Carlos Alcaraz with pure aero VS in 2021

stephenclown

Professional
Confirmed definitely an aero

Yep, definitely looks like a Pure Aero VS, can count 20 crosses in it.

1372604601458294438652354078392195281884005n.jpg


Also, same poor quality headguard and paint as below

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Harry_Wild

G.O.A.T.
Babolat might needs more players to endorse the VS model. Pure Aero does not need any more players since Rafa endorse it and he not playing it but still sell great in any case. I think this is like the 5-6 model of the Pure Aero that has Rafa‘s endorsement.
 
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Stepanek2020

New User
Carlos is yet again providing some decent missiles in this year's AO. Does anyone know his strung racquet specs (weight & balance)?
 

Wheelz

Hall of Fame
Carlos is yet again providing some decent missiles in this year's AO. Does anyone know his strung racquet specs (weight & balance)?
There is a post on another thread for him that has something super low. Like 316-320 sw strung. That’s pretty much the only number I saw for him.
 
I'd like to know his specs too, but it sure seems to be working for him. Just came up a little short tonight, but he will no doubt be back. He's the future, especially for Babolat, and probably for the atp tour!
 

Mischko

Professional
In the other thread someone wrote <320sw on US open, so that' a stock racquet. But it's also visible from his speed and technique that it's very light. That's where the modern game is definitely going
 

ls206

Hall of Fame
You say that, but the “modern” game has been around for a while already and has largely dominated by those with heavier (than stock) racquets with much more substantial swingweights.

edit: not to say lower weight/swingweights aren’t becoming commonplace, but I think they have less potential (generally). Alcaraz is incredibly talented and I won’t claim he would be better of with different equipment
 
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mikele

Rookie
Everything is possible but I will doubt that this is the case, in stock form the SW of the VS is 320 a bit low, I have the frame and even I have it customized due to instability issues in stock form.
 

lidoazndiabloboi

Hall of Fame
Theres no way hes using the retail one, Ive demo it and the buttcap is horrible, it has no control also with the 16x20
I seen you post multiple times about the buttcap issue. I haven’t compared it but I can only assume all Babolat buttcaps are the same. The difference could be the grip that’s wrapped (different thickness) and how it’s wrapped
 

Mischko

Professional
my stock VS is now @ 329.8g 32.1cm balance, and sw feels 320 max, strung with 1.30 head hawk touch, with yonex supergrap white overgip, measured weight and balance just now. stock unstrung it was almost on spec, I don't remember exactly now, will measure again tomorrow when I restring it.

when I got it I first played it stock with 1.30 rpm power, and it was phenomenal, then I added 2g at 12, with 1.25 and it was OK, it was easier to get out of corners, then I added almost full bumper length of lead both sides inside, that felt almost like my usual 340sw, but I concluded I was too slow, and then I got rid of the lead completely, and it's a bomb again.

adding that much lead on 12 calmed the racquet down, it felt really great btw, total balance, as far as weight distribution, because it's strong in the shoulders and throat, and light up top, so adding lead balanced things out. almost full bumper length of lead is probably ~5g. however, having it at ~335sw made me very dependent on fast incoming pace, so if the opponent isn't hitting hard like me, then it's slower than stock racquet.

although I am now planning to go with 1.25 and add maybe 1g, 2g max again on 12 and keep searching for the best string
 

mavsman149

Hall of Fame
I’m surprised Babolat isn’t pushing the VS more. They don’t need help selling the regular Pure Aero, I think Felix uses the VS but it’s painted like the Pure Aero, same with Sock
 

Curtennis

Hall of Fame
I’m surprised Babolat isn’t pushing the VS more. They don’t need help selling the regular Pure Aero, I think Felix uses the VS but it’s painted like the Pure Aero, same with Sock
Last generation Vs for FAA. But I agree with what you’re saying.
I can see the counter tho that the PA19 is far more instantly recognizable for the average consumer. The VS has all that gunmetal type paint, a little harder to readily identify for casuals.
 

mavsman149

Hall of Fame
Last generation Vs for FAA. But I agree with what you’re saying.
I can see the counter tho that the PA19 is far more instantly recognizable for the average consumer. The VS has all that gunmetal type paint, a little harder to readily identify for casuals.

disagree, I think the gunmetal looks cool and is exactly y they should market it more. The banana PJ isoff putting for a lot of people
 

Curtennis

Hall of Fame
disagree, I think the gunmetal looks cool and is exactly y they should market it more. The banana PJ isoff putting for a lot of people
Nothing you said is in disagreement with me. The VS is a much better looking racquet.
Unless you’re saying the VS is more recognizable than the banana pure aero? I’d have to strongly disagree. One is pictured all over the internet with ads, on tour etc the other is the stepchild of the line seen rarely. Hardly more recognizable to the average casual fan.
 

mavsman149

Hall of Fame
Nothing you said is in disagreement with me. The VS is a much better looking racquet.
Unless you’re saying the VS is more recognizable than the banana pure aero? I’d have to strongly disagree. One is pictured all over the internet with ads, on tour etc the other is the stepchild of the line seen rarely. Hardly more recognizable to the average casual fan.

i misread you, my mistake.I still think it’s silly they don’t push it more
 

Mischko

Professional
VS is a fast and punchy attackers' frame, exactly the opposite of almost all other Babolats, so their customers probably just didn't like it too much in market testing. it doesn't work well with defending, counterpunching, ball pushing and slowballing. it plays like a 305g Pro Staff with a semi elliptical profile, more or less.

it was made for Alcaraz and Rune so that Babolat doesn't lose them, because it's fairly obvious that pros and - even more importantly their/good coaches - don't allow Babolat 100 sq in shovels after 15-16 years of age more or less. it's also nice to see that other young aero players - future top players - have now taken the VS, but we'll definitely see more over the years, it's a racquet that's easy to play with, get depth and step into the court and take control of the exchange, most of what a coach wants from a good 15-16 yo junior
 

pow

Hall of Fame
no way he's playing with the latest Pure Aero VS. I'm a huge Babolat fan, but that is a Horrible stick...no feel at all.
Theres no way hes using the retail one, Ive demo it and the buttcap is horrible, it has no control also with the 16x20
Ive actually tried it and its a racket with no control like 3/10 rating

Are you guys seriously implying that since you can't control the aero vs racquet, that Carlos Alcaraz would have the same problem?

Therefore he must be using some secret mystery 16x20 babolat because he derives his control from his racquet and not his talent and skills?
 
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