pure aero tour swingweight

Babolat Pure Aero Tour

An amazing option to enhance the topspin on your groundstrokes.

String Pattern

The number of strings running horizontally and vertically across the racket. A more dense pattern (18×20) offers more stability, while a more open pattern (16×19) offers more spin, power, and feel.

Racket Weight

Generally, beginners should stick to lightweight or medium rackets (less than 11oz). More advanced players, however, should choose medium or heavy rackets (more than 11oz). (Learn more)

Swing Weight

Swing weight is a calculated by using the racket’s weight and balance. The greater the swing weight, the more power a player will get. (Learn more)

Balance means where most of the weight is centered in the racket. Head heavy rackets (HH) offer more power, while head light (HL) rackets offer more maneuverability. (Learn more)

These are some of the characteristics of the racket you should pay attention when deciding whether this is the right racket for you or not. If you not quite sure what they mean, you can just use the "What is this?" feature in order to learn more.

The head size of the racket influences how easy it is to play with it. A large head size (over 98) makes it easier to make contact with the shots but offers little maneuverability – which is great for beginners.

Racket Length

Most rackets range from 27 to 29 inches. Longer rackets offer more power and reach, but are more difficult to maneuver. 

These numbers reflect the beam width at the head, shoulder, and handle. A larger beam usually means more power, but less maneuverability.

Choosing the right strings and the right string tension is just as important as choosing the right racket. Some rackets play better with higher tensions, while others require a lower tension. 

We've played with hundreds of rackets, so we like to be pretty thorough with our reviews. We were also told that we make the best Youtube racket reviews (yes, mostly by our moms), but also by this guy and some other cool people.

Please feel free to reach out in case you have any questions related to this racket – we’ll be happy to answer them! In the meanwhile, here are some of the most commonly asked questions.

RACKET SUMMARY

Player reviews, other rackets.

Head Instinct MP

Head Pro Tour 2.0

Wilson Clash 100 Tour

Head Graphene 360+ Extreme Tour

Dunlop CX 200 Tour

Wilson Blade 98 v7

Yonex EZONE 98 Tour

Head Gravity MP

Head Extreme MP

Head Speed MP

Head Prestige MP

Babolat Pure Aero Tour Tennis Racket Review

It won’t be hard to recognize this racket on the market because it is the famous yellow and black striped Babolat frontrunner. Does Rafa come to mind for anyone? Maybe even Caroline Wozniacki? This racket has been dominating the game for quite some time regardless if you’re one of the big superstars mentioned above or you are just a local club player. 

This racket has something to offer everyone. It has the standard head frame size of 100 square inches and, likes some of the other Babolat rackets, an incredibly high stiffness rating. Its swing weight puts something behind the racket at 327 and incorporates some of Babolat’s new technology to counter the ball from flying to the next town. 

Here are the specs and dimensions of the Babolat Pure Aero Tour.

Table of Contents

Head Size: 100 square Inches

Length: 27 inches

Strung Weight: 335 grams

Balance: 6 points headlight 

Swingweight:  327

String Pattern: 16 Mains/19 Crosses

General Background

If you are looking for some serious mass behind the ball, then you have come to the right place. The Babolat Pure Aero tour comes in at a hefty weight of 335 grams. This puts some serious weight into your shots, but because of the lighter swing weight of 327 and a 6-point headlight construction, you won’t actually feel like the racket is weighing you down. 

This weight balance offers good maneuverability for the racket while also providing that stability that many players have felt they have been missing in some of their previous versions. The stiffness of the frame amps of the power, but the cortex technology gives the option to put heavy-weight topspin shots in the court each time. This brings the ball back and provides some peace of mind when hitting the ball. 

One thing we don’t always get into in the reviews is the return of serve. Today this is something we need to talk about in the serve section because of the way the racket performs. Let’s get into some of the specifics because there is a reason that everyone loves this racket. 

If you are the type of player that relies on big ball striking, then this could be the racket for you. The easy access to power comes from a stiff frame with a heavyweight. But most people don’t find this racket intimidating to control because the distribution of the weight allows for light maneuverability for the most part. This allows for wrist whipping tendencies and the ability to procreate some spin. 

Because of the stiffness, players also worry about the joint issues that could potentially come with the vibrations on contact and the racket’s weight. But it has a light swing weight making it feel easier than it really because it’s put mostly into the handle. And the mass behind the racket actually provides more stability and less vibration than a player would normally think this type of racket would have. 

If you are a dictator from the baseline and are looking to put away some really big forehands, this racket won’t have any issue in assisting you. It creates a very heavy ball on its own, and the right player will be able to control it and add to that benefit. 

This Babolat Pure Aero Tour has no problem with punch volleys and getting into position quickly because of the maneuverability. This is great for those who are already at the net and get the quick put-away volley. The racket’s stability due to the mass made it easy to feel like there was no push back from any big shots. 

Touch volleys, slice, and drop shot performed reasonably well with this racket as well. While it is not the best option out there, it is certainly not the worst. Players may have slight difficulty when trying to grab a volley stretched out or on the run if they don’t have soft hands themselves because of the access to power and less absorption in the string bed. 

It’s no surprise here that the racket absolutely dominates the serve. This is a powerhouse racket meaning it was made for aces and out serving your opponents. Something that was pleasantly surprising to users was also the access to spin-friendly serves like the kick and slice. Because of the mass that is created from the groundstrokes, they found similar results in the serve giving something extra to those who need it. 

Something that needs to be mentioned here is that maneuverability is the hardest when it comes to returning serve. Some users actually found the racket to be either too hard to get into position or too hard to control upon contact. This is not uncommon with heavier rackets because you’ll need something that absorbs a little more instead of cracking it right back. 

Final Thoughts

Babolat is always known for its power moves. This racket in itself is definitely a power move and can win points easily off the serve and from the baseline because of its amazing access to power and its spin-friendly setup. For those who don’t need any more help with power, this racket may be a little more difficult to control, especially when it comes to returns. But for those who need a boost behind the swing, this certainly will do it. 

• Durability: Babolat RPM Blast
• Playability: Babolat Xcel
• Hybrid: Babolat RPM Blast 17 - Xcel

While the racket can be traditionally said to be a baseliners racket, it doesn’t perform poorly for a doubles player or an all-court type of player. It can set up the point quite nicely from the back, and if you have decent enough hands, it will help you finish it from the front if that is what you are looking for.

Overall, this racket is popular among many players at all levels because it is fun to play with and easy on the joints. 

Related Posts

Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Review

The latest version of one of the game's most iconic rackets. how does the babolat pure aero 2023 play.

Babolat, the renowned French company, has gained recognition for its tennis rackets, which numerous professional players favour.

Among the elite athletes who have chosen Babolat racquets are Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Garbine Muguruza, and Fabio Fognini.

The brand has produced several rackets that have achieved significant success among players of all skill levels, but perhaps their most notable series is the Pure Aero which Rafael Nadal has wielded since the start of his career

In 2023, the Babolat introduced several refreshed Pure Aero models featuring innovative technology to deliver outstanding spin and power.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to test the latest Babolat Aero Pure 2023, and I’m excited to share my firsthand experience with you in the following review.

Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Cosmetics and Features

The new features of the Babolat Pure Aero are all based on it’s aerodynamic prowess. For the 2023 version of the Pure Aero, Babolat implemented a list of new technologies that make the racquet extremely attractive.

The integration of the new AEROMODULAR 3 technology aims to enhance aerodynamics with a frame that integrates bumpers and grommets, increasing racket head speed and generating more spin.

Moreover, the FSI Spin feature takes it further by slightly closing the string pattern for more control, but allowing for more significant string movement and optimal ball grip.

The SWX Pure Feel technology complements the design with its extended wrapping of the “SMAC” technology, effectively filtering vibrations to provide a comfortable feel upon impact.

The NF² – Tech adds natural flax fibres into the frame to ensure heightened sensations and optimal vibration reduction.

Before taking it to the court, it is impossible to ignore the notable shift in aesthetics, and the once recognisable banana yellow racket has been significantly transformed.

It now features yellow graphical elements, such as the name at its core, the dual side stripes, and the Babolat logo nestled within the oval.

These elements stand out against a grey, black, and white backdrop, creating a winter camouflage-like design.

This unique visual overhaul brings a fresh perspective to this classic racket, subtly altering its immediate recognisability.

Specification and Setup

My Pure Aero came in at 302.1g unstrung, close to the target of 300g, and once strung with Stringlab Hydrogen Devo, it weighed 320.6g.

Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Playtest

First Impressions

On the court, the Pure Aero DNA is immediately recognisable from the first contact with the ball: the available power is undeniably good, but the level of control is equally generous.

The balance between these two aspects provides a sensation of confidently hitting the ball and obtaining good support without the ball flying away. This encourages a decisive approach even with topspin shots.

The feeling is that this aggressiveness and determination to push (rather than merely rely on the opponent’s shot) is a precise demand for those who choose the Pure Aero.

The shot becomes heavy and fairly precise when hitting forcefully and covering the ball. However, when playing defensively, there is a risk of losing some depth in the shots.

Groundstrokes

When hitting groundstrokes, I could immediately sense the true essence of the Babolat Pure Aero when I took my first full swings with this latest version.

The familiar combination of power and spin was readily available. However, it was accompanied by a surprising control favoured by Babolat’s minor adjustment to the racquet’s string bed.

Even my most aggressive shots remained reliably consistent in direction and length, a characteristic often lacking in frames primarily focused on generating power.

Furthermore, as I mentioned in the “Design paragraph”, Babolat introduced their proprietary dampening technology, NF2-TECH, into this racket.

This innovative feature effectively counteracts vibrations and reduces some stiffness typically associated with the Pure Aero family of rackets.

Nonetheless, the 2023 Pure Aero remains a relatively stiff racquet which might raise concerns for those with sensitive and injury-prone arms.

Nevertheless, arm injuries could be prevented by paying extra attention to choosing a comfortable string and stringing tension to suit our needs.

Positively, stiffness translates into power, and my groundstrokes left the frame with fierce velocity.

Mainly on my forehand, I noticed that the power and weight I could transfer on the ball allowed me to maintain/regain control of the rally even from several meters behind the baseline.

Regarding volleying, the Pure Aero 2023 may stumble a bit.

As a lightweight racket with a reduced swing weight compared to its previous generation, it lacks some of the top-notch stability I value in heavier frames.

However, I cannot deny that the substantial beam and 100 square inch head size contribute to its commendable performance at the net, although not flawlessly.

It’s important to note that the Pure Aero consistently feels more manoeuvrable than other rackets in its specific category.

You might assume that the Aerodynamic throat design is merely a marketing trick, but rest assured, it is far from it.

In reality, it enables the racket to glide through the air at an accelerated pace, surpassing all other 300 grams racquets I have encountered.

This assists the racket in swiftly propelling through groundstrokes (as mentioned above) and enhances its manoeuvrability during net play.

In summary, while the stability concern bothered me slightly when countering swift shots, I discovered that the racket’s exceptional manoeuvrability made up for this flaw.

It enabled me to execute powerful shots during volleys and overheads effortlessly while consistently maintaining control and keeping the ball in play during intense rallies.

Regarding serving, the Pure Aero 2023 didn’t deliver an outstanding or disappointing performance.

If I were, to sum up its overall performance on serves, I would say that “it gets the job done” without exceeding expectations.

I could depend on the Pure Aero to execute quick slices consistently, and high kick serves.

Additionally, I noticed good accuracy and power when hitting flat serves.

In essence, the racquet was reliable and versatile during serving. Still, I could have achieved greater speed, height, and power with a different (potentially heavier) frame.

When returning, I quickly noticed that the Pure Aero’s large head and control-oriented string pattern were beneficial when I tried to redirect fast and powerful serves.

In my opinion, this racquet did not demand me to generate my own power while returning; instead, it proved to be a reliable companion, enabling me to effectively oppose and “ricochet” the ball back to the opposite side of the court.

On the other hand, when faced with slower serves, I experienced an enhanced ability to generate substantial speed and power.

This characteristic, combined with the racquet’s manoeuvrability, instilled confidence in me to execute aggressive returns, positioning my feet in front of the baseline. However, I sometimes encountered a slight challenge in consistently achieving desired depth with my shots, which I wished could have been easier to attain.

Who is This Racket For?

Executing precise serves and employing spin to dominate the rally, pressuring the opponent into errors or providing us with opportune shots to close out the point: this style of play finds perfect synergy with the Pure Aero 2023.

That is not to say that other styles, such as relying on a solid backhand or attacking the net, cannot be employed with this frame. However, alternative choices within the Babolat range are also worth considering for those who possess a natural inclination towards such techniques and gameplay.

Nevertheless, the racquet is suitable for players across all skill levels. While the high manoeuvrability and generous head size might imply that the Babolat Aero Pure caters more towards amateur to intermediate players, its performance has the potential to meet the demands of advanced and professional players as well.

• Great blend of power, spin and control
• Very manouverable
• User friendly and versatile for many playing styles
• None I can think of

Have you tried the latest version of the Babolat Pure Aero? Let me know in the comments.

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An Unfiltered Babolat Pure Aero 2019 Review & Playtest

We hope you love this article. Just so you know, TennisCompanion may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page to help keep this site running. Learn more .

By Jon Crim TennisCompanion

The Babolat Pure Aero 2019 is one of the most popular frames on the market, and our pick for one of the best tennis racquets in 2022 , which improves on nearly 15 years of innovation for the Pure Aero line.

Built for the game’s modern players, like Rafel Nadal, the racquet has broad appeal. It helps players maximize their spin and power, making it an excellent option and a worthy contender for a wide range of players.

Of course, no tennis racquet is perfect, and what works for one player rarely translates to the next. With that in mind, I’ve pulled together this in-depth review and playtest to share my experience as a point of reference to determine if it’s a good fit for you.

For reference, here’s my playtest equipment:

• Racquet: Babolat Pure Aero
• String: Babolat RPM Blast
• Overgrip: Babolat Pro Tour
• Ball Machine: Spinfire Pro 2
• Racquet Bag: Vessel Baseline

Keep reading for my take on this ultra-popular model.

Article Contents

Click below to jump to a section

Tap below to jump to a section

Video Overview

About the racquet.

Tech, Specs, & Players

Pure Aero Models

Review & playtest.

Summary & Takeaways

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Create a free account and explore my latest videos below

There’s a lot to consider when evaluating a tennis racquet like the Babolat Pure Aero. To help make it easier, I’ve created the following video review and playtest – sit back and enjoy.

I cover a lot of ground in the video, so below, I’ve included timestamps for the different sections for quick reference.

0:24: Intro

0:43: Spec Start 1:03: Length, Head Size, String Pattern 1:03: Weight 1:30: Balance 1:40: Stiffness 1:46: Swingweight

Technologies

2:01: Technologies Start 2:27: Aeromodular 3 2:48: Bumper Guard Note 3:06: Carbon Ply Stabilizer 3:13: Cortex Pure Feel 3:27: FSI Spin

3:47: Playtest Start 4:08: Playtest Notes 4:30: Groundstrokes 4:52: Volleys 5:35: Serves 6:13: Returns

Wrapping Up

6:35: Strings 7:15: Who It’s For 8:00: Closing Notes

Keep reading to explore the Babolat Pure Aero 2019 in greater detail as this guide serves as a great companion to the video.

Since it’s inception in 2003 and subsequent collaboration and adoption by Rafael Nadal in 2004, the Babolat Pure Aero has become one of the most popular and best-selling tennis racquets with a loyal following.

The Pure Aero 2019 is Babolat’s 7th generation, and although it has evolved quite a bit since the original frame, it maintains some of the key ingredients that made it so popular – namely, spin and power.

The racquet gets its name from its aerodynamic frame design, allowing the racquet to swing fast to generate maximum spin.

For reference, here’s a list of all seven variations of the tennis racquet that have released roughly every 2-3 years:

• Aeropro Drive 2004
• Aeropro Drive 2007-2008
• Aeropro Drive 2010-2012
• Aeropro Drive 2013
• Aeropro Drive French Open 2014
• Pure Aero 2016
• Pure Aero 2019

Babolat’s CEO, Eric Babolat, describes the start of their now-iconic frame:

“When we understood how strong he [Nadal] would be, we decided to build a new racquet completely adapted to his game. A racket that focuses on power and spin.”

Babolat Pure Aero 2019 vs. 2016

One of the big questions that often comes up for players is how the latest version of a frame differs from its predecessor.

Beyond the apparent change in the racquet’s paint job from electric lime green to the now commonly dubbed banana yellow, there have been a few minor tweaks to the racquet.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the specs that have changed:

On paper, the racquets haven’t changed all that much, and we can summarize the updates by saying it’s ever so slightly lighter and a bit less stiff to improve comfort and feel.

However, beyond the measurable specs, Babolat moved their Cortex Pure Feel technology from the bottom of the racquet’s shaft to the three and nine o’clock positions of the frame’s head.

Although they changed Cortex Pure Feel technology’s location, they did add new material or their Carbon Ply Stabilizer to the throat to help cut down on twisting for torsional stability.

They’ve also moved from Aeromodular 2 to 3 in the 2019 version with the update centered around a new bumper guard that does a better job of protecting the strings while also removing the short and long side string installation, which your stringer will appreciate.

Tech, Specs, & Players

Babolat integrates a handful of unique technologies into the Pure Aero’s frame, so let’s review them and the intention behind each feature.

First up, the racquets Aeromodular 3 frame design makes this line unique and one of the first things you notice when you pick up the racquet.

From the throat to the tip of the racquet’s head, you quickly get a sense for the aerodynamic considerations of the design. Down to the sleek profile of the grommets and bumper guard, which combine to help the racquet move through the air and swing fast for maximum spin.

Helpful Tip The bumper guard’s design is a nice improvement over the previous generation, which tended to wear quickly and expose the strings.

Integrated into the frame, you’ll also find Babolat’s Woofer technology , which enhances the response of the racquet’s strings to increase the size of the sweetspot, improve power, and reduce shock.

If you’re coming from a different racquet, perhaps the most unique part of this frame’s design is the throat, which is bulkier than most and has a unique feel in hand. I wouldn’t say it’s good or bad, just different.

Next up, the racquet features Carbon Ply Stabilizing technology in the throat to help prevent twisting and subsequently improve control.

At the three and nine o’clock positions of the racquet’s head, you’ll also find Babolat’s Cortex Pure Feel technology integrated into the graphite to help dampen vibration and improve feel, previously located in the shaft just above the handle.

Last but not least, the Pure Aero features Babolat’s FSI Spin technology, which combines an open string pattern with oblong shaped grommets at the six and twelve o’clock positions of the head for enhancing string movement and maximizing spin.

Whether you’re buying a new frame or on the hunt for your first racquet, the specs can be a useful point of comparison.

Here’s a look at the specs for this frame.

The racquet has a mid-plus head size of 100 square inches that works well for a wide range of players along with a standard length of 27 inches that will be familiar to most.

* Note: Babolat has a +/- 7 g tolerance for the Pure Aero, which means the racquet you buy may be up to 7 grams lighter or heavier.

As for its weight , 11.2 ounces is also middle of the road and quite manageable for a variety of players. Along with a balance at 4 points headlight and swingweight of 324, the racquet is maneuverable and easy enough to swing while remaining relatively stable on contact.

Lastly, the stiffness rating of 67 helps deliver power and falls in a range that may lack comfort for players who have arm injuries, especially when paired with a less comfortable polyester tennis string.

Players Endorsing

Although Rafael Nadal single-handedly made this frame one of the best-selling, he’s not the only one endorsing the racquet.

As you review the list, keep in mind that an endorsement doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your favorite player is using that exact frame.

For example, Rafa still uses the original Aeropro Drive, but it’s painted to look like the most current frame. Of course, you can’t buy new racquets of the original version, but they’re available to top players and referred to in the industry as pro stock.

Logically, it makes sense. It can take a player a while to adjust to a new tennis racquet, so unless there’s a strategic reason to change, you won’t typically find players changing frequently. Plus, some of the top pros are under contract, limiting their flexibility in some scenarios.

Furthermore, if a player uses the exact model off the shelf, there’s a high likelihood that they’ve customized their racquet to best align with their style of play and preferences. Of course, that doesn’t diminish the efficacy of the current model, but it’s good to be aware as a consumer.

With that said, here’s a list of men and women who endorse it.

Please note, these can change frequently, so if you notice any that are out of date or new players using the frame, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below so we can update our list.

The Pure Aero family is one of three core racquet lines from Babolat, the others being Pure Drive and Pure Strike.

Within the Pure Aero family, six tennis racquets deliver similar playing characteristics but are offer variation to suit a broader range of players. Except for one, all of them feature identical paint jobs apart from the name printed on the frame.

If you’re interested in Pure Aero, it’s good to be aware of the various models available and the differences between each because you may be a great candidate for one of them.

Below are the different models under the Pure Aero family with brief notes on the differences between them. Keep in mind that as the weight or length of the racquet changes from one model to the next, specs like balance, swingweight, and stiffness will also change.

The Pure Aero is the flagship model for this line of tennis racquets and, hence, the bestselling or most popular. It’s helpful to use this model as the baseline for comparing the rest, so I’ll do just that.

My review and playtest is of this model.

Pure Aero Plus

This model offers an extended length of a half-inch or 1.27 centimeters and is excellent for players who want a bit more acceleration, or racquet head sped from their racquet. Of course, the added length does make the racquet slightly more challenging to swing.

As a result, the racquet weighs a few grams more. The balance point shifts slightly more headlight, it also has a bit higher of a swingweight, and ends up with a stiffness rating one point higher.

Pure Aero Team

The Pure Aero Team is 0.6 ounces or 17 grams lighter than the Pure Aero. As a result, it’s a bit less stable, but it’s easier to swing to help players who need a lighter option achieve greater racquet head speed necessary for spin and pace.

Pure Aero Lite

If you need an even lighter option than the Team, then the Pure Aero Lite might be the right fit. It’s a full ounce or 32 grams lighter than the Pure Aero and 0.5 ounces or 17 grams lighter than the Team.

This option is great for younger children and teens moving from a 26-inch racquet like the Babolat Pure Aero Junior model to a full-size racquet.

Pure Aero Tour

Opposite the Team, the Tour is 0.6 ounces or 17 grams heavier than the Pure Aero, which means the racquet is a bit more stable, but it becomes slightly more challenging to handle and swing due to the extra weight.

Intermediate to advanced players often appreciates a bit of extra weight in their racquets and the stability that comes with it because it makes it easier to handle their opponents’ pace.

Pure Aero VS

Players looking for a more control-centric version of the Pure Aero might find what they’re looking for in the VS, which offers a smaller head size, tighter string pattern, and thinner beam in comparison.

What About the Babolat Boost Aero?

You might stumble upon the Boost Aero on your hunt to learn more about the Babolat Pure Aero, which has a lower price point.

In essence, the Boost Aero is a lightweight and inexpensive tennis racquet that doesn’t offer many of the same higher-end technologies and features but is an excellent beginner frame for those who are learning how to play tennis and don’t want to spend too much money.

Now that you know about the technologies and specs behind the racquet let’s jump into my playtest and review.

As a point of reference for this playtest, here are some notes you might find useful when considering my thoughts and opinions.

Here’s a snapshot of my ratings. You can find more detailed notes for how I came up with my scores in the following sections.

Groundstrokes

If I had to pick one area where Pure Aero shines and comes to life, hands down, it would be groundstrokes.

Whether I was hitting forehands or backhands, I love the racquet’s crisp feel, generous sweet spot, and the satisfying pop you hear when striking the ball thanks to Baboat’s Coretext Pure Feel positioned at three and nine o’clock within the frame.

With its 4pt head light balance, the racquet swings fast, but it also has enough weight to maintain stability through contact.

Power comes relatively easily, but it’s not overbearing and aligns well with the topspin centric features of the frame, allowing me to swing fast with confidence that the ball will drop back into the court.

For players with a semi-western or western forehand grip, the result is a heavy ball that bites when it hits the court, especially when paired with a polyester string like Babolat’s RPM Blast .

If your game doesn’t rely as heavily on topspin or you make use of an eastern forehand grip, I wouldn’t be surprised if you found it somewhat challenging to keep your shots under control.

The racquet’s spin-friendly feature set is also apparent when hitting slice, which may take some getting used to as that extra spin can translate to balls that tend to sail a bit long, especially if you’re coming from a lower-powered racquet with a tighter string pattern .

Of course, if you’re attempting to flatten out the ball, then your accuracy has to be on point to prevent it from sailing long.

Up at the net , I found the frame to handle well with excellent maneuverability. At the same time, I’d consider volleys where the racquet offers its weakest performance, and you’ll find an incentive to get to the ball early.

If you’re connecting with a volley above the height of the net, the racquet can help deliver a firm and convincing putaway. However, the Pure Aero demands extra soft hands and gentle touch to prevent the ball from getting away from you and reign in the racquet’s power.

Although from the back of the court, I thought the racquet’s weight was sufficient, there were times where I’d prefer a bit extra in the upper hoop of the racquet’s head for volleys. A small tweak here would help absorb pace and improve stability, so that’s an area of customization you might want to experiment with to dial things in a bit.

To be clear, it isn’t a poor performer up at the net, but it’s also not the best, and as far as different shots go, it’s not where the racquet shines. There’s just a bit of tradeoff you’re making here.

For serving, I thought the Pure Aero was excellent and where the power of the racquet is on full display.

On flat serves, the racquet has no problem delivering exceptional pace without trying too hard. Also, despite the Pure Aero’s spin-friendly setup, it’s easy enough to keep the ball flat for a penetrating serve.

When hitting slice serves, you get to take advantage of the racquet’s added spin potential, which makes for a great serve out wide, and an effective body serve to catch your opponent off balance.

However, my favorite type of serve for the racquet is the kick serve and where I see the most pronounced difference.

During every kick serve, I could sense the grip of the strings on the ball, which helped with a high clearance over the net and subsequent dive and leap of the ball as it strikes the ground. The result is an increase in confidence and reliability on serve.

Although I enjoy the Pure Aero on serve, your arm will tend to pay for it if you miss the sweet spot. I noticed this on a few flat serves, and the resulting shock and vibration are immediately apparent.

Luckily, that’s not a regular occurrence, but it does shine a light on the frame’s overall lower comfort level, one of the most common complaints associated with this line of racquets.

Last but not least, when it comes to returns, the Pure Aero performs well. Everything I love about the racquet when hitting groundstrokes translated well to this stroke, and it has plenty of maneuverability to get the racquet back quickly.

The additional margin of error on my returns from the racquet’s added spin potential is a nice bonus, especially when stepping into a lighter second serve for a more commanding start to a point.

Although I think the racquet’s stability when fielding returns is stable, there are some cases where a bigger serve can cause the racquet to get pushed around a bit. With that in mind, some players might benefit from adding a small amount of weight to the frame.

Summary & Takeaways

Overall, the Babolat Pure Aero is an excellent frame that delivers controllable power and helps players maximize their spin potential.

It’s specs, including a 100 square inch head size, 16 x 19 string pattern, and manageable strung weight of 11.2oz or 318g also make the racquet approachable for a wide range of players and skill levels.

Here’s a look at some of the racquet’s upsides and downsides.

*There’s a caveat here. Depending on the type of grip you use and your style of play, there are likely to be differing opinions.

I use a semi-western forehand grip and play with lots of topspin and find the combination delivers plenty of control, but that won’t be true for everyone.

There’s no doubt that the frame performs best with a lower power spin-friendly polyester string like RPM Blast, and the type of string I’d recommend for use with this racquet.

If you like what the racquet has to offer, but you’re looking for a slightly more gentle string setup, then a polyester and multifilament hybrid is a nice combination – I’d recommend the poly in the mains for durability and to maintain that strings characteristics as a priority.

On the note of durability, you should expect to require regular restringing for two reasons.

First, the racquet design characteristics that enable more significant string movement will lead to increased sawing of the strings and, subsequently, more string breaks. I strung at 16 gauge, and wear comes quickly, so players may need to consider bumping up to a lower string guag e if that becomes problematic.

Second, even if you don’t break your strings, if you’re playing with polyester, you’ll want to keep your strings fresh to avoid the harsher feel that can start to materialize in this frame with a dead set of polys.

Bottom Line

If you prefer to hang out on the baseline and trade heavy groundstrokes, but still demand reliable performance from other areas of the court, then the Babolat Pure Aero is an excellent option.

However, if you don’t rely on heavy topspin or you’re an all-court player that spends as much time up as net as you do at the baseline, you may want to look elsewhere.

If you suffer from ongoing discomfort in your arm or have experienced tennis elbow in the past and that’s a concern, then I’d avoid this racquet. I haven’t experienced any issues, but it’s worth considering.

Hopefully, you found my review and playtest of the Babolat Pure Are to further your understanding of how the racquet performs and the type of player that would be an ideal fit.

Although I recognize it’s not always possible, I’d encourage players to demo the racquet and form their own opinions with my experience as a point of context for things to consider and keep in mind.

If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience with this racquet, please feel free to drop a comment below.

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• Tennis Equipment

Best string / recommendations for Pure Aero VS

• Thread starter brentzki
• Start date May 10, 2022

• May 10, 2022

Hello! Looking to buy a pair of matched Pure Aero VS sticks in the next couple of weeks. Demo'd the racket and absolutely loved it. However seemed like the tennis store who provided the demo had strung it with Tour Bite 16L, which was way too stiff of a poly for my liking in it. Was fine for an hour hit, but for a longer session (2-3hr) I can see something that stiff creating a little bit of soreness after. What's everyone go to string for this? I usually string around 52lbs in my Speed MP's. Will look to string to around probably 52-54lbs full poly bed in the VS. Currently thinking of Hyper G 16, maybe Hyper G soft or RPM Blast. All at either 16 or 16L. Something with nice control and pocketing given the quite open string spacing.  

AverageForehand

My son is using ALU Soft 125 @ 48lbs and loving it.  

AverageForehand said: My son is using ALU Soft 125 @ 48lbs and loving it. Click to expand...

It definitely drops but levels off and the 16x20 helps with the control when it’s a bit looser. If he doesn’t break it, we cut it out after 10hrs regardless.  

• May 11, 2022

Hyper g 16L or Tour Hex 1.23.  

Professional

old but good kirschbaum pro line 2  

Injured Again

Hall of fame.

brentzki said: Hello! Looking to buy a pair of matched Pure Aero VS sticks in the next couple of weeks. Demo'd the racket and absolutely loved it. However seemed like the tennis store who provided the demo had strung it with Tour Bite 16L, which was way too stiff of a poly for my liking in it. Was fine for an hour hit, but for a longer session (2-3hr) I can see something that stiff creating a little bit of soreness after. What's everyone go to string for this? I usually string around 52lbs in my Speed MP's. Will look to string to around probably 52-54lbs full poly bed in the VS. Currently thinking of Hyper G 16, maybe Hyper G soft or RPM Blast. All at either 16 or 16L. Something with nice control and pocketing given the quite open string spacing. Click to expand...

• May 12, 2022

I like tour bite but it is getting too stiff.  

Tbh I found hyper g 16l too launchy on this frame , maybe hyper g 16?  

brentzki said: However seemed like the tennis store who provided the demo had strung it with Tour Bite 16L, Click to expand...

I love hyper g but didn’t have control with it on aero vs…. It felt low powered too. It played great with RPM Team. But it seems to be a very string sensitive racquet. I would like to try it with Lynx Tour.  

DJTaurus said: I love hyper g but didn’t have control with it on aero vs…. It felt low powered too. It played great with RPM Team. But it seems to be a very string sensitive racquet. I would like to try it with Lynx Tour. Click to expand...

yessir said: What gauge have you been using? (Hyper g) Click to expand...

HeavyHitter

I highly recommend using 1.30mm poly strings for this frame, at least for the mains. Don't use soft poly 1.25mm in this frame, it'll actually feel harsh, as the strings stretch too much past its ideal elasticity. String spacing is very open on this frame.  

• May 13, 2022

DJTaurus said: 1.25 Click to expand...

yessir said: Its too launchy on me , I find Tour Hex much much better. Probably gonna sell my reels. Eisai ellinas? Click to expand...

DJTaurus said: Nai. I am using 4G and Lynx tour. Click to expand...

• May 17, 2022

yessir said: I will try today hyper g 1.30 23kg. Otherwise I like Tour Hex 1.23 very much besides the launch angle which is somewhat high , not hyper g 1.25 high but still high. If not I ve got Tour Status(1.25 and 1.30) and T1 Black Knight(1.23 and 1.28) coming. Side note : Maybe I should go 25 kg with Tour Hex to lower the launch angle more , I am at 24kg right now. 4G should be nice , Lynx Tour is nice too but it isnt as spin friendly compared to hyper g , tour hex etc. Click to expand...

The racquet should give you ample spin and power, so you need more of a control string. Then you can string lower for greater comfort and a tad more power. I'd say a round poly at 50lbs, maybe thicker guage if you're a string breaker. Multi-sided shaped string would be ok too, but I'd skip the square ones.  

Tbh I am getting super bored in finding the perfect string for this retarted racquet. Might as well go with the Speed Pro Tour Hex 1.23 where I can send the ball wherever i want.  

• May 18, 2022

@yessir - Is it like '21 VC95 level picky? Probably a similar combo of open spacing, narrow-ish beam, hollow-core layup and an attempt at spin grommets in a control frame that make it that way... How about Tour Sniper at upper 40's / 50-ish tension?  

• May 21, 2022

I hit with this racket a few times with tight multi and a few times with loose poly. Complete opposite ends of the spectrum, completely opposite problems. I loved the easy power / spin of the loose poly, but the launch was completely out of whack. The racket itself maintained consistency of contact, but the launch angle was completely insane. With the tight multi, the racket completely lost its identity as a beefy spinner with some semblance of drive and control... and it turned into a plowy, weak line drive racket. I can't decide how to split the difference and get a ferocious spin machine but still hit the stupid ball forward instead of diagonal up into the tarp.  

• Jun 15, 2022

HeavyHitter said: I highly recommend using 1.30mm poly strings for this frame, at least for the mains. Don't use soft poly 1.25mm in this frame, it'll actually feel harsh, as the strings stretch too much past its ideal elasticity. String spacing is very open on this frame. Click to expand...

JEDI MASTER

• Jun 20, 2022

i use Confidential 16L 1.25 at 48# on both my PAVS's  

• Jun 21, 2022

Grapplesnake Tour Sniper @52lb. With 4g lead at 12 and the same amount of putty on the butt cap et voila!!  

• Jun 22, 2022
• Jun 23, 2022
• Jun 28, 2022

Rob209 said: I’m just trying the Lynx Tour in it now. Quite like it, especially the orange. However, definitely getting a slight grumble of elbow pain that I don’t get with other polys in the PAVS. Click to expand...

Don't be afraid to try higher tensions with 1.30 poly, you'll be surprised to find that it'll play more comfortably. The comfort level is about the same as my previous Ezone tour if you figure out the right string/tension. I'm currently using rpm blast 1.30 at 25kg(hot summer). Also testing head hawk touch 1.30 at 26kg and yonex strike 1.30 at 27kg. These 3 different string at diff tensions comes out with same string bed DT a day after. I found that with 1.25mm strings, it felt very harsh on my arm if I strung it below 25kg, I was getting up into 28kg which shrinks the sweetspot so started to test 1.30 and now it feels very nice. I was using yonex strike/ptp 1.25mm in my ezone tour at 24kg for reference.  

• Jan 7, 2023

I bought the PAVS with RPM Blast 16 @50/52. Great spin, depth, attack/speed, accuracy, but almost immediate pain in my arm and the string died out fast, like 6 hours which has never happened to me. Next I used X-One-Biphase with 4G @53/51 . Good feel, much softer than the RPM and more comfort/pocketing. Much less spin, more of a long arc on the ball, and not so easy to hit flat returns (too much energy perhaps), and the accuracy fell off due to the springy-ness of the string bed. Volleys were tough.. My thinking is stiff racquet+energetic string=bouncy string bed and thus lots of pace but lower accuracy. The X-One broke within 8 hours, which is honestly the first time I have ever broken a string in over 3 years of play. Now I am onto the Technifibre Ice Code 17 at 48/46 with the tension brought down to help my arm heal up from strain in the forearm which seems customary to Babolat, but also developed due to poor technique in attempting to impart more spin to the ball. Ice Code plays stiff, but still has considerable pocketing; when hit correctly it is nearly as sweet as my Ultra Tour 2.0, a surprise for a stiff racquet. The strings are stiff, as in they feel "icy" or crisp on contact, but not firm or unyielding like 4G, they also refuse to eat into eachother or create dents on eachother after maybe 20hours or so of play. Spin is there, not at RPM Blast levels, but with good technique there is enough to shape the ball. Volleys are crisp and flat and despite the pocketing feature of the string bed it is possible to hit dead balls, flat balls, change up pace. I would definitely use Ice Code again and have come to appreciate it's crisp icy feeling more than 4G. Plus it looks great in that flat white on the PAVS. As mentioned I am easily beyond 20 hours of play and the tension has held up and no loss of elasticity or dead feeling (or sound). I should note that for arm pain I added the Babolat O-ring dampener (without the beads in the center) when I moved to this string. Next I hope to try Black Widow either full bed or crossed with 4S.  

Aestheticsaboveallelse

yessir said: Tbh I am getting super bored in finding the perfect string for this retarted racquet. Might as well go with the Speed Pro Tour Hex 1.23 where I can send the ball wherever i want. Click to expand...

I currently have Signum Hextreme 1.25mm on mains at 55 and Kirschbaum Max Power 1.25mm on crosses at 53. Feeling decent. I got 4g of lead between 10 and 2 and 1g at 3 and 1g at 9. Gamma leather grip with overgrip.  

• Jul 25, 2023

Up this thread because I bought a Aero VS second hand. Strung it up with my go-to Poly Tour Pro yellow 1.25 at 24kg. I love how the racquet feels on impact. Very solid. But holy **** the launch angle is quite high. I have a hard time controlling it. My normal racquet is the Pure Strike VS, which is way more predictable with the exact same setup. I play full western. Any suggestions for a more controlled setup. I have a pack of Technifiber Razor soft, maybe that would work?  

musicsoul said: Up this thread because I bought a Aero VS second hand. Strung it up with my go-to Poly Tour Pro yellow 1.25 at 24kg. I love how the racquet feels on impact. Very solid. But holy **** the launch angle is quite high. I have a hard time controlling it. My normal racquet is the Pure Strike VS, which is way more predictable with the exact same setup. I play full western. Any suggestions for a more controlled setup. I have a pack of Technifiber Razor soft, maybe that would work? Click to expand...

Aestheticsaboveallelse said: How did you get razor soft when its a preorder until July 31st? Or is it just different gauges that are releasing the 31st and one already released? Click to expand...

Still using full bed of 1.30mm BHS7T in mine.  

• Jul 26, 2023

pico said: Still using full bed of 1.30mm BHS7T in mine. Click to expand...

finalfantasy7

• Jul 27, 2023

Try Restring zero 123mm  

• Jul 28, 2023

A string that surprised me in this racquet is MSV Focus Hex Soft. I tried the 1.25mm gauge in a full bed at 55lbs and it played real nice! I will try BHS7T 1.30mm mains and MSV in the crosses in my other PAVS to see how that feels.  

• Aug 4, 2023

I just had my backup PAVS strung with a free set of Volkl Cyclone 16g black at 51lbs and I'm really liking this setup. I typically use hyper g but this might become my new go to.  

• Jan 18, 2024

I am starting to like a poly/multi hybrid more now in my PAVS. I started with Lynx Tour 1.25mm in mains and Velocity 1.25mm in crosses at 52lbs. I find this setup gives me what I was looking for - more power, a lower and more consistent launch and less spin.  

itischanandlerbong

• Feb 4, 2024

Tweener said: I just had my backup PAVS strung with a free set of Volkl Cyclone 16g black at 51lbs and I'm really liking this setup. I typically use hyper g but this might become my new go to. Click to expand...

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Babolat Pure Aero 2023 Review: A User-Friendly Update 2024

Champing at the bit for the new Babolat Pure Aero 2023 review? Well, we finally got our hands on the Babolat Pure Aero 2023, and we’ve got some big news for you!

You cannot watch pro tennis or visit your local club without seeing Babolat’s distinctive yellow and black Pure Aero frame. Pros like Felix Auger-Aliassime and Carlos Alcaraz, along with weekend warriors alike rely on this iconic model.

Without delay we took the 7th iteration of Babolat’s Pure Aero to the court, eager to see if Babolat could improve on such a versatile and well-loved racket.

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Babolat Pure Aero 2023: User-Friendly Update for 2024

This review gives a solid overview of the Pure Aero 2023, but we all know there’s more to the story than meets the eye (or baseline, for that matter).

So, let’s grab our virtual racquets and get down to business – is this the perfect weapon for your game?

Comfort and Control: No Longer Mutually Exclusive

The review mentions Babolat’s focus on comfort and control, which were sometimes sticking points with earlier Pure Aeros. The new dampening tech and denser string pattern aim to change that. This means you can unleash powerful shots with confidence, all while giving your arm a break.

Baseline Beasts or All-Court Aces? You Decide

The review highlights testing across different styles, and that’s what truly matters! Can the Pure Aero 2023 handle aggressive baseline play from the back of the court and still be a great fit for players who like to mix things up and cover more ground? Performing well in both scenarios makes it a truly versatile option.

Modern Player’s Dream Machine? Buckle Up!

The review suggests the Pure Aero 2023 caters to the “modern tennis game.” Think a blend of power, spin, and control, with a touch of forgiveness for those slightly off-center hits. It’s ideal for players who want an all-around weapon that delivers on all fronts without sacrificing feel.

Strong Players Take Note: Customization Awaits

The article mentions the Pure Aero being a “blank canvas” for strong players. This refers to the ability to customize it with different string types and tensions. For example, a softer string at a lower tension can make the racket even more comfortable.

Not Feeling the Vibe? Here’s Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere

The review suggests that traditionalists might not be the biggest fans of the Pure Aero 2023. This could be because they prefer a more classic feel or crave even more control-oriented rackets.

Final Takeaway: String Selection Matters

The final point on string choice is key! Choosing the right string for your needs can make a big difference. Opting for a softer polyester string at a lower tension can address the racket’s natural stiffness and make it even more comfortable.

Read on, as we take you through the nitty-gritty details. So you can make an informed decision.

Quick Notes on the Babolat Pure Aero 2023

How do you improve upon one of the most popular and versatile rackets out there? That was Babolat’s challenge and our mission was to assess if the French manufacturers met the brief. 

On paper the tweaks were fascinating – the implementation of a new dampening technology and the decision to use a denser string pattern promised to address two weaknesses that have previously plagued the Pure Aero line.

Namely a slight reputation for lacking comfort, and limited control (but hey, you’ve got incredible spin and power, so you’re never going to get quite the same level of control.)

We took the 2023 model to our nearest practice court in double-quick time, determined to not just have a hit, but to experiment with different playing styles to test the all-round capabilities of this frame. Could it suit baseline bombers and all-court players alike? Our test would find out.

We adopted a wide variety of playing styles to assess if the new Pure Aero could handle:

Groundstrokes

Read on to see what we thought of Babolat’s latest weapon, and if you are considering a racket change of your own, please try our hugely popular custom racket fitting service – who knows, the new Babolat Pure Aero could be the key to improving your game!

(Check out our complete guide to previous Babolat Pure Aero frames here ).

9 out of 10

Previous versions of the Babolat Pure Aero have been famous for supplying huge amounts of spin and while this iteration retains the spin-centric 16×19 string-bed, Babolat reduced the string spacing to create a denser pattern.

This encourages enhanced control and improved feel (if you’re after a control-oriented racket, then check out our guide to the best control rackets ). 

In our hitting sessions, we could feel that this was a true Babolat Pure Aero in our first full cuts with this latest version.

The familiar hallmarks of power and spin were immediately on tap. But we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of control a small tweak to the string bed created.

Our hardest swings were reassuringly dependable in terms of direction and length, a quality lacked by frames focused on providing power.       

And speaking of feel, Babolat has also introduced a proprietary dampening technology to this frame. ‘NF2-TECH’ helps counteract vibration and mitigates some of the stiffness that is synonymous with the Pure Aero family of rackets.

This does not mean the 2023 Pure Aero is plush though. The unstrung stiffness rating (RA) of 69 is a red flag to anyone with sensitive arms but after a little experimentation, we found that RPM Blast worked nicely when the tension was dialed down to 48lbs.

Positively, stiffness translates into power and our groundstrokes left the 100sq inch frame with fierce velocity. At the same time, the aforementioned denser string pattern retained enough control to make this the most versatile of weapons – in short, you can hit out with confidence! 

Many rackets focus on one specific selling point, but we found the blend of raw power and control allows the player to dictate what sort of game they wish to play.

Whether you elect for a ‘high octane’ brand of tennis or decide upon a more strategic approach, the Pure Aero adapts with ease. We purposefully mixed up our session and used a variety of styles to try and expose a weakness in the new Pure Aero but this stick handled grunt and grace without fuss. 

7 out of 10

100sq inch frames are not necessarily ideal for volleying. Many players favor smaller, more maneuverable frames for net play. However, while the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 may not suit ‘serve and volley’ purists, it is no slouch around the net. And besides, this is not a racket made for a traditional game style, this is every inch a modern weapon for today’s game. 

Around the net, we found that the denser string-bed and NF2-TECH dampening added an extra dimension to things. Control with heightened feel is always a bonus when volleying, and when called upon, we found that the Pure Aero handled business at the net with enough authority to disguise its large footprint. 

For a stiff frame that emphasizes power we were pleased to see our volleys leave the racket with some degree of predictability. Okay, some of our attempts to drop the ball dead with soft hands did not quite come off, but we could at least rely upon the Pure Aero to be consistent if not nuanced when volleying.  

At 300-grams and with a swing weight of 315g (strung) this racket moves rapidly through the air. Factor in a combination of stiffness with Pure Aero’s spin potential and we have a rocket launcher in our hands.

For first serves, our session was littered with a glut of flat bombs and kickers that fizz (if you’re not getting the kick you want, then we’ve got the perfect guide for you ). And when we needed control upon crucial second serves, Babolat Pure Aero 2023’s identity morphs on a dime.

This racket really has a Jekyll and Hyde feel to it, and serving lets you tap into whichever side you fancy. Plus, if you feel that this frame is too light for maintaining complete control, a little lead tape can make a significant difference.

A small amount placed at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions can be transformative and the Bros will undoubtedly play around with minor modifications to squeeze a little more juice from an already potent weapon.

8.5 out of 10

Against powerful servers we found the 100sq inch head and control-based string pattern loved to redirect pace. This is not a frame that asks the player to supply their own power so it was often enough to allow the racket and ball to ‘collide’ against a crushed serve. We had ample confidence in the Pure Aero’s forgiveness and control to keep us in the point.

Conversely, when faced with slower serves the Pure Aero begs to be unleashed. This frame specializes in spin with power and as we found out, if you are feeling strong this frame feasts upon second serves.

In the stock-form we tested you get a package that is playable for most, but again, a little lead-tape could unlock an extra gear for stronger players who maybe feel that the lightness of the Babolat Pure Aero 2023 inhibits control. 

Babolat Pure Aero 23 Overall Score

As you can tell we are big fans of the Pure Aero and before a ball was hit we loved the looks alone. Babolat’s new cosmetics are dynamic without being a distraction and the gloss finish adds a nice touch of class. 

On court things get really interesting as Babolat has clearly invested time and effort into improving this version of a modern classic, a difference the Bros could genuinely feel. 

Rather than just produce a cookie-cutter frame with new cosmetics, Babolat has successfully tempered some of the harshness associated with previous iterations of the Pure Aero, making it more user-friendly.

To widen the appeal even further, the move to a dense string pattern ups the control and thus the versatility. 

This racket may not suit traditionalists, but it will please millions of players who play a modern tennis game. Players who seek a complimentary blend of power, spin, forgiveness, and feel. For stronger players, it is a blank canvas that can easily be customized

Ultimately, Babolat gets things very right with the 2023 Pure Aero, just be careful when choosing your string/tension. 

We recommend a poly at a slightly lighter tension to help counter some of the Pure Aero’s natural stiffness. And, if you need help with choosing your next string we have you covered .   

Is this the right racket for your game? Discover your "Excalibur"!

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Jan 4, 2024 • Babolat Pure Strike

Babolat Pure Strike Tour 3rd Gen Tennis Racket Review

A Powerful and Precise Weapon for Advanced Players Babolat's Pure Strike is one of our favorite racket families, celebrated for delivering exceptional control and the potential to unleash tremendous power. During our playtest, we experienced firsthand how this racket is tailor-made for advanced players with aggressive, full swings who want…

Nov 7, 2023 • Babolat Pure Aero

Babolat Pure Aero 98 (2023) Review

Looking for a high-performance tennis racket that will take your game to the next level? The Babolat Pure Aero 98 (2023) might just be the answer. In this review, we'll dive into the features and benefits of this popular tennis racket, helping you make an informed decision before your next…

Best Racket / String Combos Right Now

The offering in the racket market is constantly extending, and while we are of course always looking for new releases, you also need the right strings in those rackets. Some are rather string sensitive, others work well with a variety, but there are some combinations that work especially well. Here are some of the top picks right now when it comes to combining the right racket with the right string.

Most of these racquets and strings can be found at Tennis Warehouse (USA) , Tennis Warehouse Europe or Tennis Only (AU) .

Babolat Pure Aero x Babolat RPM Blast

Before we go into this, I will do a short disclaimer. Not all these options are to be played by players with a sensitive elbow, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t work especially well. The Babolat Pure Aero is one example of that – it is definitely a stiff racket, but it works best when paired with a firm, spin-friendly poly like RPM Blast. Both the 100 and the 98 version of this frame shine when they can produce the best amount of spin, which the famous Babolat string can deliver. And I am sure that, during the testing phase, the Babolat product teams used this string to play with those extensively.

Granted, not everyone is Carlos Alcaraz and can get away with playing these at a high tension and fast racket head speed, but they deliver. If you want to ease the stringbed a little bit, you could go for a multi or soft poly in the crosses, but if you want to experience the full Babolat Aero feeling, go for some RPM Blast in this.

Wilson Blade x Luxilon Alu Power / Element hybrid

I thought about the best Wilson setup and of course, the first thing in my mind was Champion’s choice with the Pro Staff. But as nice as this plays, it is a very difficult to use frame and will not work for most average players. One setup that will work for a lot of players and offers a great variety of possibilities is the Alu Power / Element hybrid in both the v8 and v9 Blade . It compliments the control and stiffness of the classic Alu Power with comfort and power from the excellent soft poly that Luxilon Element is.

If you want to add a little bit of spin , you can always go for Alu Power Rough in the mains as well. Only downside here – it is expensive compared to other setups, as are most strings by Luxilon. But the performance by this combination is worth the extra price, and this setup in particular is even arm friendly.

Head Gravity Pro x Head Lynx Tour

This might be the most personal choice on my list, but I really do love and actively play that combination in most of my league matches. The Gravity Pro , both in the 2019 and 2023 versions, is a pin-point precision racket with a forgiving 100 square inch head size, a mix that you don’t get very often. The HEAD Lynx Tour is a tour level string, which doesn’t offer a lot for free neither, but has a decent amount of spin, a ton of control and a great reactive power level. So, if you are confident to swing the Gravity fast enough to generate your own power, this combination is a very good one.

Pros like Andrey Rublev even play with this setup and can keep their ball in play, so you should be aware that you might need to string this a tad lower to keep it lively enough. You don’t need to worry as much about your arm, as the Gravity Pro with its 20mm beam offers a soft and plush response, with the Auxetic version dampening even more. Another adjustment possible would be to have Lynx in the crosses, which would give a bit softer response and power as well. But in either case, this racket-string combination works really well, and I am eager to try this one on the new Gravity Tour 98 soon!

Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 ISO x Tecnifibre Razor Code Soft

This last one is a tour player favorite but still one that is not very much seen in local clubs. The Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 , endorsed by Medvedev , Griekspoor and Bublik amongst others, is a phenomenal racket with a unique 18×19 pattern and quite head heavy balance. It’s hefty swingweight and tight pattern put it pretty close to the pro version and make it hard to use at times, requiring the player to swing fully and get a bit of help. This bit of help can be offered by one of Tecnifibre’s newer string offerings, the Razor Code Soft . It retains the control and spin production of the classic Razor Code, but is just a tad softer, similar to the Tour Bite Soft maybe.

This combination gets precision, spin and power from a frame that can be easily used in high level play without further customization. The clean white design of the frame allows for a bit of variance in the color of the strings, so you might want to go for the lime strings if you like. Just one disclaimer – even though it is called soft, this string is not a classic soft poly and will not solve your arm problems if you have them.

Is there any combination we missed and you like a lot?

Simon Zeitler

Simon is a true tennis fan that writes about the ATP and WTA tour as well as interesting tennis gear.

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Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour Racquet Review

• Maneuverable
• Easy to hit spin
• Lacks some plow through
• Some instability

To create the Pure Aero VS Tour Babolat reached into the archives, took a popular racquet and gave it a fresh new look. The result is a racquet that continues where the Aero Storm franchise left off -- a spin friendly, control-oriented option for the modern player. This heavier version is built on the Aero Storm Tour mold, and is a great option for intermediate and advanced players seeking stability, spin and precision. The Aero Modular beam throat helps produce speed and power, while the traditional box beam shaped head boosts control and feel. Our playtesters took to the courts to see what this racquet could do for their games. Some were instantly reminded of the former Aero Storm Tour. Everyone appreciated the spin and control they gained from the baseline with this racquet, but some of our players wanted more power off the ground. It was clear from the start that the Pure Aero VS Tour was a volleying machine, and all of the playtesters were hitting their volleys with depth and precision. When serving, our team yearned for the power they're accustomed to getting with some of their favorite Babolat racquets, but everyone agreed that the precision and spin were ideal for hitting second serves. All in all, while this Pure Aero VS Tour didn't pair perfectly for everyone on our playtest team, it is a great option for big swinging players who look to their racquet for some additional spin and control.

Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour Scores

Groundstrokes - score: 83.

The Pure Aero VS Tour's specs -- 98 square inch head size, 16x20 string pattern and a swingweight well into the high 320s -- appealed to our playtesting squad. Chris compared this racquet to his Babolat Pure Drive, saying, "I liked that I could swing aggressively through the ball and not have to worry about overhitting. However, I also missed the forgiving response of my Pure Drive and its easy power. I felt like I was getting good spin with the Pure Aero VS Tour mostly because it encouraged faster swings due to its lower powered response. When I compared my spin numbers on our PlaySight Smart Court I discovered my forehand spin was very comparable to what I get with my Pure Drive Plus. I think the added racquet head speed I needed to hit with the same pace and depth helped me generate similar spin. I had good feel and touch on my slice. My slice backhand was my favorite shot with this racquet. I felt like I could drive it, float it, drop it short, go down the line or slice an angle at will. My forehand felt a tad flatter, but I still had a lot of control."

Michelle hoped the Pure Aero VS Tour would complement her game, but unfortunately, her flatter, powerful groundstrokes didn't line up as well as she expected. She explained, "When a racquet has the name Tour in it I hope that it will be a pretty beefy, heavy swinging racquet. This racquet lacked a lot of plow through. I was fine if I tried to be consistent, but when I stepped up my swing speed the racquet came through super fast and didn't feel solid enough at impact. It felt like the racquet lost the collision with the ball when I tried to add power, which also made it feel unstable. When I was stepping up to put balls away the Pure Aero VS Tour was erratic. Something about this racquet irritated my tendons in my wrist and hand. I'm not sure if it was the weight, which I doubt since it is nearly 12 oz, or the composition of the racquet or the stability issues I experienced. I wanted to add weight to the head of the racquet because it didn't have enough plow through. I didn't feel connected to the ball, and I didn't feel effective when I tried to take the offensive. I'm being picky, but this racquet would be better suited to a player with fast, whippy strokes rather than my flatter, elongated swing."

Troy thought the Pure Aero VS Tour swung lighter and faster than the weight and swingweight would indicate. He offered, "This racquet had a whippier feel than the Babolat Pure Aero Tour, which has a nearly identical weight and swingweight. This was likely due to the thinner beam construction in the hoop of this racquet. Because of the string pattern (16x20) the Pure Aero VS Tour provided exceptional access to topspin. The control I got on my groundstrokes was good, but not quite up to par with the Wilson Blade 98 (18x20). I could hit my groundstrokes with heavy topspin and consistently get good depth. I didn't enjoy the response as much when I tried to hit flatter groundstrokes: I didn't feel connected to the ball and found this racquet slightly unstable compared to the racquets I typically play with. When I was hitting slice backhands the Pure Aero VS Tour gripped the ball well enough to give me ample backspin, although I would have like a bit more stable feel on contact. The Pure Aero VS Tour was also slightly jarring on my arm."

Mark loved the Aero Storm Tour, so he was pretty excited to have the chance to swing the new Pure Aero VS Tour. He said, "I currently play with the Pure Aero Tour, and I have been favoring 16x20 string patterns lately because of the effect their square shaped spacing has on my swing style. No doubt, this racquet had me enamored from the baseline. Within my skill set, there wasn't much I couldn't do from the backcourt when swinging the VS Tour. Its more forgiving hoop and denser string pattern gave me better control and produced a tighter rotation on the ball than my Pure Aero Tour. Instead of just hoping, I was looking forward to changing the direction on the ball with the Pure Aero VS Tour, and hitting my targets with pace and depth was not an issue."

Volleys - Score: 83

Maneuverable and solid, the Pure Aero VS Tour was also precise and predictable when it came to volleys. Troy felt comfortable placing the ball anywhere on the court. He said, "I got good depth when I needed to volley deep, although the power wasn't quite there compared to the Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph. I had decent touch when I needed to hit a drop volley, but I craved the feel of the scalpel-like racquets I typically keep in my bag. The biggest downside for me was the stiffness of the racquet. It created a jarring feel when I contacted the ball just outside the sweetspot. Compared to the Volkl V-Sense 10 325g racquet that I recently playtested, this Pure Aero VS Tour was just a bit too firm for my liking. I strung it with a full-set of co-poly strings at 50 lbs and was getting some discomfort in my wrist after practicing volleys."

"The Pure Aero VS Tour was easy to get into position, and then it made it easy for me to hit my targets," said Michelle . "The sweetspot felt a little small and erratic, though. It had a noticeably low powered response, but all in all, it did the job up at net."

Mark was equally effective at the net as he was from the baseline. He said, "I like the overall weight and balance of the Pure Aero VS Tour, and the Pure Aero VS Tour's combination of a forgiving layup of graphite in the hoop and denser string pattern produced a predictable flight off the stringbed. I felt confident volleying, and I knew where the ball was going almost every time I hit it."

Chris also liked the feel of this racquet at net. He added, "The Pure Aero VS Tour felt solid, yet it also felt head light and maneuverable. I enjoyed the solid feel on punch volleys. Again, this is a lower powered racquet, and that gave me lots of confidence to really go after my volleys. I also liked the solid sounding 'thwack' I got on my overheads. I felt very dialed in when it came to touch shots. The low powered response made it very easy to bleed pace off the ball. With a soft grip on the handle I was able to hit drop volleys and angles that died quickly."

Serves - Score: 84

Since it carries the Pure Aero name, our playtesters had high expectations from the Pure Aero VS Tour when it came to serves. Chris was worried that he would miss the power of his Pure Drive Plus, but he served better than he expected. He explained, "I think this racquet's heavier weight helped me most on serves. I felt like I was getting enough pace on the ball, and I was very pleased with my accuracy. I couldn't get my spin serves to move around as much off the bounce as I can with my regular racquet, but otherwise I was pleased."

Troy found good consistency when serving. He said, "I generated easy spin on kick and slice serves. The maneuverability made it easy for me to snap my wrist to get extra spin on my serves when needed. I found enough control on my flat first serves to locate my targets with good consistency. My only knock was that I would have liked a bit more power on my serves. I think a little bit of tungsten tape at the tip of the frame would create the power I crave. Overall, I'm content with how I served with this racquet, especially since I'm not typically blowing my opponents away with power."

"By the end of this playtest the Pure Aero VS Tour from Babolat became my favorite racquet to serve with!" exclaimed Mark . "It provided me with plenty of plow through, and I always felt connected to the ball."

"This racquet worked just fine for me on my serve," said Michelle . "I never found massive amounts of power, but the control helped me be pretty precise. I pinpointed targets and got good movement on my serves. I hit some of my fastest serves with the Pure Aero, but I had quite a different experience with the Pure Aero VS Tour. Unfortunately for me, the lack of power was detrimental to my game. While I still hit some great T-serves on the ad side and body serves off both sides, I wanted more power on my first serves to get the point started."

Returns - Score: 81

The head light balance gave the Pure Aero VS Tour a fast feel while the stringbed put a tight grip on the ball. This combination gave our team a lot of potential for success with their returns. Feeling like he could take a good crack at the ball when given the chance, Chris had fun returning with this racquet. He explained, "The controlled response helped me keep my shots on target. I was happy with both my topspin and slice backhand returns. I liked the grip and drive I found when slicing my returns, and it was easy to get the racquet through contact on my topspin shots. There was also enough mass in the racquet for good stability. The stringbed felt firm and controlled while still offering up enough feel and comfort."

Michelle continued to hold this racquet to high standards. She critiqued, "The Pure Aero VS Tour just didn't provide anything earth shattering for my returns. I could attack, but I never had enough behind my ball to be really offensive. Both plow through and stability were missing for me. I wanted more mass in the head, which is something I would add if I were to consider this racquet. I felt disconnected form the ball, and I lost a bit of confidence in my returns with this racquet."

The fast feel of this racquet allowed Troy to be aggressive on returns. He said, "Anytime the server left the ball in my strike zone I generated easy racquet head speed and returned the ball deep in my opponent's court. If I was stretched out and off balance the Pure Aero VS Tour was maneuverable enough for me to flick my wrist and get a defensive return to land in. The downside for me was when I had to block a return back or hit a slice return; I didn't get the plow through I typically look for in a racquet. With racquets like the Wilson Six.One 95 or the Wilson RF97 Autograph I'm able to utilize the plow through to create easy depth with a short swing. With this racquet my block and chip returns were not getting the easy depth I wanted. In addition to the lack of plow through, the stiffness caused some arm discomfort. There wasn't the plush and smooth feel I get with the Volkl V-Sense 10 325g, which I have been playing with as of late."

While Mark's return off the forehand wing was nothing to marvel at, he found his slice backhand return was complemented greatly by the Pure Aero VS Tour.

Overall - Score: 82

Chris - "I liked the control and solid feel."

Michelle - "I found the Pure Aero VS Tour easier to adjust to with my flatter game than the Pure Aero. It's quick and easy to swing, with lots of spin potential because of the fast feel and grippy stringbed."

Troy - "For a racquet with a 98 square inch head size and 16x20 string pattern, the Pure Aero VS Tour provided loads of spin. I found a good blend of control and maneuverability."

Mark - "I liked most every aspect of this racquet! One thing I noticed about the 16x19 string pattern of my Pure Aero Tour, and other similar patterns, is that when the tension begins to drop on a full bed of polyester string the ball will jump off the stringbed in an unpredictable manner. At that point I cut them out, if they are not already broken. With the 16x20 pattern I actually like it when the poly begins to drop its tension, so I get better performance and durability out of a single string set."

Chris - "The Pure Aero VS Tour doesn't have enough power to tempt me away from my Pure Drive Plus."

Michelle - "I found the Pure Aero VS Tour uncomfortable (which doesn't normally happen to me). Also, I was hoping for more plow through and more mass in the head. This racquet is great for whippy strokes, but not my flatter, longer strokes."

Troy - "The stiffness jarred my arm, especially when I didn't have enough racquet-head speed to mask it. A little more weight at the tip of the frame would help with overall power and possibly help provide a plusher feel."

Mark - "It was a bit of a head scratcher when Babolat decided to phase out the Aero Storm Tour, so I'm happy to see it back. The only complaint I have is that the Pure Aero family of racquets all have very similar paint schemes, and I have a hard time distinguishing one Pure Aero from another."

Comparing the racquet to others they've tried, our testers said:

Chris - "If you liked the old Aero Storm racquets you'll feel right at home with the Pure Aero VS racquets. Compared to current offerings from competing brands, I'd put the Pure Aero VS Tour up against the Dunlop Precision 98 Tour and Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro. All offer a low powered response from the stringbed, which encourages the player to take a healthy swing at the ball."

Michelle - "I'd put the Pure Aero VS Tour in the same category as the most recent Graphene XT Prestige Pro. However, the Prestige Pro seemed to offer me enough put-away power to dictate and end points."

Troy - "There is definitely similar performance between this Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour and the old Babolat Aero Storm Tour. I found the Babolat Aero Storm Tour to have a more dampened feel, while the Pure Aero VS Tour has a stiffer, more crisp feel. The weight and balance reminded me of the Head Graphene XT Prestige Pro, although I preferred the Prestige Pro overall."

Mark - "At a hair under the 12 oz threshold of strung weight, and with its distinctive hybrid frame design, I have to say that the Pure Aero VS Tour sort of stands alone. That said, there are a few frames with similar specs: the Volkl V-Sense 10 325g, the Super G 10 320g, the Wilson Burn 95 (Nishikori's frame), the FST Burn 95, the Pro Kennex Ki 5 (320) and Q5 (315), and the Head XT Graphene Prestige Pro."

(Scores are determined by averaging individual play test scores)

Playtester Profiles

Chris: 5.0 all-court player currently using the Babolat Pure Drive Plus. Chris uses a full-western forehand grip, has a fast swing style and hits a one-handed backhand.

Michelle: Open level baseline player with a semi-western forehand and a two handed backhand. She currently plays with the Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph.

Troy: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a full Western Forehand and a two-handed backhand. Troy currently plays with a Wilson Blade 98 18x20.

Mark: 5.0 lefty all-court player with a one-handed backhand. He currently plays with the Babolat Pure Aero Tour.

Review date: January 2017. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us. All content copyright 2017 Tennis Warehouse.

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