jmacdaununder2
Legend
So, what about extending the PSVS 1/2 an inch? Sorry but I can't remember if you tried this or not, I remember something about the XTP butt caps not working out?
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Strike VS 2022
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
Had a first hit today, about one hour.
At first glance it seems more lively and powerful that VcorePRO 97, 310. Which is good.
This is despite the fact that is 8grams lighter (measured using exactly same string and overgrip). Babolat QC...
Comfort seems there (using multi string) so is a tough call. Will need to play more to see if can replace my Yonex.
At first glance it seems more lively and powerful that VcorePRO 97, 310. Which is good.
This is despite the fact that is 8grams lighter (measured using exactly same string and overgrip). Babolat QC...
Comfort seems there (using multi string) so is a tough call. Will need to play more to see if can replace my Yonex.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
It was terrible at 27.5in. Hated it. Lost its magic somehow. It lost the whip. It was like everything was a bit worst. Plus the xtp buttcap is terrible. Maybe with a better buttcap and only extended to 27.25in it would be better. But I won’t bother to try.
Anyhow, for me with 6g spread at the tip ~10-2 it’s just fantastic. I think people should not discard this frame before at least trying 4 to 6 g at the tip. Stock (or extended) is not how this frame was meant to play it seems.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
It is definitely more lively and maneuverable than my Duel G 97 330. Not quite the plow, but quicker and easier to serve with.Had a first hit today, about one hour.
At first glance it seems more lively and powerful that VcorePRO 97, 310. Which is good.
This is despite the fact that is 8grams lighter (measured using exactly same string and overgrip). Babolat QC...
Comfort seems there (using multi string) so is a tough call. Will need to play more to see if can replace my Yonex.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
I love extended length racquets, so I am sorry to hear this! FWIW I don't think the XTP buttcap is the answer, at least not for me; I don't like the extra grip size or flare much. I liked Head's adaptive system a few years back but not the racquets so much at that time. Still I would love to try an extended length Pure Strike VS just to answer my own questions of "How would it play?" , but still fine tuning it in standard form. I think we all agree some weight at 10 - 2 or 12 etc. is highly recommended. I am still waiting ( or is it weighting) to play more with the weighted trap door since I like a little more HL feel.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
For me it was not what I expected at all. Sure the XTP kinda ruined the experiment for me though.
I’d be curious to hear your experience if you give it a try.
Thanks,
Could it be closer to Vcore95?
Both 310 grams and 16x20 string pattern
StringStrungStrang
Professional
I would like to give it a try too, but not with the XTP. That would mess up my grip too much since I tend to hold a racquet at the buttcap. I am sure it suits many people - just not me. I am wondering what I should choose for my next string job of the Pure Strike VS. Last time was a poly poly hybrid and that worked very nicely. I may string the same 1 more time, but I am thinking a poly / syngut for a little extra pop. Any comments on what strings people have liked on this?For me it was not what I expected at all. Sure the XTP kinda ruined the experiment for me though.
I’d be curious to hear your experience if you give it a try.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
All strings I tested so far have worked for me with the psvs.
gut/rpm rough: great power, good feel and spin
Ptp, great spin, good power and control
Cyclone, great spin, good power
I could play with any of them easily. Will play ptp during the humid summer and gut/poly for indoor/winter. But so far, many strings seem to be working well in that frame.
I played that Lynx Spin² for the playtest, it had a softer response and felt good.
I was thinking Element Rough for my next string job. Never played this string but softer and a tad more power and spin seem like a nice complement to this frame.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
That's a good variety. Which did you prefer the PTP or Cyclone? I'm assuming PTP. I don't think you can go too far wrong with any of those.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I prefer PTP, but honestly it’s mostly because it is easier to string (and cheaper). Both play well.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
I think he is referring to Poly Tour Pro (Yonex).
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Pretty Typical Poly?
SlowTiger
Professional
@StringStrungStrang that's what I thought but he said cheaper than cyclone. That's almost twice the price of cyclone
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Good call. Unfortunately, prices going crazy everywhere, but that's a story for another blog. Interesting though the price variation between countries.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
There’s a vendor in UK that sells Poly Tour Pro reel for under 100$ and they have a 15-20% off sale 2-3 times a year. Very hard to beat that quality/price ratio.
However if you have access to Cyclone for cheaper then it makes sense to go with Cyclone.
mhkeuns
Hall of Fame
Just had to comment that I’m playing my best tennis since the Covid outbreak. The Pure Strike VS with 4 grams at 12 is everything I needed in a racket. I’m hitting harder, more consistently and more confidently as I’ve really gelled with this racket.
This racket, to me, is Babolat’s answer to Wilson Ultra Pro but is much more user-friendly.
I’ve rewatched the old Pure Control Tour video review, as well as the Pure Strike Tour 1st gen’s vid. Noticed how this racket really rewards aggressive and fast swings compared to the Pure Strike Tour that looked like the power of the racket did the most work. The Pure Strike Tour VS really helps me to play the aggressive game from all areas of the court.
I’ve made the switch!
This racket, to me, is Babolat’s answer to Wilson Ultra Pro but is much more user-friendly.
I’ve rewatched the old Pure Control Tour video review, as well as the Pure Strike Tour 1st gen’s vid. Noticed how this racket really rewards aggressive and fast swings compared to the Pure Strike Tour that looked like the power of the racket did the most work. The Pure Strike Tour VS really helps me to play the aggressive game from all areas of the court.
I’ve made the switch!
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Congrats!
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Brought this out to the courts and my friends LOVED this PS VS. I still have to agree.
It is definitely different than my other racquets, not better, not worse - just an awesome tool IF you decide you want to play the way that takes best advantage of this racquets gifts - control, precision and solid feel, not to mention plenty of power and spin to get the job done. Will be playtesting the new Pure Aero 2023 in the next week. The Compare and Contrast between these two great racquets will be interesting!
It is definitely different than my other racquets, not better, not worse - just an awesome tool IF you decide you want to play the way that takes best advantage of this racquets gifts - control, precision and solid feel, not to mention plenty of power and spin to get the job done. Will be playtesting the new Pure Aero 2023 in the next week. The Compare and Contrast between these two great racquets will be interesting!
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DontQuixote
Rookie
How are you guys fairing with the racquet now that it has been a while. Are you guys still using or moved on to a different racquet?
I am interested in the racquet and was looking for a long term review.
I am interested in the racquet and was looking for a long term review.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
Have any of you guys compared the Gen 3 Strike VS with the Gen 2 Strike VS or the Gen 2 Strike VS Tour? The Gen 2 Strike VS had a Tour version that the Gen 3 doesn’t have.
I dabbled in other racquets, but have come back to it in force, to the point where I'm pretty much done looking for racquets, which is saying something. I absolutely love this thing, but for me, it has to have a good amount of lead. What almost made me move on from it was when I lightened it up too much. It's good for me at about 340SW, which takes 6-8g of lead at 12 to get to. Many don't like messing with that, but for me, it's just a perfect stick, and I love that I have room to customize. Plays solid and plush like a really heavy stick (350g+) but at a lighter weight (~340g).
I have not compared it to the Strike VS, but I have played a good bit with the Pure Control Tour, which I believe is mostly the same as the Gen 2 Strike VS/Tour. I think the PCT is like the Strike VS Tour. I like the PSVS better than the PCT, but mainly because it's easier for me to play with. I think a higher level player, like you, would probably prefer the PCT/VS Tour. I loved the feel on the PCT, and the directness of it - but I just play better with the PSVS, so I'm moving on from those.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I did buy a Gen 2 Strike VS Tour when it came out, but shelved it after using for a few hours (advertised it for sale recently) as I didn’t feel that it had the same comfortable feel like the older Pure Controls. The Gen 2 regular Strikes had a less damped feel and somehow the Gen 2 Strike VS Tour had some of that DNA even though it was supposed to be a different Pure Control mould. The Gen 3 VS is more plush and I like the feel better, even though I would need to weigh it up
Mine was quite a bit underspec when I received it, 304g and I'd reckon the swingweight was 7-10 points below the TW average, so I moved on. It just played so light (powerless) that I felt I'd have to add too much weight.
But lately I've been thinking of revisiting if I can get one more on spec that would require less customization.
DontQuixote
Rookie
Seems to me like everyone says to lower the tension. What tension/ string combo do you recommend?
StringStrungStrang
Professional
@DontQuixote I use it sparingly lately since it couldn't quite take the place of my PS 98 16x19 ( Gen2 which I have weighted to something more like a PS Tour it seems). I flip flop on keeping it or continue to experiment with it. I think it is an awesome racquet- just not better for me than my PS 98. Better in some ways, stability, precision, a little more powerful, probably more comfortable, but the PS98 is quicker, has more spin and easier to play with IMO.
RE Strings: I strung mine up with poly (M: Hyper-G 17 and C: Nano Vendetta 16L) right around 45 / 47 if I remember correctly. I really enjoyed it at that tension.
For poly, I was happy with anything in the mid-low 40s. I've been most recently playing with RPM soft at 55 crossed with Cream at 50. That's a beautiful setup - I still get great spin, but a bit more pop than full poly, and the feel is better too.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
Still playing with it. I played it alongside all of my previous racquets for league matches lately just to see how it would compare. I prefer the PSVS to all my previous racquets. I actually put them all for sale.
I have switched to full poly black code 4S I get tons of spin and power. I use lead 4g lead total at 10 and 2 which ultimately works better for me than just lead at 12. That setup hits an even heavier ball than my gut/poly set up.
But, even if I have now committed fully to the psvs I might give the new Pure Aero Plus a test run just to see. I played extended racquets for the last 6-8 years and this new aero specs are really what I usually look for especially now that the pure aero is softer than ever before.
I have switched to full poly black code 4S I get tons of spin and power. I use lead 4g lead total at 10 and 2 which ultimately works better for me than just lead at 12. That setup hits an even heavier ball than my gut/poly set up.
But, even if I have now committed fully to the psvs I might give the new Pure Aero Plus a test run just to see. I played extended racquets for the last 6-8 years and this new aero specs are really what I usually look for especially now that the pure aero is softer than ever before.
DontQuixote
Rookie
Here are my impressions.This is the most intriguing racquet I ever played with. I understand why it was not so well received. I would say it is bipolar. It does not fit into a typical racquet category. It is not a control racquet nor is it a tweener. It is a mixture of both, a controlled tweener, which is not even a category and does not make sense.
First off the racquet is really powerful which is not what you would expect from a control frame that it has a 97" hoop. I would say it has the typical Babalot power. It has the power level of a typical tweener 16x19 98" racquet. The feel is good though. Good for a Babalot.
Definitely a difficult racquet to play with. The launch angle is low so you'd expect it be very controlled, but it has a lot of spin and power making it not as controlled and more of a tweener racquet. But the racquet has a small sweetspot and is not very forgiving as you'd expect a tweener to be. Basically a mishmash of bad aspects of both a tweener and a control frame.
So in conclusion, it is an odd racquet. Expect an unforgiving controlled tweener frame, which is an oxymoron.
That said if you want to hit flat, the racquet allows you to do that. If you want to hit with spin and power the racquet allows you to do that. It could actually be a good racquet if you get used to it and understand the racquet better. However, I think it may take time because hitting with both control and spin/power is not what you'd expect a racquet to do. They either fall into one category, thus the racquet feels erratic at times. When you expect the ball to go over the net, it hits the net (some)times. You expect it to go low and flat, but the ball lands outside the baseline with a high arc (some)times. So I would expect anyone hitting with it for the first time to be a bit confused.
As for me I'm going to keep the racquet because it just looks so good. I'll try to tinker and understand the racquet better and adapt my skills to it. It would be a good stick for me to use at times to make me focus on my technique to improve my skills. But mind you these are all justifications because of the way the racquet looks. Definitely easier and better racquets out there, but not as interesting for sure. But are we trying to min and max the stats in our life? How many decisions do we make that are not the most optimal because we felt like it for style or whatever the reasons? Why do we all not drive a Prius?
First off the racquet is really powerful which is not what you would expect from a control frame that it has a 97" hoop. I would say it has the typical Babalot power. It has the power level of a typical tweener 16x19 98" racquet. The feel is good though. Good for a Babalot.
Definitely a difficult racquet to play with. The launch angle is low so you'd expect it be very controlled, but it has a lot of spin and power making it not as controlled and more of a tweener racquet. But the racquet has a small sweetspot and is not very forgiving as you'd expect a tweener to be. Basically a mishmash of bad aspects of both a tweener and a control frame.
So in conclusion, it is an odd racquet. Expect an unforgiving controlled tweener frame, which is an oxymoron.
That said if you want to hit flat, the racquet allows you to do that. If you want to hit with spin and power the racquet allows you to do that. It could actually be a good racquet if you get used to it and understand the racquet better. However, I think it may take time because hitting with both control and spin/power is not what you'd expect a racquet to do. They either fall into one category, thus the racquet feels erratic at times. When you expect the ball to go over the net, it hits the net (some)times. You expect it to go low and flat, but the ball lands outside the baseline with a high arc (some)times. So I would expect anyone hitting with it for the first time to be a bit confused.
As for me I'm going to keep the racquet because it just looks so good. I'll try to tinker and understand the racquet better and adapt my skills to it. It would be a good stick for me to use at times to make me focus on my technique to improve my skills. But mind you these are all justifications because of the way the racquet looks. Definitely easier and better racquets out there, but not as interesting for sure. But are we trying to min and max the stats in our life? How many decisions do we make that are not the most optimal because we felt like it for style or whatever the reasons? Why do we all not drive a Prius?
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I hit last night alternating my '22 PSVS with the new '23 VCORE 95 I've been playing with recently. The VS had been sitting for a few weeks and the strings had noticeably less tension than the VC and I was feeling more forgiveness, launch angle, pop, and spin with the VS with the looser strings. It was strung a few weeks ago with Head Hawk 17 @ 50 lbs. The new VCORE was much more damped and crisp feeling (Lynx Tour 17 @ 50 lbs).
IMO the VS is one of the most interesting racquets out there considering its soft feel and good stability, spin, and pop. Plays similar to a softer Gen 3 Pure Strike 16x19 with only a touch less power. My VS came way more head heavy than spec though. I had to add 9 grams to the buttcap just to get it to balance the same as my '21 VCORE PRO 97 310 that I was used to with 5 grams of lead at 4 and 8 in the hoop. We'll see if grommets ever become available for the VS. It's a sleeper frame IMO, but too pricey and under the radar to have taken off it seems.
IMO the VS is one of the most interesting racquets out there considering its soft feel and good stability, spin, and pop. Plays similar to a softer Gen 3 Pure Strike 16x19 with only a touch less power. My VS came way more head heavy than spec though. I had to add 9 grams to the buttcap just to get it to balance the same as my '21 VCORE PRO 97 310 that I was used to with 5 grams of lead at 4 and 8 in the hoop. We'll see if grommets ever become available for the VS. It's a sleeper frame IMO, but too pricey and under the radar to have taken off it seems.
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I've been able to order grommets from the depot of racquets in the UK, if you know what I mean. Not sure if they are still in stock, but worth a try. I'm relieved about that, because I've fully committed to this frame. I've played with it since its release last year, with some breaks where I tried out different frames, but I always come back to it.
Perhaps this is what @DontQuixote was alluding to above, but to me it is more like a pleener (player frame/tweener combo) in that it has a lot of player frame characteristics (feel, control) but also some very nice tweener attributes like relatively easy power and spin. The caveat for me is that you gotta add lead. I need it up around 340SW.
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DontQuixote
Rookie
What tension/ string combo do you usually use?
I've enjoyed Cyclone 18 and 19 in the mid/low 40s, but right now am really liking RPM soft 17 at 55lb in the mains crossed with Cream 16L at 50. Cream can sometimes feel a bit rubbery to me, but somehow this combo ends up feeling kind of plush and crisp at the same time. Control is great - feel is great, and I still get plenty of spin. And, it lasts a long time. I'm no string breaker, but I've got almost 20 hours on my current string job and playability has not diminished.
I wish I could take credit for that, but I definitely didn't come up with it myself! First time I saw it was on the holic diary thread - it's a great phrase.
How is string movement with RPM soft on the mains? Does it need constant straightening like it does with synthetic gut or does it maintain the snap back pretty well?
It's pretty good! There is a little bit, but I hardly notice it unless I'm looking at it (edit: I mean "looking for it"), and even though the mains are notched half-way through (at least) they aren't sticking of place too badly. Cream in the crosses helps with that for sure, also.
AMGF
Hall of Fame
Great review.
I’d like to add that it doesn’t feel just good for a Babolat. It feels good for any brand but especially good for Babolat.
The racquet is not bi-polar. It’s just that so many are just hooked on light powerful frames companies don’t make them anymore. But I feel old Prestiges had this power/control/feel thing going for them.
Like you I too had a feeling sometimes the ball would do unexpected things. But when I moved lead from 12 to 2-10 it seems it fixed this. Like the frame needs both a bit more SW and TW. Ymmv.
Again, I can't take credit for the term, but it seems fitting for the PSVS. It has that player frame feel, but is actually quite easy to play with.Pleener! Love it!
I strung up one of my racquets with Wilson Natural gut in the mains and Cream in the crosses. Man, that is some amazing feel. But, I think I prefer the RPM Soft - it's additional stiffness is actually a good thing - the racquet doesn't really need help to be plush. Anyway, I will keep it in there and use it from time to time, but will stick with the RPM Soft/Cream setup for now.
One interesting thing is that I bought a few used PSVS, and they came strung with Yonex PTP 1.25 in the mains and Isospeed professional classic in the crosses - that's a very plush setup as well. Nice pop and spin.
One interesting thing is that I bought a few used PSVS, and they came strung with Yonex PTP 1.25 in the mains and Isospeed professional classic in the crosses - that's a very plush setup as well. Nice pop and spin.
Peter Dervan
Rookie
what tensions did you try & end up on? thanks
AMGF
Hall of Fame
I play 45/45lbs. During the warmer days of summer I go up to 50/50. But 45 is my default tension.
tophersuwita
Rookie
I like my weighted VS very much due to its maneuverability, but just tried Pure Drive and wow it really opened my eyes.
It is very comfortable yet firm with Lynx Tour 17g 45 lbs, weighted with leather grip and 3.62 g at 12 o clock.
The VS still gives more direct feel, but even the Drive is a bit heavier (338 g vs 333 g), the latter still gives whippiness and more forgiveness.
Is it to be expected? When I weighted the VS more to 338 g (lead at 3+9), it became much more sluggish
It is very comfortable yet firm with Lynx Tour 17g 45 lbs, weighted with leather grip and 3.62 g at 12 o clock.
The VS still gives more direct feel, but even the Drive is a bit heavier (338 g vs 333 g), the latter still gives whippiness and more forgiveness.
Is it to be expected? When I weighted the VS more to 338 g (lead at 3+9), it became much more sluggish
Hello, experienced users of PSVS!
Long story short - my son 15yo plays with PSVS and usually I strung it with hybrid setup Technifiber 4S in mains and Origin/TN2/Gutex Ultra/XCell in crosses 23.5/22.5kg.
But I don't want him to go with polys strings at all for now because he didn't break this setup even after 10-12 hours of intensive trainings and they are too stiff for a teenager.
Have a reel of Babolat Origin 16 G and want to try it on PSVS.
What tension you can suggest for full bed of BO to keep control, power and feel on this racket?
I read in others topics different opinions - some suggest going higher, up to 60lbs (27kg), because the string is powerful, others - to stay with 50-52lbs (22-23kg) - but it probably might depend on a racket?
Thank you!
Long story short - my son 15yo plays with PSVS and usually I strung it with hybrid setup Technifiber 4S in mains and Origin/TN2/Gutex Ultra/XCell in crosses 23.5/22.5kg.
But I don't want him to go with polys strings at all for now because he didn't break this setup even after 10-12 hours of intensive trainings and they are too stiff for a teenager.
Have a reel of Babolat Origin 16 G and want to try it on PSVS.
What tension you can suggest for full bed of BO to keep control, power and feel on this racket?
I read in others topics different opinions - some suggest going higher, up to 60lbs (27kg), because the string is powerful, others - to stay with 50-52lbs (22-23kg) - but it probably might depend on a racket?
Thank you!
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