Posted by The most powerful racquet in Babolat’s line! Endorsed by Fabio Fognini and one of the most used racquets worldwide
Today I will be reviewing the new Babolat Pure Drive, for now there’s only one model for sale (this one) and the rest will come early next year. So what is new with this editon? It’s updated with their HTR System that is supposed to increase torsional stability to provide even more power. Another technology is their SWX Pure Feel which is a thin rubber material placed between the carbon layers of the frame. Same as always we got the FSI Power technology which essentially spaces out the strings making it more open and generating more power and spin then your average racquet.
Racquet specs
- Head size: 100 in² or 645 cm²
- Length: 27 inches or 68.5 cm
- Weight unstrung: 300 g or 10.6 oz
- Weight strung: 318 g or 11.2 oz
- Balance: 320 mm
- Swingweight (strung): 320
- String Pattern: 16/19
- Beam Width: 23/26/23 mm
- Stiffness: 71 RA
- Power level: Medium (it’s a powerful frame)
- Strings: Babolat RPM Power blue at 51-52lbs
The Pure Drive is and has always been made for power and spin, suited for a modern style player or someone who needs extra pace on the ball. Even though I grew up playing with the 2012 and the 2015 version in lighter weight I have developed my game and this doesn’t suit me at all anymore. It’s a great frame for someone who does need more power and free spin like a kid or a beginner that just plays for fun. But if you do got a full long swing this will give way to much power in my opinion unless you manage to hit some crazy spin on it.
I managed to play with it but I felt uncomfortable not only due to the high stiffness but knowing the ball could just fly long (very long) whenever I didn’t generate enough topspin. Otherwise it played pretty great and it was a lot of fun sometimes to just rocket the ball to the other side with all this power. Serves worked good, I suggest hitting slice serves or kick serves since the ball could tend to just fly long sometimes. Volleys where really nice because with all this power and mass I could really hit some deep shots that where nearly impossible to return.
The racquet does have a higher launch angle so keep that in mind, I didn’t feel comfortable with the ball flying so high over the net and then dipping inside the court and I did not feel that I could flatten out my shots, only on very high bouncing balls.
If this is the type of racquet that your seeking then you won’t be disappointed. I does all that Babolat says, provides excellent power and spin but the I think the feel is still there compared to the Wilson Ultra that was completely disconnected. Great update and a future top seller in my opinion. Thanks for reading this and don’t forget to visit my Instagram and watch the entire video review on YouTube, bye!
Please comment if you do got any questions!
Tennisrally 