Babolat Pure Storm Team Gt 2011 Tennis Racquet

Video Review

Racquet Specs

Head Size: 100 sq. in MP
Length: 27 inches
Weight: Strung — 10.7 oz Unstrung — 10.1 oz
Tension: 55-62 Pounds
Balance: 3 Pts Head Light
Beam Width: 21 mm
Composition: GraphiteTungsten
Flex: 60
Grips Type: Babolat Skin Feel
Power Level: Low-Medium
String Pattern:
16 Mains / 20 Crosses
Mains skip: 8T,8H
One Piece
No Shared Holes
Swing Speed: Medium-Fast
Swing Weight: 305

Babolat Pure Storm Team GT 2011 Racquet Review

Following the trend of lighter racquets to the original version, Babolat has elected to start the year with the release of the Pure Storm Team. With the new edition to the Pure Storm line, Babolat has reached out to the tennis group who is looking for a spin friendly, lightweight, and easy to maneuver control-oriented frame.

Groundstrokes:

Though built to be a versatile frame, the racquet did not perform well to a flat out full force swing. I was taken back by surprise as it was not easy to generate much pace with accuracy. The racquet launched the tennis ball with heavy force, but it was nowhere near the level of control I needed to keep the point in play. Shortening my full swing to a medium swing was the way to go with this racquet for the best combination of smooth shot and moderate pace.

Volley:

The structural integrity of the frame produced a solid return with a crisp and clean feel as the ball left the stringbed. With the lightweight characteristic in combination with headlight balance, this racquet is killer at the net. Its feather light weight allows the racquet to cut through the air and nail the ball. With a lower swing weight, I found plenty of time to prepare for volleys at the net and angle my returns that I would otherwise find difficult to execute.

Serves:

Placement on this racquet was great at the right swing speed. This lightweight and headlight balance reduced my exertion and effort on serves and saved me much energy needed to maintain longer intense rallies. When I did go through a full motion serve, the racquet was just a little too light for my tastes. Likewise with groundstrokes, shortening my serving swing was the best way for this racquet’s full potential to shine on the court.

Overall:

Overall, the Babolat Pure Storm Team GT is a very nice tweener racquet. It doesn’t require the typical long and fast swing that its cousin frame demands. Control was good on this racquet and the power was there, just not as much pace as I’d hope. I can definitely see this racquet of choice in the hands of a 3.0+ player or if you have a moderate sized swing. This racquet would also be a great starter frame for a young competitive juniors.