Shortening a PD+ or ....What are the PD vs PD+ differences?

[winks]

This might be a question for Babolat itself but I thought I would throw it out here....

I recently was given 2 Babolat PureDrive-Plus racquets as a gift. I'm beginning to get used to them but still find them a little too powerful. They are definately less manuverable than standard length raquets that I'm used to.

My question is this:

Babolat also offers the Pure Drive racquet in standard length (27"). I'm wondering if this is the exact same racquet but shorter. If so I could simply cut 1/2 inch off the handle and convert it to a standard length PD,which would give me back some control/manuverability.

I don't know if anyone would be able to definitivey tell me what the differences are between the 2 models but I'm wondering if anyone has done anything like this or has any insight into it.

Steve

 

[kreative]

the weight and balance would be different if you chopped a pd+ down to std length in comparison to the pd std.

 

[Cobra Tennis]

Are you trying to make them more manuverable or taking the power off?

If you are looking for less power, string tighter, or try a string like Big Banger...it goes great in the PD. Or, you can do as I do to get the power out, add weight, and string up.

 

[winks]

the weight and balance would be different if you chopped a pd+ down to std length in comparison to the pd std.

Are you trying to make them more manuverable or taking the power off?

If you are looking for less power, string tighter, or try a string like Big Banger...it goes great in the PD. Or, you can do as I do to get the power out, add weight, and string up.

Cobra: Id say I am trying to do both (more maneuverable and a little less powerful). I actually have BB ALU strung on it right now and I was surprised how "soft" it is, maybe too much and I'm not sure I like it, especially for the price.

kreative: I'm wondering how you are sure that the weight and balance would not be the same as the the standard PD if I were to shorten it by 1/2 inch. From TW's descriptions of the 2 racquets....

Model____Length____"SwingWeight"____"Balance"
PD Std_____27_________310___________5 pts HL
PD+______27 1/2_______315___________6 pts HL

I must admit, I don't understand what exactly "X points head light" really means, but would the above imply that the difference between the 2 is more than just an extra 1/2 inch on the handle?

 

[Cobra Tennis]

I have had experiences adding weight to the handle, making that head whippy, or "manueverable" if you will. i would try experimenting with ANYTHING before you chop off a half inch, because once its gone, and if you dont like it, your stuck.

 

[kreative]

so right now they're about the same weight strung (11.1 vs 11.2). weight how much a 1/2 inch of the handle would be, and you would notice that your pd+ chopped down is lighter by that much. the weight distribution is also different b/c w/ that added 1/2 inch, how did they weigh the same? obviously the weight was taken out from somewhere else on the frame. i'm babbling, but hopefully that makes some sense.

 

[david aames]

Re: Shortening a PD+ or ....What are the PD vs PD+ differen

Save yourself the trouble. Put them on **** and you will fetch enough cash to buy Standard PDs. PD+ are usually 10-20% more expensive there.

This might be a question for Babolat itself but I thought I would throw it out here....

I recently was given 2 Babolat PureDrive-Plus racquets as a gift. I'm beginning to get used to them but still find them a little too powerful. They are definately less manuverable than standard length raquets that I'm used to.

My question is this:

Babolat also offers the Pure Drive racquet in standard length (27"). I'm wondering if this is the exact same racquet but shorter. If so I could simply cut 1/2 inch off the handle and convert it to a standard length PD,which would give me back some control/manuverability.

I don't know if anyone would be able to definitivey tell me what the differences are between the 2 models but I'm wondering if anyone has done anything like this or has any insight into it.

Steve

 

[Cobra Tennis]

David Aames is right, they do fetch a little bit more, especially if you throw in the title "ANDY RODDICK". The name sells, if that is good or bad, you be the judge.

 

[lendl lives]

i've tried both. the pd std gives me more power off the base line and more pop in general. the pd + gives more leverage on the serve. although i personally can't really crack em with the pd+. the pc std is my favorite raquet for serving. its the only one i use where i feel a real crack or whipping sensation..the ball really goes. i like th pd std for ground strokes better though.

 

[winks]

If anyone is interested, I posed the question directly to Babolat (below) and got an answer from them. My Question and response below...

Question about Pure Drive Plus vs. Pure Drive Standard:

I was given 2 Babolat Pure Drive Plus (27 1/2" Length) as a gift. I like the racquets a lot but I am having trouble getting use the extra length. I''m wondering what the difference(s) is/are between the Pure Drive std and Plus models. Are the essentially the same with the only the exception is the Plus is 1/2 inch longer?

If this is the case I''m interested in purchasing the PD standard model or possibly shortening the racquets that I have.

I appreciate any response/info you can give me on this,
Steve

------Original Message-----
From: Tomxxx@babolatusa.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2004 3:15 PM
To: Winks
Subject: RE: message site Babolat

Steve:
Thanks for your email. The standard length and plus model are EXACTLY the same frames. Actually all frames are originally made longer, about 29 inches and cut down.

You can cut the frames down using the following steps.
1) remove the grip and but cap.
2) measure and cut
3) replace the butt cap using a stable gun.
4) re-wrap the grip

GOOD AS NEW!

Tom
Babolat VS North America
Competition Team Director
877-316-9435 x165
tomxxx@babolatusa.com

 

[NoBadMojo]

so there you go....saw that puppy down and it will be more maneuverable and less powerful because of lower swingweight and shorter length. you may wish to compromise at first and only take 1/4" or so off ..that alone will make a diff....if not enough, just take the other 1/4 and call it a day. know that when you go to sell it tho, that it prob wont fetch as much because of the modification

 

[kreative]

oooo, imagine roddick serving w/ a 29" long PD! :shock:

 

[winks]

I finally had the nerve to cut one down to about standard length (I cut off a smidgeon less than 1/2"). I never really got use to the power of the PD+ and figured I never would.

All in all I like it much better. I feel like the racquet is more manuverable and I can get more top on my groundstrokes - hence I can "hit out" and they aren't going long. Serves and overheads are still plenty powerful. I just cut the other PD to match, so now I guess you could say I have 2 PD's (i.e not PD+'s). I still think it lacks feel but I am definitely beginning to like the power now that I can control it.

Just wanted to share and thought I would post a follow-up (I know there are so many waiting for one!)