TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Is there anyway to get on that Playtest? I'd love to be one of the people to give an honest review of this new frame.
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Strike 100
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
appdach96
Rookie
I haven’t received a notification that the racket has been shipped, should we get one?? Just concerned about it getting here, getting it strung and having a thorough review by 6/28 when it’s already 6/8...I live on the east coast so not sure how long it will take for it to arrive.
Thanks!
Thanks!
djkahn86
Rookie
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
Well, here are some pics for those interested
jonestim
Hall of Fame
Interesting that it comes with the Syntec Team grip. I have only used Syntec Pro and Skin Feel.
"This Babolat Syntec Team grip is a perfect hybrid between the Syntec Lite and the Skin Feel grips. This 1.5mm model will bring you a maximum amount of finesse and is very light (12g)."
"This Babolat Syntec Team grip is a perfect hybrid between the Syntec Lite and the Skin Feel grips. This 1.5mm model will bring you a maximum amount of finesse and is very light (12g)."
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
Just strung up the racquet w/ RPM Blast Rough 17 provided by TW.
haqq777
Legend
Looks pretty slick with red strings. Would love your initial impressions after first hit. Mine arrives Friday as per UPS. Also is it just the photos or is it really very open pattern even with 8 mains in throat? Interesting.Just strung up the racquet w/ RPM Blast Rough 17 provided by TW.
jonestim
Hall of Fame
Mine is showing up today. I play at 6 so i’m hoping it gets delivered in time for me to string it. I am probably going to use Tour Bite 17 in it as that’s what I have been playing most with lately. I really liked RPM Rough last time I used it (a couple years ago), but want to stick with something I am more familiar with so I can get a feel for what is the racquet vs string. I go as high as 52 lb in my Warrior 100s and as low as 42 in my Phantom 100p. I will probably start out in the middle of that for the first hit.
bleno567
Professional
What tension are you stringing at?Just strung up the racquet w/ RPM Blast Rough 17 provided by TW.
TW Staff
Administrator
@appdach96,
You will only get a notification if you are signed up to receive notifications through UPS. Your racquet was shipped out on Monday and estimated to arrive on Friday.
Thanks,
Brittany, TW
You will only get a notification if you are signed up to receive notifications through UPS. Your racquet was shipped out on Monday and estimated to arrive on Friday.
Thanks,
Brittany, TW
appdach96
Rookie
Thank you! Normally I do get them, maybe I changed something and don’t remember, lol. Thanks! Appreciate you looking into it for me.
Thanks again,
Katie
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
Without the benefit of an RDC machine and just based on feel, swing weight feels low, which I’m not surprised about. Very light feeling and fast swinging.
Although I have played extensively with the Strike line over the years, I’ve never hit with the 100 version. I was on the original (’14) Strike 18x20 playtest, which I think was the first ever TW board playtest. Also had a Strike 16x19 and Strike Tour in my bag, but settled on the 18x20 w/ weight added as my primary stick and used that for about 4 years before switching to the Pure Aero Tour. Even then, I hit with the Strike (’17) 16x19 and 18x20 for a bit and had the PO17 16x19 in my bag for over a year. I just recently switched to the current Pure Aero (standard) and am playing it stock.
Initial quick impressions are that this new Strike 100 plays and swings lighter than all of those sticks. It’s got less pop and plow than those other sticks. My hitting partner immediately noticed a bit of a drop in my power level, which I expected. The stability is actually better than I expected, but still less than all of those other sticks. Spin is comparable to the PO17, and quite a bit below the Aeros.
All that said, I went into this playtest expecting all of above and am looking at the Strike 100 as a platform racquet, not to play it in stock form (although the full writeup review I’ll give will be primarily based on on how it plays in stock form). Much of issues above can be addressed thru some added weight and string adjustment.
I was a little concerned at the unstrung RA being high, but the racquet actually feels quite comfortable to me and not that jarring, even on shots outside the sweet spot. I tend to hit in the upper portion of stringbed, and there does seem to be quite a bit of a drop off in power there and some shots just died. That said, never felt anything particularly harsh.
I went in with pretty low expectations, but after just a couple minutes I actually commented to my hitting partner that it plays and feels pretty nice and better than I expected in stock form. I think with some modifications, I can get some good things out of the stick.
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
50, which is at the low end of the recommended tension range. I usually string low anyway. Also, I went into the playtest expecting the racquet to be on the lower side of power with a lower swingweight. I normally use Hyper G, but decided to put the RPM Rough set that TW provided just for purely aesthetics, as I'm not a fan of RPM Rough. The red goes well with the Strike paint job.
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
It's fairly open, but not that much so. There are much more open 16x19 patterns out there. It's certainly not as open as the pattern on the Pure Aeros. Spin generation does't seem all that different to me with this Strike 100 compared to PO17.
bleno567
Professional
Interesting. I play with the POG LB, and I just got a '17 strike 100 extended at Bosworth. I'm planning on stringing it up close to 60, maybe 58, with hyper G when I get it.
haqq777
Legend
Great initial impressions and good to hear from someone with extensive experience with PS line. I am expecting similar feedback on mine given the specs of this frame. We shall see once I have mine in hand.
I do have access to RDC through my pro shop so I will post exact specs of mine in my review.
jonestim
Hall of Fame
I received mine yesterday. Weight was close to spec - (298g unstrung vs 300). All dolled up with Tour Bite 17 (@47lb), overgrip and dampener it came in at 322g. The last couple years I have been playing heavier than that (330g up to 353g), but that's quite close to what I used for a long time (325g).
I strung it up and was at the courts an hour later and played 4 sets of doubles, then hit for one set of singles at lunch today.
Quick thoughts:
- Pretty stable for it's weight.
- Low launch angle. Center 6 mains are tighter than on my Phantom 100. Ball comes off noticeably lower, which was really good returning chip and charge style in doubles.
- No discomfort issues. Only 3 hrs in, but it's pretty good on this front.
- Serves are not super powerful, but quite effective. I had high percentage and good targeting. In 5 sets I only was broken once, and that was more due to my back flaring up at the end of the night (I'm nursing a 2 week old injury).
- Returns were nice and low and I was quite successful to the frustration of my opponents. With other racquets I do hit more topspin returns on seconds, but I was doing so well keeping it slice that I ran with it.
- Volleys were powerful and precise, without as much touch as usually get with my softer/heavier racquets. I felt super comfortable poaching, which isn't my usual forte.
- Groundstrokes were good, but I didn't hit enough of them compared to normal to really opine on the subject.
TLDR: (Too Long Didn't Read)
I like it more than I though I would. Will probably use it as my main racquet in a tournament next weekend.
I strung it up and was at the courts an hour later and played 4 sets of doubles, then hit for one set of singles at lunch today.
Quick thoughts:
- Pretty stable for it's weight.
- Low launch angle. Center 6 mains are tighter than on my Phantom 100. Ball comes off noticeably lower, which was really good returning chip and charge style in doubles.
- No discomfort issues. Only 3 hrs in, but it's pretty good on this front.
- Serves are not super powerful, but quite effective. I had high percentage and good targeting. In 5 sets I only was broken once, and that was more due to my back flaring up at the end of the night (I'm nursing a 2 week old injury).
- Returns were nice and low and I was quite successful to the frustration of my opponents. With other racquets I do hit more topspin returns on seconds, but I was doing so well keeping it slice that I ran with it.
- Volleys were powerful and precise, without as much touch as usually get with my softer/heavier racquets. I felt super comfortable poaching, which isn't my usual forte.
- Groundstrokes were good, but I didn't hit enough of them compared to normal to really opine on the subject.
TLDR: (Too Long Didn't Read)
I like it more than I though I would. Will probably use it as my main racquet in a tournament next weekend.
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
I'm noticing the black and red paint (for the letters and the stripes) are chipping very easily around the grommets, revealing the white paint underneath.
After a bit more time with the racquet, I'm getting more dialed in and am hitting very consistently with the frame in stock form, as I can cuts at the ball and it's not going to fly. Excellent directional and depth control on my shots. Power level has actually increased on groundies a little as well, or the perception more power, although I'm guessing that's more due to the RPM Blast Rough dropping tension. Still think the racquet could benefit quite a bit from weight.
I actually enjoyed volleying with this stick more than anything else at this point because it's fast and maneuverable, and provided I'm making clean contact and hitting within the sweetspot, the volleys have some punch and skid thru the court nicely. Although I feel it's a bit underpowered on groundies, I'm actually generating some good heat on serves just due to the racquet being so fast to swing and I can really accelerate the racquet head through contact on the serve. Still doesn't serve as big as my Aeros though.
After a bit more time with the racquet, I'm getting more dialed in and am hitting very consistently with the frame in stock form, as I can cuts at the ball and it's not going to fly. Excellent directional and depth control on my shots. Power level has actually increased on groundies a little as well, or the perception more power, although I'm guessing that's more due to the RPM Blast Rough dropping tension. Still think the racquet could benefit quite a bit from weight.
I actually enjoyed volleying with this stick more than anything else at this point because it's fast and maneuverable, and provided I'm making clean contact and hitting within the sweetspot, the volleys have some punch and skid thru the court nicely. Although I feel it's a bit underpowered on groundies, I'm actually generating some good heat on serves just due to the racquet being so fast to swing and I can really accelerate the racquet head through contact on the serve. Still doesn't serve as big as my Aeros though.
haqq777
Legend
Test racquet arrived yesterday evening. Had it strung up in the morning and I was on the court today for a couple of hours of some drills, rallying a bit, and then a 10 point breaker. Hit with a junior in local college team who will be in the starting line up next season, probably #4 or #5.
First thing I noticed off course was how light and fast through the air it was. My timing was off on almost every stroke but I am sure I can groove back into that. Nothing really stood out so far. I did make some mental notes about the playability which I will put down in my full review. Stability was ok, but it did flutter at times. Twisted a ton on serve returns as well. I will be testing it stock but it can benefit from just a tad bit of weight for sure. Comfort was good, nothing jarring and no brassy feel.
Oh and I noted specs on Babolat RDC unstrung and strung with over grip. Pretty much on spec. Will include all of that in my review as well. To give an idea, swing weight strung with 17G poly (RS Lyon) was 313. Makes sense. Racquet swings very light.
First thing I noticed off course was how light and fast through the air it was. My timing was off on almost every stroke but I am sure I can groove back into that. Nothing really stood out so far. I did make some mental notes about the playability which I will put down in my full review. Stability was ok, but it did flutter at times. Twisted a ton on serve returns as well. I will be testing it stock but it can benefit from just a tad bit of weight for sure. Comfort was good, nothing jarring and no brassy feel.
Oh and I noted specs on Babolat RDC unstrung and strung with over grip. Pretty much on spec. Will include all of that in my review as well. To give an idea, swing weight strung with 17G poly (RS Lyon) was 313. Makes sense. Racquet swings very light.
Just wish more testers would setup the racquets with higher tensions that more use, specifically big hitters. Oh well seems that TW picks it’s testers based on some weird criteria that includes sending the same people high end items. I’ll say the play tests are useless to someone that swings hard and uses high tensions and premium string. It’s great for folks on a budget using low tensions to give themselves power but that’s not what this racquet is for. It’s for people that can generate power and want control.
Let’s hope one person does that
Let’s hope one person does that
Faris
Professional
Trend these days is low to mid tension. I don't know of anyone who uses higher then 60 pounds. Most club level players I know of hover around 50 pounds to 55 pounds which is pretty middle of the road. Sure that is just my experience and yours might be different but why the frustration?
Also TW sends its test racquets to people who have demonstrated they will do justice to the playtest. Tons of people apply to playtests and you have to build up your reputation before you can be selected for racquets. I haven't been selected to even one playtest yet and yet I definitely benefit from feedback of testers here. One of the testers atleast in this playtest is a former college player so yeah, you will have big hitters in playtest too. Don't be salty if you didn't get picked because that is how your post is coming off as.
And the PS100 isn't necessarily a control racquet in my experience like you are saying. I have used previous gen one and it actually lacks control compared to say Speed MP or TT100P. I would say it is more of a tweener than a control. But that is what this playtest is for! So everyone can give feedback and we can figure out where this lands.
TennisHound
Legend
Not at all I’m waiting for the new blade to try. I have zero interest in a 100 after hitting with it. I want to wait for the 98. Really not a bab fan even though I’ve been hitting with a 2014 PS. The 2015 blade is what I love but can’t find for reasonable.
And just lol on the tension trends and the PS not being a control racquet. That’s my point about the testers. It’s like their testers. They all say the same thing on a 74 overall racquet as they do for a 89 and Michelle will always pick her RF97. I make the opposite choices if the iso cream 23 Lb tension crowd as they slice their way through the 3.5-4.0 leagues. Hahahahaa
And just lol on the tension trends and the PS not being a control racquet. That’s my point about the testers. It’s like their testers. They all say the same thing on a 74 overall racquet as they do for a 89 and Michelle will always pick her RF97. I make the opposite choices if the iso cream 23 Lb tension crowd as they slice their way through the 3.5-4.0 leagues. Hahahahaa
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Not sure what @ J B is trying to convey. I think most of us here have either college level experiences, or have been dedicated tennis enthusiasts most of our lives. We may not be all 5.5, or above, but most us can hold our own on the courts and know a bit about the gears we choose to use.
I would like to hear different tensions used, as well as having different style of players reviewing the frame. This playtest isn’t just for the advanced players. That’s what makes it interesting.
I would like to hear different tensions used, as well as having different style of players reviewing the frame. This playtest isn’t just for the advanced players. That’s what makes it interesting.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I'd like to hear more talk about the comfort level of this new frame as compared to the 2017 version. We all pretty much agree that the previous model was just way to stiff and jarring feeling which caused a large number of players to develop sore wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Just for the record... I'm really not interested in this 100 inch frame at all. It's too light and doesn't offer much plow and stability. It also lacks control imo because of the large head size. I'm waiting for the 98 to come out. That's the one that interests me. It's a little heavier and definitely offers more control due to the smaller head size.
But as far as comfort is concerned. The layup in both frames are the same so I'm assuming the comfort level would be pretty similar.
Just for the record... I'm really not interested in this 100 inch frame at all. It's too light and doesn't offer much plow and stability. It also lacks control imo because of the large head size. I'm waiting for the 98 to come out. That's the one that interests me. It's a little heavier and definitely offers more control due to the smaller head size.
But as far as comfort is concerned. The layup in both frames are the same so I'm assuming the comfort level would be pretty similar.
kvan
Semi-Pro
Some shots from the unboxing... Click the images for a higher quality version if you want to read the image text, make one of these your screensaver, etc. 
The plastic wrap with Strike promo:
The racquet:
Interesting grommets:
Specs:
Will update with more info as I get more time with the frame. The stick looks sharper in person!
The plastic wrap with Strike promo:
The racquet:
Interesting grommets:
Specs:
Will update with more info as I get more time with the frame. The stick looks sharper in person!
TennisHound
Legend
X2, I like the new graphics
n8dawg6
Legend
this has been my issue with the last two generations of the PS 100 ... SW too low. sub-320 SW with a full bed of poly aint gonna cut it. oh well ...
I finally got out today to try this racket. I strung it up with head hawk touch at 59 lbs and hit a couple hours.
It is a solid racket. High launch angle but very easy to generate spin. Kick serves were a breeze, jumping off the court. However I really struggled with control. Even at the top end of the recommended tension, I felt like I needed 5lbs more, or maybe a 15 guage string. My arm is sensitive to setups, but I never felt like this was too stiff. Looking forward to playing a couple matches with it over the next weeks.
It is a solid racket. High launch angle but very easy to generate spin. Kick serves were a breeze, jumping off the court. However I really struggled with control. Even at the top end of the recommended tension, I felt like I needed 5lbs more, or maybe a 15 guage string. My arm is sensitive to setups, but I never felt like this was too stiff. Looking forward to playing a couple matches with it over the next weeks.
haqq777
Legend
Yeah, definitely need good RHS for this one if you want to hit heavy in stock form otherwise you just have a racquet that has no plow and balls land very short. The kid I was hitting with tried it and had zero issues but he plays with some 100 Yonex which isn't heavy SW anyway. He liked it. Just a matter of getting used to. Would recommend weight in the hoop for those used to higher SW for sure.
Shangri La
Hall of Fame
So is this playtest Pure strike the one promoted in this video?
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TennisHound
Legend
It sounds like the first gen Pure Strike 100
haqq777
Legend
Well in stock form, this one is definitely more torsionally stable, and feel is much better. Plays smoother. Does not vibrate like a tuning fork either. I remember the 2014 PS 100 fluttered on off-center balls a lot and buzzed like crazy.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
They didn't tell us anything about the layup of the frame and how it compares to the older version. All they talked about was the color of the racket and what "white" meant to them.
I hate when people do that crap. Tell you nothing about the product and expect you to purchase it based on what it looks like. Typical sales dept.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
The review wasn't very impressive.
Come on Babolat... Bring on the 98!
Come on Babolat... Bring on the 98!
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