Bonjour from Babolat

[Nostradamus]

You my friend are underestimating our Nostradamus here...make no mistake he understood exactly what you are saying...

Look all I am saying is this. Please continue to make Extended frames but Keep those at Low swingweight. and you can do what ever you want with standard length Aeropros.

However, this may not be possible. It seems like when Babolat makes new frames for coming year, Swingweight seem to correspond with standard or extended length rackets. Meaning if the SW of standard length racket goes up then extended goes up as well. So please keep both version SW low as 2013 version please.

With Low SW, it is not a Toy. Like I said, MOST people are 3.0-4.5 level. and Vast majority of those are 3.5-4.0 players. and these players like swingweight lower in 300-320 range.

 

[Lukhas]

You my friend are underestimating our Nostradamus here...make no mistake he understood exactly what you are saying...

Yeah, I thought I was getting used to it, seems not enough yet. EDIT: Bah, I'll feeling happy today.

Look all I am saying is this. Please continue to make Extended frames but Keep those at Low swingweight. and you can do what ever you want with standard length Aeropros.

If you're not good enough to play with the heavy version, then play the light version instead of watering down the heavy version. And if it's too light, mod it. There are two light versions of the APD, surely one will suit you. You can talk about a lighter APD Standard when there's a APD Tour.

 

[gregor.b]

The Pacific X-Fast Pro is often mentioned when the discussion is about a softer Pure Drive. The mold is, bar a few details ("technologies"), identical between the two frames.

Fair enough. But with a 'flex' rating of 68, I think I will steer clear of that also. My racquets are a 58 flex, and I use Head FXP Tour, which is also super soft. That is about as stiff as I can go without having to miss sessions due to pain or injury.

 

[Nostradamus]

Yeah, I thought I was getting used to it, seems not enough yet. EDIT: Bah, I'll feeling happy today.

If you're not good enough to play with the heavy version, then play the light version instead of watering down the heavy version. And if it's too light, mod it. There are two light versions of the APD, surely one will suit you. You can talk about a lighter APD Standard when there's a APD Tour.

Are you NOt listening to what I am saying ?????? love to play with Lite version but it is Standard length. I need Extended version. and NO, you cannot put extenders in the buttcap area to make the LITE version longer, NO. because if you do that that completely messes up the racket........

 

[Lukhas]

Are you NOt listening to what I am saying ?????? love to play with Lite version but it is Standard length. I need Extended version. and NO, you cannot put extenders in the buttcap area to make the LITE version longer, NO. because if you do that that completely messes up the racket........

Well that's what Tsonga did with his Pure Strikes back then. That's also what Movqda on this forum did with his HEAD racquets. Stop crying and get to the gym if you can't swing the damn thing. Or drop the racquet if you can't do it. I play extended lengths racquets and if I can't swing them, I don't use them. I surely don't ask to get some racquets watered down so I can play them, that's nonsense. The problem is the indian, not the bow or the arrow.

 

[Nostradamus]

Well that's what Tsonga did with his Pure Strikes back then. That's also what Movqda on this forum did with his HEAD racquets. Stop crying and get to the gym if you can't swing the damn thing. Or drop the racquet if you can't do it. I play extended lengths racquets and if I can't swing them, I don't use them. I surely don't ask to get some racquets watered down so I can play them, that's nonsense. The problem is the indian, not the bow or the arrow.

LOL, you are being selfish and not thinking about the masses. what the Public want NOT what you want. Public wants something lighter and have the option to lead up if they need. Not Heavy to start and no way to adjust down.........Babolat rackets are NOT made for you ONLY. It is made for general public for millions of people.

 

[Lukhas]

LOL, you are being selfish and not thinking about the masses. what the Public want NOT what you want.

Says the person who specifically asked for a lighter swinging racquet. Go customize your own frame or drop it. And thanks for admitting you can't swing it BTW.

 

[chrisingrassia]

Are you NOt listening to what I am saying ?????? love to play with Lite version but it is Standard length. I need Extended version. and NO, you cannot put extenders in the buttcap area to make the LITE version longer, NO. because if you do that that completely messes up the racket........

I'd agree with this. I'd like the option of my APD+ in a lite version and weight it up as I see fit.

Well that's what Tsonga did with his Pure Strikes back then. That's also what Movqda on this forum did with his HEAD racquets. Stop crying and get to the gym if you can't swing the damn thing. Or drop the racquet if you can't do it. I play extended lengths racquets and if I can't swing them, I don't use them. I surely don't ask to get some racquets watered down so I can play them, that's nonsense. The problem is the indian, not the bow or the arrow.

LOL, you are being selfish and not thinking about the masses. what the Public want NOT what you want. Public wants something lighter and have the option to lead up if they need. Not Heavy to start and no way to adjust down.........Babolat rackets are NOT made for you ONLY. It is made for general public for millions of people.

Says the person who specifically asked for a lighter swinging racquet. Go customize your own frame or drop it. And thanks for admitting you can't swing it BTW.

Both of you, calm down. Seriously, it's a tennis forum. Options are good. Players and consumers want options, simple as that. A swingweight difference of an ounce or two doesn't require one to go to the gym. Stop being childish.

 

[eaglesburg]

I'd agree with this. I'd like the option of my APD+ in a lite version and weight it up as I see fit.







Both of you, calm down. Seriously, it's a tennis forum. Options are good. Players and consumers want options, simple as that. A swingweight difference of an ounce or two doesn't require one to go to the gym. Stop being childish.

Daniel what matters more racket or string? Should you tailor the string to the racket or the racket to the string?
Do people generally prefer gut poly or full poly or something else maybe on an APD 2013?

 

[Babolat Official]

Daniel what matters more racket or string? Should you tailor the string to the racket or the racket to the string?
Do people generally prefer gut poly or full poly or something else maybe on an APD 2013?

We believe the racket and string are a 50 / 50 relationship. This assumes you are using a more modern frame. You can't put a lawn mower engine in a Porsche 911.

My belief is that you find a racket that suits your game, and then experiment and tailor the string job as needed.

For the APD, it feels great with all poly for players who have strokes that can take advantage of a full poly string job. Unless you are breaking an all poly in under 14 hours if play time, we recommend trying a hybrid string job.

In terms of preference specifically for the APD, it really depends on your level, game style, what you want from your strings, budget, previous string, etc. If you give me a better idea of these things, I am happy to make some suggestions to start your string experimentation journey. Or if you prefer to do so in private, shoot me an email dbecker@babolat.com.

 

[Lukhas]

I'd agree with this. I'd like the option of my APD+ in a lite version and weight it up as I see fit.
[...]
Both of you, calm down. Seriously, it's a tennis forum. Options are good. Players and consumers want options, simple as that. A swingweight difference of an ounce or two doesn't require one to go to the gym. Stop being childish.

Which goes back to what I wrote: what if you want a certain SW at a certain static weight? Having a racquet that is too light stock removes the possibility, plain and simple. Obviously you can weight up a racquet; however, as I pointed out, there are no "heavy" version of the AeroPro Drive and the SW has already been reduced significantly between the GT version and the Active Cortex (current) version; probably for good considering how ridiculous they were (altho' it seems that people have no issue using a Blade OTOH). What's the point of going for even lighter when 2 lighter versions already exist? If that is not giving people options, I don't know what that is. If anything that's removing options by making all three racquets even closer.
I don't complain when a given frame is out of my alley nor I ask for the manufacturer to modify the specs to carter to my personal needs. If it doesn't, I move on, plain and simple. It seems common sense to me at least. Moreover, the tolerance of Babolat frames is such that you can even ask TW for a certain spec range. I'd do it for any racquet to make sure I have similar products.

EDIT: The Cortex PD+ swung for 340 on average (I'm not making this up). The current one is at 326 and the previous one at 317. Where's the issue?

 

[SFrazeur]

I'm confused: are the Pure Control and Pure Strike being discontinued or updated. I noticed the price drop.

 

[Babolat Official]

I'm confused: are the Pure Control and Pure Strike being discontinued or updated. I noticed the price drop.

Our rackets are on a 3 year renewal. Next update will be 2017.

You guys always want price drops... so we're trying one.

 

[Nostradamus]

Our rackets are on a 3 year renewal. Next update will be 2017.

You guys always want price drops... so we're trying one.

Dear Sir Babolat.
I just have one question. I agree with you that 2013 Aeropro plus is more maneuverable than 2012 pure drive plus. I tried them side by side last week and I agree with you on this. and same can be said about regular length versions.

But it is really confusing to me that Swingweight is much Lower with 2012 pure drive plus as TW specs states SW is 317 for Pure drive plus 2012 and SW is 326 for 2013 Aeropro drive plus. I thought manuverablility of the racket is dependent on Swing weight ??

and I completely trust TW specs. They are the best when it comes to accurately measuring the racket specs.

 

[zapvor]

daniel random aside do you know when people will get checks for the babolat settlement?

 

[Babolat Official]

I thought manuverablility of the racket is dependent on Swing weight ??

and I completely trust TW specs. They are the best when it comes to accurately measuring the racket specs.

numbers only tell part of the story, what the player feels is most important (and entirely subjective)

 

[Babolat Official]

daniel random aside do you know when people will get checks for the babolat settlement?

Sorry, handled by a 3rd party. We've been ordered to tell people to follow up with them.

 

[Babolat Official]

a couple small updates to Babolat PLAY app:
https://www.facebook.com/babolat/posts/10152980430124209

bigger updates coming soon

 

[thebigz]

Is PD plus 2012 more maneuverable or APD plus 2013?

 

[DJTaurus]

Is PD plus 2012 more maneuverable or APD plus 2013?

As for normal versions PD is a lot more maneuverable and easy to play with.

 

[Babolat Official]

Is PD plus 2012 more maneuverable or APD plus 2013?

Subjective to the user. Personally, I find the APD more maneuverable. Demo both and compare is our recommendation.

For what it is worth, TW strung specs

2012 PD+ sw: 317
2013 APD sw: 326

 

[Nostradamus]

Subjective to the user. Personally, I find the APD more maneuverable. Demo both and compare is our recommendation.

For what it is worth, TW strung specs

2012 PD+ sw: 317
2013 APD sw: 326

I agree with this completely with Mr. Babolat. by the numbers, 2012 PD+ should be more maneuverable but it isn't when you actually play with them. 2013 APD+ will feel like it is more maneuverable during playtest, and you notice this after only about 5-10 minutes of play.

But also keep in mind that I was told by Babolat Rep that Babolat racket spec can VARY by as much as 5-6 points in Swing weight from Frame to Frame. This is HUGE variance but that is the way it is with Babolat, so we just have to accept them.....

Lucky for us, Tennis Warehouse has Matching program where for $10, they can measure specs of frames they have and give you more heavy or more light on out of their stock. So this is what I do when I order from Tennis warehouse. It is Well worth paying for.....

 

[Babolat Official]

But also keep in mind that I was told by Babolat Rep that Babolat racket spec can VARY by as much as 5-6 points in Swing weight from Frame to Frame.

+/- 7 grams for static weight (different than swing weight)

 

[Bartelby]

Any ETA or other news on the Pure Strike Ctrl? The one with the Control mould, but Strike cosmetic.

 

[Nostradamus]

+/- 7 grams for static weight (different than swing weight)

that is 0.25 OZ plus or minus........ That is huge. that could mean the swing of 5-7 points in SW either way...

 

[JCmua]

Pure drive 2015 stringing instructions confirmation

Hi Daniel, I found this instructions for stringing pure drives tour, but I'm not sure they are for the 2015 version, can you confirm?

 

[JCmua]

Hi Daniel, I found this instructions for stringing pure drives tour, but I'm not sure they are for the 2015 version, can you confirm?

sorry here is the image, https://twitter.com/JCMua/status/595796210788732929/photo/1

 

[Fuji]

Hi Daniel, I found this instructions for stringing pure drives tour, but I'm not sure they are for the 2015 version, can you confirm?

Stringing instructions changed between the 2012 and the 2015.

-Fuji

 

[Bartelby]

The stringing instructions for their racquets are actually up on their website so that's not hard to find.

 

[JCmua]

The stringing instructions for their racquets are actually up on their website so that's not hard to find.

Yes, I know, that's where I found them, but they use to have the instructions for the 2012 model, and the 2015 has to be stringed a certain way to be able to use the fsi technology.

 

[DJTaurus]

Yes, I know, that's where I found them, but they use to have the instructions for the 2012 model, and the 2015 has to be stringed a certain way to be able to use the fsi technology.

Certain way ? Tension and string suggestions ? PD15 is a lot different than PD12..... More stable, more power but it has lost the maneuverability of the old model.

 

[Bartelby]

The only Pure Drive Tour is the 2015 version with FSI so unless the site is messed up they do have stringing instructions for the Tour.

The 2012 model is the Pure Drive Roddick.

Yes, I know, that's where I found them, but they use to have the instructions for the 2012 model, and the 2015 has to be stringed a certain way to be able to use the fsi technology.

 

[oble]

that is 0.25 OZ plus or minus........ That is huge.

That is fairly standard, to be honest.

 

[VoodooBoot]

That is fairly standard, to be honest.

The fact that you can put "standard" in there (and you're right) is the sad part.

 

[Babolat Official]

Any ETA or other news on the Pure Strike Ctrl? The one with the Control mould, but Strike cosmetic.

still in development

 

[Babolat Official]

Hi Daniel, I found this instructions for stringing pure drives tour, but I'm not sure they are for the 2015 version, can you confirm?

here are 2015 Pure Drive instructions:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dis7tgs0l...ng Instructions for Pure Drive 2015.docx?dl=0

 

[Babolat Official]

that is 0.25 OZ plus or minus........ That is huge. that could mean the swing of 5-7 points in SW either way...

to be clear: static weight and swing weight are different measurements, it's not a linear correlation

 

[thebigz]

Any information about when APD 2013 line will go on sale?

 

[Babolat Official]

Any information about when APD 2013 line will go on sale?

not in the immediate future

 

[PhxRacket]

Has there been any change in the manufacturing of PD Bags? Can a few PD+ and essentials fit in a 9 racquet PD bag? There were problems discussed on TT and I was wondering if there had been any changes to the length of the new bags?

 

[chrisingrassia]

Has there been any change in the manufacturing of PD Bags? Can a few PD+ and essentials fit in a 9 racquet PD bag? There were problems discussed on TT and I was wondering if there had been any changes to the length of the new bags?

I've been unsuccessful at getting more than two APD+ racquets in the side pockets. Those bags are fail IMO.

To be fair though, I haven't found the Dunlop, Tecnifibre, Head, Prince, or Wilson bags to be any different.

 

[Babolat Official]

Has there been any change in the manufacturing of PD Bags? Can a few PD+ and essentials fit in a 9 racquet PD bag? There were problems discussed on TT and I was wondering if there had been any changes to the length of the new bags?

For the the main compartment, it is easy to fit rackets in.

The confusion (rightfully so) comes from people who are used to the side thermal pockets holding 3-4 rackets each. On the new model the side compartments hold 2 rackets max (with the rest going in the main).

 

[chrisingrassia]

For the the main compartment, it is easy to fit rackets in.

The confusion (rightfully so) comes from people who are used to the side thermal pockets holding 3-4 rackets each. On the new model the side compartments hold 2 rackets max (with the rest going in the main).

...which is silly. Where do I store my four cans of balls, new grips, overgrips, towel, water bottle, extra shirt/jacket/pants, possible extra pair of shoes, etc., if my middle compartment is taken up with racquets? Can't put shoes or canned balls on the side pouches.

I feel like the trend of big "monster" 12-15pk bags are actually trying to get as small as they can. I ride my bike to the courts, have to carry everything in one bag. That's the point of the big bags....for guys like me .

And that doesn't even factor in that very few of the bags even fit the (+) racquet versions. My One Strings bag, while not perfect, is still the best bag I have yet to find.

 

[drumnman2]

That doesn't really answer the question. Are there plans to correct the new bags at some point or not ? I went with the older 12 pk. team bag for my plus length control 95's and even that is tight. Is their idea to save on a couple inches of material and make an inferior product to save money......I'm disappointed if that's the case. I would gladly pay the extra $ to have a workable bag.

 

[Fuji]

The fact that you can put "standard" in there (and you're right) is the sad part.

Well it depends on how much you'd be willing to pay for frames. I'm sure if prices were raised to the 300$ range that QC would increase and your frames would be even closer to target spec.

-Fuji

 

[Babolat Official]

...which is silly. Where do I store my four cans of balls, new grips, overgrips, towel, water bottle, extra shirt/jacket/pants, possible extra pair of shoes, etc., if my middle compartment is taken up with racquets? Can't put shoes or canned balls on the side pouches.

I feel like the trend of big "monster" 12-15pk bags are actually trying to get as small as they can. I ride my bike to the courts, have to carry everything in one bag. That's the point of the big bags....for guys like me .

And that doesn't even factor in that very few of the bags even fit the (+) racquet versions. My One Strings bag, while not perfect, is still the best bag I have yet to find.

Thanks for the feedback. We know there are some issues with the bags, which will be corrected at the update.

(2) side compartments for 1-2 rackets each
(1) main compartment for 6-8 rackets
(1) top compartment for shoes/clothes
(1) side pocket for grips, etc.
(1) insulated pocket for water bottle, snacks

There will also be a large RH15 for Wimbledon.

 

[Babolat Official]

That doesn't really answer the question. Are there plans to correct the new bags at some point or not ? I went with the older 12 pk. team bag for my plus length control 95's and even that is tight. Is their idea to save on a couple inches of material and make an inferior product to save money......I'm disappointed if that's the case. I would gladly pay the extra $ to have a workable bag.

The bags will be updated and the consumer feedback will be incorporated at the renewal.

The sizing issue wasn't a financial decision, it had to do with the design.

 

[j24]

"which is silly. Where do I store my four cans of balls, new grips, overgrips, towel, water bottle, extra shirt/jacket/pants, possible extra pair of shoes, etc., if my middle compartment is taken up with racquets? Can't put shoes or canned balls on the side pouches.

I feel like the trend of big "monster" 12-15pk bags are actually trying to get as small as they can. I ride my bike to the courts, have to carry everything in one bag. That's the point of the big bags....for guys like me .

And that doesn't even factor in that very few of the bags even fit the (+) racquet versions. My One Strings bag, while not perfect, is still the best bag I have yet to find"

I totally agreen with this. A young junior player can only carry one bag. If we have to put racquets in the middle compartment, where are we going to put the rest of the stuff. The new bags are way too small as far as thermal pouch. We should be able to put more than one racquet in the side thermal pouch without an issue on a 12 pack. The old aero pro bags could handle it without issues.

 

[chrisingrassia]

Thanks for the feedback. We know there are some issues with the bags, which will be corrected at the update.

(2) side compartments for 1-2 rackets each
(1) main compartment for 6-8 rackets
(1) top compartment for shoes/clothes
(1) side pocket for grips, etc.
(1) insulated pocket for water bottle, snacks

There will also be a large RH15 for Wimbledon.

Back on post #4095, I and others confirmed the sizing flaw. Still doesn't seem like you're getting it. Side pockets should hold at least 2-3 racquets, if not more. In bags this size, they are bought not because players own 15 racquets, but because they likely have 4 or 5 and need that middle compartment completely for everything else they carry. These big bags are true "player's bags". I'm shocked that no one makes a bag that's 32-34" wide and 16" high with side pockets to carry most racquets.

I even gave a spirited review of this issue here and showed a perfect example why the side pocket sizing is so important for us "big bag" guys: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=525509

I totally agreen with this. A young junior player can only carry one bag. If we have to put racquets in the middle compartment, where are we going to put the rest of the stuff. The new bags are way too small as far as thermal pouch. We should be able to put more than one racquet in the side thermal pouch without an issue on a 12 pack. The old aero pro bags could handle it without issues.

Years ago (like 10+) I had a Roddick black and white "12 pack bag" and that thing was a monster. It was flawless.....until someone stole it from me. Have not seen a single bag since then reach that quality or size.

 

[Babolat Official]

Back on post #4095, I and others confirmed the sizing flaw. Still doesn't seem like you're getting it. Side pockets should hold at least

Years ago (like 10+) I had a Roddick black and white "12 pack bag" and that thing was a monster. It was flawless.....until someone stole it from me. Have not seen a single bag since then reach that quality or size.

Apologies if my explanation was misinterpreted. I was attempting to address two differing points.

1. Yes. There is an issue with the current bag sizing and change in side pockets. We hear you. However, it takes longer to make the change between the date of your post #4095 and today. We are working on a newer version. It takes times to develop, manufacture etc.

2. I was explaining the current design, as it differs from past design. We received the feedback the new design has drawbacks. And we will make the next version better, incorporating this feedback.