LiamMiguel
Semi-Pro
I did confirm the participation and got a return email back after that. Just no tracking I guess.
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Jet Mach 4
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
I do have a free UPS account, so maybe that's why I'm getting the tracking.
I do think TW used to send it though
This! I think that is exactly why some of us get the notification as soon as the label has been created. @LiamMiguel So create your free UPS account, and maybe even get the app which works pretty good.
dak95_00
Hall of Fame
What’s your normal shoe? I’m very curious as to what shoe you get that is roomier than these.
codonnell
Semi-Pro
Adding in some pictures so people can compare the Mach 4 to the Mach 3 and also the jet tere. There’s a very noticeable difference in the build of the upper with the Mach 4 which feels more rubbery and structured (still flexible material) compared to the Mach 3s mesh very light flexible upper. There’s more rubber components and better slide protection in the Mach 4 compared to pretty much the full mesh of the jet tere. There profile of the shoe is notably higher (keep in mind my used shoes have been beat on) but they are higher up the foot and I’d think will be considerably more stable and longer lasting. Interestingly there is less grip on the middle of the back heel of the new mach 4s which may be a Babolat measure of cutting thickness and weight out of the them. The fit test is good and can’t wait to play in them this weekend.
pizzadontdie
Rookie
Wilson pro rush 4.5. I put a slightly thinner sock on and the fit is much better. Just played a few hours and quite comfy.
pizzadontdie
Rookie
I think my feet may have been slightly swollen when I originally tried them on. I just played a few hours in them with just a tad thinner sock and they felt really good. I’ll add an edit to my original comment.
dak95_00
Hall of Fame
Since we both wear the Rush regularly, I can also say that my orthotics slide more easily into these Babolat shoes than my Wilson shoes.
I walked a couple of miles in them. I’m looking forward to getting out for a hit with them on.
pizzadontdie
Rookie
You feel that these are roomier than your Wilson’s?
dak95_00
Hall of Fame
I think they’re very comparable but there’s no doubt that my custom orthotics fit easier in the Babolat shoes. I still haven’t gotten out for a hit with them on but I should be tomorrow morning….I hope.
The orthotic fit is much more objective than how I feel in the shoe which would be subjective. So based upon that, the Babolat almost has to be roomier. When sliding into the Wilson Rush Pro shoes, I have to push down the heel of the orthotic and also the toe portion to make it lie flat. Given both shoes are size 10, the Babolat is just an easy slide with very little push down effort at the heel and none at the toe portion. They simply slide in. Has to be roomier! There’s just no other explanation.
Now someone is definitely going to ask about roomier height wise. Now that’s where I want to wear the shoes. I might just have to get weird and put one of each on at some point in time. That might be a fun comparison.
LiamMiguel
Semi-Pro
Initial impressions about the playtest after receiving the shoes today (not sure if it actually came in today but it went to the wrong apartment lol). Toebox does feel wider and roomier than your typical M10, at least with Nike and Asics. My feet run between 10 and 10.5 across all brands and models so I’m happy I can fit into a 10 for these and be comfortable. Got a few hours of teaching tomorrow so I’ll get a better idea of performance then.
Only wore around the house, think I'll get to use them on Monday. I may also wear them on clay because I play about 40/60 (HC/clay).
But I also have sectionals coming up in a few weeks and will use them there!
The shoes definitely start out a bit tight and I presume will loosen up. I think the length is a tad short (not enough to size up) but compared to like Nikes. I do think the toebox is taller, maybe not totally wider, but I feel a bit of extra material above my forefoot/toes and you can see it when walking.
The tongue is also a bit short but well-padded and have synthetic material that creates structure and definitely helps against lace bite.
Heel counter/cup is very stiff, so that should create alot of support.
So far they feel very comfy and light on foot just walking around.
Good looking shoe and excited to get on court.
Currently, use the Roger Pro 3 as my main shoe for hard court, just for reference.
But I also have sectionals coming up in a few weeks and will use them there!
The shoes definitely start out a bit tight and I presume will loosen up. I think the length is a tad short (not enough to size up) but compared to like Nikes. I do think the toebox is taller, maybe not totally wider, but I feel a bit of extra material above my forefoot/toes and you can see it when walking.
The tongue is also a bit short but well-padded and have synthetic material that creates structure and definitely helps against lace bite.
Heel counter/cup is very stiff, so that should create alot of support.
So far they feel very comfy and light on foot just walking around.
Good looking shoe and excited to get on court.
Currently, use the Roger Pro 3 as my main shoe for hard court, just for reference.
LiamMiguel
Semi-Pro
Wore when coaching some junior clinics all this morning. Felt great underfoot and never felt too snug which is the problem I can have if I get shoes in M10. Even though I was moving minimally, heel slippage was pretty severe for me with just using the second to last eyelet. I would assume heel slippage would increase when I would put in my Move Game Day Pro insoles. I changed it to the runners' knot for the second half of the morning and I think most of the heel slippage went away.
In comparison, I wear all models of shoes. Last couple pairs have been ZV12 (which the heel part of the outsole ripped off after I slid for a ball a couple of days ago) and the Zoom Zero. Currently have some Vapor Prestige's on the deck after the Zoom Zero and JM4 wear out. I don't think the JM4 is as comfortable as the ZZ but is much more containing in terms of stability. I don't mind the extra ounce or ounce and a half with the JM4.
In comparison, I wear all models of shoes. Last couple pairs have been ZV12 (which the heel part of the outsole ripped off after I slid for a ball a couple of days ago) and the Zoom Zero. Currently have some Vapor Prestige's on the deck after the Zoom Zero and JM4 wear out. I don't think the JM4 is as comfortable as the ZZ but is much more containing in terms of stability. I don't mind the extra ounce or ounce and a half with the JM4.
d-quik
Legend
A tweener shoe just like your favorite Ubersonic 3s but with a better fit!Mens 11, weighs in at 396g or 14.0oz, so a bit on the heavier side for a speed shoe.
Looks promising!The Uber3 was a tweener between a Hoka and a pickleball shoe.A tweener shoe just like your favorite Ubersonic 3s but with a better fit!
codonnell
Semi-Pro
I took them out yesterday and I can definitely say they play quite different from the gen 3. First impressions, is that they grip the court excellently and they feel very comfortable. They are definitely not as breathable as the prior generation. More to come but so far so good, I wore them around the house for a couple days before playing but it doesn’t feel like it needs much of a break in period, no blisters or pain, which I had with the Babolat jet tere a few years ago.
Sounds good. Were supposed to be here today, but end of the road
I am a Diadora wearer went from Blushield Speed 5, to Torneos to now Blushield Fly
Received mine at 9:45 PM last night. Initial impressions were I like the high firm heel collar and always the Michelin soles - very grippy. I have wide-ish and high arched feet so often have fit issues and heel slippage. A little hard to get on. Definitely need runner's loop to control heel slippage and required very tight lacing at ankle to lock in. The uppers crease more that I am used to with Diadoras.
First time on court this AM, one hour intense hitting with pro - I am very impressed. Full review to follow but minimal break in - (I walked my dog in them before playing) - no pinching, no pressure, excellent traction, sufficient width, good cushioning, felt the court very well. These are no ultra-light shoes which works for me as I need cushioning and a decent amount of support. More comfortable than I expected and a better fit than I expected. Looking forward to continued use and will see how it goes for full review
Received mine at 9:45 PM last night. Initial impressions were I like the high firm heel collar and always the Michelin soles - very grippy. I have wide-ish and high arched feet so often have fit issues and heel slippage. A little hard to get on. Definitely need runner's loop to control heel slippage and required very tight lacing at ankle to lock in. The uppers crease more that I am used to with Diadoras.
First time on court this AM, one hour intense hitting with pro - I am very impressed. Full review to follow but minimal break in - (I walked my dog in them before playing) - no pinching, no pressure, excellent traction, sufficient width, good cushioning, felt the court very well. These are no ultra-light shoes which works for me as I need cushioning and a decent amount of support. More comfortable than I expected and a better fit than I expected. Looking forward to continued use and will see how it goes for full review
Can't believe you aren't getting smashed with rain like we are on the gulf side.
Lucky
Haven't even got to use mine yet, hopefully today.
Rain probably coming but we have weird weather here in Key West - a lot of storms go around us and we do not get the same weather as the mainland. I should mention the laces are really short especially if you have to use a runner's loop. That is my big complaint so far.
That makes sense, I didn't see you were all the way in the keys.
I also noticed the short laces, which I actually like because I don't use a runners knot and they prevent laces from dragging or snagging on HC.
I'm a shoe (toe/side) dragger and I've broken several laces from them getting caught under the shoe.
d-quik
Legend
Forgot about the Finale tweener shoe
dak95_00
Hall of Fame
I got out on the court tonight with my ball machine. These are roomy and very comfortable. I’m very happy so far and I think they’re going to give my Rush Pro exclusivity a real challenge. I’ve been using Rush Pro since 2019 and have had a couple of other shoes mixed in occasionally. As long as their durability is good, these will receive a positive review from me.
VERY COMFORTABLE!!!!
VERY COMFORTABLE!!!!
Rousing 15 minute outing before being unexpectedly hit with rain 
It lasted just long enough to ruin the courts for another 30-45 minutes, by which point I had to go back to work.
Outsole definitely sticky, it was squeaking during mini tennis, basically every step I took.
They feel light on my feet but not quite as nimble as I expected. I'll explain...
They've definitely tried to make these fit more people's foot. For me, doesn't seem like it's going to be a great adjustment because it feels like I have extra material over my foot in the toebox. So a little baggy/bulky.
I think alot of companies are trying to do this to make their shoes feel wider, just make the upper taller.
But I also think this sort of has the shape where the midfoot is a bit wider then tapers to a narrower toe because the length is pretty spot on but it doesnt hug my foot, even with the laces cinched down.
The upside here is the upper is very light feeling so it isn't as much dead weight.
The downside is it doesn't hug my foot as well and therefore doesn't feel as nimble.
Obviously, no serious point play, running, or anything so these are super early impressions/theories. Otherwise they are comfortable and feel nicely padded with good grip.
It lasted just long enough to ruin the courts for another 30-45 minutes, by which point I had to go back to work.
Outsole definitely sticky, it was squeaking during mini tennis, basically every step I took.
They feel light on my feet but not quite as nimble as I expected. I'll explain...
They've definitely tried to make these fit more people's foot. For me, doesn't seem like it's going to be a great adjustment because it feels like I have extra material over my foot in the toebox. So a little baggy/bulky.
I think alot of companies are trying to do this to make their shoes feel wider, just make the upper taller.
But I also think this sort of has the shape where the midfoot is a bit wider then tapers to a narrower toe because the length is pretty spot on but it doesnt hug my foot, even with the laces cinched down.
The upside here is the upper is very light feeling so it isn't as much dead weight.
The downside is it doesn't hug my foot as well and therefore doesn't feel as nimble.
Obviously, no serious point play, running, or anything so these are super early impressions/theories. Otherwise they are comfortable and feel nicely padded with good grip.
True but they started hurting my feet so I left them quickly.
Day 2 in the Jet Mach 4's more of the same from yesterday. A little more broken in apparently as comfort was even better today. Slightly below average breathability I would say. Very confident in movement in all directions.
Word of caution
I'm not sure anyone else is still breaking these in
But if you are, the outsole can be slick for the first few hours.
It's squeaking and feels a bit sticky but I sort of lunged for a volley and went hard forward and my heel slid about a foot as I planted.
Very disconcerting and unexpected.
I'll admit these courts were junk and it's been raining for a week here so probably littered with silt, but something to keep in mind either way.
I'm not sure anyone else is still breaking these in
But if you are, the outsole can be slick for the first few hours.
It's squeaking and feels a bit sticky but I sort of lunged for a volley and went hard forward and my heel slid about a foot as I planted.
Very disconcerting and unexpected.
I'll admit these courts were junk and it's been raining for a week here so probably littered with silt, but something to keep in mind either way.
Based on the FDZ comments, it seemed like when the courts are slick, the outsole is extremely slick, but otherwise the sole is almost grippy to a fault
I had that yesterday where courts started getting wet.
But this evening they were dry.
Again, could be sand/silt, I'm in FL and it's been raining almost nonstop for a week, so plenty washed onto the courts and dried.
But figured I'd mention anyway
Not sure if it is fully captured here but this is what I mean when I say the upper is a little bigger and definitely not snug for my foot.
Just a slight bend and you can see the extra material in the forefoot.
Again, I have skinny (top to bottom) feet, so other more generously footed individuals may appreciate this.
Just a slight bend and you can see the extra material in the forefoot.
Again, I have skinny (top to bottom) feet, so other more generously footed individuals may appreciate this.
I managed to get a double session today, so tacked on about 3 hrs playtime between morning and evening.
Upside, no soreness or discomfort.
Only downside was the unexpected slide I detailed before.
Overall, I think I'm still kind of breaking them in, they started to feel a bit loose on my feet during my evening session but I could have cinched the laces back down.
Very comfortable and responsive feeling.
Not the springiest shoes I've ever worn, meaning the foam is nice but I'm not noticing alot of extra pop from the shank.
They do feel light on foot and well balanced.
Tongue is generously padded.
Outsole is kind of taking awhile to wear in, still a bit squeaky and the slide mishap.
They aren't a natural fit to my foot, as noted before, sort of normal heel, wider-ish midfoot, narrower toe, but with a taller upper. Upside is, I don't reslly notice them on foot meaning they aren't a distraction.
I can tell these probably won't be an immediate all the time switch for me but I like them and am excited to really get them broken in.
Upside, no soreness or discomfort.
Only downside was the unexpected slide I detailed before.
Overall, I think I'm still kind of breaking them in, they started to feel a bit loose on my feet during my evening session but I could have cinched the laces back down.
Very comfortable and responsive feeling.
Not the springiest shoes I've ever worn, meaning the foam is nice but I'm not noticing alot of extra pop from the shank.
They do feel light on foot and well balanced.
Tongue is generously padded.
Outsole is kind of taking awhile to wear in, still a bit squeaky and the slide mishap.
They aren't a natural fit to my foot, as noted before, sort of normal heel, wider-ish midfoot, narrower toe, but with a taller upper. Upside is, I don't reslly notice them on foot meaning they aren't a distraction.
I can tell these probably won't be an immediate all the time switch for me but I like them and am excited to really get them broken in.
Are you playing on clay or hard? No sole slip here on hard courts. Very good traction. That extra material maybe how my high arch feet are fitting in these.
On hard court, the grip is highly responsive and gives you a predictable blend of give-and-take rather than just biting the court blindly. It doesn't jar your joints when you stop, compared to the Wilson Rush pro that's very sticky and can jar your joints when you stop.
I like it.
Hopefully the durability will be good. Will find out soon.
I like it.
Hopefully the durability will be good. Will find out soon.
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Hard court
It's only my second time out in them so maybe just the newness of the rubber
Played with them once so far. Initial thoughts trending positive.
Very solid grip on hard. Size a bit smaller than I'm used to, but fits fine.
Feels a bit higher to the ground on the heel specifically, which I don't mind personally. Heel slips a bit, which I don't love. All in all feels pretty fast on the foot. I'm a fan so far. I miss these michelin outsoles from the propulse days, very dependable.
Very solid grip on hard. Size a bit smaller than I'm used to, but fits fine.
Feels a bit higher to the ground on the heel specifically, which I don't mind personally. Heel slips a bit, which I don't love. All in all feels pretty fast on the foot. I'm a fan so far. I miss these michelin outsoles from the propulse days, very dependable.
I am at about 7 hours - 3 hours combo of doubles and singles this AM. While very good laterally, I think they really excel with forward motion - also grip was excellent on slightly slick courts. For speed shoes, I think they are quite stable and decent cushioning. I am thrilled with these so far.
d-quik
Legend
Toebox not too narrow for you?
codonnell
Semi-Pro
I got about another 2 hours this morning and have another long session tomorrow. They are squeaking a bit less now but have phenomenal court grip and feel really stable. I felt like I locked them down better by tying them a bit tighter and adding somewhat thicker socks. I will say I tried to add the runners knot but I actually couldn’t get the laces through as the runners knot hole looks too narrow. Has anyone had success with this? Overall another good session, this session definitely was an improvement over the last and even after a long session they didn’t feel excessively heavy. The ventilation still to me doesn’t feel great especially in this east coast humidity that we’ve been having, but overall very pleased so far.
Yes on the runners knot although not easy and the laces barely are long enough. For me its an absolute necessity but definitely took some effort
Nope. Either the uppers are soft or flexible enough or the height of the inner allows me to fit in them. Though I may a little toe jam situation happening. Will need to monitor that
I just snugged the laces more at the top, as that helped the heal movement for me, and is a lot less effort than the runners knot
LiamMiguel
Semi-Pro
Update at 12 hours of play in the last week: These feel great for being speed oriented shoes and I could wear these all day coaching. I am loving the controllable grip I get from these compared to previous Babolat Propulse's I've worn in the past. I'm used to Babolat having too much grip but these are a good balance and I'm able to slide with my left foot into backhands laterally on hard courts which is usually when I feel a lot more comfortable. The toe wall is great, holding up very well. The outsoles are holding up well too, on par with most Babolat shoes I've had. I wish the laces were normal-thickness oval laces but these work just fine without irritation. As I and some others have said, heel slippage is pretty bad in these but a runners' knot fixes it well. The laces have a long enough length for runners' knot as well. Great shoe so far.
Up to about 11 hours in them and I agree with this pretty much although the laces are a touch short for me for runner's knot as I need to leave the bottom part of my left shoe down by the toes and arch fairly loose
Well after about 5.5 hours, I'm conflicted.
There's definitely more to like than dislike but the fit still doesn't feel right for me.
I think anyone who is larger footed or thought prior versions were too narrow will appreciate the extra room, but for me, it just feels too big on the top of my foot.
I feel like I have to cinch the laces down so tight and at that point it creates a bit of discomfort in other areas.
For instance, the medial side top eyelets that you'd use for a runners knot is sturdy and well-protected, but when I cinch down the laces, it digs into my ankle.
I don't do a runners knot, so it isn't from that.
Maybe I'm still breaking them in a bit and once stretched out I will get to a more consistent fit/feel from the upper and laces.
And the length feels perfect, bit of room but not too much. So I don't think sizing down would fix it.
Positives are that I think I've finally worn off the newness of the outsole and grip is very good. Studder steps/split steps still produce squeeking but that doesn't bother me.
Comfort is great, the upper is soft and these are decently cushioned. The foam doesn't feel super lively/bouncy but I kind of prefer a more neutral or firm feel.
They feel low to the ground.
So far the change in fit doesn't really work for me but I think they will have broader appeal now and bridge a gap between the rest of Babolats shoes, which I think are all on the wider side.
I admit my feet are skinny and I have struggled finding shkes that fit great since uppers are getting more rigid, using more TPU, and straying to a wider medium width.
It could also be the shape as I mentioned earlier, it feels like these have a decent rear and mid foot width but then narrow toward the toe. My feet seem to be mostly narrow in the heel and midfoot and widen a bit in the forefoot.
There's definitely more to like than dislike but the fit still doesn't feel right for me.
I think anyone who is larger footed or thought prior versions were too narrow will appreciate the extra room, but for me, it just feels too big on the top of my foot.
I feel like I have to cinch the laces down so tight and at that point it creates a bit of discomfort in other areas.
For instance, the medial side top eyelets that you'd use for a runners knot is sturdy and well-protected, but when I cinch down the laces, it digs into my ankle.
I don't do a runners knot, so it isn't from that.
Maybe I'm still breaking them in a bit and once stretched out I will get to a more consistent fit/feel from the upper and laces.
And the length feels perfect, bit of room but not too much. So I don't think sizing down would fix it.
Positives are that I think I've finally worn off the newness of the outsole and grip is very good. Studder steps/split steps still produce squeeking but that doesn't bother me.
Comfort is great, the upper is soft and these are decently cushioned. The foam doesn't feel super lively/bouncy but I kind of prefer a more neutral or firm feel.
They feel low to the ground.
So far the change in fit doesn't really work for me but I think they will have broader appeal now and bridge a gap between the rest of Babolats shoes, which I think are all on the wider side.
I admit my feet are skinny and I have struggled finding shkes that fit great since uppers are getting more rigid, using more TPU, and straying to a wider medium width.
It could also be the shape as I mentioned earlier, it feels like these have a decent rear and mid foot width but then narrow toward the toe. My feet seem to be mostly narrow in the heel and midfoot and widen a bit in the forefoot.
