Comparison Review: Babolat Pure Control Team VS Babolat Pure Storm Tour

matchpoints

matchpoints

Professional
A little background history. I went from the Pure Drive (leaded) to the Pure Storm (leaded) to the Pure Control Team (leaded) and now contemplating on going with the Pure Storm Tour or Pure Drive Roddick. I have to make a choice soon. What I need is a solid stick with some heft.

Pure Control Team Advantages over Pure Storm Tour:
- More plow through affect.
- More Power
- Mishits tend to still have some pace
- Less effort required
- More stable on off center shots.

PST Advantages over the PCT:
- More maneuverable
- Swings lighter for some reason
- More comfortable....definitely can feel the flex.
- the sweet spot feels great and that's when I can get some good pace especially when hitting low flat shots.
- I can wait longer before executing due to the lighter swing weight feel (for whatever reason)

PCT Disadvantages over PST:
- Lead tape at 3/9 helps with more plow through and power on serves but slows me down when chasing down forehands and I end up hitting late.
- glossy paint sucks in humid areas where I hold on the throat area.
- can't really think of any more


PST Disadvantages over PCT:

- Need to hold grip tighter and swing through more
- off center shots don't have much pace compared to PCT
- Feels kinda hollow and just not as solid even though the weight is similar
- harder time controlling the depth of the shot
- more muscle work required overall which I assume is due to the flex
- seems to also have a smaller sweetspot
- hard to come over the ball during serves. I kept hitting long. It was hard to get it to SNAP quickly during the serve.

I remember someone else doing a review comparing all the Pure Control Models and he mentioned that the Pure Storm Tour wouldn't be too good for someone with a windshield wiper swing. That's the swing I have and I have better success with the Pure Control Team. I can do a 50 shot rally with good pace much easier with the PCT then the PST. Problem is the the Pure Control Teams are being replaced so....and I have to submit my contract in ASAP.

I do feel that with some lead the PST would be a much better stick.

I haven't hit with the Pure Drive Roddick and I do miss the power from the Pure Drive. I remember someone commenting on how much pace I lost going from the Pure Drive to the Pure Storm. Gah!

EDIT: Forgot to mention that both were strung with Topspin Cyberflash 1.25mm at 52 lbs. I swing faster then most guys my level and hit with a semi-western grip in a windshield wiper fashion but tend to change it when needed. In reality, I change my grips within the point if I have to like on very high balls I'll goto western and for return of serves I'll sneak over to eastern a bit especially in doubles. I'm the kind of guy that goes for broke but will hit a no look back hand drop shot right after an aggressive forehand.
 
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Alexio92 said:
Does anyone know which is better extended length? Nice review btw
Click to expand...

You know I am thinking about actually ordering a Demo of the longer version of Pure Storm Tour as more length tends to have more plow through so to speak and better serves which is something i miss from the Pure Drive series. Decisions, decisions....I'll give it a week or 2 before I decide.
 
jace112 said:
are you comparing your leaded up pure control to the standard pure storm tour?
Click to expand...

Nope. Everything from grips to string and string tension was the same besides the frame.

I threw the lead comment in because during my tournament days I had it leaded up but nowadays I don't play enough to stay in shape to wield that heft.
 
very good write up.....i loved the pure control when i demoed it, but i didnt have the cash to buy 2 of them at the time. let us know what you decide to do
 
i played the PCT for over a year (had a few of them)... leather grip, co-poly strings. (these racquets replaced my Pure Storms that were leaed up to over 12oz)... my PCT's were @ 347gs. Good stick if you can get them to be a little more HL. I too wanted to to see what the replacement would be like... sold the PCT's and got the PST's... and wasn't so convinced... the PST's do play lighter. i added leather and lead on the handle, strung with CF @ 58lbs (similar to my PCT's... i used Big Ace on the PCT's)... the PST has more flex in the hoop than the PC... not good for me. has more "power" than the PC. after awhile i let go of the PCT's because it lacked "feeling"... the PST has maybe more "response" but not feeling... so after some time i left the PST. (I do like the PST pj better)... i always wanted to get my hand on earlier Pure Control models...

i know play Becker BB11's... :)
 
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JCStennis if you can get your hands on the pc 2001 with the swirly graphics go for it. Its the best racquet I have ever played with
 
jcstennis said:
i played the PCT for over a year (had a few of them)... leather grip, co-poly strings. (these racquets replaced my Pure Storms that were leaed up to over 12oz)... my PCT's were @ 347gs. Good stick if you can get them to be a little more HL. I too wanted to to see what the replacement would be like... sold the PCT's and got the PST's... and wasn't so convinced... the PST's do play lighter. i added leather and lead on the handle, strung with CF @ 58lbs (similar to my PCT's... i used Big Ace on the PCT's)... the PST has more flex in the hoop than the PC... not good for me. has more "power" than the PC. after awhile i let go of the PCT's because it lacked "feeling"... the PST has maybe more "response" but not feeling... so after some time i left the PST. (I do like the PST pj better)... i always wanted to get my hand on earlier Pure Control models...

i know play Becker BB11's... :)
Click to expand...

Me too....I want to get my hands on the 2001 models as well. I'm going to call my rep and see what can be done....maybe get a paintjob :)

Looks like we had similar experiences with the racquet journey. What do you recommend I do? Babolat is giving me new sticks this year so I need to submit something to them. I'm wondering about the PST + to see if the extra length will make a difference to my liking. This is starting to drive me nuts.
 
^^^ i thought about the Plus (never tried it)... can you demo first, or only order? 'cause i would test drive that thing first.
...and yes, like some of us here, you will go insane trying to figure which racquet you like. try the PST+... the PST's are very nice, just takes a little work to get them right... maybe the Plus will work! :)
 
^^ I ended up ordering the Pure Drive Roddick + After losing nights of sleep contemplating, I realized that I NEED a stiffer racquet as my musculature structure is that like of Popeye. The Pure Storm Tour is a good stick but lacks the pop and efficiency of Pure Control Team. My game is big serve big forehand and drop shots followed by passing shots. The only thing stiffer then the PST with similar weight is the PDR. I figured I might as well go for the longer one. I can always shorten it :) I've used the PD's before and had always wished for a heavier version. Only the future will tell. ps i get them in 2 weeks and will post a review then.
 
How would ppl compare the PDR to the PC for power and stiffness (really I'm asking which has the better control...)
 
mavsman149 said:
JCStennis if you can get your hands on the pc 2001 with the swirly graphics go for it. Its the best racquet I have ever played with
Click to expand...

I 2nd that.

jcstennis said:
what's it like? Flex, control, etc...? :)
Click to expand...

I can tell you that the 2001 "swirl" is a tad stiffer (71 vs 68 ) and a bit heavier (11.9 vs 12.3) than its 2003 counterpart. ~ 3 years ago I bought 2 of the newer PCT+. I played with them for a few months and really liked them. But I came across the swirls and just couldn't go back. It has a "plow through" effect like no other racket I've used (RD Power10 Long, Hyper PS 6.1 +, etc), provides great power on serves & groundies, along w/ forgiving off-center shots. It may be a tad slow at the net, but I just learned to not swing at the volley :)

I now have 5 and am continually prowling that auction site for more. I use a 19g kevlar blend / 17g gut combo @ 56 & 60.

The closest I've found is the AeroControl +, but it lacked a bit of punch on the serves. However, I think that one is discontinued also...
 
Why wasn't Nadal's APDC demoed at all? Actually, matchpoints, I'm thinking of trying out Babolat and wondering if you could help me out?
I'm mid 40s, have always used mid sized frames(current stick: RDS 001 90 at 366g) and play at the 5.0-5.5 level on clay in Asia. Lately, however, I've been running into a few characters who are basically over powering me with pace. I resistence train, work on my footwork and am in good shape. Strokes are semi western, loopy with lots of spin. One hand BH. So, what would you recommend for Bab sticks? I thought maybe Nadal's because it isn't so stiff. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Any one else have any ideas?
 
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matchpoints said:
^^ I ended up ordering the Pure Drive Roddick + After losing nights of sleep contemplating, I realized that I NEED a stiffer racquet as my musculature structure is that like of Popeye. The Pure Storm Tour is a good stick but lacks the pop and efficiency of Pure Control Team. My game is big serve big forehand and drop shots followed by passing shots. The only thing stiffer then the PST with similar weight is the PDR. I figured I might as well go for the longer one. I can always shorten it :) I've used the PD's before and had always wished for a heavier version. Only the future will tell. ps i get them in 2 weeks and will post a review then.
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i had a PDR 27"... and really liked it, but after awhile didn't like the stiffness, and was too much around the net... what is best about the PDR is it's power, but it's controlable power and it's wicked spin potential! my goodness, it really rocks! and serving... well you know! :)

i said before on the boards somewhere, the PST is like the old Pure Storm -meets- a PDR... it wants to be more powerful than the PC, and light like the PS and flexier like the PS... (but has lost the muted, stiff, control feeling of the PC),,,, you made a good choice, the PDR is a lot of fun!!!
 
Ross K said:
How would ppl compare the PDR to the PC for power and stiffness (really I'm asking which has the better control...)
Click to expand...

Ross, what's up?! Thinking Babolat??? ;)

What's your style of play? are you looking for baseline control, net control, big swing control, etc....?

The PDR is rock solid from the baseline, and if you put spin on the ball, you can really swing away... the racquet responds to aggressive swinging.

The PC is good for one-handed everything, but you have to put in the effort to make the racquet work... and it then responds. The PC is a good blend of control, power, stability, weight... not feel per se, it's a little muted... but that's works for some ;)
 
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dan.smith said:
I can tell you that the 2001 "swirl" is a tad stiffer (71 vs 68 ) and a bit heavier (11.9 vs 12.3) than its 2003 counterpart. ~ 3 years ago I bought 2 of the newer PCT+. I played with them for a few months and really liked them. But I came across the swirls and just couldn't go back. It has a "plow through" effect like no other racket I've used (RD Power10 Long, Hyper PS 6.1 +, etc), provides great power on serves & groundies, along w/ forgiving off-center shots. It may be a tad slow at the net, but I just learned to not swing at the volley :)

I now have 5 and am continually prowling that auction site for more. I use a 19g kevlar blend / 17g gut combo @ 56 & 60.

The closest I've found is the AeroControl +, but it lacked a bit of punch on the serves. However, I think that one is discontinued also...
Click to expand...

i tried my friend's AC+ and it swings nice, but yes, serving was a bear... it just didn't flow.

I may look for a swirl... now i'm playing with less stiff racquets and 'for now' loving it! :)
 
jcstennis said:
I may look for a swirl... now i'm playing with less stiff racquets and 'for now' loving it! :)
Click to expand...

If you find one, let me know! I literally search every day. I'm giving serious consideration to a Vantage, if only to get it out of my head that nothing will play like my swirls. Heres the stats for Vantage vs. PC+ swirl:

Vantage vs PCP 'swirl'
100 sq in vs 98 sq in
70 flex vs 71 flex
21 mm vs 21.5 mm
16 x 19 vs 16 x 20

I e-mailed them and they said they could match the weight, balance & swing weight of my PC+. However, they can't make if more stiff. If they honor the 50% off (they were late in getting back to my questions), I'll get one & let you know what I think.
 
I ended up switching from a leaded up Pure Storm Team to the PDR. I like the fact that I haven't felt a need to add any lead to the PDR yet, and with the cortex it seems similar on a comfort level even without the lead.

It took me about a couple of weeks before I felt as comfortable with it as I did the Storm, but I am liking it better now, and after adjusting to the change in weight and balance I'm really starting to like it. It does serve a little better, and it seems to have have about the same amount of pop off the ground.

The main thing is that it's a little lighter and that really helps out my shoulder if I have to hit a lot of one handers in a match. The almost 13oz. storm I was swinging would occasionally tire my arm out.
 
dan.smith said:
If you find one, let me know! I literally search every day. I'm giving serious consideration to a Vantage, if only to get it out of my head that nothing will play like my swirls. Heres the stats for Vantage vs. PC+ swirl:

Vantage vs PCP 'swirl'
100 sq in vs 98 sq in
70 flex vs 71 flex
21 mm vs 21.5 mm
16 x 19 vs 16 x 20

I e-mailed them and they said they could match the weight, balance & swing weight of my PC+. However, they can't make if more stiff. If they honor the 50% off (they were late in getting back to my questions), I'll get one & let you know what I think.
Click to expand...

not a bad idea calling Vantage... i hope they honor the 50%... could be a good deal!
 
nickarnold2000 said:
Why wasn't Nadal's APDC demoed at all? Actually, matchpoints, I'm thinking of trying out Babolat and wondering if you could help me out?
I'm mid 40s, have always used mid sized frames(current stick: RDS 001 90 at 366g) and play at the 5.0-5.5 level on clay in Asia. Lately, however, I've been running into a few characters who are basically over powering me with pace. I resistence train, work on my footwork and am in good shape. Strokes are semi western, loopy with lots of spin. One hand BH. So, what would you recommend for Bab sticks? I thought maybe Nadal's because it isn't so stiff. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Any one else have any ideas?
Click to expand...

Well, I actually have on hand almost all of the racquets that Babolat makes :) I just didn't have the Roddick and the PST+ but will have the complete line of the Babolats within the month. I tried the APDC but it was too light for my tastes. Yes I could add lead tape but I don't want to tinker with too much after market weights. If anything I'm only going to add weight to match the racquets.

Regarding a stick for you, you know what they say....demo demo demo....ok i'm thinking that you would like a narrowed down list. I would probably check out the Roddick. All the reviews say it's stable with good controllable power. Since you hit loopy shots then you'll have no issues keeping the ball in the court. The Aero Pro Drive would be another good choice as well but I feel that you would end up adding some weight to it given that you've been using mid sized frames.

More important then anything else, have you tried playing with your string types and tensions? What about grip sizes?

Most importantly, and no one wants to hear this, how about trying different strategies. Moving your opponent around? not just side to side but short low angles (those are always hard to attack), and trying to hit more shots on the rise? I'll tell you those things work against me very well :) If you give me time to set up, i'll make you pay for it....on the other hand, if you pressure me, move me around, jam me, come to the net often....then you've got me by my you know what. (To all my future opponents, please ignore this paragraph).

But I do understand that it's much easier to change an equipment to best meet your game and needs then the other way around. I do feel that there's a very good reason why a lot of good players use the Pure Drive.

Also on a side note, I've noticed quite a bit when Babolat players switch racquets, they tend to goto another Babolat. The most common thing I noticed was people either going from the Pure Control to the Pure Drive or PD to PC. They must like the Babolat 'feel'.

I contacted a couple of buddies within Babolat to see if I can get my hands on some 2001 PC's with PJ's. Let's see how much they like me.


Btw, where in Asia are you?
 
matchpoints said:
Well, I actually have on hand almost all of the racquets that Babolat makes :) I just didn't have the Roddick and the PST+ but will have the complete line of the Babolats within the month. I tried the APDC but it was too light for my tastes. Yes I could add lead tape but I don't want to tinker with too much after market weights. If anything I'm only going to add weight to match the racquets.

Regarding a stick for you, you know what they say....demo demo demo....ok i'm thinking that you would like a narrowed down list. I would probably check out the Roddick. All the reviews say it's stable with good controllable power. Since you hit loopy shots then you'll have no issues keeping the ball in the court. The Aero Pro Drive would be another good choice as well but I feel that you would end up adding some weight to it given that you've been using mid sized frames.

More important then anything else, have you tried playing with your string types and tensions? What about grip sizes?

Most importantly, and no one wants to hear this, how about trying different strategies. Moving your opponent around? not just side to side but short low angles (those are always hard to attack), and trying to hit more shots on the rise? I'll tell you those things work against me very well :) If you give me time to set up, i'll make you pay for it....on the other hand, if you pressure me, move me around, jam me, come to the net often....then you've got me by my you know what. (To all my future opponents, please ignore this paragraph).

But I do understand that it's much easier to change an equipment to best meet your game and needs then the other way around. I do feel that there's a very good reason why a lot of good players use the Pure Drive.

Also on a side note, I've noticed quite a bit when Babolat players switch racquets, they tend to goto another Babolat. The most common thing I noticed was people either going from the Pure Control to the Pure Drive or PD to PC. They must like the Babolat 'feel'.

I contacted a couple of buddies within Babolat to see if I can get my hands on some 2001 PC's with PJ's. Let's see how much they like me.


Btw, where in Asia are you?
Click to expand...
Matchpoints, thanks for the reply and advice. I'll also have to take out my well thumbed copy of "Winning Ugly" again and re-read it. I'm presently living in Taiwan where there isn't a chance to demo. What I think I'll do is implement some of the strategies you mentioned above - then basically work hard on my game and see what happens. After a period of time, I'll re-evaluate and determine if I'm in need of a more powerful stick or not.
I'm presently using CF as a main at 50lbs but I might go even lower because I play at sea level where the humity is very high.
 
you should try the tour+

ive recently tried out the
pure control standard
pure control +
pure control zylon 360 standard
pure storm 07
pure storm plus 07
and pdr standard.

i loved the pure control series but i found it too stiff except the zylon.
the pure storm standard was a great racket but i found it too light.
the plus is my main stick. big serve good groundstrokes and volleys are stable.
ive strung it with pro red codes at max and it is incredible.
the pdr is good but i havent changed the strings yet and these are like 1 year old strings since ive neevr hit with it.

if any1 has any questions just email me.
 
I think for the time being I'm going to keep using my RDS mids and really work on my game and fitness. In awhile(as in if I lose too often!) I'll make a decision and get some new, more powerful sticks.
 
I ended up with the Pure Drive Roddick + and I really like them. It took me a few hitting sessions to get used to the extra 1/2" length. They are more fun to use also. I'm currently waiting for the Pure Storm Limiteds (the + also) to arrive and I'll decide then which ones I'll finally settle with.
 
I know this post stopped a longg time ago but was wondering if anyone would be able to post up pics of the 2001 Babolat Pure Control w/ the "swirlies". After hearing so many good things about it compared to the PST I thought I might try to hunt one down and having a glimpse at it in some pics would sure make things easier.

Thanks in advance.
 
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