wonder how many of those were made, and/or still around. Would love to get my hands on one of those.

Any chance you have the manual for either of those machines? the 5502 or 4002??

The 4002 is also impressive. I think the one pictured recently sold on auction. about $1500 if my math is correct, but I may be wrong as this seems very cheap.

what do you know about those machines? what do they do exactly, as far as the computer screen??
 
R

Richard Parnell

Semi-Pro
I have a 5502 which is still going strong and a 3502 at home. My first Babolat machine was a Starring "E" (which is not on the list). Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that the 3501 and 5501 were never sold as the clamps are electromagnetic and are on fan plates as opposed to the 3001 & 3002 which are on a slot. The fan plates mean that the clamp would not be able to do both sides.
Take care.
Richard
 
ericsson

ericsson

Hall of Fame
Richard Parnell said:
I have a 5502 which is still going strong and a 3502 at home. My first Babolat machine was a Starring "E" (which is not on the list). Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that the 3501 and 5501 were never sold as the clamps are electromagnetic and are on fan plates as opposed to the 3001 & 3002 which are on a slot. The fan plates mean that the clamp would not be able to do both sides.
Take care.
Richard
Click to expand...

Gracias Richard, the list is based of what i know, if you have more info please contribute. I've put Starring "E" under Starring that's why it's not on the list.

ps: you are absolutely wright about the clamps of the 3501 and 5501.
 
ericsson

ericsson

Hall of Fame
drakulie said:
ericson, those machine look sick! I've seen Jan's 5502 on the photo library project, and I know Richard Parnell has one as well. Lucky *******s. I wonder how many of those were made, and/or still around. Would love to get my hands on one of those.

Any chance you have the manual for either of those machines? the 5502 or 4002??

The 4002 is also impressive. I think the one pictured recently sold on auction. about $1500 if my math is correct, but I may be wrong as this seems very cheap.

what do you know about those machines? what do they do exactly, as far as the computer screen??
Click to expand...


I don't have the manuals for these machines but i'm sure Richard or Janneman (who owns one) can help you out...



Drak, but i do have this, take a look here:

As you can see here below, the screen contains lots of information, client files, statistics, RDC input, string info, computer connections etc...

zof0h3.jpg


qxvwx0.jpg


kexljl.jpg



s4quq9.jpg
 
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drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
ericson, that is so awesome. :) I'm blown away. Do you have that on a PDF file? could you email it to me. Would love to read it. Thanks.




Senor, Parnell, muchisimas gracias!

Could you tell us how how pracitical the computer on the 5502 is? How much memory does it store? and what year did you purchase this beauty??? I feel like taking a vacation to Spain just to visit your shop and see this machine in person.

Lastly, when are you going to sell me this machine? :)

Thanks!
 
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R

Richard Parnell

Semi-Pro
Hi Drakulie,
I bought it in about '97 (I used it at the Marbella and Paris Bercy ATP events) because I really liked its speed, easy clamping and I was looking for a replacement for the Starring.
It is now going to be more of a liability as there is only one person at Babtec who still knows how to repair them and the spare parts will soon be tailed off. A shame as it is still the best machine I have ever used. There is a slot at the front with a chip reader so all client data is then read off the card as they bring the card and the frame in. It has an interface for connection with the RDC, so I just press a button and all the readings from the RDC go into the clients file. Theoretically the machine can be connected to Babtec by the web and the pc part repaired from there. The PC part is looking dated though but the traction head is so fast every other machine feels slow. A lot of the features were later used on the sensor.
Whenever you fancy a trip to Spain come down and say hello and the first beers on me !
Take care,
Richard
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^GRACIAS, GRACIAS, GRACIAS. :)

Too bad Babolat is not making this machine anymore. :( That said, if you ever do get rid of it, don't forget your drinking pal Drakulie is interested. :evil:

Sounds absolutely unbelievable to string on. I will one day take you up on your offer. I need to visit Spain soon, as my family is from there, and I have never visited. However, although the first beer is on you, the next 10-20 will be on me, as I will probably talk your ears off asking you question, after question.

Thanks again!!!
 
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R

raging

Professional
awesome thread

ericsson said:
3502:

4ertj.jpg
Click to expand...

Amazing photos, some Babolat machines here that I heard about, saw maybe at tournaments and then forgot about.
The comment about fuengirola got me, I was coaching, playing out there in the 80s. Awesome.
 
R

Richard Parnell

Semi-Pro
Raging, where did you play while you were around here ?

The picture above under the heading 3502 is in fact the 4002. Difference is that the 3502 has electromagnetic clamps that lock when you close them and it has the same touch pad as a 3001/2 (and it isn't painted blue !!)
Take care,
 
ericsson

ericsson

Hall of Fame
Richard Parnell said:
Raging, where did you play while you were around here ?

The picture above under the heading 3502 is in fact the 4002. Difference is that the 3502 has electromagnetic clamps that lock when you close them and it has the same touch pad as a 3001/2 (and it isn't painted blue !!)
Take care,
Click to expand...

Richard you're right, my bad! fixed it already.

ps: do you recall Babolat made a drop weight machine? i forgot the name...
 
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R

raging

Professional
Richard Parnell said:
Raging, where did you play while you were around here ?

The picture above under the heading 3502 is in fact the 4002. Difference is that the 3502 has electromagnetic clamps that lock when you close them and it has the same touch pad as a 3001/2 (and it isn't painted blue !!)
Take care,
Click to expand...

Richard, I was up at Hoadies for a couple of weeks and then moved down to Marbella. I was very lucky as a former SA davis cupper(you will know who) gave me his apartment for a few weeks and got me the job down at International Tennis Club.(Puerto Banus)
That was 83! actually played more paddle, there was more money....

Thanks for this thread you guys.
still trying to remember a bab dropweight...?
I am still trying
 
R

Richard Parnell

Semi-Pro
Hey I grew up in the house with the arches that overlooks court 5 at Lew Hoads (I used to play the tuesday tournament every week) and have been a friend of Javier Garrido from the Intl.club for many years.
Still more money in Padel. You would not believe how big it is here !!
Small world
 
K

kkm

Hall of Fame
Richard Parnell said:
Hi Drakulie,
I bought it in about '97 (I used it at the Marbella and Paris Bercy ATP events) because I really liked its speed, easy clamping and I was looking for a replacement for the Starring.
It is now going to be more of a liability as there is only one person at Babtec who still knows how to repair them and the spare parts will soon be tailed off. A shame as it is still the best machine I have ever used. There is a slot at the front with a chip reader so all client data is then read off the card as they bring the card and the frame in. It has an interface for connection with the RDC, so I just press a button and all the readings from the RDC go into the clients file. Theoretically the machine can be connected to Babtec by the web and the pc part repaired from there. The PC part is looking dated though but the traction head is so fast every other machine feels slow. A lot of the features were later used on the sensor.
Whenever you fancy a trip to Spain come down and say hello and the first beers on me !
Take care,
Richard
Click to expand...

Mr. Parnell, if you came to have to replace your 5502 tomorrow, which machine(s) would you consider, and which would you choose to buy?
 
R

raging

Professional
Richard Parnell said:
I have seen the drop weight but can't remember the name.
Click to expand...

maybe someone should phone eric babolat but he is too young to know!:)
I am sure ericsson can make a call...

I remember the tourney...Hoadie had a busted ankle...propped up on the bar..
his son peter wouldn't let me play! so... I drank beer.
I went back a couple of years ago...Hoadie gone, his son, daughter , wife -think some english guys were running it.
International was run by Paul de Wind(sp.) then and he had 6 english pros, 2 belgians and 1 aussie!(working the summer). I couldn't even find it behind the blocks of flats...
you can't go back.
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
ericsson, thanks for the new updates. I LOVE THIS THREAD!!!! YOU THE MAN!



Interesting conversation going on. Small world isn't it?



anyway, I'm a bit confused. Which machine is the 3502?? Any Pictures???

I'm also interested to hear which machine, Richard would choose if he had to pick one today.
 
R

Richard Parnell

Semi-Pro
Peter is now in Oz and his two sisters still live here & Jenny is still here and still plays on the senior circuit. Lew's Club has been bought by a Spanish couple and now has lost court 5 which has been changed into 4 paddle courts. If you do a search you can find their web & see for your self.
As for my next machine........ I have few ideas but nothing definite.
Drak the 3502 has the same turntable as the 5502 but with the controls of the 3000 series machine.
Take care
 
R

Richard Parnell

Semi-Pro
That is the starring "E" (the "E" part comes from the electric tension screen) That machine had the best moving clamp I have ever used. You could make it swivel with no effort and it locked automatically as you take the string out of the two metal separators just behind the string gripping plate in the tension head.
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^ Richard, that is an amazing function. It's great that you are sharing so much information with us.




ericson, here is another video. A gentleman in Italy stringing on a 5502. Although the video is made to be funny, and one can't really see the 5502 in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFsnct1p7_w


Perhaps Mr. Parnell one day will be kind enough to share some of his photos/vids of his 5502 or even 3502. :)
 
R

raging

Professional
ericsson said:
Drak, great videos, i just love that starring E :)
Click to expand...

yes brilliant videos, I think it was the 2502 that I got instruction on in Besancon,
still got no idea! Fortunately for everyone I am not stringing, watching these videos makes me want to buy a machine.
thanks
don't want to hijack but does ericsson know any more on bab RPM Blast string?
apologies..need expertise in other thread!
 
ericsson

ericsson

Hall of Fame
drakulie said:
ericson, that is so awesome. I'm blown away. Do you have that on a PDF file? could you email it to me. Would love to read it. Thanks.


Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hi Drak, take a look here, you should be able to read it now:


(Bedankt Jan!)
2ezi880.jpg


1twkxu.jpg


iodu1d.jpg


4soadv.jpg
 
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drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^^ericsson, that is awesome. Thanks for re-loading it and making it bigger. I'm getting more and more envious of those with this machine.

I'm curious if the 4002 has these features.
 
R

raging

Professional
drakulie said:
^^^ericsson, that is awesome. Thanks for re-loading it and making it bigger. I'm getting more and more envious of those with this machine.

I'm curious if the 4002 has these features.
Click to expand...

ok you guys stop it...I am hooked...business is slow...I must have one of these
machines...!
maybe Babolat will cut me a deal on a Star 5! Or I will have to do a little internet surfing....maybe a used star 4!
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
^^^^Hahaha.

I already have a star 4, which I absolutely love. However, I am now hooked on this 5502. It just looks so sweet.

<<<<have to string at least one frame on one of them>>>>

drakulie said:
A couple people asked for me to post photos of me stringing some frames. Here you go, stringing a head microgel radical mp, and drinking a Heineken:

CIMG0954.jpg


CIMG0955.jpg


CIMG0960.jpg
Click to expand...
 
origmarm

origmarm

Hall of Fame
Thanks for posting the pics and info Ericsson, a great thread!

Drak for your info I'm pretty sure this is the one that I used to string on from what I can see of the picture:

ericsson said:
1001:

20fxjld.jpg
Click to expand...

So not a Star 3 at all but a 1001 it would appear. Apologies for the mistake, it's been a while

Cheers, Orig
 
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