The Babolat Pure Strike Project Two Zero Thread
- Thread starter danbrenner
- Start date
oooh sounds interesting
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Funny since posting this I was out on Sunday and saw 3 club users with the Pure Strike 2017. So maybe not as rare as I was thinking. I'll take back my overhyped comment as there are clearly some people still happy with it.
Still would like to see Babolat soften it up a bit. But that's my sensitive elbow talking.
That would be awesome! I saw someone post a picture of the ‘17 Pure Strike preproduction sample in a similar color combo that wasn’t produced and it looked sharp. The new Pure Drive VS cosmetics are some of the best I’ve seen so it would be cool to see something similar for the Pure Strike VS but with the red/orange instead of the PD blue.
Karma Tennis
Legend
It is like a lot of these racquet manufs. feel the need to deliver stiffer frames that will appeal to a wider range of players.
You would think that Babolat could produce a frame with (unstrung) stiffness in the low 60s. But for some reason, it chooses to keep passing on that.
Does it have something to do with Babolat's Mass Production process I wonder? Or is simply the case that Babolat wants to sell as many racquets as possible to as many people as possible meaning that stiffer frames are easier to use by beginners who will gravitate to them and stick with them.
I would have thought that the Pure Strike would be the ideal model to target the demographic of Intermediate to Advanced players who desire a less stiff frame in a potent package. And yet?
I might be wrong but I think the lowest RA raquet produced by them was the Pure Storm gt around 62RA and some pro-stock versions lower than that, but the overall mayority of racquets produced by babolat have always being stiff frames as the brand is charterized by power racquets, the more stiff the more easy power. I would be happy if the pure strike comes at 65 unstrung specs and foam filled 
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
This is one of the Hottest looking rackets ever produced by Babolat
dsb
Rookie
I might be wrong but I think the lowest RA raquet produced by them was the Pure Storm gt around 62RA and some pro-stock versions lower than that, but the overall mayority of racquets produced by babolat have always being stiff frames as the brand is charterized by power racquets, the more stiff the more easy power. I would be happy if the pure strike comes at 65 unstrung specs and foam filled
The Pure Storm Ltd/Pure Control 95 was 58RA...
1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
On babolat website %78 or so reported way more comfort that the project one 7. There was some sort of blind playtest
If this is true, this uptade will be worth a demo.
I might be wrong but I think the lowest RA raquet produced by them was the Pure Storm gt around 62RA and some pro-stock versions lower than that, but the overall mayority of racquets produced by babolat have always being stiff frames as the brand is charterized by power racquets, the more stiff the more easy power. I would be happy if the pure strike comes at 65 unstrung specs and foam filled
What’s kind of funny is that the TW review of the ‘14 Pure Strike listed the RA at 65(100) and 66(16x19) and that racquet didn’t really sell well since it wasn’t easy power and you felt like you had to swing out of your shoes to get the power you want. They adjusted the stiffness back up a bit in the ‘17 version and it’s one of the hottest racquets on the market. At the end of the day, people complain about the stiffness of racquets but won’t sacrifice easy power to get there. Of course there are the few players out there that would but not the majority, which is who a company has to listen to in efforts to keep their lights on, won’t sacrifice the power for increased flex. Guys like Thiem obviously don’t need the additional power and oftentimes would prefer to have it dialed back a bit but the majority of rec players out there need it - IMO.
Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Karma Tennis
Legend
I am talking about Babolat's current range of products.
Well aware that Babolat had model lines that offered more flexible frames (like Pure Control and Pure Storm). But that was years ago, not now!
So if the new Pure Strike is a more flexible frame, that will be a GOOD thing for many players.
Well aware that Babolat had model lines that offered more flexible frames (like Pure Control and Pure Storm). But that was years ago, not now!
So if the new Pure Strike is a more flexible frame, that will be a GOOD thing for many players.
Karma Tennis
Legend
RA Numbers are not misleading. RA numbers are RA numbers.
The main problem is that a lot of players do not understand that several things can cause tennis related arm injuries.
1 Stroke Technique - If player does not hit the ball properly, the frame will make little difference.
2 IMPACT Shock - This is the shock that is transferred to the player's arm when the ball impacts the string bed or the frame itself. Stiff frames tend to transfer greater levels of this shock to the arm that more flexible frames do.
3 POST IMPACT VIBRATION Shock - This is the shock that is transferred to the player's arm AFTER the ball has impacted the string bed or frame. When the ball hits the racquet, it sets off a series of vibrations in the racquet frame which can be transferred to the arm. Flexible frames tend to vibrate more and for longer than stiffer frames do so they may transfer more of this shock to the arm than a stiff frame will.
4 GENETICS - Some player's arm's are more susceptible to one type of shock over the other. Some are only affected by one. Some are not affected by either.
So it's important that a player knows their own body and bio-mechanics. That makes it a lot easier for a player to then choose what sort of frame and string config is ideal for them from an injury prevention perspective.
Issya
New User
My arm has been sore in the past depending on the racquet and string I was using. The pain was nonexistent while using the Clash. After switching to a Pure Strike I’ve found that my arm does not hurt at all if I use proper technique. That was one of my biggest concerns after reading all the most recent reviews on the PS.
That makes me question if they really need to make it more flexible. Maybe a small change like the 19 PA could be good but wouldn’t it start to lose power as the stiffness goes down?
There are also plenty of other options if a player wants a more flexible racquet. No need to force yourself to use a PS.
That makes me question if they really need to make it more flexible. Maybe a small change like the 19 PA could be good but wouldn’t it start to lose power as the stiffness goes down?
There are also plenty of other options if a player wants a more flexible racquet. No need to force yourself to use a PS.
1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
Whoa!
70 RA?
The Project One7 had a stiffness rating of 68. You mean to tell me that Babolat made it even stiffer!
dsb
Rookie
Whoa!
70 RA?
The Project One7 had a stiffness rating of 68. You mean to tell me that Babolat made it even stiffer!
The card on my PS 18x20 says 70RA... TW says the 18x20 is 67RA. I think Babolat measures it differently.
1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
Racquets drop 2-3 points RA when strung. So RA remains the same as project one 7
haqq777
Legend
Hey @1990's Graphite - is this for the Pure Strike 100 that is being playtested over here?
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...ouse-playtest-babolat-pure-strike-100.644468/
Edit:
Nevermind, my friend. I am blind. Went through the pages in the link and it shows the specs etc for 100 sq inch one too (72 RA).
1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
I thought that too. That guy always has a few pages per racquet
jmacdaununder2
Legend
No doubt Babolat are still handcuffed financially by the relative availability/affordability of stiff graphite prepregs. IMO it's now even more unlikely that Thiem is playing this stock; as noted already it's far more likely that - like other sponsored Babolat players - he's using a lower RA modified 'prostock' version of a retail model. (Or, to get closer to Thiem's Version One stiffness, they've just strung his frames thousands of times to drop the RA à la Fognini...).
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
So if the RA is basically going to be the same... what the heck is the difference between this and the Project One7? Seems like the same frame with a new paintjob.
1990's Graphite
Hall of Fame
They most likely changed the layup a bit and muted it to add comfort. Only way to tell is a demo. Tour version will be popular amongst advanced players
asifallasleep
Hall of Fame
Excellent post. #3 really hurts my arm, and i believe most are not even aware that this exists. Most stiff frames don't bother me, but flexible frames kill my elbow.
AJvR
Rookie
I second this.
A stiff and stable frame with good plow through and a generous sweetspot give me the most comfortable feeling at and after impact.
Moveforwardalways
Hall of Fame
They do produce those types of frames. It’s just that few rec players buy them.
Crashbaby
Semi-Pro
I agree on the stiff and stable racquet. When my elbow flared up recently after a bad night with my Vcore 95, I pulled out my Vcore Pro and still felt pain with every shot, in desperation then pulled out the Rf97 and the elbow felt instantly much much better. I was able to continue my hitting session. I was pretty shocked by the amount of instant pain relief it gave me.
Off topic, do you still use the Xi98?
Karma Tennis
Legend
Which frames are you specifically referring to? Are you talking about the Junior Frames and the Entry Level Rec frames?
Further to my previous post. In many cases, it is possible to take a flexible frame and make it stiffer by adding lead tape. Of course doing so will change the specifications of the racquet and that has to be considered.
Some "goto" ways of reducing vibration impact shock ...
-Fill the inside of the handle with Blu-Tack of Silicone.
-Use thicker cushioned racquet grips.
-Use appropriate String configuration.
-Add more mass to the racquet
-Reduce grip pressure when hitting the tennis ball.
Exoticbottle
New User
Does anyone know the status of foam filling in the PS20? I love the foam feel of the 2014 PS.
Damn!...over and out for this thread
Ditto on this for me. Been playing with the 2014 PS 16x19, just got the PO7 and so far it doesn’t feel as nice to me. Still regret not buying a few more of the 2014s when they were $70/racquet.
asifallasleep
Hall of Fame
I only used it for a short time and went back to my RF97 and H19's. I just started trying out the 2017 18X20 Pure Strike. I'm amazed at the feel this frame has and the stability at such a light weight compared to my RF97. I had the 16X19's briefly awhile back and I must admit that the 18X20 has much better feel. I got a higher launch with the 16X19 and a little more depth, a little less control, but more control, and rpm's with the 18X20. Both gobs of spin but just different.
Yes the stiffness of the new racket probably will put me off, shame they didn't knock it down a few points, even to OG PS levels. That said I will wait to see the feedback on here after a few months, see if the arm problems are still apparent. If you are in Europe there are lots of 2nd hand 2014s going very cheap, I bought 3 a couple of months ago for 100 euros inc postage!
Wall Ball Wizard
Rookie
The new Tour should be worth a demo...
danbrenner
Legend
its funny. his handle grip size doesnt look small like 1/4 like many posters have said. it looks rather full figured. ala 3/8 at least??
Wow. That's a lot of guessing. I think Thiem is doing just fine, and if he couldn't do something with his racket, I am sure he'd find one that he could.
The Babolat insta-story said 2.5 and a picture I saw of his racquet at RG this week has the Gr 3 sticker so I’m guessing it’s a 3 that’s taken down a bit.
danbrenner
Legend
Yeah. That sounds about right. Really doesn’t look like a 2. Either way it’s a custom shape mold. Sooooo????
racquetreligion
Hall of Fame
Not a head guy but the change of string has allowed his PS to be more like the head he once swung
The guy was up and coming then and yet seemed more consistent than he is now as an experienced campaigner
how many players are having success with the PS vs the old Heads?
Thiem is no doubt a super talent and fighter but losing to Schwartzgnomes and even hard courters on clay is sad.
KluddKalle
Semi-Pro
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnew...ike-racket-comes-with-dominic-thiems-insight/
Apparently the new version has been made with Thiems input, even in the aesthetics. So now I know who to blame for the ugly design...
“Mixing the modern culture of tagging while remaining very structured”
Apparently the new version has been made with Thiems input, even in the aesthetics. So now I know who to blame for the ugly design...
“Mixing the modern culture of tagging while remaining very structured”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnew...ike-racket-comes-with-dominic-thiems-insight/
Apparently the new version has been made with Thiems input, even in the aesthetics. So now I know who to blame for the ugly design...
“Mixing the modern culture of tagging while remaining very structured”
New design is pretty slick looking. Maybe it looks better in person than in photos but if you hold the new one next to the current ‘17 model and the new one pops.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Yep, just like most graffiti 'artists', they took what was a good basic design and scribbled inane s#!t3 all over it.
TennisManiac
Hall of Fame
I'm starting to think that this may be what I need. I've been using frames like the Pro Staffs and the Prestige Pros for 15 years and have developed some shoulder issues when I play too often. And it's not bad technique either. I have very sound strokes and mechanics. Maybe it's because of the longer vibrations from the more flexible frames.
