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Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 Tennis Racquets

Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 Tennis Racquets retain the power of earlier generation models, but now feature added feel and smoothness. With updated, eye catching cosmetics a new handle system, the new Pure Drive continues with the power and innovative technology that has made this one of the most popular players racquets over the last twenty years.

Comes without cover.

Babolat Addiction or Babolat Hurricane Feel strung free with this racquet.

Babolat Pure Driver 12 Racquet Autograph Limited Edition Bag

SPECIAL: Buy a Babolat Pure Drive Roddick GT and get this special, Babolat Pure Driver 12 Pack Autograph Bag (Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick and others) for $29.95.

 

Shipping Restriction: U.S. Sales only. Babolat policy forbids shipping this item outside the United States.

  • Technology: GT, Cortex System, Woofer
  • Construction: Graphite/Tungsten
  • Beam: 23-26mm Tapered Beam
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  • Description
  • Specifications
  • Technology
  • Product Review
Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 Tennis Racquets

retain the power of earlier generation models, but now feature added feel and smoothness. With updated, eye catching cosmetics a new handle system, the new Pure Drive continues with the power and innovative technology that has made this one of the most popular players racquets over the last twenty years.

  • Technology: GT, Cortex System, Woofer
  • Construction: Graphite/Tungsten
  • Beam: 23-26mm Tapered Beam
  • Length: 27"
  • Headsize: 100 sq in MidPlus
  • Weight: 10.6oz/300g Unstrung
  • Grip Size: 1-5
  • Balance: 320mm 7 Pts Head Light
  • Recommended Strings: Power - Pro Hurricane Tour or RPM Blast, Durability - Pro Hurricane, Comfort - XCEL, Hybrid - RPM Blast + VS
  • Recommended Tension: 55-62
  • String Pattern: 16x19
  • Stiffness: 72 RA

Babolat GT TechnologyGraphite Tungsten: A hybrid material, combing braided carbon fibers and tungsten filaments, throughout the entire racquet. Improves racquet performance, based on the concentration of Tungsten fibers at strategic parts of the frame. GT technology adds control and feel.


 

 


Babolat Cortex System TechnologyThe Cortex System is a revolutionary active technology between the throat and handle of the racquet. With this new technology, the two parts of the racquet are linked by an interface in CDS (Cortex Dampening System) material. This technology allows the filtering of the different vibratory modes. It eliminates unnecessary vibrations and enhances the feel of the ball. "Enjoy the pure feel."
 

 



Babolat Woofer Dual TechnologyWoofer, Babolat's patented innovation, is the first technology that causes the frame and strings to interact when striking the ball. Woofer provides 25% more contact time between the ball and strings, giving players more control and feel. Further, the optimized interaction between the frame and the strings allows the racquet to deliver its full potential.

Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012
Tennis Racquet Review

By Chris Lewis

 

INTRODUCTION: The first thing to catch my eye with the new Babolat Pure Drive GT was the ultra modern looking cosmetics. Sleek and detailed were the words that came to mind. Images don't do the racquet full justice as they don't capture the effect of the sun creating a 3D type of effect as it reflects off the holographic type paint work of the frame.

But it's not the cosmetics that determine how good a racquet is, it's how it plays. Here's what I thought of it:

GROUNDSTROKES: The Babolat Pure Drive GT has been one of the best selling frames in the world for a number of years. Whenever a new model of a universally popular racquet is released, I like to spend a little time comparing the previous generation racquet with the new racquet. The first thing I want to know is whether the new racquet is similar enough to the old racquet so that Pure Drive GT players will want to make the switch to the new frame.

Did I notice a difference between the 2009 model and the new, 2012 frame? Yes, and it's very noticeable, in a good way. The new frame is, without any doubt, more forgiving. It's definitely a smoother feeling racquet that offers more control, predictability and comfort. While still producing the power that the Pure Drive is known for, Babolat have done a great job of adding another level of precision and accuracy to the 2012 model.

By significantly changing the technology in the raquet handle, the feel on impact is more comfortable. Further, I found that because of this, slightly off center shots don't feel as off center as in the 2009 model. To me, it's as if the sweet spot has been made bigger; however, surprisngly, the racquet also offers better control.

What I like most about the 2012 racquet is the extra level of security you get when hitting with power. Off the ground, the Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 model is not a pure power racquet any more. It's now just as much a control frame; however, without any drop in the power level.

As for spin generation, racquet head speed and maneuverability have always been great on the Pure Drive. With the added forgiveness (and less vibration), I think it's even  better for using massive swing speed to produce huge topspin. And for hitting slice, I found it far superior to previous models. It's not because it produces any more underspin though, it's because its more accurate and has better feel.

From the baseline, the Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 is not just a power racquet any more, it's a power racquet with feel. I loved it.

VOLLEYS: For a comparatively light racquet, the 2012 Pure Drive is really stable. Unlike many light players racquets, the Pure Drive absorbs impact well. With the added feel and softness, it's now a far better racquet for hitting angle and touch volleys.

Until now, I hadn't considered the Pure Drive to be a true volleyer's racquet. It's always been maneuverable and powerful, but without a whole lot of feel. It's now a far more all around racquet. With the same power as before, but now with the extra touch, the racquet offers a wider range of legitimate options at the net.

SERVES and OVERHEADS: The Pure Drive has always been great for serving. Swing speed and a racquet construction that offers enormous power has always been a popular combination with players. The Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 retains swing speed and power, but now adds feel and accuracy, which makes the new racquet even better for serving.

One other thing I liked was the smoother, softer feeling. To me, the racquet doesn't feel as "metalllic" as in the past. There is less racquet vibration, particularly when you hit a little off center. I think this adds the benefit of while not back actually better on the arm, it definitely feels better. For players who like to get out and hit a couple of hundred practice serves, this racquet will feel easier on your arm.

As for overheads, hitting them is a breeze. Enormous swing speed, a larger sweet spot than in the past and a more forgiving feel combine to make this a super easy racquet with which to power away overheads into the corners.


RETURN OF SERVE: As with hitting regular groundstrokes, returning with the Pure Drive is a pleasure. The light weight of the racquet is great when fast reactions are needed. As with volleys, the racquet is ideal for hitting returns that require short backswings and firm, accurate  shots. It's even better for using power and spin to take swings at weaker serves that beg to be hit.


SUMMARY: The Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 is the best Pure Drive made so far. It keeps all the good qualities of previous models, while adding more control and more forgiveness on impact.

If you're a Pure Drive player, you will feel a difference between the new 2012 model and the previous 2009 model. I think the new racquet is measurably better. My last thought is that because of the new racquet's extra control, if you're a competitive, developing junior, it's now a better racquet for your game. As well as offering raw power,  you can now develop a more well rounded game with the extra touch and feel available to you.

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