Faster To The Ball.
That’s the goal—and slogan—of Babolat’s JET franchise. It’s even printed on the heel and insole of the shoe. The line has established itself as one of the lightest models on the market that still maintains enough support to be a dependable match day option for serious competitors. The low-to-the-ground profile and streamlined cut also add to its speediness. However, these elements—especially the tight fit—has been a limiting factor for some players.
Enter the Mach III. For the latest installment Babolat decided to make some changes to the JET to increase its comfort and accessibility. This time around the shoe was made on the same last as the company’s Propulse Fury shoe. For those unfamiliar with the Babolat models, this gives the JET a wider forefoot and truer sizing. Previous models could be run narrow and short, which some found both confusing and unforgiving. This change should broaden the range of players capable of using the shoe.
Indeed this JET comes with more (metaphorical) legroom. My toes could spread out freely on contact, and it offered a secure feeling when making cuts. In a sense, the wider platform and increased court contact made this model a better balanced mover. It should be a blessing for players who felt cramped in earlier models. And having the extra space in the forefoot did give my feet a more comfortable, less restrictive feel, which was welcome over the course of a long match.
However, as an owner of rather narrow feet, I didn’t mind the more streamlined cut of the previous versions. And if I had to pick which felt faster, I’d probably go with the predecessor. The added weight—an extra 0.8 oz.—could be a cause for my conclusion. Although at 13.6 oz. for a size 11.5, it’s hard to complain about excess baggage; compared to its competition and not its lineage, the shoe remains exceptionally light, quick and agile.
One of the reasons the JET manages to have enough support with such low weight is its Matryx upper, a staple of the shoe. The jacquard-woven fabric combines high-strength Aramid and Polymid fibers for enhanced lateral stability. This update has a new yarn diameter and zero monofilaments to increase elasticity and comfort in the upper.
As with previous models, it didn’t seem like there was much security around the forefoot. The upper is resilient, but it’s so thin that the toes and upper part of the foot can feel unprotected. Yet I had no issues feeling stable and supported. It helps that the lacing system has nine eyelets so you can really lock in the foot. I didn’t experience much in the way of movement inside the shoe or heel slippage.
