2019 Pure Aero Plus (PA+) Users thread

[teekaywhy]

I may end up being the only one on this, but let's get a thread going for a very underrated racquet.
If anyone has considered the extended length world,

I'll be posting a video review on the newest update along with some observations and hitting.
Did anyone notice that the racquet is actually listed as 27.6"??
The metric length of the frame is 700mm which works out to 27.55 inches.

 

[teekaywhy]

Moved to the PA+ after having the Ezone 98 in the bag since last summer. Wasn't looking to change necessarily but the extended length, swingweight and spin/power all made sense.
Took the demo for a spin and found the length to not be a major issue once I got the timing down. The extra 0.5" does definitely make the racquet come around slower but it just means you have to adjust slightly with the unit turn and footwork.

Serves, wow. Flat first is huge. Kicker is as effective as it was with the Ezone. I do have to watch it with the second though as the extra pop means I'll leave some long.

Groundies are great. It feels like I finally have that top gear to put away shots that I didn't get with the Ezone (or SV or the TC97/95).

Volleys are surprisingly good. With a little lead at 3/9 the head is very stable and feel is good. I used Hyper G and sometimes Hyper G / Yonex Spin with no issues on touch droppers or short angles out the side. I def do need to keep the footwork good as deep volleys can float long sometimes.

Downside is that it does get a bit tiring after two full sets. My PA+ are weighted up to the same specs that I normally use (350g, 10pts HL) but I think there will need to be a small adjustment to the static weight.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

All good until @Nostradamus hijacks the thread; apparently this is his model...

 

[teekaywhy]

All good until @Nostradamus hijacks the thread; apparently this is his model...

WTH. This kind of information needs to be stickied somewhere on the Equipment page.

 

[A_Instead]

What criteria is being referenced to make the claim a "underrated racquet"?

 

[teekaywhy]

What criteria is being referenced to make the claim a "underrated racquet"?

Strictly the buzz surrounding it. It's not talked about much so not in the minds of those looking for a new option to try. To be honest, when I was demoing stuff, I tried it just out of curiosity but nothing more. Then look what happened!

 

[1990's Graphite]

These forums usually have a few regular posters who seem to promote certain frames as their flavor at that time. The real world however you will see the buzz by players using these frames all the time. Talk tennis only represents a really small percentage..
Last year there was a small following here of probably about 7 posters, with one bias pied piper leading the way.

 

[teekaywhy]

These forums usually have a few regular posters who seem to promote certain frames as their flavor at that time. The real world however you will see the buzz by players using these frames all the time. Talk tennis only represents a really small percentage..
Last year there was a small following here of probably about 7 posters, with one bias pied piper leading the way.

I somewhat agree. But the users here at least seem to be a good cross section of the club players I come across.
Lots of Blades, PO7, PD, Radicals and Ezones/Vcores at the places I play.
As far as I can tell, the extended length segment is pretty small still.

 

[Hank]

I have been wanting to switch to an extended stick and have been looking into PA t and the PD t so interested in hearing more feedback!

 

[Power Player]

Moved to the PA+ after having the Ezone 98 in the bag since last summer. Wasn't looking to change necessarily but the extended length, swingweight and spin/power all made sense.
Took the demo for a spin and found the length to not be a major issue once I got the timing down. The extra 0.5" does definitely make the racquet come around slower but it just means you have to adjust slightly with the unit turn and footwork.

Serves, wow. Flat first is huge. Kicker is as effective as it was with the Ezone. I do have to watch it with the second though as the extra pop means I'll leave some long.

Groundies are great. It feels like I finally have that top gear to put away shots that I didn't get with the Ezone (or SV or the TC97/95).

Volleys are surprisingly good. With a little lead at 3/9 the head is very stable and feel is good. I used Hyper G and sometimes Hyper G / Yonex Spin with no issues on touch droppers or short angles out the side. I def do need to keep the footwork good as deep volleys have the same.

Downside is that it does get a bit tiring after two full sets. My PA+ are weighted up to the same specs that I normally use (350g, 10pts HL) but I think there will need to be a small adjustment to the static weight.

The pa+ is awesome. I have the prior model still even though I switched to the p93. The one thing about the pa+ is that it doesnt need much weight. I ended up playing mine stock, which is like 325 grams with an og. Thats very light compared to my phantom 93 which is 350; in other wordsI know 325 seems really light if you are used to 350.

All i can suggest is to play it stock for a little while just to see how you like it. It has a nice swing weight so you can put a lot on the ball even with the light frame. I keep mine around because now and then i get the craving to hit with a tweener and i think the pa+ is one of the best tweeners i have used. If you still need lead, try adding in the throat. It works well there.

 

[A_Instead]

Ok..so underrated = under discussed here on TW... Not trending on TW...or the hot thread of the week..
There are many great frames that barely get a blip on here...

 

[jarko111]

I had a pure drive (+) for a good time and I really appreciated that extra length for that particular model. I really, really loved the Ezone DR Blue + So between those two I am almost there with the PA+

 

[teekaywhy]

Ok..so underrated = under discussed here on TW... Not trending on TW...or the hot thread of the week..
There are many great frames that barely get a blip on here...

Overrated = Wilson Clash?
By my own metric, another underrated would be the Prince Beast 98 or the updated Textremes.

 

[teekaywhy]

The pa+ is awesome. I have the prior model still even though I switched to the p93. The one thing about the pa+ is that it doesnt need much weight. I ended up playing mine stock, which is like 325 grams with an og. Thats very light compared to my phantom 93 which is 350; in other wordsI know 325 seems really light if you are used to 350.

All i can suggest is to play it stock for a little while just to see how you like it. It has a nice swing weight so you can put a lot on the ball even with the light frame. I keep mine around because now and then i get the craving to hit with a tweener and i think the pa+ is one of the best tweeners i have used. If you still need lead, try adding in the throat. It works well there.

I rounded out the bag and got the third PA+. Matched them and did take 5g out of the static weight. Your point on playing them lighter than a 27" racquet are spot on. Between the usual leather, og, power cap, rubber band and strings, I'm right at 345 and 9ts hl.

 

[A_Instead]

I agree new pure aero plus is a very nice racquet...
The Wilson clash is to...hype is real...
Agree...all textreme beast's should get more press here...
The new extremes are also great rackets...even the lite...
Some of the Yonex get more press than they should..

 

[Bobble]

The pa+ is awesome. I have the prior model still even though I switched to the p93. The one thing about the pa+ is that it doesnt need much weight. I ended up playing mine stock, which is like 325 grams with an og. Thats very light compared to my phantom 93 which is 350; in other wordsI know 325 seems really light if you are used to 350.

All i can suggest is to play it stock for a little while just to see how you like it. It has a nice swing weight so you can put a lot on the ball even with the light frame. I keep mine around because now and then i get the craving to hit with a tweener and i think the pa+ is one of the best tweeners i have used. If you still need lead, try adding in the throat. It works well there.

Interested in how lead in the throat of the PA+ altered performance? More stability without adding negligible SW? I have some of the original and now two from 2019 and have only ever played them stock, sounds interesting.

 

[Power Player]

Interested in how lead in the throat of the PA+ altered performance? More stability without adding negligible SW? I have some of the original and now two from 2019 and have only ever played them stock, sounds interesting.

Yes exactly. Just makes it play a little more solid without affecting balance by much. I didnt add much, maybe 2-3 grams to match the frames.

 

[ezekiel114]

@teekaywhy
did you ever try the previous version (2016)? wondering if there is a big change between the two. i didn't find too much of a change between the two standard lengths.

 

[teekaywhy]

@teekaywhy
did you ever try the previous version (2016)? wondering if there is a big change between the two. i didn't find too much of a change between the two standard lengths.

Yo! I never had a reason to hit the previous version but your observation between the two std length is probably relevant. All I know is that this version, in the + length, swings really easy. My mgri is right below 21 which may or may not help.

 

[Nostradamus]

All good until @Nostradamus hijacks the thread; apparently this is his model...

I think pure aero is a great racket but is too heavy. it needs to be 0.2 oz lighter, it would have been perfect racket then.

 

[DrWang]

Just received my 2019 Pure Aero Plus. I'm waiting for my order of the new grapplesnake strings to arrive so I can test this baby out. I've read a lot of good things about those new strings. Let's see if the hype is true.

I did test a 2018(9) PA team the other day strung with cyclone 17g 46 mains 48 cross. This racquet played amazing well. Didn't feel anything like the one I tested last year when it first came out. I found it surprisingly stable for a light racket. It appears the RA on this didn't change much at all. It's still listed at 69 compared to 67 for the 300 gram and 68 for the plus and lite models. Going back on what I said last year, this new team model generates the same, if not, a little more spin than the previous model but then again that could just be the strings. I noticed no difference in power, but the new model does have better control and isnt harsh on the arm. My son plays with the light model and he swears that he has more spin with the new model PA.

 

[Nostradamus]

Just received my 2019 Pure Aero Plus. I'm waiting for my order of the new grapplesnake strings to arrive so I can test this baby out. I've read a lot of good things about those new strings. Let's see if the hype is true.

I did test a 2018(9) PA team the other day strung with cyclone 17g 46 mains 48 cross. This racquet played amazing well. Didn't feel anything like the one I tested last year when it first came out. I found it surprisingly stable for a light racket. It appears the RA on this didn't change much at all. It's still listed at 69 compared to 67 for the 300 gram and 68 for the plus and lite models. Going back on what I said last year, this new team model generates the same, if not, a little more spin than the previous model but then again that could just be the strings. I noticed no difference in power, but the new model does have better control and isnt harsh on the arm. My son plays with the light model and he swears that he has more spin with the new model PA.

new one feels more plush. it has better ball pocketing, it feels like to me.

 

[DrWang]

new one feels more plush. it has better ball pocketing, it feels like to me.

Yes, it certainly does (team model I tested). I have the 2016 team and plus. The 2016 team does not feel like the 2019. For now, I'd say I prefer the 2019 team over the previous version. It just has a better overall feel to it and it's not as harsh on the arm. I think I'll string my plus with cyclone and fire it up on the courts tonight while I'm waiting for my grapplesnake snake strings to arrive. I still stand by my reply last year about the 2019 300 gram PA. One of the teens lent me his PA 2019 300g to try out....strung with Hyper G 16. This version is less powerful than last year's model imo, but does have better control and is less harsh on the arm. I don't know why, but this one also felt heavier to swing like the last when I tried. Not sure why as many people have said that it actually feels lighter than last year's model. Lastly, I'd like to add that the pictures do no justice for the paint job on these new Babolat pure aeros. The yellow is actually a very beautiful color on the racket and looks nothing like what you would see in a photo of it.

 

[PinoyRafa]

I've used the older Pure Aero Plus 2016 model extensively since it came out, and it's my main racquet of choice. I was just wondering if anyone with lots of hitting time for both the old and the newer model can tell me anything different they notice between the two

Thanks

 

[Bobble]

I've used the older Pure Aero Plus 2016 model extensively since it came out, and it's my main racquet of choice. I was just wondering if anyone with lots of hitting time for both the old and the newer model can tell me anything different they notice between the two

Thanks

Only difference I can tell is that the new version is noticeably more maneuverable. Some might hate the feel of babolat, but it’s undeniable how much easier this frame makes the game. I added some lead to the throat and string gut mains w poly crosses. It’s a solid experience so long as you keep your racquethead speed up.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Only difference I can tell is that the new version is noticeably more maneuverable. Some might hate the feel of babolat, but it’s undeniable how much easier this frame makes the game. I added some lead to the throat and string gut mains w poly crosses. It’s a solid experience so long as you keep your racquethead speed up.

I thought this going from an old Walmart Wilson K factor tennis racquet to an APD in the late 2000's. But then I moved on to more comfortable high quality frames and didn't find tennis was suddenly less easy. It seems to me all manufacturers make good top end frames that anyone could play with easily.

Certainly I face a lot of guys (and gals) with PA's and PD's and RPM Blast strings and they don't look like the game is easier for them. I certainly haven't ever had the thought go through my mind, "O crap, he's just bought a new Babolat, I'm in trouble now".

Babolats have their weaknesses and strengths like any frame.

 

[DrWang]

I've been playing with both the 2016 and 2018 PA plus for a while now. Both strung now with Volkl V-torque tour @52lbs. I'm not going to get into a lengthy comparison. My observations. New model is easier to swing. Definitely more control and plush feeling. Power is very close to the previous model. Spin seems to be about the same. The new model is easier on the arm for sure.

Which model do I prefer? I like them both, but I can see now after playing with both for a few weeks, that the 2019 model is an upgrade, but not a huge one.

If you always wanted to try an extended length racquet but were afraid it might be difficult to swing, then the new model is for you. It's ease of swing, coupled with the control and comfort are the highlights of the new model imo.

 

[MatthewH.]

anyone have experience with the new Pure Aero Plus and the 2018 Pure Drive plus? Which would be more forgiving/play less stiff?

 

[Power Player]

anyone have experience with the new Pure Aero Plus and the 2018 Pure Drive plus? Which would be more forgiving/play less stiff?

Great question. It is really hard to tell the difference anymore with these two models. Same string patterns and everything now. I’d love to hear what people think. I still have 2 2016 PA+s and many times I still think it still may be the best match for my game. The pattern is a bit open for my liking, but I can’t think of many negatives past that. I have not played the newer models.

 

[DrWang]

anyone have experience with the new Pure Aero Plus and the 2018 Pure Drive plus? Which would be more forgiving/play less stiff?

I have. Power player is spot on. It is very hard to tell the difference. They play almost the same imo. I also share the same view in regards to the previous model PA+. It's still the beast and I sure don't plan on selling the two I have left.

 

[MatthewH.]

So I haven't tried the new PD or the new PA but I'm currently using the PD+ 2015 with some lead and it's not uncomfortable but it's stiffer than I would like it to be. I grew up playing with a PT280 in college but need the extra power now. I have tried the previous PA and found it uncomfortable and hurt my shoulder a bit. Sounds like the new ones aren't enough of a difference in comfort to my 2015 PD+?

 

[bleno567]

So I haven't tried the new PD or the new PA but I'm currently using the PD+ 2015 with some lead and it's not uncomfortable but it's stiffer than I would like it to be. I grew up playing with a PT280 in college but need the extra power now. I have tried the previous PA and found it uncomfortable and hurt my shoulder a bit. Sounds like the new ones aren't enough of a difference in comfort to my 2015 PD+?

I've played with all of the racquets in question here. IMO the current gen PA+ plays noticeably softer than the either previous gen PA+ or PD+. I think this is the best PA+ they've made to date due to its plush nature. The new PD+ is pretty good too and, as noted above, very similar, but I found the PA+ slightly softer, which is backed up by TW's RA measurements.

If I had any knock on the current gen PA/PD+, it's that they need to condense the string pattern around the sweet spot more. It's getting too open and causing control issues now.

 

[MatthewH.]

I've played with all of the racquets in question here. IMO the current gen PA+ plays noticeably softer than the either previous gen PA+ or PD+. I think this is the best PA+ they've made to date due to its plush nature. The new PD+ is pretty good too and, as noted above, very similar, but I found the PA+ slightly softer, which is backed up by TW's RA measurements.

If I had any knock on the current gen PA/PD+, it's that they need to condense the string pattern around the sweet spot more. It's getting too open and causing control issues now.

good info, would you say the PA plays softer than the new Pure Strike?

 

[bleno567]

good info, would you say the PA plays softer than the new Pure Strike?

I can't answer that one. I haven't played with a pure strike in a long time, but I'd say the flex profiles are very different IIRC. The PA+ is stiffer in the throat, whereas the Strike has a more consistent flex throughout.

 

[DrumWizOHBD]

Realize I'm Resurrecting an old thread, but Figured they're no need starting a new one with some PA+ users already chatting here. First off, this Racquet is addictive! The easy depth and spin is crazy. My main racquets of late are the Yonex Vcore tour 89 with with in the handle (12.6 strung) and full bed shaped poly around 45-50lb.... Also use Volkl VEngine 10 MP. My buddy got a bunch of Babolat demos and I figured I kind of skipped out in the last generation so I'll try the new ones. I tried them all and find the Pure Aero Plus quite usable for me once I adjust my timing for the lighter weight, however the strings are a hybrid and are really loose, so I am borrowing one for a week and going to restring it with a full poly.
How tight is too tight? Probably try Cyclone or Moto. I will also add a little lead at 3 and 9 to support the frame on volleys, one handed backhands, and slow it down a little, honestly. My serves are monstrous with this frame. It is surprisingly maneuverable and stable in stock form for how light it is. it also seems to be a little more damnpened and have a little more comfortable feel than the standard length and the pure Drives I tried. two years ago I played my USTA season with the Yonex vcore 98 + and loved all my heavy shots and serves with it however I just kept finding it too sluggish in the long run. This 2019 pure Aero plus seems to have everything I liked in that Yonex plus frame, with all the things that we're missing like more spin, more comfort, and more maneuverability!
What strings and tension would you all recommend I try to keep the ball in the lines and not kill my arm?

 

[time_fly]

The magic of of the PA+ is how they keep the maneuverability and swing weight reasonable for an XL racquet without dropping the weight into beginner territory. The Yonex 98” XL frames, and I have tried several, all feel more sluggish.

I’ve never been able to play a Babolat long-term without arm problems until the 2019 PA+. I wouldn’t call it plush, especially since it really needs a full bed of poly, but it‘s at least tolerable. The feedback is decent and for a power racquet, I find drop shots and touch shots surprisingly easy. However, I agree with the poster above that the wide-open string pattern makes flat hitting a dicey proposition; controlling groundstrokes with spin is the name of the game with this frame.

I just completed a demo of the PA Tour 2019 to compare against the PA+. The Tour does have a little more solid feel, but it doesn’t handle any more easily. If anything I thought it was a bit slower because of the extra weight. It seemed to have a bit more power, but the tension in the demo was probably a full 10 lbs less than my PA+ so some of the power may have been coming from the strings. Although I do enjoy a classic setup with more weight and a HL balance, in this case I didn’t think the Tour really gave me any edge over the PA+ and the extra length of the Plus helps my serve.

 

[jarko111]

I didn't know a better place to ask this question but I was gifted a Pure Drive Team+
I don't know much about it except that it's quite old. Is it still a pretty good racquet or have all the latest changes made it less than and nothing like the current pure drives??

 

[Bobble]

Realize I'm Resurrecting an old thread, but Figured they're no need starting a new one with some PA+ users already chatting here. First off, this Racquet is addictive! The easy depth and spin is crazy. My main racquets of late are the Yonex Vcore tour 89 with with in the handle (12.6 strung) and full bed shaped poly around 45-50lb.... Also use Volkl VEngine 10 MP. My buddy got a bunch of Babolat demos and I figured I kind of skipped out in the last generation so I'll try the new ones. I tried them all and find the Pure Aero Plus quite usable for me once I adjust my timing for the lighter weight, however the strings are a hybrid and are really loose, so I am borrowing one for a week and going to restring it with a full poly.
How tight is too tight? Probably try Cyclone or Moto. I will also add a little lead at 3 and 9 to support the frame on volleys, one handed backhands, and slow it down a little, honestly. My serves are monstrous with this frame. It is surprisingly maneuverable and stable in stock form for how light it is. it also seems to be a little more damnpened and have a little more comfortable feel than the standard length and the pure Drives I tried. two years ago I played my USTA season with the Yonex vcore 98 + and loved all my heavy shots and serves with it however I just kept finding it too sluggish in the long run. This 2019 pure Aero plus seems to have everything I liked in that Yonex plus frame, with all the things that we're missing like more spin, more comfort, and more maneuverability!
What strings and tension would you all recommend I try to keep the ball in the lines and not kill my arm?

I have found solinco hyper g 17 or 18 in the mid 40s on the PA+ 2019 pretty awesome (also have lead in the throat...but I’m not a string breaker. The ball pocketing and heavy spin are addicting like you say, but I haven’t found control or feel to be an issue. I’ve played the graphene touch mid, Vcore 98+, and clash 98 this year...love them all but I simply win more with a PA+

 

[mrtimetravel]

I have found solinco hyper g 17 or 18 in the mid 40s on the PA+ 2019 pretty awesome (also have lead in the throat...but I’m not a string breaker. The ball pocketing and heavy spin are addicting like you say, but I haven’t found control or feel to be an issue. I’ve played the graphene touch mid, Vcore 98+, and clash 98 this year...love them all but I simply win more with a PA+

just bought a pa+ 2019, played with standard length and needed more power/pace on my backhand and serve. Think this would benefit me more?

 

[Bobble]

just bought a pa+ 2019, played with standard length and needed more power/pace on my backhand and serve. Think this would benefit me more?

the plus will certainly boost power if you can adjust your timing appropriately.

 

[briancheng]

Has anyone played with both the 2013 Aeropro Drive Plus and the 2019 Pure Aero Plus? I borrowed a copy of the 2013 APD Plus from a friend and I found it to be a great frame - as with every Babolat it has nice power and spin, but to my surprise, it was also very controllable and although the feel was stiff, it was not uncomfortable. As someone who has had some arms issues in the past, playing with the APD Plus for the past week has not resulted in any arm issues so far, even with a full poly bed strung in the mid-50s. I've been playing extended length racquets for the past 4 years or so, mainly Yonex frames, and while the APD does not quite have as much feel as those frames, I am enjoying the power boost, especially on serve. Of course, its hard to find copies of the 2013 but reading up on the 2019 version, it sounds like if anything, it may be even more comfortable than the 2013 version (lower RA), although the string spacing is more open and could affect play. If anyone had played with both racquets, would be interested in hearing your thoughts!

 

[jmacdaununder2]

I personally - as a generalization - find the PAs slightly more comfortable than the AeroPros, but the difference is less than you can achieve with string choice. But yes, full poly vs. full poly/apples to apples the PA is more comfortable.

 

[Nostradamus]

Best racket ever made in history of earth

 

[mrtimetravel]

What strings would play great in the Pure Aero Plus?

Honorable mentions:
1. Volkl Cyclone
2. Solinco Tour Bite/Tour Bite Diamond Rough

Add any you think would work... Thank you in advance.

 

[n80aoag]

What strings would play great in the Pure Aero Plus?

Honorable mentions:
1. Volkl Cyclone
2. Solinco Tour Bite/Tour Bite Diamond Rough

Add any you think would work... Thank you in advance.

1. Volkl Cyclone Tour
2. Tourna Big Hitter Black 7

 

[tophersuwita]

Coming from control rackets such as Blade Pro and RF, I feel that PA+ a bit awkward that it controls the balls with spin/depth rather than precise placing haha. Though it is very HL with 2 overgrips.