****the Pure Storm LTD Support Group****
- Thread starter blackdot_fit
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Fuji
Legend
I'm glad it worked well for you!
Definitely try 6 on a spare frame if you have a set up that's working now. It's fun to try an you can always flip it into the set up you like.
I use a SW most of the time mixed with conti. I don't even remember how to hit an eastern forehand properly any more LOL!
-Fuji
KenC
Hall of Fame
I had my 4 GT racquets measured on the Babolat "measuring machine" and all came up at exactly 62. The non-GT came up at 61. Both play well and are arm friendly, but the non-GT seems softer and the GT seems more crisp. For me, the GT feels better at impact and transmits more feel. The non-GT is a bit more muted.
xtreme tennis
Rookie
Wuauu, 59 for TW USA
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Storm_Ltd_GT/descpageRCBAB-BPSL.html#spec
and 67 for TW Europe
http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/descpageRCBABH-BPSL-ES.html:confused:
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Storm_Ltd_GT/descpageRCBAB-BPSL.html#spec
and 67 for TW Europe
http://www.tenniswarehouse-europe.com/descpageRCBABH-BPSL-ES.html:confused:
Hi Guys,
Just bought the racquet yesterday and I before I hit, what should I expect from this one?
My other racquet is Yonex Vcore 95D and I am hoping that this one will give the same experience more or less. And I am thinking that the specs. is close enough so maybe both will play the same.
The other racquet that close in term of specs. but unfortunately it is playing differently is Tecnifibre Vo2Max T-fight 320 (old model). I used to have one and after 1 year, decided to sell it.
Anyone willing to share their experience in comparison with Yonex and Tecnifibre?
Cheers.
Just bought the racquet yesterday and I before I hit, what should I expect from this one?
My other racquet is Yonex Vcore 95D and I am hoping that this one will give the same experience more or less. And I am thinking that the specs. is close enough so maybe both will play the same.
The other racquet that close in term of specs. but unfortunately it is playing differently is Tecnifibre Vo2Max T-fight 320 (old model). I used to have one and after 1 year, decided to sell it.
Anyone willing to share their experience in comparison with Yonex and Tecnifibre?
Cheers.
chiphooper
New User
string tension
I am currently using the Pure Storm Tour with a full poly and am happy with it at 52lbs - I am looking to switch to the PSLTD but want to put in a full bed multi based on the reviews above, probably Tech X1 with a 17 gauge. What do you guys recommend as a starting tension? Was thinking 54/55. Is this a good start based on using the PST with poly at 52
I am currently using the Pure Storm Tour with a full poly and am happy with it at 52lbs - I am looking to switch to the PSLTD but want to put in a full bed multi based on the reviews above, probably Tech X1 with a 17 gauge. What do you guys recommend as a starting tension? Was thinking 54/55. Is this a good start based on using the PST with poly at 52
KenC
Hall of Fame
^^ The PSLGT is a completely different racquet so even at the same tension they will play differently. My personal advice would be to start at the lower range first, maybe 52lbs. Coming from the PST you are used to more power from the frame that you won't get with the PSLGT. Dropping the tension will give you back a little more. Also, X-One plays pretty stiff even though it isn't.
I use TF XR1 at 50lbs mains and 48lbs crosses and the racquet still plays nice and crisp with excellent control.
I use TF XR1 at 50lbs mains and 48lbs crosses and the racquet still plays nice and crisp with excellent control.
Using a Pure Storm right now and am looking to switch to more of a control-centric racquet. I understand the major differences between the PS and PSL and am ready for all that - that's not why I'm here (although I'd be happy to read experiences/thoughts from any who have made this transition).
A little background: I'm 3.5 player, have beat 4.0's, but not consistently. Power has come fairly easily and can hit a handful of winners per match. I'm a baseliner who will come up to volley if I can push an opponent deep or off the court with a well-placed shot. Basically I feel I'm improving to the extent that I would benefit from more control than more power.
I tested the Pro Staff Six.One 95 and really enjoyed it. Liked the quicker maneuverability and felt it made me concentrate on my shots more since it is more demanding. Are these two racquets comparable? On paper it seems like it, but I'd love to hear from folks who are familiar playing with both. Can't find a PSL GT at any local shops so I may have resort to demoing from TW.
Reason for not going with the Wilson is simply price. Have a connection to discounted Babolat so I can get the old PSL GT for about half what I'd pay for the Pro Staff.
Please feel free to share any thoughts/recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
A little background: I'm 3.5 player, have beat 4.0's, but not consistently. Power has come fairly easily and can hit a handful of winners per match. I'm a baseliner who will come up to volley if I can push an opponent deep or off the court with a well-placed shot. Basically I feel I'm improving to the extent that I would benefit from more control than more power.
I tested the Pro Staff Six.One 95 and really enjoyed it. Liked the quicker maneuverability and felt it made me concentrate on my shots more since it is more demanding. Are these two racquets comparable? On paper it seems like it, but I'd love to hear from folks who are familiar playing with both. Can't find a PSL GT at any local shops so I may have resort to demoing from TW.
Reason for not going with the Wilson is simply price. Have a connection to discounted Babolat so I can get the old PSL GT for about half what I'd pay for the Pro Staff.
Please feel free to share any thoughts/recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
KenC
Hall of Fame
I only hit with the new PS95 for a few minutes, but it does seem to play like the PSLGT. The feel is different as the PSLGT feels more muted, while the PS95 feels more harsh when hitting outside of the sweetspot. It definitely needs more mass than it has stock. Power levels are about the same. I still prefer the PSLGT to it.
These are demanding racquets and you need to be able to hit the sweetspot consistently or end up coughing up short balls. The thing is, it is hard to generate your own pace with the PSLGT and the PSLGT really comes alive when your opponent is giving you good pace. I think the PSLGT needs a 4.5+ opponent to be a good stick. I usually used my Pure Storm Tours against 4.0 and weaker 4.5s. By the way, the Tour version of your stick is a great stick with more control and a little more power. May be worth investigating it a little.
Searched around and found a smaller shop in town that, to my surprise, had the PSL GT available for demo. Took it for a test drive and couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it. I love the way it makes me prepare, focus on my mechanics and swing with confidence.
As I mentioned, I'm a 3.5 player and frankly, this thing probably is slightly out of my league for the time being. The plan is to stick with it though. Part of the reason I've bought into this racquet is because I truly believe my game will improve more rapidly using this stick over the Pure Storm GT I have been using for the past year. The other reason is when used properly, I can hit shots I never would have dreamed of previously. I can create new angles transition my style from primarily baseline bashing to more all-court with some finesse (a concept that has also been foreign to me until now).
No customization yet, but I do plan on toying around with lead based on a few of the suggestions I've seen on this thread.
Thanks for the words and let's keep this thread alive. I find it interesting to read about other folks' experience with this stick.
As I mentioned, I'm a 3.5 player and frankly, this thing probably is slightly out of my league for the time being. The plan is to stick with it though. Part of the reason I've bought into this racquet is because I truly believe my game will improve more rapidly using this stick over the Pure Storm GT I have been using for the past year. The other reason is when used properly, I can hit shots I never would have dreamed of previously. I can create new angles transition my style from primarily baseline bashing to more all-court with some finesse (a concept that has also been foreign to me until now).
No customization yet, but I do plan on toying around with lead based on a few of the suggestions I've seen on this thread.
Thanks for the words and let's keep this thread alive. I find it interesting to read about other folks' experience with this stick.
Dino Lagaffe
Hall of Fame
It's been a while since I last used my PSLs, but I decided to give them a go again. I started with one of the unmodified ones, and immediately realized why I liked them so much in the first place... Given the low sw and hl balance you can get some good racquet speed fairly easily, which makes it a blast to kick serve with, in spite of its tight string pattern. Another benefit is that one can be a little late sometimes and still get a decent shot at the ball, just by the flick of the wrist. Obviously you have to have a wicked racquet speed to make up for the specs if you want to hit a very heavy ball.
That's why I decided to give one of my PSLs a silicone and lead makeover. When I first tried it out a couple of years ago, I didn't appreciate the change at all, feeling it had become too polarized in its weight distribution for my liking. This time around it suits me much better for some reason... It hits a way heavier ball than the unmodified ones, but of course one can't afford to be as late. What surprised me a little bit though, was that it felt almost as easy to serve with as the original one, but with a lot more bite.
Others have mentioned that it works great with low tensions, and that seems very likely to me. I'm usually stringing my racquets at no more than 50 lbs anyway.
I use different racquets all the time, but my "go to"-racquet has been the Head TT Radical MP (1998) for a while now. That's probably my favorite of all time, but I'm really glad I rediscovered my PSLs, which seems to be an underrated stick.
I haven't played tennis in a long time. A few weeks ago I decided to go back and hired a local pro to help me get back into shape. During lessons I would bring a few sticks to demo.
When I tried PSLTD it felt as if it was a perfect match. All my balls seemed to be going in. I lost power but control and feel was amazing. I thought it was a fluke but I play tested it again after a few weeks and it still played solid.
So after testing over 20 sticks I've decided to get this. Perfect timing too coz it was on sale for $99!
Here's my setup
2009 PSLTD GT 4 3/8 leather with 16G Hurricane Feel @ 55lbs.
I'm still adjusting to it but I'm sure after a few more matches I'll be totally into this. So happy.
When I tried PSLTD it felt as if it was a perfect match. All my balls seemed to be going in. I lost power but control and feel was amazing. I thought it was a fluke but I play tested it again after a few weeks and it still played solid.
So after testing over 20 sticks I've decided to get this. Perfect timing too coz it was on sale for $99!
Here's my setup
2009 PSLTD GT 4 3/8 leather with 16G Hurricane Feel @ 55lbs.
I'm still adjusting to it but I'm sure after a few more matches I'll be totally into this. So happy.
Thanks for the tip.
After a month I think I'll try new strings.
I think 55lbs is to tight for me. So I might just lower the tension too.
KenC
Hall of Fame
You will be surprised at how 50lbs with a multi plays.
Bdarb
Hall of Fame
the 2009 PSLtd is on sale right now! $79 only!!!
I think I'm gonna stock up. I'm in love with this racket!!!
Why'd you have to go and do that?!?! Really don't need anymore, but on the other hand what a deal..
shazbot
Semi-Pro
Just ordered two of these (Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. GT Mid+) because they are on sale. Demo'ed it my club and loved it.
I am switching from the K90 Tour. Can't beat the price right now lol. Glad I waited to buy it haha.
Anyone here switch from a K90 to this before? If so, how did you like it?
I am switching from the K90 Tour. Can't beat the price right now lol. Glad I waited to buy it haha.
Anyone here switch from a K90 to this before? If so, how did you like it?
The Pure Storm LTD GT: comfortable, precise, and surprisingly spin friendly. Extreeeeemly low powered. A wet blanket has more oomph! . Enhjoyed it but ultimately needed more help on serve wrt power so switched frames.
The Pure Storm Tour GT: heavy version of the Pure Storm GT. demo'd both tour and regular a lot. Bought the non-tour version so I could mod to get exactly what I wanted. For example, I enjoy Wilsons Shock Shield grip. Fits within my weight limit with a modded PSGT...too heavy for the Tour version. The Tour is more powerful than the LTD, extremely spin friendly, and nearly as precise. Downside: its hefty starting weight means less room for customization unless you like a really heavy frame.
The Tour and Limited are completley different in some ways (power) and similar in others (apin and control). That being said, the Tour and regular PSGT are NOT powerful frames. I have a PsGT with full gut and it still feels very control oriented.
Can't speak to the on-GT PSLTD but haing used both the non-GT and GT Pure Storm I can report the GT version of that frame feels stiffer, more precise, and a wee bit more powerful if only a little bit less comfortable. Of the two I prefer the GT version for its greater precision.
. Enhjoyed it but ultimately needed more help on serve wrt power so switched frames.The Pure Storm Tour GT: heavy version of the Pure Storm GT. demo'd both tour and regular a lot. Bought the non-tour version so I could mod to get exactly what I wanted. For example, I enjoy Wilsons Shock Shield grip. Fits within my weight limit with a modded PSGT...too heavy for the Tour version. The Tour is more powerful than the LTD, extremely spin friendly, and nearly as precise. Downside: its hefty starting weight means less room for customization unless you like a really heavy frame.
The Tour and Limited are completley different in some ways (power) and similar in others (apin and control). That being said, the Tour and regular PSGT are NOT powerful frames. I have a PsGT with full gut and it still feels very control oriented.
Can't speak to the on-GT PSLTD but haing used both the non-GT and GT Pure Storm I can report the GT version of that frame feels stiffer, more precise, and a wee bit more powerful if only a little bit less comfortable. Of the two I prefer the GT version for its greater precision.
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That's especially true between the Tour and baseline PSGT. One can easily mod the PSGT to work like the Tour.
But there is a big difference between the LTD and Tour with the main differnces being head size and string pattern. Those two factors combined along with lower flex make the LTD much lower powered than the Tour.
The Tour's balance and SW also make it more powerful and slightly less maneuverable than the LTD (but still a low powerd frame compared to others!)
Both are precise with the edge to the LTD.
So you're right because we're talking very fine shades of gray.
In order of control to power...
1. pure storm LTD GT
2. Pure storm GT
3. Pure storm tour GT
...but all are very control oriented and low powered compared to many other frames. And all over excellent spin access for different reasons.
Having owned the PSLGT and PSGT, and having demo'd the tour extensively I would recommend the PSGT as a great middle ground for customization but would NOT recommend it in stock form. In fact, of the three, I found the PSGT demo very weak.
If you don't want to mod and want more precision at a cost in power go with the PSLGT, more power at the cost of maneuverability then the Tour.
Fuji
Legend
Probably my favourite set up was gut/poly. I had VS/PHT both 17 gauge @ 48/46 and it was money. Ridiculously overpriced, but man the action I got on the ball was monstrous.
-Fuji
LanEvo
Hall of Fame
How does the PST Ltd. compare to the PDRs? I may be looking to switch, it will help with my backhand possibly in terms of maneuverability. The PDR is nice overall, but the frame is a bit too wide and I find myself not able to hit the ball spot on at times, unless I really get into position.
Fuji
Legend
The PSL is pretty much the total opposite of the PDR. I own both, and imagine everything you get with the PDR, and flip it for the PSL. :razz:
-Fuji
Cup8489
G.O.A.T.
The PSL is pretty much all about consistency and precision. It feels like butter with a decent multi, and you can pretty much put the ball exactly where you want.
One of the best non-mid frames that plays like a mid, for me.
Good spin too, considering the string pattern (or it could be that its so low powered that it just happens to seem like alot of spin)
Cup8489
G.O.A.T.
Did you ever give them a go with full natural gut? Ive never even used natural gut, but I am not a stringbreaker and figure hey, I'm playing with a nice, soft solid frame, why not get the appropriate strings to go with it?
I figure the price vs performance/longevity tradeoff will be exceedingly in my favor with these frames, even with the 17 gauge.
Fuji
Legend
To my memory, no I don't believe I ever did full gut. I'm somewhat of a string breaker even with the dense 18x20's so full gut has never really been in my repertoire of strings. Normally I'm stringing full poly, even in the 18x20 albeit a bit lower then most at in the mid 40's to high 30's.
Definitely give full gut a try though if you can. If you aren't a string breaker I can see it just being an absolutely sweet set up!
-Fuji
Dreamcastin
Rookie
I did. I loved the k90 but as i got better and started playing with better players the racquet just became to punishing for me. I honestly demoed this racquet just for the hell of it one day at the tennis club I was at thinking to myself(just another crappy babolat racquet, lets see how crappy.) started hitting a few shots and realized wow, this racquet doesnt suck at all. Hit some serves and didnt dissapoint me there either.
Coming from the K90, the biggest negatives were the loss of that heavy ball you get from the weight and swingweight of the k90. Not quite as good of feel, but easier on the arm(mishits). The stability of this racquet can be an issue for tough stretched out shots. flatening out shots with the same kind of authority as i did with the k90 just never seems possible, although with the heavy spin i can hit now, I rarely miss it.
The positives, serving bombs for 2 hours no longer made me feel like I needed a new shoulder, more forgiving, the softer flex made hitting dropers easier for me, and it was easier to generate topspin for me which helped my game drastically over time. I also mishit far less 2nd serves.
17g full gut 55lbs was great in this racquet and lasted considerably longer than in the k90, and gut/poly strung low is amazing.
I should be getting my PSGT on Thursday. I wanted to bring the weight to approximately 11.5 oz yet maintain the balance to its current specs. I also ordered the Babolat lead tape. Question: 1. Is the 1/2" going to be too wide and can I cut it down the middle? 2. where would I place the tape in order to maintain the balance and does it go on the outside of the hoop?3. Will the tape peel off any paint if I remove it ?
As you can see I a noob to this customization stuff. Thanks
babolat king
Rookie
The best thing for the 1/2 inch tape is to take off the grommets, get the tape measure to your liking, place tape in the center over the grommet hole, best at 3 & 9 (wont really mess up balance), poke holes in the tape were grommets go, reinstall grommets. It looks better that way.
Place the lead on the inside of the hoop, like I said, best at 3 & 9 for same balance. Will also help torsional stability, which is huge with those racquets.
I had the PSGT for a long time and found that 1/4 lead tape is a better fit and easy to install and remove.
To remove, use a hair dryer. Go over the lead about 60 seconds and it will come off with no paint removal.
Enjoy the sticks, they are great with a poly, syn gut hybrid also.
Thanks. I actually got mine with a full bed of multi (Addiction) @57lbs, because of the comfort factor. So how may gms of lead should I add at the 3 and 9 not to make it HH?
babolat king
Rookie
Well PSGTs are only 1 pt HL, so you will have to check it out on TW racquet customization chart.
For me, I added 4 grams at 3 & 9 and loved the plow through. It was a little more HH but not considerability.
Depending on your level, I think 4 grams is a good place to start.
phishbiscuits
Rookie
Go-to Racquet now...
After 14 or so frames, I finally found the PSL to be the ideal choice for me. I tend to overhit with lighter frames (switched from customized Mantis Tour 305).
3 X Pure Storm Ltd with hybrid bed: Mains = Babalot VS; Crosses = Babalot Revenge (red) - 58/56 lbs.
Enjoy...
After 14 or so frames, I finally found the PSL to be the ideal choice for me. I tend to overhit with lighter frames (switched from customized Mantis Tour 305).
3 X Pure Storm Ltd with hybrid bed: Mains = Babalot VS; Crosses = Babalot Revenge (red) - 58/56 lbs.
Enjoy...
I have been using the psl since 2008. I have felt improvements in my game over the years. However in the past month I have felt like I have taken a large step in my game.
I'm not sure what I can attribute it to. I feel like my last string job is the main change in anything I normally do. I accidentally measured out and cut synthetic gut instead of poly for the mains so I just went ahead and strung it full synthetic gut. But I used 2 different strings..gamma challenger 17g for the mains and Wilson stamina 17g for the crosses.
In the past year I bought a pair of Dunlop aerogel 4d 200 and while I do like them, my PSLs are still my goto stick.
I initially played it stock but eventually added lead. This helped me advance my game. But after maybe a year I decided to go back to stock. I even went as far as ditching the over grip in favor of the bare leather grip. I also replaced my dampener with a rubber band to get the PSL as close to original specs as possible. Again I made improvements in my game.
I've been reading this thread for a few years...I hope the live for this racquet continues...
I'm not sure what I can attribute it to. I feel like my last string job is the main change in anything I normally do. I accidentally measured out and cut synthetic gut instead of poly for the mains so I just went ahead and strung it full synthetic gut. But I used 2 different strings..gamma challenger 17g for the mains and Wilson stamina 17g for the crosses.
In the past year I bought a pair of Dunlop aerogel 4d 200 and while I do like them, my PSLs are still my goto stick.
I initially played it stock but eventually added lead. This helped me advance my game. But after maybe a year I decided to go back to stock. I even went as far as ditching the over grip in favor of the bare leather grip. I also replaced my dampener with a rubber band to get the PSL as close to original specs as possible. Again I made improvements in my game.
I've been reading this thread for a few years...I hope the live for this racquet continues...
LanEvo
Hall of Fame
Hey guys, just picked up a pair of these a couple weeks back. I need some advice on strings now. Man, this thing is low powered, coming from a PDR, but I feel these frames will really bring me up to the next level. I really enjoy it though, it gives me good control and nice feel. Currently, it has some full poly in the high 50s I would say, plays very boardy and low-powered. Any suggested string setups to open up the sweetspot and add more power? Maybe a full multi.? Or a hybrid?
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KenC
Hall of Fame
The PSLGT is an old school type racquet and needs old school type strings.
If you are not a chronic string breaker I would definitely put in a set of VS Touch at around 55 lbs or 25kg. You may be able to go lower. Watch the racquet come to life and play like a dream. You get much more power without sacrificing control. With gut you don't have to worry about your strings dying and can play for months with a responsive stringbed.
If that is too expensive, I would put in a full set of a quality multi, like TF NRG2 or Bab's XCel Premium. Problem is that they die over time and have to be cut out and replaced. This is why gut is better and actually more economical to those who are not chronic string breakers.
I break strings like it was my job, so I can't use gut or a premium multi. I recently found a string that offers good performance at a low cost and has impressive durability: Prince Premier Attack.
Anyway, you will have to ditch the poly strings unless you use a high quality one at lower tensions and restring it like every 6-8 hours of play. Think of the PSLGT as a modern ProStaff 85. It needs gut or gut-like strings to play its best.
LanEvo
Hall of Fame
How about the cheaper gut? Like the $30 packs on TW? Would those be ok? I am not a stringer breaker by any means, hit a flat game. Like Klip Legend?
Kind of sucks too, I spent my last set of NRG2 on my PDR right before I got this pair...
I still have a couple sets of NXT and Donnay Multi. though, think those would work?
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