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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robin Ashmore or Annie Coghill
1905 Sherman Street
Denver,
303 832 2700
robin@ameliecompany.com, annie@ameliecompany.com

10/02/07 - 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.

Company Website
www.babolat.com
Company Profile
Tenniswire.org/companies/babolat/index.html