TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
The Pure Drive will certainly give you elbow pain. I think that's actually what it was created for..... elbow and shoulder pain.
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero 2023
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
Unless you are Fognini, that guy is a machineThe Pure Drive will certainly give you elbow pain. I think that's actually what it was created for..... elbow and shoulder pain.
La macchina
Dae18
Hall of Fame
But he uses the OG Pure Drive so it’s softer, no? And Moya uses the Soft Drive so definitely soft (yes pun intended)Unless you are Fognini, that guy is a machine
La macchina
LeastExhaustingPlayer
Professional
Using a Babolat Pure Aero or Pure Drive will destroy and has destroyed many elbows, including mine.
If you are already experiencing pain, it will only get worse and worse.
You should steer clear unless you like persistent pain.
Restrung with Big Banger Original at 48lbs. This is a match made in heaven, at least after this first 2 hours of hitting 
Also won my match!
Probably could have done 50lbs but I am moderating my expectations on control because this racquet is about big targets and spin.
The poly helped with feedback, I felt the ball better on the strings but still fairly muted. No pain so far and the response really doesn't even feel firm.
This racquet definitely shines with poly and quick swings, as I'm sure most know. 48lbs feels good, some slingshot effect but good, controlled launch.
Slices and chips were on-point and I needed them today. Most slices were more floaty but good depth. (Probably more from my technique but it is a fairly open pattern)
Also hit some great flatter drives with it.
Guy had a decent serve and the racquet was plenty stable and powerful when rolling returns back.
Also won my match!Probably could have done 50lbs but I am moderating my expectations on control because this racquet is about big targets and spin.
The poly helped with feedback, I felt the ball better on the strings but still fairly muted. No pain so far and the response really doesn't even feel firm.
This racquet definitely shines with poly and quick swings, as I'm sure most know. 48lbs feels good, some slingshot effect but good, controlled launch.
Slices and chips were on-point and I needed them today. Most slices were more floaty but good depth. (Probably more from my technique but it is a fairly open pattern)
Also hit some great flatter drives with it.
Guy had a decent serve and the racquet was plenty stable and powerful when rolling returns back.
A_Instead
Legend
Got my 1st hit today with the new pure Aero that I bought...not part of play test..
Not overly impressed.. but I am sure it could grow on me if I take the time figure it out..
I still prefer the banana Pure Aero Tour..
But will give it the typical look.. other wise will be posting in other forum..then get the new Auxetic Extreme MP..
Not overly impressed.. but I am sure it could grow on me if I take the time figure it out..
I still prefer the banana Pure Aero Tour..
But will give it the typical look.. other wise will be posting in other forum..then get the new Auxetic Extreme MP..
A_Instead
Legend
Added another overgrip that is 5 grams in weight.. that little weight made a big improvement..hence second time out was better.. pretty big power with control..
Problem now..my go to rackets feel anemic..
Why did I buy this...?
Also have the New Ultra coming today..
Let's see..
So many new rackets...so little time..
Problem now..my go to rackets feel anemic..
Why did I buy this...?
Also have the New Ultra coming today..
Let's see..
So many new rackets...so little time..
I finally got my first two hits with the PA23 at the end of last week. Here are the stock specs of my Grip 3 (initial post):
In addition to the initial specs, I added one Gamma Supreme Perforated overgrip to bring grip size up, add some centerline mass and reduce twist weight slightly. New specs are as follows:
Strung with BK 1.28, with 1 Gamma Supreme Perforated overgrip:
Weight: 324.67g
Balance: 32.2cm (~6.5pts head light)
Swing Weight: 323
Twist Weight: 14.5
Recoil Weight: 161.8
So far, with about 3.5 hours played, it's been quite a positive experience. For a supposed spin/power "tweener", the PA23 feels moderately powerful, as opposed to extremely so, and control is better than I anticipated, much more like a medium-density 98 or 100 than I was expecting. A bit surprising also was that it was very stable on my one-handed backhand. As for general playability observations, pretty much every stroke felt great, although I did double-fault slightly more, but I suspect that was just due to it being 6.5 pts HL versus the 8-10pts HL that I'm used to. Ground strokes had very nice loop and spin, and the PA23 definitely offers a higher launch angle per unit string density than anything I've ever played. I found ground stroke range to be satisfyingly deep, and noticed my hitting partners being driven deeper into the back court on a more routine basis, from a combo of both higher-than-average looping deep balls and also top spin, which, due to their more plunging trajectory (vs flat, penetrating), tended to "leap" off the court, pushing my opponent back even further. I did notice, however, that when leaving a ball short every now and then, this caused those balls to be more attackable, as they were basically coming right up into the "sweet zone" of most players, as opposed to skidding or dying at lower height.
Mind you, I'm coming from mostly player and player/tweener hybrid sticks (VC95s, VCP 97/97D, Prestige MP-L, '19 TT100/100P, etc.). With those, I definitely have a more flat, penetrating ball as the default, and although the PA23 doesn't offer the same level of flat, driving put-away trajectory or low, knifing slices, I'm finding I can customize the shape of most shots a bit easier, especially topspin ground strokes. For example, I hit some cross-court, short-angle winners off returns that landed by where the service line meets the singles side line, with greater much greater ease and frequency than with my Prestige MP-L. Also, Black Knight 1.28 at 50 lbs played great, as I suspected it would -- I think softer, lower-powered, 1.25+ gauge polys will work best in the PA23 -- once BK 1.28 goes dead, I think next up will be Grapplesnake Tour M8 (1.30), but we'll see. I'm also considering weighting up the racquet to boost recoil weight more into the 170+, arm-healthier range, but we'll see there as well.
Looking forward to more hitting and updates!
In addition to the initial specs, I added one Gamma Supreme Perforated overgrip to bring grip size up, add some centerline mass and reduce twist weight slightly. New specs are as follows:
Strung with BK 1.28, with 1 Gamma Supreme Perforated overgrip:
Weight: 324.67g
Balance: 32.2cm (~6.5pts head light)
Swing Weight: 323
Twist Weight: 14.5
Recoil Weight: 161.8
So far, with about 3.5 hours played, it's been quite a positive experience. For a supposed spin/power "tweener", the PA23 feels moderately powerful, as opposed to extremely so, and control is better than I anticipated, much more like a medium-density 98 or 100 than I was expecting. A bit surprising also was that it was very stable on my one-handed backhand. As for general playability observations, pretty much every stroke felt great, although I did double-fault slightly more, but I suspect that was just due to it being 6.5 pts HL versus the 8-10pts HL that I'm used to. Ground strokes had very nice loop and spin, and the PA23 definitely offers a higher launch angle per unit string density than anything I've ever played. I found ground stroke range to be satisfyingly deep, and noticed my hitting partners being driven deeper into the back court on a more routine basis, from a combo of both higher-than-average looping deep balls and also top spin, which, due to their more plunging trajectory (vs flat, penetrating), tended to "leap" off the court, pushing my opponent back even further. I did notice, however, that when leaving a ball short every now and then, this caused those balls to be more attackable, as they were basically coming right up into the "sweet zone" of most players, as opposed to skidding or dying at lower height.
Mind you, I'm coming from mostly player and player/tweener hybrid sticks (VC95s, VCP 97/97D, Prestige MP-L, '19 TT100/100P, etc.). With those, I definitely have a more flat, penetrating ball as the default, and although the PA23 doesn't offer the same level of flat, driving put-away trajectory or low, knifing slices, I'm finding I can customize the shape of most shots a bit easier, especially topspin ground strokes. For example, I hit some cross-court, short-angle winners off returns that landed by where the service line meets the singles side line, with greater much greater ease and frequency than with my Prestige MP-L. Also, Black Knight 1.28 at 50 lbs played great, as I suspected it would -- I think softer, lower-powered, 1.25+ gauge polys will work best in the PA23 -- once BK 1.28 goes dead, I think next up will be Grapplesnake Tour M8 (1.30), but we'll see. I'm also considering weighting up the racquet to boost recoil weight more into the 170+, arm-healthier range, but we'll see there as well.
Looking forward to more hitting and updates!
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atatu
Legend
I thought you were using the PD '21 ? The PA 23 definitely isn't as powerful correct ? Let us know what you think of the Ultra though.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
I am having a lot of fun with this racquet - more than I expected!
It just does things (easily) that put a smile on my face. Everyone knows the design of a Pure Aero is expected to include Spin and Power, but that along with the unexpected stability and control makes this racquet a blast.
Yesterday during the points I played we worked on slices and serves, inspired by a practice session we watched at the San Diego Open tournament between Taro Daniel and MacKenzie Macdonald.
Initially slices and volleys gave me a bit of trouble since I wasn't used to the racquet and the sizeable height of the beam 23/26/23mm vs. 21/23/21mm of my Pure Strike 98. That mostly disappeared after an hour or two on the court., leaving me to enjoy a real strength of this racquet. The stability and control really unlock the spin and power on a variety slices; low driving arcing slices, knifing shoulder-high from the baseline, forehand squash shots and volleys. The versatility still surprises me a little, but more and more I am expecting it and using it - and enjoying it. I feel slices definitely should definitely have a warning label - "Danger! Poorly struck slices may tend to float uncontrollably !" BUT well worth the risk!
It just does things (easily) that put a smile on my face. Everyone knows the design of a Pure Aero is expected to include Spin and Power, but that along with the unexpected stability and control makes this racquet a blast.
Yesterday during the points I played we worked on slices and serves, inspired by a practice session we watched at the San Diego Open tournament between Taro Daniel and MacKenzie Macdonald.
Initially slices and volleys gave me a bit of trouble since I wasn't used to the racquet and the sizeable height of the beam 23/26/23mm vs. 21/23/21mm of my Pure Strike 98. That mostly disappeared after an hour or two on the court., leaving me to enjoy a real strength of this racquet. The stability and control really unlock the spin and power on a variety slices; low driving arcing slices, knifing shoulder-high from the baseline, forehand squash shots and volleys. The versatility still surprises me a little, but more and more I am expecting it and using it - and enjoying it. I feel slices definitely should definitely have a warning label - "Danger! Poorly struck slices may tend to float uncontrollably !" BUT well worth the risk!
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I'm really finding that as well. I got an additional 1 hour with the PA23 last night (4.5 hours total now), and the three strokes I've noticed that continue to feel most foreign are picking up low-height groundies (knee height and lower), any form of backhand slice, and second serves, but I'm finding all steadily improving as my body normalizes around the slightly head-heavier balance and different material feel. I may throw a few grams of tungsten putty under the butt cap, to make the stick a bit more head-light, a bit more polarized (easier rotational acceleration) and add a bit of recoil weight for additional arm protection. We'll see how it goes.
Chezbeeno
Professional
I get what you mean about the slice - you can get really good power and spin on the ball, pretty easily at times. I find hitting offensive slices off of shorter balls to be really fun and easy - I am finding hitting defensive slices a bit more difficult. I feel like the racquet needs just a *touch* more weight at the tip to carry through the ball a little more smoothly on a few shots. So it's on defense - either on the run or when pushed back hitting a slice off of a high ball, that I find it more likely to float uncontrollably. For the most part this isn't really a problem, though, since the weight does make it easier to hit over the ball in those same defensive positions haha.
That's a good observation. It also might be worth looking at it from the other end of the racquet, for I find a certain level of head-lightness to be important, if not vital, in executing controlled-enough defensive slices. Adding some handle weight (in whatever way if your preferred method) would do that, allowing for easier takeback and follow-through, especially while on the run.
Chezbeeno
Professional
That's a good point. Probably the easiest way to determine what would be best for me is to try hitting defensive slices with the PA and then my two other main racquets - Radical MP and Extreme Tour. The Radical is basically the same weight as the PA but with more weight in the hoop, while the Extreme is heavier, but basically all the weight is in the handle. Obviously the racquets have other differences, but especially since I can't modify my PA right now anyways, it would be an interesting experiment.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Agreed. A touch more weight in the hoop would likely do wonders... not to mention a touch near the handle. Haven't tried fooling with this yet, but my gut tells me this will be great! Not too much but something.
I just pressed 5g of tungsten putty into the "octagon" of the butt cap. So now static weight is ~330g (with 1 overgrip + BK 1.28 strings), balance point 31.7cm strung (~8 pts HL), and recoil weight is up into the high 160's... a bit healthier. Think I'll like it more. Will update on the next play. Might be today, otherwise tomorrow.
Some of what @Trip @StringStrungStrang and @Chezbeeno
Could be string setups too.
I'm thinking a more "powerful poly" (oxymoron
) would do well in this frame.
However, you want that bite and control too.
So I feel like tailoring the string for what you want most is a good option because so far this frame is pretty versatile, considering it is a "spin" frame.
My BBO at 48lbs has good power, not great, and also good control, but not great.
So I'd probably get a softer more powerful poly and string at the same tension or 2lbs higher
Could be string setups too.
I'm thinking a more "powerful poly" (oxymoron
) would do well in this frame.However, you want that bite and control too.
So I feel like tailoring the string for what you want most is a good option because so far this frame is pretty versatile, considering it is a "spin" frame.
My BBO at 48lbs has good power, not great, and also good control, but not great.
So I'd probably get a softer more powerful poly and string at the same tension or 2lbs higher
Had my 2nd hit today. Another 2 hours of play. Using big hitter black 7 at 48lbs.
Definitely enjoying the frame. It still has a "hollow-esque" feeling, but I quickly became used to it. It's certainly not tinny or overly muted. Not a bad feeling frame, but doesn't compare to my Pro Kennex frames or even Solinco Whiteout in terms of raw feel.
Forehands are great, my hitting partner is former D2 player commented frequently on me hitting heavy spin. Serves I still haven't dialed in. I get the impression I might need a bit of lead at 12 to wake up the serve for me.
Volleys are solid. This frames definitely grows on you the more you use it.
Don't make this a "try it once and it's not for me" frame.
I never hit with the original Aero Pro Drive, but this PA23 is the least "Pure Aero" of all the recent versions I've used, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Definitely enjoying the frame. It still has a "hollow-esque" feeling, but I quickly became used to it. It's certainly not tinny or overly muted. Not a bad feeling frame, but doesn't compare to my Pro Kennex frames or even Solinco Whiteout in terms of raw feel.
Forehands are great, my hitting partner is former D2 player commented frequently on me hitting heavy spin. Serves I still haven't dialed in. I get the impression I might need a bit of lead at 12 to wake up the serve for me.
Volleys are solid. This frames definitely grows on you the more you use it.
Don't make this a "try it once and it's not for me" frame.
I never hit with the original Aero Pro Drive, but this PA23 is the least "Pure Aero" of all the recent versions I've used, and I mean that in the best way possible.
An interesting data point tonight -- I hit with a 4.0 baseliner buddy who uses a Clash 100 Tour (strung with Hyper-G 1.25 in the low 50's). I let him use the PA23 (strung with BK 1.28 @ 50) for the 1+ hour session and, if nothing else, it definitely got his gears turning... The Clash has helped him heal from accute shoulder and elbow pain and he plays pretty well with it, but he wants to try to find something with more defensive power and better control. He was quite impressed with the PA23, at least as a jumping off point, despite being a bit leery of possible "day after pain" (he said he felt fine during the session). I'll check back in with him tomorrow to see how he feels. He also remarked, and I saw via his hitting, how much easier it was to block back hard serves, hit more consistent volleys, consistently nail passing shots and hit smaller targets. He said the string bed felt very consistent across much more area than the Clash, especially at the extreme outsides by 9 and 3. I tried his Clash and could immediately see what he was talking about (of course that's no surprise to most TT members). Just thought I'd share an interesting perspective from another fellow 4.0-ish ball basher.
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StringStrungStrang
Professional
I like the way you think! This is from one of my Pure Strike 98's, but work just as well in the Pure Aero 23. 5g - no not a cell phone radio!
I love them in in the Pure Strike 98! Such an easy mod and can be applied to any Babolat or other that has the same trap door / butt cap. Mine uses some silicon and a nut for weight. I tried it out in the Pure Strike VS and will give it a go in the Pure Aero 23 after I'm satisfied I completed my thoughts in stock form.
Only played with it a few times but have a new arm problem and NEVER struggle with this sort of thing. I was Demo'ing the Pure Drive beforehand so not 100% sure if that kicked it off. I'm going to revert to my old stick and see if the pain settles down a bit. Any ideas how to fix the stick as it's sooooo good, but the arm pain makes it a non-runner for me at this stage sadly.
Have had some treatment and ultra-sound on the elbow to speed up recovery (hopefully) and will give it another go.
@Rafasw19 - What strings and tension are you using? If it's too stiff a poly at too high a tension, you want to address that right away and replace with a softer, lower-tension, more shock-absorbant string bed (via a much softer poly, hybriding, no poly at all, etc.). Beyond that, I would see if you can add recoil weight via a small amount of lead at 12 and/or around the handle, and possibly add more dampening via a leather or sorbothane grip and/or one or more overgrips, or if you dont mind a more semi-permanent mod, silicone in the handle. How much you do regarding all of the above just depends on how far you're willing to go, but at least start with the strings and go from there.
@XFactorer @Rafasw19
No arm pain here
Used syngut at 50lbs and now Big Banger Original at 48lbs
I'd use syngut, multi, or a forgiving hybrid if you're having arm pain.
Also ensure you're making clean contact (i.e. center of stringbed) I've noticed, because the headsize and forgiveness, I have made a few off-center shots. Even if a racquet is forgiving those can catch up with your arm in no time.
No arm pain here
Used syngut at 50lbs and now Big Banger Original at 48lbs
I'd use syngut, multi, or a forgiving hybrid if you're having arm pain.
Also ensure you're making clean contact (i.e. center of stringbed) I've noticed, because the headsize and forgiveness, I have made a few off-center shots. Even if a racquet is forgiving those can catch up with your arm in no time.
I am using RPM Blast in the mains and synthetic gut in the crosses at 51. I've used a full bed of RPM blast for years. What strings would you reccomend I use please? Some others have mentioned Yonex Poly..
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Great suggestions! For a Pure Aero it is comfortable, but generally speaking these are not ( regrettably) arm friendly racquets. This one is really not too harsh (especially compared to some) but that is relative. If you play a stiff racquet with stiff strings - something has to give - and usually that is your body. I strung mine a bit lower 46 / 48 poly and have tried not to over do it. So far so good. For me, I want to play this racquet with a poly or poly hybrid for the spin / control, but for comfort I'll try a couple pounds lower next.
marceloriosfan
Rookie
hybrid RPM and Gut
TennisHound
Legend
String and tension used for test: RPM Blast Rough .17, tension 47lbs
Tennis experience/background: Played as Jr, HS, JC
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): All court, ohbh, Eastern to semi western fh
Current racquet/string setups: Wilson Blade Team (modified to 11.1oz, 4pts HL, SW 325
How many hours did you play with the racquet? Approx 12-15hrs
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: Score 84
Power - The racquet had enough power to get the ball through the court when I made good contact. When I setup correctly and had time, I was able to connect with the sweet spot and get a penetrating shot through the court. If I just armed it, or hitting into the wind, or anything hit toward the top of the racquet, the ball would land shorter than my usual racquet.
Control - This is the high point of this frame. I had no trouble gauging depth, side to side, or taking high forehands early and driving them for a winner or approach. The racquet is fairly headlight, so I was able to time my groundstrokes with either a fast or slow swing and the ball trajectory/ direction was easy to gauge.
Power and Control is most similar to the Prince TT/ ATS 100P, with the PA having more power and about the same amount of control.
Top Spin/ Slice - Since the string pattern is tighter, the ball trajectory is straighter and lower. Topspin was fairly easy to generate but took more of a conscious effort than the previous version. I had better success using a semi-Western grip (my usual forehand grip is closer to an Eastern) and I had not problem hitting with topspin on both wings. The headlight balance helps, since I was able to swing faster and come up on the ball with better racquet head speed. Topspin did not come as easily as my PD, but court penetration with topsin was better with the PD. The flexibility of the racquet aided in this, since it stayed on the strings longer than the PD, and topspin was easier to control/ generate when I needed to. Backhand topspin was heavy and penetrating, but the tighter string pattern made my ohbh even better and more accurate. Slice was very good. Even though the racquet is less powerful, I was able to get a good penetrating slice on forehands and especially backhands.
-Serves: Score 80
Power - I had enough power to get a good flat serve when I timed it right, but the flexibility combined with the tighter string pattern and HL balance made heavy serves tougher than my usual racquet. Flat serves worked the best. Spin and slice serves landed shorter, and my opponents were able to tee off at times. I had a tendency to try and overhit my serves, especially when serving into the wind. The control and consistency was excellent and I could hit my targets with precision, which helped offset the lower power.
-Volleys: Score 82
The racquet felt more powerful up at net than on groundstrokes or serves. Reaction volleys
were easy and accurate. While high mid-court volleys were easy to control, lower approach volleys tended to hit the net. Even though the racquet is lower powered than the previous version, volleys seemed to have a little more penetration than the PD. However that PD has better net clearance, especially on low volleys. I did feel the racquet twist a few times in my hand (off center backhand volley) but generally it was stable enough to handle hard drives and anything at a 4.0 level with ease.
-Serve returns: Score 86
This was the strongest category for this racquet. My consistency on returns was the best with the racquet than any other. It had just the right amount of Power and Control to put the ball wherever I wanted. I could run around my backhand and drive a forehand, or slice a high kick serve low and angled, or drive a backhand down the line. I was never late and the ball never launched. Occasionally I would miss, but correcting was easy and precise.
Overall performance: Score 83
The biggest change is there is not a harsh dead spot in the upper hoop. I'm not sure how they did it, but its not there. Sure, the power drops off, but there's not harsh rock-hard jolt as in a Yonex 100 or Head Speed and/or Radical, or the previous version and the APD. It's more flexible, tighter patterned, and more HL, which equals better control, better feel, faster swinging, and a more usable racquet. Sure it could use a little stiffness and more power, but as is, this is a racquet that I could pick up and play a match at any level and feel comfortable with. When I prefer this one over the previous version since I am able to pick it up and play with less concentration and effort. WIth the previous version, I had to make sure that my strings were fresh and no longer than a couple of days old, or the balls would fly. Only racquets with a stiffness rating over 69 will have more power than this one.
It has more control than the PD and about almost twice that depth control as the Dunlop FX500, SX300, and the previous version. It gets better when the strings loosen up.
It has more power than the all Head racquets, all Blades, about equal in power to the Ultra 100.
All in all, this is just about the best combination of power, control, flex, stability, and maneuverability of any 100" racquet available.
With all that said, adding just a little bit of weight transforms this one into one of the best playing 100" racquets available today. I added about 3 grams at 12 and the performance increased exponentially, without becoming too sluggish. Control increased slightly, but power and stability increased sharply. There's a reason, Nadal is able to blow opponents off the court with this one (or one almost like it).
Tennis experience/background: Played as Jr, HS, JC
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): All court, ohbh, Eastern to semi western fh
Current racquet/string setups: Wilson Blade Team (modified to 11.1oz, 4pts HL, SW 325
How many hours did you play with the racquet? Approx 12-15hrs
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: Score 84
Power - The racquet had enough power to get the ball through the court when I made good contact. When I setup correctly and had time, I was able to connect with the sweet spot and get a penetrating shot through the court. If I just armed it, or hitting into the wind, or anything hit toward the top of the racquet, the ball would land shorter than my usual racquet.
Control - This is the high point of this frame. I had no trouble gauging depth, side to side, or taking high forehands early and driving them for a winner or approach. The racquet is fairly headlight, so I was able to time my groundstrokes with either a fast or slow swing and the ball trajectory/ direction was easy to gauge.
Power and Control is most similar to the Prince TT/ ATS 100P, with the PA having more power and about the same amount of control.
Top Spin/ Slice - Since the string pattern is tighter, the ball trajectory is straighter and lower. Topspin was fairly easy to generate but took more of a conscious effort than the previous version. I had better success using a semi-Western grip (my usual forehand grip is closer to an Eastern) and I had not problem hitting with topspin on both wings. The headlight balance helps, since I was able to swing faster and come up on the ball with better racquet head speed. Topspin did not come as easily as my PD, but court penetration with topsin was better with the PD. The flexibility of the racquet aided in this, since it stayed on the strings longer than the PD, and topspin was easier to control/ generate when I needed to. Backhand topspin was heavy and penetrating, but the tighter string pattern made my ohbh even better and more accurate. Slice was very good. Even though the racquet is less powerful, I was able to get a good penetrating slice on forehands and especially backhands.
-Serves: Score 80
Power - I had enough power to get a good flat serve when I timed it right, but the flexibility combined with the tighter string pattern and HL balance made heavy serves tougher than my usual racquet. Flat serves worked the best. Spin and slice serves landed shorter, and my opponents were able to tee off at times. I had a tendency to try and overhit my serves, especially when serving into the wind. The control and consistency was excellent and I could hit my targets with precision, which helped offset the lower power.
-Volleys: Score 82
The racquet felt more powerful up at net than on groundstrokes or serves. Reaction volleys
were easy and accurate. While high mid-court volleys were easy to control, lower approach volleys tended to hit the net. Even though the racquet is lower powered than the previous version, volleys seemed to have a little more penetration than the PD. However that PD has better net clearance, especially on low volleys. I did feel the racquet twist a few times in my hand (off center backhand volley) but generally it was stable enough to handle hard drives and anything at a 4.0 level with ease.
-Serve returns: Score 86
This was the strongest category for this racquet. My consistency on returns was the best with the racquet than any other. It had just the right amount of Power and Control to put the ball wherever I wanted. I could run around my backhand and drive a forehand, or slice a high kick serve low and angled, or drive a backhand down the line. I was never late and the ball never launched. Occasionally I would miss, but correcting was easy and precise.
Overall performance: Score 83
The biggest change is there is not a harsh dead spot in the upper hoop. I'm not sure how they did it, but its not there. Sure, the power drops off, but there's not harsh rock-hard jolt as in a Yonex 100 or Head Speed and/or Radical, or the previous version and the APD. It's more flexible, tighter patterned, and more HL, which equals better control, better feel, faster swinging, and a more usable racquet. Sure it could use a little stiffness and more power, but as is, this is a racquet that I could pick up and play a match at any level and feel comfortable with. When I prefer this one over the previous version since I am able to pick it up and play with less concentration and effort. WIth the previous version, I had to make sure that my strings were fresh and no longer than a couple of days old, or the balls would fly. Only racquets with a stiffness rating over 69 will have more power than this one.
It has more control than the PD and about almost twice that depth control as the Dunlop FX500, SX300, and the previous version. It gets better when the strings loosen up.
It has more power than the all Head racquets, all Blades, about equal in power to the Ultra 100.
All in all, this is just about the best combination of power, control, flex, stability, and maneuverability of any 100" racquet available.
With all that said, adding just a little bit of weight transforms this one into one of the best playing 100" racquets available today. I added about 3 grams at 12 and the performance increased exponentially, without becoming too sluggish. Control increased slightly, but power and stability increased sharply. There's a reason, Nadal is able to blow opponents off the court with this one (or one almost like it).
Chezbeeno
Professional
Well, I had a brief side-by-side hit on a ball machinre with the PA and the Extreme MP, and I feel like the Extreme hits they way some folks are saying the PA hits with lead added to the top of the hoop. It just swings through the ball a little cleaner. It feels like the swing weight on my PA is closer to 318-320, and the EMP is closer to 324, and it's a positive difference. The good news is that you can always add weight to the PA as necessary.
I don't want to spend a ton of time posting in this thread about the Extreme, since it is a playtest, but if anyone has some specific questions I can field them here or in a dm.
I don't want to spend a ton of time posting in this thread about the Extreme, since it is a playtest, but if anyone has some specific questions I can field them here or in a dm.
Addxyz
Hall of Fame
What was your final SW? 3g at 12 is around +12SW...
TennisHound
Legend
I’m not sure. I put 2x3”x1/4 strips at 12.
Thats 6" of 1/4 lead tape? That's 1.5g, not 3g.
TennisHound
Legend
Yikes. I just put it on my scale before I put it on and thought it was close to 3 grams.
Was it with the backing off? And was it a more sensitive scale (like a 0-100g jewelry scale)?
If it really was 3g, that's the thickest lead tape I've ever heard of. I guess it's possible but I've never seen it
TennisHound
Legend
My bad, it’s only about 1.5 grams. Good thing I listed the lead tape measurements.
So 1.5g goes a long way on this one in making it playable.
@Soundbyte and @TennisHound - It's important to mention the density of tape your using -- I have 1/4"-wide tape that is .25g/inch and also .5g/inch (the .5g/inch tape being slightly thicker height-wise off the frame). So just saying "____ many inches" alone doesn't paint the full picture. I know that's being extra picky, but including that info make it clear as to exactly what's on the racquet.
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TennisHound
Legend
While it’s important to put out the right information on these playtests it’s also important to put in time hitting and experimenting and not get too far into the weeds on “micro” exact numbers. Soundbyte was good to correct me on the weight, however, most 1/4” lead tape (I used Tourna) bought at TW or a tennis store is fairly standard. With this frame, less is more imo.
Just curious which brand of 1/4" lead tape you have that is 0.5g/in? I haven't come across it. And I've used most every tennis brand version as well as rolls of 3m lead tape.
But I agree with you 100%. It bothers me especially some YouTubers who so racket reviews and say "I added 9 inches of lead tape" without mentioning thickness, location, and obvious the mass of the lead.
TennisHound
Legend
@Soundbyte @Trip , what is your experience with this frame and where did you add weight to it? What brand of lead tape, and what were your specs when done? Did you add a different grip/ silicone in handle? How much time hitting with it?
What about strings? Imo, I think a guy poly hybrid would be good to liven up the feel. Volkl has a gut/poly that I plan to string it up with.
Also, how would you compare this to the APD? Thanks
What about strings? Imo, I think a guy poly hybrid would be good to liven up the feel. Volkl has a gut/poly that I plan to string it up with.
Also, how would you compare this to the APD? Thanks
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@Soundbyte - .5g/inch lead (Amazon) and .25g/inch lead (Amazon)
@TennisHound - Very true. I've had about 6 hours on the frame so far, and haven't monkeyed with any frame lead, yet, though I have added 5g to the butt cap. Not sure how I feel on that move without some counter-weight on the tip, so I may add 1 or 2g at 12, probably with .25g/inch tape tape, but we'll see. Most importantly, as you said, is to just get out and hit more.
@TennisHound - Very true. I've had about 6 hours on the frame so far, and haven't monkeyed with any frame lead, yet, though I have added 5g to the butt cap. Not sure how I feel on that move without some counter-weight on the tip, so I may add 1 or 2g at 12, probably with .25g/inch tape tape, but we'll see. Most importantly, as you said, is to just get out and hit more.
@TennisHound - other than an Supergrap OG, I haven't added any weight yet. From my hitting sessions, I do feel I may add 1-3g near 12 to up the SW to about 330 (it's 320 strung stock now per my SW1). When I do that, I may add some putty in the trapdoor for counterbalancing. I'll have to check the balance on my frames stock, because so far I've been enjoying it.
I've also always been a full poly user. Multis just seem to fly on me, with the exception of old school low power frames. I've been using Big Hitter Black at 48 to start on all my frames. I have a number of other polys that I'll try, including S7T, mayami tour hex, confidential, etc.
@Trip - thanks for the link. That's the only 0.5g/inch 1/4" Ive ever seen. Never heard of Summer House brand. But granted, I haven't searched for lead tape in awhile, let alone on Amazon.
I've also always been a full poly user. Multis just seem to fly on me, with the exception of old school low power frames. I've been using Big Hitter Black at 48 to start on all my frames. I have a number of other polys that I'll try, including S7T, mayami tour hex, confidential, etc.
@Trip - thanks for the link. That's the only 0.5g/inch 1/4" Ive ever seen. Never heard of Summer House brand. But granted, I haven't searched for lead tape in awhile, let alone on Amazon.
TennisHound
Legend
Wow, I didn’t even know there were different thicknesses to basic lead tape.
if we want to get really silly obsessive compulsive, i've found that the Summerhouse lead tape sold on Amzn tends to be roughly half a gram heavier per 4 inches compared to the Tourna lead tape, lol
@tomato123 +100 nerd points. Probably a combo of ever-so-slightly thicker lead and/or backing adhesive.
Probably a combo of ever-so-slightly thicker lead and/or backing adhesive.
marceloriosfan
Rookie
if we want to get really silly obsessive compulsive, i've found that the Summerhouse lead tape sold on Amzn tends to be roughly half a gram heavier per 4 inches compared to the Tourna lead tape, lol
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