Harrison Brothers Choose Babolat Racquets and Strings for Next Four Years

05/07/08 - Lyon, France - Babolat, one of the leading manufacturers of tennis products, today announces Ryan Harrison and Christian Harrison have chosen to use Babolat racquets and strings for the next four years. Babolat has had a relationship with the Harrison brothers since 2004, having provided racquets and strings to Ryan in 2005 and 2006, and to Christian from 2005 to present.

Ryan Harrison (age 15) and Christian Harrison (age 13) have signed an international agreement with Babolat that assures they will be equipped with innovative Babolat tennis products through 2012. Jean-Christophe Verborg, Babolat International Sports Marketing Manager commented, "The fact that they wanted a long-term agreement instead of the standard one-year contract shows the confidence they have in the Babolat brand. We're very happy to have them as a part of Team Babolat."

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Babolat Extends Aero Storm and Pure Storm Ranges

05/02/08 - Babolat, one of the leading manufacturers of tennis products, announces the launch of two new expert tennis racquets, Babolat Pure Storm Limited and Babolat Aero Storm 2008 as well as the relaunch of the Babolat Aero Storm Tour.

The new Babolat Pure Storm Limited is a mid-size racquet designed to meet the needs of experienced players with a wide, fast swing. Expert players will appreciate the accuracy and stability offering total control. Babolat has also extended the Aero Storm range to include the mid-plus Aero Storm 2008, a newer, lighter version of the Aero Storm 2007 model. In keeping with the Babolat naming convention, the Aero Storm 2007 model is being relaunched as the Aero Storm Tour indicating that it is the heavier version in this range. Both racquets are designed for well-rounded expert players with a full swing, who master a wide variety of tactics with technical expertise.

Olivier Bailliard, president and CEO of Babolat USA commented, "Babolat has been a leader in the expert tennis racquet segment providing innovative products for serious players. These new control racquets complete the Babolat offering for experts." The Babolat Pure Storm Limited, Babolat Aero Storm 2008 and Babolat Aero Storm Tour will be available in tennis specialty stories starting April 2008.

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Babolat Announces New Tennis Shoe Models

From Tennis News

Babolat, one of the leading manufacturers of tennis products, announces the release of two new high performance tennis shoes: the 2008 Propulse model for men and the new Propulse tennis shoe for women, the Propulse Lady.

The 2008 Propulse tennis shoe, Andy Roddick's signature shoe, has all the same innovative technological features as its predecessor: Exact Pro, offering quick reaction for recovery and rebound on every step, Michelin OCS allowing for better traction, and an improved Michelin Hi-Tech outsole offering more resistance to abrasion. With these three cutting edge innovations, the Propulse is the most dynamic and durable shoe in tennis.

- A real sensation of forefoot recovery in play

- A shoe that lasts 40% longer than others

- A shoe that offers instant comfort

- Also available in a junior model

- 2008 Propulse with new silver/black color

Babolat Lady's Footwear
Babolat Propulse Roddick Mens
Babolat Propulse Roddick Mens - Black
Babolat Junior Propulse

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Babolat Pure Drive Cortex Racquet Review

Good, brief review of the Babolat Pure Drive Cortex today at Daily Racket.

"An update to the legendary Babolat Pure Drive Team, the new Pure Drive with Cortex utilizes a vibration filter called Cortex at the top of the handle that is designed to reduce harmful racquet vibrations without filtering out the feedback required for feel. The result of filtering unnecessary vibrations is what Babolat calls a 'pure feel.'" Read more

Learn more about the Babolat Pure Drive Cortex

Babolat launching women's version of Andy Roddick's Propulse Sneaker

The latest version of the award-winning Babolat Propulse, the shoe of choice for Andy Roddick, is made just for women. What's that mean? Well, its thinner and better suited for the shape a woman's foot. But like the men's version, it has Michelin OCS for better traction, and an improved Michelin Hi-Tech outsole for more resistance to abrasion.

These should be available any day now, if not already. Go to babolat.com for more info.

Check out Babolat gear here.

From Daily Racquet

New Georgio Armani Tennis Racquet from Babolat

Babolat, one of the leading manufacturers of tennis products, announces the launch of the new EA7 Emporio Armani tennis racquet, marking the first time that Babolat has entered the world of sport fashion.

Babolat developed the exclusive new EA7 tennis racquet for Emporio Armani 7, the sports technology brand of Giorgio Armani. Branded the Emporio Armani by Babolat, the EA7 racquet is the perfect marriage of key technologies from Babolat, French specialist in tennis technologies and exceptional design from Emporio Armani, world famous Italian fashion designer. These industry leaders have combined their know-how into this prestigious tennis racquet resulting in the perfect balance of fashion and performance. This is the first time Babolat has entered this luxury market.

High tech materials and key technologies make the EA7 model a high performance racquet. With an aerodynamic structure, the EA7 racquet provides power with each stroke and a better penetration through the air. A lightweight racquet, the EA7 is maneuverable and appropriate for competitive players as well as club players.

"Dressed" by Emporio Armani in a white, silver and black color combination, this racquet will entice anyone with its design.

The EA7 Emporio Armani tennis racquet by Babolat is now available exclusively at Emporio Armani shops.

From TennisWire

Babolat Launches '07-'08 Models

Babolat Expands Oversize Offering: Launches New ‘07-’08 Models for Club Players

Babolat, the leading French manufacturer of tennis racquets, announces the launch of three new oversize racquets designed specifically to meet the needs of club players.

The new Babolat Drive Z 110, Aero 112 and Drive Z 118 (numbers correspond to racquet head size in square inches) are the newest additions in the oversize category for Babolat. Olivier Bailliard, President and CEO of Babolat USA commented, “Babolat has always been committed to providing equipment for players of all levels. These racquets in particular are designed to help improve a club player’s game through increased maneuverability, power and - with the addition of Cortex technology - comfort.” Linda Ryan, Babolat Senior Player Manager, adds: “We’ve received very positive feedback from players who have tried these new racquets and are making the switch. They love the expanded sweet spot as well as the comfort of the Smart Grip ergonomic handle.”

KEY TECHNOLOGIES
The Cortex System is the first technology customized to filter different vibrations. This exclusive Babolat material has the ability to filter and dampen. The handle and the frame of the racquet are linked by one interface in the C.D.S. (Cortex Dampening System), which allows the filter to absorb the unnecessary vibrations for a purer feel.

The innovative Smart Grip ergonomic grip optimizes contact between the grip and the hand.

∑ More power: less effort is needed when hitting the ball.
∑ More control: reduced handle twist when striking the ball, especially on two-hand backhands and volleys.
∑ More comfort: a truly natural grip delivering significant reduction of fatigue and stress points on the hand.

NEW PRODUCTS
The Babolat Drive Z 110 and Babolat Drive Z 118 tennis racquets are designed for club players looking for power and maneuverability. These new oversize racquets are lightweight, yet powerful. The unique Elliptic Geometry guarantees the best torsion resistance: +20% stiffer compared to a traditional beam. The Babolat Aero 112 is will appeal to club players looking for a faster swing, more topspin and a greater balance of power with control. The latest in the Aero range, the Aero 112 has the same modular frame concept with varying beam profiles at three strategic locations creating maximum penetration of the racquet through the air and increase the hitting power - perfect control for directional hitting.

Babolat Drive Z 110 Product Specifications:
Head size: 110 sq in
Weight: 255g / 8.9oz
Length: 27.5 inches
Composition: Graphite/Kevlar
Stiffness: RA: 70
Recommended Strings: VS Natural Gut / Xcel premium
Technologies: Cortex System (filtering & absorbing); Smart Grip; Elliptic geometry
Suggested Retail: $199.00 (sold unstrung)

Drive Z 118 Product Specifications:
Head size: 118 sq in
Weight: 255g / 8.9oz
Length: 27.5 inches
Composition: Graphite/Kevlar
Stiffness: RA: 70
Recommended Strings: VS Natural Gut / Xcel premium
Technologies: Cortex System (filtering & absorbing); Smart Grip; Elliptic geometry
Suggested Retail: $229.00 (sold unstrung)

Aero 112 Product Specifications:
Head size: 112 sq in
Weight: 260g / 9.1oz
Length: 27.5 inches
Composition: High Modulus Graphite
Stiffness: RA: 70
Recommended Strings: Xcel premium / VS Natural Gut
Technologies: Cortex System (filtering & absorbing); Smart Grip; Aero Modular Technology
Suggested Retail: $219.00 (sold unstrung)

ABOUT BABOLAT
Founded in Lyon, France, in 1875, Babolat is the first company to have specialized in racquet sports and the world leader in the production of natural gut strings. Easily recognized by its trademark “double-line” (two stripes on the racquet frame and black on the stringing bed), Babolat is still family-owned. Today, with U.S. operations in Boulder, Colorado, the company also manufactures synthetic strings, shoes, a full range of accessories for all racquet sports as well as a best-selling line of racquets used by some of the most renowned names in tennis. To find out where Babolat products are sold, log on to www.babolat.com or call (877) 316-9435.

Vibration Dampeners

When I was growing up playing, and to this day, I don't use a dampener. Mostly, this is because I like to feel the impact, to me it gives me more feel for my shots. Luckily I've never had any problems with pain, etc. And when I did try them, I simply tied a rubber band around two strings at the bottom of the head (a la early Agassi). But today, Babolat sells all sorts of high tech dampeners to help those who would like less vibration. Here are three.

First is the Babolat Custom Damp Vibration Dampener. It allows you to customize your level of dampening with the included "O" ring (which provides minimal dampening) and the additional insert if you need more dampening for more comfort.

Next is the Babolat RVS Vibration Dampener. This one takes on both types of vibrations from ball impact - strings and frame. It also decreases the strings vibrations to keep all the feel of the ball, so maybe I'd like this one better. Its fixed to the racket frame, and claims to be the only vibration dampener to reduce both of these vibrations.

Finally is the Babolat High Damp Logo Vibration Dampener. This one is designed with a viscoelastic (whatever that means) material that absorbs vibrations without changing the feel of the game. Again, maybe this is one I should try out.

Men in Black III - The US Open

If you watched last night's US Open quarterfinal between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer, you saw a number of things. First, you saw an incredibly well-played match by both players - extremely high quality tennis. Second, you saw the true dominance of Roger Federer - Roddick played extremely well and has nothing to be ashamed about...but it simply was not enough for the world's #1.

Third, you saw those silly tuxedo shorts of Federer.

Fourth, you saw and heard Andre Agassi in the booth, which was terrific and entertaining.

Lastly, you saw a lot of black clothing. Both players wore all black (with the exception of Roddick's shoes and socks), and Agassi had on a black button-down.

Read more about the match.

Head, Wilson, Prince...and Babolat?? Yes, indeed...Babolat!

Pros build a tower of Babolat

USA Today ran a fascinating article today about Babolat racquets and their entry and strong presence in the market. When growing up, Babolat was really just a string company, but now you see Roddick, among others, using the sticks. Good job for them, they have effectively placed themselves right alongside Head, Wilson and Prince as the dominant brands of frames.

Read the article in USA Today