Andy Roddick Wields It But...
Written: Aug 23 '04 (Updated Aug 23 '04)
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Pros: Ample power for fast swinging players who can control and tame it
Cons: Can be too whippy for some and give tennis elbow to boot
The Bottom Line: See if this particular racquet matches the type of player described in this review who can really benefit from it...or not.
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| mht's Full Review: Babolat Pure Drive Team Tennis Racquet |
I have no intentions of buying it. I just recently demoed this racquet and while some players may feed off of it, I found it disappointing.
Given that Roddick has the biggest serve in the game, many infer that his racquet must help. I have analyzed Roddick's serve still-frame to still-frame, beginning to end, and it is mechanically superb. The combination of his athleticism, coordination and technical excellence make his serve what it is. I'm sorry to disappoint those who think this racquet will transform a lousy serve into a weapon, but by itself, it won't.
This racquet is whippy, gives many players tennis elbow, doesn't have the greatest control, has a hollow feel to it, but does deliver decent power. If you're not unduly disillusioned and turned off, please read below for details...
Whippy
This racquet feels rather light (perhaps more so than it actually is) and whippy, weighing in at around 9 ounces without the strings. This is probably one of the reasons why Roddick can get such tremendous swing speed with the racquet. Some people like whippy racquets but I for one don't. If you happen to be one of those who like whippy racquets, it might just be your cup of tea. For the rest of us, we'll rest content to watch Roddick wield it with such prowess.
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
I'm not someone who historically has been prone to get tennis elbow. However, after using this racquet, my right elbow was sore. The kevlar might have something to do with it. When I went to return the racquet, one of the teaching pros there (who I'm supposed to be teaching lessons with starting tomorrow), said that he's gotten many complaints of tennis elbow from people who use (or even try) this racquet. If your elbow is prone to coming down with "tennis elbow", don't say that you weren't forewarned!
Not a Control Racquet
Perhaps partially due to its whippiness (the racquet head almost takes on a life of its own), control can go down with this racquet. This is NOT a beginner or intermediate racquet: it's designed for those with fast swing speeds. Unless you can control it with a fast swing speed, I wouldn't recommend this racquet.
Hollow Feel
I tend to prefer racquets that feel more solid. This racquet feels hollow. The frame feels like empty tubes fused together. The result is that this racquet is not a touch racquet. If you rely a lot on cute drop shots and drop volleys, this racquet should not be the first place you turn to for help with such shots.
Where's the Beef?
O.K., lest you think I'm overly negative about this racquet, it can provide ample power to those who can effectively whip the racquet at high swing speeds without losing control. If your swing speed is slower, this is not the sort of racquet that causes the ball to just jump off the strings with extra power. For those who can really accelerate the racquet to the impact point, this racquet can reward you with bonus power. It explains again why it works out just fine with Mr. Roddick, who swings with lightning swiftness. The average recreational player won't be able to reap the full benefits of the power this racquet can deliver.
In Sum
While certain advanced players would find this a great stick to wield, I don't think it fits most players. As much as you or I may admire Andy Roddick's prodigious tennis abilities, it doesn't necessarily mean this racquet is for you or me. Then again, if your serve starts breaking speed barriers too with this racquet, then by all means, join Roddick in getting this best known (thanks to Roddick) Babolat racquet.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
mht
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Member: Morse Tan, Esq.
Location: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Reviews written: 114
Trusted by: 31 members
About Me:
HappyHubby, DevotedDad, BookAddict, investor, TennisBrain, cellist, TravelNut, DogLover, law professor: learning to play!
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