palmerop
Rookie
See Ana konjuh, 2013 junior us and aus open champion... She was no 1 in the play community earlier...
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Drive PLAY
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anubis
Hall of Fame
Another bug. Just had a hitting session/lesson with a teaching pro. Connected the racquet, selected "download sessions" logged in and it didn't capture the data.
I think from now on I'm going to copy off the files onto my computer, just in case it screws up like this. for some reason, it "moves" the files, so if it screws up, you lose the data.
I would suggest to the developers to either NOT move the files during transfer, or at least give the option:
"Download sessions: would you like to keep the data in the racquet? [ ] Yes [ ] No"
then if it screws up, you don't lose your data.
I think from now on I'm going to copy off the files onto my computer, just in case it screws up like this. for some reason, it "moves" the files, so if it screws up, you lose the data.
I would suggest to the developers to either NOT move the files during transfer, or at least give the option:
"Download sessions: would you like to keep the data in the racquet? [ ] Yes [ ] No"
then if it screws up, you don't lose your data.
djNEiGht
Legend
This past weekend I put in a good number of hours on the court. Had x3 doubles matches, x2 singles, and then 1/2 hour of drills. I ended up only having x3 sessions logged even if I pressed the button to separate my sessions. I'll prob just turn my racquet on and off between sets.
palmerop
Rookie
It'd be good to know whether it was really her in the play community. She recently beat Roberta Vinci in Auckland.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
Ana was in Lyon with us a couple weeks ago and we had her record some sessions to test it out.
palmerop
Rookie
Thanks for letting us know! I think it's really great that Babolat is sharing this information about the pros with the Play community. Is any pro going to switch to the Play racquet? It shouldn't be too difficult as quite a few of them play the PD...
palmerop
Rookie
I think it would make more sense if your endurance started declining first, not your technique. Does anybody else agree with me?
djNEiGht
Legend
I probably got that email about my endurance as well...I clicked on the link and it appears to have taken me to the BETA version.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
We're working on a couple and it is a goal. Some players are reluctant to have their data published, stats from matches, etc. But we're working on it.
As with Konjuh, you may start to notice some familiar names popping up in the global ranks.
You might find it interesting...the #1 & #2 rankings currently belongs to two of the top US juniors.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
For those keeping score at home, I'm at #14 in the global rank. I'm coming for you.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
if you have not hit a ball for 10 seconds and then make an overhead/serve motion, it registers as a serve. More of an issue in doubles.
djNEiGht
Legend
palmerop
Rookie
Mmm.... I check the ranking regularly... I'm guessing you created a non-public profile, played enough to rack up enough pulse to brag about and only then went public. Am I wrong?
travlerajm
Talk Tennis Guru
Tennis background: 4.5-5.0 NTRP
Playing Style: All court
Current Racquet: Wilson BLX Blade 98, Modified to 366 SW.
Current String: Ashaway Kevlar 18 / Monogut ZX 16, Pre-stretched 66/46 lbs.
How many hours did you play with the racquet: Approximately 10h.
How easy was the racquet to use (turning on/off, syncing with app)?: Unfortunately, I have encountered multiple bugs, and have not been successful in transferring my playing sessions. It appears to be a software issue. The racquet synchronizes ok, but then when I try to view sessions, I receive a message: "Oh Dear. You have no session! Time to play!" I have tried numerous times to troubleshoot without success. Initially, I thought maybe the sessions were not being logged to begin with. However, I can tell that there are log files on the racquet disk, so I think it is a different problem. It appears that the logged sessions are not being recognized? I have tried it both on mac and on PC, but had same issue.
Other issues: I think the log-in system is cumbersome (having to log in on both the Connect site as well as the Play software). If the users are not matched, I get a choice: Either delete all data or cancel the Synch. Shouldn't I be allowed to continue and download the data on the racquet? This seems like a major software oversight.
Also, there seemed to be some glitches in the log-in system. The Play appllication was unable to operate correctly when I used a slow wireless connection - but it worked fine on my higher speed cable connection. I'm not sure why.
Overall - not being able to successfully use the racquet has been frustrating. My email inquiry to Babolat on the issue was unreturned. And unfortunately, the time I have for dealing with this is limited to outside Babolat's business hours (evenings and weekends), so I haven't had a chance to call for customer support.
Edit: I finally got around to updating my iPhone from iOS5 to iOS7. I was able to successfully use the Babolat Play app on the phone. That is, until I encountered another bug. After I validated a second session, the program crashed when I got to the "Technique Score: 100%" screen.
How did the racquet play (if you have used a Pure Drive in the past, did it play similarly)?: It played similar to previous Pure Drives. But I had never used the Pure Drive as my regular racquet before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed playing the racquet. Initially, it was way too light in stock form (hurt my elbow). But after I added 6g just under the cortex, and another 8g at 10 and 2, I really liked the way it played. I was able to adjust to the balance well on all strokes, and with the added lead, it had enough plowthrough for me.
I didn't like the slippery smooth surface though, because the glue of lead tape didn't stick to it. I needed to wrap the lead at 10&2 around the frame in a ring configuration to keep it from flying off.
I usually prefer more spin-friendly string setups, but i was surprised that I enjoyed the Babolat Excel string. It gave me excellent predictability of shot response, which more than offset the tempered spin. I could use this racquet as I had it set up and feel comfortable competing with it, even though it was still much lighter than my usual setup.
How easy was the app to use?: Seems to get hung up at times and crash for me. But other than that, it's ok.
What did you like about the app?: I liked being able to discover that I tend to hit my forehands nearer the top edge but my 2hbs nearer the bottom edge. Since it took me so long to finally access the functionality, I haven't had much time to experiment yet.
What did you dislike about the app?: Still can't get it to work on my PC or Mac - only seems to work on my iPhone.
Was there anything you thought was missing?:
I'd like to know more about how "Technique Score" and Power Level are measured and defined. For me, it's a little too "black box." If my Technique Score is already 100%, how am I supposed to improve my technique?
With power level, what's being measured? Is it the impulse from the ball on the strings? Or is it the deceleration of the frame using an accelerometer? If it's the latter, then for me, it would be essential to have a way to input the mass, balance, and SW so that the software can compensate for lead customization.
I'd like to have an option to designate for wall sessions.
Is there a way to estimate ball rpm?
How does the racquet tell which is a 1st serve and which is a second?
It seems like the racquet is tracking the swing path, but only reporting a minimal subset of the data. It would be great for the app to be able to graphically represent the swing path viewed in multiple dimensions. This would be almost like videoing your swing, which would be really cool. I challenge Babolat to work on this potential feature.
How did you use the data you received from the app?:
So far, the app is fun for tracking my shots, but it's very raw and not super practical yet. It seems like the app is just scratching the surface for what could be measured with the technology embedded in the frame. I eagerly look forward to more advanced versions of this.
I also really want the racquet to be able to tell me how different weightings are affecting ball response -I think this would be possible with some slick programming.
Eventually, when the swing tracing features and shot tracking features get refined enough, I think Babolat will have itself a revolutionary product. Seems like the hardware is probably already advanced enough that there is enormous potential.
Playing Style: All court
Current Racquet: Wilson BLX Blade 98, Modified to 366 SW.
Current String: Ashaway Kevlar 18 / Monogut ZX 16, Pre-stretched 66/46 lbs.
How many hours did you play with the racquet: Approximately 10h.
How easy was the racquet to use (turning on/off, syncing with app)?: Unfortunately, I have encountered multiple bugs, and have not been successful in transferring my playing sessions. It appears to be a software issue. The racquet synchronizes ok, but then when I try to view sessions, I receive a message: "Oh Dear. You have no session! Time to play!" I have tried numerous times to troubleshoot without success. Initially, I thought maybe the sessions were not being logged to begin with. However, I can tell that there are log files on the racquet disk, so I think it is a different problem. It appears that the logged sessions are not being recognized? I have tried it both on mac and on PC, but had same issue.
Other issues: I think the log-in system is cumbersome (having to log in on both the Connect site as well as the Play software). If the users are not matched, I get a choice: Either delete all data or cancel the Synch. Shouldn't I be allowed to continue and download the data on the racquet? This seems like a major software oversight.
Also, there seemed to be some glitches in the log-in system. The Play appllication was unable to operate correctly when I used a slow wireless connection - but it worked fine on my higher speed cable connection. I'm not sure why.
Overall - not being able to successfully use the racquet has been frustrating. My email inquiry to Babolat on the issue was unreturned. And unfortunately, the time I have for dealing with this is limited to outside Babolat's business hours (evenings and weekends), so I haven't had a chance to call for customer support.
Edit: I finally got around to updating my iPhone from iOS5 to iOS7. I was able to successfully use the Babolat Play app on the phone. That is, until I encountered another bug. After I validated a second session, the program crashed when I got to the "Technique Score: 100%" screen.
How did the racquet play (if you have used a Pure Drive in the past, did it play similarly)?: It played similar to previous Pure Drives. But I had never used the Pure Drive as my regular racquet before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed playing the racquet. Initially, it was way too light in stock form (hurt my elbow). But after I added 6g just under the cortex, and another 8g at 10 and 2, I really liked the way it played. I was able to adjust to the balance well on all strokes, and with the added lead, it had enough plowthrough for me.
I didn't like the slippery smooth surface though, because the glue of lead tape didn't stick to it. I needed to wrap the lead at 10&2 around the frame in a ring configuration to keep it from flying off.
I usually prefer more spin-friendly string setups, but i was surprised that I enjoyed the Babolat Excel string. It gave me excellent predictability of shot response, which more than offset the tempered spin. I could use this racquet as I had it set up and feel comfortable competing with it, even though it was still much lighter than my usual setup.
How easy was the app to use?: Seems to get hung up at times and crash for me. But other than that, it's ok.
What did you like about the app?: I liked being able to discover that I tend to hit my forehands nearer the top edge but my 2hbs nearer the bottom edge. Since it took me so long to finally access the functionality, I haven't had much time to experiment yet.
What did you dislike about the app?: Still can't get it to work on my PC or Mac - only seems to work on my iPhone.
Was there anything you thought was missing?:
I'd like to know more about how "Technique Score" and Power Level are measured and defined. For me, it's a little too "black box." If my Technique Score is already 100%, how am I supposed to improve my technique?
With power level, what's being measured? Is it the impulse from the ball on the strings? Or is it the deceleration of the frame using an accelerometer? If it's the latter, then for me, it would be essential to have a way to input the mass, balance, and SW so that the software can compensate for lead customization.
I'd like to have an option to designate for wall sessions.
Is there a way to estimate ball rpm?
How does the racquet tell which is a 1st serve and which is a second?
It seems like the racquet is tracking the swing path, but only reporting a minimal subset of the data. It would be great for the app to be able to graphically represent the swing path viewed in multiple dimensions. This would be almost like videoing your swing, which would be really cool. I challenge Babolat to work on this potential feature.
How did you use the data you received from the app?:
So far, the app is fun for tracking my shots, but it's very raw and not super practical yet. It seems like the app is just scratching the surface for what could be measured with the technology embedded in the frame. I eagerly look forward to more advanced versions of this.
I also really want the racquet to be able to tell me how different weightings are affecting ball response -I think this would be possible with some slick programming.
Eventually, when the swing tracing features and shot tracking features get refined enough, I think Babolat will have itself a revolutionary product. Seems like the hardware is probably already advanced enough that there is enormous potential.
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newyorkstadium
Professional
There is a Q&A thread with a Babolat rep on here. I'd try that. You might be able to get an extension of the demo period. It's called bonjour from babolat.
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Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
stopthewave
New User
Could anyone post your impact locator from your last session or two? Curious to see if anyone else is seeing what I'm seeing since the production update to the test rackets...
palmerop
Rookie
I've got two sets of Cyclone 18 at home, I'll sure do! I have a set of Cyclone Pro too. Getting a Pure Drive FO delivered today to test strings and to keep as backup so I will try it soon enough!
palmerop
Rookie
ilovetennis212
Professional
Will they make different models for babolat play?
djNEiGht
Legend
no worries...i've been geeking out on strings as of late...
dgoran
Hall of Fame
If you are referring to centering your impact zone than yes I believe new firmware corrected the "issue" that would show your impact too far up the stringbed towards 12 o'clock
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
this is correct
I believe Babolat will be coming out with an Aero Pro version at some point. I think I read that somewhere.
Forehand Slice
So, I love the technology, and love the chance to play with this racquet. I'm getting used to it as my main stick.
I'm confused though by the Analyze data I'm getting. It's registering a surprisingly high percentage of forehand slices. I don't hit forehand slices...
Almost always hit topspin, and occasionally return with a flat forehand.
Anyone else seeing feedback data that doesn't jive with your game?
Thank you, BABOLAT!
So, I love the technology, and love the chance to play with this racquet. I'm getting used to it as my main stick.
I'm confused though by the Analyze data I'm getting. It's registering a surprisingly high percentage of forehand slices. I don't hit forehand slices...
Almost always hit topspin, and occasionally return with a flat forehand.
Anyone else seeing feedback data that doesn't jive with your game?
Thank you, BABOLAT!
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
mine has been pretty much spot on.
That would make sense. I forgot that there's no way to differentiate between a forehand ground stroke and a forehand volley.
I do wish there were though. In my doubles matches, it would be nice to see a volley number. It's surely a different stroke than a forehand.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Yes but what is that number for me is waaayyyy out of proportion as I don't serve and volley that much
WhyNotLetItFly
New User
Warning, your Pulse has been idle for the last 3 weeks. Start playing again quickly before your tennis declines even further.
ironicqueery
Rookie
Question/Comment:
In the Community view - it seems like you can only search by name. Is there anything in the works to search by location. It seems pointless right now. And is there anyway to see everyone, rather than the top 20 and then the few around your position?
Also, What does the My Category mean in the community rankings?
any planned updates for firmware or such?
In the Community view - it seems like you can only search by name. Is there anything in the works to search by location. It seems pointless right now. And is there anyway to see everyone, rather than the top 20 and then the few around your position?
Also, What does the My Category mean in the community rankings?
any planned updates for firmware or such?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
just wanted to share this...i wasn't a big fan of how the Pure Drive Play played with Xcel @ 55#. even after i restrung it with full poly (Iontec 1.25) @ 44/46# (measured 47.5# on RacquetTune), i still wasn't enthralled. well fast forward another 2 months. the same Iontec string bed has now dropped to 41# on RacquetTune. What a completely different experience this is now. At tensions this low, the Pure Drive Play is freakin' awesome! doesn't come as a total surprise because I had a similar experience with the APDs. However w/ the stiffer PDP, the tension needed to drop even lower before I found the right feel. makes sense. my APDs have a stiffness between 67 and 69 and i string my polys at 47# and let it settle down to ~43# where it starts to play the best. the PDR has a higher stiffness of 73, so for it to starting feeling good, i needed tension to drop a bit lower for it to start feeling right. and comfort is excellent as well.
so this is what i've discovered - the stiffer the racquet, the lower the tension.
hopefully others will find this to be helpful as well.
i used to hate the feel of Babolats except for the Pure Storms, but i've discovered, the APDs and now the PDs are really awesome sticks, but it's all about finding the right tension. happy hitting.
so this is what i've discovered - the stiffer the racquet, the lower the tension.
hopefully others will find this to be helpful as well.
i used to hate the feel of Babolats except for the Pure Storms, but i've discovered, the APDs and now the PDs are really awesome sticks, but it's all about finding the right tension. happy hitting.
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palmerop
Rookie
I am stringing RPM Blast at 48 and I love the racquet! I'm wondering whether I should try lower tensions given your experience...
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
it depends...your 48# might not be the same as my 48#s. i string on a Babolat electronic constant pull machine while you could be stringing on a crank tensioner machine. also, i use the JayCee method of stringing which results in a higher SBS than the conventional method which my RacquetTune reading confirms.
I found the opposite as you. I had found a sweet spot with my Head Youtek Speed MPs at 40 pounds with my polyester Tourna BHB7.
When I got the Pure Drive Play, I didn't like the trampolining I was feeling with the Xcel strings that were included. I restrung with my Tourna BHB7 at 40 pounds. But it didn't work at all! Way too much power and the trampolining was out of control (literally); however, I liked the dwell time I'd grown accustomed to with the relatively loose polyester. So, I decided to abandon my loose polyester comfort zone and strung it up at 56 pounds with the Tourna BHB7.
Now the trampolining (and the off-putting 'ting' sound) is gone, and I feel a much greater control with the stick. I'd still like to try and find a low tension sweet spot, but that'll be a months-long endeavor.
Do you experience the trampolining? Or the 'ting'?
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
BHB7...Big difference vs the strings i prefer. definitely very different than Iontec
BHB7 is very stretchy to begin with. i would NEVER string up BHB7 at 40# in any open pattern stick. way too low. yeah, i can see it trampolining big time. when i use BHB7, i string in the low 50s. but i don't use it much because it snaps in 3-4 hours.
also what machine are your racquets being strung on? that's another big factor.
BHB7...Big difference vs the strings i prefer. definitely very different than Iontec
when i use BHB7, i string in the low 50s. but i don't use it much because it snaps in 3-4 hours.
also what machine are your racquets being strung on? that's another big factor.
I string on a VERY old Ektelon Model DE with the H upgrade (lock out).
As I stated, I had grown very comfortable with my BHB7 at 40 in my Head Youtek Speed MP 16x19 sticks (with lead added to get the mass up to about 360g).
I'll keep experimenting with tensions, and strings to find a favorite in the new PD Play.
"WARNING: Your Pulse has nearly stopped beating.
You've just lost 5% of your Skills. Start playing again quickly before your tennis declines even further."
Why do I keep getting these emails? I connect to my bluetooth and phone app at least twice a week. Does the Pulse only count if I use my PC?
Or, is this because I have a double registration out there as part of the beta app test group and the current production app user group?
Help...my pulse is already low enough given my skills, I don't need any other decline!
You've just lost 5% of your Skills. Start playing again quickly before your tennis declines even further."
Why do I keep getting these emails? I connect to my bluetooth and phone app at least twice a week. Does the Pulse only count if I use my PC?
Or, is this because I have a double registration out there as part of the beta app test group and the current production app user group?
Help...my pulse is already low enough given my skills, I don't need any other decline!
palmerop
Rookie
Yes I think these messages are coming from the "old", beta testing server. I get them as well and I'm playing 6 hours per week.
Interesting article. I was going thru the old Play threads and enjoyed the read.
mad dog1
G.O.A.T.
i haven't been using the Play features, but i've been using the PD more recently since i discovered how much better it performs w/ full poly @ 40#s. with this setup, the stick is just amazingly good.
Babolat Official
Hall of Fame
I wonder if others have grown weary of the gimmick of shot feedback?[/QUOTE]
It's not for everyone. As with any new technology, some like it and continue to use, some don't.
From the back end data: of the 3,000+ account we have, Babolat Play users are currently recording 1500 practices a day and 250 matches a day.
It's not for everyone. As with any new technology, some like it and continue to use, some don't.
From the back end data: of the 3,000+ account we have, Babolat Play users are currently recording 1500 practices a day and 250 matches a day.
