Question about whether or not to buy the tennis racquet I demoed.?

Question

I tried 5 racquet in total, and like the Babalot Pure Drive's power. It's around $200, and I'm planning to buy it. However, when i play with it, sometimes I'll hit its frame and completely got out of control of my stroke. Does that mean I need to get used to the new racquet? Or I should not get that racquet?Or it's just problems with my skills?
I popped my other racquet's string, and it was a beginner's racquet, so it wasn't worth restrung it. I've always used oversize, maybe that makes the difference?

What is the difference between a midplus and oversize? What is the advantage of a midplus racquet, and what is the advantage of an oversize?

my next choice if i don't buy the pure drive is Yonex URQ speed 8, which is about 100 dollars cheaper.

I tried wilson N4 Nzone or something, the blue and white one. Didn't like it as much as the babalot, mainly on the power. My old racquet was a wilson. I like the Babalot racquet a lot, it's just I miss hit on the frame sometimes on that one. I don't know it's because I'm not yet used to the racquet or it is just not for me. Or I should get the oversize, since i was using a midplus for the demo.

Answer 1

Madison,

The Babolat Pure Drive is a very powerful racquet. In fact, as you have experienced already, it can be difficult to control the power of this racquet. Part of what makes it powerful is the fact that it is a very stiff frame. This becomes important to understand...keep reading.

Many recreational players choose this racquet because they see many of the pros using them. Well, the pros are paid to use them and many of them have the sticks highly customized. The professionals racquets oftentimes end up with specifications wildly different than the racquet you will purchase off the shelf. Please keep this in mind as well.

The control can be unpredictable, in fact, many people sarcastically call the racquets "Back Alot" , a play of words on "Babolat" because the effect is that many who use this racquet can not control/tame the power.

In order to control the power many will add a stiff string known as a co-poly. This string is lower powered and allows the player to reign in the power of the racquet. What happens is the stiff string in the stiff frame almost ALWAYS lead to elbow problems down the road. Shock is transmitted from the racquet to the arm and tennis elbow can develop. For these reasons, I suggest you consider a different frame. Look for a frame with a stiffness rating of 64 or lower, that weighs at least 11oz strung and has an even to head light balance. These are the healthier racquets available. Light, stiff and head heavy balance is a recipe for arm pain.

Midplus and Oversize racquets refer to headsize, or hitting area. Some Oversize racquets have what is known as a hot sweetspot and they can bedifficult to control. Others, that are lower powered like the Prince Original Graphite OS, is very controllable but weighs in at over 12oz. Some argue a midplus is not large enough while others aregue the oversize is too large. Most of my customers who are beginning to intermediate players use an oversize 107 - 110 headsize. I would estimate 60 - 65%. The rest tend to use a midplus. My advanced palyers mostly use midplus, approx. 70% with a smaller percenter using mid (93 and less) or oversize.

Hope this helps. Continue demoing. I would suggest staying in the oversize family since you say you were hitting the frame with the Pure Drive.

Answer 2

Buy the demo, hands down. They are perfectly good racquets. They're just broken in already. I mean, a few months of use on the brand new frame, and it'll look just like the demo anyhow. I've bought all my frames used, two as demos. I couldn't be happier with them. They've lasted me 6-8 years now, and are still going strong. And hey, I saved a couple hundred dollars in the process. Also, some retailers and manufacturers will select specific frames to use as demos. Basically, they'll choose the ones that match closest to spec for that frame. This isn't guaranteed, and will vary with where you go and what frame you buy. But it's just another thing supporting going with the demo.

Answer 3

think you should take it one step at a time and work your way up to a skill level where you know exactly what you want and like.
Good for you for trying a few out, but I like your idea of going for one that is $100 less...show that you are practical, and that can translate to the game you play too!
how are you going to feel if you don't play that much better with a $200 racket? Have you tried the Wilson series? Who are your favorite players? Are you trying those? I think $100 will get you a VERY Good racket and you'll be pounding it for quite a while before you need a new one:)
Have Fun!

Answer 4

you should buy the pure driver babolat racquet, it is probably the best racquet out there and its not that bad compared to some heads that i have seen for nearly 400 dollars