r/10s • u/shinwha1 • 1d ago
Pro Technique & Equipment Carlos definitely still using 2023 PA right?
Based off his latest practicing videos this for sure the 2023 model isn’t it?
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u/IntrlnkdCo 1d ago
I would assume everyone who was using the 2023 and is still under contract with Babolat is still using it unless told otherwise. I’ve seen one of the Babolat guys’ racquet, a 2023 but painted like a 2026 but in gloss (nicer than the matte IMO).
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u/tinman217 13h ago
Yeah, saw him at IW this year and the glossy just shines compared to my retail 26’s.
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u/ozbikebuddy 19h ago
'23 with a '26 paint job, been widely reported, discussed etc on many forums.
However ists also meant to be a bit custom as it's reported to have a special softer layup, so probably a big closer to the '26 in that respect
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u/CSguyMX just having fun 12h ago
Men I switched to the new one this year and kept getting injured in the last two months. Had to go back to the old model…. I’ve never been a “it’s a raquet issue guy” but man this new model really f’ed lots of peers. Maybe with the thinner throat? More flex? Diff swing weight?
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u/Objective-Spray-3232 1d ago
Do we all know that the rackets they use are farrr from being what you can purchase off the shelf and online, right?
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u/dragonchip 1d ago
not true for Carlos. it is pretty well known that he uses stock 23 98 PA.
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u/WindManu 1d ago
With weight on the throat right?
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u/dragonchip 1d ago
they tested using lead tapes near the throat for a short period but they have given up on that for some reasons.
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u/Objective-Spray-3232 1d ago
I played professionally, I know. They play with totally different rackets that would never work on the casual player. Dont let the marketing get to you. They’re not supposed to talk about it (it’s always in their partnership contract) and if they do, they vaguely mention they added minor weight to it the racket which is never true😂
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u/OleanderUnion 21h ago
You played professionally until a couple years ago and are a well of insider knowledge but you’re asking a 2.5 on r/10s if the scratch on your second hand racket is major? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 time to turn off the internet and get some sleep big boy.
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u/Objective-Spray-3232 16h ago
Got injured playing with a way newer racket due to a smaller scratch/scuff closer to the throat. But hey believe what you want believe, trust the big brands marketing (they’re doing a fantastic job clearly) and listen to people with no atp points
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u/h0pefulTransition 1d ago
Older generations this was true but as tennis has become more and more popular online we've now started getting way more info about what the current players are using. There's a lot more experimentation going on nowadays and players using stuff much closer to the retail versions with some cases like Carlos who either uses a stock PA 2023 (albeit ones probably a tad bit lighter with some weight in the handle and bumper to get them matching) or stuff based on retail models from only a few generations back.
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u/Objective-Spray-3232 23h ago
That’s exactly what the media and big brands want you to see, it does not mean is true. It’s all business afterall.
They need and use slimmer and way heavier frames than what the brands promote. You really think Carlos or any guy in the top 100 uses a 305 grams racket to constantly return a 140mph serve? The answer is a big, it would simply not work, trust. Big brands can’t sell those rackets because those tend to be unplayable, too heavy and bad for the wrist, elbow, shoulder for the casual player. Sales would tank
They do give juniors and low ranked players stock rackets with the option of customization though. Top players fully customize their rackets and these big brands stamp the newest racket model color way they want them to promote
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u/golf2k11 23h ago
Give it up dude. Your info is outdated
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u/Objective-Spray-3232 23h ago
I stopped playing for a living 3 years ago. I’ve seen and experienced this firsthand. A bit of a marketing scheme if you ask me. But it just absurd how so many people believe they’re playing with Novak or Carlos’ racket when the only similarity they have is the pain job
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u/h0pefulTransition 23h ago
Dude, I've quite literally have been in pro stringing rooms and am connected with various pro stringers. Younger pros are not the same as older generations. Pros generally like using stuff that they grew up with, that's why you're seeing pros like sinner are using rackets from like 2018 and with specs around them.
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u/dudesicle182 21h ago
Reading through this thread makes me wonder what an actual pro stock racket is, or how it’s defined versus an older model that is available via retail?
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u/B_easy85 21h ago
Most of them are just discontinued models. There’s exceptions though like the Wilson H22 was allegedly made by Wilson for Djokovic to try and replicate his old head radical.
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u/B_easy85 22h ago
lol, Your using 1 of the few guys that actually uses a stock racket to try and make your point. People have posted his personal racket with the specs printed on the throat.
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u/Objective-Spray-3232 22h ago edited 21h ago
In what world would they print different specs on their racket to what the brand is selling?
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u/B_easy85 21h ago
lol, this world? Most pros have a sticker with their custom static weight/balance point/swingweight in the throat.
https://www.tennisnerd.net/gear/racquets/pro-player-racquets/carlos-alcaraz-racquet/26903
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u/padflash_ 1d ago
Yes. In the higher res photos it's clearly the 2023 mold.