Pure Strike 2017, 16x19 or 18x20?

Nickzor · Apr 25, 2017

So long story short, after something like 8 years of using the Wilson Ncode six one 95 I've decided to try out new rackets, i probably demo'ed about 8 rackets in the past month and the Pure Strike 16x19 was the latest one I've tried and it was great, I've been looking for something lighter (my Ncode 95 weighs 355g) that can give me some more power and not so many arms problems (a used an Aero Pro Drive and Pure Drive about 4 years ago for quite sometime and they gave me serious arm issues, part of this is because i had them strung with full poly at about 58-60lbs, bad idea I know.

So what would the difference be between the 16x19 and the 18x20? The shop I go to doesn't have the 18x20 in stock for a few weeks and I'm a little impatient and just want to buy the 16x19

CopolyX · Apr 25, 2017

depends on your style ...flat hitter or good top spin player?
18 x 20 control vs power 16 x 19 ( spin - needed for control)
fyi....inpatients does not work well in tennis...

haqq777 · Apr 25, 2017

Nickzor said:
So long story short, after something like 8 years of using the Wilson Ncode six one 95 I've decided to try out new rackets, i probably demo'ed about 8 rackets in the past month and the Pure Strike 16x19 was the latest one I've tried and it was great, I've been looking for something lighter (my Ncode 95 weighs 355g) that can give me some more power and not so many arms problems (a used an Aero Pro Drive and Pure Drive about 4 years ago for quite sometime and they gave me serious arm issues, part of this is because i had them strung with full poly at about 58-60lbs, bad idea I know.

So what would the difference be between the 16x19 and the 18x20? The shop I go to doesn't have the 18x20 in stock for a few weeks and I'm a little impatient and just want to buy the 16x19

CopolyX is correct.
16x19 provides more spin.
18x20 provides more control.
The rule of thumb generally is that if you hit flat and prefer lower trajectory, go with the dense pattern, 18x20. That will give more control to your flatter shots. If you like spin and higher net clearance, and have spinny game in general, 16x19.
Hope that helps!

Nickzor · Apr 25, 2017

CopolyX said:
depends on your style ...flat hitter or good top spin player?
18 x 20 control vs power 16 x 19 ( spin - needed for control)
fyi....inpatients does not work well in tennis...

Well my sixone 95 is 18x20 and i do feel i play better with this pattern however i was looking for something with more spin/power, I hit with top spin and hit flat too, I do like to go for hard flat shots pretty often i suppose

Nickzor · Apr 25, 2017

haqqani1777 said:
CopolyX is correct.
16x19 provides more spin.
18x20 provides more control.
The rule of thumb generally is that if you hit flat and prefer lower trajectory, go with the dense pattern, 18x20. That will give more control to your flatter shots. If you like spin and higher net clearance, and have spinny game in general, 16x19.
Hope that helps!

Thanks! yes this helps, I wouldn't say i moonball often, so maybe the 18x20 sounds better, I do like to hit lower-ish over the net

haqq777 · Apr 25, 2017

Nickzor said:
Thanks! yes this helps, I wouldn't say i moonball often, so maybe the 18x20 sounds better, I do like to hit lower-ish over the net

Great! Definitely demo both though. In fact I would suggest you demo every racquet before you buy. Will give a very good idea if you will gel with it or not. Hope you have demo programs available in Australia. Cheers

Mareqnyc · Apr 25, 2017

Nickzor said:
So long story short, after something like 8 years of using the Wilson Ncode six one 95 I've decided to try out new rackets, i probably demo'ed about 8 rackets in the past month and the Pure Strike 16x19 was the latest one I've tried and it was great, I've been looking for something lighter (my Ncode 95 weighs 355g) that can give me some more power and not so many arms problems (a used an Aero Pro Drive and Pure Drive about 4 years ago for quite sometime and they gave me serious arm issues, part of this is because i had them strung with full poly at about 58-60lbs, bad idea I know.

So what would the difference be between the 16x19 and the 18x20? The shop I go to doesn't have the 18x20 in stock for a few weeks and I'm a little impatient and just want to buy the 16x19

Obviously it would be best to try them side by side but if you can't do that let me share my experience with both.
I had been a longtime user of the 6.1 line including the Ncode and there are few racquets that match the overall stability and performance of these sticks. the new 16x19 Strike is one of the best racquets I have used in a very long time, it is just so easy to use and hits a sweet, heavy penetrating ball. I tried the 18x20 briefly and hit them side by side to see if perhaps I am missing out on something even better and truth to be told the 18x20 was disappointing.

I was expecting much improved control and perhaps more stability ( I am a fan of 18x20 actually).The 18x20 Strike in comparison to 16x19 is a racquet that has smaller sweetspot (and what comes with it and the patterns itself - less comfort), significantly less power and much lower launch angle. Slice and control on serve are two things that improved. I went back to the 16x19 in a heartbeat. You get 8 strings in the throat with the 16x19 (aka Prestige Pro) so directional control is already great.

I think for modern fast strokes the 16x19 is a better choice. That is not to say the 18x20 is a bad stick; I am sure a lot of folks will disagree with me on this; it just did not work for my game and definitely was not an improved version of 16x19. Still - give it a shot if you can to see if it works for your specific game and strokes.

Speaking of comfort and tension you use with those stiff sticks I really suggest to try to go as low as 50 lbs (perhaps even lower) and try to keep it there. Most polyesters work very well @ 50lbs and less. If you are used to 58lbs do not jump all the way down to 48lbs - it is best to go 2lbs lower with every subsequent stringing so it is a more friendly adjustment. You would be surprised how low you can go

RetroSpin · Apr 25, 2017

I liked the 16x19 PS with poly in mid 40's. This is not nearly as powerful a frame as a Pure Aero or Pure Drive, so I can't imagine going to 18x20. My hitting partner and I actually thought it sucked until he added lead, which made it really come alive.

lwto · Apr 25, 2017

If you can handle it.. go with the DR100, tried both and the Yonex is a beast.

TR3NT · Apr 25, 2017

I have both the new 16x19 and 18x20 pure strikes. My preference has been the 16x19 due to the extra spin letting me drop the balls in late and the extra kick off my serve however at a tournament on the weekend I just couldnt get in the zone with the 16x19 and was hitting balls just long and wide. I switched to the 18x20 which really allows you to hit through the ball alot more but if you dont hit it clean you will be punished with a soft ball that does nothing.

Both are excellent racquets are shine in their respective areas. If you have your own power then I would suggest the 18x20

prjacobs · Apr 25, 2017

Seems like you're getting advice for both patterns. I don't think the PS 16 X 19 has that high of a launch angle and if you're looking for some more spin, why not take a chance on something new. Maybe buy a used one?
Edit- I didn't realize that you could demo. As already said, demo them both....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nickzor · Apr 25, 2017

RetroSpin said:
I liked the 16x19 PS with poly in mid 40's. This is not nearly as powerful a frame as a Pure Aero or Pure Drive, so I can't imagine going to 18x20. My hitting partner and I actually thought it sucked until he added lead, which made it really come alive.

interestinggg, where did you guys at lead tape?

Nickzor · Apr 25, 2017

Mareqnyc said:
Obviously it would be best to try them side by side but if you can't do that let me share my experience with both.
I had been a longtime user of the 6.1 line including the Ncode and there are few racquets that match the overall stability and performance of these sticks. the new 16x19 Strike is one of the best racquets I have used in a very long time, it is just so easy to use and hits a sweet, heavy penetrating ball. I tried the 18x20 briefly and hit them side by side to see if perhaps I am missing out on something even better and truth to be told the 18x20 was disappointing.

I was expecting much improved control and perhaps more stability ( I am a fan of 18x20 actually).The 18x20 Strike in comparison to 16x19 is a racquet that has smaller sweetspot (and what comes with it and the patterns itself - less comfort), significantly less power and much lower launch angle. Slice and control on serve are two things that improved. I went back to the 16x19 in a heartbeat. You get 8 strings in the throat with the 16x19 (aka Prestige Pro) so directional control is already great.

I think for modern fast strokes the 16x19 is a better choice. That is not to say the 18x20 is a bad stick; I am sure a lot of folks will disagree with me on this; it just did not work for my game and definitely was not an improved version of 16x19. Still - give it a shot if you can to see if it works for your specific game and strokes.

Speaking of comfort and tension you use with those stiff sticks I really suggest to try to go as low as 50 lbs (perhaps even lower) and try to keep it there. Most polyesters work very well @ 50lbs and less. If you are used to 58lbs do not jump all the way down to 48lbs - it is best to go 2lbs lower with every subsequent stringing so it is a more friendly adjustment. You would be surprised how low you can go

Thanks a lot for this info, seems we're somewhat in the same boat lol, I'm more and more edging toward the 16x19, also these days I generally just use Multi's, I've mostly left Poly strings behind in my game, the only time i ever use Poly's is when I get my old pure drive restrung for the girlfriend, in saying that I do muck around with the pure drive for fun at times

RVAtennisaddict · Apr 25, 2017

I think it depends on your game. I did not like the 16x19, but no one has ever accused me of not having enough power. For me, I can generate all the spin I need with the 18x20 but it also controls my power, particularly on my mishit/off center shots. The launch angle on the 18x20 is significantly lower, and is significantly lower with new strings (I find like my strings the best after hitting for about an hour).

I do find a little lead at 3:00 and 9:00 and weight in the handle (leather grip) helped a ton. I also dropped from 17guage to 18guage, more "spinny" poly. So far Tourbite is my favorite @52 but breaks every 2-3 matches.

Again, I try to play "control" tennis and reign in the power and am constantly being told about how hard I hit, including by one former top 50 ATP player (20 years ago), and I don't feel like I am swinging hard or for the fences...

RetroSpin · Apr 26, 2017

Nickzor said:
interestinggg, where did you guys at lead tape?

3 and 9, not too much as I recall. Also had an overgrip of course. I really enjoyed hitting with it, but not so much that I would switch from my PDR+.

2HBH-DTL · Apr 26, 2017

i would say a player who produces his own spin and needs more control definately go for the 18x20. (i guess i'm describing my own playing style here)

VC89 · Apr 26, 2017

16x19 has more lively 'pop' and pocketing on impact. Not tons free spin or power but when you need it it is there. For it's relatively light weight the balance between power, spin, feel and control is quite perfect. I have the 18x20 too but I find that I tend to over exert my arm to get the same power.

Nickzor · Apr 26, 2017

Thanks for all the replies folks, I've bought the 16x19 version strung with Babolat RPM Team at 53lbs (Free strings, I will experiment in due time with string setups)

The choice for the 16x19 was because I already have a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 with a 18x20 string pattern which is a control and low power orientated racket and that has been my main racket now for 5-6 years and I have been looking for something that just gives me more pop and easier power whilst still having good enough control, some days I just dont feel like swinging my Pro Staff for hours on end and then ending up with a sore arm (the thing weighs 360g), there are times I just want something lighter and easier to swing and the 16x19 is perfect for that

Frans Bleker · Jun 13, 2017

Mareqnyc said:
Obviously it would be best to try them side by side but if you can't do that let me share my experience with both.
I had been a longtime user of the 6.1 line including the Ncode and there are few racquets that match the overall stability and performance of these sticks. the new 16x19 Strike is one of the best racquets I have used in a very long time, it is just so easy to use and hits a sweet, heavy penetrating ball. I tried the 18x20 briefly and hit them side by side to see if perhaps I am missing out on something even better and truth to be told the 18x20 was disappointing.

I was expecting much improved control and perhaps more stability ( I am a fan of 18x20 actually).The 18x20 Strike in comparison to 16x19 is a racquet that has smaller sweetspot (and what comes with it and the patterns itself - less comfort), significantly less power and much lower launch angle. Slice and control on serve are two things that improved. I went back to the 16x19 in a heartbeat. You get 8 strings in the throat with the 16x19 (aka Prestige Pro) so directional control is already great.

I think for modern fast strokes the 16x19 is a better choice. That is not to say the 18x20 is a bad stick; I am sure a lot of folks will disagree with me on this; it just did not work for my game and definitely was not an improved version of 16x19. Still - give it a shot if you can to see if it works for your specific game and strokes.

Speaking of comfort and tension you use with those stiff sticks I really suggest to try to go as low as 50 lbs (perhaps even lower) and try to keep it there. Most polyesters work very well @ 50lbs and less. If you are used to 58lbs do not jump all the way down to 48lbs - it is best to go 2lbs lower with every subsequent stringing so it is a more friendly adjustment. You would be surprised how low you can go

Haven't tried the 18x20, but did try 16x19. I was wondering if you agree on the following, as you have played the racket much longer: In my experience the launch angle wasn't that high on the 16x19, I was suprised about how much depth and directional control I had with the frame, especially when comparting it to frames as the Graphene Radical Pro. Normally I like to go with 95 sq inch 16x19 or 98 sq inch 18x20's, but I'm considering to actually give the 16x19 a shot after that good experience. Thoughts?

VC89 · Jun 14, 2017

The 16x19 is an exceptional frame off the shelf because despite its low weight you get a healthy amount of power, spin, and control, which is not a easy balance to achieve. This is why the racket is so special and a lot of people would find it fun to use. With the 18x20, the extra control comes at the expense of spin and power, which means it is suitable mostly for high power hitters with good techniques.

Anton H · Jun 14, 2017

Nickzor said:
Thanks for all the replies folks, I've bought the 16x19 version strung with Babolat RPM Team at 53lbs (Free strings, I will experiment in due time with string setups)

The choice for the 16x19 was because I already have a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 with a 18x20 string pattern which is a control and low power orientated racket and that has been my main racket now for 5-6 years and I have been looking for something that just gives me more pop and easier power whilst still having good enough control, some days I just dont feel like swinging my Pro Staff for hours on end and then ending up with a sore arm (the thing weighs 360g), there are times I just want something lighter and easier to swing and the 16x19 is perfect for that

Having switched myself from the 6.1 95 18x20 parallel drilling (2014) version i can say that he pure strike 16x19 will feel nice but will very quickly feel flimsy en a bit to head heavy.
The launch angle is not that high cause the strings in the center are actually pretty dense compared to other 16x19 en it plays more like an 18x20. I'm pretty sure but i can't say for sure is that the mains are just as dense in the center in de 16x19 as in the 18x20. I myself put a wilson leather grip on mine and added a few grams of lead at the top of the grip to make it a bit more head light and now it plays like a dream. Still a full 20 grams lighter in static weight than my 6.1 95 was. The added weight allows you to string a poly at a bit higher tension (i use 53-54 pounds) without losing depth on your shots. And the added tension allows for more ball compression resulting in more grip on the ball resulting in more spin and control.

JustTennis76 · Jun 14, 2017

OP - I was in a similar situation like you, after playing with a prestige mid for a while, I needed something more forgiving. Demoed a few sticks including the new Babolat Pure strike line. Decided to go with the Yonex Vcore Duel G 97(310). Little bit lighter than a prestige at 11.6 oz and has great head light balance and there is room for customization. It also has a great classic feel. To me, the Babolats were stiff even though TW have a high rating for comfort on the 16 x 19.

Stupendous1HBH · Jun 14, 2017

Nickzor said:
The shop I go to doesn't have the 18x20 in stock for a few weeks and I'm a little impatient and just want to buy the 16x19

If you just go by the 16x19 now, you may later regret waiting for the 18x20 then you just wasted $200.

They are both similar spec. I'd say the only real difference is the string pattern here. more spin and slightly more power with the 16x19 and more control on the 18x20. But both very similar. It would be hard to choose for me if I had to pick one. Probably the 16x19 since I heard folks say it's already a dense pattern for a 16x19.

Mareqnyc · Jun 14, 2017

Frans Bleker said:
Haven't tried the 18x20, but did try 16x19. I was wondering if you agree on the following, as you have played the racket much longer: In my experience the launch angle wasn't that high on the 16x19, I was suprised about how much depth and directional control I had with the frame, especially when comparting it to frames as the Graphene Radical Pro. Normally I like to go with 95 sq inch 16x19 or 98 sq inch 18x20's, but I'm considering to actually give the 16x19 a shot after that good experience. Thoughts?

It took me about a year to really dial in with this racquet. I think because of the 4 mains at the throat it really provides the best balance of control and power. I tried the 18x20 but came back to the 16x19 instantly. 18x20 makes everything harder with this stick. I think the 16x19 is a winner here and that comes from someone who had been using 18x20 patterns in the past almost exclusively.

Pure Strike 2017, 16x19 or 18x20?

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