Many many choice with Babolat.

SkyHigh

New User
Hello,

I posted my interest in Babolat Aeropro drive Cortex and GT in the other thread. I see that from reading and looking at Tennis Warehouse web that there are numerous Babolat models. Some more stiff, some smaller, etc etc.

I have read and been recommended to get a cheaper racquet but my mind is set on Babolat. Please recommend what exact Babolat model to get.

I am currently looking at Aeropro drive Cortex for $149 and GT for $189. Any other models for a newbie like me to consider? Strom? Pure Drive? Limiteds?

For refernce, I am 5' 10", weighing 175lbs, and 33 years old male.

Thank you!
 

SkyHigh

New User
Is it even worth it to DEMO the racquets? I ask because as a newbie, I won't even know what to look for. If I get APDC or APD-GT or PD, would I even know the difference?

Do you guys just recommend me getting the APDC because it's probably cheapest?

Thanks again!
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
Is it even worth it to DEMO the racquets? I ask because as a newbie, I won't even know what to look for. If I get APDC or APD-GT or PD, would I even know the difference?

Do you guys just recommend me getting the APDC because it's probably cheapest?

Thanks again!

Can't hurt to demo just to get a feel. Maybe you find you don't like the feel of one and prefer the feel of the other. Can't hurt IMHO. Might also be smart to try one of the oversized versions.

IMHO - The APDC and the PD are good all-around rackets. I would think you would be happy with either to GT or older models. From what I read, the GT has some slight improvements in stability and feel, but it's up to you if you think that slight improvement is worth the extra $40 or so.

I would stay away from the pure storm models for the time being.

I used to play with the PD-Roddick and I enjoyed that racket.
 

strokee

Rookie
Why is your mind set on Babolat? Why will you not allow yourself to play with other brands. It seems...weird. I myself use Babolat, but this is after trying models from Babolat, Prince, Wilson and Head.

You are also unwilling to demo. I say put the names of 5 Babolat models in a hat...whichever name you pull out is the racquet you buy.

It's as good a method as any, given the circumstances.
 

Slavan

New User
may be aeropro team gt?

even balance, 100 sq in and not heavy. IMO for beginners its better.

my wife has this stick.
 

Mr_Shiver

Semi-Pro
I would demo it. You never know if something like grip shape will bug you. As far as which version, the APDC and APDGT are identical on paper. IMO, the GT felt more powerful and a bit stiffer. Of course that could be due to Babolats renowned QC.
 

omgruanoob

New User
aero pro drive cortex or gt are both good
light and 100 sq in head
can generate some good spin with fast swingweight and get some good controlled power
cortex is also nicer on the arm
 

TomballJV

Rookie
Why is your mind set on Babolat? Why will you not allow yourself to play with other brands. It seems...weird. I myself use Babolat, but this is after trying models from Babolat, Prince, Wilson and Head.

You are also unwilling to demo. I say put the names of 5 Babolat models in a hat...whichever name you pull out is the racquet you buy.

It's as good a method as any, given the circumstances.

i agree with the hat thing. if you're not gonna demo it and you're a beginner why does it really matter? honestly IMO i'd go with a prince racquet if you're a beginner..
 

BC1

Professional
IMO the pdgt and apdgt are not beginners racquets. Sure anyone can play with them (just like any other racquet) and it may be more forgiving then a true players racquet due to the 100 head size and relatively light weight, but you need some decent skill (full, quick stroke and lots of topspin) to make these racquets perform well. If you're not a 3.5+ level player I would reccommend you look at some other options.

But "yes" definitely demo first. They all feel differently regardless of the specs. Good luck and have fun with the demo process - that's one of the best parts of playing this game!

One other observation on the PDGT - I don't think it is near as powerful as some make it out to be. Sure it's got plenty of power, but definitely not "too" much. It is easily controllable with a good stroke and topspin. IMO many "player" racquets seem more powerful because of their mass/weight. To me the KBlade 98 is just as powerful as the PDGT.
 
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Bartelby

Bionic Poster
This is not my experience.

I distinguish between quality of finish and trueness to spec.

Babolat is bad on both counts, Head and Wilson are only bad on the latter count, not the former.


B.S. Babolat's QC is no worse than ANY of the big manufacturers (Wilson, Head, Prince).
 
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