R
red rook
Guest
I'm a big fan of the 2015 blade 18x20 and heard this new pure strike is good. I hope someone can do a comparison of these.
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
2017 Pure Strike
- Thread starter kmtennis
- Start date
Tuskarr
Semi-Pro
Got my pure strike 2017 today. handle is empty.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Thanks for checking... wonder if it's just a handle that empty as it does feel like a foam filled frame
rh310
Hall of Fame
Exactly. I haven't seen anyone say they're indistinguishable. Just that they both rock, and it's really, really difficult to choose between them.
Mareqnyc
Hall of Fame
I have both PS at 12oz around 7pts headlight now. Played 2 sets today. 6-1 6-2 against someone who usually takes me to tiebreaks. We both played very well but the Strike hit some seriously heavy penetrating shots, serves sounded like cracking bones and gunshots. I think I found was I was looking for. It was a good day.
dgoran
Hall of Fame
I can see this as I punched the wall today with dr98 and ps17. probably will be down to what feel one likes as that is the only drastically different aspect. They both do the job but in slight different way
parasailing
Legend
These reviews are really making me want to pull the trigger on purchasing it outright without even demoing the racquet. Keep those reviews coming.
I've now played 6 sets of doubles over 2 sessions with the PS17. As a little background, I'm a USTA computer rated 4.5 all court player with a one handed backhand.
I'm a long time 6.1 95 16x18 user. My normal string setup is Pacific Tough Gut in the mains with Gosen Micro Syn Gut in the crosses. Both 16g at 60lbs.
My PS17 came prestrung with 16g Babolat Addiction (multi) at what felt like around 60lbs. I hit both sessions with this string. The string was crisp the first session, but kind of mushy at times during the 2nd session. My set scores and play were mostly similar to what I would expect with my normal 6.1.
Overall, I didn't have much problem adjusting to the PS17. My best shot is my forehand and that's probably the one shot that took some initial adjustment. I was initially hitting forehands either into the net or short. Once I got used to it, I was able to drive forehands more consistently deep in the court with moderate topspin.
The PS17 was comfortable and did not have a tinny, hollow feel to it. However, on certain shots, mostly forehand drive exchanges and first serve return drives, I could feel the lighter weight and less plow compared to the 6.1. Also, on blocked returns and chip-n-charge balls, the lighter static weight of the PS17 was noticeable. This is probably all to be expected since the PS17 is a lighter static weight racket compared to the 6.1.
On the plus though, the PS17 is more manuverable and is easier to create racket head speed. Sitters were really fun to put away with the PS17. Touch and control were both very good.
Concerning spin, I didn't find the PS17 to be anything close to a spin monster, but I found it easier to generate spin than with the 6.1. I was happy with the spin.
On backhands, I had no real problem hitting slice and topspin backhands which both felt solid and were probably easier to hit with the PS17 vs the 6.1.
The serve was interesting. In doubles, I mostly use spin and placement on 1st and 2nd serves. During my first doubles session, my serves were easily, consistently deep and well-placed, with good pace. Much easier than with the 6.1. However, for whatever reason, I had a more difficult time during the second session. The control wasn't as good and I had difficulty generating consistently good pace. Volleys & overheads were very solid for me during both sessions.
I'll be restringing with my normal 6.1 string setup (nat gut/syn gut) before my next session. I'll continue to play with the PS17 as my regular racket probably for at least a month to gain more experience with it. I think the PS17 is easier overall to play with than the 6.1, but the bigger question for me will probably be if I want to give up the better plow feel of the 6.1.
I'm a long time 6.1 95 16x18 user. My normal string setup is Pacific Tough Gut in the mains with Gosen Micro Syn Gut in the crosses. Both 16g at 60lbs.
My PS17 came prestrung with 16g Babolat Addiction (multi) at what felt like around 60lbs. I hit both sessions with this string. The string was crisp the first session, but kind of mushy at times during the 2nd session. My set scores and play were mostly similar to what I would expect with my normal 6.1.
Overall, I didn't have much problem adjusting to the PS17. My best shot is my forehand and that's probably the one shot that took some initial adjustment. I was initially hitting forehands either into the net or short. Once I got used to it, I was able to drive forehands more consistently deep in the court with moderate topspin.
The PS17 was comfortable and did not have a tinny, hollow feel to it. However, on certain shots, mostly forehand drive exchanges and first serve return drives, I could feel the lighter weight and less plow compared to the 6.1. Also, on blocked returns and chip-n-charge balls, the lighter static weight of the PS17 was noticeable. This is probably all to be expected since the PS17 is a lighter static weight racket compared to the 6.1.
On the plus though, the PS17 is more manuverable and is easier to create racket head speed. Sitters were really fun to put away with the PS17. Touch and control were both very good.
Concerning spin, I didn't find the PS17 to be anything close to a spin monster, but I found it easier to generate spin than with the 6.1. I was happy with the spin.
On backhands, I had no real problem hitting slice and topspin backhands which both felt solid and were probably easier to hit with the PS17 vs the 6.1.
The serve was interesting. In doubles, I mostly use spin and placement on 1st and 2nd serves. During my first doubles session, my serves were easily, consistently deep and well-placed, with good pace. Much easier than with the 6.1. However, for whatever reason, I had a more difficult time during the second session. The control wasn't as good and I had difficulty generating consistently good pace. Volleys & overheads were very solid for me during both sessions.
I'll be restringing with my normal 6.1 string setup (nat gut/syn gut) before my next session. I'll continue to play with the PS17 as my regular racket probably for at least a month to gain more experience with it. I think the PS17 is easier overall to play with than the 6.1, but the bigger question for me will probably be if I want to give up the better plow feel of the 6.1.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Maybe it would be good to experiment with some lead tape to see if you can get the best of both worlds; it sounds as if the only thing missing for you with the PS17 vs. the 6.1 95 is a bit of plough/plow so have at it with the lead.
Good review.Thanks for sharing.I'm also a wilson 6.1 user and agree with most of what you have said.
I think plow isn't going to match with 6.1 with ps17 being lighter but that lighter and bigger sweet spot being big pluses.You might want to add lead at 12 or 3&9 to see what works for you as it would bring the plow close to 6.1.
good luck
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
I finally got to play some doubles last night w the PS17 and the DR98. One of the biggest differences is how a ball reacts when I'm stretched out for a volley. The DR98 absorbs most of the impact whereas the Babolat doesn't absorb as much impact and pops the ball back over the net with a little more speed. Now I can't tell if it's beacuse of the strings or the racquet itself... but I gotta return the demos today.
But that means I can demo some SVs now, if they ever get demos.
But that means I can demo some SVs now, if they ever get demos.
nadalito92
Rookie
I'll watch you closely.. I'm eyeballing all the frames you mention.
Tuskarr
Semi-Pro
Hit with my pure strike, with hyper g 17g, today for about 5 hours today. Took me a couple hours for my serve to adjust. Ive been lookign to replace my aging PD+ team with something that was on the softer side while still having decent power. The pure strike has good power but the thing that blew me away was the spin. The spin i was generating reminds me of when i played with the 6.1 95S. Crazy. Solid, plush feel on impact. Im in love.
I was going to buy a sv98 to play along side the PS2017, but ill probably not even bother with the yonex.
I was going to buy a sv98 to play along side the PS2017, but ill probably not even bother with the yonex.
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kailash
Hall of Fame
Demoing PS17 and few other new releases. So far, my experience is not that good with the new Pure Strike compared to the stellar reviews. It is relatively a good racquet, has good spin, control and power, but overall only 80/100 in my scale. Usually TW scores are accurate, but I do not agree in this case; definitely not a 90. I would rate Pure Control Tour higher than the PS17. Just my two cents... demo it before you buy.
My 11 year old also tried it, but did not like it much. He is currently playing with Head Instinct XT MP and happy with it so far.
Also trying out the new Head Speed Touch racquets. Got a chance to hit with Pacific X Force Pro No 1 252 for a brief period of time. And I am very impressed! Such a solid racquet, with plow through and control. Among all the new releases that I have tried so far, Pro No 1 is in the top. That gets 90 in my scale!
Just waiting for my Tour G 330s though.
My 11 year old also tried it, but did not like it much. He is currently playing with Head Instinct XT MP and happy with it so far.
Also trying out the new Head Speed Touch racquets. Got a chance to hit with Pacific X Force Pro No 1 252 for a brief period of time. And I am very impressed! Such a solid racquet, with plow through and control. Among all the new releases that I have tried so far, Pro No 1 is in the top. That gets 90 in my scale!
Just waiting for my Tour G 330s though.
mrtrinh
Professional
What did you dislike about the new pure strike?
purple-n-gold
Hall of Fame
316g strung w/ origin from TW. I added a Head Tour leather w/ tourna og #64 rubber to a 332g static wt.
Still feels anemic compare to my std 340g minimum to usual 350g raqs. Def needs some lead IMO
Still feels anemic compare to my std 340g minimum to usual 350g raqs. Def needs some lead IMO
Zavist
Rookie
If you remove Hannah's super high 9.5-9.7 Scores from the review numbers the racket would not be a 90.
I visited my stringers pro shop. He said some like it when they demo, some don't. It's a nice update, but he will sell way more Aero's than Strikes. Good advise to demo before you buy.
Sambuccashake
Hall of Fame
Woah, I didn't look into their individual numbers but you're right. She is the one messing up the result.
Hannah's Scores
Power 9.6 Serves 9.5
Control 9 Groundstrokes 9.7
Maneuverability 9.7 Returns 9.7
Stability 9.5 Slice 9.5
Comfort 9.7 Topspin 9.5
Touch/Feel 9 Volleys 9
Overall 9.6
Virtually perfect in exactly all aspects.
Come on...
tennis1111
Semi-Pro
She is new on playtests...
kailash
Hall of Fame
Correct, those scores are super high. I was expecting a classic with those scores and comments, but disappointed. It is a good racquet, but will not make into my top 10 list.
kailash
Hall of Fame
This has a unique feel and I am not a fan of it. Plus I could not play with it consistently; somewhat similar to what Michelle said; it might work if I add some weights and change the strings, but the demo store won't allow. It is a good racquet, but not a top one.
tom4ny
Professional
Keeping in perspective that she is coming from years of playing with a Pure Drive it makes sense that she would like it this much. I suspect many long time Babolat fans will like this frame. That is not me but to each their own.
Sambuccashake
Hall of Fame
So... If we disregard those rather enthusiastic numbers we are left with a respectable, but believable, overall score of 86.
Power 8.4
(9.6)
Serves 8.4
(9.5)
Control 8.5
(9)
Groundstrokes 9.2
(9.7)
Maneuverability 8.8
(9.7)
Returns 8.9
(9.7)
Stability 8.3
(9.5)
Slice 8.6
(9.5)
Comfort 8.5
(9.7)
Topspin 8.8
(9.5)
Touch/Feel 8.6
(9)
Volley 8.5
(9)
Power 8.4
(9.6)
Serves 8.4
(9.5)
Control 8.5
(9)
Groundstrokes 9.2
(9.7)
Maneuverability 8.8
(9.7)
Returns 8.9
(9.7)
Stability 8.3
(9.5)
Slice 8.6
(9.5)
Comfort 8.5
(9.7)
Topspin 8.8
(9.5)
Touch/Feel 8.6
(9)
Volley 8.5
(9)
tom4ny
Professional
Thank you for doing all of that work and recalculating! That makes much more sense!!
Capulin Zurdo
Hall of Fame
I think every play tester have different numbers on their scale for example Chris Edwards mostly is around 8 and Hannah's is around 9 for lot of racquets.There were TW play testers in the past that had their ratings around 9 so I think it's not fair to blame one tester as they all have different ranges for each racquet on how they feel and fit to their games.
Most of the play testers liked it for example below are the numbers for Groundstrokes.I guess you rarely see Chris rating even 9 for any racquet and Chris has play tested lot of racquets and there is lot of respect for Chris in these threads.
GroundStrokes:
Jason: 9.3
Chris: 9.4
Hannah: 9.7
At the end of the day they do recommend to DEMO before making a purchase and each racquet plays and feels differently on how each of us swing the tennis racquet.
Some of us have long swings and some with compact and others different style so each ones requirement is going to different in terms of power,control and other factors.
For sure we look for some guidance based on these numbers and it seems so far lot of the folks (different playing styles) that have tested the racquet did like the racquet
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prjacobs
Hall of Fame
Haven't tried the new PS, but the old one was way less solid than the GRadPro. It was my least favorite frame in its weight class. I liked the PS97 and the 6.1 95S more, at the time.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
chizzle
Rookie
Got my second today (which was not easy in my grip size). I just LOVE this racquet. The best racquet i've found (for my game) that checks all the boxes for me. I've tried them all, and they all had great qualities (or two). This seems to have them all.
The best volleying racquet since my wilson 6.1 95s - but I ain't 35 anymore. Even still, probably better than the Wilsons.... Most maneuverable racquet I've ever used.
Strokes, serves, returns - you name it - it's fantastic.
All in a stick I can tote around in long singles matches if need be, and not hurt my shoulder, or elbow or whatever. I've gone from 11.8-12.2 oz racquets to a 11.3-11.5 oz spec in the past couple of years.
About to sell Prince Tour 95, Tour 100, Warrior 100, and 2 Tour 95 (18/20), Head GXTPP, and a Wilson Blade 98 (16/18)
I'm 45yo 4.5 who loves singles and doubles.
The best volleying racquet since my wilson 6.1 95s - but I ain't 35 anymore. Even still, probably better than the Wilsons.... Most maneuverable racquet I've ever used.
Strokes, serves, returns - you name it - it's fantastic.
All in a stick I can tote around in long singles matches if need be, and not hurt my shoulder, or elbow or whatever. I've gone from 11.8-12.2 oz racquets to a 11.3-11.5 oz spec in the past couple of years.
About to sell Prince Tour 95, Tour 100, Warrior 100, and 2 Tour 95 (18/20), Head GXTPP, and a Wilson Blade 98 (16/18)
I'm 45yo 4.5 who loves singles and doubles.
It's a great frame. It does everything well with some pop. It's fantastic on the serve and at the net. It's the most well rounded offering Babolat has put out to date in my opinion. It's not going to get you to the next NTRP level by buying it, but it is a no nonsense frame that has no weaknesses. It's the most stable racket I have ever used in its weight class and feels every bit as solid as the foam filled Angell TC100 in 63 or 70 RA. I am still loving mine each time I get out there.
parasailing
Legend
I would go with the play tester than mimics your play style and not focus so much on everyone's review. For me, Chris and Andy are two play tester than have used similar racquets to what I have hit with in the past and based on their reviews provide me with a good idea of what to expect from the racquet.
Karma Tennis
Legend
I don't really pay much attention to the numerical ratings the TW Testers give. However, I do pay close attention to what they actually say about the racquets and their tests.
That's why I think the Playtest videos are probably the best way to compare racquets rather than just looking at the written reviews and numerical ratings.
Agree with you.it's helps to look at the play tester play style and see if any of our strokes are similar to their style in terms of flat,spinny or loopy strokes and more importantly history of their racquests they've liked in the past and what they look for in a racquet for their game to get a good overall view on a racquet.
For me I always look for Mitchell's review as she hits the ball flat and looks for racquets (Pure drive,RF97) that have power to stay aggressive to hit one big shot when opportunities presented during the rallies and most importantly she is going to say it how racquet played without sugar coating it.
kailash
Hall of Fame
Spot on; one of my hitting partners tried it today and he liked it! He is contemplating on buying one.
j0hnd0e
New User
I would like to add my opinion on this racquet. So i have been eyeing this stick before it was released while it was in the pre testing stages. Once it was available for presale i ordered it. I have gotten to play about 9 Hours with it and my impressions so far while short of TW's overall ratings its still a great stick.
My previous racquet was a Pure Drive Tour so i make my comparisons to that. Initially hitting with the racquet its undoubtedly less power than the PDT but i didnt expect that easy power with a control oriented stick. Dont get me wrong it has plenty of power with proper strokes just not that "free power" the pure drive can offer. I had no problem generating power with this racquet and the control you get while taking full cuts is amazing.
The Spin on the PS is very good but again slightly short of the PDT in this regard. What i liked was i can get the spin when i wanted to but still hit that deadly flat shot which was alittle harder to achieve with the PDT. Racquet was strung with Solinco Tour Bite 16 @ 53lb
For one hand backhand i think this racquet really shines. Excellent maneuverability and control. My backhand felt way more consistent with this racquet.
Serve was good with the PS but its hard to compete with the PDT which has a reputation for being a monster stick for serves but i was able to control my serves better with the PS.
Touch and feel of the PS is no comparison to the PDT. The PS feels great with excellent pocketing and slices are deadly.
The only thing i felt i wanted more from the PS was alittle more weight for better plow and better punch on volley. Im so used to playing with a 11.8+ oz stick so this felt alittle light but then again you may sacrifice some maneuverability by doing so. I may end up adding alitte lead at 3&9 but all in all i think its a very well balanced stick and my new stick of choice.
My ratings:
Power 84
Control 92
Maneuverability 90
Stability 83
Comfort 89
Touch/Feel 90
Serves 85
Groundstrokes 92
Returns 91
Slice 90
Topspin 85
Volleys 84
My previous racquet was a Pure Drive Tour so i make my comparisons to that. Initially hitting with the racquet its undoubtedly less power than the PDT but i didnt expect that easy power with a control oriented stick. Dont get me wrong it has plenty of power with proper strokes just not that "free power" the pure drive can offer. I had no problem generating power with this racquet and the control you get while taking full cuts is amazing.
The Spin on the PS is very good but again slightly short of the PDT in this regard. What i liked was i can get the spin when i wanted to but still hit that deadly flat shot which was alittle harder to achieve with the PDT. Racquet was strung with Solinco Tour Bite 16 @ 53lb
For one hand backhand i think this racquet really shines. Excellent maneuverability and control. My backhand felt way more consistent with this racquet.
Serve was good with the PS but its hard to compete with the PDT which has a reputation for being a monster stick for serves but i was able to control my serves better with the PS.
Touch and feel of the PS is no comparison to the PDT. The PS feels great with excellent pocketing and slices are deadly.
The only thing i felt i wanted more from the PS was alittle more weight for better plow and better punch on volley. Im so used to playing with a 11.8+ oz stick so this felt alittle light but then again you may sacrifice some maneuverability by doing so. I may end up adding alitte lead at 3&9 but all in all i think its a very well balanced stick and my new stick of choice.
My ratings:
Power 84
Control 92
Maneuverability 90
Stability 83
Comfort 89
Touch/Feel 90
Serves 85
Groundstrokes 92
Returns 91
Slice 90
Topspin 85
Volleys 84
Chotobaka
Hall of Fame
Good observation!
BigM
Rookie
SV = Solid. Very different to the DR.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Have you played the SV 95? I'd love to hear your thoughts. If you need to post in an SV thread so we don't derail, that's cool.
The comfort ratings given on this stick don't feel very "real" to me given the stiffness rating. I think all sticks should be tested by people with sensitive elbows, as they are best placed to determine what comfort really is... that said most sticks would set them off so maybe a bad idea!
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Elaborate, please, you lucky person, you!
gino
Legend
I have suffered from golfer's elbow for about 6 years. The PS17 is the most plush and comfortable babolat frame I've used. I have mine strung up with stiff poly and can still play for 3-5 hours without any pain
dgoran
Hall of Fame
Well this has turned into a rollecoaster. Scheduled to play my league match and figured what the heck I'll play first set with ps17 since it is literary the only time I had to try it while hitting against someone not called wall... all excited I took it and from the first hit I HATED THE DAMN THING...
Addiction is horrible horrible string and I am horrible horrible multi player lol.
After 15 min warmup I put it down in disappointment...and switched to my current racquet of choice (current as of 3 weeks ago lol like a true racquetholic).
Immediately all strokes are back.
I decided I had to cut the strings out ps17. Now restrung with Wilson ripspin white and it looks sick in all white I must say although I don't care what color is the racquet as long as it plays good...
Next I did feel that lead is needed and for those wondering, unlike some racquets this racquet responds very well with lead. Feel becomes even more dampened and feels solid but slightly more flex.
I added 5 g at 3 and 9 and 5 in butcap. I have to test it on court next to be sure but feels much better now
Addiction is horrible horrible string and I am horrible horrible multi player lol.
After 15 min warmup I put it down in disappointment...and switched to my current racquet of choice (current as of 3 weeks ago lol like a true racquetholic).
Immediately all strokes are back.
I decided I had to cut the strings out ps17. Now restrung with Wilson ripspin white and it looks sick in all white I must say although I don't care what color is the racquet as long as it plays good...
Next I did feel that lead is needed and for those wondering, unlike some racquets this racquet responds very well with lead. Feel becomes even more dampened and feels solid but slightly more flex.
I added 5 g at 3 and 9 and 5 in butcap. I have to test it on court next to be sure but feels much better now
dgoran
Hall of Fame
This is one of the main reasons I don't use flexible racquets anymore namely Pro Tour 630. Once on defence there were no free lunches like stiffer racquets can provide.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
Yeah. I'm a Wozniacki player.
I noticed I got a lot of pop when running out wide and having to throw up a lob. I got a lot of depth (and height) easily compared to my regular Yonex.
So, I played doubles with the PS17 for the third time. This time with my normal natural gut/syn gut set up that I use with my 6.1 versus using the pre-strung Addiction string. Frankly, and disappointingly, the string setup didn't make that much difference in how the PS17 played, which for me was kind of mushy and underpowered.
That said, my results have been good for all 3 sessions I've played with it. I really like the maneuverability and overall, I think its easier to play with than the 6.1. However, I think the 6.1 absorbs the impact of a hard struck ball much better than the PS17. I also prefer the feel of the weight of the shot with the 6.1 over the PS17.
At this point, even though I really prefer playing my rackets stock with just an overwrap and dampener, I'll probably try adding a leather grip and maybe some lead at 3 & 9. My guess is that the PS17 is probably not for me. I still have a number of 12oz+ 6.1's, so I'm no rush to find a replacement.
That said, my results have been good for all 3 sessions I've played with it. I really like the maneuverability and overall, I think its easier to play with than the 6.1. However, I think the 6.1 absorbs the impact of a hard struck ball much better than the PS17. I also prefer the feel of the weight of the shot with the 6.1 over the PS17.
At this point, even though I really prefer playing my rackets stock with just an overwrap and dampener, I'll probably try adding a leather grip and maybe some lead at 3 & 9. My guess is that the PS17 is probably not for me. I still have a number of 12oz+ 6.1's, so I'm no rush to find a replacement.
BigM
Rookie
Got to have a short 45 min hit with the SV100 version so I have no real insights into the frame however, I found it to feel very really solid , smooth and powerful. I think people will enjoy this frame.
Powderwombat
Semi-Pro
Does anyone know when this arrives in Australia? Noone's selling it here yet. Also for users of RD98s how do you find the comparison?
