Is this THE BEST control racket right now?! Babolat Pure Strike 97 Racket Review | Rackets & Runners

[@NickNeras]

Awesome for reviewing this beast ( love to try and figure out can I control it) Thank you 👌👌👌

[@ber.fontoura]

Great video Luca! Are we getting a PS 16x20 100 review anytime soon? Would be interesting to compare to the PS 97, and also to other brand’s control rackets such as Radical and Blade. Love from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I don’t think so unfortunately. We didn’t decide to bring them in (at least not yet)

[@claude7473]

Excellent review and very detailed. Having played with all those frames that Luca refers to for comparison, his assessment is very accurate with regards to this frame and the previous VS 97, which I own several. Even the Engineering data backs up his statements. Thank you !!!

[@ATA-wi2lh]

what engeineering data

[@mikaelsaye2124]

Really like your reviews. When will you be reviewing the 100 16x20 and 100

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! I’m not sure yet as we’re still deciding whether to bring them in or not.

[@peejread2309]

How does both generations (VS and purestrike 97) compare to the Prostaff 97 v13 when it comes to power? Specially on the serve. I envy the place where you are in Canada, since you still have nets on the court. In Alberta its all snow and ice on the outdoor courts.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

We’re super lucky in Vancouver. I’d say the Pro Staff has ever so slightly less, mainly because it has that uniform constant beam flex.

[@scottduncan9495]

I’m a big fan of the Pure Strike VS, which is gorgeous, by the way I’m also a racquet nerd…I’m playing with a wide variety all the time. In HS and college, I managed a tennis shop and can use anything. Now I’m old and it’s smarter to buy a stick and take a chance. Please, please, if you’re looking at this type of stick, consider the prior VS or give the Prince Phantom 100X (305) a try. The prices are much better and the Prince is a sublime experience. Their lack of endorsements is not a reflection on the racquet properties. If you really value control over other factors, go with the Head Prestige Pro…especially the prior version from 2021-ish. It’s a much better price and more pretty, Very little has changed with the specs.

[@austinchen6467]

Hey Luca, how would you compare the new pure strike 98 to the shift 99 pro given their similar high swingweights?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

They are more similar than you would think at first glance at least with the marketing. The strike definitely has more flat control (despite the 99 Pro being an 18x20) and the Shift more spin. Definitely counterintuitive though 😅

[@harmohindersinghnagpal2832]

hi. can you tell me should I buy pure strike VS or new 2024 pure strike 97

[@giogarciag]

How does it compare to the Aero 98?

[@bobbya3318]

I am a 4.0-4-5 club player and have played with a prince tour diablo 93, babolat pure storm tour and aero 98. The strike 97 is in my opinion the best of all these. Very good power, excellent control, manuverability and comfort. Maybe lacking a bit with spin. I string with solinco confidential.

[@christiansantfournier2794]

Love the look. I'm glat they kept the white.

[@jamesedwards3119]

Former old pro here still playing with Prince graphite - 90, tested out this racket strung with gut at 70 lbs. It felt good, probably the Prince graphite was the ultimate control racket. What other rackets should I try? I liked the radical ok, didn’t like the blade or pro staff.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Try the Prestige Pro and Gravity Pro. You may not like the 100 square inch head on the Gravity though.

[@mattdeprima4784]

I used the Pure Storm and then the Pure Control throughout college. Down to my last one so looking to upgrade with whatever is most similar to the Pure Control GT. Is this the one or would you recommend something else?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Technically this is what you should try but I don't find it all that similar to those. There's really nothing quite like them, though. I know that doesn't help too much 😭

[@scoeroyal2768]

It's time Luka, either the Strike 98 16x19 vs the Percept 97 or the Strike 97 vs Percept 97

[@NikoMalekMusic]

100% agree this racquet is unplayable without upping the swingweight. I’m looking forward to adding lead (will probably try the top and bottom), because at the moment it feels like playing with a hasbro toy. Btw I use Alu power at 56lbs and I agree that adds to the problem. I owned and enjoyed the previous generation pure strike tour which was a 98sqin (more power). It was also heavier (more power), stiffer (more power), and 16x19 (more power and spin). See a pattern? I gravitated towards babolat for its power. Once again, I’m really hoping the added weight makes it playable.

[@derekpappas1556]

For those who prize precision in a control frame with some spin , this is an excellent one that keeps you on your and stay mentally accute . This is helpful the older you get , since the sweet spot must be hit all the time to work properly . Adding 1.8 grams to 2 and 10 make it play well and it is a neccesity . I have a question , that hopefully you can answer. Have you tried to play with this racket on clay of har tru or even doubles on these or other surfaces ? How well does it take a heavy ball and can you do an update on if , when you have ? The price point is high so can you do an update , when possible ? I have 2 , 2021 cx 200 tours .

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Unfortunately, I haven't so I really cant say.

[@derekpappas1556]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Showing how well or poorly smaller headed 98 and below control rackets , perform under various conditions , would be useful . So far the performance analysis is incomplete .

[@dylantorquerol]

Luca, the viewers demand a video on your daily mustache & goatee routine

[@TennCom]

GOATee

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Hahaha grow 5% of the facial hair of a normal 26 year old and let it go for a few weeks.

[@LarzB]

I haven't tried this one yet, but i had the same clunky issue with the strike vs.

[@duykien4060]

Tried both and I still prefer the PS 97 for feel and control.

[@paulobraz6117]

Do you mean between pure strike vs and pure strike 97?

[@duykien4060]

@@paulobraz6117 I mean the Pro Staff 97

[@venerble]

Great video! Thanks for keeping those strings straight!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you!

[@sychen1531]

Hey Luca, how do you compare this strike 97 with the blade v9 16m? Thanks!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Much less forgiving/powerful/spin-friendly.

[@joaoalbertovieira8480]

nice review, tks!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

You’re welcome!

[@ImSmoozi]

Hi Luca, what’s the best choice between this strike 97 and the percept 97 ?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

If you want a bit more power, go for the Percept; more control (and much less modern stability tech ) go for the Strike.

[@derekpappas1556]

Look in the but cap of the percept and you will find that the pallet is sealed and poss no way to counter balance if there , unless with an overgrip or lead weight under the grip . The percep gets heavy on the overheads and eats strings . The percept is point and shoot frame that losses its pro low backhand skid ball action . The pure strike 97 is a singles , swift precision stick that does not seem to eat up strings but needs to be hit In the sweet spot consistently and needs 1.8 grams at 10 and 2 for stability and plow through . Put vibration dampeners in these positions when testing it . The price is the big negative in the states .

[@ikmaldoni1398]

Hi mate for intermediate player, what would you choose between pure strike 100 2024 and yonex ezone 100 2024? Cheers

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Go for the Ezone. More user-friendly and I find it more well-rounded as well.

[@dhruvanshdesai4307]

Thanks for the video

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

You’re welcome!

[@WIRUNTHONGCHUMNUM]

Hi Luca great review as always. Do you think Babolat pure strike 97 or even 98 is the good racket for all-rounders?

[@dustyroot4708]

The Pure Strike 98 is definitely a good racquet for the type of player you mentioned, all-around.

[@sebastiancastellanos6165]

Strike 98 is better since it is a bit firmer and helps a lot more than the 97, the 98 feels like a power frame with the right amount of control IF you can control it. 98 is definitely the most powerful control racquet on the market 97 is a good racquet if you want something that helps a bit more than the pro staff underspected or a better player for the radical pro that knows where to put lead and don't mind experimenting with it

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The 98 yes, the 97 is a little too one dimensional for being an excellent all-arounder.

[@tomk5238]

Can we do the 18x20 next?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Boom Pro first and then I’ll sort something out!

[@sunnylin4049]

do you think if new pure strike team is friendly for a woman beginner? still consider to buy between pure drive lite, team or new pure strike team.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

All three of those would work - perhaps the Pure Drive Lite would be the easiest choice, but you could definitely grow into the Pure Drive/Strike Teams.

[@damianmb5]

I have the VS and it is imposible to play in stock form and I got two matched rackets that weight the same. I had to add weight from 10 to 2 and still it is difficult to play with. Definitely for advance players .

[@dannyarditya8160]

Which u choose, PS 2024 or Gravity MP 2023?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

PS 2024.

[@clovisssefe8614]

i play one hand backhand with Head speed pro 2013 and want to get a new one between pure strike 97 or 98 ; pure aero rafa or maybe pro staff 97 but i heard pro staff 97 is getting a little bit soft , which do u think is the one should get? thx

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Go for the Strike 98!

[@SCORPIONonlineRU]

how does it look like vs percept 97? i got the ps97 and wanna how similar it is

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think it lacks quite a bit compared to those. It's controlled, yes, but doesn't have much in terms of power, spin and stability that the other rackets do.

[@SCORPIONonlineRU]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver thanks! so you would prefer percept 97 over this 97? i should definitely try it out then

[@goldencalf5144]

How does it compare to the Pro Staff 97?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

The Pro Staff is more playable stock and has more modern stability (layup tech).

[@goldencalf5144]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Which has better feel and control?

[@felipees]

review babolat pure strike 100 16x19 2024

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I’m not sure we’re bringing them in 😭

[@felipees]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver or vcore 95 😆

[@whuang03]

I have the same issue with white racquets, it distracts me when I am swinging forward towards the ball. Thats why I cant use white racquets no matter how good they are.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Absolutely. Djokovic and Federer agree.

[@NickNeras]

310g or 320g ???

[@williamd1891]

Another vote for a review of the 100 16×20.

[@applesforakbar]

damn that headshape is rouuuunnndd!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Almost a literal circle.

[@blakebarone1809]

That strange pinging sound… I have that same sound with the Babolat Pure Control Tour pro stocks that I own. It’s bizarre, people love the feel of that stick, but after 18 months of trying it with different strings, tensions and lead placement, I still can’t get it right.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think it’s because the bottom cross is so far down the racket. If you use a dampener it just doesn’t dampen as much.

[@seaneckhart9914]

Shame they lump it with the main line and same paintjob now. The old VS still looks way better

[@AlexTennisChannel]

Yes I agree!!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

😢

[@glademaster]

Dunlop CX

[@OldManMidnight]

A BABOLAT racquet being a better control racquet than the HEAD Gravity Pro ????? Someone call the doctor it seems Luca is coming down with an unknown illness 🤣🤣🤣

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

😭😭😭

[@bibilolo7855]

Sympa tes reviews T a quoi comme niveau?(j aurai dit entre 2/6 et 0)

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Merci! J’ai aucune idée avec le système français mais au Canada je suis un 4,5.

[@bibilolo7855]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver ok merci pour la réponse.Avec ton gros physique,je te voyais donc 5.5/6.0. Tu es pile au niveau entre les tamis 97/98 et les 100(version pro plus lourde car jeune et physique). Félicitations pour tes tiers listes, hâte de voir les prochains reviews.

[@Anton.Arkhipov]

How it compares to Dunlop CX200 Tours? Seem to be targeted to sane group.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

A little more raw but not as stable and playable stock.

[@mariodanielepetricca4657]

I ve tried it yesterday and i found it very fast and spinny too... so i don t agree too much with the last part of the review... sorry

[@jorgeandrescoppiano]

Too much weight in the throat?

[@caioprudente3279]

Based on what you said, I'd still put it on C tier. B tier max.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

A-B for me

[@LL-kz1qe]

Νο

[@agradina]

well it is?

[@Shankar-Bhaskar]

How does it compare to the Percept 97L?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

It’s much more stable and playable for advanced players because of all the added weight.