2023 Babolat Pure Aero VS

[TennisManiac]

Does TW have any idea if or when Babolat might release a 2023 Pure Aero VS?

 

[EggSalad]

This racquet will be released in early 2023. They are dropping the VS naming convention and instead it will be the 98sq inch Pure Aero. The specs will be the same as the current VS but it will have the new Pure Aero layup.

 

[Curtennis]

what he said. Its been in many threads and was likely even covered with the TW Babolat podcast they just did.

 

[TW Staff]

TennisManiac,

Yes, it will be called the Pure Aero 98 and is scheduled to launch in early 2023.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[Sughaclef]

I just demoed the 98 in Taiwan. It played a little crisper than the VS (2020). Serves were amazing, very precise and with pace (only 2/50 were under the net a s the vast majority of those 48 that went over were in with pace and spin and varied location).. The stringbed on serves felt crisp and connected, whereas the VS feel a bit soft and drive the ball lower.
I found the current VS softer (more dwell) and the new 98 more energetic but not harsh (the RA is lower). The VS is quite accurate if I take time to hit through the ball. The new 98 hit quite long and a bit flatter for me.
I needed a new stick now so I got the VS but given choice I'd like to play the 98 some more, it was traditional Babolat crsip but no arm pain.
Both were played with RPM Blast @52 in about 23C weather.
In Taiwan the 98 will be released in Feb '23. I'm likely to buy it based on the brief test.
Separately, a friend who plays the normal PA said he found the sweet spot of the 98 comparatively smaller than the 100.

 

[Sughaclef]

I just demoed the 98 in Taiwan. It played a little crisper than the VS (2020). Serves were amazing, very precise and with pace (only 2/50 were under the net a s the vast majority of those 48 that went over were in with pace and spin and varied location).. The stringbed on serves felt crisp and connected, whereas the VS feel a bit soft and drive the ball lower.
I found the current VS softer (more dwell) and the new 98 more energetic but not harsh (the RA is lower). The VS is quite accurate if I take time to hit through the ball. The new 98 hit quite long and a bit flatter for me.
I needed a new stick now so I got the VS but given choice I'd like to play the 98 some more, it was traditional Babolat crsip but no arm pain.
Both were played with RPM Blast @52 in about 23C weather.
In Taiwan the 98 will be released in Feb '23. I'm likely to buy it based on the brief test.
Separately, a friend who plays the normal PA said he found the sweet spot of the 98 comparatively smaller than the 100.

I have since demoed the PA 100, 2023 version with RPM Blast @52. It does an alright job , more crisp than the PAVS but not the connection to the ball found in the PAVS or the PA98. Less vibration then the PAVS but not the accuracy of the forthcoming 98, the ball felt a bit lost on the string bed, comparatively. Less vibration than the PAVS but a bit more than I felt with the PA98.
Thus, PA98 was a crisper feeling and bit less vibration on the arm version of the PAVS, better power in the top of the hoop for serves, the PAVS felt more pocketed, and the PA100 less controlled than both with no noticeable upside in power.
Hope this help any aspiring buyers. I'll demo the 98 again when it launches, which is to day o don't regret picking the PAVS over new 100, but remain curious about the 98.

 

[iceman_dl6]

TennisManiac,

Yes, it will be called the Pure Aero 98 and is scheduled to launch in early 2023.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Hey TW,

Any exact release date for the PA98?

Thanks!