Finally, a non-woofer Babolat!

[Zoolander]

Tired of that awful trampoliney effect when hitting with your favourite Babolat? Do you wish that YOU could get non-woofer grommets for your racquet like all the pro's do?? Well, why should YOU miss out??

Introducing the only step-by-step tutorial for getting a non-woofer Babolat you will EVER need!

Step 1: Buy correct woofer grommets for your Babolat. I recommend getting said grommets from TW because if i recommended anywhere else i would get banned.

Step 2: Get a nice sharp Stanley knife and very carefully cut all the ****** stupid woofer bumps off the grommets, as shown below.....

(Careful, Stanley knives are sharp. I wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 3 trying this at home)

Put grommets on racquet and voila, non-woofer Babolat! If anyone feels unsure about this process just send me $100 and i will buy your grommets for you, de-woofer them, and send them to your door!

Will it make a difference? Probably not. Will i FEEL better for having got rid of the ****** stupid woofers? Hell, yeah!

 

[Tuskarr]

Wut

 

[esgee48]

I would prefer to use a drill with a grinder attachment e.g. Dremel and carefully grind the bumps off. Fewer opportunities to cut yourself and you can be more careful grinding than cutting. 2 cents.

 

[RafaBabolat]

Be careful... Got a lot of blood and bandages lol.

 

[Tee1Up]

Why do you have ketchup everywhere?

 

[Anh Bigtoe]

Tired of that awful trampoliney effect when hitting with your favourite Babolat? Do you wish that YOU could get non-woofer grommets for your racquet like all the pro's do?? Well, why should YOU miss out??

Introducing the only step-by-step tutorial for getting a non-woofer Babolat you will EVER need!

Step 1: Buy correct woofer grommets for your Babolat. I recommend getting said grommets from TW because if i recommended anywhere else i would get banned.

Step 2: Get a nice sharp Stanley knife and very carefully cut all the ****** stupid woofer bumps off the grommets, as shown below.....

(Careful, Stanley knives are sharp. I wouldnt recommend anyone under the age of 3 trying this at home)

Put grommets on racquet and voila, non-woofer Babolat! If anyone feels unsure about this process just send me $100 and i will buy your grommets for you, de-woofer them, and send them to your door!

Will it make a difference? Probably not. Will i FEEL better for having got rid of the ****** stupid woofers? Hell, yeah!

Why do you need to do this grommets customization? I am Babolat newbie noob, I could not understand why?

 

[Zoolander]

Why do you have ketchup everywhere?

Sausage roll for lunch.

Why do you need to do this grommets customization? I am Babolat newbie noob, I could not understand why?

Because the Babolat "woofer" grommets let the strings move too much and give the stringbed a slightly softer trampoline feel. And i ******* hate it!

 

[Kalin]

Jokes aside, I also wish Babolat would offer Woofer-less grommet set. The Woofers give a very vague, detached feeling which I also don't like.

 

[tennistomcat]

Because the Babolat "woofer" grommets let the strings move too much and give the stringbed a slightly softer trampoline feel. And i ******* hate it!

Are you going to try out the non-woofer grommets that you just made?

If so, in which racket? I'm very curious as to if there is a noticeable difference in play or if it's alot of work for very little gain.
I'd consider doing it myself if it produces something positive.

 

[zalive]

Jokes aside, I also wish Babolat would offer Woofer-less grommet set. The Woofers give a very vague, detached feeling which I also don't like.

Jokes aside, if you (or anyone else) find PD design good otherwise, but want pure classic grommets, why don't you buy PK KI10 or Destiny? It's the original anyway and their layup is much more comfy than Bab's.

I have two Destiny's and one KI 10 customized to heavier specs, and I'd say it's a spin player's dream. Great hybrid of spin generating capability and predictability, and feels nice on the arm too!

 

[Anh Bigtoe]

Sausage roll for lunch.



Because the Babolat "woofer" grommets let the strings move too much and give the stringbed a slightly softer trampoline feel. And i ******* hate it!

I told you I am a newbie noob at Babolat racquet!

I read your post and looked at your picture but I still not know how to do.

Your picture is before or after trim?

You need to post at least 2 pictures, before and after so that even a noob will know how to do!

 

[Zoolander]

Are you going to try out the non-woofer grommets that you just made?

If so, in which racket? I'm very curious as to if there is a noticeable difference in play or if it's alot of work for very little gain.
I'd consider doing it myself if it produces something positive.

Yeah baby! Sold my APD but i have a Pure control zylon (old one) and pure storm and my buddy has a couple of pure storms as well. We love the storm/control racquets but since they are soft and flexy already i dont know why Babolat put woofers in them. We both string them in mid-high 60's with a stiff poly to get more control and less woofer-ism happening. So i thought maybe we can drop the tension if theres no woofers.

Jokes aside, if you (or anyone else) find PD design good otherwise, but want pure classic grommets, why don't you buy PK KI10 or Destiny? It's the original anyway and their layup is much more comfy than Bab's.

I have two Destiny's and one KI 10 customized to heavier specs, and I'd say it's a spin player's dream. Great hybrid of spin generating capability and predictability, and feels nice on the arm too!

Which ones? The FCS ones from a few years back or much older ones? There seems to be a lot of different destinys?

 

[zalive]

Which ones? The FCS ones from a few years back or much older ones? There seems to be a lot of different destinys?

Babolat changed the throat of original Destiny after first PD's they produced (which were from PK's moulds they bought). Original Destiny is one without FCS, identical to KI 10 throat. There are still Classic Destiny available. However I play with FCS ones - I ordered a FCS and didn't have objections. It depends whether one wants more firmness or more flex - FCS adds more throat firmness. But when customized result is firm but not harsh, as vibration frequency of PK's never goes to high end (mostly stays in middle range since their modern design are typically with less flex).

All Destinys, either FCS or Classic, and KI 10 also, share identical head design. PD has the same head design even now, but changed grommets (hole placement) few seasons ago from what I hear. And by the way, these round throats of PK's are actually great. Firm to torsional twisting. I don't think there was ever a functional reason for Babolat to change the throat design, I guess they just wanted some original identity to it, but didn't want to change head design because it's simply great. They even kept the original string bed density distribution for a long time.

KI 10 has Kinetic sand inside and is a bit flexier (I guess classic throat being the exclusive reason for more flex) so they represent even more arm friendly package. However my KI 10 still mostly stays at home - Destiny customized to my specs feels pretty comfortable to me even if it is stiff.

I'm not sure what layup PK uses. It doesn't feel like typical modern tinny Babolat layup. It doesn't feel like classic full graphite layup either. There's a feel of solidity in the hoop even at their 265 gram Destiny's. I think they keep the layup which is better on the arm than modern layup used by firm racquets, yet still not near expensive as classic layup. I've no objection on how it feels when I hit with it.

 

[Zoolander]

I told you I am a newbie noob at Babolat racquet!

I read your post and looked at your picture but I still not know how to do.

Your picture is before or after trim?

You need to post at least 2 pictures, before and after so that even a noob will know how to do!

Sorry Bigtoe, my bad! Look in the picture at the bottom grommet strip. The "woofers" are the raised bumps on the grommet strip on the right side, ones i didnt trim off yet. I just slice them off carefully with a knife so the grommet strip is flat, like it is on the left side where i had already done it. Look here to read about woofers....

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/lc/technologies.html

 

[Pete Player]

I thought it's a benefit that strings move. The more they move, the longer the contact time. The more they slide during impact the better grip on the ball.

I'm using LXN Alu Pwr strings currently at 27 kgs and find the response very satisfactory on either PD Roddick or PD Tour.

I played few balls with Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 - I think, and with a shock absorber it felt totally numb to me. I don't usually have dampers on my strings.

So probably the feedback I'm used to is more direct and prompt.

Hard to say, where my feel or experience falls, cause never really competed much, hence my coaches today tells, that I hit the ball hard with quite sufficient amount of top-spin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Zoolander]

Babolat changed the throat of original Destiny after first PD's they produced (which were from PK's moulds they bought). Original Destiny is one without FCS, identical to KI 10 throat. There are still Classic Destiny available. However I play with FCS ones - I ordered a FCS and didn't have objections. It depends whether one wants more firmness or more flex - FCS adds more throat firmness. But when customized result is firm but not harsh, as vibration frequency of PK's never goes to high end (mostly stays in middle range since their modern design are typically with less flex).

All Destinys, either FCS or Classic, and KI 10 also, share identical head design. PD has the same head design even now, but changed grommets (hole placement) few seasons ago from what I hear. And by the way, these round throats of PK's are actually great. Firm to torsional twisting. I don't think there was ever a functional reason for Babolat to change the throat design, I guess they just wanted some original identity to it, but didn't want to change head design because it's simply great. They even kept the original string bed density distribution for a long time.

KI 10 has Kinetic sand inside and is a bit flexier (I guess classic throat being the exclusive reason for more flex) so they represent even more arm friendly package. However my KI 10 still mostly stays at home - Destiny customized to my specs feels pretty comfortable to me even if it is stiff.

I'm not sure what layup PK uses. It doesn't feel like typical modern tinny Babolat layup. It doesn't feel like classic full graphite layup either. There's a feel of solidity in the hoop even at their 265 gram Destiny's. I think they keep the layup which is better on the arm than modern layup used by firm racquets, yet still not near expensive as classic layup. I've no objection on how it feels when I hit with it.

Thanks for the info! Have seen a few older destinys on flea bay regularly but not any FSC ones. Have hit with a couple of the KI sand models and admit I found them weird. I do like rounder throats, they feel better in the hand than a box beam. Will keep an eye out.

 

[Kalin]

Jokes aside, if you (or anyone else) find PD design good otherwise, but want pure classic grommets, why don't you buy PK KI10 or Destiny? It's the original anyway and their layup is much more comfy than Bab's.

I have two Destiny's and one KI 10 customized to heavier specs, and I'd say it's a spin player's dream. Great hybrid of spin generating capability and predictability, and feels nice on the arm too!

Thanks for the heads up, I haven't seen any Destiny's (or is that Destinies?) for sale in a long time but thanks for pointing out the Ki10 is from the same mold, never realized that. I'll see if it's available here in Asia.

Having said that, I already have a ton of Babolats and would be nice if I could cancel the Woofers somehow. Maybe I'll try Zoolander's mod on one of them.

 

[zalive]

Thanks for the heads up, I haven't seen any Destiny's (or is that Destinies?) for sale in a long time but thanks for pointing out the Ki10 is from the same mold, never realized that. I'll see if it's available here in Asia.

Having said that, I already have a ton of Babolats and would be nice if I could cancel the Woofers somehow. Maybe I'll try Zoolander's mod on one of them.

Perhaps Destinies I got one of mine through fleabay and the other through am.azon. I also got KI10 from Polish fleabay merchant for under 90 euro (I've seen them sell KI10 once again after). All in new condition and all during this year. Both are still being made, of course. TW has KI10 and TWE has it too now.

Thanks for the info! Have seen a few older destinys on flea bay regularly but not any FSC ones. Have hit with a couple of the KI sand models and admit I found them weird. I do like rounder throats, they feel better in the hand than a box beam. Will keep an eye out.

I understand you're in Sweden? TWE holds Destiny FCS 265, I have two of them. It's not hard to find them on .de am.azon also. Some German and Dutch web shops sell them too. Usually you can get them delivered for around 80-90 euro, though I was lucky to find the first one for barely over 50 euro on a clearance from GB seller.

 

[Crocodile]

I think the old Babolat Contest (white frame) had no woofers and I think Kim C, might have used that Mold.

 

[zalive]

I still don't understand why rarely anyone is 'brave enough' to try PK Destiny FCS. I don't recall anyone reported he actually bought a Destiny and customized it.

Perhaps this frame is minorized because of lower start price? Well its layup quality is no worse than of expensive big brands frames, in fact, I think it's actually better.
Because PK is not a big brand? Come on...what's that got to do with a racquet? It's either good or not. And Destiny design was good enough for Babolat to make a huge success from it. In fact, I'm pretty sure they derived some of their other designs directly from Destiny/PD.
Because it's too light in stock form? Well this is true, Destiny FCS is rather a platform than a stock racquet ready to play. But it's not hard to customize at all, good designs are actually easy to customize too. And when you do a really good job, it's a ridiculously good racquet full of power and spin potential, a real baseliners weapon.
Because some players don't believe its 69 RA flex considering it too stiff? All I can say is, when customized, it's mild on the arm. I don't recall I once had an arm issue after playing with it, and I've had some even with flexier frames.

And as for cutting woofer bumps, it's really a great idea if you don't like woofers as they are. However it won't solve Babolat's sh*tty layup that bursts with high vibration frequency/dynamic stiffness, notorious for developing arm problems. Destiny still remains an arm friendlier solution and a much safer one. So this problem only remains - and with cutting woofers, I wouldn't be surprised if it even gets bigger because of lowering the energy return.

KI 10 is also really great, however there is a difference in flex and because of having Kinetic tech. So it's understandable why ones will prefer KI 10 over Destiny and vice versa. Personally, I really like them both.

 

[MarcusInKensington]

Just buy a Yonex.

 

[Zoolander]

I still don't understand why rarely anyone is 'brave enough' to try PK Destiny FCS. I don't recall anyone reported he actually bought a Destiny and customized it.

Perhaps this frame is minorized because of lower start price? Well its layup quality is no worse than of expensive big brands frames, in fact, I think it's actually better.
Because PK is not a big brand? Come on...what's that got to do with a racquet? It's either good or not. And Destiny design was good enough for Babolat to make a huge success from it. In fact, I'm pretty sure they derived some of their other designs directly from Destiny/PD.
Because it's too light in stock form? Well this is true, Destiny FCS is rather a platform than a stock racquet ready to play. But it's not hard to customize at all, good designs are actually easy to customize too. And when you do a really good job, it's a ridiculously good racquet full of power and spin potential, a real baseliners weapon.
Because some players don't believe its 69 RA flex considering it too stiff? All I can say is, when customized, it's mild on the arm. I don't recall I once had an arm issue after playing with it, and I've had some even with flexier frames.

And as for cutting woofer bumps, it's really a great idea if you don't like woofers as they are. However it won't solve Babolat's sh*tty layup that bursts with high vibration frequency/dynamic stiffness, notorious for developing arm problems. Destiny still remains an arm friendlier solution and a much safer one. So this problem only remains - and with cutting woofers, I wouldn't be surprised if it even gets bigger because of lowering the energy return.

KI 10 is also really great, however there is a difference in flex and because of having Kinetic tech. So it's understandable why ones will prefer KI 10 over Destiny and vice versa. Personally, I really like them both.

Hey Zal wondering if you ever tried the PK heritage type S/SX frames from about 10 years ago...

https://web.archive.org/web/20060615052602/http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCPK-KTS.html

Looks for sure like they came out of the destiny mold and they were graphite/kevlar which i like, interested in finding one of these to try

 

[zalive]

Hey Zal wondering if you ever tried the PK heritage type S/SX frames from about 10 years ago...

https://web.archive.org/web/20060615052602/http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCPK-KTS.html

Looks for sure like they came out of the destiny mold and they were graphite/kevlar which i like, interested in finding one of these to try

Never tried it, but its design and specs look prett familiar yeah, this is definitely from that mold...thanx!