The Babolat SFX Shoe

The makers of high-end professional tennis and badminton equipment Babolat have released a new shoe designed specifically for use on the tennis court: the Babolat SFX tennis shoe. The shoe description can be found under the "fluidity" heading on Babolat's shoes web page, and they've listed quite a few innovations built into their new sneaker. For example, the toe of the shoe is designed to allow more freedom of movement in the front of the foot. Also, the upper part of the inside of the shoe has been reinforced for better durability, and the shoe is also ventilated to keep feet cool while running back and forth across the net (and not let any funky aromas build up). An "Ergo-Motion" insole built into the shoe molds to the player's foot to provide support and allow for more fluid movement as well. In fact, the entire shoe has an ergonomic design which allows it to mold to the foot and ankle of the player wearing it. The heel has added shock absorption, and the sole of the shoe is made to give the wearer the maximum amount of traction for quick movement.

Both the Babolat SFX men's and Babolat SFX women's shoes feature these advancements. The men's shoe comes in a stylin' blue and white color scheme, and the women's in a fetching pink and white. The soles of the shoes are supposedly inspired by rally racing equipment, according to Babolat's website, but I wouldn't recommend trying to put them on the wheels of your car. Another nifty piece of shoe-tech Babolat has put into this shoe is the "foot belt," a pair of straps going around the top of the foot and the ankle which provide support in key areas. I presume this design blends seamlessly into the overall design of the sneaker, as opposed to there being an actual belt you cinch up around the outside of your very expensive, high-performance tennis shoe. All in all, these shoes look to be very comfortable, and while their descriptions may be a bit wordy and a bit more technical than necessary, the many lauded footwear advancements built into these sneakers actually do seem to have merit. If you're a serious tennis player, and you've got the green to lay down, the Babolat SFX shoe looks to be a worth investment whether you're a dude or a lady.

Babolat Play & Connect

The 2012 French Open may be remembered for more than who won. It may also be remembered for the year that Babolat changed tennis.

The Babolat Play & Connect racquet contains integrated sensors which record data so that players can better analyze their game. This data will include information about swing and flow to help players study their own progress and compare their performance to other players. Currently all players have to work with is match results.

Babolat hasn’t released too much information so we don’t know exactly what kind of data we will get from this racquet. How will the racquet know exactly what type of stroke it is, or will it average data for all strokes? How will the data be presented and interpreted? How will the sensors change the weight of the racquet? There are many questions and we look forward to the 2012 French Open to get some of the answers.

The prototype will be at this year’s Roland Garros French Open. Babolat will present the Play & Connect racquet and have the first demos. In September 2012, 100 prototype racquets will be tested around the world, with the worldwide launch planned for 2013.

No matter what else it is, the Babolat Play & Connect tennis racquet should be an exciting innovation in the world of tennis equipment. 

Babolat’s French Open products are available now at Holabird Sports: http://www.holabirdsports.com/babolat-french-open

Babolat French Open Racquets are a Top Choice

Anyone who has any interest in tennis knows the name Babolat. Babolat is one of the top manufacturers of tennis equipment in the world. The way I see it, if it is good enough for Andy Roddick, then it is good enough for me. Roddick is just one of the many players who will not step on the court without a Babolat tennis racquet. Some of the other tops players who use Babolat French Open equipment include Bobby Reynolds, Wayne Arthurs and Brian Baker. Tennis players around the world use Babolat tennis shoes and other equipment for both competition play and practice sessions.

One of the things that we love most about Babolat tennis shoes is the comfortable fit. The strong laces won't break or fray, no matter how much I wear the shoes. The shoes also have a padded insole that protects my feet and keeps blisters at bay. Even if I spend hours on the courts practicing for my next game or hit the courts with friends, the shoes still feel as comfortable as they did when I first put them on. As an added benefit, the Babolat tennis shoes have traction on the bottom that keeps me stable and upright when running back and forth across the court.

Babolat gear is a top choice for the most famous players around the world. The company even makes Babolat French Open racquets, which are the same racquets used by professional players during the French Open. We like the junior size for newer players or younger players because it mimics the strength and feel of the larger racquet but in a smaller size for smaller hands. A Babolat FrenchOpen racquet is a great way to get younger players involved in the game. We even see some schools and colleges switching to the Babolat line.

If you think that the company is only responsible for a Babolat tennis racquet, you are sadly mistaken. The company makes dozens of different products that we love, including the tennis bags. I'm tired of getting a new bag and finding that it doesn't have room for everything I need. The bags from this company have more than enough space for my Babolat tennis racquet, an extra pair of shoes, laces, a change of clothes and even a few extra balls. The high quality stitching and extra pockets on the inside and outside of the bag make this the perfect choice for my needs.

The eagerly awaited Babolat Pure Drive 2012

The Babolat tennis racquet family is eagerly awaiting its newest member, the Babolat Pure Drive 2012. This new babolat racquet is slated to hit the market early this year with preorders already on the rise. This heavily awaited Babolat racquet has already made a few sneak appearances in professional practice sessions and welded in competition by pros. Receiving nothing but accolades, the anticipation continues to rise. Some rumors state the Babolat Pure Drive Racket 2012 will be in complete circulation by mid-march. Other sources indicate it will be much sooner. I myself have opted to wait patiently for its arrival, forgoing any eagerness to hastily purchase a lesser model tennis racket. Babolat has never let me down and I’m sure 2012 with be no exception.

Babolat Pure Drive rackets are known for their legendary control without sacrificing power. They are designed to give competitive players the edge they need when stepping up their game. This tennis racket is composed of Graphite Tungsten and sports an incredibly lightweight feel. Graphite Tungsten, also known as GT Technology, braids carbon with tungsten creating a truly durable and powerful hybrid frame. This type of frame is known to draw more power from any player from beginner to advanced. Combined with the new vibration elimination technology, this racket will increase feel and ball control immensely. The flashy new look is a welcome addition as well, and won’t take away from court side flair. It is as menacing in sight as it is in performance.

Babolat was founded in 1875 when the company’s creator began developing and producing strings for tennis racquets. The company gradually began adding new products and innovations to the market place for more than a century. In 1994 the first Babolat tennis racquet entered the market. And now in 2012 Babolat tennis rackets have become renowned worldwide, hardly even needing an introduction. Tennis combatants on every continent are choosing the sublime mix between power and control. Tennis pros including Li Na, Andy Roddick, and Kim Clijsters have taken home their fair share of trophies and championships with Babolat PureDrive rackets. I can only hope to achieve the same aspirations for myself.

The Evolution in Women's Running Apparel

Running apparel for women has changed dramatically over the 33 years that I have been running. From simple construction that met basic needs, to eye-popping color-coordination, women s running outfits have truly evolved. Today, running clothes for women are designed not only to be visually appealing, but also to enhance performance.

I have fond memories of my first pair of Nike “waffles”; blue with a yellow swoosh, and very wide soles with nubs on them (hence the nickname). They were effective, simple and stylish, and were most-often accompanied by knee-high athletic socks with wide color bands that very seldom matched my cool shoes. This ensemble was completed by short-shorts, and your typical 70’s t-shirt. Back then, running clothes for women were usually what was required for gym class, or what was worn for a host of other activities. Women s running outfits, such as they were, did not really address variations in climate; you either wore your short-shorts and froze or wore sweats and suffered the opposite effect.

Of course, it has not been proven that dressing in color-coordinated and otherwise stylish running apparel guarantees success in running endeavors. However, it most definitely boosts that can-do feeling. Along with an occasional admiring glance from onlookers, this can lead to better results and an increased desire to get out there and run in the first place!

It was a very cold race day in February, when I learned to truly appreciate the evolution in women’s running apparel. The race took place around a frozen lake. The actual temperature was 15 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 25-mile-an-hour wind bringing the wind-chill factor to well below zero (or at least that's the way it felt). Yes, I believed that I looked very stylish in my matching lycra running pants with coordinating jacket, gloves, beanie, and shoes. However, it was not the fashionable aspect of my outfit that was its saving grace that day, but the physical aspects of the design. The fabric was relatively light and form fitting, yet surprisingly warm, with the ability to wick perspiration away from the body. This kept me from freezing. The cut and design allowed for uninhibited movement. I didn't come in last.

Of course Under Armour is the leader in climate-based running apparel. Not to mention the fact, that Under Armour running clothes always look great.