This is an AWESOME Pure Strike update! Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 2024 Review | Rackets & Runners

[@jamesbittle9789]

I recently demoed the Percept (100 in both string patterns), and the new Strike (100 in both string patterns), and it was easy to notice the Strikes power advantage.

[@zekam71]

Same! Moved from perceipt to strike

[@scoeroyal2768]

Sold!!! I purchased this to replace my VS/97. My oh my, this stick is a gem. A little bit more forgiving, plush plow through on serve and still does well l for the one hand backhand. Luka is right on the money!!!

[@eloneatmyshorts]

Well articulated review! Looking forward to thoughts on the 100 16x20. Jonas seems to be impressed with the 100.

[@yongsann]

seconded - its the one that intrigues me the most

[@venerble]

Read a lot of interest about the 100 16x20

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! Yes, he was (I haven't tried it yet)

[@Tennisnerd]

Yeah, it was good; need a bit more time with it, but I had to send the demo back to Babolat straight away.

[@miguelroda8779]

@@Tennisnerd comparing the aero 98 with the strike 16x20 should be a interesting video.

[@kaoushik11]

The new Pure Strike looks amazing! Can't wait to try it with the new updated technology and specs!

[@legendxd2489]

Hi Luca, just wanted to ask for an example of how heavy the pure strike is compared to the head speed mp.

[@YehShano]

I’ve got the Gen 3 and love the feel so this would be interesting to try…My regular playing racquet is the Speed Pro and I’ve a single handed backhand..so many people asking the same questions about the best racquet for single handed backhands..Demo a bunch of racquets and feel what you like is my advice..I played years with Radicals, years with Extreme Pros years with Speeds and have a PA98, PS 18x20 and Yonex Vcore 97D and I couldn’t really say I prefer any over the other for my backhand, I find each a lil different but nothing in a bad way…Speed Pro to me just does everything the others do in one package and feels sensational

[@agradina]

I will only look in this specification:16x19/20 string pattern , head size 98/97.

[@YehShano]

@@agradina Radical, Pure Aero 98 and Pure Strike are all great…Pure Aero 98 to me is the easiest and most versatile of the bunch

[@SpiceLifeWithShams]

I went through the same journey as you. Came from Pure Strike 3rd gen to Speed pro 360+, hated the auxetic one. Head boom prois amazing , feels lk a plusher pure strike and amazing for one handed backhand. try it out.

[@benjaminjensen111]

The "jarring" feeling in the 3rd gen is better than many many rackets in that class. Its actually quite dampened. Its very stable and solid. You know when you hit the center of sweetspot perfectly bc the response is no vibration. Outside sweetspot you get vibration. I love that the feedback from hitting the center of the sweetspot is No Vibration.

[@thanwamattioli8362]

Love for you to do the one hand backhand video!!!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Ok, ok if you insist...

[@oac001]

i've been playing with a vcore 98 since last summer but wanted something with a slightly higher swingweight so i've tested this, the radical mp, and the percept 97 but this was the clear winner for me out of those 3. now i need to figure out if i like a slightly heavier vcore 98 or a pure strike with some weight in the handle

[@dm0ney743]

Do you plan on reviewing the 100 16x19 I would like to hewr your thoughts because apparently the 100 16x20 isnt coming to Canada

[@alastairtheduke]

One thing about these high swing weight racquets, they can feel great in a hitting session. But if you're playing, 2, 3, 4 matches a day in a tournament. How is your stamina going to hold up?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

It can be tough, but as you get used to it your body should naturally adapt. I agree that too high is too high and everyone will have their cap on what swing weight they can handle.

[@medianera2008]

Luca, which string a tension do you recommend for Strike 16x19? Thanks.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think Babolat RPM Rough is a perfect string for this racket since it's so spin friendly. I've been thinking a lot about tension recently and might start adding recommendations in these videos, but don't go too low here. It's quite launchy so I think at least 50 pounds; I used my usual 53 and it was great.

[@edwardcohen5061]

Thanks for this video. I'm a 3.5 player (recently demoted to 3.0 from after a losing USTA year) and while it took me a few months of coaching, I switched to the 16x19 from a pure strike and I"m sold on this racket - it forced me to improve my strokes & footwork and now I wouldn't do without it.

[@edwardcohen5061]

I mean, switched from a Pure Drive...

[@lyndseyandandrew5771]

Experimenting with one now that came in under spec for static weight, and at least for now it's helped with the maneuverability. I'm a 4.0 / 5 utr so am definitely on the low end of the target audience for this but am really enjoying it so far. I generally have faster longer spinny swings.

[@FelipeLeniz-c9z]

Does this gen also cracks/breaks por no reason like the 3rd gen? I have 4 pure strike 3rd gen, all cracked in the "V"

[@MaxWeishan]

Hey Luca, hoping you see this since this video came out a bit ago… how does this compare to the Gravity Pro? Looking for a smidge more power than what the Gravity Pro has, while still maintaining a similar level of control… wondering if this has that blend? Love the content man, thanks for all that you do

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! It definitely has that blend but accomplishes it pretty differently. This is definitely a rocket launcher that can become a little uncontrollable whereas the Gravity is pure control with a bit of oomph because of the swing weight and head size.

[@albertoescobosa179]

Hi,supposedly they also have SWX Pure Feel (viscoelastic rubber on 3 and9 o'clock) for comfort !!?

[@benjaminjensen111]

They exchanged the rubber to flaks/flax fibres. Some plant fibers. Less dampening effect but more feel.

[@outcometechnology]

@Luca - Well done. If you do think of switching, I'd look for samples that are as low-spec as possible (I presume you have access to a swing weight machine, etc.).

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you, and I agree but I kind of like that hefty swing weight.

[@gcravedutti]

Hi, Luca… I love your videos, congrats! could you do a comparison between aero 98 and strike ? What kind of player do you think they are made for?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think the Aero 98 is made for an all-court player prioritizing spin while the Strike is more traditionally control focussed but still extremely powerful.

[@anthonydabaco8407]

Excellent review. Play with Gen3 and love it. I have no issue with feel and found paired with HyperG Soft at 48lbs the stick is on the money. No switch anytime soon, but good to know not miles apart from one model to next.🙂

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! Glad you're still enjoying yours - both are great sticks.

[@scottbrady4472]

Gen 4 is definitely an upgrade.

[@benjaminjensen111]

@@scottbrady4472 depends. If you need more swingweight. just add tungsten/lead tape to gen 3. if you need more control just tension strings higher at gen 3. dialing the racket is the magic.

[@JMag94]

What string setups have yall been using on this??

[@johnnacke4134]

Please test the PS 16x20

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

👀

[@rosyardy6243]

Hey, good review. I like, explain in detail. compare with previous generations. I want to ask, what strings do you use? Thank You.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! Those are Babolat RPM Rough 17.

[@adamgase8498]

What are the red strings?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Babolat RPM Rough 17 @ 53#.

[@TheJacasongs]

Percept 97 or Pure strike 98? Thank you and congratulations on the great work!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Both are great; if you want more power and spin go for the Strike and more control and feel go for the Percept!

[@espressodawn4000]

Off topic, but do you have any thoughts on rackets for doubles and is it a good idea to have a separate racket for doubles and singles?! I’m enjoying your reviews btw, it’s helping me understand the equipment a lot more!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you very much! I don't think it's ever a good idea to go away from one racket but something with a smaller head, great stability and more maneuverability is great for doubles.

[@Le-Chuck]

Hi Luca. Great review. Will you test the 100D ?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, I believe so!

[@Le-Chuck]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouver Cool 😄👍

[@rubinsingh4779]

How would you compare the control, ability to flatten out the shot and go for acute angles with a 2022 speed mp (weighed up to 325ishSW)? Great review BTW, this is one of the best tennis YT channels, and I hope you get more chances to review these rackets.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think the Strike still has it beat but the Speed is fantastic for a 100. And thank you so much!

[@dm0ney743]

Great review. What string were you using during the test?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Babolat RPM Rough 17 @ 53 pounds.

[@mustafamohamadhaidar966]

How is the the launch angel is it low or high

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Average to low.

[@bojack3827]

Every Babolat I've tried have turned into arm wreckers over time. Never again.

[@scottbrady4472]

The aero??

[@kevinngo2642]

Hi, Love your content and channel, Quick Question which cosmetics you love more ? the old one 2019 or the new 2024 ?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I like the new one, personally.

[@medianera2008]

Hi Luca, this one or Percept 97? What is your favourite racket? Which custumization for the Strike? (Leather, lead??) I struggle between these two rackets. ;-) Regards from germany!

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I think prefer the Percept because it has a little more control but it's very, very close and I'll have to do a full comparison soon. All I added to the Strike was a leather grip (no lead) but I took it off after an hour and preferred it in stock form.

[@kabibnurmagomedov197]

Which string u were using?

[@stuartlloyd-jones9583]

Have you got a v9 blade review coming? I have bought a couple of the 98sq inch cant play as I'm in Grande Prairie (no indoor courts), been using the v8 noir, which was considerably different in feel to the original green/ bronze variation. I've heard the NOIR is in fact the new v9 with greren colour way (conspiracy?) Have you had time to hit with it. Also looking at this babolat racket. The 100sq inch variant 18x20 I heard is amazing. Any thoughts?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, the Blade review will be out next week. I can't say anything about it but I'll try to discuss the difference in feel in as much detail as possible there.

[@fjctan]

Hope to see the v9 review out soon!

[@jorgetirado3201]

I'm guessing the Strike is more powerful than the Radical MP and for sure than the Percept

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes to both.

[@joelstads]

I'd be very interested in a comparison to the Percept 97!

[@WIRUNTHONGCHUMNUM]

Hello from Thailand, have been watching your reviews for a few months and luv them so much!! May I asked you that now I am using vcore 98 and luv it so much, but also I want another racket with the 98 inch then which one you would recommend (I am all-court player). Thanks😊

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you very much! The Strike is very different to the Vcore because it has a much higher stock swing weight. You could try the Ezone for a little more ease of use, or try the Pure Aero 98 for a similar modern player's spin racket.

[@bojack3827]

Not a fan of Babalots but this guy does do excellent informative reviews.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you!

[@chrisdenicola4336]

How did the 18-20 compare to the head speed pro 2024?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Two very different rackets; the Blade is much quicker through the air but the Speed is much more forgiving.

[@stephenruh2474]

What strings would you suggest for this one?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I really like Babolat RPM Rough.

[@zacattack5243]

How is this compared to something like the Boom Pro and Aero 98?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Very different to the Aero - that racket is much whippier and feels lighter but sort of similar to the Boom in that it has a lot of power for a control racket. It's worth a more detailed comparison in the future.

[@johnp1]

Good review. I hope the Pure Drive review is next.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! Which Pure Drive?

[@johnp1]

@@RacketsRunnersVancouverPD 100 and the new one PD 98. I'm debating whether to switch to PD 98 (probably designed for better control).

[@isaacrodriguez7474]

What’s the strings you have?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Babolat RPM Rough 17.

[@TheodorosKolokotronis799]

Keep up the good work mate. Great review. If only you could answer our questions on the comment section :P

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! Doing better at that is my New Years' resolution. So take that however you think it should be taken 😅

[@Nadu16]

Time to hit the weight room if you wanna switch to it! Great review !

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you! And agreed 😅

[@vendetta1340]

I liked the tour version. They dont updated

[@theyruinedyoutubeagain]

I can't believe they still don't have it for sale in the UK :/

[@crazySeafood]

May I request for a 18x20 pure strike review? And maybe compare it to the Wilson Blade 98 18x20? Thank you

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Yes, definitely something I would like to make.

[@MergeManny]

0:56 The backhand isn’t actually that bad! It’s just the way the left arm is taken back is slightly jarring…

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Haha thank you! Going to work on it...

[@bretts5571]

Looks nice, has a beefy 330 swing weight, should feel solid. I dont like that they made it tighter in the center

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

If they did make it tighter, it's honestly negligible.

[@jlparcerisa]

Project One Seven is still the Best Pure Strike ever

[@karannumber1]

I recently opened a tennis shop and have tried nearly all my demos. Nothing produces the output close to my Project One Seven. Only thing it lacks is feel.

[@josephm.6453]

​@@karannumber1 for novice players is it a thing where we can test rackets to see which one fits us well? Or we just go based on youtube and shop owners recommendations?

[@Hope4unow-7]

@@josephm.6453yes, demo rackets locally or from tennis warehouse if your looking for a new racquet.

[@OffTheFrameUK]

I agree…still on the hunt for something which gets close to it. Open to suggestions

[@oakmountaingod]

Love your content, man...

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Thank you!

[@DaviPimentel-v1n]

more power than ezone 98 ?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

More top end power yes, less easy depth.

[@tonyborean2808]

AO Predictions Luca?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Is water wet? Is the sky blue? Is the Gravity Pro the best racket? I'm not sure we need to ask questions for which we already have answers: Novak Djokovic.

[@03anish03]

Please compare it with Radical and Tfight ISO 305.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Good call!

[@raffaw3885]

review ezone aqua night black 98 please

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I'll look into it but not sure I want to review a racket that came out so long ago especially if the new one is coming out this year.

[@scoeroyal2768]

Alright Luka, we are awaiting the 18x20 review! lol

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I've spoken about it in a few videos but don't think I'll be doing a full review at this point.

[@ikasumi315]

New one is much softer than 2019. Good choice if you need more power than blade98.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Agreed!

[@vendetta1340]

Waiting for the 18x20

[@elchanclascocina]

I started playing tennis again in 2020 and the current model was already there, I waited more than a year for the update which never came 😂. Ended up with VCP HDs ✌️

[@willxiao4265]

Hi Luca!👋

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Hi 👋

[@ThomasThomas-cf2jp]

the RA is never 62! cannot believe that! the previous one had almost 70 in real

[@agradina]

babolat pure strike 100 16x20?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

We'll be getting that reviewed soon!

[@fretstain]

maybe its the nike shirt, but your forehand is giving me Musetti vibes

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

I've heard Rune and Rafa (😍) but Musetti is new.

[@fretstain]

I can totally see a bit of Rune - you should start imitating his takeback and see if people notice @@RacketsRunnersVancouver

[@CH-yp5by]

Its a shame the swing weight is so high, I really was hoping it would be a lot lower, I can see you did not show the specs on its balance but considering what you said it sounds like its 3 points headlight which is not good for people with a single handed backhand. Good racquets for a single handed backhand have a high head light balance, e.g. the Vcore 95 is 7 points, Ezone 98 is 6 and the Wilson Pro staff 97 is 9.

[@johnnacke4134]

Blade 16x19 vs PS 16x19 vs Ezone 98??? I’m a senior 4.0 singles player, one handed backhand… presently hitting with Shift 300…

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Definitely a good video idea. The most easy power you'll find on the Ezone, top-end power on the Strike and control on the Blade.

[@vendetta1340]

Compare with blade, radical, gravity, speed, vcore and ezone 98 hahahaha

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

😅 I'll get straight to it.

[@SaqibSheikh]

Great racket. Less often updates is much better. Shame they made it less stiff

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Don't worry it's still fairly stiff!

[@stephenscotney]

Regarding your One Hander: it looks better than the majority of rec level player's I have seen. So yes I would be interested in your opinion. Plus you never know, we might gain something from more from your lack of bias and or you might like the OHBH enough to switch 🙂

[@asantesamuel13]

Yeah it’s obviously better than an average rec player but he looks like he’s afraid of the ball when he hits it. Hangs his body back and doesn’t commit to the swing for some reason, it looks very awkward and it’s honestly hard for me to watch as someone with a OHBH. If he just kept moving forward and committed to the upswing and stayed stable, it would be a great swing.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Ok so we're almost there basically... LETS GO (just kidding)

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Believe me, my 2HBH is already bad enough that if I could have switched I would have but thank you! I'll get around to it in the next couple of months when there's a break in the releases.

[@eduver59]

Ese acto de este ex militar Acuña Davila , se con agravante por ser eso un militar, en el ejército se practica ese bárbaro acto ,como parte de su "formación", Matar a un perro que convive con ellos, de locura , todo el peso de la ley a ese psicópata

[@LL-kz1qe]

Thick beam and head heavy means slow serve motion.No thank you

[@MiracleAgeGKS]

Your 1BH is so sh*tty. 😂 But content is top notch.

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

😭 but thank you!

[@avfreakfreak]

Can't imagine Babolat launched a 62RA Pure Strike 98 🤣 Really 62RA ? 🧐 Pure Strike 97 more likely has this RA.

[@dylantorquerol]

first

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

4th

[@JohnHughes-f1f]

How does it compare to the Percept 100 in terms of power?

[@RacketsRunnersVancouver]

Significantly more.