Bonjour from Babolat

[hersito]

Yeah cool, thanks, I will do that. But just wondering why racquets are so expensive today with 30 year old manufacturing - and quite frankly not much innovation (including pixie dust cortex.. no offense). One mold and many years doing the same process in Taiwan should have lowered prices. After all FOB should be below 50 for you now..huh?

I'll get that one for him, it's called Capitalism, companies make thing to win money, the more they can charge you the best for them, it they could they would charge it 1000 dollars. They probably have a cost of 20 to 30 dollars a racquet everything else is winnings for the company and resellers, just like anything else in industry today. A nike shoe s probably around 10 dollars or less cost and you pay them 100 to 200 dollars. Welcome to capitalism.

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

Hi. Thanks for coming on here. I love the fact that Babolat is a family run company.

 

[Babolat Official]

18 gauge is much softer than rhe 16 gauge? Seems a good way to soften the Aeropro

Personally, I think it plays with more feel. But it does break a lot faster.

 

[Babolat Official]

So sorry, I did not mean to offend you - it is awesome you are here. Just asking why racquets cost so much at retail when nothing has changed in manufacturing in 20-30 years. Can't you explain for all of us?

Sorry, not something I'm familiar with. Having played with racquets from 1992, I would argue things have changed. But I'm also not in manufacturing....so I'm probably not the guy to ask.

 

[Babolat Official]

Hi. Thanks for coming on here. I love the fact that Babolat is a family run company.

Merci! Eric Babolat is a pretty cool guy. And I'm not just saying that because I work for his company. I'd done business with Babolat prior to coming on board. Stand up individual.

 

[GS]

I loved one of your Pure Control models about 10 years ago (the one weighing around 11.5 oz), but all of your Pure Storms (its replacement?) just don't feel the same. Guess there's no chance of bringing the Control back, eh?

 

[Babolat Official]

I'll get that one for him, it's called Capitalism, companies make thing to win money, the more they can charge you the best for them, it they could they would charge it 1000 dollars. They probably have a cost of 20 to 30 dollars a racquet everything else is winnings for the company and resellers, just like anything else in industry today. A nike shoe s probably around 10 dollars or less cost and you pay them 100 to 200 dollars. Welcome to capitalism.

We also invest money into R&D, sponsoring junior, clubs, Roland Garros, etc. For example, Babolat Play&Connect. We've been working on the project for quite some time...If you've seen the videos about what it does, you can imagine the amount of resource it takes to make something like that.

Not that I don't enjoy a spirited debate on economic theory and the nature of privately owned companies, but I'll try to keep this thread just to Babolat products.

 

[Babolat Official]

I loved one of your Pure Control models about 10 years ago (the one weighing around 11.5 oz), but all of your Pure Storms (its replacement?) just don't feel the same. Guess there's no chance of bringing the Control back, eh?

That was quite a popular racquet (red swirly?). However, it is not coming back in the foreseeable future.

 

[themitchmann]

Welcome. Thanks for joining us!

 

[ArliHawk]

What is the secret of active cortex?

 

[Bartelby]

Will 'play and connect' connect with the new APD when it arrives?

 

[db10s]

Yeah. The Aerostorm is gaining popularity with the frequent players and some up and coming pros, but it was a company wide decision. We've got something coming in the future...

Right when its gaining traction you yank it...... I'm "in" with Dunlop and friends... But I still carry an Aerostorm in my bag.... :???:

 

[db10s]

Isn't Cortex a part of the brain? lol..... So "active" cortex means.... ITS ALIVE!

 

[Deleted member 369227]

What is the secret of active cortex?

+1

One of forum members recently cut his Babolat racquet (cross-cut directly through "Cortex System") and shared the images. What we saw is just a piece of plastic that didn't really impress many people (or at least not me).

I am particularly curious what exactly is "active" in the "Active Cortex System" supposedly engineered into my Pure Drive GT 2012 racquet?

Thanks and welcome,
Dragan

 

[db10s]

+1

One of forum members recently cut his Babolat racquet (cross-cut directly through "Cortex System") and shared the images. What we saw is just a piece of plastic that didn't really impress many people (or at least not me).

I am particularly curious what exactly is "active" in the "Active Cortex System" supposedly engineered into my Pure Drive GT 2012 racquet?

Thanks and welcome,
Dragan

Yeah, I have those pics saved... I may post them if I have any spare time.

 

[Fuji]

Hey there, quick question if you can answer it:

What made Babolat decide to stop shipping to outside of the USA? My local distributor cannot get my favourite frame, (Pure Storm LTD) in stock and companies like Tennis Warehouse were my only option. Now I cannot even order from them.

Hope this isn't out of your hands to figure out! Thanks!

-Fuji

 

[db10s]

Hey there, quick question if you can answer it:

What made Babolat decide to stop shipping to outside of Canada. My local distributor cannot get my favourite frame, (Pure Storm LTD) in stock and companies like Tennis Warehouse were my only option. Now I cannot even order from them.

Hope this isn't out of your hands to figure out! Thanks!

-Fuji

I have heard about that... I don't think its very smart of them to limit their market.

 

[db10s]

I don't think we will get answers until the am, he has probably left the office.

 

[darklore009]

is there any chance of the storms series returning sooner or later?

 

[db10s]

is there any chance of the storms series returning sooner or later?

Nope, as someone else put it "It's their redheaded step-child".

 

[Francis27]

Hey there, quick question if you can answer it:

What made Babolat decide to stop shipping to outside of Canada. My local distributor cannot get my favourite frame, (Pure Storm LTD) in stock and companies like Tennis Warehouse were my only option. Now I cannot even order from them.

Hope this isn't out of your hands to figure out! Thanks!

-Fuji

IKR! but mine is the other way around i want to buy babolat from US to Canada. I have to buy like $30 a string set in Canada when its much cheaper here in US. Now i can barely buy anything from TW

 

[vsbabolat]

Hi Daniel,

I've been a long time user of Babolat products go back decades. I even had the great pleasure of meeting the late Pierre Babolat. This is a question about string and not racquets. Why did Babolat decide to ruin the gut with BT7? The string plays much stiffer and I have found that it does not last any longer and have had a couple of sets break in my bag over night. That had never happened to the original formula of Babolat VS Gut. I'm down to my last few sets of original Babolat VS Gut and I don't see myself buying any of the new BT7.
Thanks for your time,
VS

 

[thecrusher956]

What was the thought process in ending Aerostorms, with so many pros using it. Also, what will the pros be switching to?

 

[db10s]

Hi Daniel,

I've been a long time user of Babolat products go back decades. I even had the great pleasure of meeting the late Pierre Babolat. This is a question about string and not racquets. Why did Babolat decide to ruin the gut with BT7? The string plays much stiffer and I have found that it does not last any longer and have had a couple of sets break in my bag over night. That had never happened to the original formula of Babolat VS Gut. I'm down to my last few sets of original Babolat VS Gut and I don't see myself buying any of the new BT7.
Thanks for your time,
VS

I want to know as well.

 

[t135]

So sorry, I did not mean to offend you - it is awesome you are here. Just asking why racquets cost so much at retail when nothing has changed in manufacturing in 20-30 years. Can't you explain for all of us?

This is a serious question? Everything in the process goes up. Raw materials, labor, machinery, fuel, shipping. Seriously, how many things cost the same today as they did 20-30 years ago?

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

It's called inflation people...

 

[AlfaAce]

Wow Great. First question

Babolat racquets are undeniably popular however why do you design racquets which cause arm pain

I liked the pure drive 2012 however it cause dme pain in my elbow arm I could not sleep. Surely in this age you should be able to make the pure drives and aero drives and take away that pain effect ?

Secondly do the pros use less stiff models of the pure drives than retail ones ?

Recently I developed pain in the tip of my elbow due to vibrations when mishitting with the 2011 Aeropro. I would like to avoid these vibrations and also a boardy feeling. Also, I dont like the overly dampened feeling of multis as full jobs or as cross strings.

Any recommnedation of a string setup for the new 2013 APD considering my situation?
I think that babolat Nvy is a good cross, What string would you recommend as a main string to combine with Nvy or any other string in a full setup?

Have you tried a full bed of nat gut? I had wicked bad elbow problems playing my old Head racquet with syn gut (so bad it was hard to drive my car with one hand after hitting for 45 min). Switched to 2 Bab PD2012s with 16G VS Gut at 60#... no more elbow problems and a fantastic racquet (feel, power, and control).

Yes I tried it once. VS black. Felt good but I break strings and it can get expensive. Also, maybe the stringbed was a bit too powerful. I liked Polyfibre TCS full bed at 52. Will try it with the new APD.

Try VS or Wilson nat gut in 16G strung at 60-62#. 16G makes it last longer and 60-65# takes some of the power out but leaves all the feel in.

I'll get that one for him, it's called Capitalism, companies make thing to win money, the more they can charge you the best for them, it they could they would charge it 1000 dollars. They probably have a cost of 20 to 30 dollars a racquet everything else is winnings for the company and resellers, just like anything else in industry today. A nike shoe s probably around 10 dollars or less cost and you pay them 100 to 200 dollars. Welcome to capitalism.

Just Google "Ely Callaway" . Maybe we're ready for another Ely. Why not $1K for "the best tennis racquet in the world"? .

 

[uscmba02]

I have a question for you, I've looked everywhere and can't find an answer...

My son plays with a Babolat PD JR25 (he's 8). I need to restring his racket but I can't find any tension guidance. Any recommendations?

 

[Babolat Official]

Isn't Cortex a part of the brain? lol..... So "active" cortex means.... ITS ALIVE!

Exactly. Well said.

 

[Babolat Official]

I have a question for you, I've looked everywhere and can't find an answer...

My son plays with a Babolat PD JR25 (he's 8). I need to restring his racket but I can't find any tension guidance. Any recommendations?

I just asked one of our stringers in house. He said 40-50 lbs with a soft multifilament.

 

[Babolat Official]

What is the secret of active cortex?

Every time you hit a ball, vibrations are generated. think about when you hit a ball off center vs in the sweet spot. They feel different...as they are providing "information" about what type of shot you hit. The new Cortex Dampening System uses technology in the handle to filter out "bad vibrations" which don't give necessary feedback to the players.

Some of you have expressed grief that this is simply a marketing ploy. Head to your local pro shop and demo a 2010 APD and a 2013 APD. String them the same and hit with both on the same day.

 

[Babolat Official]

Will 'play and connect' connect with the new APD when it arrives?

We'll have more information on Babolat Play&Connect as the project gets closer to launch in 2013. There are a lot of teams and moving parts, so we can't say for now. Stay tuned...

 

[jorel]

Hopefully not too much. I have received some interesting emails...Still figuring out how to respond to "why do your racquets suck?"

Thanks for the kind words.

thats funny

 

[uscmba02]

I just asked one of our stringers in house. He said 40-50 lbs with a soft multifilament.

Thanks! This helps a bunch.

 

[Babolat Official]

Yeah, I have those pics saved... I may post them if I have any spare time.

Send them my way: dbecker@babolat.com

 

[Babolat Official]

I don't think we will get answers until the am, he has probably left the office.

I'll try to be on the forums a couple hours a day. I play a lot of tennis and can't cut down on court time.

 

[Babolat Official]

is there any chance of the storms series returning sooner or later?

The Pure Storm line will be the same for 2013.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

This is excellent customer service^

 

[Boricua]

I'll try to be on the forums a couple hours a day. I play a lot of tennis and can't cut down on court time.

Lucky you, single and without kids. Wish I could play 2 hours daily.

 

[boeitmeniks]

I know a quite talented 13 year old, my nephew, he'd really liked to get sponsered by you, how can he get sponsered?
What should he do?

 

[sureshs]

This is a serious question? Everything in the process goes up. Raw materials, labor, machinery, fuel, shipping. Seriously, how many things cost the same today as they did 20-30 years ago?

Many things. And many things are cheaper than they were 30 years ago.

It is called mass manufacturing, advantage of scale, and increased efficiency by automation.

 

[Florico]

Welcome Babolat official! Do you work in France or in USA?

 

[boeitmeniks]

One of the drawbacks of poly is it loses tensions really quickly. Have you tried a hybrid with a 16 gauge multi or 15L Natural Gut? You might lose some spin and gain power, but it will help with tension loss.

For every advantage, there is a drawback.

We've got something coming out in 2013 that should address the poly/tension issue. Stay tuned for more information...

RPM DUAL BABY!

 

[boeitmeniks]

Hi Daniel,

I've been a long time user of Babolat products go back decades. I even had the great pleasure of meeting the late Pierre Babolat. This is a question about string and not racquets. Why did Babolat decide to ruin the gut with BT7? The string plays much stiffer and I have found that it does not last any longer and have had a couple of sets break in my bag over night. That had never happened to the original formula of Babolat VS Gut. I'm down to my last few sets of original Babolat VS Gut and I don't see myself buying any of the new BT7.
Thanks for your time,
VS

Have you tried wilson gut
It is the same without BT7
In fact it is made by BAB
Exactly the same only more expensive worth it
I am one of the few that enjoys BT7
I don't like soft
Will 17 gauge of vs gut also be in black?

 

[Babolat Official]

I know a quite talented 13 year old, my nephew, he'd really liked to get sponsered by you, how can he get sponsered?
What should he do?

Send me an email dbecker@babolat.com and I'll put you in contact with our sponsorship team.

 

[Babolat Official]

RPM DUAL BABY!

shhh.... I don't know what you are talking about. More to come soon.

 

[Babolat Official]

Welcome Babolat official! Do you work in France or in USA?

Based out of the US but I travel to France about every 6 weeks.

 

[Bartelby]

I like the new logo. Its a stylised B right? But the stencil still looks like something's missing. Will there only be one official stencil?

 

[Babolat Official]

Hi Daniel,

I've been a long time user of Babolat products go back decades. I even had the great pleasure of meeting the late Pierre Babolat. This is a question about string and not racquets. Why did Babolat decide to ruin the gut with BT7? The string plays much stiffer and I have found that it does not last any longer and have had a couple of sets break in my bag over night. That had never happened to the original formula of Babolat VS Gut. I'm down to my last few sets of original Babolat VS Gut and I don't see myself buying any of the new BT7.
Thanks for your time,
VS

I can safely say it was not our intention to ruin Natural Gut by adding BT7. In fact, it was the opposite. We wanted to make it more durable (15% by our lab testing).

All of our string is coded with individual numbers, so please please please submit any defective sets to warranty (through your local shop). We will get them replaced and pull the rest of the set from the market. Each batch of string (natural, multi, mono) is tested in the factory, so these instances are rare but we have procedures in place.

Sorry, you don't like the BT7. We're always innovating to make our products better as the demands of tennis players increase. Hopefully we'll offer something you like more in the future.

 

[Deleted member 369227]

Every time you hit a ball, vibrations are generated. think about when you hit a ball off center vs in the sweet spot. They feel different...as they are providing "information" about what type of shot you hit. The new Cortex Dampening System uses technology in the handle to filter out "bad vibrations" which don't give necessary feedback to the players.

Some of you have expressed grief that this is simply a marketing ploy. Head to your local pro shop and demo a 2010 APD and a 2013 APD. String them the same and hit with both on the same day.

First of all, it's great to have an opportunity to get official information and clarification from Babolat on this forum. I appreciate the time and effort you invest in answering all the questions.

Now, don't you think it's overstatement to attribute all the differences between 2010 APD and 2013 APD solely to new and improved "active" cortex system? Correct me if I'm wrong, but these two generations differ in many things:

1) Swing weights
2) Stiffness level
3) Probably slightly different structural/material properties
4) ...and finally Different "Cortex Dampening System"

(Malicious people would even say that no two Babolat racquets play identically, even if they are the same model/generation, but I don't agree with that...

It's not my intent to argue or alienate, nor I have anything against Babolat as a company. On the contrary, I am happy and regular Babolat user and have used many, many Babolat products over time (strings, shoes, overgrips, balls, textile, racquets...) but I really get annoyed with cheap marketing tricks.

After seeing dissection photos of "Cortex System" I see it simply as "snake oil", and so far I haven't change my standpoint.

Can you please ask your engineers what was changed in the 2012/2013 cortex dampening system (except turning it from V shape into A shape) to make it "active" and noticeably different (in your own words) than 2010 version?

Best regards,
Dragan