http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83cOCN4xL9s
The video linked above covers RPM Blast and introduces the new RPM Team. (Jump to 00:59 for the part on RPM Team)
The interesting bit for we string tech geeks is how they portray the "increased spin" aspect of the RPM Team graphically.
Rather than focusing on spin-related issues such as texture or "bite" they focus on how the stringbed opens to the ball and the physical properties that allow this: elasticity and flexibility. The graphic shows the stringbed dramatically widening as the ball embeds itself.
Keywords then appear: spin, playability, forgiveness.
While RSI shows Team with a higher stiffness than Blast Babolat says this is a "Low Density Co-Pet" version of RPM which they describe as a "High Density Co-Pet". RSI testing procedures have been suspect so maybe that doesn't matter.
My hope: this new version of RPM which combines some of the control aspects of RPM Blast with the playability and comfort of Co-Focus while retaining the excellent spin of both when hybrided with gut mains.
Only disappointment: it appears that it's only available in 16g. Maybe a 17g isn't possible or they feel it's not warranted? EDIT/CORRECTION: 17g is available! Just ordered some from a retailer here in the US. Looking forward to testing this!!!
NOTE: there's another thread about this string but I thought the marketing "spin" in this video (no pun intended) justified a new thread since it raises some interesting issues related to Babolat's perspective on spin generating string characteristics.
The final positioning statement in the video is: "Spin for Everyone".
I've often described the spin potential of the VS/RPM hybrid as "idiot proof". I feel that just as racquet manufacturers eventually made uber-powerful frames so that anyone could "hit hard" they're now focused on frame and string technologies that allow "casual access" to spin generation too. (Another example is a new string/hybrid from Wilson that tries to produce a low friction string bed but doesn't do quite as good a job as VS/RPM.)
It will be interesting to see just how low a threshold can be achieved for producing game-changing spin using technology to enhance mediocre technique.
EDIT: before the gorgnards jump on me, yes, this is marketing. But clearly Babolat is trying to develop technology to allow rec players easier access to spin. Just as noob frames are intended to be more "forgiving" perhaps in the spin generation department these technologies might one day make spin production more forgiving too. You'll still need to hit with some modicum of proper form but based on my VS/RPM experience spin in some instances is almost automatic. I've annoyed the heck out of my wife when hitting casually since the slightest slice effect will make the ball spin enough to bounce sideways. It just happens with the VS/RPM hybrid.
The video linked above covers RPM Blast and introduces the new RPM Team. (Jump to 00:59 for the part on RPM Team)
The interesting bit for we string tech geeks is how they portray the "increased spin" aspect of the RPM Team graphically.
Rather than focusing on spin-related issues such as texture or "bite" they focus on how the stringbed opens to the ball and the physical properties that allow this: elasticity and flexibility. The graphic shows the stringbed dramatically widening as the ball embeds itself.
Keywords then appear: spin, playability, forgiveness.
While RSI shows Team with a higher stiffness than Blast Babolat says this is a "Low Density Co-Pet" version of RPM which they describe as a "High Density Co-Pet". RSI testing procedures have been suspect so maybe that doesn't matter.
My hope: this new version of RPM which combines some of the control aspects of RPM Blast with the playability and comfort of Co-Focus while retaining the excellent spin of both when hybrided with gut mains.
Only disappointment: it appears that it's only available in 16g. Maybe a 17g isn't possible or they feel it's not warranted? EDIT/CORRECTION: 17g is available! Just ordered some from a retailer here in the US. Looking forward to testing this!!!
NOTE: there's another thread about this string but I thought the marketing "spin" in this video (no pun intended) justified a new thread since it raises some interesting issues related to Babolat's perspective on spin generating string characteristics.
The final positioning statement in the video is: "Spin for Everyone".
I've often described the spin potential of the VS/RPM hybrid as "idiot proof". I feel that just as racquet manufacturers eventually made uber-powerful frames so that anyone could "hit hard" they're now focused on frame and string technologies that allow "casual access" to spin generation too. (Another example is a new string/hybrid from Wilson that tries to produce a low friction string bed but doesn't do quite as good a job as VS/RPM.)
It will be interesting to see just how low a threshold can be achieved for producing game-changing spin using technology to enhance mediocre technique.
EDIT: before the gorgnards jump on me, yes, this is marketing. But clearly Babolat is trying to develop technology to allow rec players easier access to spin. Just as noob frames are intended to be more "forgiving" perhaps in the spin generation department these technologies might one day make spin production more forgiving too. You'll still need to hit with some modicum of proper form but based on my VS/RPM experience spin in some instances is almost automatic. I've annoyed the heck out of my wife when hitting casually since the slightest slice effect will make the ball spin enough to bounce sideways. It just happens with the VS/RPM hybrid.
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