Bonjour from Babolat: Part Deux

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Kalin said:
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.
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Open patterns are not that good in accuracy, that's my main concern. But I never played with an open pattern 95 or less... Can't say how they feel like when you are hitting with less spin and more speed, going for a winner. Maybe this iteration of PD with FSI (strings in the sweetspot are almost as dense as my PS18x20), is a PD 98 in terms of controllable power, generally speaking.
 
Serjojeee said:
Open patterns are not that good in accuracy, that's my main concern. But I never played with an open pattern 95 or less... Can't say how they feel like when you are hitting with less spin and more speed, going for a winner. Maybe this iteration of PD with FSI (strings in the sweetspot are almost as dense as my PS18x20), is a PD 98 in terms of controllable power, generally speaking.
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The 6.1 series of Wilson was quite open-patterned for its time, IIRC, and is well known for it's blend of control, spin and power; many excellent players and also pros of all levels still use iterations of that frame until today. 98 sqin gives even more space to play around with string density. As you say, this FSI pattern seems to be working well. I'm sure they can come up with a well-playing solution.
 
Kalin said:
The 6.1 series of Wilson was quite open-patterned for its time, IIRC, and is well known for it's blend of control, spin and power; many excellent players and also pros of all levels still use iterations of that frame until today. 98 sqin gives even more space to play around with string density. As you say, this FSI pattern seems to be working well. I'm sure they can come up with a well-playing solution.
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95-97 dense 16x19 with 6 mains. I think that I even saw a Babolat prototype of that kind which didn't find its way to production. But for now I'd like to use PS18x20 till aging will force me to use something more easy to live with.
 
Hey @Babolat Official I have been using Origin in my racquets for the most part of a year now and it's a great string. I use it in full bed with great results both on the score board and in my wrist and elbow. Only thing is sometimes I feel it could grip the ball just a little bit more for spin. Have you considered making something like "Origin rough"?
 
KluddKalle said:
Hey @Babolat Official I have been using Origin in my racquets for the most part of a year now and it's a great string. I use it in full bed with great results both on the score board and in my wrist and elbow. Only thing is sometimes I feel it could grip the ball just a little bit more for spin. Have you considered making something like "Origin rough"?
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Origin Rough is not a string we have current plans for, but I will share your feedback with the team and let them know of the interest in a more spin-friendly version of Origin.
 
Babolat Official said:
Yes they will be. They come in Blue/White, Black/Yellow, Black/Grey/White, White/orange, and black/red. It's possible that TW is in the process of receiving them and putting them up on the website. I would check with them as they should have them very shortly.
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That 9 Pack Black Bag looks sweet but it isn't available in a 12 pack. ☹️

Is there some 12 Pack Bag coming out in mostly black with Thermoguard in both large compartments ?
 
What determines the length of time you continue to produce grommets for discontinued racquets? Is it a set period, or purely driven by demand?

Someone I string for needs replacements for his APD's. Still easy for me to get hold of at the moment, I'm just not sure whether to advise him to invest in some spares now rather than later. The frames are in very good condition past the bumper, and there's plenty of life left in them.
 
A second question for the day if I may...

Manufacturing tolerances for weight and balance point have been discussed in the past. Is there a figure for flex? For instance, if I were after a couple of Pure Strikes that have an advertised flex of 70RA unstrung, what might be the range that I could expect to find out there in the wild?
 
g4driver said:
That 9 Pack Black Bag looks sweet but it isn't available in a 12 pack. ☹️

Is there some 12 Pack Bag coming out in mostly black with Thermoguard in both large compartments ?
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The all black bag is a 12 pack, not a 9 pack. Also, there bags feature thermoguard on one side, not both.

Dags said:
What determines the length of time you continue to produce grommets for discontinued racquets? Is it a set period, or purely driven by demand?

Someone I string for needs replacements for his APD's. Still easy for me to get hold of at the moment, I'm just not sure whether to advise him to invest in some spares now rather than later. The frames are in very good condition past the bumper, and there's plenty of life left in them.
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It's based on demand, generally. For the Aero & Drive rackets before the Pure Aero and Pure Drive 2015, you could use any Drive or Aero grommet dating back several generations. Only recently have the two both been updated and no longer backwards compatible, so to speak. It's tough to say how much longer those grommets will be produced, because we have updated the string patterns. His best bet is to grab a few spares, just in case.
 
Babolat Official said:
The all black bag is a 12 pack, not a 9 pack. Also, there bags feature thermoguard on one side, not both.



It's based on demand, generally. For the Aero & Drive rackets before the Pure Aero and Pure Drive 2015, you could use any Drive or Aero grommet dating back several generations. Only recently have the two both been updated and no longer backwards compatible, so to speak. It's tough to say how much longer those grommets will be produced, because we have updated the string patterns. His best bet is to grab a few spares, just in case.
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will they ever make those lighter polarized rackets like 2012 Pure drives and 2013 Aero pro drives ? Thank you
 
Hi, I have two of the original Babolat Pure Strike Tours that I purchased at my local tennis store a year or so ago. However, there was such a noticeable difference in feel and performance between the two racquets that I was unable to play with them anymore. They've been sitting in a closet only after a month of getting them because I was so disappointed in them. I have moved since the time I purchased these racquets so I haven't really been able to contact the store that I originally purchased them from. I was wondering if there was any sort of resolution to this issue. Thanks!
 
Nostradamus said:
will they ever make those lighter polarized rackets like 2012 Pure drives and 2013 Aero pro drives ? Thank you
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I do not know the specific weight distributions of the upcoming Pure Drives or Pure Aeros. You will know as soon as we do.

auburn24tigers said:
Hi, I have two of the original Babolat Pure Strike Tours that I purchased at my local tennis store a year or so ago. However, there was such a noticeable difference in feel and performance between the two racquets that I was unable to play with them anymore. They've been sitting in a closet only after a month of getting them because I was so disappointed in them. I have moved since the time I purchased these racquets so I haven't really been able to contact the store that I originally purchased them from. I was wondering if there was any sort of resolution to this issue. Thanks!
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Shoot me an e-mail at msafi@babolat.com, and I can connect you with our After Sales team. They'll be able to help and let you know your options.

g4driver said:
Babolat Official,

Seems I was unclear. Your 12 Pack Bags omitted the Black/Graphite Grey/White/Gold colors of your 9 PackBag.
Is there a different 12 Pack Bag in all or mostly Black coming out later this year? Perhaps this colorway? Color: Black / Graphite Grey / White / Gold

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Tennis_Bags_Grey/descpageBGBAB-BPB9P.html
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We have an all black 12 pack bag coming out in April with our grand slam products. That specific colorway is not coming in our 12 pack bags.
 
@Babolat Official Hey is there any chance that in the future we might see Babolat offer a new basic round poly string? I know spin and textured strings are your thing but it's been forever since they've come out with a no-frills round co-poly. It's the one hole in the string lineup that could use filling. Would love to see a new-gen non-shaped string to compete with Alu Power and others.
 
YellowFedBetter said:
@Babolat Official Hey is there any chance that in the future we might see Babolat offer a new basic round poly string? I know spin and textured strings are your thing but it's been forever since they've come out with a no-frills round co-poly. It's the one hole in the string lineup that could use filling. Would love to see a new-gen non-shaped string to compete with Alu Power and others.
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At the moment, there are no plans for a new, round poly. However, I'll share your feedback with the team and keep you posted.
 
TennisManiac said:
Babolat Official,

Why do Babolat's grip sizes run a size large compared to other manufacturer's grip sizes?
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It seems/seemed in many cases (especially with the 'Syntec' branded grip) to be the OME grip which is larger, and seems/seemed to be thicker, or put on differently - i.e. less spacing and/or stretch - than the same grip sold retail. Don't feel I've ever entirely worked it out.
 
IMO, Babolat APD grips sizes run larger because of the shape of the handle. The bevels on the handles are not as sharply defined as other brands. Combine this with a reasonably thick (when fresh) Syntec Pro overgrip and one ends up with what feels like more of an oval shaped handle in the hand. Other brands feel more rectangular or octagonal.

Over time, the Syntec Pro grip does flatten out a bit giving better bevel definition and a feeling of a slight reduction in grip size. IMO replacing the Syntec Pro grip with a Skin Feel grip brings the APD handle more into line with other brands though. You can also get a similar result by dispensing with grips altogether and just wrapping two or three thin overgrips straight onto the handle.
 
TennisManiac said:
Babolat Official,

Why do Babolat's grip sizes run a size large compared to other manufacturer's grip sizes?
Click to expand...

jmacdaununder2 said:
It seems/seemed in many cases (especially with the 'Syntec' branded grip) to be the OME grip which is larger, and seems/seemed to be thicker, or put on differently - i.e. less spacing and/or stretch - than the same grip sold retail. Don't feel I've ever entirely worked it out.
Click to expand...

Karma Tennis said:
IMO, Babolat APD grips sizes run larger because of the shape of the handle. The bevels on the handles are not as sharply defined as other brands. Combine this with a reasonably thick (when fresh) Syntec Pro overgrip and one ends up with what feels like more of an oval shaped handle in the hand. Other brands feel more rectangular or octagonal.

Over time, the Syntec Pro grip does flatten out a bit giving better bevel definition and a feeling of a slight reduction in grip size. IMO replacing the Syntec Pro grip with a Skin Feel grip brings the APD handle more into line with other brands though. You can also get a similar result by dispensing with grips altogether and just wrapping two or three thin overgrips straight onto the handle.
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We've found in the past that a fresh grip on our frames feels a bit larger than people are used to. Last year, I measured the actual bare handle of a 4 1/2 racket, and it measured out to exactly 4 1/2". I believe the difference comes from the replacement grip itself. It feels a bit thicker when it is fresh because it has not yet been compressed down. I also found that there was generous overlap on the grip in that particular case. The grip should feel more "true to size" after it's been compacted down or been rewrapped.

danbrenner said:
Have you ever gotten the feeling when going out on court against someone with a Babolat when you werent, that "it's like bringing a knife to a gun fight". ??
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Our rackets complement certain game types. ;)
 
Babolat Official said:
We've found in the past that a fresh grip on our frames feels a bit larger than people are used to. Last year, I measured the actual bare handle of a 4 1/2 racket, and it measured out to exactly 4 1/2". I believe the difference comes from the replacement grip itself. It feels a bit thicker when it is fresh because it has not yet been compressed down. I also found that there was generous overlap on the grip in that particular case. The grip should feel more "true to size" after it's been compacted down or been rewrapped.
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If a racquet is advertised to be 4 1/2 it should be 4 1/2 with the replacement grip on it. Not bare. A racquet that is supposed to be 4 1/2 should have a bare handle that measures 4 3/8. No one else engineers their racquets that way. So I guess if I want a racquet from Babolat with a handle that finishes out at 4 1/4, I would need to purchase one that is supposedly 4 1/8? Babolat is weird.
 
TennisManiac said:
If a racquet is advertised to be 4 1/2 it should be 4 1/2 with the replacement grip on it. Not bare. A racquet that is supposed to be 4 1/2 should have a bare handle that measures 4 3/8. No one else engineers their racquets that way. So I guess if I want a racquet from Babolat with a handle that finishes out at 4 1/4, I would need to purchase one that is supposedly 4 1/8? Babolat is weird.
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I believe you are correct on manufacturers other then Yonex who seem always a bit larger then anyone else at the same size and i was told they measure bare.
 
There should be more quality control by making grips to a size/measurement prior to grip/replacement grip/overgrip being applied, probably why they are typically measured before the grip is applied. The variance in grips and wrapping technique would dramatically affect the size. In addition the "hard" edges of the base grip should be easier to measure (again for quality).

For example: I typically replace my grips to leather as soon as I get my new frames. The same racket, with same handle is very different dependent upon which base grip I use. Babolat Natural Leather is thicker than Fairway leather grips.

I would like wider/more flared butt caps on Babolat rackets- more like the Wilson.
 
TennisManiac said:
If a racquet is advertised to be 4 1/2 it should be 4 1/2 with the replacement grip on it. Not bare. A racquet that is supposed to be 4 1/2 should have a bare handle that measures 4 3/8. No one else engineers their racquets that way. So I guess if I want a racquet from Babolat with a handle that finishes out at 4 1/4, I would need to purchase one that is supposedly 4 1/8? Babolat is weird.
Click to expand...

I cannot speak for other brands, but we manufacture our handles to be consistent with what players expect. I have not measured the circumference of a handle with a grip on, as the base grip compresses and varies from grip to grip. I understand our base grips are a bit thicker than others, and we mention that to players looking for the right grip size. My best recommendation is to hold a couple of different demos of Babolat rackets and determine which grip size is best for you.
 
Babolat Official said:
I cannot speak for other brands, but we manufacture our handles to be consistent with what players expect. I have not measured the circumference of a handle with a grip on, as the base grip compresses and varies from grip to grip. I understand our base grips are a bit thicker than others, and we mention that to players looking for the right grip size. My best recommendation is to hold a couple of different demos of Babolat rackets and determine which grip size is best for you.
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I think this issue impacts junior players who are moving to adult rackets more, as some kids feel that even a Babolat 1/8 is too big for them. (and many of them don't want to 'Nadal' their racket with 2 over-grips to avoid blisters).

I guess increasing the availability of 0/8 grip options and/or providing a replaceable pallet system may be a good idea.
 
@Babolat Official,

Yes, I predicted the Fed-Nadal final at the AO on this forum and said it would be the best thing for tennis. I even predicted the outcome well before the tournament started. Just saying...

So... I'm willing to go out on a limb and say, If Nadal shows up with a black Pure Aero to the Frenchie he wins. If Babolat produces these racquets to TW, Babolat also wins... I along with thousands of others purchase a few of these, along with a new black Babolat bag. This is what I call a win-win. So who do we need to talk to make this happen?
 
Boyd Clary said:
For example: I typically replace my grips to leather as soon as I get my new frames. The same racket, with same handle is very different dependent upon which base grip I use. Babolat Natural Leather is thicker than Fairway leather grips.

I would like wider/more flared butt caps on Babolat rackets- more like the Wilson.
Click to expand...

Been using leather grips for 30+ years, so a stock grip is the first thing to get swapped out for me also.

It's easy to flare any buttcap. Yonex seem to get the most request.

Simply take a white gamma grip build up sleeve (the half grip size), and use two overlapping pieces of the grip buildup sleeve so they stairstep.

Example, heat-shrink a 2.5 inch piece to the buttcap. Once it is in place, heat-shrink another 1.5 inch piece on top of the 2.5 inch piece. The buttcap is now flared. [emoji846]
 
manchu said:
Has there ever been a 18x20 pure drive or one tested? Wonder how that would play.
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Karma Tennis said:
From memory, the first four generations (1994 to 2005) of the Pure Drive were available in an 18x20 string pattern.
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I'll follow up on the 18x20 Pure Drives.

TennisManiac said:
Babolat Official,

Why does Babolat recommend stringing their racquets with a two piece versus a one piece? Does it really matter?
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Let me chat with our stringing experts and get back to you.

Brokenstrings said:
@Babolat Official,

Yes, I predicted the Fed-Nadal final at the AO on this forum and said it would be the best thing for tennis. I even predicted the outcome well before the tournament started. Just saying...

So... I'm willing to go out on a limb and say, If Nadal shows up with a black Pure Aero to the Frenchie he wins. If Babolat produces these racquets to TW, Babolat also wins... I along with thousands of others purchase a few of these, along with a new black Babolat bag. This is what I call a win-win. So who do we need to talk to make this happen?
Click to expand...
So... I'm willing to go out on a limb and say, If Nadal shows up with a black Pure Aero to the Frenchie he wins. If Babolat produces these racquets to TW, Babolat also wins... I along with thousands of others purchase a few of these, along with a new black Babolat bag. This is what I call a win-win. So who do we need to talk to make this happen?[/QUOTE]

I appreciate the feedback. We'll share this info with our product team.
 
TennisManiac said:
Babolat Official,

Why does Babolat recommend stringing their racquets with a two piece versus a one piece? Does it really matter?
Click to expand...

Babolat recommends two piece stringing for a couple of reasons:
  • Two piece stringing tends to be easier on the string than does one piece. This is because the string that you use for the crosses (ie,the long side) gets pulled through the holes used for the mains in a one piece job.
  • It's better for the structural integrity of the frame to install the crosses head to throat. Recommending two piece stringing helps to ensure that the crosses are installed head to throat, regardless of racquet or string pattern. Even if the mains end at the head, or you use an ATW pattern, it's again easier on the string to use two pieces.
Additionally, many feel it's easier on the stringer to use two pieces because you don't have to contend with the string getting tangled, etc. Obviously, this is more subjective, and will depend on the individual.
 
Babolat Official said:
Also, if anyone is at Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open, drop me a line at msafi@babolat.com. I am here for the week and would love to meet a fellow TT member.
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I was out there yesterday and chatted up Sean for a bit. I had met him at the Denver office during the "PLAY" brainstorm session with other fellow Talk Tennis members. Hope you have a great time out here.
 
pasc43 said:
Are we going to see the Pure Stike one7 in Wimbledon colors! Love the old green/black ones!?
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I really liked the old Strike Wimbledon cosmetic too; very sharp in my opinion. The 2017 Wimbledon frame is a Pure Drive, and it will be launching later this spring. I haven't heard what the 2018 Wimbledon frame will be yet, but maybe we'll mix it up and do a Strike again.
 
Dear Talk Tennis Members,

I am sad to say it, but my time with you has come to an end. It has been a very fun year and a half, where I had the chance to serve the community I once hailed from. You’ve taught me that there is no aspect of equipment not worth debating, no pro player spec too obscure, and no true limit to the number of times you can ask why the swingweight of an extended racket was updated. Indeed, it has been a journey.

Thank you for continuing to be the community that keeps our sport alive and well. I originally joined this forum to learn more about a game that I had become mildly interested in. Little did I know that it would inspire an addiction to tennis that would result in me coming back from the industry side to once again join my fellow tennis aficionados.

We’ve had our tensions. We’ve had our problems. But if there is one thing that I can say for certain, it’s that this forum is full of passionate tennis lovers who will go any distance to help out a fellow player.You are the people that will keep tennis alive. You are the ones that will push this game forward. Every sport needs its heart, and this forum is the heart of tennis.

A colleague of mine will take over the role of Babolat Official and become your new friend at the company. I hope you welcome him with the same open arms you used to welcome me.

Until next time,
Mansoor
 
Thank you for all your contributions, Mansoor. Are you staying on with Babolat or are you moving on to a different job?
 
Thank you, Monsoor, for all,of the excellent information you've provided us tennis geeks. Best of luck in the future!
 
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Babolat Official said:
Dear Talk Tennis Members,

I am sad to say it, but my time with you has come to an end. It has been a very fun year and a half, where I had the chance to serve the community I once hailed from. You’ve taught me that there is no aspect of equipment not worth debating, no pro player spec too obscure, and no true limit to the number of times you can ask why the swingweight of an extended racket was updated. Indeed, it has been a journey.

Thank you for continuing to be the community that keeps our sport alive and well. I originally joined this forum to learn more about a game that I had become mildly interested in. Little did I know that it would inspire an addiction to tennis that would result in me coming back from the industry side to once again join my fellow tennis aficionados.

We’ve had our tensions. We’ve had our problems. But if there is one thing that I can say for certain, it’s that this forum is full of passionate tennis lovers who will go any distance to help out a fellow player.You are the people that will keep tennis alive. You are the ones that will push this game forward. Every sport needs its heart, and this forum is the heart of tennis.

A colleague of mine will take over the role of Babolat Official and become your new friend at the company. I hope you welcome him with the same open arms you used to welcome me.

Until next time,
Mansoor
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So sad to see you go, but we appreciate what you've done for us so much, myself included. I would have never known I could have gotten my grip fixed had it not been for you, and there are many others who have similar sentiments. Wish you well in your future endeavors.
 
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