2017 Pure Strike

D

DANMAN

Professional
In my opinion:

Power: Blade 98S > PS17 > Blade 16x19=Dr98 > Blade 18x20

Control: PS17 > Dr98 > blade 16 x19 > Blade 98S (don't like 18x20s lack of spin so I find the control low but flat hitters would rate it #1)

Volleys: PS17 > Blade 16x19 > Blade 18x 20 > Blade 98S > DR98 (Dr98 didn't feel good at net to me)

Serves: PS17> Blade 98S > Blade 16 > DR > Blade 18

Topspin: 98S > PS17 > Blade 16 > DR98 > Blade 18

Slice: 98S > Blade 18> PS17 > Blade 16 > DR

Return: 17 > 98S > Blade 16 > Dr98 > Blade 18
 
galapagos

galapagos

Hall of Fame
DANMAN said:
In my opinion:

Power: Blade 98S > PS17 > Blade 16x19=Dr98 > Blade 18x20

Control: PS17 > Dr98 > blade 16 x19 > Blade 98S (don't like 18x20s lack of spin so I find the control low but flat hitters would rate it #1)

Volleys: PS17 > Blade 16x19 > Blade 18x 20 > Blade 98S > DR98 (Dr98 didn't feel good at net to me)

Serves: PS17> Blade 98S > Blade 16 > DR > Blade 18

Topspin: 98S > PS17 > Blade 16 > DR98 > Blade 18

Slice: 98S > Blade 18> PS17 > Blade 16 > DR

Return: 17 > 98S > Blade 16 > Dr98 > Blade 18
Click to expand...
thanks, How would you compare the launch angle of PS17 to dr 98 ? I am coming from a dense string pattern, when I tested dr 98 the combination of power and launch angle made my balls sail too long. Maybe more low powered strings with better spin would cure this. Liked the feel, didnt like the performance.

Do you have experience with prince textreme 100p aswell?
 
D

DANMAN

Professional
galapagos said:
thanks, How would you compare the launch angle of PS17 to dr 98 ? I am coming from a dense string pattern, when I tested dr 98 the combination of power and launch angle made my balls sail too long. Maybe more low powered strings with better spin would cure this. Liked the feel, didnt like the performance.

Do you have experience with prince textreme 100p aswell?
Click to expand...

No I don't have any experience with the prince. In terms of the launch angle, I find both to be low compared to what I have played with most recently (Blade 98S) and pure drives. I find the launch angle of the strike to be a bit different than the DR. There is more spin potential but when driving the ball the angle is low. The dr could hit loopy but it bled pace for me when I did. The babolat hits a heavier penetrating ball to me.
 
beltsman

beltsman

G.O.A.T.
j0hnd0e said:
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
Click to expand...

How would you compare to the Pure Aero and APD?
 
D

DANMAN

Professional
Plow: P17 > Blade 16 > DR > Blade 98S > Blade 18

The lack of spin of the 18x20 makes my ball less heavy

Stability: P17 > Blade 16 x 19 > Blade 18 x 20 > DR > Blade 98 S

Comfort: Blade 98S > P17 > DR98 > Blade 16x19 > Blade 18x20

The open string pattern on the S frames make them feel like hitting with a pillow. I found the DR less comfortable than the strike to be honest.

The P17 is the most stable, comfortable, solid racket in its weight class. I'm a huge fan. It is like a lighter Wilson 6.1 with better spin. It falls nicely between the drives and control series and I find it more comfortable than both.
 
T

tennis1111

Semi-Pro
DANMAN said:
Plow: P17 > Blade 16 > DR > Blade 98S > Blade 18

The lack of spin of the 18x20 makes my ball less heavy

Stability: P17 > Blade 16 x 19 > Blade 18 x 20 > DR > Blade 98 S

Comfort: Blade 98S > P17 > DR98 > Blade 16x19 > Blade 18x20

The open string pattern on the S frames make them feel like hitting with a pillow. I found the DR less comfortable than the strike to be honest.

The P17 is the most stable, comfortable, solid racket in its weight class. I'm a huge fan. It is like a lighter Wilson 6.1 with better spin. It falls nicely between the drives and control series and I find it more comfortable than both.
Click to expand...
Nice job! How about maneuverabilty?
 
Ozellman

Ozellman

Rookie
On a couple of occasions I've now hit with the P17 and I think it plays pretty similarly to the DR98. I haven't compared the P17 side by side with the Yonex though as my normal sticks are GTXPP. If I needed a lighter stick that's more forgiving and has a little bit more free power inherent due to the way the beam is designed and also due to the stiffness, I'd say that the P17 would be a pretty natural frame to transition to from the GTXPP. Unless leaded up quite significantly, it doesn't have the plow, stability and control that my Prestige Pros have though and I can't produce as heavy a ball with the P17 as I can with the GTXPP. There's nothing wrong with the feel of the Babolat but the Prestige has better feel even though the sweet spot might be smaller. The P17 I demoed was strung with Blast at 22kg and the only other stat I know for that particular sample was the weight of 327g with two over grips.
 
D

DANMAN

Professional
Ozellman said:
On a couple of occasions I've now hit with the P17 and I think it plays pretty similarly to the DR98. I haven't compared the P17 side by side with the Yonex though as my normal sticks are GTXPP. If I needed a lighter stick that's more forgiving and has a little bit more free power inherent due to the way the beam is designed and also due to the stiffness, I'd say that the P17 would be a pretty natural frame to transition to from the GTXPP. Unless leaded up quite significantly, it doesn't have the plow, stability and control that my Prestige Pros have though and I can't produce as heavy a ball with the P17 as I can with the GTXPP. There's nothing wrong with the feel of the Babolat but the Prestige has better feel even though the sweet spot might be smaller. The P17 I demoed was strung with Blast at 22kg and the only other stat I know for that particular sample was the weight of 327g with two over grips.
Click to expand...

Maybe I didn't give the DR a fair shake but I strung it at 52 with ALU and didn't like it one bit but have loved the strike the whole way.
 
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B

bkr

Rookie
DANMAN said:
Maybe I didn't give the DR a fair shake but I strung it at 52 with ALU and didn't like it one bit but have loved the strike the whole way.
Click to expand...

Same in my case as I liked how PS17 right away compared to DR98 for my game but DR98 is loved by lot of players so I guess different frames for different players and styles.

I also agree that PS17 needs more weight for players that are used to heaver frames but that is easy fix with the LEAD.
 
dgoran

dgoran

Hall of Fame
I guess we are all different so I don't agree with most of DANMAN's opinion but I will follow his format for simplicity and consistency minus blade98s and blade 16x19 as I hated those 2 racquets with capital H (which further illustrates we are probably polar opposites as a player).

In my opinion:

Power(disclaimer this is misleading since 18x20 blade can produce way more unreturned shots than both dr98 and ps17 combined but say rally 50% effort same strings and tension : dr98 > ps17> Blade 18x20. I had some issues rating since it can appear that ps17 sends the ball longer more but that's just too much uncontrolled spin for my game vs balde that can produce heavier ball IMHO secret is lowering tension. To gain same trust and control I suspect I would need to bump tension close to 60 on ps17

Control: Blade 98 18x20 > Dr98 > PS17

Volleys: dr98 > Ps17 > Blade 18

Serves: dr98 by a mile > Blade 18 > ps17

Topspin: PS17 > DR98 > Blade 18

Slice: PS17 > dr98 > blade18

Return: Blade18 > ps17 > dr98

Comfort:(nitpicking here they are all comfortable just blade is most flexible feeling than dr98 than ps17 : blade18 > dr98 > ps17

Feel: blade98 > ps17 > dr98

Surprisingly out of all none beat my current racquet I accidentally discovered because I did not want to use it when it was first released because I was biased and called t pure drive clone. These days I am using new reissue pro open 100 which is unbelievably good like they combined all the good parts of pure drive and six one classic.

In comparison to my pro open all of the above mentioned racquets make tennis more difficult than it really is.
 
P

parasailing

Legend
dgoran said:
I guess we are all different so I don't agree with most of DANMAN's opinion but I will follow his format for simplicity and consistency minus blade98s and blade 16x19 as I hated those 2 racquets with capital H (which further illustrates we are probably polar opposites as a player).

In my opinion:

Power(disclaimer this is misleading since 18x20 blade can produce way more unreturned shots than both dr98 and ps17 combined but say rally 50% effort same strings and tension : dr98 > ps17> Blade 18x20. I had some issues rating since it can appear that ps17 sends the ball longer more but that's just too much uncontrolled spin for my game vs balde that can produce heavier ball IMHO secret is lowering tension. To gain same trust and control I suspect I would need to bump tension close to 60 on ps17

Control: Blade 98 18x20 > Dr98 > PS17

Volleys: dr98 > Ps17 > Blade 18

Serves: dr98 by a mile > Blade 18 > ps17

.
Click to expand...

I haven't played with the PS17 but I definitely agree with your ratings of the DR 98 and Blade with the exception in the area of the serve. What was it about the DR 98 that made it serve way better than the Blade 18? I didn't seem that much improvement on serves compared to the Blade 18x20.
 
dgoran

dgoran

Hall of Fame
parasailing said:
I haven't played with the PS17 but I definitely agree with your ratings of the DR 98 and Blade with the exception in the area of the serve. What was it about the DR 98 that made it serve way better than the Blade 18? I didn't seem that much improvement on serves compared to the Blade 18x20.
Click to expand...
If I remember correctly you modify your blade. I was comparing stock for stock. With stock blade I can serve probably the same (speed wise) but head light balance of dr98 makes it easier to serve. I could always serve better with head light racquets...not sure why

Also something else I noticed: With Dr98 I could pick up serve right where I left of after 2weeks of not touching a racquet dead tired just awoken from dead sleep but with blade I need like few hrs of serving
 
P

parasailing

Legend
@dgoran - Yes I do have the Blade 98 modified to be more HL. I think more HL balanced racquets are easier to serve with probably due to the weight not being in the head as much thus making it easier to pronate the racquet but that's just my opinion of why, not sure about the science behind it.
 
rh310

rh310

Hall of Fame
Babolat Official said:
We work hard to ensure all of our rackets come out to the specs we advertise and our consumers expect to receive from us. Our rackets have a tolerance of +/- 7 grams, and the new Pure Strike also benefits from that policy. If you find they are not within those standards, get in touch with us and we'll work to rectify that issue.
Click to expand...

I've picked up two of the PS17, the one that feels best is 11.4oz strung. The one that, oddly, feels a little sluggish is 11.2oz strung. I didn't weight them until I'd hit with both of them.

They're both close enough, I suppose. I'll get anal-retentive one night and match the weight and balance of the 11.2 to the 11.4. Should be possible to at least make it closer, if not exact.
 
H

Hydra1995

New User
rh310 said:
I've picked up two of the PS17, the one that feels best is 11.4oz strung. The one that, oddly, feels a little sluggish is 11.2oz strung. I didn't weight them until I'd hit with both of them.

They're both close enough, I suppose. I'll get anal-retentive one night and match the weight and balance of the 11.2 to the 11.4. Should be possible to at least make it closer, if not exact.
Click to expand...

Which string do u use?

I used Solinco Hyper G and Tour bite..

Didnt like Hyper G much on this frame... sometimes weird extremely low power but maybe i stringed it too high... tour bite was quite good, but was strung way lower
 
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D

DANMAN

Professional
Played for the 4th time tonight with my Strike. Hit Saturday and Sunday for about an hour each last weekend then hit Monday night of last week (doubles 6-1, 6-4) then popped then at 6-1, 1-0 in a singles match tonight so the Luxilon ALU lasted only about 4 hours.

I am looking forward to using something a little less harsh. I used to love ALU but got away from it in favor of cheaper options for a while and now find it pretty stiff. I have a set of polyfibre tcs, Lux Original, and Solinco Tour Bite 15L lying around. I think I'm going to really like Tour Bite soft in this frame and that'll be the string I buy next to try in it.

This frame does everything well. I still love the hard biting slice and I really have tapped in to the power in this frame. I also have great control on angles and can hit monster kick serves. This frame has all the stability of a 12 ounce frame with the maneuverability of a 11.3 ounce frame. Really an impressive offering.

I hope others are enjoying this frame as much as I have.
 
P

parasailing

Legend
@DANMAN - If you looking for a poly that is softer, try Head Hawk Touch. It is softer than Alu and offers great control and tension maintenance and isn't a high powered string.

I am still waiting to try the racquet but I got the new Blade 18x20 so that will hold me until the TW demo comes out.
 
D

dkappelman

New User
Quick update on my PS17 experience: After playing about 14 hours with the PS17, my strings broke, and I had to revert to playing with the 6.1 16x18 for a bit.

The most noticeable difference with switching back was the launch angle. The PS17 definitely has a higher launch angle, I might even say considerably higher.

I guess over the 14 or so hours I hit with the PS17, I had made a slight adjustment to bring the ball down a little bit. When I first starting hitting with the PS17, I noticed that my balls were definitely loopier (and I already hit a fairly loopy shot with the 6.1), so some adjustment was needed. When I switched back to the 6.1, my slight adjustment was causing balls to fall shorter than I would have liked, and hit the tape a lot more than I would have liked.

Also, a quick note that the PS17 and it's higher launch angle really ended up making a big difference in my two-handed backhand, where I have some tendency to not drop my racquet far enough below the ball and sometimes hit across it more than I should. This was definitely less of an issue with the PS17, where with the 6.1 it was always a problem. Obviously, the benefits of a racquet should not be a substitute for technique, but I'll take all the help I can get.

Aside from the launch angle, I am now even more convinced that the PS17 has a very similar feel to the 6.1. Switching back really drove home that point for me.

FWIW, the coach I've been working with for a number of years definitely preferred the ball I hit with the PS17, though he had been suggesting I switch to a slightly lighter racquet for a while now. In any case, I have 2 more waiting to be strung, so my switch to the PS17 looks like it's really happening!

I would definitely be interesting in hearing from @gino and others how the modded ones are working for you! I would also be curious to see what it will hit like with some more weight in the handle. I might give that a shot at some point in the future, but I don't want to introduce too many variables when switching at first.
 
rh310

rh310

Hall of Fame
Hydra1995 said:
Which string do u use?

I used Solinco Hyper G and Tour bite..

Didnt like Hyper G much on this frame... sometimes weird extremely low power but maybe i stringed it too high... tour bite was quite good, but was strung way lower
Click to expand...

I've tried both a gut-poly hybrid (51m / 48x) and what I normally use -- Cyclone Tour 17 at the same tension.
 
Tuskarr

Tuskarr

Semi-Pro
my pure strike weighs 11.05 oz strung...impressive stability given the weight. Going to add some lead tape to get the weight up to my old 11.5 oz PD+ after sectionals.
 
kmtennis

kmtennis

New User
I'm disappointed that the PS17 does not have flared grommets at main tie-offs (T-7). I've always loved how my Babolat racquets (including the 2014 Strike) had flared grommets because it meant my knots didn't destroy the grommets and that the knots were less visible, recessed into the flared grommet. But the 2017 Strike seems to be missing flared grommets for the main tie-offs. The crosses are flared, but not the mains. There are actually several flared grommets, but not at T-7, where I need them. Am I not stringing this properly?

@Babolat Official - Is this an oversight, or intentional. If intentional, what's the reasoning? Either way, I prefer flared. Or am I stringing with the wrong pattern?

10_4_2016_10_17_47_PM.jpg
 
Babolat Official

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
kmtennis said:
I'm disappointed that the PS17 does not have flared grommets at main tie-offs (T-7). I've always loved how my Babolat racquets (including the 2014 Strike) had flared grommets because it meant my knots didn't destroy the grommets and that the knots were less visible, recessed into the flared grommet. But the 2017 Strike seems to be missing flared grommets for the main tie-offs. The crosses are flared, but not the mains. There are actually several flared grommets, but not at T-7, where I need them. Am I not stringing this properly?

@Babolat Official - Is this an oversight, or intentional. If intentional, what's the reasoning? Either way, I prefer flared. Or am I stringing with the wrong pattern?

10_4_2016_10_17_47_PM.jpg
Click to expand...

Which model are you using and where have you been tying off and making your skips?
 
rh310

rh310

Hall of Fame
FWIW, here are my impressions after playing both the PS17 and DR98 several times for a couple of weeks. Both strung with Cyclone Tour 17, 51 x 48.

My scores are different after a couple of weeks than they would have been had I scored them after hitting the first time (e.g., PS17 seemed relatively underpowered the first time, but not so now).

Of course, these scores might be different if I spent yet another month on this -- so please read these as a "point in time" measurement, rather than after reaching any sort of equilibrium with either frame.

I also use a ">" ">>" and ">>>" to indicate a magnitude of difference, where there is one. ">" means "pretty even, but just a little greater".

Power: ps17 > dr98

Control: dr98 > ps17

Volleys: ps17 >> dr98

Serves: dr98 >> ps17

Topspin: ps17 >> dr98

Slice: dr98 > ps17

Return: ps17 >> dr98

Comfort: dr98 > ps17

Feel: dr98 > ps17

Maneuverability: dr98 > ps17
 
kmtennis

kmtennis

New User
Babolat Official said:
Which model are you using and where have you been tying off and making your skips?
Click to expand...

It the 16x19 2017 Pure Strike.
Skips: 8T, 8B
Main Ties: 7T (not flared)
Cross Ties: 9T, 7B (flared)

10_4_2016_10_17_47_PM.jpg


Reply From @Babolat Official

I spoke to our product team regarding the grommets of the Pure Strike, and he gave me some more information. First, it sounds like you are stringing the Pure Strike 16x19 correctly. There are no issues there.

In regards to the grommets themselves, though, it sounds like there is a bit of a misunderstanding. The flared off grommets, while helpful for tieoff holes, are actually created to help keep the grommets in the racket while stringing. The flare holds them within the frame, whereas grommets without the flare can pop out, as has happened to me when stringing other rackets. When that occurs, the string can cut into the graphite and irreparably damage the racket.

We created the grommets with flares to ensure that this did not happen to any of our frames while stringing.

Thus, though the flares can help with tieoffs, that is actually an added benefit to keeping the grommets within the frame.
 
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tom4ny

tom4ny

Professional
bkr said:
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
Click to expand...

I agree with you BKR. I am not blaming anyone but we all have biases that we come from when we are play testing frames and the TW folks are no different. We like certain specs and brands and our opinions are colored by this. When numbers are added they also carry these biases and it is fair and helpful to point this out. It is not blaming but rather putting into context what someone has stated when they fail to do that.

Many people seem to like this frame. Is it as good as the hype?
 
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XFactorer

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Hehe. Called up an online retailer to get a Strike demo added to my other demo order. The line is 60 deep! Luckily I had already gotten the demo prior so I knew I liked the racquet.
 
P

parasailing

Legend
I couldn't wait anymore based on all these reviews and ended up ordering one. The one I got came with following specs strung with Babolat syn gut.

SW - 317
Static weight - 11 oz
Balance - 32cm - 7 pts HL

Does anyone know how much weight syn gut adds compared to a poly? I know they are lighter than poly strings which add more weight and increase SW but haven't used syn gut for a long time.
 
DarthJimmy

DarthJimmy

New User
DANMAN said:
No I don't have any experience with the prince. In terms of the launch angle, I find both to be low compared to what I have played with most recently (Blade 98S) and pure drives. I find the launch angle of the strike to be a bit different than the DR. There is more spin potential but when driving the ball the angle is low. The dr could hit loopy but it bled pace for me when I did. The babolat hits a heavier penetrating ball to me.
Click to expand...
galapagos said:
thanks, How would you compare the launch angle of PS17 to dr 98 ? I am coming from a dense string pattern, when I tested dr 98 the combination of power and launch angle made my balls sail too long. Maybe more low powered strings with better spin would cure this. Liked the feel, didnt like the performance.

Do you have experience with prince textreme 100p aswell?
Click to expand...

I also found my forehands sailing long with the DR98. It took a while to adjust my swing to keep it in but it does seem to still require quite the fast full swing to consistently keep in play.
 
galapagos

galapagos

Hall of Fame
DarthJimmy said:
I also found my forehands sailing long with the DR98. It took a while to adjust my swing to keep it in but it does seem to still require quite the fast full swing to consistently keep in play.
Click to expand...
That's what I thought too about the need of fast swing (not necessary full). It's like the racquet gives you power and your job is to provide spin. did you play ps17? does it "speaks" similar? IMO Full swing associates with low powered, heavier racquets. With DR I think I would have to make shorter swing but focus on "lag and snap"
 
DarthJimmy

DarthJimmy

New User
Not yet I've had some arm issues and I'm really looking forward to trying the new Blade 98 coming out soon. I'll probably demo both the PS17 and Blade 16x19, a little worried about Babolat stiffness
 
galapagos

galapagos

Hall of Fame
will wait for your opinion aswell :) Im coming from a 18x20 pattern
Played with GSP,Ig speed mp 315 and XT. I think GSP is the best but something is missing (mainly 2nd serve,comfort and a bit too heavy-mine is around 350g)
Dr 98 was very fun to play, easy winners but wasnt consistent enough with it. lack of spin or too much power combined with a higher launch angle than my 18x20 racquets. When I had wanted just to push the ball over the net suddenly it went out..racquet is helping too much for me I guess...
blade 18x20 is very tempting. When I played DR 98 it was the first time I played something plush and when I played blade I had to adjust my opinion about what plush really means ;p blade has some speed DNA but not sure If i prefer something more spin friendly with acces to bigger power although I haven't played with it enough to make a fair comparison ( would probably add lead to the handle and put some spinny strings and strung very low)

Even 16x20 string pattern seems strange to me ;p played yonex duel g 97- fun to slice but lacks plow for groundstrokes. I think it has some prestige DNA but forehand was different ( bigger launch angle but not an issue)...This could be nice frame with lead. imo there are better frames that doesnt need lead or doesnt need it much..
Conclusion: Every racquet (GSP,blade 18x20,DR 98) had something that I liked
Ideal racquet for me would have same or similar(better? lol) :
Power: GSP
Control: Blade
Stability: didn't notice issues with any of them tbh. Maybe dr? ;p
Comfort: dr 98 since im coming from a GSP blade could be too plush ( too comfortable? lol )
Touch; blade
Serves: dr
Groundstrokes: GSP
Returns: GSP
Slice: GSP
Topspin: GSP
Volleys: DR 98 since its the fastest and I feel the sweet spot is maybe the biggest

After I test the pure strike will see if something has to be changed here ;p do you guys think ps17 could be the answer to that? xD
also prince textreme 100p,new blade,speed touch and p17 in 18x20 pattern might have something to say here (WILL WAIT !)

If someone has similar opinion- would be happy to hear his recommendations :)
 
P

parasailing

Legend
I had a chance to hit with the Pure Strike today and Babolat did a great job of updating the old Pure Strike model. This feels much easier to swing and offers better stability than the old Pure Strike. Mine came in around 11oz and I never thought a racquet could be this light and still have pretty good stability without the typical Babolat brassy feel.

The racquet came strung with syn gut so take it for what it's worth. I usually string racquets with Head Hawk Touch but didn't have time to do before hitting the courts. I will update when I have my the preferred string on this racquet.

I have tried many 11oz racquets and this racquet is probably one of the the most solid ones in a long time. Two racquets from the past, the Head Youtek Radical MP and the Babolat Pure Storm GT were comparable but the Pure Strike 2017 beats both of them in terms of maneuverability and stability at stock specs. You can really whip the ball with this racquet.

I usually prefer 18x20 string pattern racquets like the GSP and 2015 Blade 18x20 because they offered great control and allow you to totally swing for the fences. But for a 16x19, this racquet has great control. Though the control isn't nearly as good as an 18x20 racquet, it is definitely better than most of the 16x19 racquets 98 sq inch racquets I have demo and purchased in the past.

For those that like to drive the ball, this racquet will work out really well. The only thing I noticed about this racquet is the sweet spot is relatively smaller compared to the 18x20 string pattern racquets and you must hit the sweet spot in the center for balls to land deep. I am not sure if syn gut is the cause of this but if you hit on the edge of the racquet, there isn't much power and balls will land short slightly past the service box.

For those of you who are using 18x20 like the GSP and the Blade, stick with it until next year when they release the Tour version with 18x20 string pattern. That might be the ticket for you This racquet isn't in the same category in terms of SW and static weight unless you want to customize this frame.

Power: Blade 16x19 > GSP > Blade 18x20 > PS17 > Dr98

Control: Blade 18x20 > GSP > PS17 > Dr98 > blade 16 x19 >

Volleys: PS17 > Blade 16x19 > Blade 18x 20 > GSP > DR98

Serves: Not yet tested

Topspin: PS17 > Blade 16 > DR98 > GSP > Blade 18

Slice: PS17 > GSP > Blade 18 > Blade 16 > DR

Return: GSP > P17 > Blade 18 Blade 16 > Dr98

Plow: GSP > Blade 18 > P17 > Blade 16 > DR >

Stability: Blade 18 > GSP > P17 > Blade 16 > DR

Comfort: Blade 18x20 > P17 > DR98 > Blade 16 > GSP

Sweetspot: Blade 18 > GSP > Blade 16 > P17 > DR
 
Last edited:
D

DANMAN

Professional
parasailing said:
I had a chance to hit with the Pure Strike today and Babolat did a great job of updating the old Pure Strike model. This feels much easier to swing and offers better stability than the old Pure Strike. Mine came in around 11oz and I never thought a racquet could be this light and still have pretty good stability without the typical Babolat brassy feel.

The racquet came strung with syn gut so take it for what it's worth. I usually string racquets with Head Hawk Touch but didn't have time to do before hitting the courts. I will update when I have my the preferred string on this racquet.

I have tried many 11oz racquets and this racquet is probably one of the the most solid ones in a long time. Two racquets from the past, the Head Youtek Radical MP and the Babolat Pure Storm GT were comparable but the Pure Strike 2017 beats both of them in terms of maneuverability and stability at stock specs. You can really whip the ball with this racquet.

I usually prefer 18x20 string pattern racquets like the GSP and 2015 Blade 18x20 because they offered great control and allow you to totally swing for the fences. But for a 16x19, this racquet has great control. Though the control isn't nearly as good as an 18x20 racquet, it is definitely better than most of the 16x19 racquets 98 sq inch racquets I have demo and purchased in the past.

For those that like to drive the ball, this racquet will work out really well. The only thing I noticed about this racquet is the sweet spot is relatively smaller compared to the 18x20 string pattern racquets and you must hit the sweet spot in the center for balls to land deep. I am not sure if syn gut is the cause of this but if you hit on the edge of the racquet, there isn't much power and balls will land short slightly past the service box.

For those of you who are using 18x20 like the GSP and the Blade, stick with it until next year when they release the Tour version with 18x20 string pattern. That might be the ticket for you This racquet isn't in the same category in terms of SW and static weight unless you want to customize this frame.

Power: Blade 16x19 > GSP > Blade 18x20 > PS17 > Dr98

Control: Blade 18x20 > GSP > PS17 > Dr98 > blade 16 x19 >

Volleys: PS17 > Blade 16x19 > Blade 18x 20 > GSP > DR98

Serves: Not yet tested

Topspin: PS17 > Blade 16 > DR98 > GSP > Blade 18

Slice: PS17 > GSP > Blade 18 > Blade 16 > DR

Return: GSP > P17 > Blade 18 Blade 16 > Dr98

Plow: GSP > Blade 18 > P17 > Blade 16 > DR >

Stability: Blade 18 > GSP > P17 > Blade 16 > DR

Comfort: Blade 18x20 > P17 > DR98 > Blade 16 > GSP

Sweetspot: Blade 18 > GSP > Blade 16 > P17 > DR
Click to expand...

I think you and I see this frame somewhat similarly. I can hit a big ball and feel like the PS17 and blade are pretty close and more than dr. I've never hit the GSP. The PS17 is an absolute beast at the net and on serve. I see you like it for topspin and slice as well.

I totally get the ratings you get it especially knowing you have an 18x20 preference. I acknowledge that my thoughts on the blade 18 are somewhat related to my being anti-18x20 frames.

Here's my big question to you...do you find it similar to the DR98. A lot of people are making that comparison and I don't see it.

I hope you continue to enjoy it. It has gotten better and better with time for me.
 
P

parasailing

Legend
DANMAN said:
I think you and I see this frame somewhat similarly. I can hit a big ball and feel like the PS17 and blade are pretty close and more than dr. I've never hit the GSP. The PS17 is an absolute beast at the net and on serve. I see you like it for topspin and slice as well.

I totally get the ratings you get it especially knowing you have an 18x20 preference. I acknowledge that my thoughts on the blade 18 are somewhat related to my being anti-18x20 frames.

Here's my big question to you...do you find it similar to the DR98. A lot of people are making that comparison and I don't see it.

I hope you continue to enjoy it. It has gotten better and better with time for me.
Click to expand...

We do share very similar preference in racquets. This racquet does not play like the DR 98. The PS 17 is more maneuverable than the DR 98. I think it is more comparable to the AI 98 in terms of maneuverability but is not as flexy as the AI 98.

I will know more about the PS17 this weekend when I get a chance to hit with some college level players who can absolutely crush the ball. This will give me a chance to test stability and plow and see how it handles heavy balls.

The GSP is really one of the best hitting 18x20 racquets out there but it is a little stiffer than I like. I switched due to hand issues caused by the stiffness of the GSP.
 
A

andyN

Rookie
Had my first hit with the PS17 yesterday coming from the AI98 and Blade 98 (16x19) , Blade 98 (18x20), Head XT Extreme Pro, I must say this racket fits me. I hit with a classic style being a bit older.
The PS17 felt heavier than the Blade and Ai (customized) in the hands but once on the courts swinging, its perfect.
The PS17 provided everything i needed, extra pop when i go for my shot , stays in control and predictable when im just rallying. The slice is just awesome. I have not serve
and volley much with it but by the way the ball response off the string bed this should not be a problem.

Problems i had with the previous racket
AI98 - i always had to swing with enough head speed to feel connected to the shot, with the low launch angle my balls lands short 50% of the time
Blade 98 (16x19) - the response off the string bed is so erratic i didnt have confidence going for my shot
Blade 98 (18x20) - not very forgiving, small sweet spot, not enuf power.
Extreme Pro: its too stiff and too unpredictable "powerful" - i can send a ball sailing at anytime during a rally. I had to add some lead at 12

PS17 - I play much better tennis with this racket, more consistent. It's more comfortable, its more predictable. i hit a 2-hander but could hit/switch to my 1-hander with ease.
i would say its a great all around racket, with most the weight being at the hoop and shaft, the handle feel hallow.
It doesnt even need a dampener but i like the muted feel so i still use one.
 
P

parasailing

Legend
andyN said:
Had my first hit with the PS17 yesterday coming from the AI98 and Blade 98 (16x19) , Blade 98 (18x20), Head XT Extreme Pro, I must say this racket fits me. I hit with a classic style being a bit older.
The PS17 felt heavier than the Blade and Ai (customized) in the hands but once on the courts swinging, its perfect.
The PS17 provided everything i needed, extra pop when i go for my shot , stays in control and predictable when im just rallying. The slice is just awesome. I have not serve
and volley much with it but by the way the ball response off the string bed this should not be a problem.

Problems i had with the previous racket
AI98 - i always had to swing with enough head speed to feel connected to the shot, with the low launch angle my balls lands short 50% of the time
Blade 98 (16x19) - the response off the string bed is so erratic i didnt have confidence going for my shot
Blade 98 (18x20) - not very forgiving, small sweet spot, not enuf power.
Extreme Pro: its too stiff and too unpredictable "powerful" - i can send a ball sailing at anytime during a rally. I had to add some lead at 12

PS17 - I play much better tennis with this racket, more consistent. It's more comfortable, its more predictable. i hit a 2-hander but could hit/switch to my 1-hander with ease.
i would say its a great all around racket, with most the weight being at the hoop and shaft, the handle feel hallow.
It doesnt even need a dampener but i like the muted feel so i still use one.
Click to expand...

Your experience with the Blade 98 18x20 is a little different than mine and those who love the 18x20 Blade. It doesn't have a small sweet spot and has plenty of power. You just have to swing out on it. Also, the 18x20 requires string tension 50lbs and below to really make it a forgiving and comfortable racquet.
 
Last edited:
XFactorer

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
BillKid said:
Any feedback on the Pure Strike 100?
Click to expand...

Yes. It's a very powerful version of the Strike 16 x 19. Lighter, faster, a little more hollow feeling. I had trouble controlling the depth of the ball. Kept going long compared to the regular Strike. The demo was strung with Wilson NXT 16g. I had a buddy who uses the Pure Aero Tour and really liked the Strike 100. He got more power with just as much spin.
 
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