2017 Pure Strike

[time_fly]

Do anyone use a damper on the pure strike? I feel like it’s makes the racquet stiffer

I was one of the players complaining about elbow pain with the Pure Strike P17. I have never had serious tennis elbow with any other frame. It took several months for my elbow to really get bad and I kept tinkering with the setup trying to find something that would work because I played great tennis with the P17. I am now using the Prince Beast 98 which I find very similar performance-wise but much more comfy. I mainly use the solid beam Beast but own an O3 too. Both are great.

 

[Titochop77]

I was one of the players complaining about elbow pain with the Pure Strike P17. I have never had serious tennis elbow with any other frame. It took several months for my elbow to really get bad and I kept tinkering with the setup trying to find something that would work because I played great tennis with the P17. I am now using the Prince Beast 98 which I find very similar performance-wise but much more comfy. I mainly use the solid beam Beast but own an O3 too. Both are great.

I have my ps17 string with gut 56 and rpm blast rough 52.

 

[LordRaceR]

Few weeks ago I got opportunity to try Pure Strike 16x19. Last year, one guy at the local club got it but it was L4 and I didn’t want to bother. He sold it pretty quickly. Month ago, some other dude got it and quickly decided it was too heavy for him and want to sell it. It seemed to me that Pure Strike didn’t live up to the hype, but opportunity was there, hence it was in L2 grip, so I got if from him on two week test.

Initially, I expected test to be over for me in two days tops, hence I hate Babolat stuff. Tried some Drive`s and Aero`s over the years, but all of them are Pure Crap to me. Dude I got it from put leather grip on in, he said that he wanted more head light balance, so I didn’t try stock Pure Strike 16x19. String was RPM Blast with 25/24 tension, which was bit higher that I use (ALU Power 23/22 kg) but it was close enough, at least to get some idea about the racquet. In that setup, the first hit was pretty surprising. Good control with lots of power, ton of spin and generally good feeling. Miles and miles better than any other Babolat. That isn’t that hard, but again Pure Strike 16x19 was unexpectedly good. Ok I said; let’s try it with my setup. Match the weight and balance to my Youtek Prestige Pro`s, so it was around 350 grams (lots of lead at 3 and 9), and after few days got back to the courts. It felt much better, with added stability that was lacking a bit before. I was in the groove very quickly and start to play with confidence. I was surprised; again, that grip shape didn’t bother me. All strokes and grips fail in place nicely. Comparing to Youtek Prestige Pro with similar setup, Pure Strike 16x19 felt more stable, with more power but still with maintained control. Added spin was also apparent and it helps to keep ball in. Every shot I hit seemed to have “bit of extra” on it, sweet spot was bigger and I was making little less mistakes. All that didn’t change after few more hitting sessions. Played two matches in that time and won them easily. I give racquet back and start thinking of maybe buying one, for longer test. There is just one issue – the shame of playing with Babolat and it is like turning to the Dark Side . Joke aside, my thoughts on the Pure Strike 16x19 are very positive. Overall better racquet than all newer versions of Prestige Pro and Speed Pro. It is on the stiffer side and border line comfortable, but that is the case with Youtek Prestige Pro`s that I am using for few years now, so no surprise there.

I am still thinking about it, I don’t like changing racquets (but I like to try some time to time), we will see. Head seems in wrong path with latter models, so maybe this is the alternative. Babolat`s are dirt cheap here (can get Pure Strike for 90 euros), so that is one more bonus there. Anyway, Pure Strike 16x19 is really good stick and deserves positive reviews that is got. Ok, TW review seems bit over the top, but Pure Strike 16x19 must have a place in Top5 demo list for anyone that is the search for this kind of racquet.

 

[AJvR]

I am playing with the Babolat Pure Strike 18 x 20 for about 18 months now and I am very satisfied with it. The first 12 months I have used it in stock form and liked it very much, however I missed some stability with the volleys and sometimes I was to early with forehand topspin shots (to whippy). So I started experimenting with adding lead. Currently I am playing with 1 Tourna Power strip (3.6 gr per strip) @ 3, 9 and 12 o'clock and 3 strips in the handle to keep the balance about the same as before. The playability is still great, the overall feel hasn't changed much, while the stability has been increased substantially, it also provides more power and solved the timing issue as well. The racket is really fun to play with, also in stock form and has no real weak points, at least, not for me.

Because I have very sweaty hands I always used Tourna overgrips and never tried to play without it, untill recently. I never expected it to be such a difference in feel, without overgrip I can feel the ball pocketing way better. I hope I can deal with the sweaty hands problem by drying the grip and my hands between the games and only have to use overgrips when it's humid and hot.

Playstyle:
I do have a big and reliable first and second serve, both with the same swingspeed, usually with slice or kick and when warmed up / loose also a flat first. My groundstrokes are full and aggressive, always trying to put pressure and setup an easy point for my partner (I play mostly doubles). I love technique and I am able to produce flat and sliced shots, my favorite shots are however with topspin and I do regularly play an attacking topspin lob deep in the corners. I do have a one handed backhand and I love to play it, sometimes running around my forehand, which is also quite good. My worst shots are at the net because I am slow in terms of reaction time and feetwork, form is fine. The added weight to the frame already improved my (half) volleys and smashes. Most points are over in less than 8 shots I guess, usually from a winner by me or my partner, or because of an unforced error from me. I am also not good in defense so when I meet some better attacking players I will lose the game. Defending has improved a little bit because of the more stable racket.

Level:
In the USA I would have a 4.5 rating (I am Dutch). I do play 3 times a week (52 weeks) on average with players level 4 to 5 (USA), mostly doubles.

Frame history:
Before the PS17 I played with the Wilson RF97A, and before that a Babolat Pure Storm Ltd. GT.

String:
I use a full bed of Solinco Revolution 18G strung @ 57 lbs.

 

[LordRaceR]

Just before New Year I “bite the bullet” and bought the Strike.

Put nice leather grip on it and measured lead again for 3 and 9 positions, hence earlier prepared one for test racquet didn’t match up. That test racquet I tried months ago must be lighter (didn’t have a chance to measure it stock) then the new one.

pic1 pic2 pic3

I got the option to choose between 5 of them, and was searching for the heaviest one in the range. Three of them where lighter then the spec and two of them where on the spec. So, with the choice I had, I pick one that is pretty much exactly as the official spec – 305 grams (307 with plastic wrap on grip) and 320 mm balance. Shame that specs aren’t 310g, or if there was Tour version with 315-320g...
Anyway, after mods, final spec, for now, is 344g with 33.5cm balance, so pretty much stock balance with added weight. Its few grams lighter then my spec on Youtek Prestige Pro, but will experiment bit more in the spring to make it “just so”. Now is offseason, played just two times indoors and I am still liking the racquet.

 

[Moveforwardalways]

I think the project one seven has pros and cons. It is probably a demanding racquet for the average recreational player due to a number of factors. However, in my life I have not encountered a racquet that cut through the air and absolutely bossed the ball around and made it do exactly what you want it to do like this racquet does. It is also probably the easiest racquet to serve with in terms of pinpoint accuracy and weight of shot. This may come at the price of a smaller sweet spot, but for the player who can consistently connect with this racquet it is pretty amazing.

 

[LordRaceR]

Just came back from 1,5 hours session with my friend, so no teaching, just hitting for fun.

Had little more time and I tested my Youtek Prestige Pro setup with Strike setup “side by side”. Interesting, Prestige Pro seemed stiffer then Strike but somehow gives more feel and feedback, with bit more control. Strike is more comfortable and gives back control trough added spin, with bit more power. My Prestige setup is heavier 356g, versus Strike with 344g (a the moment), so pretty good. For now, still prefer the Strike

After us, doubles group came in and one of them had “stock” Strike. I didn’t try mine stock, was to egger to set it up , so for 5min I had a chance to try it stock. The difference is GIGANTIC. Still ok racquet, but for me, the difference is from deal breaker to preferred racquet. It seems that Strike is made like a “platform” racquet that needs at least 20 grams of weight to perform the best. Added weight enhances good qualities and it’s masking bad qualities, so it is must for me. I will never consider it using it in stock form.

 

[paulfisher]

I agree that the PS 16x19 plays much better weighted above stock specs. Mine are at unstrung specs of 313 grams, 31.7 cm balance, and 300 sw. Perfect specs for me and the racquet plays great. Also became one of the most arm friendly racquets I own. No issues there. Actually switched to it while I had some tennis elbow issues and used it during recovery.

 

[Supermange]

Can't try a pure strike right now, currently playing with a pure aero (2016).
How would you compare the two?

 

[Fairhit]

Can't try a pure strike right now, currently playing with a pure aero (2016).
How would you compare the two?

Pure Aero is a tweener, plenty of power and spin without much effort, the Pure Strike is more control oriented, still has power but you have to provide a good part of it, I've always thought of the Pure Strikes as the bridge between a Pure Control and a Pure Drive, something in between a control frame and a tweener.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Agree, with original PS closer to PC and current PS closer to PD/PA.

 

[Fairhit]

I just saw a PONE7 in a sale today, Wimbledon version, it is 150, I just bought a second WUT but my eyes are watering.

 

[Mangirdas]

Does anyone knows are babolat planing to release updated model any soon of ps17? As there are many discount on internet and my local shop dealer cant get my needed grip.

 

[glenWs]

There is a new one coming and there are photos of it on another thread. Not sure of release date but I'm guessing around one of the majors....

 

[glenWs]

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/2020-pure-strike.635410/

 

[FV_Br]

Anyone here using the PS 16x19 305g with multifilaments? I need good references of String x Tension.

 

[kblades]

Anyone here using the PS 16x19 305g with multifilaments? I need good references of String x Tension.

I string one of my playing partner's PS with multi. He plays with Biphase 17g @ 55lbs. He'd actually had TE and shoulder issues in the past before switching to the PS, so he had called and spoken with some folks at TW and that is the setup they recommended to him. I've hit with it several times and it plays nicely and feels plush.

 

[FV_Br]

I string one of my playing partner's PS with multi. He plays with Biphase 17g @ 55lbs. He'd actually had TE and shoulder issues in the past before switching to the PS, so he had called and spoken with some folks at TW and that is the setup they recommended to him. I've hit with it several times and it plays nicely and feels plush.

Thanks, I am trying Sensation at 52 lbs, plays well for 3-4 hours and tehn spray balls like crazy.

 

[ludde]

I don´t understand the PS!
I've never heard of another raquet., where half of the users got shoulder, elbow and wrist problems, the rest of them call the racket: "nice, comfortable and plush".
I got a PS for 50 $, like new, but I am afraid to give him a test, because of my sensitive elbow, also with gut/poly.

 

[FV_Br]

I don´t understand the PS!
I've never heard of another raquet., where half of the users got shoulder, elbow and wrist problems, the rest of them call the racket: "nice, comfortable and plush".
I got a PS for 50 $, like new, but I am afraid to give him a test, because of my sensitive elbow, also with gut/poly.

Try to look at those who had problems, all of them using Luxilons above 50s.

 

[LordRaceR]

For long time I am advocate of stringing polys low. In any racquets, there is absolutely no need for full bed of poly to be strung over 23kg (50 pounds).

When I was comparing Pure Strike with Youtek Prestige Pro, was doing it at 23/22 kg with my standard Alu Power 16L string. After that, tried Pure Strike with 22/21kg – felt better, then tried 21/20kg – felt even better. Next time will try 20/19 kg, but I recon around 20 (44 pounds) will be sweet spot, at least for me.

Point is, string it low if you want to use poly strings and any chance of arm troubles will be greatly minimized…

With multifilament you can go bit higher, it greatly depends on the string, but I will not go over 25kg with them anyway. Gut is only string that you can string high as you want and still have nice comfort…

 

[kblades]

I don´t understand the PS!
I've never heard of another raquet., where half of the users got shoulder, elbow and wrist problems, the rest of them call the racket: "nice, comfortable and plush".
I got a PS for 50 $, like new, but I am afraid to give him a test, because of my sensitive elbow, also with gut/poly.

In my experience with the PS, strings and tension make a significant difference in how it plays and feels. With poly in the 50s, it felt boardy and lacks feel. But once I dropped tension, it felt and played so much better.

I also wonder if the differing views are a result of bad QC. The PS's I just recently bought are 298g unstrung which is the bottom of the spec tolerance. They seem to feel softer than other PS's I've hit with that were towards the higher end of the spec range. However, I have no actual side by side specs such as flex ratings to compare. I also hit with them at different times with different string setups, which also could have been why they felt different.

 

[phanker]

I've noticed the same with a lighter spec PS17 18x20. Mine are 298gm and 300gm with the latter being more HH and playing slightly stiffer.
They do feel noticeably softer than than those at spec 305gm or higher.
On the look out now for the 298gm version to collect a few more as they're hard to find.

In my experience with the PS, strings and tension make a significant difference in how it plays and feels. With poly in the 50s, it felt boardy and lacks feel. But once I dropped tension, it felt and played so much better.

I also wonder if the differing views are a result of bad QC. The PS's I just recently bought are 298g unstrung which is the bottom of the spec tolerance. They seem to feel softer than other PS's I've hit with that were towards the higher end of the spec range. However, I have no actual side by side specs such as flex ratings to compare. I also hit with them at different times with different string setups, which also could have been why they felt different.

 

[LordRaceR]

If isn’t too much of trouble, can Strike owners measured racquet length?
Is it 27 inching or a bit less?

Thanks.

 

[netlets]

I have my ps17 string with gut 56 and rpm blast rough 52.

For long time I am advocate of stringing polys low. In any racquets, there is absolutely no need for full bed of poly to be strung over 23kg (50 pounds).

When I was comparing Pure Strike with Youtek Prestige Pro, was doing it at 23/22 kg with my standard Alu Power 16L string. After that, tried Pure Strike with 22/21kg – felt better, then tried 21/20kg – felt even better. Next time will try 20/19 kg, but I recon around 20 (44 pounds) will be sweet spot, at least for me.

Point is, string it low if you want to use poly strings and any chance of arm troubles will be greatly minimized…

With multifilament you can go bit higher, it greatly depends on the string, but I will not go over 25kg with them anyway. Gut is only string that you can string high as you want and still have nice comfort…

45 is where I am now with tour bite 17g - totally agree with the over 50 lb statement for poly. It doesn’t make sense since the main attributes of poly are diminished.

 

[LordRaceR]

No one have time for quick measurement?

Strike I have is 26.9 inches…. Prestige Pro`s I got are all exactly 27..

Is this length normal for Strike or is it poor quality control, I wonder…

 

[1990's Graphite]

No one have time for quick measurement?

Strike I have is 26.9 inches…. Prestige Pro`s I got are all exactly 27..

Is this length normal for Strike or is it poor quality control, I wonder…

Racquets compress. After stringing. Some are longer and some shorter before stringing.

 

[LordRaceR]

i know, but...
measured it before and after stringing, same 26.9 before and after…

Just now, I measured new one in the shop – 26.8 …. hmmm

 

[1990's Graphite]

Babolat has many models which run short @bageldog I think and @DJ- did enjoy pure drive lites which were 26.75 strung. Many frames I had in the 90's were 26.75 strung. They all played well! If you are enjoying it dont complain

 

[LordRaceR]

Yeah, but...

Few days ago I had a chance to hit with “original” Strike that I loaned for the test couple of months ago. It was 10min with the wall as a partner, and was hitting with that Strike and mine “side by side” as wanted to be sure I replicated the specs exactly. Only thing I noticed is that I was hitting the sweet spot bang on with “original” and with my racquet is not that sweet all the time.

After all measurements, including the grip size etc, I check the length and “original” strike was 27”. I hold the racquet at the very end of the grip, pinkie goes exactly on the edge of the butt cap, so I tried to go bit lower and I think that was that. Was hitting it right, but the pinkie is now half over the grip edge and I am losing bit of stability of the racquet in the hand.

So, was thinking of moving the butt cap just for that 0.1”... don’t know... that was the reason I was asking about length of the Pure Strike... maybe I am tripping and it is all in my head...

 

[DJ-]

Babolat has many models which run short @bageldog I think and @DJ- did enjoy pure drive lites which were 26.75 strung. Many frames I had in the 90's were 26.75 strung. They all played well! If you are enjoying it dont complain

I have the pure aero lite, which was 26.75, Bagledog had the PD lites, all shorter, and all play well at that length, as many frames that are listed 27 but under do! Even Djokovic rumoured to have used a 26.75 frame. Feels great at that length.

 

[VaMoose98]

If isn’t too much of trouble, can Strike owners measured racquet length?
Is it 27 inching or a bit less?

Thanks.

I just got two 2017 Strikes, they both came in at 26.9 inches exactly. One came in at 307g unstrung and the other came in at 302g unstrung. After strings and replacement grip (shockshield) + two overgrips, the total weights are 341g and 344g. They feel really solid and fast still at 9 pts HL. I don't know the SW but I would imagine they would be pretty similar.

 

[ej28405]

Has anyone tried a full bed of natural gut in the pure strike 18x20? If so I’m curious on tension and gauge feedback and how it plays. I would assume 17g due to the 18x20. Have been using the dr98 with luxilon gut and vs touch strung in the low 60s.

 

[LordRaceR]

I just got two 2017 Strikes, they both came in at 26.9 inches exactly. One came in at 307g unstrung and the other came in at 302g unstrung. After strings and replacement grip (shockshield) + two overgrips, the total weights are 341g and 344g. They feel really solid and fast still at 9 pts HL. I don't know the SW but I would imagine they would be pretty similar.

Thanks for input.

Most of them are 26.9 obviously, and there are some that are 26.8 and 27”.

I did move but cap to give me exactly 27” and now it’s spot on, very happy with it. Now I am thinking buying another one and match them.

Only thing left is “embarrassment feeling” of using a Babolat.... Maybe will try to black them out...

 

[TomTennis495]

I have my ps17 string with gut 56 and rpm blast rough 52.

Pretty much exact same as mine. 55/52 rpm rough/vs touch

 

[Down_the_line]

This is the frame I'm thinking of investing in so all the input in this thread has helped a lot! Like many, I have concerns about it being hard on the arm but someone here made a good point that you have to look at what string setups these people are using. If they're judging it whilst strung with a full bed of poly at a high tension, well then of course.

Looking like the recipe here if I'm worried about the arm is a hybrid of gut and poly, with the poly strung at a lower tension.

Going tomorrow to buy a couple. Thinking of going with VS gut 17 in the mains @ 52lbs and RPM Blast Rough 17 or Head Hawk Touch 17 in the crosses at @48lbs. How does that setup sound?

 

[crazyvictor]

This is the frame I'm thinking of investing in so all the input in this thread has helped a lot! Like many, I have concerns about it being hard on the arm but someone here made a good point that you have to look at what string setups these people are using. If they're judging it whilst strung with a full bed of poly at a high tension, well then of course.

Looking like the recipe here if I'm worried about the arm is a hybrid of gut and poly, with the poly strung at a lower tension.

Going tomorrow to buy a couple. Thinking of going with VS gut 17 in the mains @ 52lbs and RPM Blast Rough 17 or Head Hawk Touch 17 in the crosses at @48lbs. How does that setup sound?

I love my PS. My full poly is 17 RPM at 42/43 or VS Hybrid gut on mains @ 46 and poly cross @ 43

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[Down_the_line]

I love my PS. My full poly is 17 RPM at 42/43 or VS Hybrid gut on mains @ 46 and poly cross @ 43

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Appreciate the input!

Hmm, now you've got me thinking of lowering the tension, at least on the crosses, even more.

 

[crazyvictor]

Appreciate the input!

Hmm, now you've got me thinking of lowering the tension, at least on the crosses, even more.

I kept dropping and the more I did the more the racket felt a little better as the string bed wasn't as stiff but I still felt I had control. Each will vary but I found my sweet spot at the 42/43. I tinker with VS hybrid but don't want to get addicted but man it plays nice!

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[manchu]

I kept dropping and the more I did the more the racket felt a little better as the string bed wasn't as stiff but I still felt I had control. Each will vary but I found my sweet spot at the 42/43. I tinker with VS hybrid but don't want to get addicted but man it plays nice!

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Going that low doesn’t make it too powerful? Feeling like it has too much power at 50 pounds. Maybe I need to try that low.

 

[crazyvictor]

Going that low doesn’t make it too powerful? Feeling like it has too much power at 50 pounds. Maybe I need to try that low.

For me it allowed my self to swing freely as I could focus more on the spin versus driving through it. I'm 5.4 and USTA 4.5 if that helps. I started mid 50s and when I read about pros being low I tried it out and loved it. Winter I'm 41/42 but summer I slowly creep up 1lb at a time if needed.

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