Babolat Pure Drive 2021 [In-Depth Review & Playtest]

[@jsk8drummer]

This racket has completely transformed my game. For a while I thought I needed a lower powered "control frame" or a "players racket" to help me swing bigger while keeping my shots in the court and to have great stability and feel as well. In reality this type of frame was never a good fit for my game. With the PD I feel like I actually have more control than the pro staff I left behind just because of the way the pure drive suits my playing style. Tons of power and spin, easy to get depth, while still being really stable taking heavy pace and allowing me to have excellent shot placement when going for winners as well as having the touch to make nasty drop shots. It all just comes easier than any other frame I've used so far. The racket is like a cheat code.

[@aet96]

What strings and tensions do you use it with

[@jsk8drummer]

@@aet96 I haven't settled on a string yet but my favorites so far have probably been Solinco Revolution and Head Lynx Tour. Strung at 56lbs. Hyper G would be a distant 3rd place. Solinco Confidential is what I'll be trying next and will be last one I try before I decide on one and buy a reel.

[@nTo-vlog]

Same here... the racquet helps me to play much better game... I use solinco vanquish (multifilament) at 49 pounds... love the string... !

[@rob7ho]

I'm also using a pro staff and this is one racquet I'm curious to switch to. Worried about this high stiffness tho

[@aerondacanay8544]

@@jsk8drummerisn’t 56 lbs too stiff for this already stiff racket?

[@EdmonBegoli]

As usual - a very nice review. Very professional, very well presented. Your videos are real treats. I hope to see more and soon. Please consider reviewing Head Radical MP 2021.

[@SidSinha]

Absolute Genius ! Quality, Content, Precision cannot get better. Amazing and hats off !

[@AnkeethM]

High quality review, control is definitely not this racquet's strong suit but if you're looking for easy power the Pure Drive is one of the best options on the market right now

[@sjjapp]

Control is relative. For heavy rpm based baseliners, this kind of racket is a dream as far as control is concerned. More rpms means you can hit bigger safer, so long as you aim for bigger targets. Examples on pro tour using this type of racket are Nadal, Berrettini, and Casper Ruud.

[@AnkeethM]

​@@sjjapp Everyone plays with a different style! For me, this racket lacks the mass in stock form to deal with heavy pace in a controlled manner. The balls tend to fly a bit, although in general you can also get easier spin. I believe almost all professional players endorsing these types of rackets use customized versions that are significantly heavier than stock frames.

[@sjjapp]

@@AnkeethM oh yes, beyond a certain level a player should customise any racket, not just a pure drive, so that it suits their style of play, and stock rackets rarely have enough mass and stability to handle a higher pace (minus ones like the RF97). I actually use the pure drive but at a custom spec with a 328g static weight and a 343 swing weight. So quite a bit more advanced than a standard stick pure drive that 'should' weigh about 300g unstrung with a string swing weight somewhere around 320ish if I remember. And yea, for sure pros using this kind of racket heavily customise them. Again, this applies to any racket be it a blade 98 or otherwise. Casper Ruud for instance has a 27.7 inch (extended length) Yonex Ezone Dr 100 with approx 315 g unstrung but with a 350 swing weight, for example. For starters, you can't get an ezone in 27.7 inches. Stock ezones don't come with a 350 swing weight either. He has a relatively low static weight for a pro but a strong swing weight. I've noticed a lot of younger guys are doing this now, not all, but it's becoming a little bit of a theme whereas with the old gens they tend to have higher static weights and swing weights. I think if a player won't customise and they just want stock, maybe the pure drive tour could be alright if it happens to match your style, but the swing weight is still a tad too low probably for most that this racket would suit above a certain level. While it is true that even some pros use some lighter specs, generally, once your game reaches a certain level and above stock specs aren't going to work as well as something more stable and, to be honest, more powerful. Let's not forget that few elite players will be using a blade that's only 304g and if they are, the swing weight will usually be at a custom point that's rather high. Even control rackets can be more powerful than a stock pure drive if they're customised to a high spec and paired with good technique. But as you say everyone has a different style, and using a heavier racket doesn't necessarily mean more power, despite the racket becoming more powerful, as one's swing style has a lot to play in this. But it's hard to imagine a stock pure drive (standard) offering enough control and stability though beyond a certain point.

[@juliebbb]

Hey Ankeeth maybe you can help me out, I have a babolat Pure Drive 2018 and a Wilson Pro Staff 97v13. Thinking of buying one more racket to have just to have two of the same. What are your thoughts? And if I do lean towards the Pure Drive, should I get the 2018 or 2021 version? Thanks

[@AnkeethM]

@@juliebbb Hey those are two pretty different rackets, the decision will really depend on your playstyle and thoughts while trying the rackets out. The Pro Staff is a fantastic racket if you're looking for more control and are able to generate most of the power in your shots by yourself. Another notable point is that the feel from the Pro Staff is tremendous. Slices and shots that require touch are amazing with this racket. Also, for me the clean matte black styling is a definite plus. The Pure Drive is a racket that tends to be popular among players that value power more than control. Babolat rackets in general always feel stiffer to me and the Pure Drive is no exception. I don't get the feedback, feel, or control from this racket that I like, but it does generate a ton of easy power. If you're set on the Pure Drive then you probably already know what you want from your rackets. I'd always recommend trying the rackets out. If you're deciding between the 2021 version and its predecessor I would go with the 2021 version. It feels a little softer (still pretty stiff) while retaining the characteristic power. Another thing to keep in mind is that racket manufacturers don't always produce rackets that match the listed specifications. Swing weight, static weight, and balance can all vary. If you want two rackets that play exactly the same you may have to get them matched through an MRT service when ordering. You could also try adding some lead and silicone/leather grip to get exactly the balance and feel that you want from your racket.

[@thehbpencilshow167]

It’s an OP weapon on court. And it’s my dream racket, I have used it sometimes when I borrowed it from my friend, I don’t know why but it did feel like it had even more topspin than pure aero. It’s just what it felt like, I don’t know.

[@dr.aseemitadebata5355]

It certainly feels like that. And I have faced the topspin of a Pure Drive user, it’s a really heavy shot to face.

[@brana1646]

U don't videos often but when u do, they are truly exceptional. I hope you review yonex Regna 98 someday. Really hard to get now.

[@wadeyyy]

Second for Yonex Regna! Would love to see more info on this elusive racquet

[@lautarovides2820]

Great video!!! Best quality by far!! Meetings from Argentina 🇦🇷👏

[@cameronwoods7891]

Excellent video! Super high quality

[@tripleS88]

Thorough review. Really liked the added comparison to the Aero.

[@987mikka]

As always great video ,

[@MayankBajpai24]

Hi. I love the precision and quality of your videos. Could you please do a review of the pure strike ?

[@johnrb9397]

Nice review. Very well presented.

[@HG-Tv23]

Awesome content!!! This is how to review a racket! Well done and keep it up!

[@filip41301]

Hey mate! Great review of this great racket! Really enjoy watching your videos. I’m in a pickle and trying to decide between this and a recommendation of the Head graphene 360 extreme pro. What do you think? I’m an intermediate player, 190cm tall, and weighing about 105Kgs. All the best

[@raphaelbbf1920]

Very nice review ! I just wanna say that, in my case, i feel like the babolat is a great racket to serve and volley ? I'm a very agressive player, and i like to often get to the net to end the points, never had issues. But my pov might be biased as i've never played with something else than a pure drive, so the newer version feels way better for me 😁

[@bugraguner]

Best tennis review channel.

[@lucasmacmillanhernandez1965]

thank you for the amazing video

[@my240sx2]

Great review. I have 3 pure drives that varied so much that I couldn’t ever get them the same weight/balance. Even with a balance board and a very accurate scale. They never played similarly at the same tension.

[@JW-bw8nj]

I know the frustration. The last time I ordered 3 brand new racquets, I ordered them thru Tennis Warehouse and paid the extra $10 to have them match the stock racquets. It's nice to reach into my bag, pick any of the three and have it not matter.

[@juliebbb]

I have the pure drive 2018 and would like to buy a second one. I am in Canada and 2021 is offered at $279 and the 2018 for $259. I am playing great with the 2018 version, but should I consider buying the 2021 version?

[@geld5220]

wow! Great review!

[@bigcabbag]

the last part is excellent

[@JessiloOlis]

Very nice review. Pls do review for Pure Strike next time. Thank you.

[@jayjayfactor3]

Would love to see a Wilson blade review or a head review

[@williammolina9792]

Do you prefer this racket or the Wilson Ultra 100 V3. ???

[@hossamelkhayam2290]

Hi john, Great review. Could you please do a review of babolat pure strike 100 ? just to make a comparison of the whole pure family of babolat. many thanks. you are the best

[@pierredaher9590]

Loved it!

[@alvaroperez3102]

Good afternoon, the RPM Blast 1.30mm vs 1.25mm string which one would you recommend, and why? Thank you very good video.

[@ronishman2226007]

Just discovered your videos -- Great channel!!

[@jmargo23]

Nice video! What about the other models of the pure drive?

[@muzkof]

Hi John, you're doing such a great job with your reviews! This is my favourite tennis channel. I thought that I'm going to buy this stick untill you said that for those with eastern forehand grip (my case) balls can sail quite long. What racquet you would actually suggest me to try or use if I have eastern forehand grip and 2hb. I believe I am 4.0 player. Thanks man! Greetings from Europe!

[@hoaluu572]

Hello john, I was wondering if u can do a pure strike video, I'm debating between the ezone , vcore, and ofc the pure strike ( switching from pure aero) but also willing to try anything else. Any advice? Pls and thank u

[@antaripgiri142]

Is this significantly different than the previous 2018/19 version? I have one of that racket and thinking about buying this one to make a pair.. any thoughts?

[@johnp1]

Good review. I'm considering moving from Wilson spin racquets (16x15 string bed) to the Pure Drive line. Now I have second thought about this option. I'll look for your review of Clash 100 racquets.

[@tsyf]

Better maneuverability in Pure Aero than in the Pure Drive? Maybe a typo?

[@Max_sbk12]

Per quando è prevista la commercializzazione della PURE DRIVE 2022 ?

[@demonslayer838]

i want to buy a new tennis racket i own pure aero. tell me should i go for pure drive or wilson clash v2

[@teok8855]

On Babolats website it says that the Pure Aero has stiffness of 71.

[@tristanpastor8129]

hi mate can u pls review pure strike

[@thanupan]

Hi! Just curious, where are your videos filmed?

[@martinrosemary5654]

Hello, Can somebody help me?, i bought the Pure Drive(strung) online today, i asked the tennis shop to measure the specs for me, according to them all specs are pretty much spot on except an extra 6g of weight, they told me balance is 32.5 mm( 7 pts head light) yet when i balance the throat of the racket on my finger it is pretty much evenly balanced, so no towards the head nor the handle.., does this mean the stated 32mm balance is incorrect?.. , by the way the strings are Rmp blast 17g whit an Wilson sensation overgrip , would really appreciate your opinions!

[@Lanky009]

If you used the PD with strings that are focused on spin/control would that help bring the power down and help keep more shots in?

[@akbarberlian]

Yes, a bit

[@Tchuri100]

Best reviews of rackets on KZbin!! Keep it up, really enjoy your stuff! Ps. Just subscribed 😁👏🏻

[@sahilgoyal8910]

Is it good for players having arm issues? I might switch to this racket, I've used Aero Pure drive(2017). Please suggest a good frame that can be arm friendly if not Pure drive.

[@galacticstar007]

Wilson clash 100

[@ivanpalaca6230]

You never playtested the Wilson blade v7

[@erikhov1098]

what do you mean ?

[@ivanpalaca6230]

@@erikhov1098 you know what i mean

[@ariantoarin3493]

💓

[@luisfer14240]

👍🏻

[@leonarddai4998]

What is your backsound song title?

[@GalacticBlader]

I loooove babolats and tennis wish I wasn’t so lazy and practiced more

[@georgebekas4847]

Whats the ball machine?

[@denniskaparunakis3155]

Spinfire v1 - there is v2

[@a2casius]

In short, it's a Joke. God help you of you get a racquet with the 7g variance all at 12 o'clock in which case the balance 7mm towards the head (as the stated variance) and the Swing Weight will be 20 units higher and you end up with a racquet which could have a SW of almost 340 !!!! To some, Unplayable and those who try, will sooner or later have a Destroyed Elbow !!! A 7g Variance racquet is a REJECT. Do Not Buy.

[@JW-bw8nj]

Actually, it's 300 (+/- 7) which means you can have one racquet weighing 293 grams and another 307 grams with both being "in spec". Absolutely ridiculous from Babolat.

[@EegeeM0ney]

@@JW-bw8nj I’ve come to the conclusion that the size of the grip affects the racket weight. A racket with 1/2 grip size is different than a racket 1/4 grip size

[@xbaroka]

pure drive still ultra stiff,not recommended, guaranteed arm injury ! never back to pure drive :(