***The Pure Storm Tour thread***

Not a dumb question at all. BB original is lux's "original" poly offering from way back in the day. It's still used quite a bit on the tour by Safin, Gasquet, Moya, etc. I just started using it recently when searching for an alu substitute. I never considered using BBO but NickB spoke so highly of it that I felt I needed to try it...and I'm glad I did.

I wouldn't say that it's better performance wise than alu but BBO does 97% of what alu does for only $12 a pack as opposed to $14.50 for the alu. I love alu but just cant' justify the price when I factor in the constant restringing from tension loss, but I'm getting more hours on my BBO as opposed to the alu and that makes a big difference.

Plus, it's got that "X" factor feeling you get from lux. Give it a shot, I'd be surprised if you don't really love it...especially coming from alu. It only comes in the 1.30mm size but I feel that it plays more like a 1.25 and it's really comfortable for a poly as well. If I was still using my PDR with an RA of 71, I might have more of a problem with the stiffer nature of the BBO but it feels fantastic in the PST.
 
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Wow wow wow. I just want to say this thing is a beast serving. Compared to the 18-21mm beam of my RDS001 MP, the straight beam doesn't flex as much on contact. BOOM. Wow. Serving has been a weak part of my game. I think this will boost my confidence.
What poly strings do you guys recommend? I currently have used Red Code. Notched in pretty nicely. It might be time to switch.
 
Time to 'commit'!

Hi PSTers,

Another day, another very positive outing with the racquet... actually my instinct now is to drop all interest in any other frame/s and just concentrate on this and see... so that's it then!... as of today I'm soley focussing on this one rod until such a time as I declare 'I have found THE ONE' or 'next'!... deep breath... time to commit myself then! :roll:

Of today's 2-set session I was a lot better than the last one. I played the same guy I lost relatively badly to last week and drew 6-4, 4-6. All around improvement was there to be behold, although I still feel the frame takes some geting to know it, and I'm far from having unlocked all it secrets. What I did discover is that I'm very happy with the progress I'm making on the serve (in the great traditions of serve power and spin dynamic, the PST is definitely up there with the best of them IMO. Having had a wussy serve for too long, I can't tell you how pleased I am to report this .) Also - and I had no idea of his until today - the PST is a fantastic frame to lob with. For the 1st set my opponent, who likes to come quite a bit, was succesfuly lobbed EVERY SINGLE TIME (he eventually gave up the tactic altogether.) Plus also, I feel I'm beginning to get some proper usage out of the rod from the b-line. I was spreading it about a load better (specially fh c/court.) Getting good penetration and depth. My 2hbh likes this frame too (and really loves it c/court too.) I'm loving the great, crisp way I can really feel I'm smacking and cracking the ball to the sides (though I do think the Lux Alu Power has something to do with this.) And most of all, some of the control issues I previously mentioned seemed to be corrected by really trying an A Rod-like high whipping fh (you know with the very pronounced C shape he makes?), as well as really honing in on topspin technique, etc.

Anyway, lots (and I mean LOTS) of work ahead, but tonight I'm feeling... well, TBH with you guys, I'm feeling excited and 'pumped up.'

BTW, PED and Harry, Interesting to hear views on BBO, lead tape compatibility with the racquet, and such like... FWIW though, I'm still really loving the Lux Alu Power...

BTW2, Anyone with anything at all to say about the PST please just post!

R.
 
I find the PST is one of the easiest racquets to control points with. The ability to consistently serve well with this frame allows you to get in control of service points quickly as well. I find it's a very good frame for really punching the volleys deep as well.
 
Great to see my PST thread still very much alive. Great to hear all of your experiences and mine are really mirroring your experiences with this racket.

I am still going between APDC and PST and I find that each have it's strengths. I am leaning towards PST as every time I serve with this stick I see why I bought it.

Groundies with PST are calling for more SW than full western grip since PST is not nearly as powerful as APDC so no need to impart all that spin just to keep the ball in as with APDC.

BTW Pro Suppex Big Ace in PST is amazing. I used BB Orig and Cyberflash but Big Ace is money I must say. Great tension maint. and easy to string. Also has that power on Demand that I cannot explain almost like woofer.
 
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dgoran said:
Great to see my PST thread still very much alive. Great to hear all of your experiences and mine are really mirroring your experiences with this racket.

I am still going between APDC and PST and I find that each have it's strengths. I am leaning towards PST as every time I serve with this stick I see why I bought it.

Groundies with PST are calling for more SW than full western grip since PST is not nearly as powerful as APDC so no need to impart all that spin just to keep the ball in as with APDC.

BTW Pro Suppex Big Ace in PST is amazing. I used BB Orig and Cyberflash but Big Ace is money I must say. Great tension maint. and easy to string. Also has that power on Demand that I cannot explain almost like woofer.
Click to expand...

Kinda off subject a little but:What retains tension better Luxilon(alu or original) or Babolat(Pro Hurricane Tour) poly?
 
Just wondered...

Any of you more experienced PSTers have any cons to report re the frame?

For me, my slice especially is terrible (though that is my technique definitely.) I didn't volley great (again - my technique, and besides, I didn't do a whole lot of that.) I did feel it buckle more than a few times yesterday, though this was admittedly against some heavy, v/big, first serving. My control has sometimes been a bit wayward. (For the 3rd time however, this is my technique!) Really though, as a newcomer to the frame, I think virtually most of my 'cons' relates to poor technque issues and unfamiliarity that will be corrected through use.

I don't know... maybe there aren't any characteristic 'cons' wih this rod?!
 
Juz Come here to say Hi.

Hit with my friend's PST, There's something very weird abt the stringbed, very mushy, no pop, offers little to no feedback, often have no idea whether or not I hit the center of the stringbed However, this racket does have a goos spin potential !!
 
I have 2 Tour Plus's and picked them up after demoing about 15 racquets. I switched from a Prince 03 Tour MP which served its purpose, but I had shoulder problems with it. I might add the +'s are becoming hard to find.

I went from shoulder problems to foremarm problems :( I think it is the heft of the racquet, went to 4 3/8 grip after using 4 1/2, shortened my strokes (huge swings on fh and serve) and other things that can cause golf elbow. I think my elbow is getting better. It would hurt the first 15 minues of hitting and then wouldn't resurface until I was done playing. Now it doesn't hurt until I have played for awhile which I think is better.

I tried the poly that was in the demo I tested and it the racquet was a launching pad. I have since put in synth gut and it still feels like a launching pad. I thought about trying PHT/w Excel Hybird, XOne Biphase, or I might try PHT/w VS. Anyone have any string suggestions

I will say regardless of the problems mentioned above...I love this racquet :)
 
Just hit 2 hours yesterday with my new PST.

observations:
1. Its feel is different from my prostaff experience. I expected this. It is slightly muted.
2. Very stable.
3. comfortable, even on mishits. this is good for the arm.
4. it swings quite heavy, I would say. A lot of my strokes are late. This just needs time to adjust.
5. it has good power. This is why I wanted this stick from my prostaff. It can dominate from the baseline and can turn defense to offense.
6. Serves. Wow. It is just amazing. At the beginning, I couldn't time it well because it swings heavier, so i hit late and the ball went to the net. After I adjusted a little, the bombs start to come. And its placement is damn good and accurate.
7. still haven't found my rythm on my backhand side. Probably due to the 4 3/8 gripsize. I usually use 4 1/2, however, those are not available here. *^&* so I will wrap another OG. The bevels are still fine, because I have the leather grip.
8. very easy to generate spin. it can really damage the opponent's back hand.
 
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diff views on PST

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=186245&highlight=

Well I was wondering if some more experienced PSTers might have some different or negative views and I found that ^.

FWIW (considering I've only played with it 3 times I think), I'll chime in with this:


. Yep, the PST is relatively soft & muted in feel (which is a matter of preference not quality.)

. The same feel is IMO by far the best of any Bab I've tried.

. Some speak of the Pure Control in highly revered tones and compare it (unfavourably) with the PST... I've personally tried and toiled on at least 2 lengthy (as in weeks ) test periods to get into the groove with the PC but failed both times. IMO the PC is stiffer, harsher, has horrible feel and and is generally way more unpredictable and lacking in control and touch than the PST... just my opinion.

. The PST does still seem a tad wayward or lacking in directional control to me (Is it the woofer? Or the flex?) But still, I find it less wayward/minus control than I think every Bab I've ever tried.

. I am surprised some don't find the PST as awesome for serving. For me it's an incredible serving stick.

. For me, this stick is precisely as advertised or as I expected it to be: a frame which combines the best elements of the Pure Control and the Pure Storm - and loses the worst elements.


What do others feel?

R.
 
I agree with you Ross on the pure control. I think it was a good stick but not as deserving of the cult status that it received.

I think it might be the woofer that's throwing you off on the directional control. Ironically, it's the woofer I like as it helps out on softening things up as well as giving that POP we all love. Part of it too is that I've played mostly with Babs and I know you've used some other "old school" frames and it's probably an adjustment period coming back to the woofer.

Tennis Hand, you'll get used to the swing weight fairly quickly-I came from an APDC but it was leaded to around the same weight:335g. Once you get the timing down, you can just crush the ball.

Tharnid: I've ended up using full big banger original or alu rough in mine. Great control and spin with that setup but since you mentioned arm problems, that might be an issue. The PHT/Excel should work but he PHT goes dead quicker than the Xcel so bear that in mind. I've found the PST to be VERY picky on string setup so just be patient with it-eventually, you'll find one that really works.
 
Going to my local pro shop to return my PST demo today,,

Just as so many people have stated, the serves are SWEET, great spin potential, solid stability, etc..
but honestly, I can't get myself to like the cosmetics,

The PST is working out to be such a great racquet for me, but I've also become interested in the Aero Storm Tour, as I really liked my friend's APDC. It's supposed to be the hybrid of the two?

Anyone who has tried both the AST and PST fill me in please?
 
jdlee said:
Going to my local pro shop to return my PST demo today,,

Just as so many people have stated, the serves are SWEET, great spin potential, solid stability, etc..
but honestly, I can't get myself to like the cosmetics,

The PST is working out to be such a great racquet for me, but I've also become interested in the Aero Storm Tour, as I really liked my friend's APDC. It's supposed to be the hybrid of the two?

Anyone who has tried both the AST and PST fill me in please?
Click to expand...

-for one I love the cosmetics...matte black with silver...quite nice...in my opinion. You can always get a can of black spray paint...

-I have tried the AST before settling on the PST. There was something about the response of the non-uniform shaft of AST that did not set right with me. When I tried PST everthing felt right. I'm a former n-code 90 and k90 user. My PST are set at 352 grams, 31.4 cm balance, leather grip with overgrip, VS main and Topspin BluePower cross. Slightly softer flex and 10-14 grams less weight when compared to the Wilsons is all I needed for comfort and arm not getting tired or being late, but at the same time have retained stability. I'm 43 and play in the 4.5-5.0 range.
 
I've owned all 3: PST, AST and APDC. I love my PST but I will mention that the AST feels nothing at all like the PST or the APDC. I really wanted to like the AST but it feels sluggish when swinging with the 343g swing weight as compared to the 333 of the PST. I find I'm much more consistent with the PST but will mention that you can really pancake the ball with the AST. I for one wish they had made the balance more headlight on the AST and it might have worked for me.

Try out the AST for yourself to make sure, but I'll be surprised if you end up preferring it over the PST.

My son uses the AST and he loves it. He uses full Head FXP at 60/58 and that setup really suits that stick.
 
Tharnid: I've ended up using full big banger original or alu rough in mine. Great control and spin with that setup but since you mentioned arm problems, that might be an issue. The PHT/Excel should work but he PHT goes dead quicker than the Xcel so bear that in mind. I've found the PST to be VERY picky on string setup so just be patient with it-eventually, you'll find one that really works.
Click to expand...

I am going to try X-One Biphase first and then the Bab PHT/Xcel combo. I can tell you a full syn gut set up is not going to cut it :?

I will say my serve is much more accurate with much more power and spin :)
 
PED said:
I've owned all 3: PST, AST and APDC. I love my PST but I will mention that the AST feels nothing at all like the PST or the APDC. I really wanted to like the AST but it feels sluggish when swinging with the 343g swing weight as compared to the 333 of the PST. I find I'm much more consistent with the PST but will mention that you can really pancake the ball with the AST. I for one wish they had made the balance more headlight on the AST and it might have worked for me.

Try out the AST for yourself to make sure, but I'll be surprised if you end up preferring it over the PST.

My son uses the AST and he loves it. He uses full Head FXP at 60/58 and that setup really suits that stick.
Click to expand...
I completely agree. I have demoed all three and finally settled on the APDC. The pure storm tour has a better feel. And the ASt does feel sluggish alot of the times, which was something I couldnt stand.
I also had FXP in my demo, good string for that racquet.
My suggestion as always:demo, demo, demo.
 
jdlee said:
Going to my local pro shop to return my PST demo today,,

Just as so many people have stated, the serves are SWEET, great spin potential, solid stability, etc..
but honestly, I can't get myself to like the cosmetics...
Click to expand...
Given the immense difficulty many experience in finding a suitable primary racket, and compared to issues such as serve quality, spin potential, frame stability, etc, surely cosmetics is a completely minor matter?! :-?

BTW PED and others, I've posted a different thread about getting the best out of Babs/the woofer system - please feel free to contribute any thoughts - R.
 
Ross K said:
Given the immense difficulty many experience in finding a suitable primary racket, and compared to issues such as serve quality, spin potential, frame stability, etc, surely cosmetics is a completely minor matter?! :-?

BTW PED and others, I've posted a different thread about getting the best out of Babs/the woofer system - please feel free to contribute any thoughts - R.
Click to expand...
wats the link of the thread?(sorry im too lazy to find it ha)
 
Harry, can you give a comparison of the APDC, pure storm and pure storm tour? I loved hitting with the APDC - its spin, directional control, and power were amazing. However, the power was a little too high and I had trouble volleying and serving with it. Any recommendations?
 
PED said:
I've owned all 3: PST, AST and APDC. I love my PST but I will mention that the AST feels nothing at all like the PST or the APDC. I really wanted to like the AST but it feels sluggish when swinging with the 343g swing weight as compared to the 333 of the PST. I find I'm much more consistent with the PST but will mention that you can really pancake the ball with the AST. I for one wish they had made the balance more headlight on the AST and it might have worked for me.

Try out the AST for yourself to make sure, but I'll be surprised if you end up preferring it over the PST.

My son uses the AST and he loves it. He uses full Head FXP at 60/58 and that setup really suits that stick.
Click to expand...

Bought the PST, BBO mains and X-1 Biphase crosses---great set-up for me =). I love the sensation of pounding the ball with this racquet.
I'm really satisfied, but can't help thinking that the K-six.one 95 (16x18) could've worked just as well. IMO, they play very similarly, the Wilson just weighs .5 oz more and is a little more HL.

Anyone else share the thought that the K-six one 95 plays like the PST?
 
rayallen333 said:
Harry, can you give a comparison of the APDC, pure storm and pure storm tour? I loved hitting with the APDC - its spin, directional control, and power were amazing. However, the power was a little too high and I had trouble volleying and serving with it. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
I would suggest the aero storm tour it has alot more control. Or the pure storm tour. The pure storm is too light for me.
 
JDLEE, I agree with you on the k6-1. I demoed that one as well. I liked the little bit lighter weight of the PST for me. 12 oz seems optimal. Also, I felt like I could consistently whip around the PST as opposed to the k6-1. I really like the wilson too, but the PST seemed to suit my style more. I think the end result is the same on those 2 sticks, it's just a slightly different interpretation. Hard to go wrong either way.

I know that the BBO/X1 is awesome in that stick. You should be getting some great pocketing from that setup. What tension did you go with?
 
Hit another 2 hours to get used to the PST today.

Better result!

Have found my forehand, not longer flying longer. And now I can really target corners with pace. It's just so easy to hit a huge shot with this racket. You don't have to sacrifice the whole body strength to hit that sort of shot, as compared to my old prostaff.


Also found my 1HBH slightly, but still needs time to improve. I hit an amazing cross court backhand pass with great pace today, so I guess my backhand is almost back.

The worst shot is my slice. Now it either flies skyhight out or becomes a drop shot. I think it is because of the lighter weight compared to my previous 6.0 95. I just chopped it too fast.

still finding my consistent first serve. it is ok now, but not very consistent. 2nd serve has much more top spin now. I can really see the arc of my second serve dropping to the court.


One thing I noticed of this racket is, when you hit the sweet spot with force, the sound is so loud. Not sure why, but it can certainly attract attention. :D
 
tennis_hand said:
Hit another 2 hours to get used to the PST today.

Better result!

Have found my forehand, not longer flying longer. And now I can really target corners with pace. It's just so easy to hit a huge shot with this racket. You don't have to sacrifice the whole body strength to hit that sort of shot, as compared to my old prostaff.


Also found my 1HBH slightly, but still needs time to improve. I hit an amazing cross court backhand pass with great pace today, so I guess my backhand is almost back.

The worst shot is my slice. Now it either flies skyhight out or becomes a drop shot. I think it is because of the lighter weight compared to my previous 6.0 95. I just chopped it too fast.

still finding my consistent first serve. it is ok now, but not very consistent. 2nd serve has much more top spin now. I can really see the arc of my second serve dropping to the court.


One thing I noticed of this racket is, when you hit the sweet spot with force, the sound is so loud. Not sure why, but it can certainly attract attention. :D
Click to expand...

This is sorta random but i also found the sweetspot to be "loud". As did I with the RQiS 1 Tour.:?
 
tennis-hand,

I agree with virtually everything you say in your mini-review and, especially what you say re difficulties with slice - it's my stand out worst shot with the PST (though I know I have some difficulties with this shot anyway.)


Harry, PED, others,

I posted up a thread some days ago (that received hardly any feedback) re ppls views on how to get the best out of Babs/the Woofer system. My thought being that Babs/the Woofer System calls for slightly different technique, or an emphasis on certain aspects, far more than other frames. Not everyone agrees with this, I'm sure. For me though, as an in and out Bab user of some years, it seems to me that mastery of the following is crucial...

. windshield wiper technique

. hitting at great pace (& really coming onto the shot)

. excellent topspin technique

. using a Semi-Western or (even better) a Western grip

It's not that mastery of such as the above isn't required with other racquets, it's just that I feel that Babolats punish you way more - and this is nowhere more evident than in the infamous 'control issues' that ppl (including me) have been citing since forever and a day.

Anyhow, does anyone have any additions to the list or further thoughts?

R.
 
I don't think u really need to change the grip type. To me, it is its balance. Now I have modifed the PST balance, making it more head light. Now I have much more control on my forehand side. No longer flying long.

The slice issue, I think is also due to its power. I found slice is best played with heavy and low powered racket. I always have had problems with lighter and power rackets. PST is not exactly light, but it is lighter than those I used before.

I played a set today, lost 5:7 due to loss of concentration, not the racket, and lost 4:7 in the 1st tiebreak. won the second one 7:3. I have found my game in the PST finally.

Its power is helpful. I played yesterday and today and i don't feel tired as I used to using the prostaff. and the big sweet spot can really whip some winners on the forehand side.
 
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tennis_hand said:
Now I have modifed the PST balance, making it more head light. Now I have much more control on my forehand side. No longer flying long.
Click to expand...

Sorry if I missed this in an earlier post, but how exactly have you modified the PST balance? If you mean lead tape, how much and at what precise locations? Having myself experienced some initial flying long on the fh side, this is of interest to me.
 
Ross K said:
tennis-hand,

I agree with virtually everything you say in your mini-review and, especially what you say re difficulties with slice - it's my stand out worst shot with the PST (though I know I have some difficulties with this shot anyway.)


Harry, PED, others,

I posted up a thread some days ago (that received hardly any feedback) re ppls views on how to get the best out of Babs/the Woofer system. My thought being that Babs/the Woofer System calls for slightly different technique, or an emphasis on certain aspects, far more than other frames. Not everyone agrees with this, I'm sure. For me though, as an in and out Bab user of some years, it seems to me that mastery of the following is crucial...

. windshield wiper technique

. hitting at great pace (& really coming onto the shot)

. excellent topspin technique

. using a Semi-Western or (even better) a Western grip

It's not that mastery of such as the above isn't required with other racquets, it's just that I feel that Babolats punish you way more - and this is nowhere more evident than in the infamous 'control issues' that ppl (including me) have been citing since forever and a day.

Anyhow, does anyone have any additions to the list or further thoughts?

R.
Click to expand...

I agree with everything you said, babolats are just unique but in a good way. I disagree with the grip part as I use the bevel between eastern and semi, so Im not a "full" semi-western user. But maybe Im just weird ha. But I think I can use it with my grip because normally I dont get much topspin with my grip but with my APDC I get huge amounts of it.
On everything else I do agree, I definately have a windshield wiper forehand although I sometimes use a reverse follow-through on my forehand.
 
Ross K said:
Sorry if I missed this in an earlier post, but how exactly have you modified the PST balance? If you mean lead tape, how much and at what precise locations? Having myself experienced some initial flying long on the fh side, this is of interest to me.
Click to expand...

I changed it to a leather grip with 2 overgrips, because the grip size is small for me. No lead tapes. It should be about 8 or 9 points HL now.

It is about the same balance as my old racket is, so I feel comfortable with it now. In stock form, it is more Head heavy, and it explains why I always swing it long.
 
Anyone else find this racquet underpowered? I also might of got a little too much feedback on a few swings. My demo was sporting some frayed 16g multifilament and lost some tension from heavy use. Not sure if it was the string or the racquet.
 
I think alot of the power level has to do with your swing style. I switched to my PST last year after using a PDR and the PST feel underpowered at first, but I've amped up my racquet head speed over the last year and my swing in general has gotten longer.

Now, the PST generates alot of weight in the shot and you can hit a really nasty heavy ball. I really can't imagine playing with anything else. The only thing I miss from the PDR is the oval head shape as the more rounded head makes it easy for swinging volleys but that's about it for me in the complaints department.

What stick were you using before? Don't feel bad, the PST does tend to fall in the love or hate category without much in between ;)
 
Grip

How do grip sizes on Babolats run? Im sure they're all the same, so not specifically the PST. Are they slightly larger, or smaller, then normal? And by normal Im sure you all know what I mean, if IM a 4 3/8, should I go a size up or down, or jsut stick to 3/8?

Thanks
 
People say they run bigger but I've heard people also say that the size on the PST is closer to normal. I would run by a local retailer and try out any Bab to see for yourself. I used to use a 3/8 but use a 1/4 in the PST but I wanted to drop in size for more wrist action, not because the grip was bigger.
 
Hi fellow PSTers,

Just to say I've had a bit of a quiet time in the last month but am now getting back into the groove with regular play and practice etc - and of course am wielding my PST with a full commitment to play solely with this frame (and this frame alone!)

And of my 2 sessions this week, I was once again just so impressed with the all round performance of the frame... as I've said a few times before, the control and touch is just so much better IMO than other Bab frames of my acquaintance (PD+, PDR, Pure Control)... and yet also the way this thing serves and booms out the groundies is pretty damn, er, persuasive... no... I thank my lucky stars I came across this frame...

Anyway. How are you all playing with your PST's at present?... Learnt anything over the summer about how to bring out the best with it?... Any gripes?... tips?... lead tape discoveries?... etc.

R.
 
I've just been playing along and still toying with string. I'm down to 2 "go to" setups at present: ALU power like your's Ross and BBO. I usually prefer alu power rough but they were out and I went with just the normal alu power and I like it just as much. I'm curious to see how long it lasts.

My BBO went mushy yesterday and I've got some spare cyber power laying around that I'm going to hybrid with CF crosses. I used that combo this summer and it was quite nice. You ought to consider that one Ross.

One last possible combo is thanks to my man KCRAIG's influence is trying out a full job of X1 in the PST. I tried full NRG back in the summer and thought it was too mushy but I strung it at 57 so that was likely too low. If I go the X1 route, I'll do it at 60/58.
 
I'm new to posting here but have had a summer (or so called summer here in England) of choosing a new racquet and have arrived at a choice of two;

Babolat Pure Storm Tour
Prince Speedport Tour (ports and string inserts both tested, ports better)

So far I like both for all round play, perhaps the SPT having the edge over the PST on serving and topspin generation while the PST has the edge on serve returns and volleys (just). I find the SPT is better with the port inserts but feels a little mushy compared to the PST but I can generate more speed with the SPT than the PST. Whilst the PST feels/sounds a little hollow sometimes and occasionaly I don't seem to get the accuracy I expect. All of this of course doesn't allow for my own variability in play!

Anyone else tested both and agree/disagree? (Tested a few others out too, my thoughts were, for those interested;

Head microgel Prestige MP and Pro - both too low powered
Babolat Pure Drive Rod - didn't like the feel at all
Dunlop 300 - too light, as was the Yonex RDS002
Wilson K-Blade98 not bad but SPT and PST better
Yonex RQiS1 was too low powered and the RDS001MP probably the best of the rest.

Did I miss any other good racquets worth a hit?
 
From one Ross to another,

It simply sounds like you're very 'into' the Prince stick and therefore you should stick with the Speedport. It's all so subjective and down to personal taste anyway. FWIW though, I agree the PST sometimes feels a tad lively and not quite as accurate as some... if I was being very, very picky I might even see something in your remark re the PST's hollow feel/sound... however, for me, its numerous qualities more than make up for these negatives.

Now... about
'any other good racquets worth a hit'?
Click to expand...
... Er... let's just say, if you stick around these boards long enough, I'm fairly certain you'll find out about plenty of frames you'll be curious to check out.

Hope you find 'the one'... I have! :wink:

R.
 
I think you are both right on the accuracy issue of the PST. I guess I just try to use enough spin to give me a margin for error. I never could come to grips with the Prince 0 technology. We had an 03 tour for a while and I couldn't make it work for me. The best setup I ever had in it was straight syn gut. I got good spin out of it from full PHT but I didn't care for the feel.

I never tried the RQS1 Yonex. Is it a lot lower powered than the PST?

You also might want to try out the new tecnifibres. The specs look really nice on them and the graphics look cool as well.

Ross K, BTW, I'm really proud of you. You really have stuck with the PST and I'm glad it's working out for you :) I'm ok for now, it's next year when all the new models come out that I will be looking to "stray".
 
Well, after a good weekend of weather I played quite a bit, and exclusively, with the PST - and seem to have sorted out the serving (my biggest concern before) and am finding more spin too...

I think that having tested quite a few frames out this summer that I've not spent long enough with the ones I like, rather spending time dismissing the ones I didn't, and all that time the Prince was my favourite. Came to the PST late in the process, and having spent more time with it this week it's really grown on me. Question now is - do I stay with it or do a back-to-back with the SPT?

PED - the RQiS1 really did feel low powered, probably the lowest of all of the frames I've tried, lower than the Prestiges and a way below the PST certainly. Never felt I could find consistency with it. Both the RDS's were better in my opinion.
 
I would do a back to back with the SPT. That's what I did last year, and either way-you find out the answer to which one you prefer. I find that the longer I play with the PST, the more I like it. I used to do quite a bit of switching around myself and I think my stroke consistency suffered. The SPT is really nice as well.
 
i recently started playing with the PST, switched from Kblade Tour about 3 weeks ago.

the muted, old school feel was what i liked to start off with.

Serves were accurate, flat, slice or kick serves.

on groudies, i was hitting long a lot not because of the racquet power level, but because of the balance being different than the KBT.

on vollies i was hitting most of them short. not as crisp as i would like.

So i tweaked the PST by adding 4x 4-inch lead tape on the handle (under the grip and overgrip).
now it's probably 7-9 pts HL. @ 12.30 oz

took it out for another test and it played beautifully.
now the balls are not sailing long, vollies were crisper and deep.

I like the precision and crispness of the KBT.
but overall i prefer the PST because of more spin, the muted/soft feel, and a little more pop.

however, i wish i can hit kick serves with the PST like i do with the APDC.

maybe i will try Luxilon Ace 112 on the mains and Head PPS 18 on cross next time.

right now my set up is Luxilon 16 rough on main @ 58 lbs, and Head PPS 17 on cross at 61 lbs.
 
I think I'm going to give this racket a go. Tested a demo tonight with my son and it felt very good. I'm currently using the PDR and I think I got one grip size too large and that combined with the stiffness has wreaked havoc on my elbow.

Using this PST tonight felt like a noodle compared to the PDR. Was nice taking some big cuts and it having good control. Definitely less power than the PDR and suits my game better I think.

I'll update after I get some of these and play some actual matches.
 
More lead tape queries...

To all PSTers,

Any experiences and opinions re lead tape and the PST? I'm keen to hear about it! Plus also, specifically, anyone have a view on LT at the 2 and 10 O'clock locations?


KOtennis,

Could you possibly further describe its performance (pros and cons) with LT all over the handle?

R.
 
Ross K,

i prefer head light balance (about 8-10 pt.) on my racquets since i play mostly doubles and volly quite a bit.

for me personally, there arent "cons" for adding lead tape to the handle to make the racquet to my preferred specification.

I find that when i hit with racquets close to balance, or even head heavy. ALL my shots are out of wack.

i just bought another PST today.
I added the same amount of lead tape on the handle.
the new PST is now at 12.30 oz and about 10 pts head light.

i tried a different string set up with this new PST.
Luxilon Ace 112 (18 gauge) on the mains @ 61 lbs and head PPS 18 on cross @ 64lbs.

This is the exact same string set up i had on my K Blade Tour.

i LOVE this set up.
played 2 sets tonight and it felt great.
i will be cutting the other PST's string to change it to this set up.

i get more bite and spin on the balls with 18 gauge strings.
 
I have one PST in my posession, and have two more in the mail set to arrive today. I don't know that I'm going to make a full switch from my FXP Prestiges, but I'm debating it.

The one that I have came strung with Head RIP Control at what I'd guess was 56# or so. That's a bit softer than I usually set up my own frames, but I figured I'd give it a shot. I wasn't overly wowed by the string setup, but the frame itself feels like it could be a gem (just like I remembered from my demo of it last winter). My favorite part of the frame is the volleys - angles are easy to come by, and it's got lots of nice stick. I only hit a couple of serves, and my timing was so far out of whack that I'm not going to report on that until I get my serve grooved a bit. I'm excited to be using a 16 main pattern frame again - the 18 main is great, but when I'm tired, I can miss and miss a lot.

It didn't quite have the solid power of my Prestiges, but we'll see if a string change can help that a bit (my Prestiges are also tanks at 12.6 strung).

I'll update as I play more with it. I've got mixed doubles tonight, so I can report back after an actual match.
 
Last edited:
KO Tennis, I tried some lead on the handle of my PST as well when I first got it but ended up taking it off as it seemed to really deaden the feel. Did you notice this at all?

Ross, I've also tried 3g at the tip in the PST but ended up taking that off as well. Mine weight 12.1 strung and I like using my stick speed to generate a nastier shot. The lead didn't slow it down much and I'm sure I could adapt to it but mine works better for me "naked". LOL.

Thanks for this thread, lots of good info on an underappreciated stick.
 
PED,
for me the lead tape on the handle works fine.
no issues with the feel of the racquet.

the pro shop i go to told me that Babolat grips run a little bigger.
so i bought the PSTs in 4 1/4.
after adding the lead tape, grip, then Yonex overgrip. it is close to 4 3/8
 
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