babolat aero tour review

Racket Review: Babolat Pure Aero Tour

With a reputation for manufacturing rock solid frames, The Babolat Pure Aero Tour lands towards the heavier end of the advanced racket spectrum and because of that it packs quite a punch.

This 315g beast – the frame’s unstrung weight – and its fairly generous 100-square-inch racket face (for bats aimed at the more talented end of the market) means generating power will never be a problem.

In fact, that’s exactly what the testers found, but generally that seemed to be more of a negative than a positive. While this packed a punch, both Adam and Elliot felt its power at times was too hot to handle, with Adam describing it as “unpredictable”. Our testers loved the look though. “Very cool,” they agreed.

Babolat Pure Aero Tour – voted  Best for Power in the 2016 tennishead advanced racket awards

First-strike tennis has become a key element of dominating rallies in this era, so players who compete regularly need the equipment to help them do that. The Pure Aero Tour certainly delivers in that area, but be sure to retain an element of control along the way. 

www.babolat.co.uk

If you are looking for a racket aimed at club players, make sure you read the 2016 intermediate racket reviews in tennishead  Volume 7 Issue 3 . For more in-depth gear reviews, great features, and stunning images  subscribe to tennishead  today .  ´è_´è_´è_

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About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.

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

If there was anything lacking in Babolat’s AeroPro Drive racquet line in previous years, it was the existence of a heavy weight model for advanced players. With the entire line being overhauled and renamed the Pure Aero, Babolat has remedied this problem with the introduction of the Pure Aero Tour. Boasting new advancements like AeroModular2 shaft design for improved aerodynamics, FSI Spin tech for more power and spin off the string bed and integrated Cortex for better feel; this model packs impressive offensive firepower in the same spin friendly, fast package the line is known for. I took the racquet to the court recently and here is how I felt it performed.

Groundstrokes The Pure Aero Tour is an offensive player’s dream on groundstrokes. The 100 inch head size offers a generous sweet spot and the FSI string pattern helped ensure that all areas of the string bed had plenty of power. The 23/26/23 mm beam and firm construction also ensured I had power on tap for both forehands and backhands. The nearly 12 oz strung weight and swing weight of around 330 gave the frame incredible depth and weight of shot. There was so much power, that I actually had trouble reining it in at times. The racquet was strung with a soft multi and I found that especially on backhands, I really had to adjust my swing in order to keep the ball in the court. The frame definitely lends itself to a low power string set up in order to swing with confidence. The extra mass allowed me to make easy work of short balls and the frame had little trouble flattening balls out. As has always been the case with this line, spin generation was very easy. The head light balance made for easy acceleration through contact, increasing spin and pace. I created plenty of margin on both sides and could use the net clearance to reset points and defend as needed. The extra weight also provided some welcome stability against big hitters that I had never found with the standard models previously.

Volleys & Serves The Pure Aero Tour played more comfortably at net than previous versions of this frame. The added weight and inherent power made extremely work of high volleys and floaters. I was able to drive the ball through the court at will. Maneuverability was extremely high thanks to the headlight balance and I was always able to keep the racquet in position during quick exchanges. The improved feel of this version gave me better capability on touch and drop volleys but I still did not feel all the way comfortable executing those shots. The extra weight added much needed stability on defensive volleys and allowed me to be much more effective at fighting off shots close to my body.

Players can expect to find a wealth of free points when serving with the Pure Aero Tour. The easy acceleration and extra mass combined for massive pace on flat serves. I again had a bit of trouble dialing them in but I attributed this to the softer string. As I got more comfortable, I was able to hit absolute bombs both out wide and down the T. This also spoke to the high degree of directional accuracy this frame had. Not only was I serving with power, but I was utilizing the entire box to keep opponents off balance. The fast feel and enhanced spin from the FSI pattern also combined to produce devastating spin on serve. I was hitting huge kick serves that launched out of my opponents strike zone and slices the slid way out wide, dragging them off court. The Tour version had the most serving versatility I have seen out of this family of racquet from Babolat.

Feel/Comfort For me, feel was one of the most improved areas of this update to the Pure Aero version. The move to an integrated Cortex system greatly improved the response and feel on contact. Make no mistake, this is still a very stiff frame, but it no longer punished my arm the way old models had. I also found it to be a bit better at executing touch shots, though it still lacks the pocketing a more flexible frame can offer. The racquet played with a very uniform feel and response, with no additional jarring outside the center of the string bed. Players with sensitive arms should still take precaution to choose their strings wisely in order to limit potential issues.

Overall Advanced players who have yearned for the Aero line to have more stability and plow through have had their requests answered with the introduction of the Pure Aero Tour. It blends ball crushing power and spin with incredible stability and improved all court capabilities. The racquet retains its impressive maneuverability and speed while adding the mass necessary for advanced players to dominate points even more impressively.

Copyright 2024 . Tennis Express ©

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Babolat Pure Aero – Review

As the racquet made famous by Rafael Nadal , there are definitely high expectations around the Babolat Pure Aero with each new release. Many believe that it is one of the best modern racquets in the game, and players at all levels have had success with it.

Is it truly a well-rounded option that players of all levels can enjoy? With an extended playtest, this is a closer look at the Babolat Pure Aero and everything it brings to the table .

Before going into the review, here are our overall ratings.

First Impressions

The racquet feels very much like one of the best modern options that a person could find . This company has spent a lot of time and energy and getting into the tennis racquet game, and many consider this to be the flagship option.

Every single iteration comes with something new, but the focus will always be mostly on doing what it does best. That means hitting with a good amount of pace and plenty of spin.

The racquet feels a little hollow and even cheap when players first pick it up. However, they do make some heavier versions for people who need that extra power, and there is always the option of adding lead tape if necessary as well.

Most people enjoy the comfort level that comes with a pretty light racquet, and once they start to hit with it, it performs just as solid as many of the others out there.

Groundstrokes

Players do not have to necessarily hit like Rafael Nadal to get the same type of benefits off the ground . This is a racquet that produces a lot of spin and pace, and a huge sweet spot definitely helps out considerably. Players who naturally hit a pretty heavy ball will love the extra benefit of swinging with this racquet, but there is a way to flatten things out as well.

One little bit of a change is how the cortex in the Babolat Pure Aero racquet has moved around the head. Located at 3 and 9 o’clock, there is now a slightly softer feel every time a person makes contact with groundstrokes. It is a subtle, but welcomed change so that it feels a little more arm-friendly.

The FSI Spin is the signature technology found in the Babolat Pure Aero. This really helps with groundstrokes, in particular, because the wider string spacing provides extra spin and overall movement.

People might burn through strings a little faster than they will with other racquets, but the good news is that they create spin that is hard to handle.

From the baseline, this is one of the best options a person can find . It is very easy to turn defense into offense, and players are running all around the court to get in control at some point.

Serving 

There’s a lot to like about serving with the Babolat Pure Aero . It has a lot of spin and pace potential, just like with groundstrokes. It is also effortless to swing through and really create a lot of power naturally, which benefits players of all calibers.

For players that like the kick-serve, this racquet is one of the best racquets I’ve tried for that. The spin comes so naturally and requires far less effort compared to other racquets. Most beginners won’t feel any difference, but for more advanced players, this is something to have in mind.

If there is one shortcoming when it comes to the Babolat Pure Aero, it has to be the fact that volleys are not quite as crisp as some people would like . It is not completely out of the question to get crisp volleys overall, but many people will be unsatisfied with everything that it brings to the table initially. There is definitely some getting used to, but it is not recommended for players who are serve and volleyers by any means.

What makes it a little rough around the net? While it is easy to maneuver, it seems like it can be pushed around a bit too much. It also lacks the feel some of the other racquets have at the net, which is always problematic for players who want to make sure that they are angling the ball off in the right way.

This new release is certainly a step in the right direction, so people who have used this line of tennis racquet in the past will be satisfied with the improvements.

However, it is still not going to be something that is going to allow people to play the net super confidently all the time. Some players still pull it off, but that usually requires having quite a bit of patience to get through some of the hard parts in the beginning.

The best way to describe volleying with the Pure Aero is that it takes more than a quick demo to get the proper feel . Do not judge it too quickly, and everything should be more than fine.

Different Versions

Since this is one of Babolat’s flagship options, they come in so many different choices for players of all skill levels. Juniors can start with a racquet that looks just like Rafael Nadal, and they can start to play like him as well.

There are bigger options for older players who need all the extra head area possible, which is certainly something to take a look at. However, this is the most popular version of the Babolat Pure Aero .

Even the heaviest of options are not exactly heavy, so this is where some lead tape can come in to play. If players feel like they are not getting the right amount of power they want behind the racquet, there is always the opportunity to customize things that way. Babolat encourages this so the players can get the type of feel they are truly hoping for.

These are the specs for the standard Babolat Pure Aero.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations 

Babolat likes to claim that the Pure Aero is built for just about any type of player, and for the most part, they are correct. It scores very well in many different categories, but things such as maneuverability, stability, and feel lag behind just a little bit.

Players who spend the majority of time near the baseline are not going to have any problems, and it is the best topspin racquet out there right now. However, keep in mind that flat shots might fly a bit, and it is just overall a little bit more difficult to control than some of the others out there.

There is a reason why it’s used by many pro players on both the  ATP  and  WTA Tour . Here are the top ranked players that currently plays with the Babolat Pure Aero:

• Rafael Nadal
• Carlos Alcaraz
• Benoit Paire
• Adrian Mannarino
• Johanna Konta
• Jennifer Brady

Give everything a try, and see what ultimately works. For the most part, people are satisfied when they invest. It seems like they are only improving, and more and more people will count on the Babolat Pure Aero line at some point in their tennis career.

Check out my other Babolat racquet reviews:

• Babolat Pure Drive
• Babolat Pure Strike
• Babolat Boost Drive

I'm Fred, the guy behind TennisPredict. Apart from writing here, I play tennis on a semi-professional level and coach upcoming talents.

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Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour

( Check out the entire Babolat Pure Aero line at Tennis Express ).

So what is this Pure Aero VS Tour and how does it play? Well, as I said, this racquet is not entirely new and it has been endorsed by American top player  Jack Sock in the Stars and Stripes paint job . No, this is not entirely true either, because the Stars and Stripes version that Jack Sock has been using/endorsing is not the slightly heavier “tour” version and used to only be called Aero Storm GT a few years back. Anyway.

Let’s look at the specs of the Babolat Pure Aero VS Tour :

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Jonas has been known as "tennis nerd" mainly for his obsessing about racquets and gear. Plays this beautiful sport almost every day.

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So much of the franchise’s success has been linked to otherworldly spin production, and this latest chapter was no slouch in that department. Groundies and serves had plenty of life to bully opponents around with good margin for error.

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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

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Video Review & Playtest

About The Racquet

Tech, specs, & players, pure aero models, review & playtest notes, summary & takeaways, new to tenniscompanion.

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Video Review & Playtest

There’s a lot to consider when evaluating a tennis racquet like the Babolat Pure Aero 2019. 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.

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 the Babolat Pure Aero 2019.

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 the Babolat Pure Aero 2019.

Please note, these can change frequently, so if you notice any that are out of date or new players using the Babolat Pure Aero, we’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 Babolat 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.

Babolat Pure Aero

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.

Babolat 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.

Babolat 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.

Babolat 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.

Babolat 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.

Babolat 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 Babolat Pure Aero 2019 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 Babolat 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 Babolat Pure Aero 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, the Babolat Pure Aero isn’t a poor performer up at the net, but it’s also not the best, and as far as different shots go, not where the racquet shines. There’s just a bit of tradeoff you’re making here.

For serving, I thought the Babolat 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 when it comes to the Babolat Pure Aero 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 Babolat 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.

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 Babolat Pure Aero 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 of the Babolat Pure Aero for two reasons.

First, the racquets 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 the Babolat Pure Aero, please feel free to drop a comment below.

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• babolat pure aero lite racket review

Babolat Pure Aero Lite Racket Review

I think it must be the color scheme and the countless memories of watching Rafael Nadal do impossible things with the Pure Aero rackets that make them stand out as some of the most identifiable rackets on the market.

No doubt spurred on by the countless Rafa fans, these rackets have achieved huge sales and you can’t help but see them everywhere you go.

These Aeros are more than just popular though.

They are also very good tennis rackets. Tennis Bro Larry uses the Pure Aero Tour, which is the heaviest racket in the range, but today we tried out the much lighter Pure Aero Lite.

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While the Pure Aero Tour is better suited to intermediate and advanced players, the Lite caters much more to beginner and intermediate players.

At 270g unstrung, the Pure Aero Lite is light enough for adults and juniors who are learning the game and don’t want to be carrying around a really heavy racket.

This weight is perhaps better suited to beginner and intermediate juniors than adults who will probably be strong enough to use the 300g Babolat Pure Aero , but it is worth trying them both to see which one best suits you.

You’ve got to remember though, that as a beginner, you are likely to improve your game very quickly, so you might outgrow the Pure Aero Lite before you know it.

One thing that Pure Aero rackets guarantee is massive amounts of spin, so if that is something you struggle with, these rackets could be perfect.

The frame is extremely easy to manoeuvre, which means you can generate good swing speed and the strings take care of the rest for you.

I recently play tested the Babolat Pure Strike Team which is another good option for beginners.

The two rackets are very different though, with the Pure Strike offering excellent levels of control and the Aero Pure being more power and spin oriented.

When you put the two together, power and spin sound a lot better than control but there are benefits to both.

Particularly as a beginner, a little help on the power and spin side can be very helpful, but as you develop your game, the control side becomes more important.

Either way, it’s a good idea to try both rackets and see which suits you best.

I’m more of a control guy myself, but I don’t mind getting out for a playtest with a more spin and power-oriented racket like the Babolat Pure Aero Lite .

I gave this stick a couple of days of practice, to see exactly what the Lite had to offer.

As we recently mentioned in a guest blog post on How to Choose the Perfect Racket , the key to getting the right racket is trying it out for a good amount of time.

Sometimes we don’t have as much time as we would like though, so I took the Babolat Pure Aero Lite out for a playtest to get some of the hard work done for you!

Groundstrokes

7.5 out of 10

One thing is for sure. This racket is seriously fast.

You might be new to the movements of tennis, but you won’t have any problems swinging with this racket.

This is a nice characteristic to have when you’re a beginner or intermediate as it just means there’s one less thing you have to think about.

Tennis is hard enough without having to swing a heavy racket, which makes these Lite rackets such an attractive prospect.

I do find the regular Pure Aero to be very good in this area as well though, so don’t discount that one.

One thing you often find with a light racket, such as this one, is that it can lose a lot of stability on contact with the ball and this can make it hard to control your shots.

The Pure Aero Lite is extremely well balanced though, and for a racket in its weight class, it does give you good stability.

Often players that are new to tennis can get sold on gimmicky advertising of super powerful, super light rackets that, in reality, don’t offer you any stability.

The ball pings of the strings with these rackets, but you’re not in control of the process.

With time, you will be able to create much more powerful shots from a stable, all-round racket than with these super light power rackets.

If you want a little bit of help in the power department but are focusing on improving your strokes, then the Pure Aero Lite is a great option.

It makes the swings easy to manage and introduces you to tennis with a racket that resembles something you will use as you develop into an intermediate and advanced player.

Although I’m a 6ft 2inch, 28-year-old guy with 20 years of playing tennis (making the Pure Aero Lite a bit to light for me), I did have a lot of fun with this stick.

It’s very easy to play with and I was able to generate great topspin off both the forehand and backhand sides.

Everything I needed it to do it did pretty well, giving me a consistently good performance.

It’s a bit difficult to grade the lighter rackets because they don’t give you the kind of performance that you get from heavier rackets.

When you’re starting out from tennis though, you are likely to be able to get more out of the lighter rackets though, so my scoring won’t be as relevant to you.

In the end, I gave the Babolat Pure Aero Lite a 7.5 out of 10 for the groundstrokes, which is an excellent score for such a light racket.

7 out of 10

The lighter rackets are never the best at volleying, but it’s not of huge importance when you’re starting out.

All you really need when it comes to volleying as a beginner is something that is easy to manoeuvre and get into position quickly.

The Pure Aero Lite does this as well as any racket, but it also gives you a little bit of stability which is helpful on the volleys.

Because you’re cutting down the distance the ball travels when you come to the net, the ball has much more power on it, so you need to be able to take some pace of the ball.

If you’re playing with a very unstable racket, the ball will just ping back without you being able to control it.

It’s hard to get as much stability from a light racket as you would from a heavier racket, but the way the Pure Aero Lite is set up make it nice and stable for its weight.

Sometimes you turn up at the net with the light rackets and it’s an absolute nightmare trying to get the ball back, but that wasn’t the case with the Babolat Pure Aero Lite.

It wasn’t the best volleying racket that I’ve tried from the beginner rackets, but it wasn’t a million miles off.

A decent performance from the Babolat Pure Aero Lite got it a 7 out of 10 from me on the volleys.

It does the job.

I normally find I enjoy serving with the Pure Aero rackets. They’re right up there with the Pure Drives, which I love on the serve.

They offer you easy access to spin and power, which makes for a wicked combination when you’re trying to outfox your opponent.

Although the Lite is obviously a very different racket, it maintains those characteristics of good spin and power on the serve and it allows you to begin to develop your serve as a weapon.

The serve might be the most difficult motion to perfect for beginner tennis players, so it is important that you have a racket that is easily manageable when you start out.

The Pure Aero Lite is perfect because it is so easy to manoeuvre.

It will encourage you to develop your swing speed and keep hitting through the ball.

For me, the Pure Aero Lite was a little bit light to get the most out of my serve, but it did feel nice and solid for such a light racket.

As you improve your strokes, this is something that will mean the racket can grow with you.

Eventually, you will want to move up in weight of racket, but the Lite is stable enough to be able to last you through a good portion of your development.

As light rackets go, the Babolat Pure Aero Lite is up there with the best when it comes to serving.

It will give you good access to spin and power and encourage you to develop those quick swings.

All of this earns the Aero Lite a 7.5 out of 10 on the serve.

You can’t really go wrong with this racket as a junior racket or a racket for a beginner.

It is a racket that can prepare people for a more advanced racket, but also gives them a little boost in power and spin.

It’s important when you start out that you use a racket you’re comfortable swinging, and there can be few that are easier to swing than the Babolat Pure Aero Lite .

I often find it hard to playtest the light rackets, because they lack the control that allows me to hit through my strokes fully, but the Pure Aero Lite is quite stable, and so, I was able to play some reasonable tennis with it.

It is particularly well suited to baseline tennis, where its manoeuvrability and spin can help turn your shots into real weapons.

There are lots of rackets that claim to be “power machines” or “spin machines” but you don’t really need that.

Instead, it’s much better to go for something like the Babolat Pure Aero Lite which is an all-round racket that gives you a little power and spin boost.

I was pretty impressed with this racket and would certainly recommend it as a first full-size racket for a junior and in some cases for beginners.

I do think adult beginners can handle the 300g Pure Aero which is a better racket, but what matters is finding the one that you are comfortable with.

If you can get the most out of the Lite then go for it and move onto the 300g version when you’re ready.

Overall, I gave the Babolat Pure Aero Lite a score of 7.5 out of 10 which is a great score for a light racket.

I couldn’t really find any faults with this stick and would be happy to recommend it as a beginner’s racket.

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