Official Babolat Strike VS 2022 thread
- Thread starter AceyMan
- Start date
TwinCinema
Professional
All of TW’s specs are strung, and all of Babolat’s are unstrung. Stringing reduces RA by 2-3 points, so the truth is probably around 66 unstrung and 64 strung, give or take a point on each side.
kevonian
Semi-Pro
Is that 2 layers of lead tape at 12?
The left one is the razor code, right is toro toro.
I have Wilson NG/HyperG Round on my VS at 50/50. and just now trying 1 gram of lead tape at the 10/2
TwinCinema
Professional
No, it’s one strip of Tecnifibre’s 2g lead strips. They’re a little thicker than normal lead tape so you can put more weight across a smaller portion of the frame. So 4g total with one strip on each side of the strings.
Let us know how lead at 10/2 plays. Never tried it because the 4g at 12 has been so great.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I am reuniting with this frame since I want to have a player's frame now and then and the Pure Storms have really reminded me how much easier to use this line is compared to a Prestige. Also the new Prestige feel is not really like the old classics anyway. Babolat somehow made a control frame that has serious punch to it.
I know the Pure storm feel is going to be better than the PSVS, but I still think it may be pretty good as long as I string it nice and low. I too expect to be adding 4 grams at 12, but that's really the only mod I l will need.
I know the Pure storm feel is going to be better than the PSVS, but I still think it may be pretty good as long as I string it nice and low. I too expect to be adding 4 grams at 12, but that's really the only mod I l will need.
TwinCinema
Professional
Hope you like it this time around! I often alternate between my PSVSes and Storm these days (just dropped both off at the stringer today for fresh razor code 18 @47) and I like the Storm for its ease of use and whippiness, but the VS for the punch and spin and stability. Both have insane control.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yeah I hope so too. It’s such a nice looking frame and I am a big time Storm fan. Played them heavily years ago.
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Try Lynx Tour 1.20 or 1.25 at a lower tension (2lb less might felt better) better spin, a bit more power and retains a lot of the firm feel of the Confidential.
If you want something softer and poppy give Alu Rough with a nice multi in the crosses and you will hear the roar and extra power and spin of this set up. Not durable (3 hours prior to break) but when I want something else to play with new balls this comes to mind.
I tried RPM hurricane and felt really nice but nothing impresive.
I use Confidential as my main and was looking for something else... but settle with Confi, next demo will be with Firewire Boost and a string called Xenix Hexa Spin 1.25 with Blackout in the crosses to see if there is something else...
Lots of strings on the stiff side to try:
Never liked PTP, PTS or something in the soft side.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I’ve tried the VS when it came out, I tried the 97 recently, but I always feel like the Strike Tour gives me power on my shots that no weighed up version of the VS or 97 is able to replicate even when strung 4 pounds lighter. My opponents can feel the difference in my shots quickly when we do practice drills between the VS/97 and the Tour. Pity because I like the feel of the VS/97 better, but it is just not as effective a weapon for me on court even if I add 6 or 8 ozs.
I am finally giving up and putting my new Strike 97 racquet up for sale - same thing happened with the VS I bought when it was launched.
I am finally giving up and putting my new Strike 97 racquet up for sale - same thing happened with the VS I bought when it was launched.
snauwart
New User
does anyone have a comparison for the strike VS to the rf01 pro? has anyone played with both? they seem a little similar but everyone talks about how great the serve, slice and volley are with the rf01 pro and they are my primary shots I rely on. I've just got the strike vs and I do really like it but if I can maximise my serve and volley I'd be very happy.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
I have been demoing the RF01, and I find Babolats easier to use. The sweetspot on the RF is smaller and it doesn't have the same pop.
TwinCinema
Professional
Yeah I replaced the leather with Head Hydrosorb Comfort on both of my PSVS. The leather was hurting my wrist and switching cured that pain. Don’t notice much of a difference; I added 5g back into the handle to make up for lost weight and maintain balance. I guess it has slightly less of a direct feel but it still plays the same (ie awesome).
dfwchar
New User
did you happen to test out the racquet before you added the 5g back into the handle? wondering how it will feel with a little less weight overall. I assume it'll be a slightly more head heavier but wondering about the difference of mass
TwinCinema
Professional
I did play with it before I added weight back. The balance change was noticeable but didn’t harm playability. Putting weight back in the handle did make it feel more stable overall.
My rackets are also slightly underspec. I believe something like 306 and 307g unstrung, so not the 310g they should be. That may have made the added handle weight a better idea.
dfwchar
New User
Thank you! Swapping out for synthetic. I’ll test without weight first.
jsm1373
Rookie
Leather grips can be a love/hate thing... I love the pronounced bevels and connected feel, even under TournaGrip - and hate when a bay seller has removed the leather and doesn't mention that. Learned that lesson the hard way and now ask a potential source of a used PSVS if the leather is still in tact if not visible in pics. Yea i know you can just order another one but in my experience it can be hard to perfectly duplicate the factory installation (eventually creep up the buttcap and can have an inconsistent thickness feel (yes I'm ocd about each grip feeling identical)).
nicholasvr
New User
Im having the same issue with my 3 PSVS… Is it a paint crack or a structure crash? It got worse with the time? Im really concearned about it… also, Can u send some pictures of your PSVS for me to see if is the fracture is the same as mine, please?
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Unfortunately is a pressure fracture due to the mounting on the stringing machine being to tight and is something that happens often with that internal beam shape, I reached to babolat and that was the reply I got.
I used it over 2 years and the crack never got worst when my stringer knew the issue and my new batch is safe but if you see its getting bigger you should consider sending pics to babolat, maybe they can help but it’s close to a 3 years back release so won’t be that optimistic about it.
I would love to send pics but I already sold that racquet and my new ones don't have it, please upload some pics of yours and we can see if its something worst than cosmetics
nicholasvr
New User
Thank, mate! So u dont think is a paint crack by any chance? For me is strange to be something related to stringing because of the angle of the damage… but if babolat say so… im trying to upload a pic but its not working, if u wanna send me an email i will reply u there (nvr98@hotmail.com)
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calbear2000
New User
The PSVS 2022 is my main. I love the stability, particularly on returns and against bigger hitters. The stiffness and the weight in the head can generate some serious power, especially when tap right into the sweet spot and you can hear a distinctive sound when you've found it. It's a solid beast that also helps on my one handed backhand.
Has anyone who's liked this racket found a new racket that they've liked for similar reasons? If there's any adjustments I'd make, I'd probably go for something a tad lighter to help whip it through on the serve.
Has anyone who's liked this racket found a new racket that they've liked for similar reasons? If there's any adjustments I'd make, I'd probably go for something a tad lighter to help whip it through on the serve.
The PSVS is still my main racquet and has been for a couple years now. I am testing out the Gravity Tour 98 that just came out and that is really fun to hit with - lovely feel and good pop. Pretty easy transition from the PSVS, for me - minimal adjustment required to play pretty well with it.
DariaGT
Professional
So you are going to a Blade that was copied from Head and now the leap the frog continues
Have you tried the Axis 98 or Elevate 98 v3. Ra67 both 16x20 and amazingly offer more feel and control than both PAVS and PA98.
The quality control is better also from Diadem will be interesting to get more to compare these models as they are very close.
The Gravity Tour 98 is a Blade copied from Head? I'm not sure I follow that one.So you are going to a Blade that was copied from Head and now the leap the frog continues
Have you tried the Axis 98 or Elevate 98 v3. Ra67 both 16x20 and amazingly offer more feel and control than both PAVS and PA98.
The quality control is better also from Diadem will be interesting to get more to compare these models as they are very close.
DariaGT
Professional
its well know how Willy copied the Head Radical line, hence they use "H" for H22
yet Normies buy a Noodle Blade version with good marketing and sick PJs.
Head needed revenge vs the copy cats back BUT lacking Spin when StrikeVS have
plenty of Spin and in this vid the Aston Martin painted Noodle wins for Normies
yet Normies buy a Noodle Blade version with good marketing and sick PJs.
Head needed revenge vs the copy cats back BUT lacking Spin when StrikeVS have
plenty of Spin and in this vid the Aston Martin painted Noodle wins for Normies
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calbear2000
New User
Yeah, my main before was the Gravity MP but overtime I wanted something with more weight and stability. Almost went with the Gravity Pro but it felt too heavy, although I otherwise liked the feel. When I saw the Gravity Tour 98, I got very interested in it but haven't had a chance to demo. So it's definitely on the short list.
julianokay
New User
Made the switch the the Gravity 98 (nothing like a Blade 98 lol) myself and will be parting ways with 2 out of my 3 PSVSs in L2 grip size.
Can't bring myself to not stare at the beautiful paint-job every so often.
Let me know if anybody would be interested on here before I post in the classifieds.
Can't bring myself to not stare at the beautiful paint-job every so often.
Let me know if anybody would be interested on here before I post in the classifieds.
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Its that good to switch? Can you elaborate a bit on this comparison? Thanks
KluddKalle
Semi-Pro
In curious about this too. Have played last few years with the old Gravity Tour but have recently switched back to my trusty Pure Control Tours. But I’m looking to upgrade and was thinking about buying the Strike VS while they are still available.
julianokay
New User
There were a few factors that got me onboard for the GT98 compared to the PSVS.
The GT98 is more flexible and has easier access to power. What I like most is that the flex is very linear (almost feels oldschool prestige but without the lack of power) and for me, that allows the ball to sit in the racquet longer, and ultimately gives me more control. Especially on my one handed backhand. Also easier on the arm compared to the PSVS.
GT98 is more user friendly. Has a bigger sweet spot, is much more helpful on defensive shots. It feels like an easier to use Blade Pro.
I think overall the GT98 is simply a much more forgiving package that also has better feel.
A little confused about the PSVS = Gravity comparisons tbh. One line is head-heavy and flexy, with good plow-through. The other is comparatively stiff, head-light and maneuverable. Unless of course you are adding tons of lead to the PSVS upper hoop and turning it into a hammer..
julianokay
New User
I play the GT98 with a leather grip, and the two frames are much more similar than they are different. Also had some lead in the top of the hoop of the PSVS and I think most people here would agree that it needed it.
TwinCinema
Professional
Yeah, I don't know anyone who plays the PSVS without lead at 12, and I also don't understand calling it a stiff racket by any means. It's quite flexy and comfortable, certainly nowhere near the ballpark of a TF frame or other Babs like the Drive or Aero (or even Strike 98). I haven't played with the Gravity and I know it has a lower RA but the PSVS is much closer to the family of soft frames than of stiff ones.
I concur with this in general - especially about the feel and pop - both are great with the GT98. I do think the PSVS has better control - it's kind of a goldilocks thing for me. I do have plenty of lead at 12 on mine also. The one thing that keeps me interested in the GT98 is the feel. Anyway, we'll see what happens. Since I got my first PSVS three years ago (almost), there have been a lot of pretenders trying to take its place, and none have survived...
Sure PSVS is on the softer side for Babs, and my elbow loves it - but it's still around 63-64RA. I have 3g at 12 (and 3g in the buttcap), and it's still a quick, maneuverable, and head-light frame with a fair bit of power. So I am just not getting the comparisons - from the specs nor my own hitting experience with the Gravity line (I've demoed MP and Pro). I'd like to try the GT98 one of these days to see for myself what the hype is about.
RNBABOLAT
Professional
I don't see any comparison here... We asked why he made the switch and share the details, PSVS is quite difficult to replace considering how updated is for a real control frame. I'm interested in the power and control aspect of the GT98 since I played a few years ago with the 100' 18x20 and got GE to turn into the PSVS almost 3 years ago.
I see you are interested and not comparing, is a control frame with the ability to be costumised up to specs just like PSVS
Haha - well, I played with both frames tonight. Started with the GT98 and just hit for about 30 minutes. In that kind of relaxed state, it just felt so easy to get good depth and nice jumpy spin on the groundies. I could not miss! Then, playing a few sets of doubles, I naturally tightened up a bit, in part I don't know the frame well yet and can't fully trust it. Anyway, I was not feeling it very well for the first set and half - missing too many serves and routine balls. I switched back to the PSVS about halfway through the 2nd set, and was right back at home, playing a lot more relaxed (and better). The PSVS is not as plush and is less lively off the stringbed, I think, due to a more closed pattern. But really, it all just boils down to familiarity. For now I think I'll go back to the PSVS until USTA season is over.
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