With the new GT version of the Pure Drive Roddick I got a very solid response from all areas of the court with the expected generous power of past Pure Drives. Having Babolat's Cortex technology in the throat of the racquet help offer improved feel compared to past models. The main difference on the Pure Drives and these new Roddick models is the slight increased weight and stiffness that that adds depth and power. The Roddick versions are created for stronger intermediate and advanced players. It is easy to maneuver and offers excellent power and stability overall.

 

 

 

 

 

Not surprisingly I found tremendous power from the baseline. At the same time spin was very easy to generate so the ability to hit powerful shots with tons of spin was almost effortless. The increased weight adds depth to the shots and in the hands of a good player deadly shots and service returns are the norm. Even blocked service returns seem to explode off the strings. This racquet is a baseliner’s dream.

 

Even as impressive the PD Roddick is off the ground it’s even more so on serves! No matter if you are going for flat down the middle, big slice wide, kick serve…etc this stick delivers big time, huge spin potential and huge power period. I found it so easy to serve with this model and I had the confidence to go for it and was rewarded with excellent good control as well. This racquet was very stable and comfortable overall.

 

I did find that on volleys it can be a little over powered but the added weight helps temper that a bit. It’s for sure not a true serve and volley frame but if you can let the racket do the work you will have no problem developing plenty of power on volleys, overheads, and easy put a ways. Mobility is good and I never had any issues getting the racket around on reflex and half volleys. The main negative of this racquet is touch. I was not able to feel the ball on drop volleys and touch angles.

 

The PD Ruddick felt even more solid and stable compared to the previous Cortex and non GT version. This racquet offered me extreme power with excellent stability, response and good solid feel. The PD Roddick is an excellent choice for the NTRP 3.5 + player. This racquet would be good for players with all swing types. It would work for long fast ground strokes or short compact swings.