Official Babolat Strike VS 2022 thread
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alexsoin
Semi-Pro
My 4 PS 16x19 frames had unstrung unmodded weights at 306, 308, 310 and 310g, all above the spec of 305g but it's not that bad considering Babolat's lack of decent QC. And also considering that all 4 were out of different retailers.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I haven't measured unstrung values, only static weights at home. I believe strung SW was in 325-330 range and balance was nearly identical at 4 points HL then I took it the nearest tennis shop. I got all 4 at SW of 340 and evenly balanced (0 points HL) with a bit of tape, OGs and pete sampras dumps.
anybody else having this issue with their overgrip on the PSVS? I'm using wilson pro and it keeps slipping out of place after a couple hours of playing. It's definitely off my 2h backhand and I have this same issue with the Yonex Regna and I'm inclined to think this has to do with the leather grip. I have a Pure Drive and APD with various synthetic grips underneath and the same wilson overgrips and don't have this issue.
That's wild - I changed over to the Volkl leather, which is my favorite. Seems nice and tacky, but I also don't play with any overgrip.anybody else having this issue with their overgrip on the PSVS? I'm using wilson pro and it keeps slipping out of place after a couple hours of playing. It's definitely off my 2h backhand and I have this same issue with the Yonex Regna and I'm inclined to think this has to do with the leather grip. I have a Pure Drive and APD with various synthetic grips underneath and the same wilson overgrips and don't have this issue.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
The first impression that I had while holding the Babolat leather grip on the PSVS was that it felt pretty cheap and slippery. So your problem doesn't seem too surprising to me. Never had that happen myself though with leather grips. I have a onehander though. I have seen it happening before with 2hbh friends (synthetic base grip).anybody else having this issue with their overgrip on the PSVS? I'm using wilson pro and it keeps slipping out of place after a couple hours of playing. It's definitely off my 2h backhand and I have this same issue with the Yonex Regna and I'm inclined to think this has to do with the leather grip. I have a Pure Drive and APD with various synthetic grips underneath and the same wilson overgrips and don't have this issue.
Never used Babolat leather myself. I changed it out for Oehms leather on my PSVS and will do the same for the other three I have coming in.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
It must be the overgrip... I don't have this issue in my frames.anybody else having this issue with their overgrip on the PSVS? I'm using wilson pro and it keeps slipping out of place after a couple hours of playing. It's definitely off my 2h backhand and I have this same issue with the Yonex Regna and I'm inclined to think this has to do with the leather grip. I have a Pure Drive and APD with various synthetic grips underneath and the same wilson overgrips and don't have this issue.
Wrap it tighter and maybe a hair more overlap.anybody else having this issue with their overgrip on the PSVS? I'm using wilson pro and it keeps slipping out of place after a couple hours of playing. It's definitely off my 2h backhand and I have this same issue with the Yonex Regna and I'm inclined to think this has to do with the leather grip. I have a Pure Drive and APD with various synthetic grips underneath and the same wilson overgrips and don't have this issue.
Could also happen if you have multiple racquets in your bag. The grips grab each other and pull around, usually from putting them in and out.
I've only had this issue with basegrips when my hand is sweaty and hot and softens the tape underneath.
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ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Some overgrips have an inner side that is NOT sticky or rubbery enough for leather. I have seen that... I use Tecnifibre, Yonex, Solinco, Diadem... and they grab just fine. The racket comes with a quality leather grip, NO complains on my side.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
I have a frame with Gut/poly combo for days when I need extra power. Works great.
I just bit the bullet and bought one. Having it strung with 1.25 VS gut in the mains @ 54 and 1.20 Max Power in the crosses @ 50. Had my Vcore Pro 310 restrung with the same setup (this is already my current set up with this frame). Now I just need a break from this rain to get some court time!
Got some doubles in tonight with the frame. Initial thoughts... Gut hybrid was a mistake. I almost immediately felt that the frame needed a full bed of poly and that didn't change the entire night. I kind of think I need to test a shaped poly in this stick. For doubles, the frame was plenty stable. I'll see if that stays true for singles swinging from the baseline when I get a chance. I set this up exactly as I do my VCP 97 with an overgrip and dampener. It was still the first time playing with it but it didnt seem to cut through the air as fast as my VCP. I was having trouble creating the same racket head speed as I do with the Yonex. Looking forward to hitting with this some more and figuring it out.
What string/tension recommendations do you guys have after playing with this frame?
What string/tension recommendations do you guys have after playing with this frame?
GummiiBear
Semi-Pro
That's interesting because a gut/poly hybrid works fine. Well, for me at least?
I've got Klip Legend 1.30 mains, Tecnifibre Razor Code 1.25 crosses, at 55/51.
I still feel like this racquet encourages flat, flat hitting. Which is a bit of a knock.
Would that change if I opted for poly/poly instead? Thinking "aloud".
Edit: I have also tried Tier One Ghost Wire 1.22 as crosses, which is also decent.
I've got Klip Legend 1.30 mains, Tecnifibre Razor Code 1.25 crosses, at 55/51.
I still feel like this racquet encourages flat, flat hitting. Which is a bit of a knock.
Would that change if I opted for poly/poly instead? Thinking "aloud".
Edit: I have also tried Tier One Ghost Wire 1.22 as crosses, which is also decent.
A couple pages back I think there was some discussion and comparison to the Vcore Pro 97
In response to your next post, all poly at mid or low 40s is good. Maybe you strung the gut/poly too high?
The PSVS is a low-powered frame and I am surprised to hear you say it was harder to swing, I found it very whippy.
I hope that isn't fully the case. The racket was great for my OHBH which is more flat. I was having a little trouble getting the same level of topspin as I do with my VCP97 on my forehand side. Cant I selfishly want a frame that's amazing for both?
Maybe QC played a part here? My VCP is noticeably a bit more head light in comparison just holding the rackets with a pen by the throat and seeing how they balances (VERY scientific approach).
I usually use my finger
so you got me beat. Actually I've converted, I now use the edge of my desk.QC is probably the culprit. Mine was 304g instead of 310g unstrung, so that makes a pretty big difference. Also unstrung balance was 30.5cm, so I reckon my swingweight was well below the TW average.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Glad to see you are still using my hack for stringing gut/poly
I restrung my PSVS demo with oldie but goodie Volkl Cyclone 16 at 55 lbs also added around 7g of lead at 12. And that stick was a spin monster. I think I was able to hit bigger flatter shots with Pure Strike 16x19 in direct comparison. And it's not surprising since strings spacing of PSVS is definitely wider especially for the middle 8 mains.
Second session with this thing. This time against my usual tennis partner. He said the same as my thoughts from my first time playing with it... I can't produce the same level of forehand topspin as I could with my VCP97. As a comparison I swapped to the VCP97 for a little and my forehand was what it previously was (both are strung the exact same). I ended up playing flatter shots on the fh side to compensate with the PSVS which isn't really my playstyle. BH slice, OHBH, and drop shot placement was great though!
After day 2 with this thing I'm still under the impression I need a shaped poly. I have another doubles night tomorrow and will cut out the gut hybrid after. I'm thinking of putting in a full bed of Black Knight or Lynx Tour in the mid 40s....... or....... I kinda sorta have always wanted to try Firewire Boost. Maybe I'll do that?
After day 2 with this thing I'm still under the impression I need a shaped poly. I have another doubles night tomorrow and will cut out the gut hybrid after. I'm thinking of putting in a full bed of Black Knight or Lynx Tour in the mid 40s....... or....... I kinda sorta have always wanted to try Firewire Boost. Maybe I'll do that?
@Sahbatage I think I commented that in my original review, almost plays more like an 18x20 than a 16x19 as far as spin is concerned.
But yes, shaped poly strung lower should up the spin and give a little more net clearance.
But yes, shaped poly strung lower should up the spin and give a little more net clearance.
RF_PRO_STAFF
Hall of Fame
I'm quite surprised by the comments about the PSVS lacking spin. I'm playing mine all at 335g, 31.8 cm, 324 SW with Hawk Touch 1.20 at 47/45 and I get lots of easy spin out of this setup. Tried a few other strings in it too which I also didn't experience any lack of spin with. But of course everyone has different experiences with a racquet.
GummiiBear
Semi-Pro
Encouraging flat hitting doesn't necessarily mean it lacks spin. I'd say flat hitting is where it shines the most.
That being said, I think my VCP 9HD has easier access to spin than my PS VS; but as you suggested YMMV.
That being said, I think my VCP 9HD has easier access to spin than my PS VS; but as you suggested YMMV.
Lefty78
Professional
I recommend dusting the leather grip with spray adhesive before applying the overgrip. I used to do this for Lendl and it works wonders. Makes for a little bit of cleanup between grippings, but nothing major. There are a bunch of different brands that all work fine, loctite, elmers, 3m etc.anybody else having this issue with their overgrip on the PSVS? I'm using wilson pro and it keeps slipping out of place after a couple hours of playing. It's definitely off my 2h backhand and I have this same issue with the Yonex Regna and I'm inclined to think this has to do with the leather grip. I have a Pure Drive and APD with various synthetic grips underneath and the same wilson overgrips and don't have this issue.
Thin poly at mid-40s is definitely a good recipe for it. Also do you have a more vertical (spin) stroke? I think it is a lot more technique centric with this frame, much like 18x20 frames.
I hit a little flatter, so for me it is not a spin monster and doesn't have the launch angle of a 16x19
I do remember reading that. My only experience with an 18x20 was the old VCP HD. That thing didn't have any problem with spin! Unfortunately, at the time it was a little to heavy for my shoulder.
I do miss my old VCP HD!
I do actually. Years of table tennis training a long time ago has my stroke more vertical than I'd like sometimes. It also has me prepare my forehand closer to my body than I'd prefer sometimes but that's a different issue haha.
I'm def going to throw on some poly after tonight. Decided to use black knight as I still have a pack.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I feel torn between PS 18x20 gen3 and PSVS. Already demoing these two for the second time. If only these two can be combined in one racket PS 18x20 shines on groundies and very aggressive hitting, great spin access despite tight pattern and it also doesn't require any mods if you are lucky to get a stick close to 305g/330SW specs. PSVS surprisingly shines on serving, volleying and defensive game. Slices, dropshots are awesome with it too. This frame needs a lot of weight at 12 though. The feel of these two is quite different as well, I feel better connected to PS 18x20 on big groundies while PSVS allows me to hit amazing defensive slices and feel shots. So freaking torn
Got to hit again last night, albeit doubles. This time with a full bed of black knight (48/46). I added 2 grams at 10 and 2 as well. This is it! Loving this set up now. Didn't quite gel with it when I had the nat gut/poly hybrid. Now i just have to make sure it passes my broken hand comfort test. I broke a metacarpal in the past and the point of the break begins to hurt if a setup is a little too stiff or vibrates too much. Will need some singles to figure this out.
Mine is underspec. Strung with lead and an overgrip weighs in at 326g.
I honestly don't see myself picking up the VCP out of my bag over this.
Mine is underspec. Strung with lead and an overgrip weighs in at 326g.
I honestly don't see myself picking up the VCP out of my bag over this.
naturalexponent
Legend
Hit a demo a few weeks ago but only for like half an hour. Got a used one off of the classifieds, strung w/ Tour Status and I love the touch and feel on this thing. It feels a bit heavier than the demo but I kind of like the additional heft, as the demo felt kind of insubstantial. Need to rein in the launch a bit so will string higher next time (at 44, but thinking of going up to 48). Lots of promise! Fairly comfortable too. A number of racquets have been giving me elbow issues lately after hitting with them but feeling fine so far (fingers crossed).
naturalexponent
Legend
Took measurements and it looks like mine, while only about 1.5g over spec in static weight, has a 32.5cm balance point and has a 332 swingweight, stock. No wonder it swings the way it does vs the demo I tried. Thanks Babolat QC lol. Not far off from my GPros but for whatever reason feels noticeably less maneuverable. Guess I’ll have to try adding weight to the handle.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Mine was under spec by 4-5 grams, which worked out because mine is super-maneuverable but just lacked some put away power. What I notice about the PSVS is that it is a complete control oriented racket without the mods, even lacking power against aggressive heavy hitters. However, a little additional weight (*4grams @ 12) turns the control oriented frame into a scalpel-like weapon with put away power. I used to hit my hardest shots with the Pure Strike Tour, but I’m hitting harder and more accurate shots with the modded PSVS. It is a great frame.
naturalexponent
Legend
Appreciate your perspective! I imagine mine has a bit more weight in the head already thus the high stock swingweight. I just added 8g of blu tac to the handle and it is now 31.5cm balance and feels much more “right” to swing. It stands out for me so far vs other frames I’ve been hitting precisely for the reasons you’re mentioning. I feel like I have a ton of control and a big part of that is the feel. Excited to get on court with this tomorrow.
@naturalexponent - To add to that perspective, I ended up customizing my playest PSVS with about 10g extra around the handle (built up the #2 grip to a #4, roughly), 2g at 6 and 3g at 12, for a strung spec of 334g, 31.1cm (10pt HL) and 321SW. Strung with Mayami Big Spin 1.25 mains and T1 Ghostwire 1.22 crosses at 54/51 (lockout), so like 51/48 on an eCP. My sister was so taken by it, she ended up up buying it off me, and she's now playing some of her best tennis ever, so it's clearly a very universal platform stick.
Wheelz
Hall of Fame
You’ll have to write a little vc95 vs psvs please
naturalexponent
Legend
Will do! I’ll try to include the 2018 too hahaYou’ll have to write a little vc95 vs psvs please
naturalexponent
Legend
Awesome. I am actually really looking forward to getting one that's on or under spec, because mine had strung specs of 334g and 332 swing weight and 32.5 cm balance, stock! So the only place for me to put weight was in the handle. It feels more sluggish than my Blade Pro but I'm really taken with the feel and accuracy of the PSVS even at this spec. I find that it encourages me to use a bit more variety, like with the 93P because of the feel and touch. I know I'd struggle a bit in a match situation where things speed up so it'll be nice to have a platform racquet to build on and tweak. I hate to spend on matched sticks now before I'm fully decided but I find myself picking the PSVS over others at the moment even for the paintjob alone.
@naturalexponent - Yeah, if you can front the cash for 2+, I would definitely go the TW matching route to ensure you get one at or under spec. It's a special platform frame when QC is on-point. That and the Prestige MP-L are two of the best platform frames out right now, IMHO.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
My PS VS came in under spec. and like many I weighted the hoop with some lead tape at 10 - 2 . I also added weight @ the trap door, which made it feel a little whippier - which I like.
I loved the feel of the PS VS (still do ) but it was not as maneuverable as my PS 98 16x19. It delivered a more powerful, more penetrating shot and was more accurate. (Definitely better looking!) During games though there was a learning curve to this stick for me. It launched a little lower and was a touch slower to get around, but really getting used to a new racquet takes time. Even Pros rarely make a switch and when they do they seem to inevitably switch back before moving forward with a new stick or string.
Anyway, I started hitting a bit with this again as a counterpoint to another test - this time of the new Pure Aero 23. I like the PS VS at least as much as before (which is a lot) and really like the new Pure Aero 23. Each offers some standout characteristics which are unique, PS VS : precision / feel and control versus Pure Aero: power and spin. They both have spin and power even feel, but the emphasis is different. As tool I don't think one is better than the other, it just depends whether your game takes better of advantage of what these great racquets have to offer.
naturalexponent
Legend
That’s great to hear, as I loved the MP-L and was prepared to make the switch if not for some elbow discomfort
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
..something makes me suspicious of your SW values. My feeling is that the measurement is way wrong.
Exp: I got several frames to test, 6 so far and NONE came strung above 316. I calibrate my machine and is checked often for precision.
It is a fun racket to customize for advanced players.
Exp: I got several frames to test, 6 so far and NONE came strung above 316. I calibrate my machine and is checked often for precision.
It is a fun racket to customize for advanced players.
naturalexponent
Legend
You can suspect if you wish. The only reason I bothered to even measure it is because it felt so noticeably off and cumbersome. I calibrated and confirmed via Briffidi multiple times. Just a few grams at the tip can account for large variation in SW, and the PSVS has stated variance of +/- 7 across specs so I don’t see why your personal exp is contradictory. Both things can be true that yours all came in under 316 (below TW published spec btw) while mine is over 330.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
I cannot speak for TW calibrations. Specs means just that... not reality.
naturalexponent
Legend
Yes, my calibrated measurements reflect the reality of my racquet and are independent of your experience with yours. Don’t want to derail this thread any further, so hope we can leave it at that.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
So either your racket is an outlier and Babolat QC is bad, or the wide spec range is what we should live with.
That is not good and Babolat should do better than that, like Yonex.
naturalexponent
Legend
Agree with the former! I think a lot of people here would agree that Bab QC is not the best (same with Wilson) and would wish more brands would be like Yonex.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
I am quite confident that Yonex success in popularity is due to their QC.
Personally, not fonded of their head shapes, not my preference because how I swing... I need a rounded head top even on serves.
This Babolat VS is quite close to what I needed, and is customizable to make it efficient for my game...which have improved in consistency and pleasure.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Agree and agree. Yonex QC is absolutely unprecedented. And I played with 15+ different Yonex frames last 25 years. I always thought that my serve is fine, never been an issue/weakness due to massive kick. But hitting a couple of flat bombs with one of the most controlled Babolat frame Pure Strike 18x20 changed my mind 180. Now my serve is a WEAPON and I also dig the unique feel of Pure Strikes 3rd gen, not too muted not to harsh just right IMO. I couldn't gel with PSVS though despite spending two weeks of testing it against 2 sets of different frames, different feel slightly flexy and not as spiny as advertised tbh. Also needs a bunch of weight at 12. Boring but I ended up switching from PS 16x19 gen 3 to PS 18x20 gen 3!
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Yeah, your assesment is similar to mine. The problem is me, the PS gives me power and the 16x19 lotta spin capability and the 18x20 add consistency but not enough spin when I need.
So, since I don't feel I need more power with my full swing strokes but rather to control my crazy brain, when I tune it to my specs I landed happily in the PSVS. BTW... gentle which saves my arm strung poly at 55-56# and the 97in^2 is closer to the 96 I used to play in Tecni TFight Ltd.
So things are there for me so far. One complain is price, when you need several frames... Ouch.
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alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I was surprised to find out that I can generate more spin with 18x20 frames opposed to common belief of "closed" vs "open" string patterns. It's been the same experience comparing Blades, VCore Pros and Pure Strikes 16x19 vs 18x20. The reason is simple: 18x20 gives me confidence to swing as fast and as big as I like and I'm getting rewarded with extra spin and ball dipping like crazy on baseline and sidelines. And 16x19 (or 16x20) generally feel too powerful and too easy to overhit thus less acceleration, less spin and sadly less confidence overall. Also I can string 18x20 frames at 53-54 lbs as opposed to high 50s I have to go to with 16x19.
Has anyone successfully modded away the vibration on off-center hits closer to the tip? It's worse on this racket than any I've previously used. I added 2 grams at 10 and 2 which helped the overall performance of the racket but hasn't really effected that boardy vibration on these mis-hits. Should I try weight at 3 9, and 12 or add extra weight at 10 & 2? Or..... just hit the sweet spot 100% of the time 
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