Babolat Pure Strike – Review
The Babolat Pure Strike line has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Many people believe that it is as close to perfect with a combination of power, spin, and control.
Does it live up to all the hype in actual play? While taking a look at the Babolat Pure Strike, this is a closer examination of how it plays. This line might just be the next option for people to try out if other options have not worked for them.
Before going into the review, here are our overall ratings.
First Impressions
As soon as a person picks up the Babolat Pure Strike, they notice that it is a bit thinner compared to the other two main Babolat racquets. This helps with control a bit, as the frame can dictate how the ball travels and the connection a person has with the racquet.
It also has a bit more of a closed string pattern, but not too much that a person can’t generate any spin. There is still plenty of spin potential with a racquet set up like this, especially when a person starts to hit around with it.
Groundstrokes
This is a racquet that seems like it was built for solid groundstrokes off of both wings right away. Players can have quite a bit of control as they would expect, and there is a lot of available power. After all, this is a Babolat racquet, so all of their options will be built for the modern game that involves a lot of power.
What makes this racquet a bit unique compared to the other Babolat options is that it is easier to flatten out shots if a person wants to. Players do not necessarily have to hit with a lot of spin, but there will be spin opportunities available if needed.
All in all, groundstrokes are probably the best part of this racquet overall. It feels softer than ever before with the newest version, and that is great news for people who thought that the racquet was a bit stiff in the past. Instead of dealing with arm problems, players can play a modern game without having to go through a lot of stress.
Serve
The racquet feels solid and steady when serving. Players can feel like they are getting a good amount of strength behind each serve, and it allows them to place the ball with pinpoint accuracy as well.
Accuracy is always huge, but players should have the ability to tap into both power and spin with a serve as well. This is one of the most versatile racquets on the market today, as players can hit just about any serve they want and have success.
The extra mass and swingweight of the racquet definitely helps with the serve as well. Players notice that they can really start to dial it in after a few trial runs. The racquet might feel a little different for people at first, but then they begin to realize that it is potent and built for solid, dependable serves.
Is it the most powerful or the one with the most spin potential? Most likely not, but think of it as a racquet that is above average in both. It is hard to find too many that offer that combination, which is why many people have fallen in love with how it performs when serving.
Volleys
Volleys with the Babolat Pure Strike are very good, especially when compared to the other Babolat racquets. There is more maneuverability and stability with this version than the previous two, as the third generation Babolat Pure Strike makes people more confident at the net.
If people like to get to the net as part of their strategy, or compete in doubles a lot, they will like how they can come in and get to the ball with confidence. There is an ability to put some power behind volleys when needed, but there is also outstanding control for touch opportunities.
The best way to put it is that when a person hits a volley with a Pure Strike, they never feel disconnected from the ball. It sits on the string bed a little longer, allowing people to make decisions with control. Sometimes it is not all about hitting powerful volleys, but putting them in the right place. This is exactly what makes this racquet stand out at that net.
Different Versions
With every new release in the Babolat Pure Strike line, there are more and more options popping out. This is good news, as it is slowly becoming a very popular racquet overall for those who want to hit with power and not have the ball go out all the time. This Pure Strike version is what most pro players uses.
One of the more interesting models available includes the 100 in.² version of the Babolat Pure Strike. Many wonder why this even exists, as both the Pure Aero and the Pure Drive already come in a standard 100 in.² version. With the Babolat Pure Strike 100, the beam is thinner, and control steps up a notch. It is fun to directly compare this racquet to the other two and see what feels best.
The Pure Strike comes in a pretty heavy option for those who are older and prefer the more retro type of feel with the racquet. Getting a good amount of mass behind each shot certainly helps some players depending on their style. It is one of the more amazing opportunities to hit with the tour version of this racquet, as it can really feel cumbersome compared to some of the others out there.
As more and more pros count on this racquet during their matches, it should come as no surprise that growing players are starting to want to give it a try as well. It helps to find a little bit more control overall, no matter how advanced or recreational a player is.
These are the specs for the standard Babolat Pure Strike.
| Babolat Pure Strike | Specs |
|---|---|
| Head Size | 98 sq. in |
| Length | 27 in |
| Weight (strung) | 11.3 oz / 320g |
| Balance | 4pts Head Light |
| Flex | 67 |
| String Pattern | 16×19 |
| Swingweight | 323 |
Final Recommendation
Initially thought of as the third most popular line from Babolat, it seems like the company is finally starting to embrace what the Pure Strike brings to the table. That is also because more and more shoppers are gravitating towards everything these racquets provide. This is a racquet that seems very versatile, and players love having the ability to get that extra bit of control overall.
There is a reason why many pro players plays with this racquet. Not only on the ATP Tour, but plenty of players on the WTA Tour also plays with the Babolat Pure Strike.
Anyone who is looking for something a little bit different and arm-friendly from Babolat should give this a try. It is definitely different from the Pure Aero and the Pure Drive, which might fit a person’s game well. A person does not have to give up their power and spin for the sake of control, which is why so many people are eager to demo the racquet at least and see how it performs. If you are interested, you can check the current price on Amazon here.
Check out my other Babolat racquet reviews:
