I got a chance to hit with our demo yesterday. Whippy. Serves like a dream - accurate and fast. If you know how to hit the ball this thing rewards you. I played the Storm Tour and Control Tour for 8 years, and the feel isn't nearly as nice for me. The ball doesn't sink in the strings - it shoots off. But it's still got nice feel and control. Serving is better than the old storm/control mold, but the groundstrokes are zippier. Still plenty of flex and feel compared to the rest of Babolat's line. It's crisp which is nice if you prefer that. Didn't volley a ton and need more time with it to really pass a verdict, but if you're into a more responsive Strike or a blade with a little more crispness and headlight balance, this fits the bill on first impression.
Official Babolat Strike VS 2022 thread
- Thread starter AceyMan
- Start date
RNBABOLAT
Professional
Well actually the same power level would be great!!! And adding a bit more weight would be what I'm looking for. Thanks a lot for you help!
BallBasher247
Professional
No problem. Again I haven’t hit PSVS & would recommend demoing first but shouldn’t be too far from what you’re looking for. Would demo alongside the PAVS & maybe the newest Pro Staff (v13) if you haven’t tried it yet.
RNBABOLAT
Professional
I'm concerned about the stiffness and dense pattern on the new PS but I really like the throat area of the new PSVS
BallBasher247
Professional
Pro Staff v13 isn’t harsh at all. It’s 66RA but has a low-140s vib frequency & feels crisp but comfortable on impact. I’m not sure if both Pro Staffs or just the RF are foam-filled but v13 feels nice. Mains are about the same spacing as UP16 but the spin is still good & it’s not as unforgiving as an 18m pattern. PSVS 16x20 will probably be more controlled on flat shots & offer similar spin though. All still worth a demo
RNBABOLAT
Professional
I just asked here locally about the new PSVS and they say they won't get that racquet just because there are better selling racquets than the regular PS and if is more control oriented or "Classic" people will tend to grab the Pro staff or even Blade in a more marketable package (RF and Bunch of Blade Players)... I understand but apparently I will be able to demo once I get back to Spain. Thanks a lot
BallBasher247
Professional
Wow…..so it’s Wilson or Wilson with your local pro shop…..but wait, there’s a third option…..Wilson
Hate to say but it’s almost better to blind buy if you’re outside of the US, Eur or Aus. Saving grace is that you travel to Spain often so you’ll be able to demo there.
RNBABOLAT
Professional
No, they bring Head and a lot of Yonex or even Dunlop but seems like Babolat as a brand have this fame of over powering frames and not being popular among the "Control" player, so they have a bunch of Pure Strike's in a lower price compared to the other racquets just because those don't sell well... Compared to the Aero or Drive.Wow…..so it’s Wilson or Wilson with your local pro shop…..but wait, there’s a third option…..Wilson
Hate to say but it’s almost better to blind buy if you’re outside of the US, Eur or Aus. Saving grace is that you travel to Spain often so you’ll be able to demo there.
BallBasher247
Professional
I see. Crazy they’re lowballing Pure Strikes; where I am Pure Strikes (& all Babolat products) sell like hot tamales. If you don’t mind the muted feel the Strike gen3 has so much to offer; you can absolutely crush the ball w/ it & w/ a leather grip to make it more HL it would play great. Has the perfect amount of heft in the hoop & the control considering its high pwr lvl is solid. And serving w/ it….man that’s great. May also wanna try the Dunlop CX200; typical 98 player’s frame that probably needs wt but worth a hit.
Decided to take a little weight off to just see what that's like, and got it down to 345g with a 335sw (briffidi). I played with it tonight and it really felt no different to swing vs what I had before, but was not quite as nice on contact. I think I'll add a bit more weight back. String setup is good - I'm about 18 hours in on the Cream mains / Gosen OG crosses stringjob and it still feels great. I think it will probably break within another 4-5 hours, but will probably restring before then because I still have just one. I did order a second one though, so that's exciting. Really just a joy to play with these. Great feel, good pop when you need it, great control, and just really nice on every stroke. I really love how predictable it is, and how easy it is to play with.
KluddKalle
Semi-Pro
I have played a lot with the Pure Control Tour (2014), anyone tried the new one and can make a comparison? Still have my PCTs but have moved on to the Gravity tours, which are nice, but having played with Pure storm gt, pure strike 16x19, and pure control tour since 2009 I’m really curious about this one. Plus it looks really nice!
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
Paint job looks fantastic. When I have time to set up, I get faster racquet head speed (RHS) with the VS than with my usual Pure Strike Tour and I’m hitting good shots with slightly more spin. When I’m late or playing defense, I don’t get as much depth as easily as I do with the PST. Blocked returns don’t go as deep as with the PST. Easier to generate spin on 2nd serves than the PST as I have faster RHS. On 1st serves, I miss the PST as the extra mass gives me more pace on flat serves than the VS. I have some timing issues as the SW is 322 and I have been playing with >335 all my life. I haven’t tried it at the net yet. It feels very comfortable both with fullbed poly (HyperG Soft at 44) and hybrid (VS/HGS at 47/44).
I don’t think I will be switching from the PS Tour as first serves, playing defense, hitting deep balls when I’m late, returning are all better with the PST than with the VS. The only advantage of the VS is slightly more pace and spin due to higher RHS on ground strokes when I have time to set up nicely. That’s not enough to make up for the disadvantage on 1st serves, returns and defensive shots. If my wife does not prefer it also to the PST, I’ll probably be selling mine (size 3) relatively soon.
For my game, the Pure Strike Tour with VS/HGS at 47/44 is still the best racquet. I really don’t have problems or need for improvements with the PST and I bought the VS just on a lark to check it out.
I don’t think I will be switching from the PS Tour as first serves, playing defense, hitting deep balls when I’m late, returning are all better with the PST than with the VS. The only advantage of the VS is slightly more pace and spin due to higher RHS on ground strokes when I have time to set up nicely. That’s not enough to make up for the disadvantage on 1st serves, returns and defensive shots. If my wife does not prefer it also to the PST, I’ll probably be selling mine (size 3) relatively soon.
For my game, the Pure Strike Tour with VS/HGS at 47/44 is still the best racquet. I really don’t have problems or need for improvements with the PST and I bought the VS just on a lark to check it out.
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It seems like it might be worth it to try customizing it a bit to match your PST specs. I'm with you that lighter racquets are harder to use on defense and less effective at blocking returns, etc. On the other hand, if you like your PSTs a lot already, maybe there's no need.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I like my PSTs a lot.
GDawgs7
New User
It’s here!!! Glossy Paint Jobs are so much nicer
They are sweet! Love this racquet and the PJ is truly stunning. I'm excited to try some different string setups in my second one but Cream/OGSM plays really well. I cut the last set out around 18 hours and it was still going strong. I just wanted to minimize the chances of breaking a string in my match tomorrow.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Is this better than babolat Strike ? for 4.5 level players ?
I think you would have to try it and see.
My shop finally got this and I am demoing.
For those who've already been using it, are you playing stock or with mods?
Feels a little light in the head is my initial impression, particularly when on the run and hitting a defensive chip/slice and returning bigger serves
But swings very fast which I like. I think I have it strung too tight but sense a little lack of mass.
Just curious for those who've been playing it longer?
For those who've already been using it, are you playing stock or with mods?
Feels a little light in the head is my initial impression, particularly when on the run and hitting a defensive chip/slice and returning bigger serves
But swings very fast which I like. I think I have it strung too tight but sense a little lack of mass.
Just curious for those who've been playing it longer?
I've customized mine - have it at 350g strung, with a balance of 31cm and a swingweight of about 340. Plays great for me at that spec. I like a very head light balance, however, and not everyone does. Good news is you could easily get into the mid 330s for SW and keep the weight much lower without too much trouble. It's a great platform.
Yes, I like a more HL racquet. My current racquet is 32cm but want probably 31.5cm because I play as much doubles as singles and want the maneuverability for volleys.
SW I am thinking just under or at 330. So going to play a bit more with it stock then consider lead at 10/2 or 12/3/9. Plus counterweight in the handle.
I think you should be able to do that without any trouble at all. I've found it to be a really amazing racquet so far. Feel is superb, and it's pretty easy to play with/not hard to make it do what you want with the ball.
Mine came with a 317 strung SW and 315g(!) unstrung static weight.
I tried it stock but it lacked a lot of mass, specially on the top portion of the frame.
I added 3g at 12, added some tungsten putty on the handle and got rid of the leather cushion, it played way better after that.
I tried it stock but it lacked a lot of mass, specially on the top portion of the frame.
I added 3g at 12, added some tungsten putty on the handle and got rid of the leather cushion, it played way better after that.
315g is a bit high, but not bad. My first one was 309g with the plastic on the handle and no placard. Specs pretty much right on the money.
TennisGojo
New User
So I played with Pure Strike VS and I am a 4.0-4.5 level player. The best way to describe this racquet is that it's really good! and it is what the original Prostaff(non-RF version) should have been. The problem with the original prostaff is there is no room for customization and it's stiff as well. This is basically slightly lighter(5gms) and a softer Pro Staff. For any Pro Staff players out there that just think the racquet is too demanding at times... I recommend getting this and calling it a day coming from a pro-staff player, Id never thought I would purchase and love playing with a modern babolat but here I am haha.
I second that description!
Yep, i bought 3, 1 came at 315g, the other 2 i got with the matched package and both came at 309, with the plastic on the handle.
I assume you mean the babolat matched pair "bundle?" My question is was the balance also matched?
I think they only advertise or guarantee the weight to be within 1 gram, no mention of the balance.
YellowBallFanatic
Rookie
Does anyone have a view on now this stacks up against 97HD or 97D? The lower static weight and slightly less dense string pattern is appealing. Just wondering how this has felt on court and any view on comfort.
Yes, the babolat bundle, for the strike VS they only guarantee the weight. The balance of both racquet matched, but i can't say if it was due to the bundle service or by "accident"
No issues with comfort.
Comparting against 97HD, it is not as stable as the yonex.
Demoed the 97D for awhile, definitely more control but the feel is more "muted." What I call effortless power due to the mass and definitely stable. Really liked it but was a tad worried about the already high swingweight. Never experimented alot with strings so probably could have dialed in the feel.
PSVS, currently demoing. Very fast through the air, feels light in the head though, so probably needs a touch of lead for some stability and effortless power. Strung too tight so will drop to below 50lbs next string job w/poly.
More feedback from this frame than the 97D
Plays a little more like a 16x19, to me, but still plenty controlled. No comfort issues, but too early to tell.
Final thought, probably more of a platform frame, like the Ultra Tour, but does feel like it will require less modding than that frame did.
If you get a frame slightly overspec on SW, you could probably forgo any customization
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
I haven't demo'd the new Strike, but the old Strike is/was closer to the Ezone than HD and D, the Strike Tour is/was very close to the HD and D with a smidge more pop. The difference in the HD, D, and Strike Tour I would say is just personal preference, I could play with all 3, I think most people could if they liked that spec family, the preference would come if you like Yonex feel or Bab, then for the HD if you like the soft flex versus tiny power boost of the D.
REELSONREELS
New User
I've had the frame since launch.
Definitely needs additional static weight and extra help at the top of the hoop. My stock balance and weight was 306mm and came in at 308g. When hitting serves, definitely lacked power and oomph, whippy yet anemic feeling.
Added 4 grams total at 10 & 2, added 6 grams of high density lead in the handle and a bit of bluetac in the buttcap to keep the lead in place. 350g with overgrip and adv sorb damp and at 315mm balance.
Playing with a hybrid of YTEX Hexagon-x and Solinco Confidential at 1.25 at 48lbs (the red and grey looks freaking sick with the Babolat stencil). Next string job, I will try something a bit more livelier, currently the control spin is great, but the feel is a bit lacking with the Hexagon-x on the mains.
Overall, pretty stable at 350g and at 315mm balance. Decent plow through and stability. Great control and spin.
Thinking about switching over from the Pro Staff v 13 (of which I have 3 of)
You mean 4 grams at 10 and 4 grams at 2? So 8 grams total?
Just clarifying(not being a dick) as I was trying to calculate how you got from 308g to 350g. About 20g for strings+overgrip, 5g for dampener(?)
I am thinking 10/2 is where I will end up with lead as well.
REELSONREELS
New User
4 grams total at the hoop, 2 at 10 and 2 at 2.
No worries on the clarification!
The ADV sorb dampner is about 5 grams.
Also the bluetac is about 3-4 grams as well.
I'm up around 350g also, and put all my lead at 12, because I think this racquet already has plenty of twist weight. I did put a fair bit of weight in the handle, but I don't use an overgrip, so need to make up for that. I have also swapped the leather grips for Volkl black leather, which is my favorite - looks nice and the leather is nicer than the stock babs grip. Really happy with this setup, and playing well with it!
Forgot about the bluetac, thank you
What's the best way to add weight in the handle or how did you do it on this racquet? (@Kozzy too) Typically I do it with a fairway leather grip, that is moot with this racquet.
REELSONREELS
New User
Hulger
Semi-Pro
It is the most excellent looking stick, but I didn’t like the touch too much - pretty muted feel and similar to PS 3rd gen. It’s flexier but still hard on the arm when reaching the bottom and it has hard edges even when strung pretty low at 22 kg. Still much better for me than e.g. RS305, which boasts better plow and bigger sweetspot but is a bit unpredictable, because PSVS has by far better directional accuracy and depth control. The output was surprisingly spin-friendly similar to APD, but even with better accuracy… Of course the feel is completely different between the two. Haven’t tried old similar versions or PAVS though.
Could somebody compare this to PAVS?
Could somebody compare this to PAVS?
REELSONREELS
New User
I took a small flathead screwdriver and inserted it at the opening at the Babolat buttcap, youll see two hollow chambers separated by a wall (pin i think its called) and staples from the pallet installation. I folded the high density lead strips in half and used tweezers to apply the adhesive to the center pin thingy. I used the bluetac and filled the buttcap's raised area to help keep the lead in place.
Pretty easy to do!
Feel is so subjective. I would not classify this as muted, but it's not totally raw either. If it's muted, I guess I like muted... The key for me is I can tell right away what kind of shot I hit. I did try the PAVS for a bit, but never gelled with it. I would say you'll get more spin with the PAVS for sure, but just a bit less comfort perhaps. Higher launch angle as well. I think the PSVS is more of a medium launch angle while the PAVS is more medium/high.
If I'm not mistaken, @socallefty could do that. I beleve he's sticking with the PSTs.
I recall you also played extensively with the Regna, how would you compare the two and do you like one over the other now?
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
See my post 312.
That's true! The Regna 98 is awesome. I played my best with it when I left it in stock form. With a static strung weight in the mid 320s and a similar swingweight, it's great. I did not like it as much when I started trying to weight it up, however. For some reason, that just didn't work well for me. I think it's one of those sticks that's really meant to be played as it comes, and without much weight added on. Or, if you add weight, just add a bit and mostly at 12. Overall, however, I just play better with a lot more weight and a very HL balance.
I just checked out the stock specs on the Regna and the PSVS, and they are amazingly similar. But, I think the Regna is actually more like the PAVS, but with a much lower launch angle. The pattern is pretty tight, despite being 16X19, and you don't get much lift for free. When I was playing with it full time that was no problem, because you adjust, but trying to just pick it up and play here and there is a bit of a challenge now. But, you get some great pop on the ball, and can really crush shots. Really good on offense, but less effective on defense for me. The feel is hard to describe because it is not soft, but it's not harsh at all.
I moved on from the Regnas to the some Volkls (Almagro player stock) and those are amazing. Very nice frames. I would say they are a bit more muted than the PSVS, and slightly lower launch angle, but they take weight very well, and I love playing with them. I can swap back and forth between them and the PSVS without an issue. The 19mm beam on those is awesome, but the PSVS doesn't feel that much fatter.
The PSVS, to me, is about the best feeling racquet I've hit with in years. Just really amazing. It is also very versatile - good access to spin, but not over the top. Easy to keep the ball deep, but good touch. OHBH is awesome. Serving is outstanding. The Regna is actually really great on serve too - you can bomb serves with that thing, especially when it's in stock form.
I think I would go with the Regna if I wanted to keep it pretty light and also wanted that tight, controlled pattern and like to attack the ball whenever possible. It's well suited to the modern game, I'd say. I do feel like the PSVS is a bit easier to play with though, at least for me, and I prefer the feel.
Thanks for the well thought out response! Much appreciated and it definitely sounds like this is something worth trying out!
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