POG OS compared to Babolat Pure Storm Tour

[cano]

Hello everyone,

I've been an avid POG OS user for years (yep...one of those played in HS/college in the 80's/early 90's w/ it) and still have a couple unused 4-stripe ones that I won't part with...so this is just one of those "for fun" type comparisons as I probably won't switch to another racquet.

I actually did try switching to the Babolat Pure Drive Roddick (went through my basher phase)...and really did not enjoy it and sold the racquets to a buddy of mine.

OK...enough history...I was looking at racquest the other day and looked at the specs of the Babolat Pure Storm tour...and they pretty much matched up to the POG OS...swingweight - 333, flex 63, barely lighter, and the Pure Storm Tour is obviously smaller in the head at 98 sq.in...

I didn't like the Pure Drive (actually made the elbow "tingle") but was wondering your thoughts on how the Pure Storm Tour might compare.

I'm thinking it's still an apples/oranges comparison...but thought I'd see what you guys thought as well...and like I said, I probably will stick w/ my "babies".

Thanks,

Joe

 

[mikeler]

Can't compare the PST to the POG OS but I played with original PST for a year and half when I was coming back from Golfer's Elbow. The original PST is softer on the arm than the GT version.

 

[mad dog1]

the POG OS 4 stripe was my preferred stick when i returned to tennis 2 years ago. i've experimented w/ alot of sticks since. one of the sticks i experimented with is the PSTGT, but i haven't compared it side by side to my POG OSs. w/o a direct a/b comparison w/ the same string, i'd say the PSTGT has more easy power. i found it easy to hit a heavy ball w/ alot of spin and pace deep. it's also a very comfortable racquet. the POGs are more raw and less refined feeling in comparison. the one thing i have trouble with the PSTGT is my serve. i have a hard time generating enough spin so the serve goes long. the PSTGT feels NOTHING like the PD; it's far more comfortable.

what a coincidence you created this thread as my POG OS has been sitting next to my stringing machine. i've been meaning to string it up to hit with to see how i like it after setting it aside for over a year. over the past 2 years, my general trend has been towards smaller headsizes for better control as my play has improved.

 

[cano]

Wow..this is the EXACT kinda info I was after...thanks a lot, guys!!

For the POG OS sitting next to the stringing machine...give it a whirl w/ some random sets.

I've found that I've almost had as much fun experimenting w/ all sorts of hybrids (actually I find stringing relaxing) than I have w/ continuing to be totally satisfied w/ hitting w/ my old school racquet!!

 

[cano]

...and let me know how the POG felt after stringing it up...if that's what you decide to do...curious...

 

[tennisinoc]

So, your inquiry fits my experience exactly.
I have played with the 4 Stripe POG Mid & OS for most of my youth.
After coming back from a long tennis hiatus, I demoed many frames and it came down to 1 frame that I thought I was going to transition to away from my beloved POG's. This frame was the Pure Storm Tour!
I felt it had the same playability as my POG's. I could switch easily from my POG OS to this without any major notice of swing weight or heft.
Feel is a bit different because the POG's are foam filled while the PST is not. But the PST doesn't feel hollow like the other Babolat's I demoed.
But then came the deal breaker: After 2 weeks of demoing the PST and convinced I was going to buy a couple to retire my POG's, SHOULDER PAIN set in. I have never had arm or shoulder issues before with my POG's but for some reason, the PST gave me pain.
I don't know why, but it is what it is, and I stuck with my POG's so I could continue playing tennis.
But a year later by luck, I found my replacement: The ProKennex Ki5
Give this stick a demo, you might like it too.
I have then sold my 4 Stripe POG OS's and have recently put my 4 Stripe POG mids up on the selling block for those interested.

 

[mikeler]

^^^ I had to stop using the PSTs because of shoulder pain. I added quite a bit of lead to it, so that may have also been responsible. Now I use the Pro Kennex 7G which is slightly lighter and more head light. It is also arm friendlier.

 

[cano]

Thanks Tennisinoc and Mikeler...

Great insight into what I'm going through. Never even thought about ProKennex before...but might be worth a shot. I'm really glad there's some comfortable Babolats out there as well!!