Pure Storm Limited vs Pure Storm Limited GT?

[TripleB]

I'm going to order one of these two Babolat racquets as a demo.

Can anyone comment on the difference in play between the Pure Storm Limited and the Pure Storm Limited GT? (power, control, maneuverability, spin, etc.)

Just wondering if there is a $60 difference in the two. In looking at the specs they seem pretty similar except for the swingweight (305 vs 313GT) and the flex (62 vs 59GT).

Thanks for any comparisons.

TripleB

 

[Connors]

BBB, you will not like either of these rackets, I guarantee you. They do not allow you to hit enough spin, unless you are very talented. They clearly lack in power, unless you are a very big hitter. They are also only 95 sq. inches. From what I've read, I don't think you have the game to maximize this stick--it's for a top 5.0 and above player who can generate his own power. Also, you don't like lead, and these two rackets need some lead. You'll be wasting your time.

 

[rlau]

BBB, you will not like either of these rackets, I guarantee you. They do not allow you to hit enough spin, unless you are very talented. They clearly lack in power, unless you are a very big hitter. They are also only 95 sq. inches. From what I've read, I don't think you have the game to maximize this stick--it's for a top 5.0 and above player who can generate his own power. Also, you don't like lead, and these two rackets need some lead. You'll be wasting your time.

May be so, but then again, if you don't try them, you'll never know.....

I'm definitely not a 5.0 (I guess I'm about a 4.0 -- we have a different rating system here in the Netherlands, and now, during the spring/summer period, I only play about 5 hours a week, so I'm nothing more than an intermediate player), and while the PST is OK for my game, I really like the PSL, even on the red clay.

 

[mikeler]

Try a multifilament in the PST. A powerful string will counteract the low power of the frame.

 

[stevewcosta]

I'm going to order one of these two Babolat racquets as a demo.

Can anyone comment on the difference in play between the Pure Storm Limited and the Pure Storm Limited GT? (power, control, maneuverability, spin, etc.)

Just wondering if there is a $60 difference in the two. In looking at the specs they seem pretty similar except for the swingweight (305 vs 313GT) and the flex (62 vs 59GT).

Thanks for any comparisons.

TripleB

Wish these came in 16x19. Major bummer for me. Nice thin beams, 95 sq. in. but the damn pattern sucks (tight pattern, flexible and very low sw = no power). SW is a bit too low but that's easy to fix.

 

[JGads]

BBB, you will not like either of these rackets, I guarantee you. They do not allow you to hit enough spin, unless you are very talented. They clearly lack in power, unless you are a very big hitter. They are also only 95 sq. inches. From what I've read, I don't think you have the game to maximize this stick--it's for a top 5.0 and above player who can generate his own power. Also, you don't like lead, and these two rackets need some lead. You'll be wasting your time.

Disagree strongly. I'm a solid 4.0 and really enjoy it, and I find access to spin ample because the low swingweight makes it easy to brush up under the ball when you need to for spin, though it still flattens shots out very well when coming in for a put-away. The hallmark of the frame is that it allows you full freedom to really go after the ball without fear of hitting long; if you use that confidence that it inspires, you'll be hitting deep and frustrating your opponent. If you play tentative and have a slow swing, THEN yes, it's underpowered. But if you let it fly, you'll be hitting near the baseline instead of the back fence, as is the case with many other frames. I demoed about 20 sticks and the Limited GT was among my favorite three frames, so I say demo demo. It also responds beautifully to extremely low string tension (40ish), which creates a funky kick on the ball and more power, yet it still retains its control-oriented feel because of the 18x20.

As for GT vs. non GT, I personally preferred the GT because I like stiffer, more solid feeling frames rather than dampened, which to me came with the GT. Also like the added swingweight. However, some do prefer the old version, but I liked the GT.

 

[sinned]

Disagree strongly. I'm a solid 4.0 and really enjoy it, and I find access to spin ample because the low swingweight makes it easy to brush up under the ball when you need to for spin, though it still flattens shots out very well when coming in for a put-away. The hallmark of the frame is that it allows you full freedom to really go after the ball without fear of hitting long; if you use that confidence that it inspires, you'll be hitting deep and frustrating your opponent. If you play tentative and have a slow swing, THEN yes, it's underpowered. But if you let it fly, you'll be hitting near the baseline instead of the back fence, as is the case with many other frames. I demoed about 20 sticks and the Limited GT was among my favorite three frames, so I say demo demo. It also responds beautifully to extremely low string tension (40ish), which creates a funky kick on the ball and more power, yet it still retains its control-oriented feel because of the 18x20.

As for GT vs. non GT, I personally preferred the GT because I like stiffer, more solid feeling frames rather than dampened, which to me came with the GT. Also like the added swingweight. However, some do prefer the old version, but I liked the GT.

Agreed. But I like the GT more because the swingweight helps my one handed backhand. It's the first 12oz-ish racquet I can play a tourney with, without it making my arm being tired out by the 5th match

 

[OldButGame]

BBB, you will not like either of these rackets, I guarantee you. They do not allow you to hit enough spin, unless you are very talented. They clearly lack in power, unless you are a very big hitter. They are also only 95 sq. inches. From what I've read, I don't think you have the game to maximize this stick--it's for a top 5.0 and above player who can generate his own power. Also, you don't like lead, and these two rackets need some lead. You'll be wasting your time.

I own the PSL and play it in stock form,...agreed its slightly low in power,...but then i bring the power to my game and don't need to get it from the racquet,..The PSL for me is VERY comfortable,..excellent control, and just plain fun due to the excellent results i get. Being slightly lighter than some sticks...it seems effortless and nontiring. I chalk it up as 1 of my top racquets. I cant speak to the GT version,..haven't used that yet.

 

[JGads]

I own the PSL and play it in stock form,...agreed its slightly low in power,...but then i bring the power to my game and don't need to get it from the racquet,..The PSL for me is VERY comfortable,..excellent control, and just plain fun due to the excellent results i get. Being slightly lighter than some sticks...it seems effortless and nontiring. I chalk it up as 1 of my top racquets. I cant speak to the GT version,..haven't used that yet.

OldButGame,

How do you like that Yonex 001 compared to the Limited? Is that the midplus? Someone on another thread mentioned that it was like the Limited but a 16x19 pattern, so just curious.

 

[smooveken]

I've demo'd both and settled with the Non-GT version because it is a little stiffer and provided more feedback in my opinion. The GT version kinda felt too soft and flexy. And because of its flex rating - it's even more low powered than the Non-GT. But of course all of this can be fixed by toying with strings and tensions.

I for one still haven't found that magical string and number yet that provides me with the ball pocketing that I want. My next trial will be a soft multi in the mains and a poly in the crosses. Although a full bed of a soft poly strung at very low tensions (45lbs or so) is very tempting.

 

[JGads]

I've demo'd both and settled with the Non-GT version because it is a little stiffer and provided more feedback in my opinion. The GT version kinda felt too soft and flexy. And because of its flex rating - it's even more low powered than the Non-GT. But of course all of this can be fixed by toying with strings and tensions.

Huh. I had the exact opposite reaction; GT felt stiffer (or crisper) and a little more powerful vs. the non GT. Wanted to like the Non-GT as I prefer the paintjob but thought the GT just performed better. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[OldButGame]

OldButGame,

How do you like that Yonex 001 compared to the Limited? Is that the midplus? Someone on another thread mentioned that it was like the Limited but a 16x19 pattern, so just curious.

I Like the PSL far better than the Yonex (its a MP),...to me,...the Yonex is much stiffer, and less comfortable than PSL. Also much less control with the Yonex. I Still have to experiment with strings though. I think the Yonex could be better with a softer string setup. I currently have WeissCannon Silverstring(17) @ 55 lbs in it. Next time i would try another string at less tension to see if i can get a softer feel (tho that probably wont help the conrtol). The PSL seems to have more power too. That has Black Code(17) @55. i love the PSL,...but from everything i read,... i have faith the Yonex could could work well (for me..) (based on specs and these blogs).
*I dont feel like they are similar however.

 

[Kevo]

Just wondering if there is a $60 difference in the two.

No, there isn't. You can get it set up with string and tension the way you like it and you won't notice a $60 difference. Plus the original has a better paint job IMO.

 

[Kevo]

Wish these came in 16x19. Major bummer for me. Nice thin beams, 95 sq. in. but the damn pattern sucks (tight pattern, flexible and very low sw = no power). SW is a bit too low but that's easy to fix.

I love the pattern. Strings last longer, there is better control, and the spin is still exceptional due to the low swingweight. If you want the more power and a more open pattern, it seems you should be looking at the Pure Storm or Pure Storm Tour perhaps. I mean why would you go and change one of the very few sticks of it's kind on the market so that it's like so many other racquets on the market.

The PSL is a true gem just the way it is.

 

[SullivanR]

BBB, you will not like either of these rackets, I guarantee you. They do not allow you to hit enough spin, unless you are very talented. They clearly lack in power, unless you are a very big hitter. They are also only 95 sq. inches. From what I've read, I don't think you have the game to maximize this stick--it's for a top 5.0 and above player who can generate his own power. Also, you don't like lead, and these two rackets need some lead. You'll be wasting your time.

I can't really agree with you saying they don't allow you to hit enough spin. I'm a top junior and I have a clay court style game and the Pure storm Ltds allow to access to all the spin in the world. They also allow me to flatten the ball out against different opponents. TripleB, I would recommend that you try either one of the racquet's because the are obviously similar. I do agree that a little lead tape at the head would help.

 

[smooveken]

Huh. I had the exact opposite reaction; GT felt stiffer (or crisper) and a little more powerful vs. the non GT. Wanted to like the Non-GT as I prefer the paintjob but thought the GT just performed better. Different strokes for different folks.

Eh.. it might have been the strings too! Keep in mind, they were demo's that were most likely strung with pure crap strings...

 

[Ross K]

This seems to be a racket ppl either love or hate!...

 

[goosala]

I own two of the first gen version and would have to say if you bring the thunder with your strokes then yes it is an awesome control frame. You will have to swing hard to get the most feel and control out of this frame but you will be please with how it performs. The string pattern does not bother me that much even though I am used to open patterns. Awesome feel and awesome control. What else does a power hitter want?