We are nearing 2023, and the excitement around new racquet releases is growing. Here is a Babolat Pure Drive 98 Preview.

Babolat Pure Drive 98 Preview

I have tested the Babolat Pure Aero 98 for a couple of weeks. I have posted my first impression of this popular racquet model (previously called Pure Aero VS) on my Patreon, where you get plenty of extra content, early releases, racquet help, and tournament blogs. I have not yet tested the Babolat Pure Drive 98, the update from the Babolat Pure Drive VS that came out some years ago.

You can read or watch my full review of the VS if you are curious about my in-depth opinion, but in short, I felt like the racquet was a little light and stiff to be a competitor to 98 sq inch power racquets like the Yonex Ezone 98 for example. The Aero 98 has FLAC fibers in the layup, which helps soften the feel, and that could also improve the Pure Drive 98.

Specifications to come

This will be updated as soon as we know more about the Babolat Pure Drive 98. We guess they are pretty much unchanged from the VS, but that remains to be confirmed. A few more grams of weight would improve the stability of the frame and will be very much welcome.

Our friend and contributor, Henrik Wallensten, is currently testing both the Aero 98 and the Drive 98. He will hopefully provide his first impressions soon!

I don’t know when the Pure Drive 98 will be out, but the Pure Aero 98 should be available in February. There are many racquets to keep track of at the moment. Check out the Tennisnerd YouTube channel for more info!

I have published the New Racquets of 2023 part 1 and part 2 , where you should get some ideas of what to expect.

Now I am curious to hear, are you more curious about the Babolat Pure Drive 98 or the Pure Aero 98? Let me know in the comments.