Focus on Babolat Drive Tour 2016, the top of the range racket from Babolat dedicated a priori to players whose game is more based on defense.

Visuals of the racket

First, note that tennis players can very easily adapt to the racket with a round and not octagonal flu like many of its competitors. Tennis players will immediately experience this racquet. The players of padel preferring the flu padel more classic will have to go their way.

Regarding the weight, we stay more or less 5 gr, 370 grams, giving the racket a certain power. But beware, its round shape and its medium balance make it a racket especially for defenders. Unlike the Viper which is mainly intended for attackers, the Drive will offer players good control in defense and against.

In terms of ball exits, it is also doing quite well at all, although it may be necessary to put more to get it out.

Regarding technologies, there are no problems, it's qualitative. But the technologies are above all improvements and not new.

Certain technologies like Speed ​​Edge Technology is supposed to offer better aerodynamics thanks to an octagonal frame for less resistance in the air. In reality, the racket cuts through the air, but no more and no less than another racket.

However its black EVA gum and Reakt Technology bring a real plus and players feel this control and power in the racket.

Specifics of the Babolat Drive Tour 2016

- Weight: 370 gr
- Profile: 38 mm
- Round shape
- Length: 455 mm
- Balance: 270 mm

technologies used

Pro Core 2:
- POWER - PRECISION & TOUCH: Black EVA core: medium energy return for a good compromise between power, precision and touch.

Speed ​​Edge Technology:
- AERODYNAMICS: Octagonal frame for less resistance to air.

Dynamic Stability System:
- STABILITY & VERSATILITY: More compact core combined with a teardrop-shaped racquet that improves racquet stability at impact and provides great versatility.

EXOSKELETON FRAME PROTECTION:
- LIFETIME: New bumper in rigid material and an aerodynamic shape which fits perfectly into the frame of the racket.

EASY FIT CORD:
- COMFORT & SAFETY: Cord that can be easily installed and attached to the wrist for better comfort and good safety during practice.

CARBON FRAME:
- STABILITY: Standard carbon fiber frame for good impact stability.

Reakt Technology:
- PRECISION & POWER: Innovative arc-shaped hole distribution with 2 hole sizes designed to deliver high precision and maximum power.

Carbon Fiber 3K:
- DURABILITY: 3K carbon zones for good durability

In summary…

The new Drive Tour brings a compromise power and precision for the players of competitions. its teardrop shape, its neutral weight, its innovative drilling plan gives it good power without neglecting precision and touch. The carbon fiber frame provides greater durability.

They tested the racket ...

Xavier Andrieux tennis teacher in the Essarts-le-Roi club sponsored by Babolat using the Viper tour racket (red): ” I was able to test the drive tower (blue). A clear difference between the two racquets the Viper will be very powerful, more flexible on impact but less precise. The drive it will be more rigid much more precision but of course a loss of power If I had to classify the two rackets the blue would be for the defense and the red for the attack I will still ask Mr. Babolat the drive because it gives me a control that I did not have with the Viper"

They tested the racket ...

Xavier Andrieux tennis teacher in the Essarts-le-Roi club sponsored by Babolat using the Viper tour racket (red): ” I was able to test the drive tower (blue). A clear difference between the two racquets the Viper will be very powerful, more flexible on impact but less precise. The drive it will be more rigid much more precision but of course a loss of power If I had to classify the two rackets the blue would be for the defense and the red for the attack I will still ask Mr. Babolat the drive because it gives me a control that I did not have with the Viper"

Hiram Azilinon, player of padel, returns to the 2 rackets Babolat tested: "I rather played with the orange racquet (viper). It is suitable for a powerful player like me! Very good control and take good effects. "

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.