Babolat - which racket upgrade?

[Gato]

Hey guys, I need your advice.. I’m recreational player, playing tennis as a hobby in local tennis league 1-3 times per week (2-2,5 hrs per match). I am playing now since 2013 with Babolat AeroPro Drive, RPM Blast 1,25 or 1,30 string 25kg (or 55lbs), 330g with string. Before that racket I only played with low quality racket so this Babolat was major upgrade and feel for the shots and power, stability... Now I’m thinking to give this racket to my dad, because he has older Yonex racket and get something new for me. I usually play hard from baseline, with spin, but also sometimes slice, dropshots, but volleys are very small percentage of all shots. I also like to use VS Grip because it’s very thin. Recently I used new Luxilon Elite Dry overgrip because I red amazing reviews but it was so thick for my palm that I played so much worse... It was a disaster to be true.

I am 28 years old, 186cm, 80kg (6’1, 177lbs). Maybe as a player a rating 3,5-4. Nobody told me just guessing. Playing regularly for 8 years now.

Which racket should I consider? Which racket would be upgrade for me? I was watching some reviews on youtube too and reading but wanted to ask for advice here as well... maybe somebody has different situation I’m thinking to try Pure Aero (2016 vs 2017 difference?) and also maybe new Pure Drive 2017? I don’t really want to go to different brand, I like the brand and I am satisfied with it. I like also Yonex (as a second brand)... I know Wilson and Head are good brand too But it’s a preference.. Same like with cars and smartphones for example.

Last thing, should I consider “Tour” version of the racket? Maybe 30g heavier, would be more stable for me?

I can’t test play a lot of rackets because I’m from the city in Europe where these possibilities are not so many and really 99% of recreational players don’t really care about racket or tension

Thanks a lot!

 

[fuzz nation]

Remember that even if you don't get the Tour version of a racquet, you can add lead tape, etc. to make it more stable for your needs. I've done this with my own racquets on a few occasions with great success. I think of it as "tailoring at home", so instead of a racquet being like a car or a smartphone, I like to think of my racquet like an article of clothing that needs to give me a decent fit. We could also think of the racquet as a tool, so there's that...

I don't use Babolats - I'm hopelessly devoted to Volkl for now - but your thinking is probably smart. If you stay with Babolats, you'll have a familiar grip shape in your hand. That's usually a plus. The specific choice of grip or the size you like is really up to you - the better fit. As for which model, I hope our pals can offer some insight.

 

[prjacobs]

Keep using the 2013 APD. It's a great frame. The Pure Aero killed my wrist and has much less control. I know a few people who switched from the APD to the Pure Aero and like me, had really bad wrist pain. They went back to the APD and the pain went away. Honestly, you'll get a million different opinions here. Maybe if you tell people on the forum what you like and don't like about the APD, and what you're looking for, you'll get more specific recommendations. Personally, nothing's better than the 2013 APD for me. Good luck.


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[Gato]

I like everything about that racket... But maybe there is better, improved one ) Yeah I red about wrist pain.. is the frame so much stiffer?