Bonjour from Babolat: Part Trois

[Babolat Official]

The Pure Strike VS is expected in 2021. It has probably been delayed by the Pandemic situation.

Babolat usually releases VS versions of the same model at some point after the standard models are released.

I would expect the current model VS in 2021 and a new Pure Strike range sometime in 2022. But we will just have to wait and see how much the Pandemic situation continues to affect things.

You are definitely correct that the pandemic has caused delays with the new Pure Strike VS. The R&D and testing was delayed, so the Pure Strike VS won't be out before the 4th quarter of 2021 at the earliest from what I've heard. The plan in general is for the VS frames to launch the year after the non-VS frames come out. For example, we launched the current Pure Aero in 2019 (technically late 2018, but we consider it the 2019 Pure Aero family), and the Pure Aero VS launched in 2020. The Pure Strike family as a whole came out in 2020, so the VS version will launch in 2021 hopefully. I don't have any other details about it, and won't until Spring it sounds like.

Josh

 

[Hotpockets]

Hello. Sorry if this has been answered already but any word on APD grommets? Are they being discontinued like the rumor was floating about? Or will Babolat continue to make them? Thanks.

 

[pyrokid]

I don't know if this is something you could answer, but do you have any idea how well this forum tracks the general populace's opinions?

Like, people here were down on the 2016 aero vs the 2013 APD, but was that actually reflected in sales or is this forum mostly it's own little bubble, detached from reality?

 

[n80aoag]

When is Rafa's latest paintjob Pure Aero releasing to the public?

 

[jmacdaununder2]

I don't know if this is something you could answer, but do you have any idea how well this forum tracks the general populace's opinions?

Like, people here were down on the 2016 aero vs the 2013 APD, but was that actually reflected in sales or is this forum mostly it’s own little bubble, detached from reality?

Truer words were perhaps never written.

 

[Karma Tennis]

When is Rafa's latest paintjob Pure Aero releasing to the public?

Josh has suggested the Pure Aero Rafa PJ will be available some time in the first quarter of 2021. Will probably depend on how much the current pandemic situation is affecting global racquet manufacturing and distribution.

 

[DTennis3]

Josh has suggested the Pure Aero Rafa PJ will be available some time in the first quarter of 2021. Will probably depend on how much the current pandemic situation is affecting global racquet manufacturing and distribution.

Yes, I believe I saw somewhere on here that it is tentatively slated for early March.

 

[ron schaap]

Yes, I believe I saw somewhere on here that it is tentatively slated for early March.

are we talking about a rafa paintjob on a original non cortex aeropro drive of 300gr?

 

[DTennis3]

are we talking about a rafa paintjob on a original non cortex aeropro drive of 300gr?

Definitely the Pure Aero Rafa.

I don’t think you’ll ever see an remake of the APD. I personally just can’t see Babolat scratching for sales like Head bringing back old racquets to make a few bucks. Reeks of desperation IMO that the bulk of the market doesn’t really want or care about. I could be wrong though...

 

[Lavs]

Why Babolat had cancelled / stopped pretty much all that worked so good?
- Original VS Gut, - replaced by arguably stiffer Gut
- Early Pure Drives (the one that had 64RA stiffness), - replaced by very stiff and uncomfortable PD
- APD Original (and then APD Mold as a unit), - replaced by Pure Aero
- Aero Storm line (along with Original PA VS), - replaced by PA VS 2020 (won't be telling here anything as some members say that I am "bad boy" lol)
- Nice and plush Pure Control/Storm line, - replaced by Pure Strike (oh OK, one GS holder uses it now... also keeping silence here )
Why Eric, why??

 

[marceloriosfan]

Why Babolat had cancelled / stopped pretty much all that worked so good?
- Original VS Gut, - replaced by arguably stiffer Gut
- Early Pure Drives (the one that had 64RA stiffness), - replaced by very stiff and uncomfortable PD
- APD Original (and then APD Mold as a unit), - replaced by Pure Aero
- Aero Storm MOLD (Original PA VS), - replaced by PA VS 2020 (won't be telling here anything as some members say that I am "bad boy" lol)
- Nice and plush Pure Control/Storm line, - replaced by Pure Strike (oh OK, one GS holder uses it now... also keeping silence here )
Why Eric, why??

we are not the target, the masses are...

 

[danbrenner]

@Babolat Official
hi. i play with a pure aero. 2019
i have the french open version. and the inside of the hoop. is smooth. no raised dimples along the inside of the hoop.
i just bought a used one off these boards. and it is the orig color yellow and black. but it has the raised dimples along the inside of the hoop..
im just wondering if i bought a fake ? is this difference normal? the upc sticker is on the throat in the right place. and the number is KM416885
can you check on this for me. thanks in advance.
and if anyone else has info on this subject please let me know.

 

[sway]

Shame on Babolat!!!!

You have the best player and impossible for you to create a special edition of his raquet

not the bad pure aero but the true aeroprodrive
With real pattern , no cortex,
Before rafa stop, it will be appreciate to play with his real raquette for the fan or aero pro fan

Just a special edition sign rafa like federer with wilson

Why nobody at your office can imagine that

We are talking about the goat who alway play babolat

 

[Babolat Official]

Hello. Sorry if this has been answered already but any word on APD grommets? Are they being discontinued like the rumor was floating about? Or will Babolat continue to make them? Thanks.

Hi Hotpockets,

I don't know if they have been officially discontinued or not, but we are expecting a shipment by the end of this month, and I'm sure Tennis Warehouse will have them in stock once we get them.


Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official
hi. i play with a pure aero. 2019
i have the french open version. and the inside of the hoop. is smooth. no raised dimples along the inside of the hoop.
i just bought a used one off these boards. and it is the orig color yellow and black. but it has the raised dimples along the inside of the hoop..
im just wondering if i bought a fake ? is this difference normal? the upc sticker is on the throat in the right place. and the number is KM416885
can you check on this for me. thanks in advance.
and if anyone else has info on this subject please let me know.

Hi dan,

The standard cosmetic 2019 Pure Aero does have the dimples, and for some reason the Roland Garros version did not, so I don't think you have anything to worry about. The code was not in our system, but that can be for a variety of reasons, and does not mean the racquet is fake.

Josh

 

[danbrenner]

Hi dan,

The standard cosmetic 2019 Pure Aero does have the dimples, and for some reason the Roland Garros version did not, so I don't think you have anything to worry about. The code was not in our system, but that can be for a variety of reasons, and does not mean the racquet is fake.

Josh

Thank you. So that’s quite interesting. Why get rid of the dimples for the Roland G edition. ?

 

[g4driver]

Hi Hotpockets,
I don't know if they have been officially discontinued or not, but we are expecting a shipment by the end of this month, and I'm sure Tennis Warehouse will have them in stock once we get them.
Josh

@Babolat Official (Josh)

1) Any information on being able to get grommets for the BABOLAT PURE STRIKE 16X19 PROJECT ONE7 GROMMET (2017). PRODUCT SKU 900177 ? Spoke to two reps at Tenniswarehouse yesterday and they both steered me to a 4 letter website with two vowels, E and A. The other letters were B and Y. If Tennis Warehouse phone reps are directing clients to that website, does that mean Babolat will no longer produce Product Sku 900177?

2) Do the third and current PS 98 square inch frame with 16x19 grommets fit the second-gen PS 16x19 frames?

You have been a tremendous resource to me for Babolat grommets and I truly appreciate your help. Stringing 90+ frames a month now, and I get a lot of Babolat/Wilson frames as donations which I refurbish and put back in the hands of players through local tennis pros, if I can get grommets. I applaud Babolat and Head for not taking Wilson's approach of discontinuing grommets after the frame is no longer produced. I have a dozen+ Wilson frames that were donated to me, that won't be used as the bummer guards and grommets are missing/ trashed and now cost 1/2 the price of brand new frames. I refuse to pay $40 for a bummer guard/grommet set for a below-average beat up Wilson frame. Much rather buy a Babolat Boost or a prior year Head Frame and donate it

 

[Hotpockets]

Hi Hotpockets,

I don't know if they have been officially discontinued or not, but we are expecting a shipment by the end of this month, and I'm sure Tennis Warehouse will have them in stock once we get them.


Josh

Josh,

Thanks. Can you please find out for us if they have been officially discontinued? I will make sure to pick some up from TW once shipment arrives but it would help me (and many others here I am sure) in some decision making if I knew APD grommets were staying or getting discontinued by Babolat.

And thanks again for doing a massively awesome job here on the boards. It can get brutal here but you've been very helpful.

Best,
HP

 

[Karma Tennis]

the true aeroprodrive
With real pattern , no cortex,
Before rafa stop, it will be appreciate to play with his real raquette for the fan or aero pro fan

Hardly anyone would buy such a racquet. And of those that did, most would not be able to use it properly. Babolat isn't going to produce a racquet that sells a few thousand units. It is targeting a mass market now, not a specialist player one. Any Joe Average player trying one of Rafa's racquets would quit tennis in 5 minutes. Beginners and Intermediate players do best with stiffer racquets. They form most of the target market for Babolat.

If you want the best APD for you, try and buy some APD Originals. Otherwise, seek out the 2013 APD and customise it.

 

[SinneGOAT]

Not many talk about it (from what I’ve seen) but after the switch to pure aero, the string pattern had a main skip of 7 and 9, while every aeropro drive had one main skip at 8. I personally like the two main skips for more spin, but some people like the one, akin to a more controlled 16/19 pattern.

 

[onehandbh]

@Babolat Official
Will the grommets for the 1st generation Pure Strike 18x20 fit in the 2nd generation Pure Strike 18x20?

I can't tell from the TW website if they are compatible.

Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 Grommet 2016	$5.99	6+
Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 Grommet 2020	$7.99	6+
Babolat Pure Strike 18x20/Tour Grommet	$5.99	6+

 

[Babolat Official]

Thank you. So that’s quite interesting. Why get rid of the dimples for the Roland G edition. ?

Great question! My understanding is that the dimples make it harder to counterfeit the racquet. My guess is since it's a small batch of racquets with the RG cosmetic, they aren't as concerned wiht counterfeits, and could save on some production costs.

Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official (Josh)

1) Any information on being able to get grommets for the BABOLAT PURE STRIKE 16X19 PROJECT ONE7 GROMMET (2017). PRODUCT SKU 900177 ? Spoke to two reps at Tenniswarehouse yesterday and they both steered me to a 4 letter website with two vowels, E and A. The other letters were B and Y. If Tennis Warehouse phone reps are directing clients to that website, does that mean Babolat will no longer produce Product Sku 900177?

2) Do the third and current PS 98 square inch frame with 16x19 grommets fit the second-gen PS 16x19 frames?

You have been a tremendous resource to me for Babolat grommets and I truly appreciate your help. Stringing 90+ frames a month now, and I get a lot of Babolat/Wilson frames as donations which I refurbish and put back in the hands of players through local tennis pros, if I can get grommets. I applaud Babolat and Head for not taking Wilson's approach of discontinuing grommets after the frame is no longer produced. I have a dozen+ Wilson frames that were donated to me, that won't be used as the bummer guards and grommets are missing/ trashed and now cost 1/2 the price of brand new frames. I refuse to pay $40 for a bummer guard/grommet set for a below-average beat up Wilson frame. Much rather buy a Babolat Boost or a prior year Head Frame and donate it

Hi g4,

I know you and I spoke via email, but just to let everyone else know, the 2020 Pure Strike grommets will fit the 2017 version, except for the small piece in the throat at 6 o'clock. I do not know the official status of the 2017 grommets, but thankfully the 2020 fit.

Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

Josh,

Thanks. Can you please find out for us if they have been officially discontinued? I will make sure to pick some up from TW once shipment arrives but it would help me (and many others here I am sure) in some decision making if I knew APD grommets were staying or getting discontinued by Babolat.

And thanks again for doing a massively awesome job here on the boards. It can get brutal here but you've been very helpful.

Best,
HP

Hi HP,

I've been unable to get an official word one way or another at this point, so it might not be a bad idea to get some extra sets while you can. And thanks for the kind words. I do my best within the framework of what information I can and can't share.

Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

I don't know if this is something you could answer, but do you have any idea how well this forum tracks the general populace's opinions?

Like, people here were down on the 2016 aero vs the 2013 APD, but was that actually reflected in sales or is this forum mostly it's own little bubble, detached from reality?

That's a great question! I'm not sure I have an answer, but I suspect it's a bit of both. That is to say, I'm sure there is a lot of overlap between the forum and the tennis populace in general, but because we here are so passionate about this stuff, there is no doubt a bit of divergence of opinions as far as what is of interest/importance as well. How's that for diplomatic?

Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official
Will the grommets for the 1st generation Pure Strike 18x20 fit in the 2nd generation Pure Strike 18x20?

I can't tell from the TW website if they are compatible.

Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 Grommet 2016	$5.99	6+
Babolat Pure Strike 18x20 Grommet 2020	$7.99	6+
Babolat Pure Strike 18x20/Tour Grommet	$5.99	6+

Hi onehand,

No, the first generation Strike grommets are not compatible with the second gen, but the Third gen (2020) is backwards compatible with the second, except for the small piece in the throat at 6 o'clock.

Josh

 

[SinneGOAT]

That's a great question! I'm not sure I have an answer, but I suspect it's a bit of both. That is to say, I'm sure there is a lot of overlap between the forum and the tennis populace in general, but because we here are so passionate about this stuff, there is no doubt a bit of divergence of opinions as far as what is of interest/importance as well. How's that for diplomatic?

Josh

There is an overlap in terms of certain things but most of the general public at large knows nothing of lead tape or customization, so while the forum here could hate a stock racquet but think it plays better with lead and a certain poly, the average player who swings only so fast and uses a multifilament thinks it’s better stock. Just my $0.02

 

[esm]

@Babolat Official

Hi Josh, hope all is well. I forgot to ask this question here earlier....
Will there be a Wimbledon edition Gen 3 Pure Strike this time, even though Wimby 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic? Thank you.

 

[n80aoag]

I don't know for sure, we're going to get more info after our meeting in early October, but I don't think there will be a six pack.

Josh

Since that meeting, any definitive dates for the Rafa Pure Aero release in 2021? Thanks!

 

[JoaoN]

Hi onehand,

No, the first generation Strike grommets are not compatible with the second gen, but the Third gen (2020) is backwards compatible with the second, except for the small piece in the throat at 6 o'clock.

Josh

Josh, so can i assume the 2nd gen strike grommets will fit the 3rd gen also? Would really to change that red head bumper.

 

[Wonie88]

@Babolat Official Was there ever any internal discussion about making the PA Rafa his real APD? I think that woulda been so unique and actually gotten people excited! Wilson RF frames are flying off the wall and there seems to be demand for “the real deal”. Just curious if it comes up.

*I know a lot of these decisions are made in France.

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official

Hi Josh, hope all is well. I forgot to ask this question here earlier....
Will there be a Wimbledon edition Gen 3 Pure Strike this time, even though Wimby 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic? Thank you.

Hi esm,

I'm doing well, thanks. Staying out of trouble at least Hope oyu are as well. There will not be a Pure Strike Wimbledon for 2020, in fact, it was going to be a Pure Drive, but that was tabled obviously. I have not heard what the plan is for 2021 yet. Take care!

Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

Since that meeting, any definitive dates for the Rafa Pure Aero release in 2021? Thanks!

Hi n80aoag,

I didn't get much of an update at all actually. I know it will be in the first quarter of 2021, but nothing more specific yet. We should know more by the end of the year, so stay tuned!

Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

Josh, so can i assume the 2nd gen strike grommets will fit the 3rd gen also? Would really to change that red head bumper.

Hi JoaoN,

You are correct and can use the 2nd gen in the 3rd gen, except for the throat piece.

Josh

 

[Babolat Official]

@Babolat Official Was there ever any internal discussion about making the PA Rafa his real APD? I think that woulda been so unique and actually gotten people excited! Wilson RF frames are flying off the wall and there seems to be demand for “the real deal”. Just curious if it comes up.

*I know a lot of these decisions are made in France.

Hi Wonie,

I'm sure there were lots of discussions in France, but I haven't heard anything about them unfortunately. I'm in the same boat as y'all, and we'll just have to see what happens I guess


Josh

 

[esm]

Hi esm,

I'm doing well, thanks. Staying out of trouble at least Hope oyu are as well. There will not be a Pure Strike Wimbledon for 2020, in fact, it was going to be a Pure Drive, but that was tabled obviously. I have not heard what the plan is for 2021 yet. Take care!

Josh

Thank you Josh. Good to know all is well.
would love to have seen the Wimby Pure Drive 2020!
Love the green colour and loving my Gen1 Pure Strike Wimby still.

 

[Babolat Official]

Thank you Josh. Good to know all is well.
would love to have seen the Wimby Pure Drive 2020!
Love the green colour and loving my Gen1 Pure Strike Wimby still.

It was actually a great shade of purple! I was bummed that we never brought it out.

 

[esm]

It was actually a great shade of purple! I was bummed that we never brought it out.

Ah, purple. Good thinking. How can I forget the purple colour for Wimbledon. I think a matching purple colour Wimby edition pure racquet bag would look also too!

 

[5sets]

Bonjour Babolat, questce que vois faites les Softer Racquettes por ils avec les arm et shoulder problemes?

 

[Babolat Official]

Ah, purple. Good thinking. How can I forget the purple colour for Wimbledon. I think a matching purple colour Wimby edition pure racquet bag would look also too!

Yeah, the racquet looked really nice as I recall. And the bags too Hopefully we'll see them for 2021.

 

[Babolat Official]

Bonjour Babolat, questce que vois faites les Softer Racquettes por ils avec les arm et shoulder problemes?

Désolé, je ne parle pas français. Are you asking which of our racquets are the softest?

 

[5sets]

Désolé, je ne parle pas français. Are you asking which of our racquets are the softest?

Yes, do you guys make an 18 x 19 string pattern racquet with a 65 RA or less?

 

[Karma Tennis]

Was there ever any internal discussion about making the PA Rafa his real APD? I think that woulda been so unique and actually gotten people excited! Wilson RF frames are flying off the wall and there seems to be demand for “the real deal”. Just curious if it comes up.

If Rafa's APD has a low RA (ie low 60s) many people who buy it are going to be disappointed with it because it will be too soft for most Beginners or Intermediate Weekend Warriors.

The Wilson RF97A is quite stiff (RA is 68 unstrung). The only challenge to most Weekend Warriors is its weight. But the stiffness helps Beginners to hit the ball a lot more than any soft frame would.

The big challenge Babolat would have with releasing a Rafa Pure Aero would be what happens if lots of people go out and buy them, and end up being disappointed because the frame does not suit their game. That is something Babolat would not want because it would sully its brand image somewhat.

The main reason why the 2013 APD was so successful was because it was stiff. Many people who bought that racquet for the PJ because they thought it was the same racquet Rafa used, were able to use it effectively regardless of their tennis ability. The stiffness of the racquet made it easier to hit the ball over the net. (Same as the RF97).

So basically, if Rafa had always used an RA68 (or stiffer) racquet from Day 1 and stuck with it. Babolat would have been churning out Rafa APDs and Rafa Pure Aeros all along.

Imho, sadly I don't think we will ever see Babolat release a Rafa spec APD / PA again - except for perhaps a special very limited Edition model. It would not sell enough and if it did, it is likely to damage the Babaolat Rafa Brand.

 

[Babolat Official]

Yes, do you guys make an 18 x 19 string pattern racquet with a 65 RA or less?

Hi 5sets,

We do not make an 18/19 unfortunately. We have one 18/20 (Pure Strike 18/20), a 16/20 (Pure Aero VS) and the rest are 16/19. The softest racquets we have are 70 RA unstrung, which would be about 66-67 strung. Those are the Pure Aero VS, Pure Drive VS, Pure Strike Tour, Pure Strike 16/19 and Pure Strike 18/20.

Josh

 

[pyrokid]

I will never understand the call for softer APD/PAs

The frames work because of their stiffness, softer thick-beamed 100inch tweeners kind of suck. There's a reason nobody really makes them anymore, and it's not because it's a secret winning combo nobody's thought of.

 

[chidas]

When, oh when, will we see the new Pure Drive Tour? I need me the new Pure Drive Tour!!

 

[SinneGOAT]

I will never understand the call for softer APD/PAs

The frames work because of their stiffness, softer thick-beamed 100inch tweeners kind of suck. There's a reason nobody really makes them anymore, and it's not because it's a secret winning combo nobody's thought of.

That’s kinda why I don’t like the clash. The super low flex and thick beam makes the racquet unpredictable. It can launch the ball and then make the ball die in the net, don’t like it a lot, but I understand people who use it for the flex.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

C’mon people! Babolat has more inherent variation in their manufacturing tolerance for any given model year than there is in their whole Aero or PD chronologies. To suggest that you can play with one model but not another due to ra is fanciful. having played with virtually all the iterations over the last two decades, I have no doubt that I could easily and quickly adapt to any of them, especially with the judicious addition of a bit of lead and appropriate stringing, which is almost always necessary in any case given the lax attitude to qc. Several of my friends continue to do just so. The company’s ability to convince their consumers that they have reinvented the wheel every few years is truly outstanding. Simply string the PAs a bit tighter, or string the 2015 PD a bit looser and voila! To quote the infamous words of Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor: ‘It’s been said that we could probably go up on stage and fart and it wouldn’t make any difference.’

 

[Karma Tennis]

Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor: ‘It’s been said that we could probably go up on stage and fart and it wouldn’t make any difference.’

Maybe in the case of Duran Duran.

But if a REAL band tried that ... Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Queen, etc ... it might get a laugh. But if they didn't start playing music soon enough, the audience would cause a riot.

Babolat has established its niche .. stiffer racquets that have universal appeal (sort of). Now Babolat has sold planet loads of tennis racquets off the back of Rafael Nadal. It is going to get very interesting to see what happens to Babolat in the period after Nadal retires.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Agree; certainly saw a lot more Aeros and a lot fewer PDs post Roddick.