Looking for a little help putting a ball up in your opponents’ eyes time and time again? The new Babolat AeroPro Drive GT+ is a mid-plus stick with a nice array of spin-generating features. Quite simply, this racquet KICKS.

 

The extremely open 16 x 19 string pattern combined with the extra ½ inch (27.5 inches throat to handle) and the rock solid throat area of the Aero ProDrive GT + will make this racquet a spin master’s delight.

The racquet is a light frame overall (just 10..6 ounces unstrung) but it’s definitely more weighty at the top of the frame, and that affects the overall swingweight. Hold the racquet straight out in front of you upon picking it up, and you’ll know and feel exactly what I’m talking about.

 

Backcourt bashers will really appreciate that “aided” feel when it comes to length on their shots with the AeroPro Drive GT +. Depth is rarely an issue on a well-struck ball, and roller angle shots, dippers at that oncoming net man and lobs are easy to pull off thanks to the spin access the racquet provides. It does take a practice session or two to dial in that length, but the feedback and responsiveness this frame gives makes getting to that stage well worth the wait.

 

I’m a pretty steady power baseliner who rarely overhits, but my playing sessions with this stick found me having to curb the compulsion to really let go and just blast away. It was that much fun. Every power swing felt like an ESPN-type highlight shot just waiting to happen.

 

Another area this racquet made some real headway with me was on serve. The open pattern made “dwell time” with the frame a hair longer (great for kickers and those wide wide slices), and the extra length and head-heaviness made power serves something to remember.

I think players of a variety of levels and playing styles would really benefit from this frame, assuming they can get over the head heaviness. It’s a solid stick with all the bells and whistles, as well as the slick new black and yellow paintjob.