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I'm not posting this to be difficult. When I was growing up, you had maybe four or five companies with four or five racquets each. Choosing a racquet was relatively easy. Where do I begin to look/experiment when I see a list like this?

Pure Aero, Pure Aero Tour, Pure Aero Plus, Pure Aero Play, Pure Aero Lite, Pure Aero Team, AeroPro Drive, AeroPro Drive Plus, AeroPro Team, AeroPro Lite, Pure Drive, Pure Drive Plus, Pure Drive Tour, Pure Drive Tour Plus, Pure Drive Lite, Pure Drive Team, Pure Drive 107, Pure Drive 110, Pure Strike Tour, Pure Strike 18x20, Pure Strike 100, Pure Control 95, Pure Control 95 Plus, Pure Control Tour, Pure Control Tour Plus, Pure Control.


I agree!
Thats why I started a Thread "less is more?"

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/racquet-mess-less-is-more.553004/
 
Great info. Many thanks!

Would appreciate some other info:
1. By "consistent sizing", do you mean they are made on the same last?
2. What are the updates for the SFX2 besides the increased ventilation? (There have been reports that the shoe is narrower.)

By consistent sizing, we meant that if you comfortably wear a 9.5 in the SFX2, then you should be able to comfortably wear a 9.5 Propulse. Of course, individuals may adjust due to personal preference.

As far as the lasts used and specifics, I will check with our product team.

I'm not posting this to be difficult. When I was growing up, you had maybe four or five companies with four or five racquets each. Choosing a racquet was relatively easy. Where do I begin to look/experiment when I see a list like this?

Pure Aero, Pure Aero Tour, Pure Aero Plus, Pure Aero Play, Pure Aero Lite, Pure Aero Team, AeroPro Drive, AeroPro Drive Plus, AeroPro Team, AeroPro Lite, Pure Drive, Pure Drive Plus, Pure Drive Tour, Pure Drive Tour Plus, Pure Drive Lite, Pure Drive Team, Pure Drive 107, Pure Drive 110, Pure Strike Tour, Pure Strike 18x20, Pure Strike 100, Pure Control 95, Pure Control 95 Plus, Pure Control Tour, Pure Control Tour Plus, Pure Control.

When you put it that way, then yes, it can definitely be intimidating! Here's the approach I like to suggest.

First, narrow down in broad terms what you want from a racket. Our separate families of racket will offer different strengths (& weaknesses, of course), and you need to determine what you want most from the frame.

Begin with the family:

  • Pure Drive - Our highest power line that also offers a great deal of versatility
  • Pure Aero - Not as much power as the Pure Drive, but still a higher than average power level, and most notably, high spin potential
  • Pure Strike - Less power than the Drive & Aero, but more control, response/feel, and precision in your shots.
  • Pure Control - Our lowest power line with the most feel & control.
Then, you can dive into each family.
  • Standard (no name after the racket) - This is the standard model from each family and will offer the most balanced experience within that family. There is typically only one standard in each family (Pure Drive, Pure Aero, etc), except the Pure Strike, which has an 18x20 & 16x19. The 18x20 offers more control whereas the 16x19 is more power & spin.
  • Plus - These are the extended length versions of each racket that are 27.5". The extra length offers more power, though the maneuverability suffers.
  • Tour - These are the heavier versions of each racket that typically weigh in at about 315 - 320 grams unstrung. Tour rackets offer more heft, more plowthrough, more stability, and more power if you can swing at the same speed as the standard. Of course, the extra weight may slow down your swing speed, and this may translate into less spin.
  • Team - The team is a slightly lighter version of each standard model. These versions are more lighter and more maneuverable, but you sacrifice power (from the lack of weight), unless you're swinging faster to make up for less weight.
  • Lite - An even lighter version of the standard model. Again, this is more maneuverable and lighter than standard, even moreso than the Team versions, but with the same drawbacks.

Of course, there are unique ones in each family, such as:
  • Pure Drive 107/110 - These oversize versions of the Pure Drive are lighter than the standard version but the larger head size offers more power than similarly weighted Team & Lite versions, plus a bit more forgiveness. Also, the lighter weight than standard also provides extra maneuverability.
  • Pure Strike 100 - This is the lightest Pure Strike model and it has a larger head size. These attributes, plus the open string pattern, give it a bit more spin and forgiveness as well as maneuverability.
  • Pure Control 95 - This is our most "classic" frame. It has the highest level of control and the lowest power. It also has plenty of feel for those who seek it.

I know that was a lot of information, so please let me know if you have further questions.

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer into which racket is best for you. What works for one player is awful for another. So it goes with tennis. My best recommendation is to take the information I gave, read the reviews on the TW site as well as on here, and then demo the frames you think would be the best fit. :)

Babolat Official, what do you know about Troicki's current setup? the Babolat website isn't updated.
Which Pure Aero model is he endorsing and is he using full poly or a hybrid now?
Thanks!

I know that Viktor switched to the Pure Aero, but I have not heard specifics on his frame/setup. I can look into it, but it may take some time to get his information. I'll keep you posted.

Hi, I would like to know if there is a way to give feedback to the team who develops the firmware for the Pure drive play racquet.

You can send me an e-mail directly at social@babolat.com . Thanks!
 
Do the Pure Control/Pure Control Tour grommets fit the Pure Control Swirly?

Thanks!

Yes, the 98 sq in Pure Control/Pure Control Tour grommets should fit the Pure Control Swirly. The Pure Control 95 grommets, however, will not.

Just wondering if you know anywhere I can get grommets for my AeroStorm+'s? IN the 2013 PJ OFC

Looks like TW has some Aerostorm grommets:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Grommets/catpage-GROMBABOLAT.html
 
By consistent sizing, we meant that if you comfortably wear a 9.5 in the SFX2, then you should be able to comfortably wear a 9.5 Propulse. Of course, individuals may adjust due to personal preference.

As far as the lasts used and specifics, I will check with our product team.



When you put it that way, then yes, it can definitely be intimidating! Here's the approach I like to suggest.

First, narrow down in broad terms what you want from a racket. Our separate families of racket will offer different strengths (& weaknesses, of course), and you need to determine what you want most from the frame.

Begin with the family:

  • Pure Drive - Our highest power line that also offers a great deal of versatility
  • Pure Aero - Not as much power as the Pure Drive, but still a higher than average power level, and most notably, high spin potential
  • Pure Strike - Less power than the Drive & Aero, but more control, response/feel, and precision in your shots.
  • Pure Control - Our lowest power line with the most feel & control.
Then, you can dive into each family.
  • Standard (no name after the racket) - This is the standard model from each family and will offer the most balanced experience within that family. There is typically only one standard in each family (Pure Drive, Pure Aero, etc), except the Pure Strike, which has an 18x20 & 16x19. The 18x20 offers more control whereas the 16x19 is more power & spin.
  • Plus - These are the extended length versions of each racket that are 27.5". The extra length offers more power, though the maneuverability suffers.
  • Tour - These are the heavier versions of each racket that typically weigh in at about 315 - 320 grams unstrung. Tour rackets offer more heft, more plowthrough, more stability, and more power if you can swing at the same speed as the standard. Of course, the extra weight may slow down your swing speed, and this may translate into less spin.
  • Team - The team is a slightly lighter version of each standard model. These versions are more lighter and more maneuverable, but you sacrifice power (from the lack of weight), unless you're swinging faster to make up for less weight.
  • Lite - An even lighter version of the standard model. Again, this is more maneuverable and lighter than standard, even moreso than the Team versions, but with the same drawbacks.

Of course, there are unique ones in each family, such as:
  • Pure Drive 107/110 - These oversize versions of the Pure Drive are lighter than the standard version but the larger head size offers more power than similarly weighted Team & Lite versions, plus a bit more forgiveness. Also, the lighter weight than standard also provides extra maneuverability.
  • Pure Strike 100 - This is the lightest Pure Strike model and it has a larger head size. These attributes, plus the open string pattern, give it a bit more spin and forgiveness as well as maneuverability.
  • Pure Control 95 - This is our most "classic" frame. It has the highest level of control and the lowest power. It also has plenty of feel for those who seek it.

I know that was a lot of information, so please let me know if you have further questions.

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer into which racket is best for you. What works for one player is awful for another. So it goes with tennis. My best recommendation is to take the information I gave, read the reviews on the TW site as well as on here, and then demo the frames you think would be the best fit. :)



I know that Viktor switched to the Pure Aero, but I have not heard specifics on his frame/setup. I can look into it, but it may take some time to get his information. I'll keep you posted.



You can send me an e-mail directly at social@babolat.com . Thanks!

thanks for the info, I'll send them an email
 
Hey Babolat Official, can you say anything about this years French open gear? I'm specifically interested in the bags. I'm looking for a new one to replace my old French open bag (from a few years back).

I'm also looking at the pure strike bags and my only concern is that the main pocket on the 6 pack is too big if I only carry 2-3 racquets. And the rest of the pockets are therefore not enough for the rest of my gear. I haven't seen one in real life, only online.

Also, will the updates to the pure strike line be significant? I'm playing a couple of ps100 and wonder if I should stock up on the "old" model during 2016 (the price point is in itself almost a reason to go for it) :)
 
Are there any plans to make Play versions of rackets outside of the Pure Drive and Pure Aero? I would be interested in a Pure Drive Tour Play or a Pure Control Tour Play!
 
Hi Babolat Official,

I have some questions regarding Babolat Pop (acquired last December).
My concern is about it's app and firmware roadmap as I don't see any changes/updates since the early January.

I like Babolat Pop a lot as it can provide me precious feedback from my game but it lacks some fundamental features that could put your product a few steps ahead of competition:
- Session comparison (e.g. Am I improving the shots?)
- Web portal access (since the data is already in your servers I think its easy to make something similar for what's already available for Babolat Play)
- Decrease the session upload time (there is a disclaimer in the app for quite some time, but no improvements yet).
- Sharing the session information with others (via excel, pdf, etc).

When possible please follow-up my queries.

Thank you.

BR,
PMA
 
Have a couple Pure Aeros that I bought from my local shop, and the grip sizes/shape feel completely different. Both are marked 3/8, but feel different. What is the manufacturing tolerance on grip size?

Tried to keep the Syntec grip on one, and replaced the other with a Primce resithin, but it stills feel bigger. Any tips Babolat Official?
 
Great info. Many thanks!

Would appreciate some other info:
1. By "consistent sizing", do you mean they are made on the same last?
2. What are the updates for the SFX2 besides the increased ventilation? (There have been reports that the shoe is narrower.)

I've got some updates regarding the SFX2. First, the SFX2 and Propulses have different lasts. The current last for the SFX2 is an updated version of the SFX last. The SFX2 is a bit narrower in the forefoot and heel, though it is still our widest fitting shoe. The new fit is a bit less bulky and gives the shoe a sleeker shape as well. Also, the new insole has been adjusted to fit with this updated last to maintain the comfort the SFX line is known for.

Hey Babolat Official, can you say anything about this years French open gear? I'm specifically interested in the bags. I'm looking for a new one to replace my old French open bag (from a few years back).

I'm also looking at the pure strike bags and my only concern is that the main pocket on the 6 pack is too big if I only carry 2-3 racquets. And the rest of the pockets are therefore not enough for the rest of my gear. I haven't seen one in real life, only online.

Also, will the updates to the pure strike line be significant? I'm playing a couple of ps100 and wonder if I should stock up on the "old" model during 2016 (the price point is in itself almost a reason to go for it) :)

Yes, we'll have a full range of French Open gear similar to previous years. The Pure Aero range will be receiving the French Open cosmetics, as will the 12 pack and 6 pack racket holders and backpack. The bags are of the same range as the standard Pure Aero bag models.

Regarding the Pure Strike 6 pack, I have the bag in front of me, and you can actually fit rackets in the middle, main pocket. I have put in 4 rackets, with easily room for two more. Though, you could put the other two in the side pockets and fit other gear in your middle pocket, like clothes or shoes.

Finally, with the PS100 and the rest of the Pure Strike line, we've taken the feedback of everyone from our pros to amateur players and used that feedback to help improve the new Pure Strike line. As of now, I haven't played with it yet, and we're working with many folks, including TW, to help playtest the racket and make final tweaks before deciding on the final specs. We're working to see if we can get prototypes in the hands of our consumers, so stay tuned on that front.

That said, a significant change for one person may not be the same to another, namely the most important person in this situation: yourself. Your best bet is obviously to demo, though I know you cannot do that for some time. It's really up to you whether to stock up now or wait and see. I hope that helps :)

Oh yes... drool... French Open 2016 gear... do tell. which racquets are getting paint jobs this year?

The Pure Aero line will be getting the French Open cosmetics. And I have to say, these are some of the prettiest frames I have seen. I'll share photos when we can :)

Are there any plans to make Play versions of rackets outside of the Pure Drive and Pure Aero? I would be interested in a Pure Drive Tour Play or a Pure Control Tour Play!

We originally started with Play rackets in the Pure Drive only, then later expanded to the Aero and Pure Drive Lite models. While I do not have details on the future of Play rackets at the moment, we're taking your feedback into consideration and working on solutions. Stay tuned :)

Hi Babolat Official,

I have some questions regarding Babolat Pop (acquired last December).
My concern is about it's app and firmware roadmap as I don't see any changes/updates since the early January.

I like Babolat Pop a lot as it can provide me precious feedback from my game but it lacks some fundamental features that could put your product a few steps ahead of competition:
- Session comparison (e.g. Am I improving the shots?)
- Web portal access (since the data is already in your servers I think its easy to make something similar for what's already available for Babolat Play)
- Decrease the session upload time (there is a disclaimer in the app for quite some time, but no improvements yet).
- Sharing the session information with others (via excel, pdf, etc).

When possible please follow-up my queries.

Thank you.

BR,
PMA

I appreciate all of this feedback and it's super helpful for us to hear how our products could serve you better, especially the connected ones that we can update over time. I will share this information with the development team, and they will get back to me with their thoughts.

Have a couple Pure Aeros that I bought from my local shop, and the grip sizes/shape feel completely different. Both are marked 3/8, but feel different. What is the manufacturing tolerance on grip size?

Tried to keep the Syntec grip on one, and replaced the other with a Primce resithin, but it stills feel bigger. Any tips Babolat Official?

That is very interesting. I'm sorry to hear that the grip sizes are off. I know in the past that sometimes the difference in grip size is due to the grip being wrapped with more/less overlap. In the Pure Aero Tour playtest, that was the case, and I went ahead and measured the bare handle of the PAT to find it was the size advertised. Though, in your case, you changed the grip and still no change.

I will check with our product team regarding tolerances. In the meantime, you can send the rackets to our warranty department for an evaluation, and they can help you out further.

Their number is 1-877-316-9435 ext 284 if you'd like to give them a call.
 
Do you still have stickers in your string boxes?
image_zpskekgxqfa.jpeg
 
I've got some updates regarding the SFX2. ...

Regarding the Pure Strike 6 pack, I have the bag in front of me, and you can actually fit rackets in the middle, main pocket. I have put in 4 rackets, with easily room for two more.

Finally, with the PS100 and the rest of the Pure Strike line, we've taken the feedback of everyone from our pros to amateur players and used that feedback to help improve the new Pure Strike line. As of now, I haven't played with it yet, and we're working with many folks, including TW, to help playtest the racket and make final tweaks before deciding on the final specs. We're working to see if we can get prototypes in the hands of our consumers, so stay tuned on that front.

1. SFX: many thanks for the very helpful info.
2. Pure Strike Bags: The Pure Strike/Control bags have thermal protection for 4-6 racquets, while the Pure Drive/Aero bags have it for only 2-3 racquets. (The Strike/Control bag also has a smaller zipper, presumably providing more thermal protection.) Is the additional thermal protection in the Strike/Control bags related to any differences between the Strike/Control and Drive/Aero racquets? (The mold, the layup, etc.?) It seems curious that the Drive/Aero bag has "less" thermal protection.
3. Pure Strike Prototypes: Where should I tune in to apply for a prototype?
Thanks again for all your great help.
 
I have to admit that there are lots more D1 college players that have Switched to Pure Aero than any of the ATP tour pros......
 
How come none of the apparel on your website is available to buy online? I saw some cool stuff on your Instagram and checked it out on your official website but can't find anywhere to buy it online. I'm based in the States.
 
Mansoor- Trying to contact someone in regards to hiring/renting/lending of a Babolat stringing machine for our local tournament up here in Liverpool England, who could you pass me on to? I string at the event every year and looking to get a stringing machine in as mine isn't living up to it anymore!
 
1. SFX: many thanks for the very helpful info.
2. Pure Strike Bags: The Pure Strike/Control bags have thermal protection for 4-6 racquets, while the Pure Drive/Aero bags have it for only 2-3 racquets. (The Strike/Control bag also has a smaller zipper, presumably providing more thermal protection.) Is the additional thermal protection in the Strike/Control bags related to any differences between the Strike/Control and Drive/Aero racquets? (The mold, the layup, etc.?) It seems curious that the Drive/Aero bag has "less" thermal protection.
3. Pure Strike Prototypes: Where should I tune in to apply for a prototype?
Thanks again for all your great help.

As far as I know, no, the thermal protection is not related to differences in layup or mold that necessitates extra protection. I'm not sure why one bag has more or less than another, but I can look into it.

Stay tuned on prototypes. That's something that we've talked about, but is still very much in the works.

How come none of the apparel on your website is available to buy online? I saw some cool stuff on your Instagram and checked it out on your official website but can't find anywhere to buy it online. I'm based in the States.

Stay tuned on apparel. It's coming later in 2016 and we're waiting on delivery to our warehouse.

Mansoor- Trying to contact someone in regards to hiring/renting/lending of a Babolat stringing machine for our local tournament up here in Liverpool England, who could you pass me on to? I string at the event every year and looking to get a stringing machine in as mine isn't living up to it anymore!

Shoot me an e-mail at msafi@babolat.com and I can see what I can do there.
 
As far as I know, no, the thermal protection is not related to differences in layup or mold that necessitates extra protection. I'm not sure why one bag has more or less than another, but I can look into it.

Stay tuned on prototypes. That's something that we've talked about, but is still very much in the works.



Stay tuned on apparel. It's coming later in 2016 and we're waiting on delivery to our warehouse.



Shoot me an e-mail at msafi@babolat.com and I can see what I can do there.

Sent you an email bud!
 
Hey @Babolat Official , I have a quick question for you...

To the best of your knowledge, other than paint, is there any difference between the Pure Storm Tour Plus GT 2009:

and the Pure Storm Tour Plus GT circa 2011:

There is a blurb on the TW site in the 2nd link that says it "Features the 2009 cosmetic but is identical in every other way to the 2011 model." Just wondering if that is really true. I have a line on a used 2009 version for a friend, but he's only used the 2011 version and is skeptical that they are the same.

Thanks!
 
Hi Daniel,

I noticed for the POP there is mph on shots. Will that also be on the Babolat Play app? Right now it just has power percentages unless I'm not up to date on the app. Also, how about recording the shanks? You could have really crazy graphics for shots that hit the frame and the overall number of shanks per session. I'm kind of serious. ;)
 
Hey @Babolat Official , I have a quick question for you...

To the best of your knowledge, other than paint, is there any difference between the Pure Storm Tour Plus GT 2009:

and the Pure Storm Tour Plus GT circa 2011:

There is a blurb on the TW site in the 2nd link that says it "Features the 2009 cosmetic but is identical in every other way to the 2011 model." Just wondering if that is really true. I have a line on a used 2009 version for a friend, but he's only used the 2011 version and is skeptical that they are the same.

Thanks!

Yes, they are strictly a cosmetic change.

Hi @Babolat Official - apologies if this has been asked previously, but could not find any info in this thread.

Is there a planned update for the Pure Control Line? And if so when?

Thanks.

Yes, we are planning on updating the Pure Control line very soon, most likely in 2017 and not in 2016 for sure. The Pure Control is actually being grandfathered into the Pure Strike family.

Hi Daniel,

I noticed for the POP there is mph on shots. Will that also be on the Babolat Play app? Right now it just has power percentages unless I'm not up to date on the app. Also, how about recording the shanks? You could have really crazy graphics for shots that hit the frame and the overall number of shanks per session. I'm kind of serious. ;)

The MPH on POP is racket head speed, not ball speed. Play actually has a serve speed feature now, which measures actual ball speed!

As for shanks, the team has decided not to after seeing the disproportionate shanks to clean hits when I last used the racket.............(Hint, my shots had funky spin on them :) )
 
Daniel,
Thanks for all the helpful information. I love the new Pure Drive +! Wondering if you have any familiarity with Prince Scream shoes, or Adidas Barricade. I have wide feet, so the Prince works for me, the Adidas do not Should I buy the SFX 2 in the same size I buy the Prince, I hear it is good for wide feet?
 
Hello string question here:

As I understand Hurricane Feel is being discontinued by Babolat. This is a shame because I really really like it!

Do you by chance are aware of any close product to this, or wether Babolat has a new string line to replace the string?

Thanks!
 
Daniel,
Thanks for all the helpful information. I love the new Pure Drive +! Wondering if you have any familiarity with Prince Scream shoes, or Adidas Barricade. I have wide feet, so the Prince works for me, the Adidas do not Should I buy the SFX 2 in the same size I buy the Prince, I hear it is good for wide feet?

Hey Jack, the SFX2 is definitely a wider fit than our Propulse shoes. That said, I've never tried the Prince shoes, so I cannot give you a direct comparison. Your best bet is to try on a pair and know for sure.
 
Hello string question here:

As I understand Hurricane Feel is being discontinued by Babolat. This is a shame because I really really like it!

Do you by chance are aware of any close product to this, or wether Babolat has a new string line to replace the string?

Thanks!


Yes, unfortunately Pro Hurricane Feel has been discontinued. The closest thing to it, I would say, is Pro Hurricane itself. You could give that a try and adjust tension, or even give RPM Team a try.
 
Daniel, I am a competitive USTA tournament player and I own 3 pure control tours which i love. I bought them about 6 months ago and have used them all equally. However, I noticed one of the rackets has what looks like a crack to me and my coach. it also sounds different than the others and has an odd feel when i hit the ball. I do not abuse my rackets but their is clear and inevitable wear and tear so I'm unsure if it is eligible for warranty or what the case is. Any help would be greatly appreciated- Thanks!, Max
 
Daniel, I am a competitive USTA tournament player and I own 3 pure control tours which i love. I bought them about 6 months ago and have used them all equally. However, I noticed one of the rackets has what looks like a crack to me and my coach. it also sounds different than the others and has an odd feel when i hit the ball. I do not abuse my rackets but their is clear and inevitable wear and tear so I'm unsure if it is eligible for warranty or what the case is. Any help would be greatly appreciated- Thanks!, Max

Hey Max,

It's pretty tough to be able to say on a description alone. That said, if you haven't been abusing it and it's within the one year manufacturer's warranty, which it sounds like it is, I would suggest talking to our warranty department. They can help advise you on your racket and whether or not it's worth sending in.

You can call them at 1-877-316-9435 xt 284.
 
Daniel,
Thanks for all the helpful information. I love the new Pure Drive +! Wondering if you have any familiarity with Prince Scream shoes, or Adidas Barricade. I have wide feet, so the Prince works for me, the Adidas do not Should I buy the SFX 2 in the same size I buy the Prince, I hear it is good for wide feet?

I have worn the Prince T22, Babolat SFX and now have the Babolat SFX2. All have been a UK Size 9 / Eur 43. The SFX is the widest, i can wear 2 pairs of socks, its very wide in the toe box. The T22 is slightly wider fit than the SFX2 but narrower than the SFX, but saying that i have haven't broken in the SFX2.

Hope that helps?
 


We've been keeping track of the feedback regarding the Pure Aero bumpers. They were mentioned in the playtest thread as well as on calls with our warranty department. We're aware of the issue and the team in Lyon is working on a solution. If you find that yours is breaking prematurely or your frame is becoming damaged without abuse, then I would suggest giving our warranty department a call and they can help you understand your options.

1-877-316-9435 xt 284
 
Hey @vsbabolat , I checked on this and unfortunately we no longer include stickers with our strings, reels or sets. Are you using them quite frequently?
Thank you for looking into this. Yeah, I did when I used Babolat strings more often. I like Origin very much but I don't like the price. I'm going to stick with natural gut.
 
Thank you for looking into this. Yeah, I did when I used Babolat strings more often. I like Origin very much but I don't like the price. I'm going to stick with natural gut.

Good to know. We'll suggest to our string team and see if those can make a comeback.

I also just put in a full bed of gut in my most recent stick. Absolutely love the feel.
 
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