Pure Drive 2018 too stiff?

[chb]

Recently demo'd a pure drive 2018 for a few days. Noticed a bit of bicep strain the first day I used it, but chalked it up to having recently come back to the sport and my body not having adapted. Anyways, played yesterday, and didn't notice much pain, so I went ahead and bought a couple of them.

Fast forward to this morning, and my arm felt pretty crummy. Any ideas? Should I return these things and go for a different frame? Perhaps use a different string? Would be a bummer to start a new racquet search.

 

[CopolyX]

Don't know...not enough info for me.
But I have heard this situation many times and for years.
From my experience, everyone wants to blame one thing.
Most of the time, it is not just one thing. Combo of more.
Number one top level cause is usually form. Not saying this is your cause but it is the king.
Also buying a racquet ( with it specs) that is not a fit for you, can also cause players to be late and more..
String setup (no clue what are using), lot of these issues are amplified by players using copolys strings and they can no benefit from them. Plus they add to strain and impact.
High tensions...coploys...over 52 lbs..also stiff strings ...if so, better have good form.
Not going though a good deming cycle. Finding the right frame for your game, do it right and it picks you. Not too light - not too heavy....just right....like that little chick and the bears..
Also PD vibration is:
http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/cgi-bin/vibfrequency.cgi
Overplaying, no stretching, no post recovery, hydration, resting, mending...compression gear for post recovery also,
All recs (i dont care what level) will anyways benefit from another eye & coach (lessons - some one good).

Thats all I got now.
Hope that is a help or a guide..
Glad you are back in the game.
Be logical, be open, stay away from the hype, listen to your body..it is pretty smart, so are you...
Note: been playing and in the industry for a very long time. I been volunteering for my local USTA for years..focusing on help people get into the game. gliding them with obtaining the right equipment so they can play long and safe...and more...
best of luck

 

[mhkeuns]

What was it strung with? It could be the string and the tension thing. I just had my Touch Speed Pro restrung with stiff poly @ somewhat high tension and felt it on my arm.

 

[Crocodile]

Pure Drive too stiff - Yes very stiff and harsh

 

[chb]

Thanks guys. Some more details. No arm pain with my previous racquet, which was a Pro Staff ncode 6.1 (as I've said, I've been out of the game a while ). Demo racquet was strung with Wilson Sensation 16. Not sure on the tension, but I assume in the middle.

Also, I have a terribly torn shoulder from combat sports. Could be that my arm's way more sensitive now.

 

[Yoneyama]

The Pure Drive range has always been very stiff! I haven't tried the new one but I can't imagine it being much different from past versions.

 

[Zoolander]

Choose your own thread title from the last 17 years...... "Pure Drive 20XX too stiff?"

 

[Bartelby]

What's the point of people complaining about this and yet still buying multiple racquets?

As mentioned above, we've had seventeen years of this complaint and yet they still sell.

 

[TennisHound]

The new one isn't. I went to it from a CV Blade that was giving me wrist problems. Went back to the '18 PD and no more pain. I'm using a pretty soft poly - Head Sonic Pro.

 

[chb]

What's the point of people complaining about this and yet still buying multiple racquets?

As mentioned above, we've had seventeen years of this complaint and yet they still sell.

As I've said, I've been away from the game forever. I don't even remember the concept of stiff racquets being around 18 years ago. I bought multiple racquets because I thought I'd found what I wanted (plus I got a great deal).

Apologies for causing you so much heartache.

 

[n8dawg6]

give it a little more time. it is a very firm racquet but more muted than previous versions. if you decide it wont cooperate with your arm, itll be pretty easy to unload.

 

[Bartelby]

You may indeed have been away too long, but you could do a little research before you over-invest!!!

The idea that the PD is too stiff is the most widespread commonplace in the tennis world.

As I've said, I've been away from the game forever. I don't even remember the concept of stiff racquets being around 18 years ago. I bought multiple racquets because I thought I'd found what I wanted (plus I got a great deal).

Apologies for causing you so much heartache.

 

[SpinToWin]

give it a little more time. it is a very firm racquet but more muted than previous versions. if you decide it wont cooperate with your arm, itll be pretty easy to unload.

Have you seen Chris' review of the Tec PS?

 

[Imago]

It is stiff but feels comfy for the elbow with YPTF. Some hybrid could also mitigate the harsh feelings. I will try now to string it with Lux APS 20/21 kg to see the difference.

 

[Zoolander]

Thanks guys. Some more details. No arm pain with my previous racquet, which was a Pro Staff ncode 6.1 (as I've said, I've been out of the game a while ). Demo racquet was strung with Wilson Sensation 16. Not sure on the tension, but I assume in the middle.

Also, I have a terribly torn shoulder from combat sports. Could be that my arm's way more sensitive now.

If your demo was strung with wilson sensation and it still caused problems then that IS a problem, since sensation is pretty soft for a string nowadays and much softer than any polys around. You can give it a try for a little longer but it doesnt sound good. Might be worth returning one now unused and selling the other soon if its still a problem? Usually easy to sell PD's on fleabay etc

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Choose your own thread title from the last 17 years...... "Pure Drive 20XX too stiff?"

Exactly.

Other burning questions....

Is water too wet? Do bears defecate too much in the woods? Does Nadal get too many RPMs on his forehand?

 

[heninfan99]

Drop the spring tension way down and never allow yourself to hit late and your arm has a chance of survival

 

[n8dawg6]

Have you seen Chris' review of the Tec PS?

no, that thing is fugly. did watch the LTD video and it looks like a flyswatter

 

[SpinToWin]

no, that thing is fugly. did watch the LTD video and it looks like a flyswatter

Chris says it's a better Pure Drive tho

 

[n8dawg6]

Chris says it's a better Pure Drive tho

im a little underwhelmed w the new pure drive after some extended play. it feels a little klunky and unwieldly despite the light weight. have issues w control. huge sweetspot, which is nice.

 

[Imago]

Past and present members of the T&G Elbow Club, avoid the new PD. It took only 5 serves with a newly strung PD to wake up the sleeping monster...

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Exactly.

Other burning questions....

Is water too wet? Do bears defecate too much in the woods? Does Nadal get too many RPMs on his forehand?

You forgot 'Is the Pope a Catholic?'

 

[Bartelby]

He's becoming a little 'flighty' in his racquet choices.

Chris says it's a better Pure Drive tho

 

[TennisHound]

You may indeed have been away too long, but you could do a little research before you over-invest!!!

The idea that the PD is too stiff is the most widespread commonplace in the tennis world.

You mad bro?

 

[flanker2000fr]

Honestly, I think that most Babolat's, but particularly the PD, should come with a notice warning that unless you are extremely fit and have extremely good form, the racquet is likely to cause you injury at some point. Much like a notice in a drug pack warning you of its side effects. At my club, 80% of the time when someone complains about their elbow or shoulder, they play a Babolat.

 

[Bartelby]

i'm beginning to suspect PD stiffness stories are not as innocent as they seem.

You mad bro?

 

[PBODY99]

As I've said, I've been away from the game forever. I don't even remember the concept of stiff racquets being around 18 years ago. I bought multiple racquets because I thought I'd found what I wanted (plus I got a great deal).

Apologies for causing you so much heartache.

@chb
Try a non-poly string at mid tension be sure to warm up. If you combat sport shoulder is truly healed, you should be able to handle the frame,if it is really a match. the TW learning center has a tool to find current frames that closely match your old pro staffs. Good luck .

 

[loosegroove]

The latest Pure Drive isn't all that bad on the joints given it's specs. Not as comfy as the flexier sticks I play with, but seems to be worlds better than the 2012 I hit with. That said, there are definitely more comfortable options out there if you're dealing with arm issues.

 

[racketocd]

I have the new PD strung with Solinco Hyper G 17g at about 38 and it feels great. There is nothing harsh about it. Hyper G is a low tech poly and tolerates very low tension without becoming a terrible trampoline. I suggest you start dropping the tension or trying my set up. It may take a while to get used to the tension but it will save your arm.

 

[chb]

I have the new PD strung with Solinco Hyper G 17g at about 38 and it feels great. There is nothing harsh about it. Hyper G is a low tech poly and tolerates very low tension without becoming a terrible trampoline. I suggest you start dropping the tension or trying my set up. It may take a while to get used to the tension but it will save your arm.

Thanks. I've actually never used a poly before. I'm a bit behind on string technology as well

I went ahead and strung one of them with Head MLT (supposed to be a comfy multi) at 51 lbs. Haven't had a chance to hit with it yet, but I'll report back.

 

[chb]

i'm beginning to suspect PD stiffness stories are not as innocent as they seem.

I'm wondering if you truly think I'd spend time creating a nonsensically veiled troll post on a tennis forum, or if your vision's just clouded from up atop your high horse.

 

[TennisHound]

Edited

 

[Dartagnan64]

Thanks guys. Some more details. No arm pain with my previous racquet, which was a Pro Staff ncode 6.1 (as I've said, I've been out of the game a while ). Demo racquet was strung with Wilson Sensation 16. Not sure on the tension, but I assume in the middle.

Also, I have a terribly torn shoulder from combat sports. Could be that my arm's way more sensitive now.

I can relate to this. I have a reconstructed shoulder from football. This means my swing tends to maximize core, elbow and wrist action and minimize shoulder involvement. This puts more strain on an aging elbow joint. I too went through the pains of playing the Babolat Pure Drive. Loved the performance, but couldn't take the elbow pain. After trial and error I've switched to a softer frame (Prince Phantom) and multi strings and refuse to use anything harsher. Finally my arm is getting steadily better. I can play 5 or 6 x a week and still feel it improving. With the PD, 2 plays a week was killing me.

Stiff rackets and strings is a real thing for older people. Leave the PD's to the 20 somethings and move to a softer frame.

 

[chb]

I can relate to this. I have a reconstructed shoulder from football. This means my swing tends to maximize core, elbow and wrist action and minimize shoulder involvement. This puts more strain on an aging elbow joint. I too went through the pains of playing the Babolat Pure Drive. Loved the performance, but couldn't take the elbow pain. After trial and error I've switched to a softer frame (Prince Phantom) and multi strings and refuse to use anything harsher. Finally my arm is getting steadily better. I can play 5 or 6 x a week and still feel it improving. With the PD, 2 plays a week was killing me.

Stiff rackets and strings is a real thing for older people. Leave the PD's to the 20 somethings and move to a softer frame.

Thanks Dartagnan. I haven't had shoulder surgery on the dominant arm.. yet, but between all the tears and my age, I'm feeling it!

I'll see how the PD is with multis for a week or so. If it continues to be a problem I'll offload these puppies and look into racquets with better flex.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Edited

AWHHHH!! I'll bet this post was salacious AF too.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

I'm wondering if you truly think I'd spend time creating a nonsensically veiled troll post on a tennis forum, or if your vision's just clouded from up atop your high horse.

I find @Bartelby normally sees things with a great deal of perspicacity from his ivory tower... If you look carefully, you'll see my ivory tower to the side of his; I'm not sure which is higher though?

 

[Bartelby]

I don't know you from a bar of soap, but I do know that everyone knows that the PD has a deserved or undeserved reputation for stiffness.

So when people spend $500 dollars or so on racquets and then tell us they made a mistake, you have to ask what is really going on here.

And you are not the first one with this story to tell.

You also state your arm is damaged from combat games and yet you haven't returned the frames.

I'd do so immediately.

I'm wondering if you truly think I'd spend time creating a nonsensically veiled troll post on a tennis forum, or if your vision's just clouded from up atop your high horse.

 

[tmc5005]

Why don't you try some arm friendly racquets. My top 10 includes:
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson 2015 Blade 98 18×20
WILSON Pro Staff 97S

 

[chb]

Why don't you try some arm friendly racquets. My top 10 includes:
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson 2015 Blade 98 18×20
WILSON Pro Staff 97S

Thanks for the list. I'll check some those out after testing the PD with multi

 

[Bartelby]

So what is the racquet exactly like apart from stiff?

 

[chb]

I don't know you from a bar of soap, but I do know that everyone knows that the PD has a deserved or undeserved reputation for stiffness.

So when people spend $500 dollars or so on racquets and then tell us they made a mistake, you have to ask what is really going on here.

And you are not the first one with this story to tell.

You also state your arm is damaged from combat games and yet you haven't returned the frames.

I'd do so immediately.

I'm sure you really HAVE to "ask what is really going on"? Thanks for looking out for my frivolous spending. I'll make sure my kids work an extra shift in the coal mines this weekend.

 

[Bartelby]

So do you have a review?

 

[Powderwombat]

Depends on the person really. Lots of players use them without problems...they are definitely stiffer rackets though, which is the tradeoff for their easy power of course.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Why don't you try some arm friendly racquets. My top 10 includes:
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
Wilson Ultra Tour
Volkl Vsense 10 325g
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson 2015 Blade 98 18×20
WILSON Pro Staff 97S

I'd add the Prince Phantom and Prince Textreme Tour 95 to that list.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Depends on the person really. Lots of players use them without problems...they are definitely stiffer rackets though, which is the tradeoff for their easy power of course.

Lots of people use them with problems that go away as soon as they stop using them. I think that is more of an indicator of an issue. I probably see 1/10 PD users over age 40 at the club without an elbow or wrist brace. They just think TE is an expected consequence of playing a lot of tennis. They haven't seen the light of softer frames and strings.

 

[Hayward Butler]

I have read comments on technique being a possible issue, but this is not always the case. Equipment also plays a major role in injury prevention. I always recommend frames in the low 60's RA or under to juniors, beginners and players just wanting to enjoy the sport as injury free as possible. It is important to remember that the less experience you have the more mishits you are going to incur. If you have taken time off then your timing will also be off in the beginning. Flexible frames like the Prince Phantom are very forgiving on off-center hits and frame mishits. I have traveled and played international events and have had a top ten sectional ranking in singles and doubles. Today I am a professional coach and work with nationally ranked tournament players. I have seen many types of injuries as a result of over use of the wrong equipment as well as injuries caused by a lack of physical fitness. I once had an injury due to overtraining. I was training 5 hours a day 5 to 6 days a week and playing about two tournaments a month. My racquets weighed 375 gr. I was using gut strings. After my shoulder injury I switched to a lighter more flexible frame. After a break and two months of treatment (no operations), I returned to play and over the many years have never had shoulder injuries since, and my ranking went up by a huge notch. Take care of yourself and enjoy the game. Consider a more flexible frame and softer strings. If you are in doubt then have a pro check your technique.

 

[haqq777]

Finally hit with it. Just for maybe 5 mins because did not want to aggravate my wrist tendonitis which I had been recuperating from. But I just had to try as I always have and will have a soft corner for Babs. Free power as expected from all over. I played with PD for the longest time when I was playing H.S and college tennis. Was the first generation or second probably (I think it was the one that came after Soft Drive, not sure myself tbh it was the latest one that had come out in 1999?). Well I hit with this new 2018 one and I felt a remarkable similarity. Yeah it felt stiffer than my regular racquets these days but wow, is it easy to use or what.

 

[Alan_Hill]

2018 PD is way more comfortable than previous versions. Even more comfortable than my prostock PD with silicone injected

Sent from my SM-T825N0 using Tapatalk

 

[haqq777]

2018 PD is way more comfortable than previous versions. Even more comfortable than my prostock PD with silicone injected

Sent from my SM-T825N0 using Tapatalk

Slight caveat here: maybe you meant the 2015, the 2012 or the 2009 GT versions. But the first few generation Pure Drive felt softer and had more control. Even the 2002 with Woofer tech felt slightly less stiff than 2018. In fact, up until they changed the mold/layup on second gen Soft Drive and renamed it Pure Drive, this line was considerably softer and heavier than current one.

P.S: love the Pro Stock. What specs do you have?

 

[tribesmen]

he he, Babolat Official always claimed there was no pro stock at Babolat What is now true