BABOLAT 2013 AeroPro Lite GT Tennis Racquet Review
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Specifications
The Babolat Aero Pro Lite tips the scales at a svelte 9.8 oz. (278g) strung and, combined with a 1 point head light balance and moderate swing weight of 308, should be easy to maneuver from anywhere on the court. The standard Aero Pro firm flex of 70 and tweener 23/26/24mm beams should pack ample power. Babolat’s new Cortex Active Expert dampening system and GT Aero technology combine to dampen unwanted vibration and improve resistance to twisting on off-center hits.
From the Baseline
The Aero Pro Lite is extremely easy to swing from the backcourt, allowing most players to take as big a cut at the ball as they like, and brush quickly up the back of the ball for really impressive topspin. Its strong flex is noticeable, but the Cortex Active Expert does a fine job of softening the feel (softer strings would still be a good idea for most of us, however). The GT Aero technology (graphite and tungsten reinforcements at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions) helps stabilize the racquet head on mishits you will get from fast, rising swings. All in all, the Aero Pro Lite is a solid, easy-swinging baseline frame with just enough forgiveness to make it playable for all but the most tender arms.
At Net and Serving
A light, stiff frame is a good one for serving, and the Aero Pro Lite lives up to its promise here, swinging quickly overhead and imparting impressive power on flat serves, while its open string face lets you slice and kick with ease. Bigger servers would probably like a little more weight, but there are other Aero Pro racquets for them. At net, the Aero Pro Lite is amazingly quick on fast volley exchanges, its low weight and head light balance showcasing impressive maneuverability. While its stiffness costs it some feel, it’s quite impressive at knocking off punch and swing volleys.
In Conclusion
Babolat has done junior players around the world a great favor by introducing the Aero Pro Lite frame. Lightweight design coupled with a firm frame lets slower-swinging players produce enough racquet speed to power (and spin) the ball past their opponents. Modern dampening and stability technologies put a lot of arm worries aside, and lets its target player swing with abandon. The availability of a 4-inch grip size lets small-handed players of all types enjoy its versatility for singles or doubles play.
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