Babolat Y 112 Tennis Racquet
Tennis Magazine Review

How it tested: For a few years Babolat has sold its game-improvement racquets (lightweight powerful frames) with its ergonomic Smart Grip. The handle curves out in two spots for a better fit in the hands of players who prefer to hold the racquet in the middle of the grip instead of close to the butt cap. It's not for everybodyour playtesters have had mixed feelings about it in the pastso it's nice that with the Y 112, the Smart Grip is optional (it's shown here without). From a performance standpoint, the racquet has a huge sweet spot that provides ample power (if you prefer even more, the racquet also comes in a 118-square-inch model for $10 more). You don't have to take much of a swing to hit the ball deep from the baseline. The one major drawback was a fair amount of vibration on off-center hits. Babolat recommends stringing the Y 112 with its VS Natural Gut to enhance playability and is offering a discount on the string at purchase.

Playtester comments: Plenty of power to be had; Ball really spun off the bed; Great around the net; Have to use a dampener.

Bottom line: Too much vibration, but otherwise it gives power to players who want a lot of help from their racquets.

Technology
Dual Structure
Exclusive construction connects the yoke and the head in the racquet's key zones. Both elements of the racquet are linked by oversized arms, the Side Drivers, specifically engineered to optimize power and precision.

Bi-Material
Construction: In the yoke, a high-modulus graphite structure with two times the stiffness of standard graphite equals increased power. In the head, an exclusive crystal graphite material engineered by Babolat provides enhanced torque resistance, leading to more precision.

Cellular Grommet System Combining a hard internal part and a soft external part, this 360 integrated dual-material grommet system creates more consistent and balanced energy absorption at ball impact for more comfort and more forgiveness.

Length: 27 1/2
Head Size: 112 Inches
Weight:9.0oz unstrung
Balance: 1 pt HH
Cross Section: 28/23/28mm
Type of Swing: Compact-Moderate
String Tension: 55-65
String Pattern: 16x19
Stiffness: 72 RA
Composition: 100% High Modulus Graphite
Grip: Woofer Grip