Babolat Introduces New Aero Strike: Extra-Light Version of Rafael Nadal’s Winning Racquet

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

05/02/08 - Babolat, the leading French manufacturer of tennis racquets, announces the launch of the Babolat Aero Strike tennis racquet, a lighter version of three-time French Open winner (2005-07) Rafael Nadal’s Aero Pro Drive, the same racquet that helped him achieve a #2 worldwide ranking.

The Aero Strike provides for better maneuverability while maintaining great power. This racquet will appeal to players with a faster, medium to full swing who like the feel of the Aero Modular technology which helps increase head speed and power while providing excellent control. The Aero Strike is more forgiving, more maneuverable and lighter than the Aero Pro Drive - the perfect next step for up-and-coming juniors or intermediates moving up from a racquet like the Drive Z Lite, another lightweight mid-plus racquet in the Babolat range.

“The Aero Strike has been a big seller in Europe and we're thrilled to add it to our product offering here in the US,” said Olivier Bailliard, President and CEO of Babolat USA. “We're always talking with pros, club players and dealers about the kinds of products people are looking for and the need for a lighter racquet became apparent – especially for juniors who want to play like Rafa.”

Three Key Technologies:

- Cortex System – “Enjoy the pure feel”:
The Cortex System is the first technology customized to filter different vibrations. This exclusive Babolat material has the ability to filter and dampen (do we need to say that twice?). 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 unnecessary vibrations for a purer feel.

- Aero Modular Technology
With a standard head beam for optimal maneuverability, this innovative frame is designed to simulate an airplane wing, offering power and control while increasing head speed.

- Woofer
The Woofer is the first technology on the market linking the frame and strings for optimal comfort. All Babolat performance racquets are equipped with Woofer technology.


Aero Strike product specifications:
Head size: 100 sq in
Weight: 9.8oz (unstrung)
Length: 27 inches

Composition: 100% High Modulus Graphite
Stiffness: RA: 70
Stringing Pattern: 16 x 19
Recommended Strings: Hybrid Combination - XCEL (Comfort)/ PRO HURRICANE (Durability)
Technologies: Cortex System (filtering & dampening); Aero Modular Technology; Woofer
Suggested Retail: $185.00 (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