Switching from Prince to Babolat...

[Tennis_Fever]

Hey everyone After playing several matches with a friend's Babolat Pure Storm LTD GT (older generation), I have fallen in love with the racquets grip shape, swing weight, etc. In all reality, I have never hit better, more powerful groundstrokes than those that I have hit with the PS LTD. My progression in racquets is as follows:

Head MicroGEL Radical MP>Prince O3 Original White>Prince EXO3 Tour 100 (16X18)

What I initially loved about the Prince's is that they were light, easy to swing, and absolutely magical at the net. However, with them being so light, I realized I was never able to generate as much power/pace with them as I was in just a few sessions with the Babolat. After reading many posts on TT, I never realized Babolat was such a despised brand. It seems a lot of players on here aren't too keen on their quality control (or lack thereof). Still, the PS LTD seemed to work for me. I am now considering trying the Babolat PD Roddick (love the specs). Would you suggest a demo? Or perhaps tring a new brand altogether?

I should note that while I loved playing with the PS LTD altogether, it was more difficult to serve with (heavier & smaller frame) and not as forgiving at the net. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you guys!!!

 

[robbo1970]

Definitely demo if you can. You will find the PDR very different in feel to the Prince. I tried a friends PD and it felt like a hollow piece of tin compared to my Exo93. I know that's like comparing apples with bananas but I think Prince to Babolat is quite a contrast in feel.

 

[Tennis_Fever]

robbo1970 Thank you for the response I will definitely demo it and see how it plays. I agree the Babolat felt much different then the Prince racquets I play with. Ps I love the quote on your signature line haha

 

[Tennis_Fever]

Anyone else with any input on this switch?

This is your chance to defend your brand loyalty

 

[RetroSpin]

I don't know where you got the idea that Babolat has poor QC. Not my experience at all or that of my friend who is a pro stringer.

The PDR is quite a different racquet than the PS LTD, so a demo might be a good idea.

I used a POG for years, and I didn't find the transition to a PDR+ to be very difficult at all. I actually thought the feel of the Babolat was not all that different. The difference between the Babolat and the Dunlop 200 series, which I also used for a while, is far bigger. The PDR has a very clean, precise feel to me. I don't undrstand all these comments about them feeling hollow or tinny. Of course, a racquet like a dunlop feels kind of soggy to me, so I guess it's all in what you're used to.

 

[Tennis_Fever]

I don't know where you got the idea that Babolat has poor QC. Not my experience at all or that of my friend who is a pro stringer.

The PDR is quite a different racquet than the PS LTD, so a demo might be a good idea.

I used a POG for years, and I didn't find the transition to a PDR+ to be very difficult at all. I actually thought the feel of the Babolat was not all that different. The difference between the Babolat and the Dunlop 200 series, which I also used for a while, is far bigger. The PDR has a very clean, precise feel to me. I don't undrstand all these comments about them feeling hollow or tinny. Of course, a racquet like a dunlop feels kind of soggy to me, so I guess it's all in what you're used to.

yeah that's a great point. The PDR seems so to help produce a lot of power and pace, so I'm eager to try it. Hopefully I can serve better with the PDR than I could with the PS LTD. Did you find any downsides to the PDR, in your experience?

 

[RetroSpin]

yeah that's a great point. The PDR seems so to help produce a lot of power and pace, so I'm eager to try it. Hopefully I can serve better with the PDR than I could with the PS LTD. Did you find any downsides to the PDR, in your experience?

Not really. It is a frame that demands good technique or you will be hitting long and perhaps injure yourself.

It is going to be a lot different than a PS LTD though, that's for sure. I can't imagine you would like both.

This racquet is sensitive to strings as well. If you are any kind of big hitter, you will need poly or at least a hybrid. I like mine strung at <50 pounds. I like RPM Blast, BHBR, TB in it.

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Hey Dave, I've got a PDR that I could let you try

 

[robbo1970]

One consideration.....that new Warrior Pro looks good on paper.

Good moderate weight and standard grommets. Just a thought.

 

[SpinToWin]

Have you tried lead customization? If you want to increase the power without increasing the swingweight too much, add some weight at 3/9 and counterbalance it with lead from the top to the middle of the handle. This will noticeably increase the racquets power and stability, but you won't have the harsh feeling of a PDR (yes, this racquet is asking for tennis elbow).

 

[ryydman]

Try a regular PD and add a little lead of necessary...