TW Reviews: NEW Babolat Pure Drive and Pure Drive Plus

Where are the playtester group's reviews (non TW employees)? I don't see many in the designated section?
 
Previous generation PDR (what is now the Pure Drive Tour (PDT)) user here. I love the new graphics! (though I'm not really one to care about graphics).

It's tempting, but the specs seem to be almost identical to my existing PDRs. Anyone done a side by side comparison? Maybe next summer I'll get one. The stiffness rating seems to have gone down a hair. But, that's not saying much when it's still at 70. Lol. In fact several major specs come down a hair - 11.9 to 11.8 oz. 328 to 327 SW. 71 to 70 stiffness rating. But, still, very similar, especially considering that every frame won't be exactly on spec.

But, the description for the new PDT says "higher sweetspot" which would really appeal to me. I remember when I played with a Prince Diablo mid, the sweetspot was so high it was like having an extended frame without the extra length (if that makes any sense). Took me a while once I changed frames to get used to getting the ball down further into the string bed.
 
BHud,

The messge board playtesters have 2 more weeks of playtesting the racquets until their review is required. Look for the reviews to come trickling in the upcoming weeks.

Brittany, TW
 
bluetrain4 said:
. . . the description for the new PDT says "higher sweetspot" which would really appeal to me. I remember when I played with a Prince Diablo mid, the sweetspot was so high it was like having an extended frame without the extra length (if that makes any sense). Took me a while once I changed frames to get used to getting the ball down further into the string bed.
Click to expand...

I really enjoyed the new response. Not only is the sweetspot higher, but the string spacing is tighter up there. The result for me was added power and control from the upper section of the hoop. I'm a huge fan of the PDT and I'm continuing to adjust to the PDT+. The power and stability is addictive. I also find better touch from them over the regular PD as the added weight allows for a softer touch.

The previous PDRs are great sticks, too, and you can't really go wrong with either.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
 
Chris,

Need your opinion. How would you compare the new pure drive tour against
the new radical pro? Similar rackets? I currently use the Graphene Speed Pro
but its dense string pattern with a seemingly lower trajectory compared to open string patterns is making me thinking of changing back to open string.

Thanks!
 
The Radical Pro offers slightly more control, but the Pure Drive Tour has more power and plow through. I would add some weight to the Radical Pro to beef it up a bit and even the score.

Out of the two I'd go with the Pure Drive Tour. I used to use the PD Roddick and loved that racquet. The put away power is just addictive. However, if you want a more controlled response, some room for weight/balance work or just want something lighter and easier to accelerate, then the Radical Pro is a great choice.

They are both solid racquets and could be made to play very close with some added weight to the Radical Pro.

Cheers,
Chris.
 
I'm slightly undecided between the Tour and the AI 98.

My head says the Yonex, but passion says the Tour.
 
I watched that PD+ video and my elbow starting hurting - ;) The PD+ is like a sexy vixen. She knows I want to date her, but I know she'll hurt me. :evil:

But, I can't resist her. She's a very kinky girl...the kind you don't take home to mother.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QYHxGBH6o4M

Thank goodness it is raining tonight, but she's sitting in the corner teasing me. Hopefully, I to come to my senses by tomorrow am. Until then, I'm going to keep Rick James singing in my head. ;)

It's raining and cold here, and I fell asleep by the fire for a quick winter's nap. I vividly remember visions of sugarplums dancing in my head. They were all swinging Paul Reed modified PD+ sticks with low RDC, sporting Volkl leather grips and Pacific Tough Gut / Head Hawk. :)
 
Last edited:
Ok, I might be being a little nitpicky here, but how does the Pure Drive get an overall score of 84 and the Pure Drive + get an 82? ??? :confused:

The Pure Drive received 735 Total points in nine ratings.
(86, 76, 76, 84, 85, 85, 79, 83, 81)

The Pure Drive + received 740 Total points in the same nine ratings.
(89, 76, 76, 88, 84, 82, 81, 85, 79)

Hey, I am biased I know, but shouldn't both frames have an overall score of 82?
 
Thanks for the insight Chris, how would you compare those 2 rackets to the Graphene Speed Pro? Obviously biggest difference is string pattern but besides that any similarities?
 
Hey Chris,
how would you compare new PD with Aero pro Drive?, do you find it overall better stick than APD?
(Andy probably likes APD better)
Over last few models they have been pretty similar....
Thanks
 
noelgally said:
Thanks for the insight Chris, how would you compare those 2 rackets to the Graphene Speed Pro? Obviously biggest difference is string pattern but besides that any similarities?
Click to expand...

I've actually not hit the GrapheneXT Speed Pro yet. I will not be on that review so have been busy hitting other racquets. Compared to the current Speed Pro, I actually find the level of spin to be close as I find the Speed Pro a very spin-friendly racquet. However, the it has more of a control/feel response thanks to the tight pattern and beam design compared to the likes of the PD & APD etc.

Best,
Chris, TW.
 
Mateo said:
Hey Chris,
how would you compare new PD with Aero pro Drive?, do you find it overall better stick than APD?
(Andy probably likes APD better)
Over last few models they have been pretty similar....
Thanks
Click to expand...

The new Pure Drive has more comfort and I really like the response in the upper hoop. The APD has a crisper, more direct feel for me. I like both a lot. Previously the APD was an easy choice, but the new PD has closed the gap significantly as to which I prefer. However, the PD Tour trumps both for me and either that or the Plus versions of the APD and PD would be my choice -- since they all offer a better fit for me in the swingweight department.

Cheers,
Chris, TW
 
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