How do you decide between the new Pure Aero and Pure Strike?
Our Babolat Aero and Pure Strike demos just arrived from TennisPoint. We also tested the 16x19 Pure Strike - the other online companies still needed to get them in stock.
We took them out each out for a few hours and then played a practice set or two to compare.
Brief History
Note there is a 2019 model with a deeper red/black paint job for the Pure Strike, but readers will find most of the same similarities to the 2017 version reviewed below. Read the "Saving Money, Losing the Paintjob" section below*.
We took them out each out for a few hours and then played a practice set or two to compare.
Brief History
Note there is a 2019 model with a deeper red/black paint job for the Pure Strike, but readers will find most of the same similarities to the 2017 version reviewed below. Read the "Saving Money, Losing the Paintjob" section below*.
Even with the latest 2023+ models, you will see a heavy discount on the Pure Strike (gen 3) models in the Fall. After years of injuries with the top model Dominic Thiem, it has been hard for Babolat to find a new player to headline it.
With the Pure Aero, it seems that Carlos Alcaraz may take over the mantle even if Nadal gives it up. As a fan of all 3 players, it is hard to go wrong.
Video Review:
2016-2017 Babolat Aero vs Pure Strike: Summary of Playtest and Review
WTA Pro Bethan Mattek-Sands using Pure Drive 100 (Compared to her Pure Drive)
Video Review:
2016-2017 Babolat Aero vs Pure Strike: Summary of Playtest and Review
WTA Pro Bethan Mattek-Sands using Pure Drive 100 (Compared to her Pure Drive)
Note: in 2023, she explains why she switched to the Head Gravity model for more weight on her shot
Read our full review and comparison (Head vs Wilson vs Babolat).
Testing Setup:
Aero vs Strike Models
Both racquets are Mid-Plus in size (100 square inches with 4 points Head Light balance). Weights are 11.1 oz for the Pure Strike and 11.3 oz for the Pure Aero.
These Babolat Racquets are currently being endorsed by Rafael Nadal (green Pure Aero) and Dominic Thiem (white Pure Strike).
Babolat's Best Seller vs New Kid on the Block
The Pure Aero has been the #1 best seller for a long time. But what if you need a tad more control and slightly more maneuverable? Welcome to the new 2017-2018 Pure Strike.
Also known as Project One 7 - at the Rome Masters in 2017 it started being used by World's Top 10 Dominic Thiem.
- We received these with polyester strings and white Wilson Pro grips.
- Dampeners used were the Pete Sampras "O" (to maintain minimal weight to the frames).
- Strung at mid-tension @ ~55lbs with Babolat RPM Blast 16 gauge on both the mains and crosses.
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| Babolat Pure Aero vs Babolat Pure Strike Specs |
Both racquets are Mid-Plus in size (100 square inches with 4 points Head Light balance). Weights are 11.1 oz for the Pure Strike and 11.3 oz for the Pure Aero.
These Babolat Racquets are currently being endorsed by Rafael Nadal (green Pure Aero) and Dominic Thiem (white Pure Strike).
Babolat's Best Seller vs New Kid on the Block
The Pure Aero has been the #1 best seller for a long time. But what if you need a tad more control and slightly more maneuverable? Welcome to the new 2017-2018 Pure Strike.
Also known as Project One 7 - at the Rome Masters in 2017 it started being used by World's Top 10 Dominic Thiem.
Babolat Pure Strike
Babolat Pure Strike
Dominic Thiem's very aggressive and hyper-extended swing was designed for this racquet!
Really liked the spin/control and offers a decent defense when on the run. Shots such as the slice and squash forehand are easily accessible in dire moments. The low swing-weight really helps get the racquet around on wide shots.
The "Goldie Locks" Stick
Even hitting against hard, flat incoming shots - it can still return lots of arch/spin;
It definitely rewards Boldness and Aggressive racquet acceleration. Won a few practice sets easily 6-2 against 4.0-4.5 players using overwhelming shot "weight" - combo of spin and depth plus angles.
The main tactic was spreading the court with deep, heavy groundstrokes and coming in with angled approach shots, volleys, and put-away overheads.
Tennis Warehouse gave it very high marks for groundstrokes. Tennis Magazine gave the Pure Strike (98) the Best All-Around Racquet Award of Spring-Summer 2017.
Best Price on the Babolat Pure Strike 100 (on Amazon)
Rafael Nadal has switched to this model starting in 2016.
Seriously, what's with coloring all tennis products optic green?
Do we need to have tennis shirts, shorts, and now tennis racquets have to offer a color option in Tennis Ball GREEN for everything?!
Babolat's Aero Heritage
This is true to traditional Aero design like previous models. It is a very easy-to-swing racket. Aeros tend to be forgiving on many off-center shots with a large sweet spot.
It also provides much more spin potential and power, but slightly less control than the Pure Strike.
Your ball trajectory will be much loopier and more arch-shaped with the Aero, whereas the Strike, it tends to be slightly flatter using the same swing.
At Tennis-Bargains, we recommend you save a bit of money by not "upgrading" every year. Just like with Apple iPhones - do you think the iPhone 6 is that much better than the iPhone 5S? Probably not - see our comparison chart (left).
Rule of thumb for Upgrading:
If you are going from a racket that is more 3 generations older than the current one (5+ years), then consider demoing both the newest racket and *the one just before it*.
If you cannot tell the difference and all the tech specs are the same, then you need to decide is it really worth paying $200+.
Finding a Deal on Babolat (Rare!)
If I switched to a Babolat today, I would use the Babolat Pure Strike 100.
For reference, my preferred stick is the Head Speed MP (see below). I typically play as a baseliner counter-puncher with mostly singles and a bit of doubles at the 4.0-4.5 NTRP levels.
Not much has changed in 2 generations...maybe a slightly more dampened feel in the latest generation with the new "Touch Graphene" material.
The Head Speed model overall has more all-around positives for me because I'm a Head fan with the Radical and Instinct) Still a solid all-around racket...
Differences:
Head handle shapes are more oval, whereas Babolat has a very circular shape.
You'll see what I mean by looking at the bottom of the racquet butt cap.
Serve felt a tad underpowered; Returned heavy serves with ease. It contains and reflects power very well.
Transition mid-court Volleys were very silky smooth (felt the Babolat Woofer grommet system cupping the ball for great placement).
Transition mid-court Volleys were very silky smooth (felt the Babolat Woofer grommet system cupping the ball for great placement).
There is added power that comes along with the new FSI system that made the gaps between the strings near the corners a bit wider.
Its main weakness is when you are late on the swing or jammed without enough room to follow through, this racquet will tend to spray the ball out.
Its main weakness is when you are late on the swing or jammed without enough room to follow through, this racquet will tend to spray the ball out.
Tennis Magazine Review:
"Babolat is positioning the Pure Strike as a compromise between the Pure Drive and Pure Aero"
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| Tennis Magazine 2017 - Best All-Around Racquet |
Even hitting against hard, flat incoming shots - it can still return lots of arch/spin;
It definitely rewards Boldness and Aggressive racquet acceleration. Won a few practice sets easily 6-2 against 4.0-4.5 players using overwhelming shot "weight" - combo of spin and depth plus angles.
The main tactic was spreading the court with deep, heavy groundstrokes and coming in with angled approach shots, volleys, and put-away overheads.
Tennis Warehouse gave it very high marks for groundstrokes. Tennis Magazine gave the Pure Strike (98) the Best All-Around Racquet Award of Spring-Summer 2017.
Best Price on the Babolat Pure Strike 100 (on Amazon)
Babolat Pure Aero
Seriously, what's with coloring all tennis products optic green?
Do we need to have tennis shirts, shorts, and now tennis racquets have to offer a color option in Tennis Ball GREEN for everything?!
Babolat's Aero Heritage
This is true to traditional Aero design like previous models. It is a very easy-to-swing racket. Aeros tend to be forgiving on many off-center shots with a large sweet spot.
It also provides much more spin potential and power, but slightly less control than the Pure Strike.
Your ball trajectory will be much loopier and more arch-shaped with the Aero, whereas the Strike, it tends to be slightly flatter using the same swing.
Lives up to its tweener reputation: the racket for the masses!
Good choice for a wide skill range of 3.0-4.5's. It can let you stay on the baseline all day long. This is the best selling tennis racquet line for good reason.
Just like the Babolat Pure Drive, the Pure Aero also needs a long, fast swing to do it justice. Simply pushing or blocking the ball will not deliver its full potential and will often land balls high but short in the court.
Good choice for a wide skill range of 3.0-4.5's. It can let you stay on the baseline all day long. This is the best selling tennis racquet line for good reason.
Just like the Babolat Pure Drive, the Pure Aero also needs a long, fast swing to do it justice. Simply pushing or blocking the ball will not deliver its full potential and will often land balls high but short in the court.
I enjoyed whipping it around to create all sorts of angles and dips. Gets pushed around a bit against a hard and flat ball, though.
If you wish to get one with a bit more weight, try the Pure Aero "Tour" version.
Best Price on the Babolat Pure Aero (on Amazon)
If you wish to save a bit of money, see my youtube demo of the AeroPro (2013 model) which plays very similar.
Consider buying either version when it's on sale (below $219).
If you wish to get one with a bit more weight, try the Pure Aero "Tour" version.
Best Price on the Babolat Pure Aero (on Amazon)
AeroPro 2013 vs Pure Aero 2017: Saving Money, Losing the paint-job
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| 2013 AeroPro vs 2017 Pure Aero-Tech Specs |
Consider buying either version when it's on sale (below $219).
At Tennis-Bargains, we recommend you save a bit of money by not "upgrading" every year. Just like with Apple iPhones - do you think the iPhone 6 is that much better than the iPhone 5S? Probably not - see our comparison chart (left).
Rule of thumb for Upgrading:
If you are going from a racket that is more 3 generations older than the current one (5+ years), then consider demoing both the newest racket and *the one just before it*.
If you cannot tell the difference and all the tech specs are the same, then you need to decide is it really worth paying $200+.
Final Thoughts and Differences: Babolat 2017: Pure Strike and Pure Aero
Throat Shapes
The Aero has maintained its sharp "V" throat area. This helps with cutting through the air.
The Strike has a wider "U" box shape at the throat, which seems to help for off-center shots from torquing the frame.
The Aero has maintained its sharp "V" throat area. This helps with cutting through the air.
The Strike has a wider "U" box shape at the throat, which seems to help for off-center shots from torquing the frame.
Finding a Deal on Babolat (Rare!)
As for purchasing a racquet, I recommend demoing these rackets (and more so the Pure Strike) as it has more changes this year.
Midwest Sports offers a cool $20 off coupon with the demo if you buy from them.
Midwest Sports offers a cool $20 off coupon with the demo if you buy from them.
Also, Babolat typically has a Black Friday sale near the end of November! I will certainly be on the lookout for a deal myself.
Final Decision:
If I switched to a Babolat today, I would use the Babolat Pure Strike 100.For reference, my preferred stick is the Head Speed MP (see below). I typically play as a baseliner counter-puncher with mostly singles and a bit of doubles at the 4.0-4.5 NTRP levels.
For comparison: Head Speed Touch Graphene MP
I have owned the Head GrapheneSpeed MP for over a year now. It is very similar in specs if you look at the chart.Not much has changed in 2 generations...maybe a slightly more dampened feel in the latest generation with the new "Touch Graphene" material.
However, the polarized weight in the Tip and Handle is still apparent. Some players, such as myself, find the older generation of Liquidmetal frames more appealing.
The Head Speed model overall has more all-around positives for me because I'm a Head fan with the Radical and Instinct) Still a solid all-around racket...
Differences:
Head handle shapes are more oval, whereas Babolat has a very circular shape.
You'll see what I mean by looking at the bottom of the racquet butt cap.