Kevlar in Rackets -- PD Team vs PD GT

[richsox]

Hi Fellow TT'ers,

I have always been an ardent Pure Drive fan, since the PD Team days, however, although the PD GT has it's merits, and I do also like the PD GT, I have never felt that it has the same "solid feel" as the PD Team.

It's only just dawned on me, that perhaps it could be that since the PD Team was made using different materials.......i.e. Kevlar rather than Tungsten makes the difference

Could Kevlar make that difference?
What else could it be, if not?

I'm in the process of leading my PD GT up in the throat, in an attempt to emulate the solid feel, I love in my PD Team.


I sure do wish the Babolat would produce the PD Team Mold again, even as a classic. One day I'm sure (I hope).

 

[rlau]

Could Kevlar make that difference?

Adding some kevlar to the layup does seem to add a nice feel to the frame. Just try old Wilson classics like the ProStaff Original 6.0 95 or Classic 6.1 95 -- they have a mich nicer feel than their modern counterparts (e.g. KFactor and BLX), IMHO.

 

[dgoran]

Kevlar definitely helps in all frames IMHO while GT is the better version than old cortex version feel of the racket is still terrible.

Sound of the GT racket also feels somehow un-natural. Roddick GT version is a tad bit better than regular GT Pure Drive (which I thought I will snap in two right around cortex area when hit hard).

Swirly and Team are my favorites...

 

[dgoran]

I sure do wish the Babolat would produce the PD Team Mold again, even as a classic. One day I'm sure (I hope).

It would have been a great idea for Babolat to release original mold for 135 anniversary instead of the crappy cortex version painted red.

I would have bought 5 frames even if they painted them pink if they were w/o cortex.

 

[richsox]

Adding some kevlar to the layup does seem to add a nice feel to the frame. Just try old Wilson classics like the ProStaff Original 6.0 95 or Classic 6.1 95 -- they have a mich nicer feel than their modern counterparts (e.g. KFactor and BLX), IMHO.

Strange how the manufacturers don't "get it" sometimes. It is as if they have to keep mucking around until they turn a great product into a highly average one!

Kevlar definitely helps in all frames IMHO while GT is the better version than old cortex version feel of the racket is still terrible.


Sound of the GT racket also feels somehow un-natural. Roddick GT version is a tad bit better than regular GT Pure Drive (which I thought I will snap in two right around cortex area when hit hard).

Swirly and Team are my favorites...

I agree - the old cortex - although I played some great tennis with it, I could never see myself having that one as my number one - "go to" stick to progress with. GT is better for sure. I have gone the route of a PD GT instead of a PDR GT, thinking I could customise with a bit of lead. But that in itself just starts new heads games - I usually end up ripping the lead off, then buying more, trying it somewhere else,...and so on and so on

It would have been a great idea for Babolat to release original mold for 135 anniversary instead of the crappy cortex version painted red.

I would have bought 5 frames even if they painted them pink if they were w/o cortex.

I know, I reckon they have to bring it back as a classic. It's a no-brainer, and they would sell container loads!