What feels and plays like a Pure Strike 98 without the vibration?

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D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
I tried a Pure Strike 98 (16x10) yesterday and it immediately felt like 'my racquet.' My favorite things were:

1) Versatility - I could hit spin or flatten out without fear of going long
1) Feedback - I knew exactly where I made contact
3) Control(?) - I knew where the ball was and it was easy to make adjustments

But the off-center vibration was HORRIBLE. In comparison I have a Pure Drive 2021 in my (demo) bag and there's no vibration. Maybe there's a feeling of impact, but there's no vibration.

Unfortunately idk what the strings were or if they'd make that big of a difference. In the PS I'd guess poly (very plasticy and phenomenal feedback.) In the Pure Drive I'd guess synthetic gut - I was told they're 'lively' and they're clear, less plasticy, less consistent/homogeneous, and it doesn't feel anywhere near as bad as everyone says it should.

So what other racquets would be comparable in terms of versatility, feedback, and predictability/control?
 
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Dartagnan64

Dartagnan64

G.O.A.T.
I recall trying the Pure Strikes when moving on from Pure Drives and agree that the performance was there but they still hurt my elbow. I thought the Blades and VCOREs had similar playability but with better arm comfort. In particular I thought the 2015 pre-CV Blade was a really great frame.

But there are a ton of frames that give you what you are looking for. They are all players frames or control oriented tweeners.
Yonex VCORE 98, Blade 98, Speed Pro, Prince Tour 100P, Pro Staff 97, Head Prestige MP.

All those will give good feedback, good control with still easy access to spin and no rocket launcher effect.
 
W

WCB

New User
I recently purchased the 3rd generation PS 16x19. For what it is worth, my #2 was probably the PS 100...and #3 would have been the Blade16x19 (not as powerful as the PS 16x19 but a nice racquet from my view).

The PS 100 is a bit lighter, but I believe it would have a slightly larger sweet sport.

Let me know if you have success with different strings. I am still tinkering a bit on the string setup. Would be curious.
 
TennisHound

TennisHound

Legend
Does the 3rd gen Pure Strike vibrate that much? It seemed pretty muted to me (too much weight in the head also). The 18x20 Pure Strike felt fairly softish, if strung around 46-48. The V7 Blade is supposed to be pretty soft.
 
E

es-335

New User
Prince Textreme Tour 100 (310) which is currently on sale at TW at $149 ($40 off).

From TW's review
Jason - "For players that love spin, like me, the Textreme Tour (310) is a definite upgrade over the previous Textreme Tour 100P, which was already a great racquet. Comparing it to a racquet outside of Prince, it plays a lot like the Babolat Pure Strike 16x19, with arguably better feel."
Click to expand...

I demoed both the Prince and the Pure Strike 98 (Project One 7) at the same time last year, and I hit equally well with both - but the Prince was a lot more comfortable.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
TennisHound said:
Does the 3rd gen Pure Strike vibrate that much? It seemed pretty muted to me (too much weight in the head also). The 18x20 Pure Strike felt fairly softish, if strung around 46-48. The V7 Blade is supposed to be pretty soft.
Click to expand...

It was the 3rd gen that I tried. When I brought it back the shop owner said it was probably the strings - he said whatever was in there was crap. I’ll probably try again in a week or two.

I just hit the Tecnifibre Tfight 305. It’s a similar playing frame but seemed a little more sluggish, a touch less feedback, but also less vibrations. I liked it but it didn’t scream “take me! take me!” Like the PS did, but it did seem like a loyal dog that would do whatever I asked of it.
 
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Crocodile

Crocodile

G.O.A.T.
Yes I second the Diadem Elevate MP and would add the Tecnifibre TF 40 315, Angell K7 Red just to get you started.
 
ccmtennis

ccmtennis

Semi-Pro
es-335 said:
Prince Textreme Tour 100 (310) which is currently on sale at TW at $149 ($40 off).

From TW's review


I demoed both the Prince and the Pure Strike 98 (Project One 7) at the same time last year, and I hit equally well with both - but the Prince was a lot more comfortable.
Click to expand...

I agree that the TXT 310 is a lot more comfortable however I think the launch angle is quite a bit higher. I think the Beast 98 is closer actually to the Pure strike 16x19 also with a lot more comfort
 
Moveforwardalways

Moveforwardalways

Hall of Fame
Joe Garfield said:
I tried a Pure Strike 98 (16x10) yesterday and it immediately felt like 'my racquet.' My favorite things were:

1) Versatility - I could hit spin or flatten out without fear of going long
1) Feedback - I knew exactly where I made contact
3) Control(?) - I knew where the ball was and it was easy to make adjustments

But the off-center vibration was HORRIBLE. In comparison I have a Pure Drive 2021 in my (demo) bag and there's no vibration. Maybe there's a feeling of impact, but there's no vibration.

Unfortunately idk what the strings were or if they'd make that big of a difference. In the PS I'd guess poly (very plasticy and phenomenal feedback.) In the Pure Drive I'd guess synthetic gut - I was told they're 'lively' and they're clear, less plasticy, less consistent/homogeneous, and it doesn't feel anywhere near as bad as everyone says it should.

So what other racquets would be comparable in terms of versatility, feedback, and predictability/control?
Click to expand...

Good luck finding one. If you do, please let us all know. That is the only reason not to use the Pure Strike. You are looking for the holy grail. Do not seek the treasure.
 
mhkeuns

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Joe Garfield said:
It was the 3rd gen that I tried. When I brought it back the shop owner said it was probably the strings - he said whatever was in there was crap. I’ll probably try again in a week or two.

I just hit the Tecnifibre Tfight 305. It’s a similar playing frame but seemed a little more sluggish, a touch less feedback, but also less vibrations. I liked it but it didn’t scream “take me! take me!” Like the PS did, but it did seem like a loyal dog that would do whatever I asked of it.
Click to expand...
Try different strings. The Pure Strike 3rd Gen is pretty unique in that it has almost the power of tweeners but comes with control. I really don’t notice harsh vibrations,
 
A

adtennis

New User
Long time Pure Drive guy that recently changed to the Pure Strike 98. Love the control of the frame. Really a great racquet. I found it to be more forgiving than the Blade 98. Pure Strike had a tad more power and from my view had less mishit vibration than the Blade. Also found the Pure Strike 98 was a better racquet than the Pure Strike 100 in terms of both control and stability. I put syn-gut in my Pure Strike 98 as I can no longer do poly. So far, it's been great.
 
S

Sahbatage

Rookie
Joe Garfield said:
I tried a Pure Strike 98 (16x10) yesterday and it immediately felt like 'my racquet.' My favorite things were:

1) Versatility - I could hit spin or flatten out without fear of going long
1) Feedback - I knew exactly where I made contact
3) Control(?) - I knew where the ball was and it was easy to make adjustments

But the off-center vibration was HORRIBLE. In comparison I have a Pure Drive 2021 in my (demo) bag and there's no vibration. Maybe there's a feeling of impact, but there's no vibration.

Unfortunately idk what the strings were or if they'd make that big of a difference. In the PS I'd guess poly (very plasticy and phenomenal feedback.) In the Pure Drive I'd guess synthetic gut - I was told they're 'lively' and they're clear, less plasticy, less consistent/homogeneous, and it doesn't feel anywhere near as bad as everyone says it should.

So what other racquets would be comparable in terms of versatility, feedback, and predictability/control?
Click to expand...

Please do post if you come across a good arm-friendly substitute. I demod a gen 3 PS 16x19 for a week and loved it. Bought one and strung it up with nat gut/poly. After 3 weeks I developed wrist/elbow/shoulder issues that weren't there before while using my old Youtek Speed MP. There is definitely a lot of vibration on off center shots. Currently using a Clash 98 but am missing the confidence I had with the performance of the PS. I tried the new Blade after but it just didn't gel right with me for some reason.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
I found out today the Pure Strike I tried had the stiffest poly they sell in the shop (usually demoed by competitive players) and the Pure Drive had the best multi, for whatever that’s worth.
 
T

TripleFault88

Rookie
I switched from a blade v7 to the pure strike tour because I was wanting more free power. Although the blade was more comfortable, I don’t notice harsh vibrations too much in the strike tour. I’ve been testing a range of polys so far. I think the tour version of the strike will give you more comfort and stability from the added weight. Although there is more weight in the tour version, there isn’t much difference in swing weight compared to the reg pure strike. It’s more headlight and still maneuverable (depending on level of play). Overall I’m very happy I with the Pure Strike Tour.
 
socallefty

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
Another Pure Strike Tour fan - it is much more comfortable and stable compared to my wife’s PS standard 16x19 while being as easy to swing due to the more headlight balance countering the extra weight. I don’t notice any comfort issues playing with gut/poly hybrids at 48/45 lbs.

I break or cut out the strings after 15 hours though as I can feel that the poly is dead by then. No problems playing every day in my fifties as a result. Favorite poly is HyperG Soft.
 
T

TripleFault88

Rookie
socallefty said:
Another Pure Strike Tour fan - it is much more comfortable and stable compared to my wife’s PS standard 16x19 while being as easy to swing due to the more headlight balance countering the extra weight. I don’t notice any comfort issues playing with gut/poly hybrids at 48/45 lbs.

I break or cut out the strings after 15 hours though as I can feel that the poly is dead by then. No problems playing every day in my fifties as a result. Favorite poly is HyperG Soft.
Click to expand...
@socallefty your comment seems familiar. I may of read another one like this in a different thread. You may be part of the reason I tried the pure strike tour out. So thanks a bunch!! To the OP, don’t let the weight scare you off in at least demoing the tour. I’m glad I gave it a shot
 
socallefty

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
Sahbatage said:
Please do post if you come across a good arm-friendly substitute. I demod a gen 3 PS 16x19 for a week and loved it. Bought one and strung it up with nat gut/poly. After 3 weeks I developed wrist/elbow/shoulder issues that weren't there before while using my old Youtek Speed MP. There is definitely a lot of vibration on off center shots. Currently using a Clash 98 but am missing the confidence I had with the performance of the PS. I tried the new Blade after but it just didn't gel right with me for some reason.
Click to expand...
What poly did you use and at what tension on the gut/poly hybrid? How long did you play with the stringjob? Just wondering if the poly went dead and you kept playing with it. ALU Power will feel harsh within 7-8 hours and cause discomfort while other polys like Cyclone Tour, HyperG, HyperG soft may feel Ok for 15-20 hours if you don’t break them before that.

Also, the Vibration frequency reported by TW on the PS16x19 is 147 while the Pure Strike Tour is 139 - this difference is enough to feel when you are playing. It is part of why the PST feels more comfortable compared to the standard weight versions.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
I will try the tour if I can get my hands on one.

So far, here’s what I’ve tried:

Tecnifibre Tfight 305 (Multi) This might be the closes thing I’ve tried to the PS 98, but this has more dense string bed. It plays just a little slower, a little less power, a little less spin, but all the stability and control and sweet spot of the PS 98. Better vibration than the PS, though more vibration than any other modern Babolat. Right now this is tied for second choice. I want to try T40 or whatever it’s called - The more open string pattern should help it play more energetic. But the Tecnifibre frame just feels a little slow and dead. I added lead to the handle but then the static weight was pushing the limits of my tired wrist.

Pure Strike 100 (Poly/Multi Hybrid) Better in terms of vibration but still probably the second worst of everything I’ve used. Somehow it just plays different than the 98, despite various weight configurations. I think I felt less confident with this stick and therefore was holding back.

Pure Aero VS (full poly) A little more pop, a little faster, a little less control, but in the right direction. Definitely more control than PD and PA proper. I added 2g 10/2 (4g total) and played really well with it. I tried a little more but I feel like this racquet likes speed. Not the same as PS 98 but its tied for second choice. With full poly bed it was better in vibrations than any PS I’ve tried.

Pure Drive VS (full poly): I couldn’t really get on with this stick, with or without added weight. IDK why. I like Pure Aero proper, on paper this should have been good.

Wilson Blade 98 (Poly/MultI Hybrid) Much more lively and pop, smaller sweet spot, faster. Great feel, very comfortable. This seems like a killer stick in the right hands. Unfortunately not mine, at this point. It might be something I move into in the future. Actually I‘d say this is close to the Pure Aero VS - maybe a little more sporty, and the VS is a little more controlled.


What I have coming in the mail Monday:
Head Speed MP
Head Extreme Pro
Volkl Vfeel V1 Pro
Yonex Vcore 98


What I still want to try:
Pure Strike 98 Tour
Yonex Vcore Pro
Tecnifibre T40
 
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S

Sahbatage

Rookie
socallefty said:
What poly did you use and at what tension on the gut/poly hybrid? How long did you play with the stringjob? Just wondering if the poly went dead and you kept playing with it. ALU Power will feel harsh within 7-8 hours and cause discomfort while other polys like Cyclone Tour, HyperG, HyperG soft may feel Ok for 15-20 hours if you don’t break them before that.

Also, the Vibration frequency reported by TW on the PS16x19 is 147 while the Pure Strike Tour is 139 - this difference is enough to feel when you are playing. It is part of why the PST feels more comfortable compared to the standard weight versions.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. !

I have it strung up with VS mains @52 and RPM Blast crosses @48. Roughly 6-6.5 hours of play on them as of now. It was strung up with a full bed of RPM Blast @ 48m/46c before but I had cut that out after the first session.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
I just played around with a bunch of bare frames in the shop. Holding racquets by the handle and tapping around the frame, there’s definitely more pronounced vibration in the Pure Strike 98 than pretty much any other stick. The Tour is a little better and about the same as the 100. The vibrations in the PS are interesting: they seem more like a hollow ‘ringing’ than other frames. Granted this is all really subtle but it translates very well to what I experienced when I hit these sticks. The PD had similar hollowness but noticeably damped. Head 360+ racquets had very little vibration.

I’ve seen a couple recommendations for the Head Speed being similar to PS. I’ve got a Speed Pro in my bag and a Speed MP on the way. I just need a couple days to rest.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
Moveforwardalways said:
Good luck finding one. If you do, please let us all know. That is the only reason not to use the Pure Strike. You are looking for the holy grail. Do not seek the treasure.
Click to expand...

Tecnifibre TF40 305. Same size head, same swing weight, similar shaped frame, same control, 10% less power but 10,000% better feel. And somehow the TF 18x20 spins like the PS 16x19. It looks dense and I thought I’d have low spin. I was wrong.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
Sahbatage said:
Please do post if you come across a good arm-friendly substitute. I demod a gen 3 PS 16x19 for a week and loved it. Bought one and strung it up with nat gut/poly. After 3 weeks I developed wrist/elbow/shoulder issues that weren't there before while using my old Youtek Speed MP. There is definitely a lot of vibration on off center shots. Currently using a Clash 98 but am missing the confidence I had with the performance of the PS. I tried the new Blade after but it just didn't gel right with me for some reason.
Click to expand...

Tecnifibre TF40 305. Similar head shape, similar swing weight, similar frame shape.... all the control, all the stability, all the feedback, maybe 10% less power, but 10,000% more comfort. And don't let the 18x20 scare you - I thought my spin would suffer, but I was very wrong.
 
Moveforwardalways

Moveforwardalways

Hall of Fame
Joe Garfield said:
Tecnifibre TF40 305. Same size head, same swing weight, similar shaped frame, same control, 10% less power but 10,000% better feel. And somehow the TF 18x20 spins like the PS 16x19. It looks dense and I thought I’d have low spin. I was wrong.
Click to expand...

I agree that the TF40 305 is a great racquet. However, dropping to a 64 RA just doesn’t give the same pop as a Project One Seven Pure Strike at 67, in my opinion.
 
L

Lorenn

Hall of Fame
Moveforwardalways said:
I agree that the TF40 305 is a great racquet. However, dropping to a 64 RA just doesn’t give the same pop as a Project One Seven Pure Strike at 67, in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Hard not to like extra power, but the body has to hold up as well. Very complex choice when not knowing how the racquet is strung. Each player is looking for a different "perfect" balance of control and power.
 
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D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
I needed to add weight to Tfight 300 and will try again today. That might be the answer with stiffer frame and 16x19. TFight 305 frame felt just like 2019 PS but a little less vibration, however high swing weight was too slow.

I personally like less power so I can swing, so TF40 is good for me. But I’m still curious so will try Tfight and let you know.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
Excellent point about stringing - the Tfight 300 was brand new, never hit and I just couldn’t hit it! It turns out the strings are totally shot. It made a racquet known for control literally unplayable.

I have one last demo set coming: Pure Strike 16x19, Pure Strike Tour, Tfight 300, and Tfight 315. And I’ll have my new TF40 305 on Friday. I need to put an end to this! :)
 
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S

Sahbatage

Rookie
@Joe Garfield
So I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Pure Strike Tour. Strung it up exactly the same as my Pure Strike 16x19 (VS mains @52, RPM Blast crosses @48) that caused wrist/elbow/shoulder pain and.... WOW! I had none of the discomfort that I did with the 16x19! I am used to using ~335g rackets so the slight increase in weight will take a little getting used to (the Tour weighed in at 343g with a dampener and overgrip), but aside from that it was great! Id recommend giving the tour a demo if you want the PS minus the extra vibrations and can handle the weight.
 
D

Deleted member 776614

Guest
That’s good news! I have one on the way, probably by early-mid next week. I checked out the Tfight 315 in the shop today and it felt surprisingly controllable for it’s weight.
 
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