AND STILL MORE NEW RACQUETS FOR 2005 {2005}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

Two more manufacturers were gracious enough to send racquets to test--Babolat and Dunlop.

Babolat has just 2 new offerings, both spawned by the Aero Tour models that were, frankly, a bomb. The new racquets, however, have been modified to correct the objectionable traits of their predecessors.

One of the racquets has actually been made for over a year. The Aero Drive is the model used by rising Spanish star, Nadal. In fact, he used it at the 2004 NASDAQ-100 Open. There is some question in my mind as to why they introduced this model. The similarities to Babolat’s best seller, the Pure Drive, would be apparent to anyone. I was not impressed with the volley capabilities, and would caution serve-and-volley players to try it more than once before buying. All other strokes were as I would have expected from the Pure Drive’s brother. The feel was slightly heavier, making it a little better for the more advanced player.

The Aero Control is a misnomer. Using the Aero throat and the NCT Tour head, another name might have been more appropriate. Name aside, this racquet deserves a try, if you are an advanced player. Serves, volleys and ground strokes, all were top notch.

Dunlop has a whole new line of sticks. This is good and bad news. As I have said for years, Dunlop makes a superb racquet for the price. Their new releases are no exception. All the racquets except the McEnroe feature the M-Fil 3-D braiding process.

The 200G has been changed slightly and called simply 200. As with its father it should be in the hands of 4.5 and above players to do it justice. Volleys were unimpressive, but with a good stroke you can do whatever you want with a forehand and backhand. Serving was great and spin serves were no problem.

A completely new model with a familiar name, is the Maxply McEnroe. In the class of the Wilson n-tour and the Babolat Pure Control, this racquet is worth whatever superlatives you care to use. All strokes were excellent. It is the heaviest of the Dunlops, but if the weight doesn’t bother you, this is a must try.

The new 300, as you would expect, is little brother to the 200. Basically a lighter version, it is geared toward the player whose preparation is not quite what it could be. I especially liked the spin I could get on the serve.

The new Dunlop 500 continues the good spin of its siblings. All strokes were very consistent, although volleys might be a problem if that is your weakness. This is the right frame for a player with medium strokes. A 3.5 or 4.0 player would appreciate this offering.

The Dunlop 700 is a welcome change from the 700G. Actually, there is no real comparison. The new model has infinitely less vibration, is and much more comfortable. This racquet is best in the hands of the short stroke player, more appropriate for beginners to 4.0. Volleys were less precise, and the heavy head, as with all frames in this category, does require earlier preparation.

The bad news? The colors are way out there for racquets, but they may catch on.

COPYRIGHT 2005