Bonjour from Babolat: Part Deux

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Does Thiem play with the older version of the Pure Strike?

My predecessor Mansoor covered this topic a couple months ago on January 31st, and I'm afraid I don't have anything to add:

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.

Being the new guy, I'm sure some of you are hoping I'll be able to elaborate on certain things. To be honest though, if Mansoor or Daniel already addressed a subject, there's generally not more for me to contribute to the discussion. I'll always do my best to answer your questions, and there's no harm in asking obviously, I just don't think I'll have much more to say on topics that have already been covered. Thanks!
 
My predecessor Mansoor covered this topic a couple months ago on January 31st, and I'm afraid I don't have anything to add:



Being the new guy, I'm sure some of you are hoping I'll be able to elaborate on certain things. To be honest though, if Mansoor or Daniel already addressed a subject, there's generally not more for me to contribute to the discussion. I'll always do my best to answer your questions, and there's no harm in asking obviously, I just don't think I'll have much more to say on topics that have already been covered. Thanks!
Thank u very much
 
@Babolat Official

I went out to play a tournament today and picked up my rackets form restringing, and 3 minutes into the warm up whilst hitting some volleys my half set of RPM Rough 1.30 broke. however it didn't break how you would expect. the string completely split in half lasting about 15cm. I am in australia, do you have someone i can contact as it seems to be a manufacturing issue as i don't believe this is typical. i have broken several sets of RMP blast original and this has never happened to me.

happy to send you some pics via email so you can share them with the team. i haven't figured out to to post photos form my computer yet.

my set up:
Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour
Mains: Babolat RMP Rough
Crosses Babolat Addiction
Tension: 58

a prompt reply would be much appreciated
 
@Babolat Official

I went out to play a tournament today and picked up my rackets form restringing, and 3 minutes into the warm up whilst hitting some volleys my half set of RPM Rough 1.30 broke. however it didn't break how you would expect. the string completely split in half lasting about 15cm.

@Guy Sancataldo, I believe there is a recent post in the Stringing forum who has experienced RPM string splitting during the stringing process when pulling tension.

The suggestion was that the string he was using was fake RPM.

If you purchased the string from anyone other than an Authorised Seller, perhaps you should return it to the Seller and ask for a refund. Otherwise perhaps discuss it directly with the Authorised Babolat ReSeller you purchased it from.

Also, we haven't seen @Babolat Official around these parts for a while now. Some things have changed at TW and perhaps we will not see any posts from @Babolat Official anymore. So just be aware of that too.
 
@Guy Sancataldo, I believe there is a recent post in the Stringing forum who has experienced RPM string splitting during the stringing process when pulling tension.

The suggestion was that the string he was using was fake RPM.

You probably should indicate where you purchased the string from and perhap how much you paid for it. If you purchased reels of this string perhaps you should return it to the Seller if they are not an Authorised Babolat ReSeller. Otherwise perhaps discuss it with the Authorised Babolat ReSeller directly..

I purchased it form Tennis Only which is Tennis Warehouse's Australian store, and i bought a single set. 100% babolat genuine

unfortunately i haven't been able to find contact information for the australian distributor as of yet.
 
I purchased it form Tennis Only which is Tennis Warehouse's Australian store, and i bought a single set. 100% babolat genuine

OK. Tennis Only is an authorised Tennis Warehouse Partner. So perhaps either discuss this issue with Tennis Only directly or put up a copy of your initial post in the TW Questions / Comments Forum requesting a comment from the TW Playtesters. They would probably be already aware of any issues with this particular string.
 
Hi Guy,

Sorry to hear about your issues with RPM Rough. I have yet to hear of any issues with this string, so I would love to see the photos. Shoot me a message with the pics if you can, and if not, I will reply with my email address.

You will need to contact Tennis Only and they can hopefully handle it, or get you to our distributor in Australia.

It has been quiet on the forums of late, but I assure you we are still here! We will be launching a new thread, Part Trois, so watch for that in the coming days. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!

-Josh
 
Hi Guy,

Sorry to hear about your issues with RPM Rough. I have yet to hear of any issues with this string, so I would love to see the photos. Shoot me a message with the pics if you can, and if not, I will reply with my email address.

You will need to contact Tennis Only and they can hopefully handle it, or get you to our distributor in Australia.

It has been quiet on the forums of late, but I assure you we are still here! We will be launching a new thread, Part Trois, so watch for that in the coming days. I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!

-Josh

Thanks Josh,
I have reached out to Tennis Only and awaiting a reply, good to hear that this is most likely an isolated incident.
I will attempt to attach a link to the google drive with the photos.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3JdhgjIf7bsVk9mS25xTnV0clU

PS. thanks for your response and a new thread sounds great!
 
Thanks Josh,
I have reached out to Tennis Only and awaiting a reply, good to hear that this is most likely an isolated incident.
I will attempt to attach a link to the google drive with the photos.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3JdhgjIf7bsVk9mS25xTnV0clU

PS. thanks for your response and a new thread sounds great!


Hi Guy,

Thanks for the pics! I have never seen our string split like that. Very odd. I sure hope it's an isolated incident, especially since the string has been well received so far in general. Best of luck!

Josh
 
In my experience shearing like that sometimes occurs with poly when the string is unable to move - minutely of course - around the outside of the frame; some polys in particular - maybe the new, Babolat logo indentations are at play here - don't like negotiating sharp angles - the Pure Aero seems to have been 'de-woofered' somewhat, perhaps in the pursuit of 'aero' for the bumper guard, or, perhaps for feel, meaning the string is perhaps now being 'kinked' more than in previous Babolat iterations with their more pronounced/rounded exterior grooves. Additionally, the fact that the main string is tied off at the bottom of that string, and the cross string's starting knot is located at the top of that string, and (presumably being a 'soft(er)' cross string) appears to have slipped into the string hole somewhat, may be exacerbating the 'locked in' effect. Assuming knots are correct e.g. 'gut knots' and are correctly located - just don't happen to have a Pure Aero 'right here haandy' ATM to check, this problem could recur. I've strung racquets - particularly early Prince 'O' Ports with early poly from memory, but it was a while back - where the bottom peripheral strings would snap when pulled - let alone in actual court use - even on an electronic machine with the variable tensioning speed set to 'slow', unless some sort of 'power pad' like insert was used, due to the sharpness of the angle(s) the string had to pass through. Of course, there could also be an abnormal, rough edge inside the relevant grommet(s) which would impede movement. My $0.02c.
 
Mr Babolat,,, Is pure drive Plus a good Serve and Volley racket for doubles ?

Hi Nostradamus! I think the Pure Drive + could certainly be a great racquet for doubles, depending on the player of course. I know some, myself included, have never been able to adjust to a longer racquet, particularly at the net, but I know plenty of players that have. A longer racquet can provide more power and spin on the serve, and as long as you feel comfortable maneuvering a longer racquet at the net, a Pure Drive + could be an excellent choice.
 
Hi Nostradamus! I think the Pure Drive + could certainly be a great racquet for doubles, depending on the player of course. I know some, myself included, have never been able to adjust to a longer racquet, particularly at the net, but I know plenty of players that have. A longer racquet can provide more power and spin on the serve, and as long as you feel comfortable maneuvering a longer racquet at the net, a Pure Drive + could be an excellent choice.

I was just curious. I was bored last weekend during a team practice drill session, so I was just demoing the Pure drive plus. Played a Practice set against 4.0 guys(high level 4.0 guys) and beat them easily. I was surprised by maneuverability of the frame, better than I expected, but I did have to Choke up on the handle when I was at net and was in fast volley exchanges....
 
I was just curious. I was bored last weekend during a team practice drill session, so I was just demoing the Pure drive plus. Played a Practice set against 4.0 guys(high level 4.0 guys) and beat them easily. I was surprised by maneuverability of the frame, better than I expected, but I did have to Choke up on the handle when I was at net and was in fast volley exchanges....

Well, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the racquet, and that you beat up your opponents with it! A longer racquet has benefits and drawbacks, but if you can adjust to the length on the volleys, there really isn't any reason the + wouldn't work well for you. At 6'4", a lot of players try to jam me on the volleys anyway, and I find the longer racquets just make it worse. Happy hitting!
 
Well, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the racquet, and that you beat up your opponents with it! A longer racquet has benefits and drawbacks, but if you can adjust to the length on the volleys, there really isn't any reason the + wouldn't work well for you. At 6'4", a lot of players try to jam me on the volleys anyway, and I find the longer racquets just make it worse. Happy hitting!
Yeah that seems to be the main problem with longer frames and us tall people.
 
So true! It's too bad everyone has figured out to use that tactic against us ;) I'm also prone to elbow issues from time to time, so that's another reason I stay with a standard length racquet.

-Josh
yeah when I came back to the sport 10 years ago I quickly realized that footwork on shots that jam me was crucial to winning. Certain agility drills made a huge difference (this is against very good players who can put the ball anywhere... invariably they realized that pulling me wide was an invitation to a running winner). Basically tall guy tennis.
 
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yeah when I came back to the sport 10 years ago I quickly realized that footwork on shots that jam me was crucial to winning. Certain agility drills made a huge difference (this is against very good players who can put the ball anywhere... invariably the realized that pulling me wide was an invitation to a running winner). Basically tall guy tennis.
i play short guy tennis. lots of scrambling, retrieving, excessively long matches, and losing
 
Does Thiem play with the older version of the Pure Strike?
Doubt you will get an answer,but go on the learning center the old strike 18 x 20
Was slightly better in power ,sweet spot and vibration quite contrary to the review if you believe in the science over arbitrary players comments the old strike at 79 for 2 rkts the choice is no brainer
 
yeah when I came back to the sport 10 years ago I quickly realized that footwork on shots that jam me was crucial to winning. Certain agility drills made a huge difference (this is against very good players who can put the ball anywhere... invariably they realized that pulling me wide was an invitation to a running winner). Basically tall guy tennis.

i play short guy tennis. lots of scrambling, retrieving, excessively long matches, and losing

Yeah, I try to concentrate on my footwork with my volleys too. I find the rest follows if I'm diligent with the feet. And short guy tennis is the bane of my existence! Too many balls coming back :)
 
Doubt you will get an answer,but go on the learning center the old strike 18 x 20
Was slightly better in power ,sweet spot and vibration quite contrary to the review if you believe in the science over arbitrary players comments the old strike at 79 for 2 rkts the choice is no brainer

Well just refuted my own statement
Club I belong to finally got the new 18 x 20 pure strike identical specks but the feel
is different Their demo was strung with pro hurricane 17 gauge, my old pure strike with technifibre nrg2 and the new strike felt much more comfortable
So I guess the lesson learned even though sweet spot power and vibration all very close the lay up of the the racquet really matters
 
The new PureStrike is definitely more stable, with a little more pop and a little less flex. I still serve best with the old PureStrike, but the all around with the 2017 makes it the racket I am actually playing with despite the fact that I like the old PJ so much better.
 
Doubt you will get an answer,but go on the learning center the old strike 18 x 20
Was slightly better in power ,sweet spot and vibration quite contrary to the review if you believe in the science over arbitrary players comments the old strike at 79 for 2 rkts the choice is no brainer
I thought it was discussed/mooted/opined on these boards that Thiem continues to use the old version of the 18 x 20 weighted up?
 
@Babolat Official
I would like to contact you directly regarding an issue I need to resolve with equipment. Can you please contact me directly so that we can exchange some important information.
Thanks ahead of time
 
Babolat Official,

I posted this same request in the misc questions for TW, but this seems like a better place to address the question directly.

Can you list the item number/part number so I can order the solid Pure Drive Bumper Guard Grommet Set for these Pure Drive/ Play/ Plus frames from TennisWarehouse? I am looking to buy solid bumper guards/ grommet sets for 2009/10/11 frames and 2012/13/14 Pure Drive Play frames. So many PD owners need new ones.

Look closely at the photos of two Pure Drive Play frames and one of my old 2010 Pure Drive Plus frames. One of the Pure Drive Play frames has a different and solid bumper guard. Babolat is evidently making the solid bumper guard shown in the Orange/White/ Blue PD Play.

If you look the three bumper guards, the one on the far left doesn't have the long holes in it. The bumper guards with the three long holes in the photos simply wear out faster (since Babolat put three LARGE holes in the bumper guard on each side of the frame (six large holes per bumper guard.):mad:

While you are looking at this, can you ask Babolat to stop putting holes in their bumper guards? The purpose is to protect the frame. Making them with holes in the bumper guards defeats that purpose, and forces players to have them changed much more often.

Thanks for the help and taking the feedback

I would love to stop buying the bumper guards with the holes if the solid ones will fit the 2009-2104 Pure Drive and Pure Drive Play frames.


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Stop buying the lite grommets if you don't want the holes

I didn't buy "the lite grommets". They came on the Babolat 300 gram frames and I purchased grommets from TW sold specifically for the Pure Drive/ PDR/PD JR GT

Notice nowhere does "LITE" or "Team" appear in the part number or on TW's website when ordering these.

So thanks, but your reply doesn't solve the problem. If you happen to have an accurate part number for the 16x19 solid bumper guards that fit the frames I wrote about, please by all means post it. That is the reply I am looking forward to seeing. If not, I will kindly while wait for the gentleman who represents Babolat or a TW rep to answer my question.

Respectfully,


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I didn't buy "the lite grommets". They came on the Babolat 300 gram frames and I purchased grommets from TW sold specifically for the Pure Drive/ PDR/PD JR GT

Notice nowhere does "LITE" or "Team" appear in the part number or on TW's website when ordering these.

So thanks, but your reply doesn't solve the problem. If you happen to have an accurate part number for the 16x19 solid bumper guards that fit the frames I wrote about, please by all means post it. That is the reply I am looking forward to seeing. If not, I will kindly while wait for the gentleman who represents Babolat or a TW rep to answer my question.

Respectfully,

I think you are looking for the grommets from the first Pure Drive Cortex or prior generations. That's dating back to 2006-08. Old stock of grommets are harder to come by, but I'm sure someone out there has extra, since the PD is such a popular racket.

And yeah, I agree with what you said. Having holes in the grommet is counter intuitive to its purpose.
 
The frames in the photo are right to left:
2009/2011 PD plus

2012-14 PD Play

2025 PD Play = comes with the solid bumper guard.

The 2009-2014 versions take the bumper guards with the holes.

Mark Boone rocks!
 
Babolat Official,

I posted this same request in the misc questions for TW, but this seems like a better place to address the question directly.

Can you list the item number/part number so I can order the solid Pure Drive Bumper Guard Grommet Set for these Pure Drive/ Play/ Plus frames from TennisWarehouse? I am looking to buy solid bumper guards/ grommet sets for 2009/10/11 frames and 2012/13/14 Pure Drive Play frames. So many PD owners need new ones.

Look closely at the photos of two Pure Drive Play frames and one of my old 2010 Pure Drive Plus frames. One of the Pure Drive Play frames has a different and solid bumper guard. Babolat is evidently making the solid bumper guard shown in the Orange/White/ Blue PD Play.

If you look the three bumper guards, the one on the far left doesn't have the long holes in it. The bumper guards with the three long holes in the photos simply wear out faster (since Babolat put three LARGE holes in the bumper guard on each side of the frame (six large holes per bumper guard.):mad:

While you are looking at this, can you ask Babolat to stop putting holes in their bumper guards? The purpose is to protect the frame. Making them with holes in the bumper guards defeats that purpose, and forces players to have them changed much more often.

Thanks for the help and taking the feedback

I would love to stop buying the bumper guards with the holes if the solid ones will fit the 2009-2104 Pure Drive and Pure Drive Play frames.


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cef04f905e9bb64ea6f6612baf830041.jpg


Hi G4,

Thanks for your post, and your feedback. To be honest, I never heard a reason as to why we made the switch to the bumper with the holes cutout. I agree that it seems counter-intuitive to not have a solid bumper, and I guess that's one reason we went away from that for the 2015 PD FSI family of racquets. I think we changed to the bumpers with the cutouts some time between the 2009 and 2012 models, and at one point, we had two different part numbers for these bumpers/grommets. The old code (900055) had the solid bumper, and the new part (900096) had the cutouts. We then started getting the old code with the cutouts as well, so there were no longer any parts with solid bumpers. You may be able to find some old stock of the 900055 with the solid bumper out there, but I have another option for you.

The parts for the Aeropro Drive do fit the old Pure Drives, and have the solid bumper guard. They are part number 900021, and here is a link to TW if you want to order some: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Bab..._Junior_Black_Grommet/descpageBAB-BAPDMG.html. I used to use these for the college players I strung for so that I wouldn't have to change the bumper every time I strung their racquet. I suppose they technically would change the weight and/or balance, but it would be negligible, and I never had anyone tell me they noticed any difference. I have not weighed the actual bumpers, but could if someone really wants to know :)

I hope this helps!

-Josh
 
That helps a ton Josh. I will order some 900021 part numbers as I replace a lot of PD grommets. Also glad to hear Babolat is making the solid bumper guards exclusively for the PD's going forward.

Now if we can just convince Babolat to make a PD with a 66 strung flex life would be wonderful.

I need a little more pop than the PS 2017 16x19 offers and haven't settled in with the PA's yet. Feel like I am late on my forehand. Then again I had a 3rd backsurgery 94 days ago so everything is still off.

I probably sold the PS 16x19's too early, but such is life.
 
That helps a ton Josh. I will order some 900021 part numbers as I replace a lot of PD grommets. Also glad to hear Babolat is making the solid bumper guards exclusively for the PD's going forward.

Now if we can just convince Babolat to make a PD with a 66 strung flex life would be wonderful.

I need a little more pop than the PS 2017 16x19 offers and haven't settled in with the PA's yet. Feel like I am late on my forehand. Then again I had a 3rd backsurgery 94 days ago so everything is still off.

I probably sold the PS 16x19's too early, but such is life.

Hi g4,

Happy to help. I will pass along your wish on the Pure Drive too; don't think you're alone on this one. Sorry to hear about the back surgery, and I hope you keep recovering. I have 2 degenerating discs, but not bad enough to have surgery yet. Really hoping to avoid that! I'm in between on racquets at this point too. My favorite is still what is now called the Pure Strike VS Tour, but there are times I feel like I could use a little more pop. I haven't had a chance to experiment more with the 16/19 yet either. On paper, makes the most sense.

-Josh
 
Hi g4,

Happy to help. I will pass along your wish on the Pure Drive too; don't think you're alone on this one. Sorry to hear about the back surgery, and I hope you keep recovering. I have 2 degenerating discs, but not bad enough to have surgery yet. Really hoping to avoid that! I'm in between on racquets at this point too. My favorite is still what is now called the Pure Strike VS Tour, but there are times I feel like I could use a little more pop. I haven't had a chance to experiment more with the 16/19 yet either. On paper, makes the most sense.

-Josh

Josh,

If you ever have to deal with a back issue go to a neurosurgeon. Sorry to hear about the degenerative discs. Staying fit and thin and using proper cushioning in shoes should help.

Funny timing on my post and your reply. Last night my 8.0 mixed team played another 8.0 team. The opponents won the match. One of the opponents was using the 2015 Pure Drive Play that I had strung on an Alpha Ghost machine Sunday night. The owner of this frame hit a backhand and the handle broke.

I wasn't there, but there are four witnesses that will testify the frame broke while he hit a backhand. He won the match with another Pure Drive play but the guy is an Orthopedic Surgeon, so while he can afford a new frame, I believe my teammates and the doctor when they all state the frame broke with no foul play. He is a very athletic, fit guy who hits harder than the average 4.0 in Charleston, SC

Ever seen this happen? And is there any way he can get a replacement at a discount if not under warranty?

I have the frame and could take more pictures and provide the owners name in private if that would help him.

Respectfully,
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He won the point and the match. [emoji102]

And beat my teammates in the process. One of his closest friends is on my team.

He also took out the only 4.5 guy from our 2016 8.0 40+ National Champion team on Monday night at 9.0 mixed. That 4.5 guy went unbeaten at 8.0 last year all they through the finals at Nationals, so the guy who broke this frame is a very good 4.0
 
Josh,

If you ever have to deal with a back issue go to a neurosurgeon. Sorry to hear about the degenerative discs. Staying fit and thin and using proper cushioning in shoes should help.

Funny timing on my post and your reply. Last night my 8.0 mixed team played another 8.0 team. The opponents won the match. One of the opponents was using the 2015 Pure Drive Play that I had strung on an Alpha Ghost machine Sunday night. The owner of this frame hit a backhand and the handle broke.

I wasn't there, but there are four witnesses that will testify the frame broke while he hit a backhand. He won the match with another Pure Drive play but the guy is an Orthopedic Surgeon, so while he can afford a new frame, I believe my teammates and the doctor when they all state the frame broke with no foul play. He is a very athletic, fit guy who hits harder than the average 4.0 in Charleston, SC

Ever seen this happen? And is there any way he can get a replacement at a discount if not under warranty?

I have the frame and could take more pictures and provide the owners name in private if that would help him.

Respectfully,
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Hi g4,

I'll keep the neurosurgeon in mind if and when it gets worse. I definitely am tuned in to my shoes, and my arch supports, and I'm working on the thin and fit part. Too many hours at my desk :)

Sorry to see what's left of this racquet. I have seen breaks like this before, but not very often thankfully. I will message you the info of the gentleman you need to speak to in our warranty department, and he can hopefully get your guy taken care of. I honestly can't speak to what the options will be, but I know he will do what he can for you. My guess is he will need to see the racquet, but I'll let him decide that.

-Josh
 
Just scored an Aero Storm Tour GT. Other than the high 60 RA, the specs are what I usually look for. I just need to get grommets as these are fairly worn
 
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