Babolat Rackets Overview (ft. Pure Drive, Pure Aero, & Pure Strike) | Rackets & Runners

[@KeyboardKat]

Great video! Can you do a video about the Yonex lineup?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Eventually, yes!

[@rohangupta2994]

yes please do one

[@willxiao4265]

5:14 Ball retriever in the court!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Adorable!

[@markgengler1648]

Great info. Thank you for sharing your testing and insight on the Bah-bo-lah series rackets.😊

[@sprescav]

I really liked the way information is presented,

[@johnp1]

Very informative. I'd love to hear thoughts of best racquets for double.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! I'll look into it.

[@oakmountaingod]

This kind of video I LOVE... Keep it up!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you very much!

[@richieortiz5]

Nothing beats a 2009 baby blue pure drive gt my goodness I’m still tracking down more sticks on eBay for my playing

[@Nick-b1q]

Yea, you are right. I would add a 2012 version as a top stick

[@yashjain2305]

When you say pure aero is for shots parallel to the ground. Isn’t parallel to the ground more like a flat shot? 6:03

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I mean the racket face parallel to the ground which is how you generate spin.

[@KuidongLi]

This video got me looking at Babolat rackets again, any ideas on the new Pure Strike 100 16*20?

[@shawtyboy333]

Rented it, played with it, was blown away by it. As someone who had a 2015 pure drive lite, I found it under control, had good capabilities with serve and forehand racket head speed, and overall am most likely going to buy it!

[@shawtyboy333]

Same dimensions too, 16x20 🤟

[@unbudgingboss1522]

Yo great video, i currently use the head gravity mp l 2021 and i am looking to switch rackets but im not sure what to, i feel like i dont get enough power and spin out of the gravity and i also want to switch to a heavier racket around 300 grams but im still a jr. Would it be possible if you could recomend a few rackets that would be a good fit for me, iv rounded up a couple rackets, the babolat pure drive 100 and mabey the wilson shift 300, Thanks for your time!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The Pure Drive is a great one for juniors! The Shift will also be great if you hit with spin and add the Speed MP to the list!

[@unbudgingboss1522]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Thanks a lot! il keep this in mind when i go out to demo a few rackets thanks!

[@scottbier4918]

It's unfortunate that you don't have access the the Pure Strike 100 16x20.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, they make great strings!

[@MrHitthespot]

I started with the Drive, changed to the Aero, and fell in love with it. 6-9 months later my elbow started killing me. Switched to the new Percept 97, 16x19. I love the racquet but miss my Aero. I wish they could get some of the stiffness out of the aero. I hated the Aero origin. Worst feeling racquet I ever played with.

[@Scott-ri5uz]

I swing fast with a lot of top spin. I tried the PA98 and was perfect for me but not for my elbow. Do you think with the PS98 can play more like the PA98 in terms of spin and power but be more flexible and gentle in my elbow ? Many thanks

[@andreedelmann9597]

Why don‘t you mention the pure strike 100? It‘s a very interesting option and very different than the rest of the strike line up…

[@ivanguan4833]

I have both percept 97 and Pure Aero 98, but I feel the percept has much more power than the PA with same string same tension (my coach said the same thing) which is against what they have been advertised: percept low power control racquet and PA suppose to be a power and spin racquet. the problem is, I like the PA 98 but my coach and friends said I played better with percept because my shot is more powerful and faster with it (I feel the same way) so I am wondering if I should sell the PA and get an extra percept. However, all the reviews said differently, this is why I am confused if my skill level is not enough to handle this racquet or the PA is indeed low powered (I’m a 4.0 - 4.5 player) thanks

[@zcbowers94]

Anytime I help someone look for a new racket (assuming they don’t have a lot of experience), I have them try the pure drive. What you feel the pure drive is missing helps narrow down the list quite a lot. And, often, it’s the preferred stick

[@TennisC6]

Personally I can't stand the pure drive

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Exactly!

[@zcbowers94]

@@TennisC6 I get it. But, what someone dislikes about it is really helpful for figuring out where to go next. It’s not that it’s the best racket for the most people, but it’s probably the best frame to figure out where the next step in preferences is for someone picking their first racket

[@TennisC6]

@zcbowers94 👍 but if you can afford to buy a 250 something dollar racquet I would not reccomend such an expensive racquet. A beginner won't tell much difference between racquets until they reach about 3 utr

[@thomasperez9785]

what string do you use for the pure drive 100, any recommendations? i'd like more spin and control

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Babolat RPM Rough would be absolutely perfect for just that.

[@Peter-tx3bx]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouvertension recommenation ? Thanks !

[@miguelcastellanoontiveros4775]

Hi Luca! Greetings from Spain! My current racket is Babolat PA 2019. I tend to overhit with it and I would like something more controlled but without sacrificing spin and launch angle. I have tried some 98s and I like them better than 100s because of the sweet spot is smaller and feels more precise. In conclusion, I am looking for a racket with good launch angle, spin, feel and control. I am between Vcore 95 and PA 98. So, how these two rackets compares in terms of control, spin, launch angle and power. I am afraid Vcore 95 might lack launch angle and its sweetspot might be too small and unforgiving and, on the other hand, with regard to the PA 98, I am afraid it might be too powerful for my big and fast swing. I like hitting my forehands with spin and I also have a flat OHBH. Thank u very much for this fantastics reviews!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think the Pure Aero 98 is perfect for you. The Vcore 95 is a fun racket to use but overtime you will realize that it's quite difficult.

[@jate.photography]

Would love a compare between the Babolat Pure Drive 100 vs Head Speed MP. Both seem to peak at user friendliness and all around superstar.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, definitely looking into that one in the future.

[@rubinsingh4779]

How much less powerful is the PS 18x20 compared to the 16x19 and how would it compare to the tf40-305 18x20

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

It has a lower launch but the frame is still quite powerful. Much more powerful than the TF40.

[@samerskills]

Advanced player here. Been using the Pure drive for 2 years and I have power and control. Unfortunately, my forehand wrist is killing me after every session. Could be technique or could be the racket. Should I switch to pure strike or another brand? I love the pure drive, but hate the pain..

[@paulmoon9380]

@nadalcaraz-x2j True and maybe put a lower tension. I play with PD since 30 years now and I never have problem with my arm or wrist.

[@samerskills]

Hey all, I experimented a lot and I'm currently using full multi strings and using the cold plunge after a session. My wrist is so much better and I can play without any issues. Occasionally I still hit with hybrid racket for more power

[@alfandosavant4639]

I have a head speed MP 2012 (?) first graphene edition. What do you think will play the same if i change to babolat? Since it's 100/300gr, i guess pure strike 100? Or do u have any other suggestions?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The Strike 100 would be the closest for sure but it will still take a large period of adaptation.

[@stephenericwalsh]

Hang on, isn’t hitting parallel to the ground a flatter shot? Hi to low, which leads to more spin, is less parallel to the ground. 5:50.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

When the racket face is parallel to the ground you generate more spin because you generate more snapback from the string bed.

[@stephenericwalsh]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver misunderstood you. I thought you meant swing path was parallel to the ground not racket face.

[@bokuwtf5863]

Great video!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you!

[@krautfox9818]

I actually think the Aero 100 is a more controlled racquet than the Pure Drive and hits flatter shots better, à la Mannarino !

[@FelixVyra]

Any news on when the new gen Pure Drives are coming out? I play with a last gen Pure Aero Team, which was my first adult racquet after using an Evo Drive since I was 15. I strung it with Natural gut in the main and Alu Power Rough in the crosses but I really can't play with it. It is super inconsistent for my play style and too unforgiving for my level. I like to break form and conserve energy on shots I can't hit a finisher with, and than exhaust all my energy in one strong superflat shot. But for that I need consistency, easy power and forgiveness from the racquet. I was thinking going to a Pure Drive Team or Diadem Nova V3 Team and go with a full bed of nylon like Head Velocity MLT or Technifibre Triax instead of poly. (Poly strings just seem to be super inconsistent and unpredictable unless you hit every shot with the same high strength and good technique, which I just can't) But I don't know if I should wait if the Drive refresh comes out this year.

[@zeroelus]

Pending someone with more knowledge comes in, but I did a bit of digging since I found a very good offer for a barely used pure drive 2021. Since the new paint job for the 30th anniversary just came out, I think that's all we're gonna get this year. I didn't see any mention at all of another PD coming up. Maybe next year I think. ...oh and I did buy the PD100 since it was by all intents new and at half price. I'll hit with it tomorrow, hopefully. Very different to my usual stick so we'll see how it goes. At the very least it's very pretty lol.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I'm not sure when the Drive is coming out so I wouldn't wait for it as it sounds you need something sooner rather than later. Look into the current Pure Drive or Pure Aero. They are both significantly more consistent than the previous generation of Aeros.

[@djoshi1518]

Hi luca, i finally saved up to get the pure rafa origin as a collectible, heard he might announce retirement post olympics, do you think should i wait for a new colorway of the rafa origin or just go and get the pink neon one ?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

No I don't think they will release one to be honest...

[@koziol447]

Hi Luca, I wanted to ask if you have any information on when the Head Gravity Pro Auxetic 2.0 might be released?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Unfortunately not, sorry.

[@ddhunter-mr1cm]

Do you know how the PA98 compares to the old aero storms? I have some of the latter laying around and am wondering how much I’m missing out on the new ones.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

They are very different rackets. The Aero storms are much more control oriented whereas these are more powerful and spin friendly.

[@Ahmed-ne6rn]

which Raquet did andy roddick play with back in the day? i picked up aero100, now looking for a babolat that hits flatter shots if I want to go for that flat clean winner.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

He played with a Pure Drive. That would be a great option or also the Pure Strike 98.

[@Ahmed-ne6rn]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver thanks man , really like your videos, best tennis raquets reviews. can you do a video comparing pure drive vs strike? I might just go with pure drive because more popular and best selling. however heard pure strike is one of babolats best. looking for mainly control as well as the power and flatness.

[@proshepherd]

Have you tried the pure strike 98 with any weight added? Wondering if it would benefit or if it needs it at all for an advanced player. I ask because I have the 18x20 and it seems a little light and struggles a little against heavy shots, but when I added some weight around 10 and 2, it became much more difficult to serve with.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

You could try but I don't think it's necessary as the swing weight is already so high.

[@proshepherd]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver both of mine came in under spec (strung weight: 324.3g, Swing weight: 326, balance: 32.4) so I'm thinking I might want to add a little. I'm just afraid to throw off how it feels too much

[@alyajaneta8807]

Hi..what string n tension if i use PD 30th anniv? 🙏🏻

[@paulmoon9380]

I put 20kg (I used to play with 24kg-25kg) and I definitively love it. Would never go back to 25kg.

[@roypeterka]

Does the origin really have a 375 SW? I had heard most people were measuring much less.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Our demo does 😅

[@rachanonkhammuang7247]

What strings would you recommend for a beginner using a Pure Aero 98?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Go for Babolat Xcel 16

[@stewpatterson1369]

where's the Aero VS? very important racket no?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The Pure Aero 98 has replaced it.

[@ЮлианнаСмирнова-м7е]

Why are such cool rackets not included in more than one top list ?

[@KalebEr-gz2of]

What strings do you think i should use for my dunlop fx500 v2?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Something control oriented and round!

[@Bakugo24]

have you tried toroline

[@郭1-m1i]

what would you choose, pa98 or gravity pro?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Asking the tough questions! Probably the Gravity Pro.

[@squashum778]

Also 110 in PD

[@MithTang]

PA 98 is the racquet that I played so well with in matches. Babolot really found a good balance among like all aspects of playability with it being practical it performs the best, just doesn't turn out to be my choice, cuz I don't like the feel It's more of a pity, if I have to define plus, lineup/comparison is my fav type of vids for sure. now waiting for a Yonex line-up😬

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Totally agree!

[@dmitryt9286]

Ha cool, yesterday I found exactly the same Nike shirt in Winners for $40, initial price was $100.

[@6md]

artengo overview?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

They are a Decathlon only brand.

[@6md]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver oh, i wasn't aware that you sold stuff as well. cheers

[@MiracleAgeGKS]

Rafa Origin is not that hard to play.

[@Surreal_13]

Nice! Third

[@johnp1]

second

[@lilmoois3309]

first

[@svlagonda7417]

Babolat = arm wreckers!!

[@Haske0]

The Rafa origin paired with high tension stiff poly will literally break your arm lol

[@ESKATEUK]

You literally repeat this same comment on multiple videos… move on.

[@paulmoon9380]

Totally false. I play with PD since 30 years now, and never been injured.

[@venomgaming8014]

nice

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Somehow I've never broken one... that wasn't already broken