Bonjour from Babolat: Part Deux

[Serjojeee]

I have a couple of friends with TE who use the softest setup possible - 57-63 ra frames, strung loose. And I never had that problems with my PD/APD strung at 60 with stiff 16/15g poly, and now PS18x20 is ok... Truly believe that it's a wrong technique + the joint overuse thing.

 

[Tuskarr]

any plans/talk of babolat selling their stringing tools in the usa?

 

[Crozzer95]

Poor guy. You might be the only person in millions who have used a prestige to get TE

I am kidding of course. Its just a traditionally soft frame

Haha, I'm just looking for a softer layup, the 18x20 hurts. So I'll probably try a 16x19

 

[Babolat Official]

any plans/talk of babolat selling their stringing tools in the usa?

I'll check in on this for you.

 

[YellowFedBetter]

@BabolatOfficial Do you guys plan on having the new Pure Drives out by fall as with the PA? And please keep the denser string pattern, it really helped the control in the most recent version. Would maybe also like to see the the Tour version be a bit more headlight. Just personal preferences of course.

 

[Babolat Official]

@BabolatOfficial Do you guys plan on having the new Pure Drives out by fall as with the PA? And please keep the denser string pattern, it really helped the control in the most recent version. Would maybe also like to see the the Tour version be a bit more headlight. Just personal preferences of course.

I cannot release the specific launch date at this time (will do closer to release), but it is likely that part of the Pure Drive family will launch in the fall of 2017 as with the Pure Strike and Pure Aero lines. Full family will be available in early 2018, however.

Thanks for the feedback on the products. I will share with the team.

 

[YellowFedBetter]

I cannot release the specific launch date at this time (will do closer to release), but it is likely that part of the Pure Drive family will launch in the fall of 2017 as with the Pure Strike and Pure Aero lines. Full family will be available in early 2018, however.

Thanks for the feedback on the products. I will share with the team.

Thanks, appreciate it!

 

[Noah Swift]

@Babolat Official when is the next playtest for babolat products in the US

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official when is the next playtest for babolat products in the US

Our playtests generally coincide with the launch of new products. At the moment, we do not have a confirmed playtest, but I will keep you all posted on this thread when we do.

 

[Babolat Official]

any plans/talk of babolat selling their stringing tools in the usa?

I checked in, and we currently do sell our stringing tools in the US. If you're interested in purchasing any, shoot me an e-mail at msafi@babolat.com, and I will connect you with the appropriate person.

 

[EdMcMush]

@Babolat Official would you ever offer the pure drive in a 98 sq inch head size? Kind of like the Pure Aero VS. the 98 sq inch head size with the pure aero shaft is a perfect frame. I would love to see if you would ever do that with the pure drive. if so I would pick up 3

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official would you ever offer the pure drive in a 98 sq inch head size? Kind of like the Pure Aero VS. the 98 sq inch head size with the pure aero shaft is a perfect frame. I would love to see if you would ever do that with the pure drive. if so I would pick up 3

We've noticed the feedback regarding a 98 square inch Pure Drive, and we have discussed it internally. If it lines up with the needs of our players (professional and non-professional), then we may develop one in the future. I will keep you posted if that is in the plans.

 

[Serjojeee]

We've noticed the feedback regarding a 98 square inch Pure Drive, and we have discussed it internally. If it lines up with the needs of our players (professional and non-professional), then we may develop one in the future. I will keep you posted if that is in the plans.

So people are asking for less powerful most powerful raquet in Babolat lineup, that make sense in a weird way I will be interested too... Good directional control and spin, good accuracy on flat shots, moderate power in a modern various thickness and shape beam, not too heavy - count me in

 

[kabrac]

Be nice to hit with a 27.5 inch Pure Strike 100 or Team.

The way I see it, every line, except the Pure Aero VS and Pure Strike all have extended length options available. Has to only be a matter of time before the rest of the lines catch up and all have at least one 27.5.

Because of this I like the Pure Drive line. They have two extended length options giving you the choice between a heavy one(Tour) and a lighter one.

I think it might be a matter of time before the Pure Aero Tour gets an extended version also, although I'm sure the swingweight would be extremely high, so maybe not.

I'll stick with my Pure Drive Tour + for now.

Love Babolat

 

[Babolat Official]

Be nice to hit with a 27.5 inch Pure Strike 100 or Team.

The way I see it, every line, except the Pure Aero VS and Pure Strike all have extended length options available. Has to only be a matter of time before the rest of the lines catch up and all have at least one 27.5.

Because of this I like the Pure Drive line. They have two extended length options giving you the choice between a heavy one(Tour) and a lighter one.

I think it might be a matter of time before the Pure Aero Tour gets an extended version also, although I'm sure the swingweight would be extremely high, so maybe not.

I'll stick with my Pure Drive Tour + for now.

Love Babolat

I'll share your feedback for an extended length Pure Strike with the team. I appreciate it.

 

[Dae18]

@Babolat Official It would be awesome if you guys would combine the Pure Aero throat with the Pure Strike head or vice versa. You guys could also reuse the 'Aero Strike' name for it. All I wanted on the new Pure Strike before it came out was a slightly wider head. I'm not a big fan of the slightly narrow head shape. All in all I still play with the older Pure Strike Tour but with a 16x20 string pattern

 

[atatu]

Will there be any French Open or Wimbledon paint jobs for the Pure Drive or Pure Aero this year ?

 

[Tour_G]

Dominic originally came to us several years ago to let us know he wanted to play with the original Pure Strike. We worked with him to find a setup that suited his game well and that he would be comfortable using in competition. Dominic began testing the 2017 Pure Strike early in 2016 and enjoyed using the frame. He was instrumental in our development of the 2017 Pure Strike, as we always wish to develop products that will suit our players and help them advance their games. However, he was playing very well with his original Pure Strike, and at the time, did not want to switch a winning formula. Since then, he's continued to play well with his Pure Strike and has become rather comfortable with it. We never force our players to switch rackets when they do not want to, especially if it could be detrimental to their games. With Dominic, we plan on testing again soon. We strive to do everything that we can to serve the needs of our players and ensure they can play their best, day in and day out. Dominic is no exception.

[emoji122] [emoji122] [emoji122] [emoji122] [emoji122] [emoji122] [emoji122] [emoji122]

You are doing a great work. Thank you for your honesty!

 

[PaulC]

We've noticed the feedback regarding a 98 square inch Pure Drive, and we have discussed it internally. If it lines up with the needs of our players (professional and non-professional), then we may develop one in the future. I will keep you posted if that is in the plans.

Sometimes user surveys don't mean a whole lot.

I like what the W brand do: create a small batch of prototype frames (model doesn't exist before) and let the users (pros and focus group folks) play around and get some feedback.

The first step towards a PD 98 (and Tour)... Well, is to simply scale it down to 98 but everything else AS-IS.

Not until the players actually playing with it, many of them (particularly those who thought they can't play with anything smaller than a 100) will not even know that they will actually like a PD 98 better.

I sincerely look forward to Project One-Eight (or One-Seven B??) to be the PD 98 (and Tour), I'm almost certain that the excitement and sales success that it brings will Way surpass Project One-Seven.

i.e. unless there is another PS 16X19 that opens up the center MAIN strings spacing more...

(why not? there is a 18X20 for the dense lovers already

 

[MadisonTennis]

Do you know when the new Jet shoes will be available? Saw them on the Babolat website. Thanks

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official It would be awesome if you guys would combine the Pure Aero throat with the Pure Strike head or vice versa. You guys could also reuse the 'Aero Strike' name for it. All I wanted on the new Pure Strike before it came out was a slightly wider head. I'm not a big fan of the slightly narrow head shape. All in all I still play with the older Pure Strike Tour but with a 16x20 string pattern

Interesting idea. I'm not sure if this has been explored before, but will share with the team. Have you tried the Aero VS?

Will there be any French Open or Wimbledon paint jobs for the Pure Drive or Pure Aero this year ?

Yes, expect those in April/May.

Sometimes user surveys don't mean a whole lot.

I like what the W brand do: create a small batch of prototype frames (model doesn't exist before) and let the users (pros and focus group folks) play around and get some feedback.

The first step towards a PD 98 (and Tour)... Well, is to simply scale it down to 98 but everything else AS-IS.

Not until the players actually playing with it, many of them (particularly those who thought they can't play with anything smaller than a 100) will not even know that they will actually like a PD 98 better.

I sincerely look forward to Project One-Eight (or One-Seven B??) to be the PD 98 (and Tour), I'm almost certain that the excitement and sales success that it brings will Way surpass Project One-Seven.

i.e. unless there is another PS 16X19 that opens up the center MAIN strings spacing more...

(why not? there is a 18X20 for the dense lovers already

I appreciate your feedback. We do extensive testing with every frame that we eventually bring to market. When I say that I will share the feedback, I mean that I will share the interest with the Racket team, and they will decide if it's an idea worth pursuing. In some cases, those ideas are pursued and can become retail rackets. The Pure Aero Tour is a very good example. In other cases, the idea is tested, and we find during the R & D and test process that it's not an optimal frame to bring to market at this time.

It consists of plenty of experimentation, revision, and discussion.

Do you know when the new Jet shoes will be available? Saw them on the Babolat website. Thanks

Yes, late February is when they will launch.

 

[Dae18]

Interesting idea. I'm not sure if this has been explored before, but will share with the team. Have you tried the Aero VS?
Yes I have. I actually have the OG or Cortex version. First actual adult racquet I've ever owned when I was 11 had a 16x20 pattern which I prefer over others. But yes, I would actually love to see a Pure Aero head shape with a Pure Strike throat! I'd also consider maybe a Pure Strike 107 with the old tour specs?

 

[Nostradamus]

I cannot release the specific launch date at this time (will do closer to release), but it is likely that part of the Pure Drive family will launch in the fall of 2017 as with the Pure Strike and Pure Aero lines. Full family will be available in early 2018, however.

Thanks for the feedback on the products. I will share with the team.

Mr Babolat or anyone else.

One question on older model Aeropro Drive plus 2013 GT. Is this same racket as Aeropro drive plus 2013 ? Those letter at the end,,, GT is sometimes used in some stores and ads. It is bit confusing. These are same rackets, am I correct ??

 

[EdMcMush]

We've noticed the feedback regarding a 98 square inch Pure Drive, and we have discussed it internally. If it lines up with the needs of our players (professional and non-professional), then we may develop one in the future. I will keep you posted if that is in the plans.

One thing I like about your company than your competitors is the fact you are very hands on in hearing suggestions and quesitons from customers

 

[Nostradamus]

I'll check in on this for you.

Mr Babolat or anyone else.

One question on older model Aeropro Drive plus 2013 GT. Is this same racket as Aeropro drive plus 2013 ? Those letter at the end,,, GT is sometimes used in some stores and ads. It is bit confusing. These are same rackets, am I correct ??

 

[RVAtennisaddict]

Are any other versions of the PLAY rackets coming out, as in the PureStrikes? Any changes/enhancements to the PLAY rackets?

I am not sure how much goes into a play racket, but it would seem easy to make every racket available as PLAY model. I am assuming because of costs, sales have not been strong and that is we don't see more about it or development.

 

[Imago]

Mr Babolat or anyone else.

One question on older model Aeropro Drive plus 2013 GT. Is this same racket as Aeropro drive plus 2013 ? Those letter at the end,,, GT is sometimes used in some stores and ads. It is bit confusing. These are same rackets, am I correct ??

The difference is $50 back from Babolat.

 

[Babolat Official]

Interesting. I'll share with the team.

Mr Babolat or anyone else.

One question on older model Aeropro Drive plus 2013 GT. Is this same racket as Aeropro drive plus 2013 ? Those letter at the end,,, GT is sometimes used in some stores and ads. It is bit confusing. These are same rackets, am I correct ??

Yes, they are the same racket.

Are any other versions of the PLAY rackets coming out, as in the PureStrikes? Any changes/enhancements to the PLAY rackets?

I am not sure how much goes into a play racket, but it would seem easy to make every racket available as PLAY model. I am assuming because of costs, sales have not been strong and that is we don't see more about it or development.

Connected products continue to be a priority for us, and we definitely have plans for our upcoming rackets. That's all I can say for now, apart from stay tuned

One thing I like about your company than your competitors is the fact you are very hands on in hearing suggestions and quesitons from customers

I appreciate the kind words. We do our best to solicit feedback from our most important partners: the fans like you. While we cannot deliver on every request, we hear you and use your feedback to shape our future strategy.

 

[vsbabolat]

@Babolat Official so Babolat has a full blown Pro Stock only available to their sponsored players.
I really like how Fognini is really using an original 1994 Pure Drive. Babolat is full blown into paint jobs like Wilson and HEAD

I wonder how many ATP and WTA Tour players using Pure Strike VS Tour paint jobs are really using early 2000's Pure Control Team?

 

[Tuskarr]

At least he's using the same model albeit on an older version. Can't say the same for head and wilson.

 

[vsbabolat]

At least he's using the same model albeit on an older version. Can't say the same for head and wilson.

A 23 year old version with no cortex, no woofer, no FSI, and no GT (although no Babolat racquets really have tungsten). Just a Graphite and Kevlar Pure Drive..........

 

[vsbabolat]

Nice original Cortex and woofer grommets

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Fognini's racquet is probs a Destiny underneath anyway - did the Destiny have the extra bumper strip elements below the main one, or was that a Babs 'innovation' - queue Jaws theme music re my sad readiness for another anti-Babs feeding frenzy...

 

[vsbabolat]

Fognini's racquet is probs a Destiny underneath anyway - did the Destiny have the extra bumper strip elements below the main one, or was that a Babs 'innovation' - queue Jaws theme music re my sad readiness for another anti-Babs feeding frenzy...

Fognini is really using the Original 1994 Babolat Pure Drive. Pro Kennex has different bumper gaurd.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Thanks for info - much appreciated as always so at least he is on the Babolat bandwagon then lol.

 

[Kalin]

@Babolat Official would you ever offer the pure drive in a 98 sq inch head size? Kind of like the Pure Aero VS. the 98 sq inch head size with the pure aero shaft is a perfect frame. I would love to see if you would ever do that with the pure drive. if so I would pick up 3

Hopefully the beam width is a touch thinner in the head area then. The current beam thickness will be a bit too much on a 98 sqin head, IMO.

 

[DANMAN]

Hopefully the beam width is a touch thinner in the head area then. The current beam thickness will be a bit too much on a 98 sqin head, IMO.

This is starting to sound like a pure strike

 

[Serjojeee]

This is starting to sound like a pure strike

6 mains vs 8 mains

 

[PaulC]

@Babolat Official would you ever offer the pure drive in a 98 sq inch head size? Kind of like the Pure Aero VS. the 98 sq inch head size with the pure aero shaft is a perfect frame. I would love to see if you would ever do that with the pure drive. if so I would pick up 3

Hopefully the beam width is a touch thinner in the head area then. The current beam thickness will be a bit too much on a 98 sqin head, IMO.

This is starting to sound like a pure strike

Not necessarily.

Think Wilson Burn 95 and it's same mold Steam 96 that come with a 22mm beam width. (actually it's more like a 97, though their 97 -- actually more like a True 98 -- the Ultra 97 -- is 23mm+)

Besides, the feel of a flat-beam frame (PS) is vastly different than the *curved-beam* ones as mentioned above.

 

[DANMAN]

6 mains vs 8 mains

I see what you're saying but it's not realistic to think decreasing the pure drive head to 98 and leaving everything else the same will change the frame much. Then if we start talking about decreasing beam width you are starting to get to the other line in terms of specs. I do wish the strike had the 6 mains in the throat. It would be even better than what I find it is and I already think it's the best frame on the market.

 

[PaulC]

I see what you're saying but it's not realistic to think decreasing the pure drive head to 98 and leaving everything else the same will change the frame much...

Think Pure Aero vs Aero Storm or Pure Aero VS, I don't think you can say they all hit the same.

(though you can still argue their hoop beam shapes are different, but I'm gonna argue that head size difference matters more)

 

[EdMcMush]

Think Pure Aero vs Aero Storm or Pure Aero VS, I don't think you can say they all hit the same.

(though you can still argue their hoop beam shapes are different, but I'm gonna argue that head size difference matters more)

thats what i meant by my 98 pure drive hopes and dreams. I love the aerostorm. Although one could argue that the pure strike is the 98 pure drive. But i still think it can be a very good stick

 

[Kalin]

Not necessarily.

Think Wilson Burn 95 and it's same mold Steam 96 that come with a 22mm beam width. (actually it's more like a 97, though their 97 -- actually more like a True 98 -- the Ultra 97 -- is 23mm+)

Besides, the feel of a flat-beam frame (PS) is vastly different than the *curved-beam* ones as mentioned above.

That's what I mean- the PD is more like 26 mm thick in the head and this is a bit much, IMO, for a smaller head. 23-24 would be perfect. The rest of the beam could stay the same or be reduced just a tiny bit. As you say, it will still be a very different beam from a Pure Strike since the PD beam is a very different geometry, especially at the throat.

 

[Serjojeee]

I see what you're saying but it's not realistic to think decreasing the pure drive head to 98 and leaving everything else the same will change the frame much. Then if we start talking about decreasing beam width you are starting to get to the other line in terms of specs. I do wish the strike had the 6 mains in the throat. It would be even better than what I find it is and I already think it's the best frame on the market.

It's not so easy to say, how the raquet will play, just looking at it. APD and PD have 99% the same head shape and string pattern but they don't play the same way, and PD is way more accurate - i used to play heavy bombing from far back. Decreasing the PD head to 98 will decrease dwell time, and spin, it may become uncontrollable. I believe in Babolat engineers, they know basics of tennis physics and for me I'd like to see main benefits of PD (accuracy with power and very good spin production) but without it being overpowered, hard to control at times (heavy incoming ball, you are moving inside the court - that kind of situations). If that means that the raquet will not look like PD, i'm ok with that. And I may try P07, but the string spacing is wider than PD - it's not good for flat shots. So for now I'm playing with PS18x20 and only the spin production bothers me sometimes, power level is ok, accuracy is perfect.

 

[PaulC]

It's not so easy to say, how the raquet will play, just looking at it. APD and PD have 99% the same head shape and string pattern but they don't play the same way, and PD is way more accurate - i used to play heavy bombing from far back. Decreasing the PD head to 98 will decrease dwell time, and spin, it may become uncontrollable. I believe in Babolat engineers, they know basics of tennis physics and for me I'd like to see main benefits of PD (accuracy with power and very good spin production) but without it being overpowered, hard to control at times (heavy incoming ball, you are moving inside the court - that kind of situations). If that means that the raquet will not look like PD, i'm ok with that. And I may try P07, but the string spacing is wider than PD - it's not good for flat shots. So for now I'm playing with PS18x20 and only the spin production bothers me sometimes, power level is ok, accuracy is perfect.

We're not asking for "Decreasing the PD head to 98", we're asking for creating another **SEPARATE** PD 98, or call it PD VS.

If you like your PS 18X20 or PD 100, simply stay with it.

How do you explain the popularity of the W brand Tour/Burn/Steam/Ultra 95/96/97 series on the Tour and college levels anyway?

May be the W brand engineering team also know a thing or two too...

Which is the GAP that exist in the current Babalat offerings that can be fulfilled by a PD 98/VS, and LURE AWAY many W brand players, so why not?

 

[Serjojeee]

We're not asking for "Decreasing the PD head to 98", we're asking for creating another **SEPARATE** PD 98, or call it PD VS.

If you like your PS 18X20 or PD 100, simply stay with it.

How do you explain the popularity of the W brand Tour/Burn/Steam/Ultra 95/96/97 series on the Tour and college levels anyway?

May be the W brand engineering team also know a thing or two too...

Which is the GAP that exist in the current Babalat offerings that can be fulfilled by a PD 98/VS, and LURE AWAY many W brand players, so why not?

PD VS sounds nice, hope we'll get one

 

[Kalin]

Decreasing the PD head to 98 will decrease dwell time, and spin, it may become uncontrollable.

Not an expert on frame physics but, generally, a smaller head adds control since the stringbed is less springy. Spin may decrease a tiny bit but that's fixable through the strings spacing. I agree that it's not possible to get it all; compromises will have to be made, same as with every frame.

 

[tallsandwich]

@Babolat Official what's the difference between Jet and Jet Team shoes? thanks

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official what's the difference between Jet and Jet Team shoes? thanks

The Jet Team is a slightly less advanced version of the Jet. It features the same sole as the 2016 Jet, but the upper is more mesh rather than Matryx. Plus, the heel cup is internal vs external.

 

[Karma Tennis]

The Jet Team is a slightly less advanced version of the Jet. It features the same sole as the 2016 Jet, but the upper is more mesh rather than Matryx. Plus, the heel cup is internal vs external.

Also the Jet Team appears to have a two piece upper. The Jet appears to have a single piece upper.