Babolat Play Pure Drive Review
Tennis background: Teaching Pro, High School Coach, 4.5-5.0 NTRP
Playing Style: All court
Current Racquet: Prince EXO3 Rebel 95 (2012)
Current Sting: Solinco Tour Bite 18/Prince Premier Attack 17
How many hours did you play with the racquet: I only got in a total 2 hours with the racquet. However, these hours were broken into several difficult training sessions and matches. I would have liked to gotten in more time. The main issue, which was my fault, was that I was under the impression that the frame wouldn't store multiple seasons between syncing: I thought that I needed to upload immediately after each session, or I would love my data. So, for the entire period between the test app going offline to the release of the final app, I didn't play with the Pure Drive. Now, I realize that was stupid.
How easy was the racquet to use (turning on/off, syncing with app)?: For the most part, I did not have any issues with the hardware. After the release of the final app, I wasn't able to sync the racquet because I needed a firmware update. I then plugged the racquet into my computer for the update, and I was able to sync my sessions from there. I have received a few error messages, but syncing, from that point on, has been fine.
I did have an issue with the buttcap opening while hitting backhands, since my hand hangs slightly off the bottom of the handle.
How did the racquet play (if you have used a Pure Drive in the past, did it play similarly)?: I have limited experience with Pure Drives, as the frame is out of my preferred spec range. I felt the frame played pretty similarly. While playing with the Pure Drive, I noted why so many people like it, especially on serves.
How easy was the app to use?: I think the app is pretty easy to use, especially after a couple of sessions. There are a few things that are not quite as intuitive as I would like. For example, in "Analyze" section, clicking on "Forehand" or "Backhand" takes you to a more specific breakdown of the shot, including the number of topspin, flat, and slice strokes, and the spin level overall in each category. I think the information is excellent, but that many users that are unaware of the feature might miss it, as it is not very obvious that each stroke breakdown can be selected. I'm not sure the best way to remedy this, but I feel like it is a little hidden.
What did you like about the app?: It's polished and very aesthetically pleasing. The information it offers is pretty awesome. I think the whole "achievement" aspect of the app is a great way to motivate players to keep playing and improving. The community component is a great idea as well. I think those 2 features will keep the Play racquets in players hands. Otherwise, people might get bored with the analytics.
What did you dislike about the app?: Besides the few bugs I encountered early on, not much. I did experience a couple of crashes while syncing my racquet yesterday, but I didn't lose any data. I'm sure these issues will be resolved with a couple of software updates/patches.
Was there anything you thought was missing?: Many people have said they'd like to see to geo-location...I have to agree. Players could find other players in the area that have given Babolat permission to post their locations. I think it could be a great way to drive people to clubs/or Babolat dealers/pro shops.
I would also like to see a tag-along app for coaches to track/chart matches. After a match is over, Babolat could sync the data from each app to create a more accurate map of a match. Based on either a starting/ending time stamp, or with a stroke count, instead of only getting total number of shots, you could get more specific data. For example, you could see exactly when you record breaking forehand happened in the match, if it went over the net, where it landed in the court, and if it was a winner or forced an error. The coaches app could simply be a tennis court, and once a player was assigned to a side, the coach could tap on the location of each stroke. Once a point was over, the coach could enter how the point ended (unforced error, forced error, winner, or let). As a coach, I would love to see this. I would be happy to consult on the project, Babolat (Daniel, please take notice
).
How did you use the data you received from the app?: I tried to test the the product in different ways. One session included trying to hit record power levels. The result was not as consistent as I would have liked on the impact locater (though my power score went up). The following session, I focused on smooth and efficient technique. Afterward, while checking the app, the impact locater results were greatly improved. I think this aspect of the app, though simply, is incredibly useful.
PS - Once this product is released in a Control or Strike, I might have to buy one. I really enjoyed this test, and I think the product has huge potential. Nice work, Babolat. Thanks to both Babolat and Tennis Warehouse for the opportunity. I'm happy to answer any other questions in the future if need be.