***The Pure Storm Tour thread***

[dgoran]

Hi I was researching this stick regarding user experiences and I could not find a lot of info in one place so PST users unite.

What string combo works for you and what other mods work good on PST.

This is my newest stick in my collection and I love the serve and flexibility of it. It is the most flexible frame I used to date and I am sort of on the fence about it. I love serving and control but I feel like my golfers elbow hurts tiny bit after using it.

Could that pain be a result of frame's flexibility. I always heard that flexible=good but it looks like my stiffer k90 and AeroPro Drive Cortex do not hurt my arm at all?

Please post your experiences with this stick.

I currently have X1 biphase strung at 60 and it is very powerful string but it does remind of a nat gut a little.



-Goran

 

[TMCW140]

i love mine. keep changing strings, so not to sure on that, but i've had to slap a load of lead tape around the rim of mine to get a nicer swing out of it-bit more spin aswell

 

[[K]evinMoss]

i have 3 PST's. all loaded up with VS Team 17. may be a liitle old school with nat. gut, but untill something else comes along that plays like gut, VS Team it is. tried all kinds of string from full poly, hybrid poly/syn, poly/ nat. gut, etc. but nothing feels as good in the PST as good ol nat. gut.

 

[journeymonk]

I did experience a bit of golfer's elbow swinging this. Increased my grip size (on day one, replaced the original Syntec grip with the VS Excel--which was thinner), and will be trying it out tonight.

I use Babolat Pro Hurricane Tour 17g on the mains at 54 lbs. and Babolat Attraction 16g on the crosses at 56 lbs. and so far it's been going OK.

I miss a little bit of power coming from my friend's AK90.

Any suggestions on spin-friendly, yet powerful strings?

The Tecnifibre X-One Biphase looks promising.

 

[VikingSamurai]

Best strings for this frame is Babolat Powergy.. I have my 3 strung @ 54lbs..

 

[journeymonk]

Ah, yes, from the other thread. How is spin with the Powergy? I know it's great for adding power, but spin is a big part of my game.

Anyone gone modifying theirs with lead tape? Pictures please of the exact location.

Also, can anyone comment on the er... comment/ review that this racquet is not good for those with a windshield wiper finish? I didn't know there were any racquets good/ bad for that I always thought it was technique.

 

[ClubHoUno]

I will string my 2 PST's with Babolat VS Team 17g in the mains @ 28 kg and Babolat VS Touch 16g in the crosses @ 27 kg.

I'll see how it plays then, then - I think it will be very powerful, but also have a great deal of spin

Right now I have a hybrid of X-one and Recoil in it and it plays great........Then it's all natural gut setup for the test.

 

[VikingSamurai]

Ah, yes, from the other thread. How is spin with the Powergy? I know it's great for adding power, but spin is a big part of my game.

Anyone gone modifying theirs with lead tape? Pictures please of the exact location.

Also, can anyone comment on the er... comment/ review that this racquet is not good for those with a windshield wiper finish? I didn't know there were any racquets good/ bad for that I always thought it was technique.

No problem with the spin and durability. Its the softness of the string that has been the hardest to get used to, but my elbow loves me for it now that I have found this frame, and this string... I have been a little late with my backhand and keep catching the net tape of late. So I have decided 3grams of lead in the "put lead here" section at 12 to see how it goes. But I have a feeling I may have also try 3 & 9 at some stage..

 

[Harry24]

Ah, yes, from the other thread. How is spin with the Powergy? I know it's great for adding power, but spin is a big part of my game.

Anyone gone modifying theirs with lead tape? Pictures please of the exact location.

Also, can anyone comment on the er... comment/ review that this racquet is not good for those with a windshield wiper finish? I didn't know there were any racquets good/ bad for that I always thought it was technique.

Me too although I've heard of quite a few racquets that are good for a winshield wiper finish(K90 of course ha). But to me if thats your technique then its your technique, you shouldnt base your racquet choice on your style of forehand.

 

[journeymonk]

Thanks for the input, guys. Let's keep this thread alive.

 

[LafayetteHitter]

I am currently playing this frame with Yonex 850 Pro spin multi mains and Kirschbaum Pro Line II crosses at 57lbs. Spin is great and the pop on serves if fantastic. I am thinking of trying poly mains for added spin but hate to loose the sweet ball pocketing characteristics of the multi mains

 

[Ross K]

Although I really don't need another racquet, I actually have one of these coming to me from being strung hopefully Wednesday (the price was too good to refuse; I have a certain history with Babs; and what with the supposed added control and the flex, the frame just sounds too appealing.) I was a bit concerned that the serve would be pretty weak compared to the likes of your PC, your PD and your PDR, etc, but like the above post ^ seems to show, there should be enough pop to be had. Anyway, shall no doubt post on here about how things proceed... BTW, I've gone for Lux Alu Power @ 56 lbs.

 

[Willietan]

Any main difference with the original Pure Storm? I think the added weight would constitute to better stability. Anything else? I'm using a PDR now but wants to look out for a more flex stick.

 

[LafayetteHitter]

I definately find it is more flexy than the original Pure Storm Team. The Pure storm Tour was the first Babolat that I found actually had a bit of an old school graphite feel to it. If you can handle the swingweight over a couple sets its a great hit. Serves are fantastic and easy to generate power on while still having the control needed on a powerful first serve.

 

[VikingSamurai]

I definately find it is more flexy than the original Pure Storm Team. The Pure storm Tour was the first Babolat that I found actually had a bit of an old school graphite feel to it. If you can handle the swingweight over a couple sets its a great hit. Serves are fantastic and easy to generate power on while still having the control needed on a powerful first serve.

Exactly why I settled on it after a 2 year search and demo of everything and anything.. My search ended because of the old school feel..

 

[LafayetteHitter]

I was shocked after not caring for any Babolat frames before the Pure Storm Tour.

 

[Harry24]

Although I really don't need another racquet, I actually have one of these coming to me from being strung hopefully Wednesday (the price was too good to refuse; I have a certain history with Babs; and what with the supposed added control and the flex, the frame just sounds too appealing.) I was a bit concerned that the serve would be pretty weak compared to the likes of your PC, your PD and your PDR, etc, but like the above post ^ seems to show, there should be enough pop to be had. Anyway, shall no doubt post on here about how things proceed... BTW, I've gone for Lux Alu Power @ 56 lbs.

Do not be fooled I've tried 13 racquets so far and the Pure Storm Tour is the best racquet for flat first serves. Like he said there is soooo much pop on any stroke.....it really is a joy to hit with.

 

[dgoran]

Do not be fooled I've tried 13 racquets so far and the Pure Storm Tour is the best racquet for flat first serves. Like he said there is soooo much pop on any stroke.....it really is a joy to hit with.

Ditto

I am having a hard time deciding between Aeropro Drive Cortex and pure storm tour. One is giving me tiny bit more consistency only because when I swing with pst it is soooooo much fun to smack the ball when playing with pst that I think it's resulting in more inconsistent play. I just cannot resist that look on the opponent's face when you smack a flat serve with PST I am not sure if its the string or the racket but pst has that SOUND WWHHAPPPP when you hit the ball that sounds like a gun going off.

 

[Ross K]

I'm loving these great reports ^^ about the serve abilities of the PST and am really looking forward to discovering it for myself. In the meantime though, just to give me an even better idea, how would ppl say it compares in general to the PD, the PC, or the PDR?

 

[Harry24]

Ditto

I am having a hard time deciding between Aeropro Drive Cortex and pure storm tour. One is giving me tiny bit more consistency only because when I swing with pst it is soooooo much fun to smack the ball when playing with pst that I think it's resulting in more inconsistent play. I just cannot resist that look on the opponent's face when you smack a flat serve with PST I am not sure if its the string or the racket but pst has that SOUND WWHHAPPPP when you hit the ball that sounds like a gun going off.

Haha ditto here too I am between the Pure Storm Tour, APDC and Aero Storm Tour. I think the Aero Storm Tour is the perfect compromise and will most likely go with it. And yeah this racquet is the best I've tried on serve.

 

[Harry24]

I'm loving these great reports ^^ about the serve abilities of the PST and am really looking forward to discovering it for myself. In the meantime though, just to give me an even better idea, how would ppl say it compares in general to the PD, the PC, or the PDR?

My opinion- the pure drives just arent that great for me on serve...wish Icould help:?. The pure storm tour blows them out of the water in every category.

 

[PED]

I am currently playing this frame with Yonex 850 Pro spin multi mains and Kirschbaum Pro Line II crosses at 57lbs. Spin is great and the pop on serves if fantastic. I am thinking of trying poly mains for added spin but hate to loose the sweet ball pocketing characteristics of the multi mains

What kind of lifespan are you getting out of that string setup? I had x1 mains crossed with CF and it was wonderful (probably my best setup ever) until it popped right in the middle of the mains after 2 hours. I'd love to try your setup but would like to be able to get more than 2 hours out of it.

thx

 

[Ross K]

My opinion- the pure drives just arent that great for me on serve...wish Icould help:?. The pure storm tour blows them out of the water in every category.

Wo!?... I find that hard to believe (specially on serve and groundies.) Anyway, should get the frame today and shall report back after I've had a hit... though I should say I've recently had a few sessions with my old PD+ (team version, non-Cortex) and have been very impressed by its qualities, compared to which the likes of the PDR and the Pure Control don't match up IMO... but what about the PST though?... (TO BE CONTINUED.)

 

[0d1n]

No problem with the spin and durability. Its the softness of the string that has been the hardest to get used to, but my elbow loves me for it now that I have found this frame, and this string... I have been a little late with my backhand and keep catching the net tape of late. So I have decided 3grams of lead in the "put lead here" section at 12 to see how it goes. But I have a feeling I may have also try 3 & 9 at some stage..

I fail to see the logic in adding lead @ 12 if you're already hitting late. IMO the lead should be added if the frame swings too light (i.e you are hitting early).

 

[Ross K]

PST - early thoughts...

Hit with the PST for an hour earlier. Too soon obviously to say anything too definitive, but my first reactions were:

. It's everything I always kind of wanted the Pure Control to be.

. This has to have the best control/feel/touch Bab rod I've tried.

. A very good serving stick. I don't personally think it's better than the stiffer Bab frames, but it's close enough. No complaints at all.

. Groundies a tad less powerful than your PD's etc, but so what? If you want more control and a bit of flex (just like supposed 'player's frames'), whilst retaining something of the Babolat oomph - this is the one. Both fhs and bhs were finding good depth, pace and the spin was more than adequate.

. Really liked it on return of serve - very soliid.

. Menouverability: pretty easy to swing I thought.

. Comfort: absolutely fine.

. Cosmetics work for me with it's updated Pure Control/Pure Storm look.

. Set up of Lux Alu Power @ 56 lbs felt... hmmmm... very, very niiice... "ooooh baby!"...

Anyway, those are my early impressions... IMO (albeit only based on an hour's hit) Babolat has come up with a winner here. A great combination that picks up on the qualities of the Pure Storm and the Pure Control (and ditches the negatives), and adds a bit of player's frame class with the added feel and control.

 

[anbu4ever11]

it really is a wonderful frame.i have just one but ive used it from april till about now.i went from an apdc to it and it completely just blew it out of the water.would of stuck with it if the current stick i am getting wasnt an improvement compared to it.babolat hit the spot with these rackets though and i bet theyll have a ton of pure storm tour junkies by the time new ones come out

 

[Ross K]

it really is a wonderful frame.i have just one but ive used it from april till about now.i went from an apdc to it and it completely just blew it out of the water.would of stuck with it if the current stick i am getting wasnt an improvement compared to it.babolat hit the spot with these rackets though and i bet theyll have a ton of pure storm tour junkies by the time new ones come out

And what prey tell is this frame which is an 'improvement' on the PST?

 

[anbu4ever11]

well i personally prefer the tecnifibre 320 XL now.idk something about it is just fits me better.im keeping my pst though for sure cause it is really a great racket

 

[Ross K]

I'm wondering if they do the PST in a plus size?... that might interest me.

 

[Harry24]

I'm wondering if they do the PST in a plus size?... that might interest me.

yeah TW has a plus version of the Pure Storm Tour

 

[[K]evinMoss]

Ross, I think the more you play with this stick, the more you'll find it's kinda like pickin up an old baseball glove you've had layin around the house. it just seems to work. i have three and if there is one minor complaint, i'd like to see a 12.5 oz version. but that's just my preference...

 

[Ross K]

... if there is one minor complaint, i'd like to see a 12.5 oz version. but that's just my preference...

Kevin,

Upon deeper reflection, now I think about it, I too could perhaps ideally do with a bit more heft (don't know about 12.05 though.) Plus also... and this is a bigger issue... re directional control - which is probably easier in many ways with the PST than other Babs - I was still a bit too off for my liking; still a bit too wayward and not as precise as I'd wish for. Of course I only played an hour so I can't expect to be fully dialed in. Anyway, I'm taking the PST and 2-3 more frames with me on holiday today where I should have good opportunities to test these rods out and finally decide on, ahem... "THE ONE"!


anbu4ever11,

Interesting that you prefer the TF 320XL. Pretty recently I had a short-lived period of playing with the TF 320 18x20. Initially I was absolutely bowled over by the phenomenal accuracy and control capacity of the frame. However, I quickly became frustrated by its low, low power, and the feel began to bug me. The TF that still holds some appeal for me would be the 325, but as that isn't easy to get (and certainly not in the UK), I've sort of put it out of my mind. Besides, for me, TBH the PST is a much better frame all around than the TF (the TF 320 18x20 at any rate.)

 

[[K]evinMoss]

Ross, do yourself a favor and give it some time. I promise your patience WILL be rewarded. It took me about 10-12 total hours to get real comfortable with it. And I still find it better and better each time out. It just seems to come around a little time. But as with any racquet, you must have confidence in it and be comfortable with it. And ONLY YOU can make that decision. Enjoy...

 

[kinsella]

I have experimented with several set ups using natural gut mains. The latest tweak that not only works well, but feels fabulous is 58 lbs 17g BDE/Pacific Classic/Klip Legend and 18g Gosen OG at 55#. The lower tension on the Gosen lets the gut dominate the feeling, while the higher tension gives better control. The lower tension and lighter gauge crosses maintain the comfort I had at lower tensions. Bite for spin is outstanding.

 

[anbu4ever11]

oh yeah ross u def will like the pst if u keep using it.yes well i should be getting my tfight 320 xl soon today so ill have to go out and compare to the pst.i like the pst alot i really do.it is a very very nice stick but its not the one for me.its up there though,its second followed by the aerostorm tour or kblade tour in my book

 

[VAmazona]

Interesting observations! I am having elbow problems from my PS 6.0s and power envy from my mid 50 lb string jobs. I used to have the Pure Control + but moved into the 6.0 pro staff, would this be a good racquet (or even the new aero version) for someone not generating the same pop (I've always felt the PS wasn't a racquet you could pick up and just hit away with)?

 

[Harry24]

oh yeah ross u def will like the pst if u keep using it.yes well i should be getting my tfight 320 xl soon today so ill have to go out and compare to the pst.i like the pst alot i really do.it is a very very nice stick but its not the one for me.its up there though,its second followed by the aerostorm tour or kblade tour in my book

wow thats interesting!, kblade tour and aero storm tour are two completely different racquets to me

 

[h7hugo]

I assume that some guys as already played with the pure strom and the pure strom lmt. Can you give me some thoughts about PST and PS Lmt. compared with the PS?? (I've only hit with a PS)

 

[Ross K]

Another update.

Played with it today against better player and the results were interesting...

I really got going on the serve this afternoon (and BTW, cheers and kudos to you guys who originally told a sceptical me about the tremendous serve capacity of the racquet.) Slice out wide was consistantly troubling for my opponent. However, it was the flat (flatish anyway) bombers down the middle that were very impressive. The ace count was higher than I've experienced in a very long time. Cue - big smile ! Next I need to work on my second serve kickers and see if I can't make this a reliable weapon.

Sadly, the advances made with the serve seemed to be equalled by the unwelcome reappearance of that maddening phenomenon known unto thousands and thousands of Babolat users the world over and since the day the company began selling the frames successfully; namely ('He clears his throat.') I had 'control issues'... Yep... I was hitting too long, too often... and, frankly, it really p***** me off!... Cue misery!

Anyway, right now it's looking like it's betwen the PST and one other frame.

 

[StealthGnome]

I just bought one from a TWer. My arm is sore from bowling (i think i did it wrong lol fail) so I'll probably wait a few days.

 

[PED]

Sadly, the advances made with the serve seemed to be equalled by the unwelcome reappearance of that maddening phenomenon known unto thousands and thousands of Babolat users the world over and since the day the company began selling the frames successfully; namely ('He clears his throat.') I had 'control issues'... Yep... I was hitting too long, too often

Just curious but do you hit fairly flat? I've never had any control issues with that stick and was wondering where that came from. I find I hit a ball with a lower trajectory with my PST but it still has plenty of action on it. I feel the ball from the PST really moves "through" the court, whereas the ball off of an APDC is more "spinny" but not as heavy feeling.(I don't think Rafa has that problem-his balls are quite a bit heavier than mine )

What string setup are you using as that might help as well. I'm using either big banger original or cyberflash at 53/51-good combo of power and control. I find the PST to be extremely string sensitive. For example, I used to love big ace when using my PDR but it's much too powerful for the PST. I'm just trying to think of little things that could make you enjoy it more. Good luck with it

 

[Enlightened Coelacanth]

Any issues with frame integrity? I.E. handle cracking, head cracking, etc.? I've heard some negative things about the Pure Storm Tour in this regards. Thanks...EC

 

[PED]

^^No issues with frame at all. I've used one since last October and it's strong like bull.

 

[Ross K]

Just curious but do you hit fairly flat? I've never had any control issues with that stick and was wondering where that came from. I find I hit a ball with a lower trajectory with my PST but it still has plenty of action on it. I feel the ball from the PST really moves "through" the court, whereas the ball off of an APDC is more "spinny" but not as heavy feeling.(I don't think Rafa has that problem-his balls are quite a bit heavier than mine )

What string setup are you using as that might help as well. I'm using either big banger original or cyberflash at 53/51-good combo of power and control. I find the PST to be extremely string sensitive. For example, I used to love big ace when using my PDR but it's much too powerful for the PST. I'm just trying to think of little things that could make you enjoy it more. Good luck with it

PED,

I suspect you're right on the money there actually re me hitting kind of flat. I think the reasons are two-fold...

Firstly, I'm currently testing out/playing with not only the PST but also an 18x20 racquet which is a very flat-hitting frame. It now suddenly seems very obvious that flitting between the PST and the other string pattern frame is going to have some negatives - such as grip issues, brushing up and w/wiping the ball issues, etc, etc.

Secondly, as a previous thread about this illustrates, I do have some history re problems with topspin technique. My coach also happened to touch on this matter a while ago, and therefore I thought this issue was fixed; but obviously not. In truth, I've always found Babs such as the Pure Control (terrible name!) and the PDR hard to keep in bounds consistently; though I'm a better with the PD+, which I played with for a while a few years back. However, to hear that you've never experienced any control issues with the PST confirms my own instincts, which tell me the frame is far softer and easier to control than nearly all other Babs...

So... time to work on my topspin technique then... and I do realise that if I played with no other stick for at least a week these technique issues should largely disappear.

Thanks for sharing your views, thoughts, etc.

R.

BTW, I was especially interested to hear your opinion of the 'heavy ball' that comes off the PST... I agree... and along with the serve, it's a major reason I'll carry on testing it out.

BTW2, here's my set up: Lux Alu Power @ 56 lbs... have to say, it feels pretty bloody amazing to me!

 

[PED]

Ross, alu is $$ in that stick. I love the aluR but have gone to BB original to save a little bit of money as well as get a bit more string life.

I know what you mean about demoing several sticks at once. It's tough to switch around and keep a consistent technique on your strokes. I use to play with an apdc, pdr and pst. I would rotate among them and play well with each but I found my consistency lacking. I finally sold off the pdr and apdc (both great sticks) and bought another pst.

One of the best things I've done in awhile. Now, all I have to do is try and stay off the racquets section on talk tennis and I won't feel any temptation I think if I was not using the pst, I would use the microgel prestige pro. There are so many good sticks out there.

I think it's good that you are demoing with the alu in there. When I first demoed it last year, my demo had Bab Attraction in it and I really had to look past the string and see the potential in the PST. One more thing, you might want to consider looking at the XL length PST. I've used it a few times and it still comes around pretty quickly even with the extra half inch. I sometimes wonder if I should have gone that route??? Let me know how it goes with the PST.


One last point, nothing wrong with hitting flat. James Blake is number 8 in the world and he hits it quite flat

 

[Harry24]

Ross, alu is $$ in that stick. I love the aluR but have gone to BB original to save a little bit of money as well as get a bit more string life.

I know what you mean about demoing several sticks at once. It's tough to switch around and keep a consistent technique on your strokes. I use to play with an apdc, pdr and pst. I would rotate among them and play well with each but I found my consistency lacking. I finally sold off the pdr and apdc (both great sticks) and bought another pst.

One of the best things I've done in awhile. Now, all I have to do is try and stay off the racquets section on talk tennis and I won't feel any temptation I think if I was not using the pst, I would use the microgel prestige pro. There are so many good sticks out there.

I think it's good that you are demoing with the alu in there. When I first demoed it last year, my demo had Bab Attraction in it and I really had to look past the string and see the potential in the PST. One more thing, you might want to consider looking at the XL length PST. I've used it a few times and it still comes around pretty quickly even with the extra half inch. I sometimes wonder if I should have gone that route??? Let me know how it goes with the PST.


One last point, nothing wrong with hitting flat. James Blake is number 8 in the world and he hits it quite flat

Haha well that reasures me too. I hit really flat bit itend to like racquets that give alot of spin potential than ones that are better supposedly for flat hitters(18x20).

 

[Ross K]

Ross, alu is $$ in that stick. I love the aluR but have gone to BB original to save a little bit of money as well as get a bit more string life.

I know what you mean about demoing several sticks at once. It's tough to switch around and keep a consistent technique on your strokes. I use to play with an apdc, pdr and pst. I would rotate among them and play well with each but I found my consistency lacking. I finally sold off the pdr and apdc (both great sticks) and bought another pst.

One of the best things I've done in awhile. Now, all I have to do is try and stay off the racquets section on talk tennis and I won't feel any temptation I think if I was not using the pst, I would use the microgel prestige pro. There are so many good sticks out there.

I think it's good that you are demoing with the alu in there. When I first demoed it last year, my demo had Bab Attraction in it and I really had to look past the string and see the potential in the PST. One more thing, you might want to consider looking at the XL length PST. I've used it a few times and it still comes around pretty quickly even with the extra half inch. I sometimes wonder if I should have gone that route??? Let me know how it goes with the PST.


One last point, nothing wrong with hitting flat. James Blake is number 8 in the world and he hits it quite flat

Another interesting post PED...

I've kind of got it down to the PST and the i. Prestige (two VERY contrasting frames... no wonder the glitches switching between them!), with the PT 630 and PD+ kind of ditched and demoted... for now. :wink:

I, too, though need to stay away from the 'racquets' section and stop reading about all the many great rods out there! (I definitely don't need to hear any more about the Pure Storm Ltd or the MG PP!)

Also, I have a past history with a couple of XL racquets - I like them v/much for my 2hbh and serve - and will keep my eyes open regarding the PST XL.

I take your coment re James Blake, however, I do think I need to work at and improve my fh topspin.

Lastly, I'd be curious to know of your own or other ppls lead tape experiences with the PST so I can form a general impression should I wish to begin adding some LT... So... where (location)?... how much tape?... results?...

Cheers

R.

BTW, Yeah - I'm happy with the Alu, I must say.

BTW2, Please feel free to post any further thoughts whatsoever on the PST.

 

[tennis_hand]

OK. just got the PST today. this will be my weapon from now on.

my old 6.0 95 has retired. it served its good time for me.

 

[PED]

Ross, I tried using 2g at the tip of the head on the PST and ended up taking it off. With an overgrip and full poly, mine tip the scales at 12.0 even. This weight is just about perfect for me. I ended up taking off the lead as it slowed my bat speed down just a hair and I found I was more effective by using the faster stick speed and the full poly to create a nastier ball.

Regarding strings, I'm also finding the BB Original is holding tension longer than the alu, so I'm liking that quite bit!

Finally, be careful with the lead on the PST. The paint is super soft and when you peel the lead off, the paint usually comes with it. I've got a nasty bare spot at the top of one of mine that looks unsightly.

 

[Harry24]

Ross, I tried using 2g at the tip of the head on the PST and ended up taking it off. With an overgrip and full poly, mine tip the scales at 12.0 even. This weight is just about perfect for me. I ended up taking off the lead as it slowed my bat speed down just a hair and I found I was more effective by using the faster stick speed and the full poly to create a nastier ball.

Regarding strings, I'm also finding the BB Original is holding tension longer than the alu, so I'm liking that quite bit!

Finally, be careful with the lead on the PST. The paint is super soft and when you peel the lead off, the paint usually comes with it. I've got a nasty bare spot at the top of one of mine that looks unsightly.

Stupid question, wat is BB Original? I know its a poly that you say is better than lux's alu. Which I love except it loses tension to fast.