Which Babolat Pure Control Team is this? Swirly?

gymrat76

gymrat76

Banned
Hello to Bab experts,
I don't know much about the older Babolat versions. I do have a new Bab Pure Control Team as in the pics.

My question, is this the "swirly" graphics version from 2001?
I enjoy playing with an APDC, so how does this older PCT's playing characteristics compare to APDC? Does anyone know this racquet's SW?

I just can not make up my mind whether I should keep it or sell it.

Also, if someone could please comment on whether my racquet looks to be authentic or not, would appreciate that.

Thanks to those assisting in advance!

(Note: I posted regarding a Pure control non-team version a few days ago. This is a different racquet than that one)
 
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tennislover33 said:
Yes, it is the Swirly 2001 version. What grip size is it? If you wanna sell, contact me. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer, though I have not perfectly made up my mind on selling. Could you possibly say a few things about how it plays? It is kinda hard to find info/older threads on this version's playing characteristics, since the info/specs of all different versions of Pure Control appear to be total hodgepodge in older threads :)

Note: Which version of Pure Control is the one that is supposed to say: "Place lead tape here" on the racquet?
 
I believe the first version of Pure Control does say Lead Tape here on the top of racquet and it doesn't have the word TEAM. Your is the second version if I am not wrong.

Next version is also the Pure Control Team but not Swirly paint job. Now, it's called Pure Strorm which is the newest version.

For me, I like the feel of the first version. This first version and your version of Pure Control is heavier than the later versions. Those older versions play really well at least for my taste.
 
I found the following info in an older thread:
Around 2003, Babolat changed the cosmetics on the PC and started calling it "team". The post-2003 version is slightly stiffer and is 10 grams lighter than previous (swirly) versions

Is the above info correct? My racquet is the Team version, so does this mean it came out NOT in 2001, but 2003?

anyone know about these pure controls...these older babs are quite confusing...
 
^^ Oh you and I simultaneously posted, I guess, thanks for anwering my questions lightning fast!

What is the SW, you think? On the racquet, says 330 gr, flex: 66, balance: 310mm.

Can you possibly compare this one with newer Babs?

Note: I am an APDC user with lead at 12, SW guesstimating to be 335ish. Also tried PDR, but did not like it as it killed my arm. Moreover, the balance of the stick made me sort of feel like "freeze" once in a while...
 
The SW should not be more than 330. It's a great racquet but your arm will be a little tired once in a while due to its weight. But it's worth to try.
 
tennislover33 said:
The SW should not be more than 330. It's a great racquet but your arm will be a little tired once in a while due to its weight. But it's worth to try.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the info!
Do you think, leading up today's Pure Storm would make it similar to this older PCT? Or, is there some difference in the "feel" department of new and older PCs?
 
gymrat76 said:
I found the following info in an older thread:
Around 2003, Babolat changed the cosmetics on the PC and started calling it "team". The post-2003 version is slightly stiffer and is 10 grams lighter than previous (swirly) versions

Is the above info correct? My racquet is the Team version, so does this mean it came out NOT in 2001, but 2003?

anyone know about these pure controls...these older babs are quite confusing...
Click to expand...

I thnk you guys in the US got them later than us i Europe, I had swirly ones sent to me in 1999 and the team ones late 2000 or early 2001.I think that co incided with their release in the USA as well. They did switch from 95 to ithink 98 inches for some of the storm frames.
Solid rackets, probably babolats nicest classical frame.
 
gymrat76 said:
Thanks for all the info!
Do you think, leading up today's Pure Storm would make it similar to this older PCT? Or, is there some difference in the "feel" department of new and older PCs?
Click to expand...

Why not playing with that Pure Control classic rather than leading up the Pure Storm? I don't like the feel of today's technology. Classic feel, 100% graphite is always the WINNER for my taste.
 
tennislover33 said:
Why not playing with that Pure Control classic rather than leading up the Pure Storm? I don't like the feel of today's technology. Classic feel, 100% graphite is always the WINNER for my taste.
Click to expand...

Yeah, you are right. I actually own mostly classical frames. But the "new school" power/spin issue of Bab frames kind of opened my horizon :)
Since I am not perfectly sure whether I will like it or not, especially in comparison to APDC, I will not tear the shrink wrap and play with an o-grip on top, get it strung and see how it goes...

In case I did not like it, will post this up for sale and also will let you know.

Btw- do you think few pros such as Gonzalez and Ginepri may still have this version under their pjs? Or perhaps something even older skool non-woofer stuff as DaveM mentioned?? Anybody may want to comment?

Thanks for all the info!
 
Yeah maybe Gonzalez and Ginepri are still playing with them but I don't know for sure. Furthermore, people pay much less attention to these lower rank guys than Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray.

If you ask this board what racquets or what paint jobs of racquets these 4 top guys are playing currently, everyone will tell you........well, it's life my friend. Want attention? Then be the best and sometimes BEST OF THE BEST.

Enjoy for Classic Pure Control !!!!
 
tennislover33 said:
Yeah maybe Gonzalez and Ginepri are still playing with them but I don't know for sure. Furthermore, people pay much less attention to these lower rank guys than Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray.

If you ask this board what racquets or what paint jobs of racquets these 4 top guys are playing currently, everyone will tell you........well, it's life my friend. Want attention? Then be the best and sometimes BEST OF THE BEST.

Enjoy for Classic Pure Control !!!!
Click to expand...

Lol ..I sure will enjoy, thanks of bunch!
 
Just to let you know...

I used the '+' version of these rackets for ~ 4 years. They are definitely heavier than the 2003 version, as well as stiffer (not flexier as someone posted earlier). While it says '66' for the Babolat RDC, its more on the order of 70 (see http://www.racketfinder.com , select 'Babolat' and search on manufacturer. You will see 'Babolat Pure Control 2001' in the list. Select 'Find'. It should be the last one in the list.).

How does the racket play? Well, it has some of the best plow through of any racket I've ever used (my progression over the last 12 years has been Yonex RD Power 10 Long -> Wilson HPSC 6.1 + -> Babolat PC+ 2001 -> Fischer M-Comp 95(current)). It has good power, not too much, but a bit more than other 'players frames'. I used 19g Kevlar mains w/ 17g Natural Gut crosses strung at 56/60 for the 4 years I used it. Never had a wrist/elbow/shoulder problem, and I'm 40 years old.

If I could have found more of them, I'd probably still be hitting w/ that frame. Its a shame they went to the 2003, then the Pure Storm, as I think they got it right the first time...
 
McLovin said:
Just to let you know...

I used the '+' version of these rackets for ~ 4 years. They are definitely heavier than the 2003 version, as well as stiffer (not flexier as someone posted earlier). While it says '66' for the Babolat RDC, its more on the order of 70 (see http://www.racketfinder.com , select 'Babolat' and search on manufacturer. You will see 'Babolat Pure Control 2001' in the list. Select 'Find'. It should be the last one in the list.).

How does the racket play? Well, it has some of the best plow through of any racket I've ever used (my progression over the last 12 years has been Yonex RD Power 10 Long -> Wilson HPSC 6.1 + -> Babolat PC+ 2001 -> Fischer M-Comp 95(current)). It has good power, not too much, but a bit more than other 'players frames'. I used 19g Kevlar mains w/ 17g Natural Gut crosses strung at 56/60 for the 4 years I used it. Never had a wrist/elbow/shoulder problem, and I'm 40 years old.

If I could have found more of them, I'd probably still be hitting w/ that frame. Its a shame they went to the 2003, then the Pure Storm, as I think they got it right the first time...
Click to expand...

Just to let you know. . .

The first Babolat Pure Control was a box beam racquet made from what looked to be a Donnay Pro One International mold or similar to that--if I recall correctly. There were pictures around for a time of these racquets, but I cannot find them at this time.

-SF
 
SFrazeur said:
Just to let you know. . .

The first Babolat Pure Control was a box beam racquet made from what looked to be a Donnay Pro One International mold or similar to that--if I recall correctly. There were pictures around for a time of these racquets, but I cannot find them at this time.

-SF
Click to expand...

Sorry for your confusion. I am aware of the 'Original' Pure Control, but I was referring to the current mold, as they haven't changed that since the Pure Control 2001 (it is the same mold as the current Pure Storm). They just altered the weight & stiffness.
 
gymrat76 said:
Yeah, you are right. I actually own mostly classical frames. But the "new school" power/spin issue of Bab frames kind of opened my horizon :)
Since I am not perfectly sure whether I will like it or not, especially in comparison to APDC, I will not tear the shrink wrap and play with an o-grip on top, get it strung and see how it goes...

In case I did not like it, will post this up for sale and also will let you know.

Btw- do you think few pros such as Gonzalez and Ginepri may still have this version under their pjs? Or perhaps something even older skool non-woofer stuff as DaveM mentioned?? Anybody may want to comment?

Thanks for all the info!
Click to expand...

Yes the one you posted, the swirly is the second generation PC and that's the stick Gonzalez still plays. Dave M is right about the dates, i had them around 1999 too.
The first generation Pure Control is indeed a Pro One Mould and is the softest of the bunch and very sweet. i have two of them at home.
ps: there was also a Soft control, generation 1 and 2, was much easier to play (lighter) and softer flex.
 
McLovin said:
Sorry for your confusion. I am aware of the 'Original' Pure Control, but I was referring to the current mold, as they haven't changed that since the Pure Control 2001 (it is the same mold as the current Pure Storm). They just altered the weight & stiffness.
Click to expand...

I'm not confused.

-SF
 
McLovin said:
Just to let you know...

I used the '+' version of these rackets for ~ 4 years. They are definitely heavier than the 2003 version, as well as stiffer (not flexier as someone posted earlier). While it says '66' for the Babolat RDC, its more on the order of 70 (see http://www.racketfinder.com , select 'Babolat' and search on manufacturer. You will see 'Babolat Pure Control 2001' in the list. Select 'Find'. It should be the last one in the list.).

How does the racket play? Well, it has some of the best plow through of any racket I've ever used (my progression over the last 12 years has been Yonex RD Power 10 Long -> Wilson HPSC 6.1 + -> Babolat PC+ 2001 -> Fischer M-Comp 95(current)). It has good power, not too much, but a bit more than other 'players frames'. I used 19g Kevlar mains w/ 17g Natural Gut crosses strung at 56/60 for the 4 years I used it. Never had a wrist/elbow/shoulder problem, and I'm 40 years old.

If I could have found more of them, I'd probably still be hitting w/ that frame. Its a shame they went to the 2003, then the Pure Storm, as I think they got it right the first time...
Click to expand...

Well, seems you enjoy "+" sticks! I personally think, using a plus stick is very advantageous to game, I see so many pros w/ big FHs and serves playing with long sticks. I just could never get past that initial weird-feeling "get-used-to" stage.

Thanks very much for the info!
 
ericsson said:
Yes the one you posted, the swirly is the second generation PC and that's the stick Gonzalez still plays. Dave M is right about the dates, i had them around 1999 too.
The first generation Pure Control is indeed a Pro One Mould and is the softest of the bunch and very sweet. i have two of them at home.
ps: there was also a Soft control, generation 1 and 2, was much easier to play (lighter) and softer flex.
Click to expand...

Hi Ericsson, thanks for the info. Well judging by the older threads, seems Gonzo plays w/ the plus version of the 2nd gen. PC. And probably enough tinkering here and there, to make it feel/play like a total different stick :)
Merci!
 
Well, I started this thread, thinking I will get to play with this classic racquet. Unfortunately, my uncle who is the original owner of the stick decided to re-claim it :) So I feel like, I rented a Lamborghini for a weekend, but could never get to drive to it, and returned it Mon morning hahaha!

Now I am on the search for it and look forward to trying it...:(
 
gymrat76 said:
I just got a second gen. swirly PC! Can not wait to hit with it!!!
Click to expand...

Be interested to hear how you get on with it... and, if possible, I'd also like to know how it compares to the later PC team models in your opinion, as well as the PDR.

R.
 
I have been using a PC Team 2003 version for 5 years, and really loved hitting the ball with it. Unfortunately, the weight of this stick was too much for my arm. But this was one of the best racquets I've ever used, almost side-by-side to my old Dunlop Classic Pro Revelation.

Bought the regular PStorms, but was very disappointed with the racquet that is supposed to be the next version of the PControl Team. Very unstable, too light for my taste, and nowhere as solid as the old PControl.

Now I'm switching to the new Dunlop AG 4D 300 Tour. Have heard wonderful things of it and I'm a fan of this particular brand since My old, thin and classical Revelations:)
 
Ross K said:
Be interested to hear how you get on with it... and, if possible, I'd also like to know how it compares to the later PC team models in your opinion, as well as the PDR.

R.
Click to expand...

Hi Ross,

Took the PC (says 330gr -unstrung-/66flex rate inside throat, i believe the swirly version) out for a spin. Basically I spent only 15 mins w/ it and switched to other racquets bec. needed to fix the grip and didnt have time to do so.

It definitely has a great balance to it. (though it will take little effort to get used to it, and that only happens if you play exclusively with this) Secondly, the feeling/flex in the string bed appears to be very uniform. Meaning to say, it doesnt get very mushy below the sweet spot or stiff in higher hoop. It is just uniform. So this really helps on pre-guessing how the racquet will act upon hitting.

I like the thinner beam versus the APD and APDC I have. But, perhaps I am so used to playing with lighter (and thus creating head speed/spin) Babs, this old school PC felt kinda heavy to maneuver. I am used to heavy, can play with Max 200Gs, and used to regularly play with 13.8 oz bumperless San Vincents w. lead. But, this PC actually, due to its balance, feels equally if not heavier to manuever (to me) and also due to the fact that it is a 97-98 sq frame, not 85.

From the previous owner, it had a loose Alu Power on it, which is an EXCELLENT combination to this stick. Brings a crispiness to soft PC.

I don't know what to think of it yet. I certainly could not generate as much bat speed-spin as opposed to newer lighter (but lead at 12) aeropro drives.
With APD, my balls take that "drop it like a bomb" trajectory deep in enemy territory. But with PC, it kinda goes flattish even though I try to brush it up. It may have something to do with the grip, though. Bec the grip size was 3 but felt kinda thick to me. Just to find out that, when I got back home, removed 6 ogrips wrapped on top of the other! Now I play with smaller grips, which helps with top spin. Once it was just two ogrips over replacement, it felt definitely more maneuverable just air swinging in the backyard lol.
So anyhow we will see how it will turn out to be! I will write more when I get a chance to play with it. This is definitely a classic, just by feel, quality and playing characteristics of it.....
 
First Gen Pure Control + for sale

I realize I should probably put this in the "For Sale" section, but since this thread is on topic, I thought I mention I have a PC+ I'm willing to sell. 4 1/2 grip size. First generation version - the one that does NOT yet say "Team" on it. Racquet is essentially brand new other than a small cosmetic chip on the throat. Otherwise only hit with for maybe 30 minutes. Happy to e-mail pictures if anybody is interested.
 
Hi
What is the difference between the babolat pure control serie (first generation) and the the pure control team second generation? Both have the swirly paint job. Is it the same racquet??
 
lopi said:
Hi
What is the difference between the babolat pure control serie (first generation) and the the pure control team second generation? Both have the swirly paint job. Is it the same racquet??
Click to expand...

What you mean, they dont have the same pj at all, nor they share the same mold, it's a very different stick.
 
ericsson said:
What you mean, they dont have the same pj at all, nor they share the same mold, it's a very different stick.
Click to expand...

Maybe he doesn't know about the actual first gen. I think he's talking about the swirly PC with 'control series' printed at the throat as the first gen, that one is indeed exactly same as the slightly later swirly PC with 'control team' at the throat.
 
I didn't know that. I thought it is the same mold. I have the pure control serie and the specs are 330Gram, flex 66 but I don't know the head size. What is the specs for the second generation of the pure control?
 
Ericsson I have a question for you too. I came across a gen 1 Soft Control not long ago but didn't get it as I'd be risking huge shipping fees for a frame I don't know much of. I can see it's the same mold as the box beam gen 1 PC and similar paintjob too, but is it much lighter as well apart from being softer, just like the gen 1 Soft Drive vs Pure Drive?
 
lopi said:
I didn't know that. I thought it is the same mold. I have the pure control serie and the specs are 330Gram, flex 66 but I don't know the head size. What is the specs for the second generation of the pure control?
Click to expand...

The one you have is the 2nd gen. The headsize is 97 sq.in. It is exactly the same as the swirly with 'team', but totally different from the 1st gen PC.
 
MarrratSafin said:
Ericsson I have a question for you too. I came across a gen 1 Soft Control not long ago but didn't get it as I'd be risking huge shipping fees for a frame I don't know much of. I can see it's the same mold as the box beam gen 1 PC and similar paintjob too, but is it much lighter as well apart from being softer, just like the gen 1 Soft Drive vs Pure Drive?
Click to expand...

Yes correct, not really much softer but much lighter yes, the soft always stood for easy to play rather then softer. (same mould)
BTW: on my Soft Drives the RDC indicates 65 RA though i measure some at 64 but officially it's 65, just wanne set this straigth ;-)
 
lopi said:
Do you have the specs and a picture of the first generation? Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

Here is the Pure Control generation 1:

specs
headsize: 96 sq
Construction: 100% hi modulus graphite
Weight: 330 grams unstrung (the very early ones 335 gr)
Beam: 19mm constant
Flex: 64

The very early ones were slightly heavier and made in Thailand.


2evxiyx.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thanks ericsson.:) The official specs for the RA usually have +/-3 printed beside it so it's indeed possible you measured some at 64. Regarding the earliest 1st gen PC, wow. I never knew Babolat had frames produced in Thailand before!
 
Pretty sure Gen 1 = no woofer. Gen 2 (swirly) = woofer

Did Gen 2 (or any Bab) have a wee bit o'Kevlar?
 
Also there is a beam width difference between the 1st and 2nd gen, I think. The swirly PC I have is definitely thicker than 19 mm.
 
I have two pure control's that I have begin to play with again and one says Control Team and the other says Control Series. What is the difference between these two, they look exactly the same with the same specs and PJ's.
 
tennis005 said:
Can anyone post any pics showing the difference between the normal and the swirly one?
Click to expand...
What doyou mean by normal?
justinw501 said:
I have two pure control's that I have begin to play with again and one says Control Team and the other says Control Series. What is the difference between these two, they look exactly the same with the same specs and PJ's.
Click to expand...

Are these both the ones with the swirly paint scheme? I don't think there is anything different other than the word team on them, at lesat the pure drives i had were the same other than team.
 
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