Battle of two modern Babolat 98s!! Pure Drive 98 vs. Pure Aero 98 Comparison | Rackets & Runners

[@scottwalker9354]

Luca “I added a leather grip” Berg 😂

[@hrjohannesburg5478]

Dude ur reviews are insane best Iv seen. That comment at 10:08 about pure drive is basically what I didn't want to miss compared to aero. Ur the man

[@lilmoois3309]

What do you rate the babolat pure drive 98 out of 10? I have been using the pure drive 98 and love it

[@NicolasGarciaF]

Thanks for the video! Greetings from Colombia 👏🏼👏🏼

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I'll definitely look into it at some point.

[@johnp1]

I've been waiting for this review. My current favorite racket is PD 100. I'm considering these 2 rackets for better control. Good review.

[@shaunfoong621]

please do a babolat racquet comparison together with the strike

[@williamd1891]

This was a comparison for second place behind the Strike.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, will do!

[@climberbusta7531]

hey great video! what set up do you recommend on the pure aero 98, (added weight, where and how much, and which kind of leather grip), because i feel like the balance of the stock racquet when am serving is a bit akward. thank youu!

[@vincentschmitt392]

True. PD 98 is somehow like a pro staff. Xlent on 1-handed BH. The aero 98 is so good on spin forehand.

[@BullyGarfield.]

is it similar to a pro staff 97? like with an increase in power, decrease in feel, and overall more spin?

[@vincentschmitt392]

I have both rf97 and the pd 98. What you say is right. Less feel with the pd 98 but much more power. I like the pd98 to redirect the ball. Direction control is good. Pd98 not easy to play, not forgiving like the pd100. This is quite different.

[@Nikhil_G9]

Another Awesome vid 🎉

[@Jerry-pj7mp]

What is the different between pure Drive 100 300g and pure drive 98 305g??

[@Ricky-G99]

Idk why never felt good with the aero, the pure drive is always my best. It's a fucking rocket launcher 😂

[@UnitedByTennis]

Hello. I saw both of the racquets on court, but never asked the players what do they think about them. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@alandobson4347]

Great comparison. How do you think these 2 compare to the Ezone 98?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

They are definitely more "raw" and slightly less comfortable, and the Ezone is a much "easier" racket to use in general.

[@fabiopeloso4302]

Could you do a review on the head prestige classic 2.0? Would be interesting what you have to say about it, since you'd be the only good player that would review it... Would be awesome!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Unfortunately, we're not able to bring it into Canada 🥲

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Which were your tested swingweights? Did you compare them at matched specs? Would really like the idea!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, I compared them at matched specs!

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver beauuutiful!

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver great! That is such an add up to comparing the performance. Please mention that whenever you do when comparing frames. Applaud to you. Really appreciate it

[@patrickd-k3916]

Do you always play test with the Poly Tour Pro? Or what string is it as I always see you using the yellow string when doing racket reviews

[@craigclark5845]

It’s Babolat RPM rough

[@paolourbiztondo9742]

How about ezone98 and pureAero98 which is whippier or lighter feel? Coz im planning to switch PA98

[@fretstain]

if you could get your hands on a vcore 98 tour could you do a comparison with that against either the regular vcore 98 or the pure aero 98 maybe?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, if we bring it in, I'll give it a shot!

[@IndraSatyabrata]

is that Beckett from TennCom? When you switch to the outdoor footage? LOL that forehand sure looks familiar :D

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes sir!

[@matheusdantas4757]

What's the difference between Aero VS and the 98?

[@AlexanderAndreev1799]

98 is slightly more stable, better feel

[@ommpaloomplak53]

98 is more muted and a little more stable

[@razerugap5386]

I am using Nadal's Topspin swing on the Forehand and Federer's One Handed Backhand. Imagine how hard it is for me to choose a racket. 1 year have past, still cannot decided between the Pure Aero 98 or Pure Drive 98 or Pure Strike 98. Which one should I choose eventually?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think you should go for the Aero. It has the best variety and complements that Nadal style the best.

[@razerugap5386]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Great advise. I will go for any Aero lineup suited me that is available right now. Purchased and ordered.

[@rossocorsa8745]

I am using both Pure Aero 98 and Pure Drive 98, but I really like the control power of Pure Drive, so I am using it well. Pure Aero 98's ball power drops too much when a miss occurs. Pure Drive 98 fills in this part.

[@AlexeyGoldbergs]

Hey Luca, do you go for +1 grip size for adding a leather grip on the racket or stay with same size as with synthetics?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I do not, they are thinner but the difference is so minimal that I keep it the same.

[@jamesraditya4815]

would a natural gut and poly hybrid setup help with the stiffness of the pure drive 98?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, definitely. It would make it much more comfortable.

[@champme-q3q]

did you add some lead tape to the aero98? And if you did where?

[@RobertGarcia-s5z]

Pure drive stiffness will destory your arm in miss hits. Ill be demoing the pure aero with the lower Stiffnees to see how big a difference is. The PD 98 will get it over on miss hits but is it worth the pain.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

It’s definitely a rough racket stiffness wise

[@RobertGarcia-s5z]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver I played with the pure Drive 100 for years and also with Prof staffs. I've expensinced soreness from the weight, but never pain in the arm int'l the PD98 which is my current racket. It made we rethink of I should even use a 98. Still love it on my serve tho. I was thinking of trying the 98Aero, but probably the same results, but I'll try.

[@jaynainani4529]

Hey Luca, great video addressing some real confusion out there. You do put in a lot of work. I have a request for you, can you do review of balls? Like I am super confused with them forget different brands. Babolat themselves have Good and Gold championship balls. It is genuinely confusing. Look forward to your review or a video explaining the same. Regards, Jay

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I've been interested in making a video about that. I'll try to fit it into my schedule but if I don't make it in the next month or so, please just ask me again and I'll respond in a comment.

[@peejread2309]

How does the power of both racquets compare to the pure strike VS 2022?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

They are both more powerful, but the Aero 98 is only slightly more.

[@rhaoxb0745]

My first racket ever was pure drive 2012 gt (not roddick) that my coach gave me. How would everyone rate it today?

[@qu1dz]

10/10

[@carlosjara9136]

Agreed. They had a solid racket. The roddick one is not bad. Slightly heavier though

[@배성열-l2c]

Do u recommend the leather grip for the aero 100 as well?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I actually do not for the Aero 100. I think that racket is perfect in stock form.

[@jate.photography]

Does all the comments on these two also apply the same to the 100s versions?

[@udeeksh]

Is there a racquet that has all the control and precision like the gravity and prestige but offers an easy swing.. I bought a head gravity pro 2023 but I feel it's swing weight is not right for me. I feel it is very difficult for me to pronate with it on serves and it lacks maneuverability for me. I need to switch to something that will offer control as I am a hard hitter but I need an easy swing.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Try the Dunlop CX200!

[@zcbowers94]

Waiting for all the PS purists to come out swinging for you comparing the PD to the PS 😂 great review as always!

[@Adam-ej3ni]

do you think the aero 98 could fit for intermidiates?? or is the 100 better?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

It definitely can but I think the 100 is slightly better since it's more forgiving.

[@shivanshpoddar2090]

If possible i wanna see ezone vs pure aero

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The 98s or 100s?

[@mauriciodenardipeterlevitz3694]

Great video, with lots of detailed informations . We can see all the passion you have to analyse all of these rackets. Question : do you see an agressive baseliner, that loves gravity pro , makes the transition to pure aero 98, in search for a good and reliable baseline racket, that can also provide better manuverabilty when receiving short balls , or volleys at the net?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, definitely. There's a similar sort of solidity to the Aero 98 and much more spin and maneuverability.

[@daxfn9914]

what are those strings on raquet

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Babolat RPM Rough 17

[@experientialtennispickleball]

Pure Drive should be compared head-to-head with the Diadem Nova. Pure Aero is closer to a Head Extreme, Dunlop SX300 etc

[@bojack3827]

You're confusing 98s with 100s

[@praditdaniel536]

what string do you use at aero?how much tention that you take? thank you from indonesia

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I always use RPM Rough 17 @ 53 pounds.

[@hasanriaz1914]

how does this look when compared to the ezone 100?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The Ezone 100 is much more user-friendly and even a bit more powerful.

[@zh3996]

Review the new ezone 98

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

74 RA on the PureDrive 98 should be a fireable offense for the people who designed it. A racket that has a penchant for ruining arms made MORE stiff. Insane.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

😭😭 it is a bit over the top I agree

[@WaltKurtz68]

It's actually 67 (strung)

[@Richibald1]

Interesting video I'm teetering to the Pure Drive. It doesn't bother this shoulder and I feel like a Silverback with that banana racquet. How does Pure Drive compare to Yonex Core 98 D? That's my favourite Sniper Racquet my Wilson Blade if you* will. Can't say I'm gone on that Precept though too much mushy mesh is what I'm hearing. The Pure Aero 98 was blazing Controlled power last year loved that part but at the net was a lot less than inspiring at the net. Kryptonite for a doubles player Yikes! Unless that improved sorry there are better just saying... 👋

[@Maiqel]

You were afraid of comparing the PD98 to a modern Pro Staff, and look 6 months later Federer releases the RF 01 which is actually pretty similar in many ways to the PD98, wouldn't you say? Or at least if we assume it comes from a PS97, definitely it has at least taken a little turn or step towards a Pure Drive.

[@MrHitthespot]

I used a Pure Drive for almost a year. I tried a friends Pure Aero and instantly fell in love. Within a few months I started noticing my elbow was getting sore. Continued to slowly get worse. I switched to the new Yonex Percept. It is by far my favorite so far. Loads of control.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Glad you ended up finding the right racket!

[@horaciolloret2006]

Which percept did you get? I have been playing for 2 years now, currently own a Wilson Ultra 100V3 and was wondering if a Percept 97 would be a good choice.

[@MrHitthespot]

@@horaciolloret2006 I switched to the Percept 97. It is a low power very control oriented racquet. It’s definitely not for everyone. Many people at my tennis club did not like it when they tried mine. I love it. I also did like the Aero, it was just too stiff for me.

[@chung729chung]

I think 315 is more appropriate for these rackets. Maybe it’s just me coming from RF97

[@LL-kz1qe]

Pure Drive 98 is so stiff when you miss time it the ball goes long

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I definitely felt that as well. Quite a punishing racket.

[@MiracleAgeGKS]

Who puts YPTP into these frames? XD

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I don't know but not me.

[@MiracleAgeGKS]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver 😂

[@islandmerchandise3017]

so much better when you're not yelling

[@mustafa_sakalli]

Pure drive 98 really an awful racket. You're less likely to get tennis elbow if you play with a frying pan strung with barbed wire. I highly suggest to demo FX 500 tour and Ezone 98 instead of this

[@ESKATEUK]

That’s why it’s one of the most popular tennis rackets, loved by many. Not everyone is going to suffer the same as yourself.

[@mustafa_sakalli]

@@ESKATEUK regular pure drive is one of the most popular racket, not 98 one. Even people who only knows pure drive as only racket in universe didn't like 98 because it's really a terrible racket

[@svlagonda7417]

Babolat = arm wteckers

[@ESKATEUK]

Utter nonsense. You just have weak elbows

[@JV-py3lg]

I couldn’t game a pure drive to save my life. Every shot went long and I couldn’t get a topspin shot.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

It is a bit like that sometimes...

[@trevorphilip9728]

Use a semi western grip. Problem solved

[@craigclark5845]

Pure drive you can kiss you shoulder and rotator cuff goodbye

[@vwmusicplaylist1935]

For me, these are the worst 98s imaginable. Better to buy a Radical MP or Shift 99 and weight it up.

[@jabirout]

Disagree, the drive 98 is shit but the aero is a gem. Coming from a blade 98 user!

[@jasonwong5919]

Babolat racquets can be far too powerful for some players. I find their feel to be different from other manufacturers as well.

[@thecat4272]

Blade Pro (H22) is ever better provided you get one with a useable spec! @@BillyWander-k4m

[@craigclark5845]

I have a pure aero 98 I like it but I just moved to a Blade 98 v9 16x19

[@Tennis214]

Shift is garbage