2017 Pure Strike

gino

Legend
@gino how would you compare the 6.1 95S to the new pure strike?

I love the 6.1 95S. If it weren't for this new PS17, I'd take either my 6.1 95S or PS97 into match play.

The noticeable differences between the PS17 and 95S are that the PS17 is more crisp and has a wider/longer sweetspot, the PS17 is more whippy, and the PS17 provides more free power. They pretty much generate the same amount of spin on groundstrokes and serves - although the PS17 is a little more adept at generating topspin. I found that the 6.1 95S is really good at controlling the ball, but it will not offer you with much free power/pop. The PS17 is more forgiving and allows you to redirect shots deeper and with more weight of shot @Tusk
 

gino

Legend
Great review again!!!.Thanks for your time and effort to share with us.

Unfortunately I had to return my DEMO PS17 frame back to store and haven't had a chance to test with my regular string and most importantly under match conditions thats when my muscle memory kicks in and tells me how racquet is helping or not helping my strokes/style.As we all know this takes a long time and I cann't purchase another one now and add to the long list of racquets already in my possession.I'm not in a rush as I have stopped playing tournaments so I can wait more time to make the decision.

Hopefully this is not a honeymoon period for lot of us as we've all experienced how it feels.For those of us Wilson 6.1 lovers it's a big ask and big shoes to fill in but for sure I need a little bigger sweetspot as days goes by :)

Good luck and happy hitting to those you have made the switch.It would be interesting to see how the new heaver VS models would turn out considering PS17 has been received well so far.

No problem, I'm glad you liked it. I am in the same boat, after I finished playing college tennis, I am not in a rush to make a switch or stock up on the PS17. But, after playing 2 hours with this stick, I want to start playing Men's Opens again. I feel like I can't miss. That's a great feeling.
 

gino

Legend
@gino high praise! What string & tension for this initial write up? + What's your usual set up? Gracias for sharing!

You bet dude. My PS17 has Tour Bite 17 at around 52/53 lbs right now. I love it. Great bite, ball pocketing, and directional control.

My usual setup is either the Wilson 6.1 95S, Wilson PS97 2014, or HEAD Youtek IG Speed 300 with a Diadem poly strung anywhere between 50 and 54 lbs. I usually gravitate towards player's frames with a modern feel. This PS17 is everything I've been looking for.
 

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
You bet dude. My PS17 has Tour Bite 17 at around 52/53 lbs right now. I love it. Great bite, ball pocketing, and directional control.

My usual setup is either the Wilson 6.1 95S, Wilson PS97 2014, or HEAD Youtek IG Speed 300 with a Diadem poly strung anywhere between 50 and 54 lbs. I usually gravitate towards player's frames with a modern feel. This PS17 is everything I've been looking for.

Why do you string the crosses tighter than the mains?
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Mystery deepens as glowing tw reviews continue on this thread while under sales feedback pages there are bunch of not so positive almost disappointing tone reviews
 
Mystery deepens as glowing tw reviews continue on this thread while under sales feedback pages there are bunch of not so positive almost disappointing tone reviews

Well with such glowing reviews, it is bound to happen. There isn't a magical racquet out there but of course we all keep trying to find it. I just love to try new racquets whether they work out or not is a different story.

And all our games are so different, there is bound to be a group of people who the racquet will not work for. I think the TW reviews were just off the charts good but will reserve my old judgement until I have a chance to try it out.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
Well with such glowing reviews, it is bound to happen. There isn't a magical racquet out there but of course we all keep trying to find it. I just love to try new racquets whether they work out or not is a different story.

And all our games are so different, there is bound to be a group of people who the racquet will not work for. I think the TW reviews were just off the charts good but will reserve my old judgement until I have a chance to try it out.
Oh I agree I love trying too and you will love to hear that IMHO 2015 blade 18x20 is better than new graphene speed touch ;-)
 

Doc Hollidae

Hall of Fame
Loosening the main strings allows for better "pocketing." But also depends on the type of strings. For hybrid setups some people lower the tension of the harder string.

I feel like it's the opposite. Looser crosses = more pocketing, but that's just me.
 
Oh I agree I love trying too and you will love to hear that IMHO 2015 blade 18x20 is better than new graphene speed touch ;-)

So does that mean you didn't like the Speed Pro Touch compared to the Blade 98? Is it harder to maneuver than the Blade and is not as soft, powerful, and solid? If so, you just save me the hassle of purchasing and selling.
 

dgoran

Hall of Fame
So does that mean you didn't like the Speed Pro Touch compared to the Blade 98? Is it harder to maneuver than the Blade and is not as soft, powerful, and solid? If so, you just save me the hassle of purchasing and selling.
I liked blade better. Blade felt more plush pro stock like to me than new speed pro touch. Speed is better balanced I feel but it is strangely stiff while being muted and supposedly 63ra??

Gave me painful dull elbow pains on backhand struck towards top of the string bed...
 

Zavist

Rookie
Mystery deepens as glowing tw reviews continue on this thread while under sales feedback pages there are bunch of not so positive almost disappointing tone reviews

I read the reviews and am wondering why not try the strings that the playtesters used? One reviewer used RPM Blast, ok maybe that is their fav but then they did not like the racket. Hyper-G and Element are at the top,(so far) of my go to strings. This racket will be a must demo for me.
 

mjwtpro1

Rookie
I read the reviews and am wondering why not try the strings that the playtesters used? One reviewer used RPM Blast, ok maybe that is their fav but then they did not like the racket. Hyper-G and Element are at the top,(so far) of my go to strings. This racket will be a must demo for me.

I have 3 new strikes, 1. full set of cyclone 58 lbs., 2 hybrid Xcel m/cyclone c 60/58, 3 Xcel m/Lux 4 G c 59/57. I typically string very high with just a multi 68 lbs. Had a brief chance to hit with it Wed. I'll report in next week. First impressions, it does hit a deep ball and does create more "spin." The frame itself felt like it actually rewards flatter hitters, but definitely not Pure Aero type mechanics on your swings. I added a a TW leather grip to all 3 with a Wilson pro overgrip. It did feel unstable at times so I am adding lead at 3 and 9 for stability and to hopefully open up the sweet spot a bit. Were definitely not talking Yonex like sweetspot. Quality control...all 3 were within 3 grams of each other with grip mods. I'll try to provide better feedback with the different layups. Mixed feelings so far.

M
 

tom4ny

Professional
watching the play test video and paying attention to the ball it doesn't appear to be going very deep. Especially comparing Michelle's shot making to other reviews. Just an observation.
 

YellowFedBetter

Hall of Fame
Three questions I have for anyone who has experience with both the PS17 and the PA VS:

1. How did you like these racquets in comparison with each other?

2. Which is less fly-prone ( I hate the ball flying on me, I'd rather hit 10 in a row into the net than hit 1 into the fence)?

3. Is there enough control in either of these to go gut/poly without stringing too high?
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Still trying to understand how a frame with 8 mains in the throat would create a lot of spin. IME it would play a lot like a Yonex AI98 or DR98, or Head Prestige Pro. All frames that lacked typical trajectory and the type of spin that usually comes with a 16x19. Nothing wrong with that, but when I have a power frame, I like a little more spin so I can better control depth.

I suspect Babolat caught on to the success of the DR98 when they redesigned this racquet.
 

bkr

Rookie
I recall few have mentioned the lack of spin from DR98 in one of the posts and I was hitting the net as well with DR98 when I have demoed some time ago,may be I could have got used to it but with the options I have moved on.

I got quiet a bit of spin with PS17 even though I have only hit it for two sessions.Intesrestingly I did get good spin with the old PS 16/19 as well but the new one way better in comfort,stability no hollow feeling.

DR98 is well liked in these forms which means it fits into lot of styles and nothing wrong with that but it didn't work out for me.I would take PS17 anyday between these two frames for my game.
 

Tuskarr

Semi-Pro
Still trying to understand how a frame with 8 mains in the throat would create a lot of spin. IME it would play a lot like a Yonex AI98 or DR98, or Head Prestige Pro. All frames that lacked typical trajectory and the type of spin that usually comes with a 16x19. Nothing wrong with that, but when I have a power frame, I like a little more spin so I can better control depth.

I suspect Babolat caught on to the success of the DR98 when they redesigned this racquet.
havent hit with my ps17 yet...it'll be here monday. But i remember getting some very nice topspin from the ai98 bc it was so easy to generate racquet speed with it. The ai98 swung much lighter than the specs indicated.
 

SpinToWin

Talk Tennis Guru
Still trying to understand how a frame with 8 mains in the throat would create a lot of spin. IME it would play a lot like a Yonex AI98 or DR98, or Head Prestige Pro. All frames that lacked typical trajectory and the type of spin that usually comes with a 16x19. Nothing wrong with that, but when I have a power frame, I like a little more spin so I can better control depth.

I suspect Babolat caught on to the success of the DR98 when they redesigned this racquet.
It may just be the woofer grommets, I found the last Pure Control to launch the ball too high on grondies and that one is a somewhat tighter 16x20!
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Yeah, not even saying it is good or bad, just an observation from some posts I read here and in the Sales comments. Mainly on the ball flying on them. I was a huge Pure storm fan, but had the same issue. It was such a plush frame, but I felt a little too disconnected from the ball. With the ai98, I personally prefer a little higher trajectory and a little more margin from spin. Loved that frame though, and that was just something that affected me in match play. Won't be the case for everyone.
 

bageldog

Semi-Pro
I recall few have mentioned the lack of spin from DR98 in one of the posts and I was hitting the net as well with DR98 when I have demoed some time ago,may be I could have got used to it but with the options I have moved on.

I got quiet a bit of spin with PS17 even though I have only hit it for two sessions.Intesrestingly I did get good spin with the old PS 16/19 as well but the new one way better in comfort,stability no hollow feeling.

DR98 is well liked in these forms which means it fits into lot of styles and nothing wrong with that but it didn't work out for me.I would take PS17 anyday between these two frames for my game.
Have hit both, much better spin with pure strike
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
Can anybody compare P17 to PS97 or Yonex EZONE DR 98 ? Just wondering what's gonna be my next racket ;)

I can.

I have a demo of the PS17 (strung w/ Wilson NXT, mid tension) and the EZONE DR 98 (strung with some poly, mid tension). I play with the Ai98 currently strung w/ Red Code at 50 lbs currently.

The DR98 gives more pop compared to the Ai98. But I feel I'm getting even more power w/ the PS17 (probably the multi). What's even funnier is that I seem to get more rotation with the PS17 despite its being strung with multi. I don't have the whippy strokes, so all the help I can get, I'll take. The DR has more beef and stability - it weighs a little more. The PS17 is faster and more maneuverable and can get pushed around more - especially at net for me.

Comfort still goes to Yonex - it has that plush feeling. But the Babolat isn't as horrible as the Pure Aero or Pure Drive line in terms of that metallic ping you get on impact.

The PS17 multis are about to break, unfortunately... so I'll probably have to string it up with some poly and report back - I have another half week with the racquet.
 
We all have our personal preference but it is so nice to see so many new frames come out that are similar to what we are currently using. The AI 98 was one of the first racquet that has a plush feel and easy to maneuver with only downside not having as much plow in stock form.

I felt the DR 98 was there to address players who felt that the AI 98 was a tad too soft and did a good job.

@XFactorer - How do you like the Pure Strike compared to the GSP or 2015 Blade 18x20?
 

XFactorer

Hall of Fame
We all have our personal preference but it is so nice to see so many new frames come out that are similar to what we are currently using. The AI 98 was one of the first racquet that has a plush feel and easy to maneuver with only downside not having as much plow in stock form.

I felt the DR 98 was there to address players who felt that the AI 98 was a tad too soft and did a good job.

@XFactorer - How do you like the Pure Strike compared to the GSP or 2015 Blade 18x20?

GSP? Graphene Speed Pro?

ISpeed MP is more aligned with my current desires in a racquet. I tried the Graphene XT and Touch versions. Touch definitely makes it softer and more muted, not necessary "plush" like a Yonex racquet. The Graphene Touch Speed MP is pretty good - but it has that inherent Head feel that's just masked with the Graphene Touch (it still feels a little hollow, but a lot more comfortable). Plow and swingweight were good, probably about the same as the PS17. But the PS17 still gets more rotation and is more maneuverable (probably its HL balance?).

I don't touch Wilson sticks, so I can't comment on the 2015 Blade.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
I was on the Project One7 playtest, got another one when it became available (switching to it permanently) and own a DR 98 ( also a fantastic racquet). P17 has better directional control (4 mains closer together aka Prestige Pro or Graphene Radical Pro) and goes through the air quicker. It has slightly less power than the DR98. Both racquets serve very well. I actually added weight to the handle in the P17 and it matches my Dr98 specs (just shy of 12oz, balance about the same 7pts headlight) and play better with the Babolat. Yonex is a fantastic frame as well, at the end I think with these two it would come down to personal preference.

I've been hitting with a stock DR98 with my preferred string (cyclone tour 17ga, 51m 48x) and like it a lot. I also have a stock PS17 but not strung the same (gut / alu rough hybrid, 16ga, same tension), and I also like that a lot. This is my previous preferred stringing, which I went with because I didn't have the cyclone available when I stumbled on an in-stock PS17.

Right now it'd be an impossible choice to make. So, to confuse matters even further a second PS17 just came in from TW, and I'm getting that strung tomorrow with the cyclone tour.

I'm hitting a lot this weekend and next week. I want to like the PS17. Right now it's just a touch more unstable than the DR98, but let me get the string consistent and measure the frames and I'll have better data.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I've been hitting with a stock DR98 with my preferred string (cyclone tour 17ga, 51m 48x) and like it a lot. I also have a stock PS17 but not strung the same (gut / alu rough hybrid, 16ga, same tension), and I also like that a lot. This is my previous preferred stringing, which I went with because I didn't have the cyclone available when I stumbled on an in-stock PS17.

Right now it'd be an impossible choice to make. So, to confuse matters even further a second PS17 just came in from TW, and I'm getting that strung tomorrow with the cyclone tour.

I'm hitting a lot this weekend and next week. I want to like the PS17. Right now it's just a touch more unstable than the DR98, but let me get the string consistent and measure the frames and I'll have better data.
I had a similar dillema and settled on the PS17. It is quicker through the air and less bulky than the DR98. Both hit a solid heavy ball but I can hit better flat finishing shots with the new Strike. I added 15g in the handle and it plays very well this way and I think more stable than DR98.
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
GSP? Graphene Speed Pro?

ISpeed MP is more aligned with my current desires in a racquet. I tried the Graphene XT and Touch versions. Touch definitely makes it softer and more muted, not necessary "plush" like a Yonex racquet. The Graphene Touch Speed MP is pretty good - but it has that inherent Head feel that's just masked with the Graphene Touch (it still feels a little hollow, but a lot more comfortable). Plow and swingweight were good, probably about the same as the PS17. But the PS17 still gets more rotation and is more maneuverable (probably its HL balance?).

I don't touch Wilson sticks, so I can't comment on the 2015 Blade.

Do you have any Yonex SVs coming?
 

SumYungGai

Semi-Pro
I use and love the blade 18x20, but has anyone hit with the '17 Strike 18x20 that can compare the two? I am very interested in this frame.

I teach using a Pure Drive Tour (Bab sponsor) but when I play I use the blade. Would love to get one frame where I feel comfortable doing both.
 

VC89

New User
It's mostly the mains that move and snap during impact. Loosening the mains allows more of this movement and creates a slight delay "gripping" the ball.
 
Figured I would contribute. I've been a long time user of the Babolat Pure Drives. With my favourite being the 2012 version. Lately I've been having trouble controlling the power of the Pure Drive against bigger hitters. Given enough time, I can tee off with the Pure Drive with great control/power but if I am rushed, I end up not being able to get enough spin to control the power coming off it.

Someone gave me the PS2017 16x19 to try and I instantly fell in love. The stability, control, and the ability for it to absorb the power of bigger hitters helped me be much more controlled player. I went out and bought the older PS2014 16x19 purely due to how cheap they were and figured it would hopefully be similar to the 2017 model.

They were not exactly the same, but I could see how they are very very much related. The best way for me to describe it is the PS2014 felt a tiny bit more like my Pure Drive. It was a little bit more stiff, and I would argue a little more unstable compared to the 2017 model. Because of the stiffness, I felt I got a little more power from the 2014 model. The 2017 had a unique "flex" when hitting balls which absorbed a lot of big hitters and made it feel more "controlled." I felt I hit with more spin with the 2017 but had less power compared to the 2014 model due to the flex.

Overall, I felt more comfortable with old PS2014 as it felt more similar to my pure drive; however, I also like the 2017 quite a bit as well. I'm not sure if I was given both for free which I would pick; however, considering the price difference, for me, it's a no brainer to go buy some of the 2014s.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I had a similar dillema and settled on the PS17. It is quicker through the air and less bulky than the DR98. Both hit a solid heavy ball but I can hit better flat finishing shots with the new Strike. I added 15g in the handle and it plays very well this way and I think more stable than DR98.

played 3 sets switching between Pure Strike and Dr98 today. Pure Strike hits a more penetrating aggressive shot, definitely has more spin - I could see how my opponent was late a bunch of times and caught off guard. There was a moment where I started overhitting with the Pure Strike and changed to the DR98 - same strokes, DR98 creates much higher launch angle and the ball still dips down nicely. DR98 is perhaps better for baseline sluggers who wear opponents down hanging out in the back exchanging consistent groundstrokes, Pure Strike is definitely better for more aggressive, attacking tennis. Sticking with my 2 Pure Strikes for now, keeping the DR98 in the bag as as an emergency backup
 

DANMAN

Professional
Hit with my pure strike 2017 today. I found that I was having some issues with my depth control on forehands but I could hit a heavy spinny ball. It is definitely in between a pure drive and pure control tour in terms of power. It is an absolute beast at the net and I had questioned how it would serve being between a pure control tour style frame and a pure drive frame. Well to answer that question I hit 4 aces in a seven point tie break and got great kick on the serve. I am very impressed with the frame and want to give it a go with a less stiff string than ALU power as the string bed felt a little stiff. It feels super solid and does not vibrate at all. Babolat has a winner here.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
With all these great praise of the racquet, I guess I am going to have to pick one up.
definitely demo it. I have tried so many racquets over the years I should probably get my head checked. I cannot believe when I hear myself say it but I think I finally found something I will stick to. I play very well with it, so well that I simply don't feel the need to keep looking.
 
definitely demo it. I have tried so many racquets over the years I should probably get my head checked. I cannot believe when I hear myself say it but I think I finally found something I will stick to. I play very well with it, so well that I simply don't feel the need to keep looking.

Funny thing is even though I love my Wilson Blade 98 18x20 as a racquet holic I keep thinking there is something even better like this Pure Strike with all the positive reviews. In the past few years on this forum, I have seen such glowing reviews for a racquet.
 

charless

New User
And I think it blows the DR98 out of the water no questions asked
I agree completely. I demoed both side by side and the PS (2014) won easily. Very true also the high trajectory loopy ball everyone says about the DR98 esp. in comparison to the PS which hits a lower flatter more penetrating shot. The DR98 also felt clumsier to wield than the PS, but that is probably player dependent.

Haven't tried the 2017 model but I am curious.
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
Funny thing is even though I love my Wilson Blade 98 18x20 as a racquet holic I keep thinking there is something even better like this Pure Strike with all the positive reviews. In the past few years on this forum, I have seen such glowing reviews for a racquet.
Try another one just this last time... :)
 

Mareqnyc

Hall of Fame
I agree completely. I demoed both side by side and the PS (2014) won easily. Very true also the high trajectory loopy ball everyone says about the DR98 esp. in comparison to the PS which hits a lower flatter more penetrating shot. The DR98 also felt clumsier to wield than the PS, but that is probably player dependent.

Haven't tried the 2017 model but I am curious.
I played with the 2014 both Pure Strike and the Tour. The new 16x19 does everything better. It swings much faster than the Tour but hits a ball that is just as penetrating. I found the 2014 16x19 to be erratic sometimes, the new one is much more solid. It is still very stable with minimal vibration.
 
I played with the 2014 both Pure Strike and the Tour. The new 16x19 does everything better. It swings much faster than the Tour but hits a ball that is just as penetrating. I found the 2014 16x19 to be erratic sometimes, the new one is much more solid. It is still very stable with minimal vibration.

That's the review I want to hear. I tried the Pure Strike Tour and love how stable it was but still felt a bit hollow and tinny and it was a bit sluggish. If the new PS 17 improves these two areas, we got a really good racquet.

I definitely will give this racquet a shot and see what all the hype is all about.
 

Zavist

Rookie
Hit with my pure strike 2017 today. I found that I was having some issues with my depth control on forehands but I could hit a heavy spinny ball. It is definitely in between a pure drive and pure control tour in terms of power. It is an absolute beast at the net and I had questioned how it would serve being between a pure control tour style frame and a pure drive frame. Well to answer that question I hit 4 aces in a seven point tie break and got great kick on the serve. I am very impressed with the frame and want to give it a go with a less stiff string than ALU power as the string bed felt a little stiff. It feels super solid and does not vibrate at all. Babolat has a winner here.

What tension do you have the ALU power at? My singles partner uses ALU power and it's starting to bug him a bit. Have you considered ALU power soft? Maybe give Element a try. My latest Element convert is a nice 5.0 player. She was transplanted into our club from New York. A former D3 player off 8 years to have kids, came back, I could see her demoing a bunch of stuff so I suggested she hit with my PA and element. Literately 10 minutes with it and she's ordered a PA strung with Element from TW. I should get an Element T-shirt from Luxilon or something.
 

Zavist

Rookie
played 3 sets switching between Pure Strike and Dr98 today. Pure Strike hits a more penetrating aggressive shot, definitely has more spin - I could see how my opponent was late a bunch of times and caught off guard. There was a moment where I started overhitting with the Pure Strike and changed to the DR98 - same strokes, DR98 creates much higher launch angle and the ball still dips down nicely. DR98 is perhaps better for baseline sluggers who wear opponents down hanging out in the back exchanging consistent groundstrokes, Pure Strike is definitely better for more aggressive, attacking tennis. Sticking with my 2 Pure Strikes for now, keeping the DR98 in the bag as as an emergency backup

How would you compare the two on return of serve? Return of serve is where I need some improvement. Heavy kick serves to my forehand are giving me trouble. Guess I need to adjust my technique and take some lessons.
 
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