The Babolat Pure Drive Club!

[rdyto10]

Alright everyone. . .I hear the release date for the New Pure Drive line is May 13th
http://tennisconnected.com/home/2009/04/18/babolat-new-pure-drive-catalogue/

See the comments section at the bottom of that page.
Can't wait!

 

[hsv91]

Hello,

could you tell me which is your tension, the best tension for this setup:

Racquet: Babolat Pure Drive Plus

String: Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour 16L (1,30mm)

 

[SuperSi]

My babolat pure drive standard cortex should be arriving tomorrow according to the delivery date!

 

[SuperSi]

TW europe multi 1.35 string
tension 60

 

[SHUNGO]

I am playing again with my PD standard, no cortex, is a great racquet, and hope does not messes my elbow or wrist, I have corrected some technique issues I had, and will like to keep with this weapons.

You can count me in, have 2 pieces.

 

[kimhobbes]

My new pure drive 09 will be arriving tomorrow; count me in!

 

[hsv91]

I play the Pure Drive + with the Pro Hurricane Tour 16.

Are other guys play the same setup?

 

[pmacino]

I'm in and it looks like I will be an APDC convert!

I picked up on PDGT and was so impressed I immediately bought a second, I have one stung up with PHT17 @ 59 (I had it strung this way to compare feel to my APDCs).

The second GT is strung with Luxilon M2 Pro @ 59. After hitting with this setup, I'll be cutting the PHT out of the PHT and putting M2 in that one as well.

 

[Power Player]

I am wondering if i would like this stick. I love the K90, but I want a more forgiving frame also because I simply am still getting my game back.

I did not like the Tfights for the long run. Great sticks but the new Tfight has to have poly and I want to avoid that and use a multi.

I have a big serve and play baseline..so in theory, this stick should be up my alley. I am so used to thin beams and smaller headsizes..has anyone gone from old school to new school here and liked it? I just hear so many good things about this racquet that I may have to demo it.

 

[dgoran]

Must say that after demoing GT today/yesterday (its past midnight in Orlando FL) I prefer APDC feel so far. I will give it a go tomorrow as well but in short I would have to modify this GT stick to get it to my liking since my APDC with 2.5 grams of lead at 12 is 4pts head light just like GT without lead so I would have to add mass to Both handle and 12 o'clock just to get it to feel similar to my APDC:
Groundies felt more solid with my APDC
Serve felt heavier although I felt that I could whip gt around faster but i lacked some mass that apdc has.
Did not hit many volley shots so ???
I think its the throat area but on contact APDC feels more solid not tinny hollow like PD GT.

Close but i prefer apdc still.

 

[hsv91]

1.) Is the Pure Drive one of the most selled racquets in the world?

2.) I strung my Pure Drive Plus with the PHT 16 @ 57/55lbs
Is this a good tension for the string and racquet?

 

[Power Player]

Must say that after demoing GT today/yesterday (its past midnight in Orlando FL) I prefer APDC feel so far. I will give it a go tomorrow as well but in short I would have to modify this GT stick to get it to my liking since my APDC with 2.5 grams of lead at 12 is 4pts head light just like GT without lead so I would have to add mass to Both handle and 12 o'clock just to get it to feel similar to my APDC:
Groundies felt more solid with my APDC
Serve felt heavier although I felt that I could whip gt around faster but i lacked some mass that apdc has.
Did not hit many volley shots so ???
I think its the throat area but on contact APDC feels more solid not tinny hollow like PD GT.

Close but i prefer apdc still.

Hey man are you demoing from Etennis? If so will you return the GT so I can get it at lunchtime?

 

[dgoran]

LOL yes I am demoing it from e-tennis but I just got it. I want to give it some more play time just so I get a fair feel for it.

I will return it Tuesday June 2nd if that helps...

-Goran

 

[Power Player]

haha..just playing. It is so hard to get quality sticks to demo there unless you get on the waiting list. And of course when that happens, they all come in at once so u get 2-3 emails, and JUST got a day with one..lol. I will call and see if they have any older model PDRs I can hit with..for some reason they love to have demos of the tweeners and one of the heavier tour models.

 

[dgoran]

Yeah I think BC tweeners sell more. They had New Radical for demo so I might demo that next.

 

[Micky]

LOL yes I am demoing it from e-tennis but I just got it. I want to give it some more play time just so I get a fair feel for it.

I will return it Tuesday June 2nd if that helps...

-Goran

Hola Goran,

I visit Orlando every year and I buy my racquets at Etennis hahaha. Upsss... I buy my other tennis equipment at TW. Take care...

 

[Power Player]

Yeah I think BC tweeners sell more. They had New Radical for demo so I might demo that next.

I grabbed an Aero Pro Drive that got in right when I dropped by. It was there so I just took it. I never thought about it before because it is so light, but I figured why not give it a shot. I need a more forgiving baseliners stick anyway.

 

[hsv91]

Please count me!

I play the Pure Drive + with Pro Hurricane Tour 16 @ 26/25kp!

 

[dgoran]

Hola Micky

Drop me an email next time you're here maybe we can hit if you're up for it...

-Goran

 

[Power Player]

Dgoran..thanks for grabbing that Pure Drive..it made me get the APDC, and it is freaking awesome! I never thought Id like a stick this light. What is making you try other racquets? I am pretty sure I read you were all about the APDC.

 

[dgoran]

Hi Power Player
I was just about a post my latest/final thoughts on PDGT vs APDC.

Just got back from the hitting session and playing out tie-braker while switching between APDC and PDGT and I am confident now that APDC is here to stay for me.

I placed 5in strip (2.5 grams) of lead in the hoop and two overgrips to make it as close to APDC weight and balance as possible.

and

I realized why I went with the Original Apd long time ago in the first place... PDGT just like the original PD felt hollow tinny comparing to the solid feel of APDC.

So long GT, sorry APDC for ever doubting you lol.

On a serious note I could do anything with GT that I can with APDC just APDC was just solid. Kind of difference you feel after playing with K90 and than switching to kmart racket.

Ok That was harsh but you get my point

 

[Power Player]

Sweet. This helps me because I know you were a k90 guy like me. Any arm issues with this stick? I am imagining not or you would switch. I'm going to hit with it all weekend to make sure, but damn did I love playing with it today. It is the most innovative stick I have hit with.

 

[featherlight]

count me in i use the PD+ strung with prince lighting

 

[Power Player]

Just hit with the PDGT for 4 hours last night. It's a GREAT stick, but I agree 100% with Dgoran.

 

[lightflow]

My main stick is the APDC, Recently I acquired a Pure Drive Team, structurally sound with no cracks but a few paint chips and scratches, the strings were worn and 1 string was close to breaking so I wasn't expecting much. After replacing the grip I gave it a hit and couldn't believe how crisp it was. Using a custom damp I found it comfortable and not harsh as some others have reported.

Next I'm going to get it restrung with Pro Supex Big Ace 1.28 at 57lbs to how it really plays. My main racket though will remain my APDC although it has led me to think I might try string it at 57/58lb rather than my usual 60lbs to see if I can combine the solid feel of the Aeropro with the crispness of shot making of the PD Team.

Just out of interest what tensions are other people using on their PD team's?

 

[JRstriker12]

I rock the PD-R. Count me in.

 

[MesQueUnClub]

I have recently moved to a PD GT+ strung with a poly hybrid. I get plenty of pop on my serve, some of them even surprise me. My slices are a little off as I have only been playing for 4-5 hours with GT+. The slow spin and not enough depth on the slices kind of killed in a practice set that I played with it, but hopefully it'll get back to normal with some practice.
The FHs have plenty of power and the control seems fine for my game.

 

[CharlieB]

Hi! I've played with PD+ for what it feels like a decade... I've never used a poly/multi or poly/gut setup. I am willing to try it. I string my sticks with Prince SG 17 at 60/58#.

What would be your recommendation for tension and strings?

More tension on the mains? crosses?
Do you significantly change your tension for the polys?
Do you blend with gut?

I'm interested in your setup.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

[filthy_dude]

My main stick is the APDC, Recently I acquired a Pure Drive Team, structurally sound with no cracks but a few paint chips and scratches, the strings were worn and 1 string was close to breaking so I wasn't expecting much. After replacing the grip I gave it a hit and couldn't believe how crisp it was. Using a custom damp I found it comfortable and not harsh as some others have reported.

Next I'm going to get it restrung with Pro Supex Big Ace 1.28 at 57lbs to how it really plays. My main racket though will remain my APDC although it has led me to think I might try string it at 57/58lb rather than my usual 60lbs to see if I can combine the solid feel of the Aeropro with the crispness of shot making of the PD Team.

Just out of interest what tensions are other people using on their PD team's?

i've got a couple of PD Team+'s and i like them strung with MSV Focus Hex 18g at 62#, mostly because a string that thin would have been too powerful at 58#.

 

[Federer's cat]

I don't know how anybody can bare holding that racquet. The first shot I hit with it I almost puked.

 

[filthy_dude]

I don't know how anybody can bare holding that racquet. The first shot I hit with it I almost puked.

maybe you didn't have enough power to control the awesomeness of this racquet, therefore causing a gag reflex as warning to put it down. just maybe.

 

[khuang]

Count me in too! I have a Pure Drive Team that I absolutely love and also a Pure Drive w/ Cortex that's ok but I'm not too hot about it. With what everybody's saying about the GTs, I think I might want to demo one and see what all the hype is about. If I like it, I might want to get my hands on one of those as well

 

[zidane339]

Back in the club with a Pure Drive Roddick GT standard length!

 

[airrmaxx]

Hey guys,
picked up a PD roddick GT as well as a PD GT both standard length. So count me in. So much power and control in both racquets.

 

[westside]

Might as well be apart of this with my 2 Pure Drives Standard w/ cortex

 

[dl125]

Finally back in the club again. I was in a Babolat phase 8 years ago and gave up (arm problems and such). With all the new technology and different materials I thought I'd give them a whirl again. I went out this weekend and the GT was so awesome. Made tennis in general more enjoyable; warm up, match, everything. My bro went down 6-3. He uses a KBlade 98. I wanted to wait as well for the PD's to go back to a simple paint scheme and glossy finish. So I'm really into the cosmetics.

All the racquets I've used in the pass seemed to be more a chore to "grow into" ...especially any of the 12oz ones I was using. The GT however really fits my swings and my one 1HB came back again. I have a GT Roddick on the way just to compare the two. This one is 57lbs with Pro Hurricane 16. I use a wrist brace now (not like I did in the pass), which of course helps my arm/wrist not torque as much.

 

[FedererForehand]

I'll bring my 2 PDR GTs to the club... loving them and can't see a switch for a long time Finally something that feels just right!

 

[pmacino]

Mmmm...collection grows.

 

[FedererForehand]

Here's my humble PDR GTs

 

[azn_lefty_roddick_jr]

I want in on this club! =D

Former PDR+ owner (gave it away), and still have my PDT+, although it's cracked at the top. =(

Looking at you guys' new Pure Drive pictures makes me want one sooo bad! But I can't... About to head off to college, so funds are a bit tight. >_<

 

[DiZyAbOiT]

I have 2 PDR &PDR+, and i been trying alot of setups. Cant find the right one.
Can ya give me some setups? i use big ace string.

 

[klementine]

I bring a peace offering to the club... from all the racquet 'snobs'...

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=294922

It's a bit long... but worth the read... towards the end... your much heralded racquet is praised and recognized.

I might succumb one day myself... but still holding off for now.

 

[klementine]

BTW... a question for the club.

I've heard so many horror stories of PD's breaking and cracking.

Is this true?

or

Is there some mis-handling involved?

Any personal stories would be helpful.

P.S.- I remember hearing a story here on TT of a PD cracking from the impact of a serve. I have to believe that the racquet must have been dropped or scrapped bad on a 'groundy' then mis-hit on serve, thus forcing a crack or fracture.

 

[bluebomberfan]

I have a pd can i join

 

[xpaulinabearx]

what's the difference between the pdr roddick GT, and GT+?
i play with alot of topsin, so what do you think i should get?

 

[raisethe3]

Add me in, I use Babolat Pure Drive as well.

 

[Carefree]

PD GT for me too.

The power is intoxicating.

 

[PureDrive4life]

Add me to the list man. Pure Drive Cortex Standard.
Pro Hurricane Tour at 59

 

[iksmols]

2 Pure Drive Team Plus ( 3rd generation) . I am not a big fan of cortex technology , racquet just feels disconnected . I wonder if anybody else have similar opinion about cortex .

 

[Winners or Errors]

BTW... a question for the club.

I've heard so many horror stories of PD's breaking and cracking.

Is this true?

or

Is there some mis-handling involved?

Any personal stories would be helpful.

P.S.- I remember hearing a story here on TT of a PD cracking from the impact of a serve. I have to believe that the racquet must have been dropped or scrapped bad on a 'groundy' then mis-hit on serve, thus forcing a crack or fracture.

I play regularly with two guys who use PD's. The first has had the same one forever, years. It's the model before the cortex. The second plays the 107, and has broken two that I know of, but he has this weird tendency of letting go of the racquet by accident when serving (yup, you read correctly), and they have to bounce a number of times before they crack.

YMMV.