Tennis experience/background
laying about 7 years. Currently 4.0.
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): I prefer single games but tries to play doubles as much as possible too. I used to be a baseline player but I started to do more net plays nowadays and I see some progresses.
Current racquet/string setup:
1. Yonex Regna (Yonex poly tour spin 16L-53lbs main, 50 cross)
2. Yonex Regna (MSV Focus Hex 18g- 53LBS main, 50 cross)
3. Yonex Regna ( Babolat Tonic gut 15L @56 main and MSV focus hex 18g @53 cross)
How many hours did you play with the Babolat POP? Slightly over 12 hours
Was the device easy to attach to your wrist?
I don't have thick wrists and I use a wrist wrap but still it was very easy to attach.
Was POP a hindrance when playing?
For the first time, I wore pop wristband with the sensor. it was a little uncomfortable since I don't even wear watches. I usually wear wrist wrap so I was a little concern that wether I can wear both at the same time or not but I could wear pop over my wrist wrap. A little bulky look but actually I could not even notice it's on my wrist. wearing pop over wrist wrap was beneficial because all sweats absorbed into wrist wrap.
How easy was it to upload and view the data on the app?
Download sync time is longer than any other devices so it should be improved.
It took more than one min to sync.
Other than download sync time, it was easy to upload and view the data.
What did you like about the app?
Easy to sync or pair up the sensor.
I don't use challenger feature but it is good feature which other sensors do not offer.
What did you dislike about the app?
graphic and letters should be bigger and more colorful. I even missed important data because of small letters.
Editing function should be in sessions. There were several unqualified sessions and I accidentally put wrong category but app is not allowed to change.
Was there anything you thought was missing?
I prefer to have two wristbands in the package so I can alternate when I wash the wristband. Quick start guide needs more detail information. Someone mention about a pouch and it could be good idea. Sony sensor has a pouch so anyway I will put everything in the Sony sensor pouch though.
How did you use the data you received from the app?
This is the first time I use a sensor during match. Definitely my average swing speeds were slightly lower due to consistency. I will continue to monitor and will try to close gaps.
What was your overall impression of the sensor?
The first impression was very good. packaging and designs are solid especially I really liked a magnetic charger.
The package looks unnecessarily large for this small device. I understand that Babolat tried to have more protections for the sensor since sensors can be very sensitive but I think The package can be reduced in a half size without damaging sensitive sensor. Also design for the front package can be better. The sensor itself is well designed modern look device but I don't understand why wristband was in the picture instead of the pic of sensor. People might not understand what kind of product it is when they initially see the package.
someone mention about logo in the wristband. As soon as I opened the box I could see Big Green "Pop" logo. I did not feel that it's too big but when I wear in my wrist, "Pop" letter looks big.
Honestly I prefer to see Babolat logo instead of big green "pop" letters.
Put green letters on top
put Babolat logo in the center
keep it same on bottom.
People will more recognize or curious about the device when they see Babolat logo instead of big green "Pop" letters.
*Need to be Improved
Volley should be divided into forehand and backhand.
Serve data: I wish the sensor can distinguish between first serves and second serves.
Or even provide serve information for flat serves and spin serves.
Benefit
Unlike Zepp, Sony sensor, I don't need to worry too much about additional sensor weight and I can instantly use the pop at real matches. I occasionally used Zepp and Sony sensors during practices but never used those during matches because weight changing might cause my timing.
"Grab and go/playing" is most distinctive feature for "Pop".
I tested two sensors at the same time ( Sony sensor and pop. I already wrote brief comparison between two). There was some differences but it's acceptable rate.
One more suggestion. I like the modern look sensor design and Babolat should experiment with watch band. Idea of Wristband was good but watch band might look better. Nowadays You can use 3D printer to make some prototypes easily.
I do appreciate to TW and Babolat for this playing test opportunity.
