Pure Control Tour-WOW!

[danbrenner]

That being said. The pct is my fav of both strike and control lines. It does everything well. Just isn't a spin monster. And I've gotten used to needing that.

 

[ringwraith]

How did this work out for you? This is my intention also. I demoed the Strikes and Controls yesterday and fell hard for the standard Control, but want just a little more weight and headlight. I am strongly considering switching from IGPMPs as my main sticks. Do you recommend going one grip size down if I'm used to Head sizing?

Hey Colowhisper, sorry I didn't login to the forum in a while. I am actually waiting out for the RF97 now and I postponed my racquet buying until I can demo that one. Just a comment on grip size - it felt true to size. HOwever the skin feel grip is on the thinner side so if you plan to replace the grip, then I would advise going down one grip size (because the replacement grip might be thicker).

 

[rh310]

I bought one to try, strung it with RPM 17 @ 54 x 51.

Total suck monster. Hated it. Very much prefer the PST GT (although I don't play with that one any more).

11.6 oz strung, so maybe the one I bought was just out of spec.

 

[WYK]

That being said. The pct is my fav of both strike and control lines. It does everything well. Just isn't a spin monster. And I've gotten used to needing that.

Put something stiff and spinny in the mains and soft in the crosses, both strung in the low 40's to high 30's(so stay with poly). Plenty of spin, and even more control. I never noticed it had low spin, though. But, I haven't used it above 42lbs with poly.

 

[Anton]

I agree with almost everything the OP says.

After demoing the PCT for almost a week I also think it's a easier to swing compared to the PST, with more "direct" feedback. You need to swing fast and full to bring up the full potential of the frame and I also had the feeling that the upper part of the hoop could be a bit more stable.

It's like PST and the Ltd had a child or something, which inherited a crispness gene from someone further in the bloodline, ha ha

I liked the overall stability of the Strike Tour better though; I am generally more used playing with heavier frames.

Upper loop is simply missing some mass in PCT. Fortunately the fix is very cheap and simple:

I noticed some people have hangups about doing this, as if it's some sort of forbidden, mysterious voodoo.

Also, like most mid-flex rackets this thing loves low tensions.

 

[smirker]

I agree with Anton. Got 6g in the head of mine plus a leather grip and it plays beautifully, even with the stock full multi strings it came with.

 

[jklos]

Been demoing this racquet for a week and I love it. Performs well in every area. Not over powering which allows me to swing full out. Very comfortable with great feel. I'm using full bed of Gosen Sidewinder at 48lbs. I will probably switch to it after I try out the Wilson PS97s. Kind of a hidden gem in my opinion. Don't see too many people using it.

 

[mavsman149]

Been demoing this racquet for a week and I love it. Performs well in every area. Not over powering which allows me to swing full out. Very comfortable with great feel. I'm using full bed of Gosen Sidewinder at 48lbs. I will probably switch to it after I try out the Wilson PS97s. Kind of a hidden gem in my opinion. Don't see too many people using it.

Hidden gem is really the best way to describe the Pure Control series. As a matter of fact I think I remember TW's review for the 2001 version calling it a diamond in the rough in their racket description.

 

[dnj30]

I demoed pct last year when I was changing sticks. Was very pleasantly surprised since I've never been a babolat guy. A great low powered, solid feeling frame. Kind of not what you'd expect from a typical babolat frame. I narrowed my choices down to the pct and the tec 315ltd. Ultimately I went with the tec, but I'm sure I would have been happy if I'd chosen the pct instead.

 

[pico]

I recently got one of these. I haven't customised it yet but did try it yesterday and def need to customise it. I found that my backhand slices weren't penetrating and a lot of times were lofty. While this could be technique, I am just wondering if leather grip and lead will help in this department as well?

 

[Sintherius]

I recently got one of these. I haven't customised it yet but did try it yesterday and def need to customise it. I found that my backhand slices weren't penetrating and a lot of times were lofty. While this could be technique, I am just wondering if leather grip and lead will help in this department as well?

Any amount of weight (that changes the SW) will definitely make your shots more penetrating given you swing with the same RHS as without the added weight.
If you decide it isn’t for you, I’ll gladly buy it off of ya

 

[WYK]

PCT still one of my favourite sticks to date by a long shot.

 

[pico]

Any amount of weight (that changes the SW) will definitely make your shots more penetrating given you swing with the same RHS as without the added weight.
If you decide it isn’t for you, I’ll gladly buy it off of ya

Another thing I noticed was that my balls were landing really short. The racquet was strung by the seller with Luxilon at I think 54lbs. I am thinking that is too stiff of a setup for this racquet. Thoughts?

 

[Sintherius]

Another thing I noticed was that my balls were landing really short. The racquet was strung by the seller with Luxilon at I think 54lbs. I am thinking that is too stiff of a setup for this racquet. Thoughts?

I’d say 54 lbs is high for Luxilon (at least for me). If balls are landing short drop the tension 3-4 lbs at first and if the issue still persists, drop it slightly until it works for you. Different strings work best at varying tensions

 

[Simplicius]

Another thing I noticed was that my balls were landing really short. The racquet was strung by the seller with Luxilon at I think 54lbs. I am thinking that is too stiff of a setup for this racquet. Thoughts?

PCT is the most under-powered racquet I ever have.
The thought to make it more polarized with leather grip and up to 6g on 12 position, is a good one!
Imho, don't drop the tension too much because you are going to loose control, of of the main PCT's pros.

 

[WYK]

Another thing I noticed was that my balls were landing really short. The racquet was strung by the seller with Luxilon at I think 54lbs. I am thinking that is too stiff of a setup for this racquet. Thoughts?

If you think a pct is under powered, you should try some of the 18X20 control racquets. I would suggest taking the opportunity to increase your RHS and power and keep the control. Push yourself.

 

[Sintherius]

If you think a pct is under powered, you should try some of the 18X20 control racquets. I would suggest taking the opportunity to increase your RHS and power and keep the control. Push yourself.

Or just work on proper technique, which hitting with something like a Prestige Mid will force you to do eventually

 

[mad dog1]

Another thing I noticed was that my balls were landing really short. The racquet was strung by the seller with Luxilon at I think 54lbs. I am thinking that is too stiff of a setup for this racquet. Thoughts?

I string mine on a Babolat sensor at 49/45.