Babolat Pure Strike 18X20 3rd Generation On-Court Performance Tests, Playtest, And Review

[@eduardinodecielo]

Thanks to your technical advice I have bought four Babolat Pure Strike 18/20. I think it is the best racket I have ever owned by far. I used to play with the 16/19, but the 18/20 is better in all aspects. Greater speed and ease of creating effects. I am using it with Babolat RPM Power 1.25. You have been correct in all the analysis you have made of the racket.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks glad it helped !

[@dunghuynh2367]

Extremely honest reviews that seperated your channel among the others. Keep on doing such quality and detailed reviews. love it

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Glad they helped you

[@exoticgamer5866]

I switched from the Wilson burn series. To the Babolat pure strike and for me the switch worked really well. It has upped my game quite a bit, but it all depends on what racket you had previously from my experiences. You will likely really like this racket or really dislike it.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep it’s a jeckyl and Hyde

[@jong-hyunjeong4720]

Your reviews are the best among existing ones in terms of quality, and structure. Especially you are great to find the points that people are wondering about. Please review and compare it with Pure Aero!!!!!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks I appreciate it! I’ll be getting to that frame soon!

[@kinglizzy99]

Appreciate your more scientific approach to the process…keep it up doc!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks !

[@reb349]

I demo'd this racket a while back. I ended up not switching to it because the swingweight was a little too high for my liking. I found myself unable to really do much when I have to push the ball back and unable to get a clean stroke. It's satisfying as heck to hit groundstrokes with this stick though.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep when it connects it really connects - I didn’t care for the feel when I wasn’t in perfect position though

[@2ndAveScents]

Yesss, looking forward to seeing all your racquet reviews!

[@FootDoctorZach]

They definitely take longer to put together but are a lot of fun to make

[@2ndAveScents]

@@FootDoctorZach we love your attention to detail and truly appreciate the hard work you put in to all your content. I want to know how connected you feel to the ball, is the racquet over damped and too muted or is it crisp and you can tell exactly where on the strings you hit it? I have a Pure Strike 100 and it is so muted I don't ever feel the ball even when I shank one, and I'm using the stiffest crispest string I own.

[@FootDoctorZach]

The pocketing is pretty good - it’s “feel” isn’t as good as some others but I thought he directional control was decent for a 4pts head light frame

[@2ndAveScents]

@@FootDoctorZach Thanks again Doc, keep it up! You're a fantastic addition to the tennis YT community.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Appreciate it!

[@cospet9]

I have been using the 2nd gen 18x20 for 3 years now and it's probably the best racket I've ever used. When I demoed the 3rd gen one I had major issues with the manoeuvrability, it just seemed like a totally different model. Even though I'm using a bit of lead tape on the 2nd gen as it may be too lightweight at times, the stiffness of the 3rd gen is far worse.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I hear that same sentiment a lot on 2 v 3

[@luciasattzs3484]

Just started playing with a x demo my wife bought me for Christmas, I totally ❤ this racket.

[@Mpathi1]

I switched to the Pure Strike 3rd gen 16x19 half a year ago from Wilson Juice. I feel I have much more control and feeling and equal spin. I must say I feel very happy with my Pure Strike.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Coming from the Juice I would think the pure strike feels like a pinpoint weapon

[@Mpathi1]

@@FootDoctorZach yes!

[@userdjee834]

nice review, thanks. practically all 18x20 are for total slugging non-stop, and also need that your opponent is doing the same. that is often too much even for very advanced players, lacking the span, power and bend. the exception would perhaps be gravity tour, has a wider span, it's a more forgiving frame. try the new speed mp, as I am also transitioning from RF97A to a lighter frame, and I am nicely surprised by it. mid to lower tensions though, I'd suggest.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thank you , I’ve hit with it a few times and it was a good stick - I have a hard time dropping my tension just because I’m such a creature of habit but I know I’ll have to with some of these frames

[@alleniverson397]

Not sure if you're going to see this but i just wanted to say that you are by far the best reviewer when it comes to anything tennis related, great in-depth reviews with science, not trying to sell anything. PS you helped me pick my next shoes... the New balance fresh foam lav or the asiscs court ff 2, going to test them both and see which one i like the most. Keep up the good work my guy :)

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks I appreciate it! Me personally I’d get the court ff 2 just for the outsole - let me know how your new shoes work out

[@alleniverson397]

@@FootDoctorZach will do!

[@FootDoctorZach]

👍👍

[@boylol4415]

I got babolat pure aero 16x19 3rd gen i have switched from wilson clash i have to produce the power my self it feels different cause clash was more of a comfort and control at the same time. First my shorts were everywhere then I applied lead tape 3gx4 each on 3 and 9. This gave me a better feeling a great serve and better feeling

[@987mikka]

Hi the pure strike is a good option I have already tried GEN2 in 16x19 but in my opinion the Wilson Blade V6 or V7 will be closer to the sensations you are looking for in all this it will not take you away from the pro staff thank you for your always very interesting videos

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ll be testing the blades out this year too, should be fun!

[@pro71]

Cool comparison video! Very interesting format for evaluating a racquet with actual data on speed etc compared to most other comparison vids who only talk about the feel.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Yeah I’m just trying to be as objective as I can, it’s tougher with rackets than with my usual shoe videos I’m finding out

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Great idea and video Zack! Just the other day I was checking TWU for the power of the PS97 2014 (same color as your RF97A) and the PS98 18x20. It would be nice if you could compare that one too. Such a precise thing that you include those speed readings for objectivity!! Also, it would be nice to have the same string color for no nuances between string setups, and to hear your thoughts on the sensations on contact from each racket. Eager to see your next video man!!

[@FootDoctorZach]

I could hook a mic up to them and check the sound too that would be cool

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

The Tennis Pro Doc that’s a great idea!! It would be super interesting to show how the sound relates or not to the sensations on contact

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep, I’ll try it and see if it make sense to put in

[@vanlendl1]

I have six 18/20 of the 2nd gen with 3 grams lead tape each at 9 and 15 and a leather grip for countering the balance. String tension and strings are a big issue. I am still looking for a string.

[@ralves1394]

Hi! CONGRATULATIONS, very good video! I liked this evolution for rackets. These last months I have been in this situation of choosing the racket for which I was going to change and I finally had a verdict. Just out of curiosity, last week I received the Yonex Eclipsion 3. The first feeling I've been is that they are still a little too rigid, although less than the 2. For the tournament I still prefer the Mizuno wave exceed 4 the problem is that the sole it won't last much longer. I really loved these tennis shoes! Greetings and thanks for the videos!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks for the feedback! I found the eclipsion 3 broke in eventually but with all the reinforcement it is a stiffer shoe - the mizunos are great for match day but for every day use you’re right the midsole just doesn’t have the support

[@cliveburks]

Thanks for video interesting observations. I bought the 16 19 string version 2 days ago. I agree a lot with what you say. I also find the feel very good and with practice my sliced backhand improved. I want more control from my Babolat Pure Drive version from around 2005. I think this racket will give me that I found less power on the serve to the pure drive and occasional ball goes dead but maybe me. Volleys seem so easy to control and don’t just bounce off as they do on my pure drive. Smaller head will hopefully improve my ground stokes. I haven’t tried the 18 20 took a calculated risk after having 16 19 as a demo for one day!

[@shriramoka]

I swear by the PS 18x20. Its my match blade. Super pop on my forehand & serve as well as gr8 value on the 1-BKHD. Stable @ the net as well. It basically rewards good technique and works best with a slightly spongy co-poly like Signum pro 18g.

[@FootDoctorZach]

That’s a great description especially with the “spongy” poly - couldn’t agree more

[@bounce_hit3534]

Can’t wait for the tear down and durability test!

[@FootDoctorZach]

I was actually thinking of how to do those to a racket - my ideas let me know

[@tamirkassouma6973]

I’m loving this so much, can you do the prestige, aero, drive, clash. The biggest sellers as these might grow your channel and help me and a lot of people decide. THANK YOU

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Yep I’ll be getting to hopefully most makes and models here in the coming 12 months

[@diyjosh]

Wow great in depth review! Love the paintjob on this racquet.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Yeah I’m a fan of the colors too

[@TheDrakulie]

Doc, are you also going to be play testing the new Proton ball machine when it comes out in November ? It is supposed to be new portable state of the art ball machine with AI chip inside. Light enough to carry around like racket bag but can feed you balls at 70 MPH with 3000 RPM.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Only if they send me one- some of this stuff gets pretty expensive to buy just for review

[@TheDrakulie]

@@FootDoctorZach I don't think they will send you one for free just for review purposes. machine is around $1600

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep too rich for my blood- I’m pretty simple when it comes to that stuff I like a wall or my tennis cube- never disappointed me

[@rel7529]

Very interesting you went from the RF97 to the Pure Strike 18/20, I did the same as the RF was a little too heavy for me. Played the best tennis of my life with the PS but it wrecked my shoulder and now I cannot play at all :(

[@FootDoctorZach]

I like the pure strike but I’ve got quite a few more rackets to test out before I make a decision- just chose this one first because I had been seeing it around so much and wanted to see what the hype was about - what racket are you playing with now?

[@sebastiancastellanos6165]

Maybe it was better to get the regular pro staff 97 since weight is close to the PS. Maybe that might be a nice test

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Sebastian Castellanos good idea man

[@FootDoctorZach]

My dad plays with the lighter one and he really hits well with it

[@sebastiancastellanos6165]

@@FootDoctorZach I'm interested in that one but might be too stiff (I play with an IG Prestige S modified to 345) or the Gravity Pro but I like the feel of leather and adding the grip might be a bit high for me. I hit really through the ball but sometimes you have to defend and that were I might suffer

[@pro71]

Would love to see a video on Babolat Pure Aero!

[@sebastiancastellanos6165]

No more reviews of that racquet please!!!! You can search for those reviews and Will find at least 10 from different playing Styles and levels

[@pro71]

@@sebastiancastellanos6165 But I am interested to hear his view on the racquet.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ve played with it a lot last year and liked it, didn’t love it, to be honest - I’ll probably see what babolat does in 2021 before I review more of theirs - interested to see what everyone comes out with around the Aus Open

[@JW-bw8nj]

Great review! One correction though. At around the 4:30 mark you mistakenly stated the Pure Strike and RF 97 have 98 and 97 sq cm heads, respectively, when they actually have 98 and 97 sq INCH heads.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Yep just slip ups sometimes switching between systems

[@JW-bw8nj]

@@FootDoctorZach You're doing an awesome job BTW. KZbin is flooded with tennis product reviews yet you're bringing something different to the table to stand out. Not an easy thing to do. Bravo 👏

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks 🤙

[@smunyon]

Great review - did you test the 16x19 string patter?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Not for any length of time - at some point I will

[@barbaraboltje9402]

Tks for the review! Really appreciate! But you should make a comparison with the 16x19!

[@FootDoctorZach]

It’s coming actually- right now I’m doing some Head frames then ill be back to Babolat and eventually the Pure Strikes

[@ReidVV]

The Project One7 era (2017-2017?) pure strike 18x20 is better than the 3rd gen. It has a lower swing weight and gives much more manuverability and feel. The power and spin are just as good. It's a better racquet, period.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ve never used that generation I’ll have to check it out though

[@bevshields]

Great video, would be interested to see how you find it vs the 16x19 Tour version... perhaps a little closer comp to your RF?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks 👍I can’t wait to try it- I think it will be better for my strokes but we’ll see when I get it to try

[@yuant1533]

Try a couple Technifibre rackets.. TF 315,305. TFIGHT 315,305. 18X20, 16X19.. Great rackets

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’m pretty excited to try the technifbre line up actually

[@ZafarIqbal-zp6yl]

amazing review man. did you by any chance try the 16x19 version?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Not yet but I will be soon

[@charlesdang2557]

Incredibly good review, my friend. In fact, all your reviews are super helpful. Will you review the Head Speed Pro/MP? It came down to the Speed Pro and the PS 97 v13 for me when choosing a new racquet. Perhaps it could be the one racquet for you. Subscribed. Thank you!!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! yep I’m trying to get more into racket reviews shortly, i may start a dedicated channel for it as well

[@SolowSports]

great comprehensive video!!!

[@jccacho8086]

Hi. Can you please review the vcore pro 97 hd? Thanks

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep I’ll be doing most of the yonex line this year

[@matik4605]

Awesome review! I can tell the amount of work you put into these videos. Keep up the amazing work!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thank you, glad you like them!

[@bejoycs]

Pro Staff v13 (315) vs ezone 98 tour (315) vs clash 100 tour (310). Please do this comparison.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ll be getting around to a bunch of rackets here soon- what are you playing with currently?

[@bejoycs]

@@FootDoctorZach I was using Yonex vcore 98 and vcore pro 97, but currently only clash 100 customized to my liking which is now 315g and close to the clash pro/tour. It's a great racquet for my ground shots and defence, lacking a bit in first serves. Very string sensitive. Around 45-48lb poly plays amazing. Anything above and below feels like crap. I get only 2 weeks of good playability in that range. The other 2 racquets in the same weight range are ezone 98 tour and v13 pro staff. Would like to know how it compares.

[@atwntennisclub]

Oh snap you're doing racquet reviews now!? I'm down for this. Can you please get your hands on the head gravity line, specifically the gravity tour and do a review?

[@FootDoctorZach]

I did a suicide test on the tour but haven’t done the whole gambit of tests on it - should be out soonish- glad you’re enjoying it!

[@atwntennisclub]

@@FootDoctorZach looking forward to it! I grabbed a pair of air zoom turbo GP from your review and they are by far the best tennis shoes I've ever had. Keep it up doc 👊

[@FootDoctorZach]

Awesome glad you like them 👍👍

[@b.r.keysmondragon1030]

whats the best string and tension recomendation for babolat pure strike

[@TheDrakulie]

Also, isn't RF97 also very heavy racket with heavier swing weight ? I thought RF97 had just as high of SW as that babolat pure strike ?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep heavier and similar swing weight but the review is of the Babolat the Wilson is just to compare MPH - it will be the control racket for all racket tests going forward but also youll be able to see how other rackets rank against the babolat as others as i get more data throughout the year

[@neilmcnairjr]

What ball machine is that? I’m considering buying one after graduation.

[@FootDoctorZach]

www.amazon.com/dp/B084WNXR94/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_HM3LFb9G2NAMN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 It’s the tennis cube - nice and lite plus not as pricey as some others

[@xdiputsm]

Hi did you feel any arm jarring? People complain about tennis elbow when playing with this racket. Keep up the good work!

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Not tennis elbow but just overall a tired arm and shoulder for sure

[@jeantrudel292]

I play a Pure Strike and love it. That being said I like your systematic approach to testing but it is not a fair comparison to compare a new stick against an older stick which may have lost a lot of its resilience...

[@christopherconte6241]

What racquet did you end up buying? I’ve tested this and loved it from day one. But only played for a week on it.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Radical Pro

[@rebelelite11]

i didnt like the first generation of this racket. can you do a review of the 1st gen of the 18*20 and the latest one?

[@FootDoctorZach]

If one comes across my desk sure

[@VincentDuxD]

Gravity mp vs ezone 98 305? It’s always a pleasure to see your content xD

[@FootDoctorZach]

I have been using the gravity a little bit actually but both great frames to do- keep watching out this year

[@filipepontes9480]

Pretty awesome! PS: you almost hit The window there

[@FootDoctorZach]

ALMOST- 😅

[@megamind9175]

Can I request a Head Gravity review plz? Love your scientific approach 🤓

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! I did a suicide test with it but have to do all the rest so it’ll be up soonish

[@adrienszakolczai7288]

still waiting for the head tour team sport bag review but otherwise great video

[@FootDoctorZach]

I think that was the bag I couldn’t get in my market but I’ll check back

[@13rcom23]

lol when I watched my first vid of your's I thought you had 1.5 mil subs

[@FootDoctorZach]

That may be a few more years down the road haha I think I’ve only been at this for 4 months now

[@yeet9905]

me too

[@beyondfirstclass]

This racquet gave me tennis elbow. Due to its light weight does not absorb the impact.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Check out the NEW Head Graphene 360+ Instinct MP HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apKqmZx7lraEoKs

[@jaynainani4529]

Can you review Head Revolt Pro 3.0 please

[@FootDoctorZach]

Ill hopefully be getting to some Head shoes here soon

[@jaynainani4529]

@@FootDoctorZach Look forward to it. Hello from India. Love your work

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks!

[@goldencalf5144]

Just curious, why do you want switch from the RF97? Newer models aren't necessarily better. A lot of pros play with models that are more than 20 years old. Also do you think synthetic gut is the best choice for the Pure Strike? I think a lot of these newer frames are designed for copoly strings.

[@FootDoctorZach]

I don’t play as often anymore and I’m frankly just not good enough anymore for the RF so I’m just wanting something more forgiving - I just use syn gut because it’s easy to test the rackets with- doesn’t really change the playing if the racket so all the stats I’m getting I know are coming from the frame not the strings

[@goldencalf5144]

@@FootDoctorZach Fair enough. I'm looking to go to a bigger frame myself to get more free power, but nothing has the feel of the mid size I'm currently using.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Its a sacrifice one way or the other - just depends what the goal is - mine was to get easier whip through the ball

[@sviatoslavmurakhovskyi1449]

Hi Zack! Can you compare this racket with Tecnifibre RS 305?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Apples and oranges - babolat has much more pop, more action, 305 is like a limp noodle compared, but more control IMO

[@tyroneb.6604]

What strings do you use in your RF97A and why? Thanks in advance!

[@FootDoctorZach]

I just use either gamma rough/ NXT / or just gamma syn gut depending on what we have laying around - I like the rough texture strings but other than that I can pretty much get used to anything

[@tyroneb.6604]

@@FootDoctorZach Thanks! In Europe it's really hard to find gamma strings, any other recommendations like the Gamma's you use? (Was thinking of running it as a cross with poly mains)

[@molav1]

Can you compare the pure strike with pure drive?

[@highnoon9333]

Are you testing any Yonex racquets?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Yep I will be, I’m a huge fan of yonex actually, are you hitting with one ?

[@highnoon9333]

@@FootDoctorZach yes! I recently bought a used Ezone 98 to replace a Pure Drive that I was feeling was a little too light. Honestly I’d like something even heavier but right now I can’t afford it and I’m loving my Ezone so far! Can’t wait to see the rest of your tests.

[@クリームイカ]

Great one! I'm glad if you try out 16*19 as well, I plan to demo one of them before the end of the year Really enjoy that there are many places in the video, I also have different sites for different playing, I'm not alone XD

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! Yeah I film whenever and wherever I am because usually I’m shooting in between work and lunch or on weekend morning before my wife wakes up so it takes me to a lot of places! Personally I’ve tried both patterns and I like the 16x19 better but hopefully I get to the full review soon

[@クリームイカ]

@@FootDoctorZach Cool 5:16 That one reminds me of when I hitting at parking lot and the ball went across the street

[@matrevel9938]

loved this racket, demoed it twice, 90 and 100, but it was hurting my shoulder and wrist, no other rackets I tried has done that to me my body, shame

[@adrienszakolczai7288]

try the extreme tour

[@FootDoctorZach]

I actually had one in my hand the other day but busted the strings right away so I’ll be getting to it at some point

[@michaelp9061]

The strike is a very difficult racquet to use. AND it is 18x20. You said it well it amplifies what you put in. Great review.

[@FootDoctorZach]

Thanks! I agree it is a tough one to get used to

[@highnoon9333]

Is that a Slippery Rock pullover?

[@FootDoctorZach]

You know it- I went there for undergrad, played on the men’s team up until it was cut then was assistant women’s coach during my residency

[@highnoon9333]

Very nice! I don’t know anything about it except that it’s in Pennsylvania and that it has a funny name 😅

[@FootDoctorZach]

It’s the Harvard of the Pennsylvania state system of higher education 😂

[@highnoon9333]

@@FootDoctorZach good to know!

[@maulanaalfarisi2905]

which one better 18x20 or 16x19 Zach?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Depends if you want spin or feel

[@greenhammer1148]

It's great for people who have a fast swing speed. It doesn't do well for slow swings

[@xshdowshotsx]

Yonex Vcore pro 310 vs yonex ezone 98 (305)

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’m pretty excited to try the Ezone- I’ve tried the Vcore and liked it - should be fun

[@JonniArmani]

The verdict seems to be the gen 2 is a better racket than the 3

[@FootDoctorZach]

I’ve heard about 50/50

[@JonniArmani]

@@FootDoctorZach I play with the 2007 pure storm tour plus which I love at 60lbs with Gut! I just picked up the Pure Strike Gen 2 today I’m excited to see how it plays compared to the older players rackets,,) 👊👊💥 nice review

[@FootDoctorZach]

👍👍

[@TheRockyBalboa100]

Isn't this the racket that got Dominic Thiem his arm injury?

[@FootDoctorZach]

Not sure what racket he actually plays with under the paint tbh

[@TheRockyBalboa100]

@@FootDoctorZach yeah true

[@mikaghantous9883]

Heavier racket less speed more precision on serve

[@FootDoctorZach]

👍