Category: Reviews

The tennis racquet being used is an important asset to a player’s performance, it can ensure a winning serve or give way to crushing defeat. To be able to play well in tennis, you must have a good foundation and a good foundation includes a quality tennis racquet.

The design of racquets has evolved each year and by nature, the prices have increased as well. This revelation can be a demoralising one for beginners who don’t require high-end gear and only want to dip their feet into the world of competitive tennis, these hefty prices can definitely deter intrigued observers of the sport from ever stepping onto a tennis court.

The quality of cheap tennis racquets are questionable at best but if you can pick up a decent racquet from Head at a reasonable price then you can’t ask for moire than that. The Head Liquid Metal 8 Tennis Racquet is here to provide a sturdy yet inexpensive solution, does it deliver though? We’ll find out.

Power

The strength of fundamentals will always prevail over a poor quality tennis racquet, so a beginner will never need the best (and most expensive) gear available. A simple racquet is a wise choice as it doesn’t sugarcoat things in regards to positioning, mechanics and topspin application.

It puts these obstacles in front of the player to conquer, unaided no less. The Head Liquid Metal 8 Tennis Racquet is a rather simple yet effective product, relying on the skill of its holder and pushing them to improve through pure practice.

That’s not to downplay the racquet’s special features as it has a few that make it standout, its most significant feature has to do with power, the sweet spot is relatively large and enables a major power blow with a complete swing.

The racquet can rebound a blisteringly fast ball with the same force and speed, it’s extremely useful for heavy swings and long ball shots. The Liquidmetal technology is to thank for its relatively high power output, lessening the physical effort needed on the player to pull off strong shots in the process.

Control

The liquid metal-based tennis racquet isn’t a slouch in other areas as well, control is well done via the implementation of NoShox, this system reduces vibrational sensations through the use of a memory foam stuffed handle, extending to a better grasp during intensive/competitive sequences.

According to comparisons, this racquet is 27% more disruption-free than other racquets on the market. The inbuilt string dampener reduces vibrations stemming from other parts of the racquet, lessening nasty echo-effects of general movement. The HydroSorb branded grip features a dual-hub system with high-grade ventilation, freeing pressure spots and improving your grasp on the handle.

The lightweight size allows for freer movements and lesser strain than from types that are heavier than the Liquidmetal racquet. Overall, this product should be a breeze to control even for the clumsiest of person, it has the traits that are crucial to managing your general tennis play and executing drastic momentary plays.

Comfort

Older players or ones with major health issues can find solace in the fact that the Liquid Metal 8 racquet is designed with comfort in mind, the vibration caused by the friction between the ball and the racquet is kept to a bare minimum, reducing whiplash-related effects.

Head have described their racquet as having the right balance of power, control and comfort and we’re inclined to agree. The lightweight mass means you don’t have to lumber around a heavy racquet and you can effortlessly perform the moves you want without the fear of a sprain or injury.

Spin

Head’s racquet strings are something to behold, the synthetic core combined with a mindful 16 x 19 pattern ensures the ball has enough spin to race across the court. Durability is a major plus of this product, the strings specifically, they will keep you playing for a long time and playing with the utmost control.

The strings’ fabric is ridiculously strong, you won’t have to worry about replacing your racquet for a while as the material used to build this beast is second to none, in both the quality and sturdiness department.

Serves

Serving the ball can be a particular pain as you don’t have the momentum of a current game pushing you along, it can be difficult to rile up the energy to perform a winning serve.

The Head racquet’s non-slip grip lets you extend your arm and concentrate your energy on delivering power, it works with you, not against you and allows for a great serving technique. This requires the player to take initiative however, you must master the style and practice to become a competent server.

Groundstrokes

This is an occasional shot on the court that you must be able to pull off, this racquet is extremely versatile in its application, you can react to an opponent’s plays with ease and hit winning shots from the toughest court positions.

Groundstrokes, in particular, are a strong point of the racquet, you can deliver perfect topspin shots as the manufacturers have added the compatibility in this latest iteration and allow the head to flow across the ground for a winning shot, this is all possible without the slightest terrain-related hiccup.

Conclusion

All in all, the way the Head Liquid Metal 8 racquet prioritises the four core components of power, comfort, control and durability without skimping on the quality of any individual aspect is remarkable.

This product opens the door to tennis as a pastime or even as a competitive sport, its affordability allows intermediate players to try the sport without breaking the bank and being pummelled with extra features that a high-end racquet would’ve needlessly provided.

That’s not to say that modifications aren’t cool but the Head racquet caters to beginners by offering the sport to them in a natural way. A newbie can be easily overwhelmed with the features of a tennis racquet, so it’s best to leave the high-end ones to when you have some experience under your belt. This is a great and inexpensive choice for anyone looking to get their feet wet in the sport of tennis.

The Babolat Pure Drive came onto the market in 1994 and has revolutionized the industry. It remains among the most popular and well-known racquets in existence. Even though the design has not really changed since its inception, it still boasts plenty of good traits that will help take your game to the next level. There are many great Babolat racquets but this really is a quality product.

The Babolat Pure Drive came onto the market in 1994 and has revolutionized the industry. It remains among the most popular and well-known racquets in existence. Even though the design has not really changed since its inception, it still boasts plenty of good traits that will help take your game to the next level. There are many great Babolat racquets but this really is a quality product.

Several important changes that have been made include widening the string spacing as well as updating the cortex dampening system and redesigning the grommet holes.

Compared to the past versions of the racquet, there is a noticeable bump in the power and spin capabilities of this model. Additionally, there is a decidedly more dampened and muted feel. The Babolat Pure Drive now has a higher shot trajectory, so you’ll be able to revel in watching better-arching balls fly across the court. Your opponent won’t know what hit ’em. You’ll also love the power that this racquet offers; serving up game-winning shots has never been easier, and your serve will be as smooth as butter.

Several testers experienced with this model mentioned a distinguished change, noting that the redesign’s sweet spot is in a new location. While it may take a little bit of an adjustment, leave your old model in the bag, as the good far outweighs the bad.

The Pure Drive is, however, not without flaws. You’ll need to be mindful of harnessing power and the robust trajectory are not to be ignored. The muted response is also an issue for some players. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if this model is the right one for you, and this review will help in offering the information you need to make that decision.

The Babolat Pure Drive Specifications

• Length: 69 cm
• Weight: 318 gm
• Head size: 645 sq. cm
• Balance point: 4pts head light
• Composition: graphite
• String pattern: 19 crosses
• Construction: 23mm / 26mm / 23 mm
• Flex rating range: 0-100
• Swing weight range: 200-400

The Babolat Pure Drive’s performance can be broken into several categories:

Control and feel

The 2018 version has inherited the GT (Tungsten) from the old model. However, the makers have introduced a Cortex pure feel, which can dampen the response and possibly decrease shock from the stiff frame. This spec translates into a muted response. With that in mind, if you are into drop shots and maneuvering the ball around, the new Pure Drive may not be your best bet. In short, the new model can be too mute for some players to know where the shots are going.

But read on, because there are considerable advantages to this model, and it may just be what you’re looking for! Customer feedback from just about every outlet and channel contain raving testimonials of novices and professionals alike.

The looks

The drive maintains a cool blue color scheme that’ll contrast well against a beautiful sunny sky. While this model is lighter than previous models and offers an appealing aesthetic, some players may feel that it resembles a plastic toy. The design overall looks fresh, but remember: it’s what you do with the racquet that counts.

Power

The Pure Drive is clearly all about power. And who doesn’t love that? This is perhaps the most appealing aspect of this model. Such a characteristic definitely allows you to take your game to the next level.

In a competitive scenario, however, do not be surprised at how low your performance could go. You’ll have to be mindful not to over hit and lose control. Players who have used powerful racquets before can attest to the easiness of over hitting and subsequent loss of control.

Nonetheless, you shouldn’t rule out this model just yet. If you are a player who can harness the massive power it offers and then control it properly, the Pure Drive will be your best friend in the field.

Professionals who tested the racquet noted they found a “new weapon” in the Pure Drive by utilizing the power in the areas of serving and returning serves. The boost in power is likely to enable deeper returns while still providing considerable leniency as compared to other racquets.

Spin

The newest version of the Babolat Pure Drive boasts improved spin potentiality. As long as you play with high racquet speed, then you can hit any angle with the Pure Drive. So power and spin–you can’t beat that combination.

Comfort

If you are a player who does not have a problem with sore wrists and elbows, then this model might be perfect for you. On the contrary, players who do have such issues may want to invest in another type of racquet. Why is this the case? The Babolat Pure Drive is one of those relatively stiff and broad-beamed pieces of equipment that doesn’t offer much in the way of comfort, especially for those individuals who suffer from stiffness. It is reasonably dampened, but on the other hand, it may be considered stiff by some.

Also consider this: the vast majority of veteran and professional tennis players who have reviewed, tested, and commented on the racquet’s performance indicated they felt very comfortable with its maneuverability after a short period of adjustment.

Conclusion

The Babolat Pure Drive certainly has its advantages, and for many, it’s a game-changer–literally. With its addictive power and spin, it is a great companion for any player who does not have arm issues.

This racquet could be excellent for players at practically any level. It will offer beginners extra power and ease they may be searching for. Advanced players will take advantage of the ability to sustain control with a higher quantity of spin.

However, as a player, you will need to tame that power. Adding poly strings at high tensions will not help you out with this racquet. If high-powered frames suit you and you desire plenty of spins on your shots, this is your premier racquet. Essentially, if you are the player who needs piercing volleys, heavy, spin-loaded groundstrokes, and big serves, invest in this model and discover a whole new side to your talent. After all, a companion like this will bring out the best in your game.