NEW Pure Strike VS......

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
from a bab off:
VS is our moniker/designation for the update to the Pure Control & Pure Control Tour family as well as the Aerostorm and Aerostorm Tour family. Since the Control is now in the Strike family, it is the Pure Strike VS/VS Tour. The Aerostorm is in the Aero family, so Pure Aero VS /VS Tour.
KRUGER-1-popup.jpg
 

djkahn86

Rookie
Thanks... Preferred the ps17 over the aero vs/tour... Won't waste my time with this one... Little to light in the pants for me
 

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
Cool man, most likely not for me either ....but hey there is a stick out there for everyone..

I don't seek out opinions...I seek out the truth...
"The average man's opinions are generally of more value to himself than to anyone else."
--B.L.

Light in Pants???
If you keep some lead in your pants, you will never have that problem...
But it is tennis shorts for me...


henri_leconte-pants-pulled-up.jpg
 
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BillKid

Hall of Fame
The funniest thing here is Henri Leconte playing with a Pure Drive.
Cool man, most likely not for me either ....but hey there is a stick out there for everyone..

I don't seek out opinions...I seek out the truth...
"The average man's opinions are generally of more value to himself than to anyone else."

Light in Pants???
If you keep some lead in your pants, you will never have that problem...
But it is tennis shorts for me...


henri_leconte-pants-pulled-up.jpg
 

g4driver

Legend
The TW review has Chris, Michele, Troy and Andy reviewing it. While Troy gave it the most positive review of the four, it is clear TW doesn't have playyesters give positive reviews on all frames. With three well respected TW playtesters ( a 4.5 and two
open level players) giving the VS Tour a less than growing recommendation, the VS Tour is likely to struggle in sells compared to the PS Project One 7 16x19.

Kudos to TW for their honest assessments!
 

g4driver

Legend
I'm glad that Babolat still sell a more traditional option in their range. I'm sure there are people who will enjoy this frame.

Hope you agree that the VS Tour is an example when TW playtesters don't give glowing review to frame to promote sales like some posters accused TW of doing with the PS Project One 7.

That was the thought behind my post, not that the VS Tour will not sale, but rather three out of four playtesters clearly weren't impressed by the VS Tour frame and didn't hold any punches.

The PS One 7 playtesters gave it a glowing review but the feedback from the posters here was much less positive. The accusations to the TW playtesters was kind of a cheapshot at them IMO, especially when Jason and Hannah both switched to the PS PO7 as their frame of choice.

Here's hoping the VS Tour gets a lot of positive feeback from the users on this forum.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Ha! So I'm not the only one who found the regular Pure Control (now Pure Strike VS) quite erratic! :)

I really do think these frames would be better off with a more flexible layup, the Pure Storm Team GT was great with its low flex
 

skydog

Professional
Pure Strke VS....flex in the mid 60's. Replacing the Pure Control....flex in the upper 50's.

Any wonder why the playtesters found both versions of the PS VS stiffer and brassy? The death of another flexible racquet. Have OEM's forgotten how to build good flexible racquets?
 

Simplicius

Semi-Pro
Pure Control Tour was a perfect choice for me. I'm still use it regularly!
When I'm looking at the Pure Strike VS Tour specs (swingweight, stringbed's power spreading, sweetspot size etc) I see that Bab "cures" all PCT problems. Things that make a lot of players to customise PCT.

Finally, I have see toooo many TW video reviews and when I see the (regular) playtesters playing, I can say if a racket fits to their game (and mine too). I really can't see in this review any difficulty for the three of them... In my eyes, Troy (who gives the best score) has the bigger problem with PSVST! Maybe I'm wrong... For sure I like to hear Mark's opinion too - as he also was in the previous PCT review.
 

FD3S

Hall of Fame
I wouldn't mind if the tour model were a bit stiffer, actually. It's got enough weight with strings/overgrip on it that it probably could afford to be less flexy and still be safe for the arm ala the 2001 Pure Control, which I believe was listed at 71 RA and measured at 69 or so.
 

CopolyX

Hall of Fame
The TW review has Chris, Michele, Troy and Andy reviewing it. While Troy gave it the most positive review of the four, it is clear TW doesn't have playyesters give positive reviews on all frames. With three well respected TW playtesters ( a 4.5 and two
open level players) giving the VS Tour a less than growing recommendation, the VS Tour is likely to struggle in sells compared to the PS Project One 7 16x19.

Kudos to TW for their honest assessments!

True but what is more important, there assessments or bottom-line yours...
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
Wow, by TW review standards they really ripped the VS Tour. I tried a friend's Pure Control Tour a few times and really liked the control and feel. It didn't have enough swing speed and pop for my game but I thought it was a nice stick. I'm surprised this update got such a terrible review.
 

GatorAuthor

New User
Where is the TW review? TW site doesn't have a button for it. Only one for Customer reviews (of which there are none).
 

DANMAN

Professional
It's all relative and I'm sure it's very similar to the control tour. It will feel anemic compared to the strike 2017 (project one7) and as a frame of reference I'd expect it will have made them harsher on the vs tour.
 

Kalin

Legend
The TW review ... giving the VS Tour a less than growing recommendation, the VS Tour is likely to struggle in sells compared to the PS Project One 7 16x19.

Kudos to TW for their honest assessments!

Well, well... I'm sure Babolat truly expected the original Pure Strike to outsell the Controls by a margin and we all know how that ended.

There's a reason why they gave the new VS the same paintjob as the PS/Project 7... so it's hard to see what people actually bought.
 

Simplicius

Semi-Pro
Well, well... I'm sure Babolat truly expected the original Pure Strike to outsell the Controls by a margin and we all know how that ended. There's a reason why they gave the new VS the same paintjob as the PS/Project 7... so it's hard to see what people actually bought.

Dear Kalin, do you mean that Pure Strikes are more successful than Pure Controls?
I really don't know the total volumes but as see in T.W. and the T.W. Europe, Controls (after almost three years) keep a much higher price than Strikes. A difference near 50 $/€ per piece. And I remember last year's offer when you pay for one and you take another Strike for free. An offer that I have never see for another racket, any model , any brand...

Actually there is a whole thread about that, HERE.
 
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g4driver

Legend
I was simply commenting on the honest assessment of the TW playtesters (on the Pure Strike VS) who have been accused of "propping up" frames with lofty reviews but some folks on this board.
 

g4driver

Legend
Dear Kalin, do you mean that Pure Strikes are more successful than Pure Controls?
I really don't know the total volumes but as see in T.W. and the T.W. Europe, Controls (after almost three years) keep a much higher price than Strikes. A difference near 50 $/€ per piece. And I remember last year's offer when you pay for one and you take another Strike for free. An offer that I have never see for another racket, any model , any brand...

Actually there is a whole thread about that, HERE.

Pretty sure he didn't mean that at all.

I take it for what it is. Babolat went back to the drawing board to "fix" the Pure Strike and the PS Project One 7 is just one the results, along with the new PS line and the merger of the Pure Control line

The Pure Controls didn't need changing according to those who use them.
 
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tegg96

Semi-Pro
Well, well... I'm sure Babolat truly expected the original Pure Strike to outsell the Controls by a margin and we all know how that ended.

There's a reason why they gave the new VS the same paintjob as the PS/Project 7... so it's hard to see what people actually bought.
So you think more will buy the VS than the Strike and Babolat are covering this up by painting the VS in Strike colors so as it appears everyone is using a Strike when if fact they are using the higher selling VS. Is that what you are saying?

The Strike One7 has had the TW team go ga ga over its brilliance. The Strike VS review has both MP and Tour basically canned as outdated relics. This fits the narrative of the Strike One7 big push.
I currently use a Pure Control but am only person that uses one in my local district comp. But I often see Pure Strikes. This could be related to the fact the Strikes have been on a 2 for the price of 1 offer for years it seems, in Aus. I would say the Strikes are far more popular than the Controls. But I think the Control is a better racquet, but I haven't tried the new Strike as yet so who knows now with the new models.
 
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mavsman149

Hall of Fame
WIsh they made the Pure Control Tour with the look of the last Pure Strike. The previous Strike was so much cooler looking.
 

Kalin

Legend
So you think more will buy the VS than the Strike and Babolat are covering this up by painting the VS in Strike colors so as it appears everyone is using a Strike when if fact they are using the higher selling VS. Is that what you are saying?

The Strike One7 has had the TW team go ga ga over its brilliance. The Strike VS review has both MP and Tour basically canned as outdated relics. This fits the narrative of the Strike One7 big push.
I currently use a Pure Control but am only person that uses one in my local district comp. But I often see Pure Strikes. This could be related to the fact the Strikes have been on a 2 for the price of 1 offer for years it seems, in Aus. I would say the Strikes are far more popular than the Controls. But I think the Control is a better racquet, but I haven't tried the new Strike as yet so who knows now with the new models.

I honestly don't know which one will sell better; I bet the Pure Drive and Pure Aero will outsell both :)

But, as you yourself have noted, the Pure Control/Storm line has been around forever and still has its loyal followers while the Strikes are just starting to build a following. I still have several Controls and have sold or given away quite a few more since I switched to the PD camp after turning 50. Not everyone loves or can play well with the Control/Storm line but pretty much everyone agrees they are fantastic racquets and a perfect bridge between classic and modern players' frames just like they're a great blend of power and control.

So I'm sure it's at the back of Babolat's mind and they're covering their bases by painting them all to look the same. Better safe than sorry :)

It's a pity that the unfortunate victim of all this has been the original Strike paint job - one of the most gorgeous racquet looks ever. I hope they bring it back; I don't care if it is on top of a Pure Aero. The current PA is an eyesore anyway :)
 
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TennisD

Professional
I've had a couple of hours with this racquet; so far I prefer the previous Pure Control Tour, but it's close. The VS Tour is a touch stiffer, and feels like it vibrates a little more, but the biggest difference is in the swingweight. The PCT goes through the air a bit faster, while the VS Tour feels a bit slower, though not appreciably more stable. They're both good, but I think the VS Tour is more sensitive to string set up, as it's a little harsher (again, not by much) right out of the box.
 

g4driver

Legend
Sorry if I missed it, but is the new Pure Strike VS Tour just a new paintjob of the previous Pure Control Tour ? Or perhaps slightly more power due to the stiffer layoff?

Tennis Warehouse shows the RDC of 63 for the Pure Control Tour and 65 for the Pure Strike VS Tour.
 

DANMAN

Professional
Sorry if I missed it, but is the new Pure Strike VS Tour just a new paintjob of the previous Pure Control Tour ? Or perhaps slightly more power due to the stiffer layoff?

Tennis Warehouse shows the RDC of 63 for the Pure Control Tour and 65 for the Pure Strike VS Tour.
It's supposed to be a cosmetic update only per babolat official in the babolat thread.
 

Simplicius

Semi-Pro
It's supposed to be a cosmetic update only per babolat official in the babolat thread.


When I saw the Pure Strike VS Tour video review and listen the negative comments of the reviewers (opposite to previous Pure Contol Tour) I've start to wonder what goes wrong with the new one, which supposed "to be a cosmetic update only"...

And then I've found that! >

Babolat_Pure_Strike_2017_RA.jpg


Look the values difference at the flex point!!! (as a blue line drawed by me).

They don't specify if this is only for simple Strikes or VSs too, but maybe this draw is the explanation why Pure Strike VS Tour has little common with the previous Pure Control Tour model... I suppose that only the official Bab can awnser this...
 

TennisHound

Legend
TW overpraised the new Strike and underpraised the Strike VS. Sounds like Babolat will have to decide which marching orders to send out.

jk (slightly)
 

DANMAN

Professional
When I saw the Pure Strike VS Tour video review and listen the negative comments of the reviewers (opposite to previous Pure Contol Tour) I've start to wonder what goes wrong with the new one, which supposed "to be a cosmetic update only"...

And then I've found that! >

Babolat_Pure_Strike_2017_RA.jpg


Look the values difference at the flex point!!! (as a blue line drawed by me).

They don't specify if this is only for simple Strikes or VSs too, but maybe this draw is the explanation why Pure Strike VS Tour has little common with the previous Pure Control Tour model... I suppose that only the official Bab can awnser this...
The illustration clearly shows the pure strike 2014 and the new one. I understand that it's an assumption but it was clear in the other thread that there was no layup difference. I personally think each control version has watered down. The pure control team plus circa 2002-2003 was my favorite. The pure storm tour plus was much lower powered then the GTs came in with higher swingweights. I never hit the latest version or the newest VS.

I wish babolat would bring back the aeropro drive original and the pure drive swirly and the older pure controls.

I am however incredibly pleased with the new standard strikes.
 

chineras

New User
I played with the pure control and then the Pure storm GT. My coach thinks I should try a stick with more pop and had me hit with a pure aero tour vs today. I liked it but wondered it anyone has a recommendation for an additional demo. I guess I should try the Pure Strike VS tour to get a comparison.
 

Lukhas

Legend
I played with the pure control and then the Pure storm GT. My coach thinks I should try a stick with more pop and had me hit with a pure aero tour vs today. I liked it but wondered it anyone has a recommendation for an additional demo. I guess I should try the Pure Strike VS tour to get a comparison.
The Pure Aero VS/VS Tour combines the Aero throat with the Control/Storm hoop, so perhaps you should demo it. Simply a suggestion, haven't tried the sticks myself.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
When I saw the Pure Strike VS Tour video review and listen the negative comments of the reviewers (opposite to previous Pure Contol Tour) I've start to wonder what goes wrong with the new one, which supposed "to be a cosmetic update only"...

And then I've found that! >

Babolat_Pure_Strike_2017_RA.jpg


Look the values difference at the flex point!!! (as a blue line drawed by me).

They don't specify if this is only for simple Strikes or VSs too, but maybe this draw is the explanation why Pure Strike VS Tour has little common with the previous Pure Control Tour model... I suppose that only the official Bab can awnser this...

The Pure Strike VS/VS Tour are cosmetic updates to the Pure Control & Pure Control Tour, respectively. Same mold, same layup.
 

tegg96

Semi-Pro
The Pure Strike VS/VS Tour are cosmetic updates to the Pure Control & Pure Control Tour, respectively. Same mold, same layup.
What about balance changes, or are the Controls to the VS identical except paint?
Just that it is very strange that the previous Pure Control MP and Tour where very much liked by the TW reviewers and the VS not so much. The review team for VS really should have been the same members as on Control for a direct comparison.
 

KluddKalle

Semi-Pro
What about balance changes, or are the Controls to the VS identical except paint?
Just that it is very strange that the previous Pure Control MP and Tour where very much liked by the TW reviewers and the VS not so much. The review team for VS really should have been the same members as on Control for a direct comparison.

I also felt that the review was a bit off. I believe it's because they compare the VS to the regular strike and not as much to the previous models. In the review for the pure control there is more talk about previous models from the control/storm line.
 

Bender

G.O.A.T.
I like the shape, I like the colour, I'm sure with some lead tape, I'll like the weight too.

But seeing how I'm firmly holding onto my beautiful PS90s, and no-one I know has a PSVS / PSVST for me to try, I probably won't be taking the plunge.

No demos where I live, and I'm not much of a gambler.

I did enjoy playing with the Pure Strike 16x19 though. When I took some big swings with it, it played strangely similarly to my PS90.
 
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