I have worked on many of these Babbitt creations. When we got our first ones almost two years ago from Tenor Madness and Bob Ackerman, they were designated with a hand-scribed "PT" on them. Since then, they have been designated as the "V" and now as the "SP". My understanding is that this is how they come from Babbitt.
Even more important than the baffle shape or size is the shape and size of the floor of the chamber. These have the higher floor in them like good old slants. I have been told that they are using vintage cores in recreating these, I am going to check with Babbitt to make sure I've got my facts and understanding correct. Modern regular HR Links (for quite some time) have had the bottom of the chamber scooped out, leaving them sounding tubby or dead. On the above pieces, I have modified the beaks, very much like an EB beak. Same beak angle as a slant, but not quite as steep a drop-off from the body as a slant.
I find these pieces respond better with a bit more baffle added naturally, so I advise purchasers to buy them a size or two smaller than they want to end up with, then still face them down a bit, and reopen them to maximize the baffle. Yes, the curve and finish work is still Babbitt as they come, meaning there's room for improvement. It's just a shame they won't produce quantities of them with really good rubber, we know they have the capabilities as displayed with the special Meyer Limiteds of a couple years ago.
Hope this answers some questions.
Brian
