Babolat Pure Aero VS or Pure Strike 98?

by Jonas Eriksson

I have just published a comparison post of the Babolat Pure Aero VS or Pure Strike 98 on my Patreon page. The VS review is on the way!

If you are looking for a more control-oriented Pure Aero, the Pure Aero VS is an interesting option. My first impression is that this is an improvement over the predecessor. They have increased the weight by 10g, which was the right idea as 295g isn’t the proper weight for a so-called control racquet.

In my post on Patreon, I compare the two racquets in more depth (video to come). I wanted to give you a quick lowdown here.

Pure Aero VS and Pure Strike 98 Comparison

The Aero beam of the Pure Aero VS can be a bit unsettling for a flat hitter. It is definitely a frame directed towards spin players looking for more control than most 100 sq inch spin racquets offer. The Pure Strike gen 3 is more suitable for an attacking player with flatter shots. It doesn’t produce as much spin and feels more natural with a flat stroke mechanic where you hit through the ball more.

The new Pure Strike 98 is far more muted than generation two. It is more comfortable, but you also have a feeling of being slightly disconnected to the ball. It is a matter of taste, of course, but I prefer the feel of the previous version more, although I appreciate the increased comfort.

Aero VS or Pure Strike?

Here are some first impressions:

Pure Aero VS

+ More solid than the predecessor
+ Great spin potential
+ Good control for advanced players
– Lacks some feel
– Flatter hitters might be weirded-out by the Aero beam (I am)

Pure Strike 98 16×19

+ More comfortable than gen 2
+ Nice weapon for flat hitters and attackers
– Lacks some weight (personal opinion)
– Too muted (gen 2 was better there)

Full review to come. For more in-depth analysis, check out my Patreon page.

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7 comments

Sri June 7, 2020 - 12:14

Hi,
Which 26 inch racket would you recommend for my 11 year old daughter out of below
Pure Drive
Pure Aero
Pure Strike

Thanks
Sri

Reply
Tennisnerd June 8, 2020 - 11:57

Hi Sri,
If you are stuck with Babolat only, I would go with the Pure Drive. Use arm-friendly strings so she doesn’t get elbow problems. Regards / J

Reply
Lander Chanterie June 9, 2020 - 07:43

Great video Jonas and thanks for the excellent comparison between the 2 rackets!
Can you give us an idea how the Babolat Aero VS would compare to the Prince Beast 98 an the Yonex VCore 98?

Reply
Tennisnerd June 9, 2020 - 12:29

Hi Lander, I will create a specific post about 98 sq inch racquets instead since I get a lot of question to compare racquets.

Cheers / Jonas

Reply
Lander Chanterie June 10, 2020 - 14:10

That would be superbe!!
Thanks a lot Jonas. I’m really looking forward to this post.
Greetz Lander

Reply
Lendl March 17, 2021 - 13:14

Hi,
I’m currently using Project One7 racquets, PS gen2s. I tried a Pure Aero for a bit, liked it but i let it go because it wasn’t the right grip size. Now, I’m thinking of switching to PA VS, because I see it as the center feel between a PS and a PA. Will that be fine? I really appreciate your feedback. TIA!

Reply
TN March 18, 2021 - 08:44

Hi, yeah, I think that sounds like a sensible solution for you. Cheers / J

Reply

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