The VS is the most control-oriented racquet in the Aero line. It’s made for advanced topspin players. Here is my Babolat Pure Aero VS Racquet Review.
The Babolat Pure Aero VS is based on the Aero Storm from some years back. The Aero Storm was discontinued in the end and was gone for a few years until the Pure Aero VS was re-released in 2016-17. The predecessor was a decent racquet, but suffered from some instability, while the VS Tour (read my review) was a bit too heavy and sluggish. They were also stiffer in the layup and some players reported arm issues from using the racquets. This Babolat Pure Aero VS racquet review surprised me with its slightly softer and more connected response.
Specs and Tech
The update to the Pure Aero VS has 10g added and that is a good thing. It improves the stability and plow-through, which were two serious issues with the Pure Drive VS (click to read my review). The racquet I got for review (thanks to All Things Tennis for the demo!) was pretty spot on specs, but to compensate for the smaller grip (4 1/8), I compensated with an extra overgrip and my strung specs (Solinco Confidential @ 54 lbs) lined up as follows: 334g, 32 cm, and 328 SW. I might have gotten a little bit over-spec racquet, which is great for me because I really enjoy 330-ish swing weights.
When it comes to technology, the Cortex Pure Feel (which appears on the racquet in the form of small dimples) at about 3 and 9 doesn’t dampen the response as much as I think it does with the Pure Strike 98. Instead, the response and feel of the Pure Aero VS are very connected. You can really feel the string bed pocket the ball, despite the high RA. This racquet is not plush, but not harsh either, so if you have arm issues I would recommend a softer string setup, but I did not experience any discomfort even with a firmer string like Solinco Confidential.
How does it play?
The response from the Pure Aero VS is crisp (stiff, but not harsh) and controlled. The launch angle is higher than with the Pure Drive VS but not as high as the regular Pure Aero. Being a more traditional tennis player who likes to hit flat forehands and attack the net, the Aeromodular beam takes some time to get used to, but once I did, I really enjoyed this frame from anywhere on the court.
I did not get the pop on the serve or “flat power” I get with the Pure Strike 98, but I prefer the response of this racquet. This racquet feels a lot more like an extension of my arm than the Pure Drive VS and the Pure Strike 98. I think it balances the feel of plush and crisp really feel. The stringbed “pockets” the ball, but the racquet still has enough power to boss around the opponent from the back of the court.
It is perhaps more of a baseliner’s racquet, but I enjoyed it at the net as well. It offered a great mix of maneuverability and stability. Just put the racquet towards the ball and it gets to your desired location with interest (it is not quite as easy as that, but you know what I mean).
Summary
The new Pure Aero VS is definitely an “update” to the predecessor. It offers better stability, feel, and comfort. It is heavier to swing, but that extra weight really makes it a solid improvement. I also enjoyed the Cortex Pure Feel in this racquet, it didn’t dampen it too much and created a nice pocketing effect from the string bed. It is not plush like a HEAD Pro Tour 2.0, but a lot easier to create spin and pace with. Simply a modern weapon for the advanced player.
The Pure Aero VS has quickly become my favorite Babolat racquet from the current line-up.
Have you tried the Pure Aero VS? What did you think of it?
7 comments
Thanks for the review! I played with the predecessor the last couple of years and years before that the pure storm. I like the control and feel of these racquets, but last year I switched to the pure drive plus because depth comes much easier. The previous Pure Aero VS ultimately was too underpowered in matches, how do you feel this part has changed (depth, power, loopyness)?
It has not become that much more powerful, especially compared to a monster like Pure Drive Plus. It is more stable and offers a better feel and plow-through than the predecessor though.
After one week of testing, I made the switch from PA Tour to the VS. Less power and more control, exactly what needed in matches when nerves make you swing too hard. I liked the slice and drop shots a lot, and my second serve felt consistent. Solid at the net too. I did feel a bit of instability in the head, any advice for customization? I usually play with 10-15 grams heavier racquets.
Just demo’ed this. I play with a SixOne95 normally. Thought it was fantastic. Enough control and precision but with much spin, maneuverability, ability to redirect balls, pop, and forgiveness. Of course it’s not as good as more traditional players racquets at net and on slice, but it’s fine. And from the baseline it almost feels like you’re cheating because it’s so easy to hit with spin, depth, and control.
Hi. I would like to know how you compare this racket with the radical MP. I tested an old graphene touch radical Mp and I liked a lot that was really easy to get top spin even I am not a top spin player but was nice to have just enought so I was confident on not going long. Has the aero VS also that feel regarding the top spin?
Interesting that flexible frames are always described as giving more connected feel when I and other players I know feel the opposite. I find stiffer rackets much more crisp than the dampened flexible frames
I think this is very personal and depends on the frame. Some stiffer frames I feel very connected to, while some not – same with flexible racquets.