Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Review - my thoughts on the new Pure Drive

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[@tomr1056]

I moved to this racket BECAUSE of tennis elbow I couldn't get rid of, and my elbow is now fine! I did go 20g lighter (the Team version), but also because of its power and stability and dampening I think it's ok for tennis elbow! It may have a high stiff rating but it doesn't feel stiff. It feels soft!

[@ER_aka_RAM]

Have you lost power and control with the Team version?

[@canas888]

I've used this pure drive for about 1 month already and have not had any pain issues so far. I had used AeroPro Drive before this one and that one felt much more stiffer then this new one. And actualy its a pretty good upgrade for me personaly, its a very solid racket.

[@eduklipps]

But did you change strings or anything? I am considering this Pure Drive right now and I am using an Aeropro Drive GT.

[@stef4492]

I remember I purchased the Andy Roddick version of the Pure Drive some years ago because POWER! lol. I knew next to nothing about specs or stiffness ratings. At this same time poly's were gaining popularity so in my infinite wisdom I had it strung up with a full bed of poly at 60 lbs /27kg. (Only strings I'd ever used were of course synthetic gut). Needless to say I destroyed my arm within days/ weeks... took probably a year and of course a far more flexible racquet, and a lot of research to solve it. The things you don't know can certainly hurt you... Great vids btw. Keep up the great work!

[@elblopex]

a pure drive strung at 60. My man, why didn't you play with a rock instead? Glad you found your way! what racquet do you play with now?

[@stef4492]

@@elblopex Haha! yeah pretty clueless... I use Prince Textreme Tour 95, full bed of Hyper G at 47... Way better! and can use my arm again.

[@Tommie22x]

super late reply, glad i didn't get injured but i did the same i strung my pure drive roddick the 1st one with cortex back in the day with initially alu rough (which was all the rage back then) at 62kg thinking i'm hot stuff and a big hitter (especially with the added power of the pdr . so much regret. it was so stiff, i literally tried everything to loose it. from standing on the string bed to smacking balls against the wall. because i didn't want to cut out a fresh string job. still in the end i cut it out after a few weeks of crappy play. i then strung it up with rpm blast at a more modest 57lb. (much better, (*insert joke*). and cut it out after a month. now much wiser and more realistic (i'm not even close to a big hitter) using pure drive 2012 with syn gut at 57lb, to help deal with the stiffness of a pd

[@christopheradam6967]

One of the best reviews I’ve seen on this channel. Thank you, Sir.

[@EP-336]

I have played with this and the new Radical MP back to back. I think the Pure Drive has more easy power, but it’s still a jarring experience. It was strung with 4GS in the mains with Vanquish in the crosses. And my wrist still complained. The Radical MP prototype is less stiff, makes similar power (slightly less than the pure drive) and it didn’t hurt me. Also, my opponent complained about the kick off the court from my forehand with the Radical while the Pure Drive hits relatively flat. Bottom line - the Pure Drive is still an elbow/wrist killer but packs a punch, while the new 360+ Radical makes slightly less power, more spin and better control and comfort.

[@EP-336]

@Bhandi Gamchod I’m ok with a Pure Drive being a stiff frame that only certain people can use. With the exception of the first generation it’s always been an arm killer. I would really like to see a Pure Storm or Pure Control line make a return. Mid 60s flex with a solid feel. Kinda like what Head is doing with 360+.

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

Just switched from Wilson Pro Staff to Babolat Pure Drive and love it! Added some weight at the top and used Babaolat VS Touch at 25 kg. Love it!

[@webbezzy]

If you play with a high stiffness racquet like this one, it is better to lower the string tension. If you drop it from 50 lbs to perhaps 44 lbs, it could have less impact on the elbow.

[@4jrgolf]

I enjoy the new pure drive. Can't believe the RA was that high. Feels much more like low 60s. The only beef I got the paint chips extremely easy. Just the slightest collision into my doubles partners racket and it takes out major junks. It nicks and dings so easily.

[@peterslater2742]

Really good review Jonas. Stiffness 74 is an arm killer. I used the previous version for about a month and hated it. Launch angle off the strings was almost uncontrollable unless you hit with heaps of top spin, which I don't do. To be fair in my assessment, my racquet or specs of choice is 95sqin, 320 grams, 12 ptHL & from a 'custom' company that is known for producing 'arm friendly' frames, so the Pure Drive was just not the right racquet for me.

[@carlo-marcoargones4331]

Hello Tennisnerd! Love your videos! Was wondering how this racket compares in feel, power and spin to the Pure Strike 100? I currently use the previous Pure Drive with a leather grip and I string it up with Solinco Hyper G 16g at 53lbs.

[@Waxhead75]

Thank you for the review. I think you are over penalizing Babolat for its stiffness. In my experience elbow issues are a consequence of poor mobility/flexibility of the wrist. I play with Pure Drive 2015 and do try new strings often. Currently playing with Luxilon Element at 49lbs. I did have elbow issues and once I started stretching and strength work it all went away. I know you had issues your own too and believe you were not playing a stiff frame at the time.

[@bokaichao3722]

Yes, stretching is quiet helpful. With regards to equipment, I find low tensions to be my favorite way of mitigating the stiffness ness. I play with a stiff frame (AeroPro Drive 2013), but I string at a tension similar to that of Jack Sock ~30+lbs for all string types.

[@Phoniq]

Just bought the 2015 model today!

[@slimsim22]

@@bokaichao3722 what other string types do you use besides poly/copoly?

[@bokaichao3722]

@@slimsim22 Synthetic gut, natural gut, and hybrids. Haven't tried Kevlar yet.

[@Tennisnerd]

I do stretching and strength work and I am far from alone in being bothered by racquet stiffness. It’s also not only a Babolat issue, it’s just the case with this type of frame. Some love it, some don’t. I am just not sure it’s great that stiff frames are as popular as they are, but it’s difficult to say no to free power.

[@JohnScott9000]

Should try using review a Theragun or similar for the arm, especially work on top of forearms and triceps

[@Tennisnerd]

Yes, started doing that and will create a video

[@trex1448]

You're hitting really well with this racquet! Try starting your swing by taking your racquey back instead of up. Making that tight flip as start of your swing is whats messing up your arm.

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks, I am always working on my technique, but there are pros with a similar swing path, which is what feels natural to me. Will keep working on it tho

[@harryedwards9318]

I agree with you this Racket is ok for flatter hitters but it’s very dull and not great for generating spin It’s best shot in my view is the backhand slice but I’d say that it’s well over hyped just like the other pure drives

[@lukast2328]

Is this a good racket for me, I’m 16 year old boy, skinny, my coach recommends normally a heavier racket for improvement for the future, so I get the tour version because it is heavier or get this one

[@stephenericwalsh]

Best to demo. Depends on how strong you are.

[@ayokay123]

Babolat rates the stiffness at 71 and they say it's supposed to feel like the mid 60's when playing. At 62 years old, I'm guessing I should probably go with the Clash 100 instead. Thanks for the review....and the warning! :)

[@charlieb3497]

I am 64 and playing with pure drive, strings and tension are the key go for 45/48 no arm issues 🤞

[@ddddddsssssss]

I have demoed this racquet and clearly say that it lacks power compare to previous versions.....definitely has good control......very nice comfort too

[@whatsup23922]

What, this Pure Drive is suppose to be more powerful or it is just you that you strung it higher than the previous one.

[@ddddddsssssss]

@@whatsup23922 u need to string it wid some good quality atleast ti work like luxilon alu power strings

[@williammolina9792]

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

[@guillermoa.davila6503]

Great review!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks!

[@ER_aka_RAM]

Have you compared with the PD Team… Are the lighter Team revisions better or worst for elbow pain?

[@bruin4937]

Hi, Jonas. Happy New Year. For old time sake, I once had my 2015 Pure Drive strung with Prince 17 gauge synthetic gut strings at 53 lbs. and the racquet felt much more forgiving, actually quite nice with a larger sweet spot. Wouldn't this or other types of strings help make this newe Pure Drive a little more forgiving and easier on the elbow/arm? Because you have experimented with so many different types and brands of strings, what might you recommend to take some of that harshness out of this racquet?

[@l-_-lShadowCat]

Hello. This comes a bit late, but I think I should share my experience. I have 2 PD2015: one strung with black code at 23 kg and the other with Dunlop s-gut at 25 kg. The latter is way more forgiving and comfortable, although the ball grab and spin are lower and the balls go long occasionally. The one strung with polyester has better control and spin but it’s very harsh, especially outside the sweet spot. Cheers.

[@ezekielx2033]

Remeber this model origanlly became well known because of Roddick..playing with it. :-D

[@person2819]

Is it just me or powerful frames like this are a lot harder to use than a controlled and flexible racquet

[@jcramirez77]

i agree bro, its like theyre for women or people who dont put much effort into the swing not trying to be harsh. i swing fast and hard so prefer a raquet thatll just give me spin

[@jpg6113]

it's just you. Frames like this one are the easiest to use

[@jcramirez77]

@@jpg6113 theyre more effortless i agree, but i think what he means is you know how you can overhit or hit past the lines

[@nikirfan6258]

Some people just can't mesh with these kind of frames. I have the same problem when I tested Pure Drive and Ezone 100, which is why my current rackets are a pair of Vcore 95 and Six.One 95.

[@sjjapp]

Tweeners like the Pure Drive are easier to use when you're a beginner or an intermediate, but perhaps harder to use when you're an advanced player and upwards. Beginners need power to assist their strokes, which probably aren't full yet. More advanced players with bigger, more complete swings might find such power difficult to control while swinging big. Simply put, it takes skill to swing big and yet still control the power of the Pure Drive. Think it also has to match your swing style too, where you like to take the ball, and so on. Depends on the style though. Pretty sure Nadal wouldn't benefit from a Prestige racket. And pretty sure Federer wouldn't play better with an extended length Pure Drive.

[@zennhawkins2219]

Hi what bule tennis stings do u think are good to use on the babolat pure drive and tension thank u

[@michaelbrohl1625]

I don't know which one you have but I haven't seen any rated 74 stiffness. I demo-ed the PD Plus and didn't find it stiff at all. I guess its just a personal perception thing.

[@personaalgebra9763]

still using my babolat PD 2015 tour version. strung with hyper G at 50lbs. i'm able to control its power but it is heavy racket. is it worth upgrade to this one? at least new version is a bit lighter

[@sjjapp]

How does this compare to the Dunlop CX 300 and the FX 500, preferably if matched in specs (weight, balance, and swing weight)?

[@bigdaddy812]

Hey Tennis Nerd, can you please do a review on Volkl V Cell 9? How does it compare to the C10 Pro?

[@louis6787]

Ok so I've watched loads of your reviews and love them but here's my question; I'm an intermediate player who likes aggressive baseline play. Forehand is a good weapon, backhand not bad, serves and volleys average at best. I currently use a 2020 pure aero 100sq and quite like it but don't love it. Are there any other rackets you would recommend I try? I have a great shop local to me which will allow me to demo any racket I choose... what would be your top 3 rackets for someone like me?

[@slxwrxin]

I had been using the pure aero for about a year and it was great racket but as I improved I started to seek out a more power-based racquet and luckily enough the new pure drive had came out. I switched about about a month and a half ago and have been loving it. I haven't had any arm problems though however. not sure why people are calling it an arm destroyer. so anyways, I would definitely suggest you try out the Pure Drive 2021 and see how it suits you.

[@asedon123]

This racquet really lacks feel due to the stiffness, with very thin margin for error. It difficult to control if you have big forehands. I have been using it for a year and still find it difficult to maneuver!

[@CykOfficial]

Rpm blast rough at 1.35mm. How do you rate this string? If I string it in a gravity tour

[@jj47761]

Is the racket somewhat forgiving?

[@Tennisnerd]

Yes, it is forgiving

[@kadyk7763]

as a 14 year old player who has been using the pure drive 107 2018 for about three years should i think about getting the pure drive 2021 racket or the pure drive 107 2021 ? im not sure i usually work better with lighter rackets because my arm tends to hurt. any advice ?

[@montesantobows5385]

Is this better, worse or more or less the same compared to the 2018 version?

[@edwinmacaraeg7818]

What a gorgeous place to play tennis

[@googlereviewer1944]

74 stiffness?? Arm wrecker!!

[@gavlatennis2824]

Yeah, the stiffness of this racquet is absolute absurd.

[@ml_gamer8344]

Not really, I sometimes play with a wilson profile 3.6 SI which has a stiffness rating of 80, it's definitely possible

[@bretts5571]

Its high on paper but it doesnt feel that stiff when you use it

[@martinrosemary5654]

One question: If i have a pure drive team witch is 285g and i bump up the weight whit silicone or lead tape to match the pure drive regular or the tour version.., would it play just like those models? , After all the mold seems the same.. , the only specs different i see are 2 to 4 stiffness points.. , would greatly appreciate some advice!

[@stephenericwalsh]

I don’t think it would play EXACTLY the same because the weight distribution would be different. May be similar though.

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Jonas! More comfortable PD: 2015 or 2021?

[@Tennisnerd]

Tough one - 2021 feels more comfortable to me, but not a fan of either one tbh

[@naumanmansur493]

Recommend strings for this racket??

[@udaydas7]

I'm a baseliner player lefty ..play spin .. is it a good choice ???

[@martmart8926]

I think the pure aero might be better for you, since the pure drive is better for players who play flatter balls like me for example.

[@zephyravila2814]

What string and what tension do you use

[@thiagosantanacosta8027]

Is it more comfortable than the Pure drive original Jonas?

[@Tennisnerd]

No, the Original is softer on the arm

[@thiagosantanacosta8027]

@@Tennisnerd Jonas, i acquired an used pure drive original xl but im not sure its a fake or not because it does not have the Babolat hologram, and the weight is 298g strung (without cushion grip and overgrip) ,do you think its a fake? Do you remember the specs of yours? It is normal being that Light?

[@gogogoup]

oh god, it looks so good!

[@highgate14]

recommend a multi-string at about 53 tension

[@Tennisnerd]

Tecnifibre Triax

[@DanTuber]

you're hitting the ball good

[@Tennisnerd]

Thanks!

[@alexabney7913]

The amount of the shock it actually absorbs vs transfers would depend on the chemical makeup of the rubber!

[@alexabney7913]

To a point at least

[@leonelsarmiento7]

What would be the difference between the pure drive versus the pure drive +?

[@stephenericwalsh]

The plus is longer making it harder to swing but with more power and slightly more reach.

[@raghuraghu-jw1df]

Hi, Please suggest better string for this Racquet

[@Tennisnerd]

Solinco Hyper-G Soft at 51 lbs

[@fabienandre9203]

Hi ! I have the new extreme pro? What is the différences? Less spin and more power? Like the extreme mp?

[@ajaysolucky]

Why is it called 2021 ? It was released in 2020. So do we call it 2020 or 2021 ? Just confused.

[@Tennisnerd]

Good question. The previous one was released Dec 2017 and called PD 2018. Babolat do 3-year cycles for their racquet lines. I agree that 2020 would make more sense.

[@avanith3579]

How would you compare this to the Pure Strike 3rd gen 16x19?

[@RossBayCult]

I’ve played with both and the Pure Strike is much softer and less powerful. Easier on the arm, much more flexible and all control

[@Tennisnerd]

You get more control and a slightly softer feel from the Pure Strike, but it’s still pretty powerful

[@stephenericwalsh]

If you’re used to the power of the PD you will notice the drop in power for the PS. I demoed a PS after using a PD for years and it was hard to get it over the net unless my swing was perfect. I’m Sure you get used to it though.

[@a2casius]

QC of Chinese made racquets in 2020 for distribution in Europe has been remarkably bad. So much so that I would grade them as Unplayable by virtue of much higher SW than advertised specs. Caveat Emptor. May God help your Elbows :(

[@peterslater2742]

I don't think its a case of who or where the frames are made but more a situation that some companies are making thier high end frames really stiff to build in racquet power at the expense of the users elbow and arm. The companies that are contracted to make the raw frames are simply following the specs as required by the parent company.

[@sjjapp]

@@peterslater2742 the stiffness is a matter of preference, and a deliberate and viable feature by design for a number of players out there. There are plenty of more flexible frames out there for those thst don't like these, but Babolat are right to dial in on what they do well. The quality control issue, at least partly down to where they are made, is a problem. If you spend 200 dollars on a racket, or say 400 on two, you should expect both of those to be similar. But outside of Yonex, you're lucky if thst happens. I've found Babolat and Wilson to be particularly terrible in this regard. Almost every Wilson and Babolat I've gotten has been quite a bit off spec. For those that don't customise frames, thsts a problem. Even for those that do customise in situations where frames come in way over spec. Happened to me more than once.

[@a2casius]

@@peterslater2742 I wasn't talking about stiffness. I don't have an RDC machine so can't measure RA but I do have SW machine and I have measured racquets that are off-spec 5g heavier in the head equating to 10-15 unit increase in SW ... For many, that would be an Unacceptable increase in SW. Literally, some manufacturers are releasing what can only be termed as REJECTS onto the market !!

[@peterslater2742]

@@a2casius Yeah noted. I havent seen that but no doubt frames that are out of acceptable spec range do slip through.

[@peterslater2742]

@@sjjapp Good comment. Totally agree that if a players preference is for a very stiff frame then go for it. Its OK for those who understand what they are are getting but a lot of players (Beginner-Intermediate) simply buy a racquet without the seller considering what is the right frame for them. I would have thought that companies like Wilson & Babolat would weigh each frame as they come to them from the manafacturer to ensure that the frames come in with acceptable specification tolerances?

[@LaSalviaBodysurf]

is the control similar to pro staff v13?

[@stephenericwalsh]

Nope. Way less control on the PD.

[@12GaugePadawan]

Mr. Wallsten had arm issues with this? He hit it really well and heavily. Hope his arm feels better soon!

[@Tennisnerd]

Yeah, he did get some after a while.

[@quan2368]

Is it suitable for a beginners?

[@stephenericwalsh]

I took up tennis at age 47 and started with a PD. It was fine. There are easier rackets to use as a beginner, but I wanted to sink my money into something that would last me for years.

[@Nicolae829]

if you have no arm issues use this raquet and you will get them..

[@tomkot5700]

Are you gonna get to the pure strike 98?

[@Tennisnerd]

I reviewed that quite a while ago :)

[@tomkot5700]

@@Tennisnerd sorry I meant the pure strike. I mix them up sometimes

[@beyondfirstclass]

Revenge of the Nerds

[@1hander173]

First! Would you recommend this to someone who uses the previous Yonex Ezone 98 305.

[@Tennisnerd]

If you want more power, yes it’s worth a try. The Ezone 100 or VCORE 100 is perhaps the most logical option.

[@1hander173]

@@Tennisnerd what would be the best string for this racquet

[@kikibeldandy]

Get his if you wanna wreck ur arm.

[@youngsuit]

6:50 yoooo

[@bernardmckey6294]

I wouldn't use Babelot rackets don't rate them you won't beat Wikson

[@beyondfirstclass]

Is Wikson the Chinese ripoff of Wilson

[@billpugh58]

Nadal should listen to you maybe?

[@JohnScott9000]

*using/or do review vid

[@princessoftennis5539]

I want a racket in the video. I think I can play better.

[@kikibeldandy]

Shit racquet, clash all the way.