Got chips also on the orange/red but cannot get the right paint to match
If anyone knows the paints to match, I will appreciate it to know. Thanks.
Fingernail Polishes.
Official Babolat Strike VS 2022 thread
- Thread starter AceyMan
- Start date
Fingernail Polishes.
Hit with this frame for the first time yesterday.
Previously played 5.0 now with 4.5 rating not playing all that much lately. History as follows:
babolat pure drive plus 2002-2009
Babolat pure storm tour plus 2010-2012
Babolat pure drive 2012 standard 2012 until tennis elbow in 2013
Wilson blade 98S 2013-2016
Babolat pure strike project one7 2017-2019 (arm pain above elbow)
Wilson blade v7 2019-2020
Babolat pure strike tour 2020-2022
started hitting the blade again in 2022 due to not playing enough and the pure strike tour feeling a little heavy and wanting a little more spin. Had been eyeing the vs since the announcement and grabbed one last week.
Have also hit the pure aero vs this year which is effective but stiff.
With the VS I found I could get the best angles I have been able to hit since I was playing tennis twice a day. Volleys and overheads are super solid. It’s very maneuverable and quick. I found my kick served jumping a ton. I think it has great balance in terms of weight overall and the head light nature and is a great doubles frame. Returns felt good. Slice bites well. Waiting to get some singles in but easily won a doubles match with it the first time playing yesterday. I’m looking forward to exploring it some more but it’s been a really fun hit thus far.
Previously played 5.0 now with 4.5 rating not playing all that much lately. History as follows:
babolat pure drive plus 2002-2009
Babolat pure storm tour plus 2010-2012
Babolat pure drive 2012 standard 2012 until tennis elbow in 2013
Wilson blade 98S 2013-2016
Babolat pure strike project one7 2017-2019 (arm pain above elbow)
Wilson blade v7 2019-2020
Babolat pure strike tour 2020-2022
started hitting the blade again in 2022 due to not playing enough and the pure strike tour feeling a little heavy and wanting a little more spin. Had been eyeing the vs since the announcement and grabbed one last week.
Have also hit the pure aero vs this year which is effective but stiff.
With the VS I found I could get the best angles I have been able to hit since I was playing tennis twice a day. Volleys and overheads are super solid. It’s very maneuverable and quick. I found my kick served jumping a ton. I think it has great balance in terms of weight overall and the head light nature and is a great doubles frame. Returns felt good. Slice bites well. Waiting to get some singles in but easily won a doubles match with it the first time playing yesterday. I’m looking forward to exploring it some more but it’s been a really fun hit thus far.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I've been playing with beefed up PS Gen3 16x19s for 7-8 months now and really like 'em, SW~340. Especially feel, power, spin and stability (headheaviness) aspects when paired with stiff poly at high tension of 55-58lbs. I played with over 20 rackets thru the years and my current PS 16x19s probably have the best feel, I never hit better dropshots, tricky slices and volleys as I do now. BUT I struggle with comfort a little bit when playing several days in a row, long practices with ball machine, flat bomb serve practices. Not too bad but I feel it in my elbow and sometimes in my wrist. Was just wondering if PSVS is much more comfortable? How much feel and power I'll have to sacrifice making a switch. Extra spin is very welcome though since I play predominantly on clay. I hope someone had similar transition, would like to hear your opinion(s). Thanks, -A
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Ok, so first of all the PS VS is a great racquet, better if you add some weight to the hoop, especially in your case. With weight you won't miss the power, control is better, but spin will be less (16x20) IMO. Comfort / feel will be much much better.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
FWIW, I used to use the Pure Strike Tour 3rd Gen as my go to racket among many great rackets. It hits powerful ground strokes with good amount of spin and great control But, I’ve made a switch to PSVS because the PSVS (*with added weight of 4 grams at 12) swings so much easier that helps to control my shots even more in all areas - placement, spin and power. It really feels like an extension of my arm for me. It also is super stable against heavy hitters.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Some weight at the top and changing leather for lighter synthetic grip is a must for me to make it head heavier like PS 16x19 Gen3. Lower power and more muted feel is a given considering much lower RA?! As for spin I would assume PSVS is a spinnier frame due to much lower SW and despite 16x20, spacing on PS 16x19 Gen3 is really tight and more like 18x20.
I feel like I'll have to demo PST, PS 18x20 (Gen3) and new PSVS. I'll string them all with same cheap poly like Polylon at 55lbs and see how it goes. Serve power is very important for me and my current PS 16x19 been a beast in that department. My previous frame Yonex Score Pro HD was nowhere near in terms of serve power and feel, RA at 59 felt like a hollow tube/noodle in most cases.
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I've been switching back and forth between the PSVS and the Pure Control Tour (PCT - 2014 edition). I really love the PCT, but there's no question for me it's a more demanding frame to play with. After a few weeks with the PCTs, switching back to the PSVS almost felt like cheating. The dwell time on that thing is just absurd for me. I think the biggest difference is probably how customizable the PSVS is. It's hard for me to get the PCTs much under 350g strung, while with the PSVS, it's easy to keep it under 340, and have a nice HL (31.5ish) balance and SW (335-340) too. I'm still amazed this stick hasn't seen more adoption.
Got chips also on the orange/red but cannot get the right paint to match
If anyone knows the paints to match, I will appreciate it to know. Thanks.
if you’re still looking for a solution and you are in the US, you can take your racquet to Home Depot paint section and have them scan the racquet on a machine they use to identify the exact color and buy their “sample” of that paint for around $5. I’ve done this on one of my racquets before.
Been using the PSVS for a good 1-2 months and this racquet is a kick serve machine! It’s basically the Yonex SV98 with better feel and better comfort.
I wonder if it’s because it kind of got pigeon holed into the “advanced players” or “hard to play with” category and most people will stay away from it and retailers won’t recommend it based on that narrative. To be fair I think it’s probably true if we assume that the majority of people aren’t going to customize their frames. And even if it becomes a user friendly, great feeling, do-everything-well racquet with some lead at 12, it might just be a hard sell to the average tennis consumer.
I wonder if it’s because it kind of got pigeon holed into the “advanced players” or “hard to play with” category and most people will stay away from it and retailers won’t recommend it based on that narrative. To be fair I think it’s probably true if we assume that the majority of people aren’t going to customize their frames. And even if it becomes a user friendly, great feeling, do-everything-well racquet with some lead at 12, it might just be a hard sell to the average tennis consumer.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
How PSVS performs for big flat serves? My seconds kicking pretty well with my beefed up PS 16x19 (gen3).
The main reason why most tennis shops sell WAY more Aeros and Drives with very few Strikes in comparison.
Got my demos of PSVS, PST and PS 18x20 (gen 3), keep you guys posted.
In the meantime I got an advise here to improve the comfort of my current PS sticks: to cross my stiff Volkl Cyclone 16 @56 with Luxilon Smart or Element @58. I got Smart 1.25 as my cross string and this setup is incredible at least for first 5 hours of heavy singles hitting on clay in extreme SE Florida's conditions: amazing feel, great power, spin, comfort and control. PS is known to be string/tension selective but I might've found my perfect setup if it can last for 3-4 weeks or hopefully even more.
My personal experience is that I can hit a bigger serve with the Pure Drive and APD, but with the PSVS I can probably get about 80% of the power on serve I would get from those racquets but get much more consistency and accuracy. But I use gut/poly on the PSVS so the power gap isn't as noticeable compared to a full bed of poly on the other racquets.
Would be interested to see how you like/dislike the racquet! Please keep us posted.
Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
Let's hope so... as that way it will go on sale sooner and be discounted more in order to entice sales. A win-win for all of us waiting for it to be available at better prices. Either way, I'm patient... I can wait.
I think you'll like it when you get there, but you have no shortage of other great frames to keep you busy in the meantime!
Yeah, the comfort level seems real on this one - I have been playing with full poly (thin guage - 18 or 19) and had nary a twinge of discomfort.
Same when I playtested it.
Using Big Banger Original full bed (one of the stiffest polys) had no problems at all.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I’d guess 1.5mm as that seems to be more or less the standard on leather grips.
You can probably find the exact answer in this thread:
Let's Gather All Grip Specs (Weight & Thickness) into two threads
ChicagoJack's thread has been an invaluable resource for myself and others. It seems he doesn't frequent the boards anymore, so I'm continuing this great thread. This is the link to the first thread - LINK. If you have any measurements, please share in this thread and I will edit the original...
tt.tennis-warehouse.com
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
TLDR; So I spent 10+ hours test hitting PS, PS 18x20, PST (all Gen3) and PSVS. My racket of choice is PS Gen3 16x19 for the last 7-8 months. I have 4 of them with unstrung unmodded weights of 306, 308, 310 and 310g, all above the spec of 305g. I used 306g one for the testing/demoing.
First part was testing all 4 frames PS, PS 18x20, PST and PSVS in stock form strung with Gosen Polylon 1.30 at 55lbs, just picked super generic and cheap poly string which I had a reel of. I realized that the tension is way too low, strings started moving after 2-3 minutes of hitting. SW is too low as well on all but PST. Surprisingly completely unmodded PST with that Gosen string was something I could possibly use for a match play at least for a couple of sets or so.
Next part was sticking a lot of bumper tape on PS, PS 18x20 and PSVS to bump up SW to ~335-340 and restringing these 3 sticks at 59 lbs with same Gosen Polylon 16 gauge.
Not surprisingly the winner for me is PS, you just can't beat the feel, spin, power/control ratio. PS 18x20 might need 1-2lbs lower tension to compensate for reduced power/spin due to tighter pattern. They are nearly identical to me but I feel like PS wins with dwell time and ultimate feel.
Lastly PSVS surprised me with its beauty, totally different mold, larger sweet spot, extra whippiness and spin. Unfortunately I couldn't change original leather grip of the demo to even up the balance (to make it more head heavy like three other frames) that kinda screwed up my timing and prevented to see the whole potential of the racket. I also don't like leather grips in general, getting terrible blisters even with thicker OGs. The feel of PSVS was overly muted for my liking, hollow-ish and nothing like PS Gen3. Reminded me my old Yonex Ezone Ai 98 not in a good way
I still was able to hit good dropshots, nasty slices and volleys with PSVS though. Something to get used to I guess, maybe address via a different string set. PSVS definitely got more comfort, a little less power and more spin/control than my current PS-es.
I might be switching to PSVS once my wrist and elbow can't handle PS with full poly anymore. So far I mitigated most of discomfort by using a softer (Luxilon Smart) string in crosses and by working out more. I also wanna test drive upcoming 2023 Pure Strikes as well and with my actual string setup before committing to switching.
What tension(s) do you use? 1- or 2-piece string job?
I was doing 48lbs which felt pretty good. Controlled launch but enough power. That tension felt even better with a softer/more powerful string setup.
I believe it was 2 piece
Got that Babolat feeling back, after abandoning Pure Storms/Controls for Yonex DR98 and VcorePro97...
These sticks encourage me to play more aggressive and usually I also have the rewords
These sticks encourage me to play more aggressive and usually I also have the rewords
With a bit of weight, the VS can definitely be an attackers frame, its got the moves.Got that Babolat feeling back, after abandoning Pure Storms/Controls for Yonex DR98 and VcorePro97...
These sticks encourage me to play more aggressive and usually I also have the rewords
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I abandoned my Yonex Ai98 and VCore Pro97 HDGot that Babolat feeling back, after abandoning Pure Storms/Controls for Yonex DR98 and VcorePro97...
but for Pure Strikes Gen3 16x19. Like your bag btw, looks awesome!
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Thanks, great idea !!! is not easy to match by eye, this is the best way.
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Classic-TXP-IG MID
Hall of Fame
ACT
Rookie
Might get it tomorrow, but I'm still testing out Solinco Whiteout and Prince ATS 98 - Speed MP and Artengo TR960C should be received soon
tennisreflectslife
Rookie
Would love to hear your thoughts comparing these, especially between whiteout, ats 98 and PSVS. I just got at ATS 98 recently and have been liking it, but am intrigued by both the whiteout and PSVS. Please keep us posted here. My goto racket as been the blade pro 16x19 last 1 year.Might get it tomorrow, but I'm still testing out Solinco Whiteout and Prince ATS 98 - Speed MP and Artengo TR960C should be received soon
If you've been playing with the Blade Pro, you'll probably like the ATS 98 better.
I've also played with the Blade Pro 16M.
Out of the box the PSVS has a firmer feel and is much lower-powered than the Blade Pro. PSVS also has a lower launch angle and I think the 16x20 really plays more like an 18x20.
The PSVS is more on the control side of the spectrum and needs some mods to have more power.
tennisreflectslife
Rookie
Thank you so much for the input! You are right, I have been liking the ATS 98, almost in all aspects except on my one hand backhand. Somehow its not coming through nicely and I am mistiming the ball (I am guessing its the thicker beam). But it is super solid racket, even more so than blade pro i feel. If the PSVS's 16x20 is more like 18x20 then I might not like it. I dont mind the lower launch angle, but I do like how 16 mains help grab the ball. The last 16x20 i played was the old wilson ntour 2 95, that string pattern felt kinda open to me. Lack of free power might not be a big problem for me if the racket is stable and swings fast. Might try the whiteout as it also looks interesting on paper and has good reviews. I also demoed the new blade v8 16x19, was good too. Especially liked the flat serves with that racket. But the ATS 98 feels better for my game over the v8 blade, as long as I can find my backhand timing with it (might try tail weighting it a bit).
@tennisreflectslife
Many people in this thread have mentioned the PSVS is more of a platform racquet, that needs some mods to make it really shine.
So stock vs stock, the ATS 98 likely beats it in most areas, except control and touch.
But I also consider the PSVS and ATS 98 to be in different classes.
PSVS is more traditional, low-powered players frame.
98 is modern players frame, something like a Head Speed.
Just depends what you're wanting and how you play
Many people in this thread have mentioned the PSVS is more of a platform racquet, that needs some mods to make it really shine.
So stock vs stock, the ATS 98 likely beats it in most areas, except control and touch.
But I also consider the PSVS and ATS 98 to be in different classes.
PSVS is more traditional, low-powered players frame.
98 is modern players frame, something like a Head Speed.
Just depends what you're wanting and how you play
jace112
Semi-Pro
PS VS is really an old-old school racquet. Very low powered, not forgiving at all. Compared to a Yonex VCore Pro 97, it's amazing how old fashionned it performs. That said, for people looking for a replacement for their oldies, that can make sense. But I think it's more a recreative frame, than a competitive racquet nowadays. (to hard to play)
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Perfectly fine for me to play and compete. That is why I am so glad that Babolat understood that part of the market.
Customize them to my specs and try different strings combos and tensions. Results are superb.
So just in case I got several already... and will add more as emotions require.
Perfectly fine for me to play and compete. That is why I am so glad that Babolat understood that part of the market.
Customize them to my specs and try different strings combos and tensions. Results are superb.
So just in case I got several already... and will add more as emotions require.
agree great pop and spin
I have to totally disagree with you here. For me, the PSVS seems extremely playable and easy to use, with excellent feel to boot. It has some old-school vibes, but really is a modern update on that, and I've found it to have lots of pop and good spin. But, it's true that to get there you do have to add a bit of weight (but not too much!)
Yeah, also have to disagree.
This racquet is very whippy and maneuverable, which is not how a lot of old-old school frames would be characterized.
To get the max out of this racquet, yes it needs some mods
I really don't think it's hard to play with at all.
I ended up selling my PS VS to my sister, as the grip was really too small for me, and she was absolutely taken with the amount of maneuverability, control, pop and flex, and she's nothing extraordinary skill-level wise (perhaps a 3.0?), but found it very easy to play with, with plenty of power for her. So I'd say it leans more to the tweener side of control frames than many others. It does need a total of 3-5 grams of lead split between 12 and 6; once in place, it plays like a dream!
According to TW University measurements basically is the opposite. VcorePro97 having the same sweet spot area despite its isometric shape head but lower power than PSVS.
Same feeling I had when I switched from VcorePro97 to PSVS. More penetrating shots and agresive style of play is more effective.
jace112
Semi-Pro
I guess we don't get the same racquets in France. We had more than 20 guys testing the frames. PS VS is an awesome looking racquet, nice feel for a Babolat. But too demanding for competitive tennis. I have to add, that in Europe, we usually play much more lighter racquets. Maybe that's part of the differences.
jace112
Semi-Pro
Here is what I got :
SW is 307 kg.cm² strung
SW 313 kg.cm²
BABOLAT Pure Strike VS | TennisAddict
BABOLAT Pure Strike VS | BABOLAT Pure Strike VS : le test de la raquette de tennis par TennisAddict ! « Si vous jouez fréquemment, participez à des tournois, recherchez un haut niveau de performance et de précision de votre raquette, alors vous devriez certainement vous pencher sur notre gamme...
tennisaddict.fr
[Guide 2021] YONEX : VCore Pro 97 | TennisAddict
Voici notre test officiel de la Yonex VCore Pro 97, qui apparait dans le Guide du matériel de tennis 2021. Cette nouvelle VCore Pro 97 apparait dans la catégorie "Raquettes >290 g - Contrôle" et obtient une belle médaille de bronze !
tennisaddict.fr
Interesting.
I've measured 301 SW on my VCP 310 (one of the first batches) and 318 on my PSVS.
Static weight was spot on on Yonex.
7grams under-spec for Babolat (still in tolerance printed on the frame, but both PSVS had 1g difference as marketed in the package)
In the end, PSVS definitely felt more powerful while being similar in comfort.
I've measured 301 SW on my VCP 310 (one of the first batches) and 318 on my PSVS.
Static weight was spot on on Yonex.
7grams under-spec for Babolat (still in tolerance printed on the frame, but both PSVS had 1g difference as marketed in the package)
In the end, PSVS definitely felt more powerful while being similar in comfort.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
Pure Strike Tour is much better than the standard weight versions as it has comparable SW with much better stability and comfort - VF is below 140Hz. So, if you want more comfort, it is an easy switch to the Tour - don’t be afraid of its static weight as it is very headlight and well-balanced.
All the Pure Strikes play well with poly strung in the low-mid forties while being much more comfortable than at higher tensions. So, try that also.
The VS would be a good racquet if there were a Tour version with 12 ozs weight and SW around 330. I found it too unstable in its standard form to consider switching from the PS Tour. Right now, the VS will be adopted mainly by those willing to customize it with leadtape. Pity as it is a gorgeous looker!
Proof of different values...both measured with the same overgrip and same string (only different color) and no dampener.Here is what I got :
SW is 307 kg.cm² strungBABOLAT Pure Strike VS | TennisAddict
BABOLAT Pure Strike VS | BABOLAT Pure Strike VS : le test de la raquette de tennis par TennisAddict ! « Si vous jouez fréquemment, participez à des tournois, recherchez un haut niveau de performance et de précision de votre raquette, alors vous devriez certainement vous pencher sur notre gamme...tennisaddict.fr
SW 313 kg.cm²[Guide 2021] YONEX : VCore Pro 97 | TennisAddict
Voici notre test officiel de la Yonex VCore Pro 97, qui apparait dans le Guide du matériel de tennis 2021. Cette nouvelle VCore Pro 97 apparait dans la catégorie "Raquettes >290 g - Contrôle" et obtient une belle médaille de bronze !tennisaddict.fr
Proof of different values...both measured with the same overgrip and same string (only different color) and no dampener.
That VCP SW is quite low!
Hopefully the recent batch has better QC.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
That is correct.
I'm sure you are right that this holds it back for some, but to me, that's a selling point, because I like to be able to customize and it's got plenty of room for that. Right now I have mine at 340g strung, with a 31.5cm balance and a SW in the high 330s - very nice! But, I have not played the PS Tour, and so cannot compare. I love the 2014 Pure Control Tour, and have been playing a lot with those, but lament the room to customize, since they come in much heavier stock.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I use PS 16x19s instead of PST for exact same reason. PST felt great all around no mods on demo being 100% on spec. You buy 2-3 PST frames and they will be all over the place: SW, static weight, balance and ultimately feel. And they are too heavy to lead them up and make identical.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Nah, I need 3 or even 4 identical rackets as I play league on clay and test different strings all the time. 4x brand new PSVS with matching service will be like $1300+ including CA tax. I spent like $650 on 4x PS 16x19 by buying discounted flag versions, all brand new too. I have two USA versions and two Japanese ones. A little tape here and there and I have absolutely identical frames now. Besides PSVS felt a bit too muted and very low powered for my liking then demoed side by side with PS 16x19, PST and PS 18x20.
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