Pure Aero(Rafa) too stiff for me?

[Superafro]

Hi,
short Introduction of the backstory:
I'm in Australia now. Haven't played in about 2 months. Wanted to start again here but didn't bring a racquet so I needed to buy one. Back home I play Wilson Blade 98 v8.
My friend here is a Coach. He sold me a brand new, unused Babolat Pure Aero Rafa (the old 300g version). He bought it before his job started and then had to buy a Head racquet as the academy is an endorser.

Today I played with it for the first time. And I don't know. It felt very uncomfortable on my arm and heavy to swing. I have a slight wrist pain right now.
I don't know if it's the racquet or maybe the strings/tension but it just felt like a wood plank to hit the ball.
It's strung with RPM Blast at 55/55 and was strung 3 months ago, then never played. Maybe someone can tell if it would be better with a different string at a lower tension?
Despite I'm using a dampener you can hear a "ping" all the time when hitting and that is also very annoying. It kind of lets me hear, what I feel.

After about 15 minutes I switched to my partners Head Speed MP which was much more comfortable to play with and also delivering a nice saturated sound.

I'm just asking you for your opinion. Restring differently or sell it and buy a different racquet?
Racquets are damn expensive down here, so I was happy I got the opportunity to buy the one off my friend.

One more thing: It's an L3 grip size, what I also usually use. I put on an overripe like I always do and somehow it feels bigger (too big) than what I'm used to.
Does anybody know what the factory basicgrip is and how thick it is?
My Wilson has a sublime basicgrip.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Yamin]

That Rafa was probably the most comfortable aero I've tried. Try restringing it lower or with something softer. It's a very good racket for that beam style.

 

[Hit 'em clean]

The PA grip shapes are a little on the larger size and a completely different grip shape than the Blade. The grip on the PA is intended more for folks with Western grips to emphasize a spinny, vertical swing path like Rafa. With the over grip it will feel even larger. As for the PA... it will feel stiffer than the Blade, but shouldn't be too uncomfortable. I would try switching out the strings. Try Solinco HyperG Soft 1.25mm (16L) at 54 lbs. That should soften it up a little more. Your stick might also be a little head heavier than the standard specs. Adding some tail weight to the grip or butt of the racquet would make it more head light and easier to swing.

Also, keep in mind that it's a 100sqin not a 98 so you might be feeling a bit of the higher twist weight. PA has aerodynamics, but the Blade might still feel faster due to smaller head size and lower twist weight.

 

[TheBoom]

Hi,
short Introduction of the backstory:
I'm in Australia now. Haven't played in about 2 months. Wanted to start again here but didn't bring a racquet so I needed to buy one. Back home I play Wilson Blade 98 v8.
My friend here is a Coach. He sold me a brand new, unused Babolat Pure Aero Rafa (the old 300g version). He bought it before his job started and then had to buy a Head racquet as the academy is an endorser.

Today I played with it for the first time. And I don't know. It felt very uncomfortable on my arm and heavy to swing. I have a slight wrist pain right now.
I don't know if it's the racquet or maybe the strings/tension but it just felt like a wood plank to hit the ball.
It's strung with RPM Blast at 55/55 and was strung 3 months ago, then never played. Maybe someone can tell if it would be better with a different string at a lower tension?
Despite I'm using a dampener you can hear a "ping" all the time when hitting and that is also very annoying. It kind of lets me hear, what I feel.

After about 15 minutes I switched to my partners Head Speed MP which was much more comfortable to play with and also delivering a nice saturated sound.

I'm just asking you for your opinion. Restring differently or sell it and buy a different racquet?
Racquets are damn expensive down here, so I was happy I got the opportunity to buy the one off my friend.

One more thing: It's an L3 grip size, what I also usually use. I put on an overripe like I always do and somehow it feels bigger (too big) than what I'm used to.
Does anybody know what the factory basicgrip is and how thick it is?
My Wilson has a sublime basicgrip.

Thanks for your input.

I currently use that frame (just switched). I think it’s just somewhat string sensitive. Right now mine are strung with confidential, but I’m experimenting with toroline wasabi, wasabi x, and lux 4G.

I also tried it with hyper g and that was much more comfortable, but I like how it plays with confidential better.

Going to be adding a leather grip and weight to the hoop and that should help a bit as well.

If you want a really comfortable and playable string setup for it, element IR from luxilon is great

 

[socallefty]

It's strung with RPM Blast at 55/55 and was strung 3 months ago, then never played.

My experience is that poly goes dead if you strung it many months ago even if it was not played with. I’ve sometimes been injured for weeks and tried to play with an old poly stringjob when I came back on court, but had to cut out the strings because they felt much uncomfortable to my wrist/arm/elbow. Your problems might go away if you restring.

 

[Winners or Errors]

Hmm, just got one of those racquets as a gift. Strung it up at 57 with Babolat synthetic and Proline X, which is my standard setup. Will let you know my thoughts on that combo, OP.

 

[mmazzinin1]

3 month old string job with poly needs restringing

 

[Superafro]

ok guys. I brought the racquet to a shop and explained what my problems are.

I'm getting it restrung now with Yonex Poly Tour Pro at 53/53. It's what the stringer recommended so I'll just try it. I asked if 50/50 would be better but he said that might be too soft.

about making the the grip size a little smaller and making the racquet more headlight he said I could try a leather base grip. that would add about 10gramms to the handle.
I'm not sure about that as it would make the feeling firmer and transfer the power more directly to my wrist. Don't know if that's the right thing to do with the racket feeling too stiff/hard ?

Other thing would to look for a thinner base grip and add weight to the handle. either lead tape or try blue tack inside the handle.

what are your thoughts?

 

[TheBoom]

ok guys. I brought the racquet to a shop and explained what my problems are.

I'm getting it restrung now with Yonex Poly Tour Pro at 53/53. It's what the stringer recommended so I'll just try it. I asked if 50/50 would be better but he said that might be too soft.

about making the the grip size a little smaller and making the racquet more headlight he said I could try a leather base grip. that would add about 10gramms to the handle.
I'm not sure about that as it would make the feeling firmer and transfer the power more directly to my wrist. Don't know if that's the right thing to do with the racket feeling too stiff/hard ?

Other thing would to look for a thinner base grip and add weight to the handle. either lead tape or try blue tack inside the handle.

what are your thoughts?

Using a leather grip or any grip thinner than the current one will make the racket feel more harsh bc there is less dampening.

I would focus on changing one thing at a time. It sounds like strings are getting changed, next maybe try a thinner grip to make it more comfortable to hold, etc. Changing everything all at once is going to make it difficult to know how effective a single change is

 

[fuzz nation]

ok guys. I brought the racquet to a shop and explained what my problems are.

I'm getting it restrung now with Yonex Poly Tour Pro at 53/53. It's what the stringer recommended so I'll just try it. I asked if 50/50 would be better but he said that might be too soft.

about making the the grip size a little smaller and making the racquet more headlight he said I could try a leather base grip. that would add about 10gramms to the handle.
I'm not sure about that as it would make the feeling firmer and transfer the power more directly to my wrist. Don't know if that's the right thing to do with the racket feeling too stiff/hard ?

Other thing would to look for a thinner base grip and add weight to the handle. either lead tape or try blue tack inside the handle.

what are your thoughts?

I have a good bit of old-school racquet design in my tennis DNA. I prefer something that's relatively heavy with significant head-light balance and flex that likely rates no higher than the low 60's. A couple years ago I used a Blade 98 for just a little bit - I thought I needed to transition into something a little less than 12.0 oz. What impressed me about the Blade was its moderate flex and generally "composed" personality. It was an easy hitter for me, but I ended up sticking with more of a heavy, head-light layout and now I'm enjoying the Prince Phantom 97P. That's just me...

I keep a couple of Babolats in my loaner bag including a Pure Drive and a Pure Aero, but whenever I've tried to use those (strung at moderate tension with 16 ga. syn. gut), I can't get any sort of connection with them. The stiffness, balance, and general feel is absolutely foreign to me and their "middleweight" heft doesn't give me the plow-through or stability around the net that I prefer (the Blade turned out to be a little under-weight for me, too).

No surprise that you're not clicking with that Pure Aero if you're coming from the Blade 98. My vote is to bag the Babolat, since it's well outside of your "personal normal" and see if you can't track down a Blade or something in that neighborhood. Aside from Wilson, you might also like something from Dunlop or perhaps a model from Head that's on the softer side - maybe try their Gravity.

 

[Superafro]

next maybe try a thinner grip to make it more comfortable to hold,

Well, there is no way I can hold the racquet comfortably with that size. I took of the overgrip and THAT is what I’m used to from my Wilson L3 with overgrip.
I need a thinner base grip. Playing without overgrip is not an option, I need the tackiness and don’t wanna change the base grip every 2 sessions.

Aside from Wilson, you might also like something from Dunlop or perhaps a model from Head that's on the softer side - maybe try their Gravity.

I played with the head speed mp which was much more similar to the blade. Is the gravity even softer? I heard it’s a hard to play racquet and more for very advanced players.
I’m more of an intermediate.

 

[innoVAShaun]

My family and I string our Pure Aero Rafa 2020s at 45lb.

 

[fuzz nation]

Well, there is no way I can hold the racquet comfortably with that size. I took of the overgrip and THAT is what I’m used to from my Wilson L3 with overgrip.
I need a thinner base grip. Playing without overgrip is not an option, I need the tackiness and don’t wanna change the base grip every 2 sessions.


I played with the head speed mp which was much more similar to the blade. Is the gravity even softer? I heard it’s a hard to play racquet and more for very advanced players.
I’m more of an intermediate.

I haven't sampled the Gravity, but it's just one example of a more flexible alternative to the Pure Drive. How well one of the Gravity models works for you can really only be sorted out with a demo. One other frame that I think of as a more flexible alternative to the Pure Drive is the Wilson Clash, but that's another racquet with its own personality.

 

[Trip]

Oh man... so many things in play here.

First off, one has to ask: why would you not just try and grab another Blade v8 16x19? You're used to the frame, so why switch? And if you do switch, moving to something like an Aero is about as big a change as you can make (moving from a low-powered, moderately-dampened 60RA pleener to a high-powered, crisp and raw upper 60's RA tweener). Throw in some mid-50's tensioned RPM and the fact you're having comfort issues is not much of surprise...

Beyond that, and short of doing anything to the frame, you at least want to move to a softer and more shock-absorbent string setup -- which it sounds like you're in the midst of doing. PTP might be enough, but may still not be enough, in which case I would look at truly softer co-polys like Volkl Cyclone Tour 16, MSV Focus Hex +38, etc. and/or the possibility of hybriding if need be.

As for the frame itself, I'm guessing you're probably playing it stock, or close to it (besides just an over grip and dampener), which means -- assuming you're of medium height or taller -- there's a decently high chance of the recoil weight being far below where it should be for optimal comfort and swing physics. Short of really knowing how to precisely manipulate RW numbers, you can increase the recoil weight in moderated steps by slowly adding small amount of weight to the handle (leather grip, blue tack, etc.) and tiny amounts to the hoop (lead tape) until you get a general swing mechanic, momentum and impact feel that starts to make the frame swing more "on its own" and less with you having to overly muscle or arm it, at which point you know you've got the right amount of RW for you and your body, and at that point there's a very high chance that general comfort will increase as well, potentially to the point where it makes the Rafa comfortable enough to play, and may even allow you to play a more firm and/or higher-percentage poly string bed that you otherwise could, without the extra weight added (this is a large reason why Rafa can get away with 15L RPM on his Aero Pro Drive.... all that swing weight boosts recoil weight tremendously, adding a huge amount of comfort).

Do all of the above, and the Rafa may be workable enough for you to get away with it. Otherwise, I would just dump it and just go back to your Blade.

 

[veelium]

Well, there is no way I can hold the racquet comfortably with that size. I took of the overgrip and THAT is what I’m used to from my Wilson L3 with overgrip.
I need a thinner base grip. Playing without overgrip is not an option, I need the tackiness and don’t wanna change the base grip every 2 sessions.


I played with the head speed mp which was much more similar to the blade. Is the gravity even softer? I heard it’s a hard to play racquet and more for very advanced players.
I’m more of an intermediate.

What basegrip is on there? There are many thinner options.

I'd try if the discomfort persists with new strings, 3 months old rpm blast is just not good in any racquet.

If it persists, either go to a very soft string or switch racquets. The speed mp is imo a good comfortable option with similar playability and the grip size and shape is closer to what you are used to from the blade.
The gravity mp is also great but slightly harder to play with, less power and spin.

 

[Brando]

Or if 1.25mm is too thin, @Superafro, try Babolat Syntec Team ($8.99): 1.5mm thick, 12g. Either way, do listen to @innoVAShaun above and string whatever poly you install no higher than 45#.

 

[Winners or Errors]

@Superafro, how'd it go? I hit with mine. Other than the much higher launch angle than I'm used to, the feel was nice and direct with my usual setup - and not arm wrenching. If you can control the power, it's a pretty nice hit. FWIW, I normally play with much more flexy racquets, so I was pleasantly surprised by the PAR 2020. Bottom line, I'd try a few strings. I'm going to give this racquet a thorough vetting.

 

[Superafro]

so I got the restrung racquet back today. Yonex Poly Tour Pro at 52 lbs. from just bouncing a ball it feels a lot better. a real hitting test will show...

First off, one has to ask: why would you not just try and grab another Blade v8 16x19? You're used to the frame, so why switch?

because I got this racquet fairly cheap from a friend. of course I could just go and buy a Blade, but that would be a lot more expensive.


I also bought a Tourna Leather Grip, which is 1.5mm thick.
it seems (the shop and me aren't 100% sure) that the factory babolat grip is about 1.9mm thick.

let me tell you first: that Tourna Grip is a f*cking piece of dogs*it and a pain in the *ss to apply!
when I wanted to set free the glue tape, I ripped the tape off the leather grip because it wasn't holding on to the leather.
I tried to reattach it but it was just holding on so badly it was really hard to wrap it around the handle. not only because it wasn't sticking but also because it was impossible to go diagonally without it wrapping and creating "bubbles"...

well anyways. I tried to leave it a stain as possible, added the Wilson pro overgrip and still it is a little too big. It's a little better. but not like the Wilsons that I know...
to me this shows that Babolat has obviously decided not to stick to the norm. they print the size on there, just like the other manufacturers so it should be the same...

I'll try to play like that and see. the tourna pro thin is not really available in Australia and is super expensive to order.
there is a Wilson thin one available at 1.4 mm, which I could try next. but only if I can get along with the new strings.

 

[AgassiGrafFan]

Babolat grip sizes seem to run about 0.5 size bigger than some other brands. I bounce between those and my Head frames and hold the grip a little different bc of shape/size differences. Not that hard to switch between them though especially considering the many other differences between the frames. Babolat does have a thinner replacement synthetic grip if you don’t want to change too much with regard to weight and cushion or I think you can just try to pull things tighter.

IMO the arm issues are probably 90+% due to strings. RPM at 55 is too tight for an intermediate player IMO. The string and tension are both harsh on impact and the high tension and light weight make it easy to overswing and muscle the ball putting additional strain on the arm.

I have 9 Aeros strung anywhere between 48/46 and 52/50. I have been going through and using my racquet backlog lately to burn up old string jobs. I hit the other morning when it was quite cold out using one of my Gravity Tours with strings that are on the verge of snapping. Between the cold heavy conditions and locked up string bed it was bothering my wrist and palm a little. I had a Pure Aero 2016 with me which is the single harshest frame I have. I had always strung it mid to upper 50s but a couple years ago I put Volkl Cyclone/Poly Tour Pro in it at 48/46 and left it sitting in my closet. To my great surprise it was far more comfortable than the Gravity and was easy to control off of both wings.

I am not much of a fan of PTP personally and I think you may still be too high, but I think you are moving in the right direction. I will say the key to the Aero in general and especially at lower tensions is racquet head speed. You have to be able to really displace the strings or you will be dealing w a trampoline. If you can get the string bed working though you will get the best bite in the business and it will be comfortable. But you have to stay in the gas.

 

[Fintft]

Babolat grip sizes seem to run about 0.5 size bigger than some other brands. I bounce between those and my Head frames and hold the grip a little different bc of shape/size differences. Not that hard to switch between them though especially considering the many other differences between the frames. Babolat does have a thinner replacement synthetic grip if you don’t want to change too much with regard to weight and cushion or I think you can just try to pull things tighter.

IMO the arm issues are probably 90+% due to strings. RPM at 55 is too tight for an intermediate player IMO. The string and tension are both harsh on impact and the high tension and light weight make it easy to overswing and muscle the ball putting additional strain on the arm.

I have 9 Aeros strung anywhere between 48/46 and 52/50. I have been going through and using my racquet backlog lately to burn up old string jobs. I hit the other morning when it was quite cold out using one of my Gravity Tours with strings that are on the verge of snapping. Between the cold heavy conditions and locked up string bed it was bothering my wrist and palm a little. I had a Pure Aero 2016 with me which is the single harshest frame I have. I had always strung it mid to upper 50s but a couple years ago I put Volkl Cyclone/Poly Tour Pro in it at 48/46 and left it sitting in my closet. To my great surprise it was far more comfortable than the Gravity and was easy to control off of both wings.

I am not much of a fan of PTP personally and I think you may still be too high, but I think you are moving in the right direction. I will say the key to the Aero in general and especially at lower tensions is racquet head speed. You have to be able to really displace the strings or you will be dealing w a trampoline. If you can get the string bed working though you will get the best bite in the business and it will be comfortable. But you have to stay in the gas.

I second this, but I wouldn't stay with Pure Aero line and insted switch to either:

a) Blade Pro V8 16x19 as @Trip says. BTW, I am amazed the OP can handle that...

b) Shift 300 with a bit of weight at 12.

Definitely lower tensions for strings, like you, I do 47/44. I sold mine, b/c I didn't like the larger grip and it didn't do anything better than the Shift 300.

 

[Brando]

I also bought a Tourna Leather Grip, which is 1.5mm thick.
it seems (the shop and me aren't 100% sure) that the factory babolat grip is about 1.9mm thick. let me tell you first: that Tourna Grip is a f*cking piece of dogs*it and a pain in the *ss to apply!

If the frame came to you with its stock Babolat Syntec Pro grip, then yes, I can confirm that it's 1.9mm thick. I have no experience with Tourna's leather grip, but from what you're saying, I don't want any. Either way, if 1.5mm is still too thick, TW Private Label Leather Grips are available in 1.3mm thickness; and you'd want the 22mm wide version for that frame. TW's are widely thought of as the best deal in leather grips, costing only $10. The only problem? They're so popular that the size / color you want is often out of stock; currently, 1.3mm thick, 22mm wide grips won't be available until Feb. 29.

there is a Wilson thin one available at 1.4 mm, which I could try next. but only if I can get along with the new strings.

The Wilson FeatherThin replacement grip ($6.99) you're referring to, @Superafro, is indeed 1.4mm thick (and 17g). But word is that it's just as flimsy and prone to tearing n' wearing as the Tourna thin grips. (But if you're using an overgrip, they at least last longer.)

 

[tennislover2]

I agree with Trip here. You have built so much muscle memory and swing mechanics with blade that you may discover more problems along the way when you play with Aero in various court positions. Aero is a lot different than the flat hitting blade. Why not buy a used blade which is a lot cheaper? Already it seems like you are spending $ trying to deal with the bigger grip size in Aero.

 

[Superafro]

Hi,
So I tested the restrung racquet yesterday.
First thing and most important: it’s much more comfortable now. At least as long as I don’t hit the ball too close to the rim.

still it plays really differently compared to the blade.
I was actually able to hit some very nice and placed backhands (two handed) and backhand slices.
The forehand though, I need some more time.
I was overspinning many balls and had time almost feel like a moonballer. Most of them were inside the court and good angles ,though. When trying to hit a little flatter I overhit them, it’s really a different thing to deal with that power.

Volleys were a lot harder or maybe just very unused as the racquet is somehow slower to move.

Didn’t really try serves. I hit a few but I haven’t played the last 2 months so they would be bad no matter what racquet I had