2023 Pure Aero Plus is the new DR98+?

AMGF

AMGF

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When you look at the specs in TWU, these two frames are really similar except for the twistweight that is higher on the PA+. This is actually a good thing as the DR98+ weakness was the tw and any attempt to boost it would result in super high sw because of the added weight (and the reason I switched to something else at the time).

Did anyone try the new Pure Aero Plus yet? I’m really curious to hear about it. Especially from someone who played the Dr98+.
 
havent played the new PA but I cant imagine the stiffness and feel of the PA will be similar at all to the feel of the DR98. they might play similar but feeling connected to the ball makes a huge difference for being similar IMO
 
SupahMan5000 said:
havent played the new PA but I cant imagine the stiffness and feel of the PA will be similar at all to the feel of the DR98. they might play similar but feeling connected to the ball makes a huge difference for being similar IMO
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I agree the feel will be different. Especially with how the DR flexes low in the throat. I haven’t heard anything about that regarding the PA+.
However, with the same static, balance, SW, vibration frequency, these two frames are theoretically really really close, on paper at least. Even flex is not « that » far off.

https://flic.kr/p/2oiLWX2
 
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Does anyone have the 2023 pure aero plus? I am curious about it as well. Seems like there wasn't much excitement for the 2023 aero line overall despite it being the bestselling
 
Not much chatter it seems on the current Ezone 98...
Often wonder how it plays compared to others..
I tend to avoid rackets with high swing weights.. but some do swing easier than their specs indicate..
 
I have played in past with all versions of Ezone 98+ except the latest one. There is something about Yonex Ezone+ that I could not get totally comfortable with.
I have been playing with 2019 PA+ (4 grams at 3/9 and 6 in handle) since late 2022. I bought 2023 PA+ and finally played 2+ hours this week (Stock).

Racquet swings heavier than 2019 PA+ and last 2 versions Ezone+. Can't really recall about DR98+ as that was long time ago. I have feeling that my 2023 PA+ has swingweight that's closer to 340 than to 330. This racquet reminds me of 2017 Prokennex Q+5X Pro (310 gm unstrung with 339 swingweight). Feel is very similar. Vibrations are dampened, but you will still know where on the racquet you hit the ball. PK had stiffness of 67 but felt lower due to Kinetic technology. Current PA+ measures 65 RA, but feels like it definitely has firmer graphite in layup.

Initial impressions of latest PA+:
This is very stable, with more than enough power, has predictable launch angle. No problems hitting flat shots.
What it does better than 2019 PA+: Slightly more control, allows you to hit in smaller targets and be more agressive, more stability (no flutter/bad vibrations while volleying even against hard hit shots), better touch (drop shots, lobs). Flat serves down the T are better while with 2019 PA+ one must put some spin in order to get those land in the box.
What 2019 PA+ does better: Easier to generate spin/kick. Much easier to play with, less effort needed. You can hit winners sometimes from defensive positions with this one.

My Initial comparison (more >>/<< for more difference):
Power: 2019 PA + >> 2023 PA+ > 2020 Ezone 98+
Control: 2019 PA + << 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
Stability: 2023 PA+ >> 2019 PA + = 2020 Ezone 98+
Touch: 2019 PA + < 2023 PA+ < 2020 Ezone 98+
Serves: 2019 PA + < 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
Returns: 2019 PA + > 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
Ground Strokes: 2019 PA + >> 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
 
warney said:
I have played in past with all versions of Ezone 98+ except the latest one. There is something about Yonex Ezone+ that I could not get totally comfortable with.
I have been playing with 2019 PA+ (4 grams at 3/9 and 6 in handle) since late 2022. I bought 2023 PA+ and finally played 2+ hours this week (Stock).

Racquet swings heavier than 2019 PA+ and last 2 versions Ezone+. Can't really recall about DR98+ as that was long time ago. I have feeling that my 2023 PA+ has swingweight that's closer to 340 than to 330. This racquet reminds me of 2017 Prokennex Q+5X Pro (310 gm unstrung with 339 swingweight). Feel is very similar. Vibrations are dampened, but you will still know where on the racquet you hit the ball. PK had stiffness of 67 but felt lower due to Kinetic technology. Current PA+ measures 65 RA, but feels like it definitely has firmer graphite in layup.

Initial impressions of latest PA+:
This is very stable, with more than enough power, has predictable launch angle. No problems hitting flat shots.
What it does better than 2019 PA+: Slightly more control, allows you to hit in smaller targets and be more agressive, more stability (no flutter/bad vibrations while volleying even against hard hit shots), better touch (drop shots, lobs). Flat serves down the T are better while with 2019 PA+ one must put some spin in order to get those land in the box.
What 2019 PA+ does better: Easier to generate spin/kick. Much easier to play with, less effort needed. You can hit winners sometimes from defensive positions with this one.

My Initial comparison (more >>/<< for more difference):
Power: 2019 PA + >> 2023 PA+ > 2020 Ezone 98+
Control: 2019 PA + << 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
Stability: 2023 PA+ >> 2019 PA + = 2020 Ezone 98+
Touch: 2019 PA + < 2023 PA+ < 2020 Ezone 98+
Serves: 2019 PA + < 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
Returns: 2019 PA + > 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
Ground Strokes: 2019 PA + >> 2023 PA+ = 2020 Ezone 98+
Click to expand...


Amazing post and very timely for me as I just ordered the 2023 PA+. Seems like it’s what you’d expect on a tighter string patterned, softer version of 2019. The stability improvements are great to hear.

I assume you have a 2HBH?
 
Saitamaxpunch1 said:
Do you feel it swings okay on that side?
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Yes. But coming from 2019 PA+ I had some adjustment period. During warm-up of BH to BH rallies I hardly hit good backhands. No such problem during the match (though everything clicked after first 4 games). I hit with more topspin on my BH than on my FH.
2023 PA+ backhands hits very similar to Ezone Tour (I played with 2020 one) while giving you more spin. Very similar effort is required.
 
Quick update after a short practice and I brought my old dr98+ to compare with.
-really comfortable, I expected a somewhat stiff feel but no, it is not as comfy as my PSVS but close enough that it doesn’t bother me. It is similar to DR98+ but the DR does seem to flex a bit more low the PA+ flex feels more even along the frame.

-serves are magical. Great power and quite possibly my best kick serves ever. Can’t wait to bring the radar out and measure the speed, it could beat my Beast Pro 100LB.

-from the baseline my partner commented on the weight of the ball. The spin seems to be really really good and flat power is effortless and similar to my old PA+.

Tonight doubles, can’t wait to test serve returns and volleys. But from this 1st hour this could replace my PSVS, more testing needed but very good first session.

Oh and for the DR98+, still fun to hit. But the low stability still is a weak point especially compared back to back with the PA+.
 
Back from doubles.
A few more observations, comfort is not as good as PSVS. Against better players and faster balls the feel is definitely on the crisp side. This was the biggest deception for me. This afternoon the frame felt quite comfortable, but the faster the balls the more you feel that the frame is not a DR98+. Feels more like my Prince Bisner. Not uncomfortable but definitely not plush.

I hit 10+ aces so yes very good at the serve. Very. Can’t wait to clock it with the radar.

Return of serves is very solid and helped by the stiffness of the frame. Stability is good enough. It’s point and shoot, very fun and effective. But this is where the stiffer frame was more obvious. Feels not as good even if its very efficient.

Volleys are easy and frame is stable, the relative lightness makes this high sw/tw frame easy to move around.

For me this is almost good enough to make me switch. However I’m still on the fence regarding the feel/stiffness of the frame. The PSVS feels really good and I need more time to see if what I give in terms of comfort and feel is gained back in free points. More tests needed.

Edit to add: the stiff feel might be the Rexxxer string. I looked it up and many says it plays stiff. Will switch to rpm blast rough and see how it goes.
 
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AMGF said:
Back from doubles.
A few more observations, comfort is not as good as PSVS. Against better players and faster balls the feel is definitely on the crisp side. This was the biggest deception for me. This afternoon the frame felt quite comfortable, but the faster the balls the more you feel that the frame is not a DR98+. Feels more like my Prince Bisner. Not uncomfortable but definitely not plush.

I hit 10+ aces so yes very good at the serve. Very. Can’t wait to clock it with the radar.

Return of serves is very solid and helped by the stiffness of the frame. Stability is good enough. It’s point and shoot, very fun and effective. But this is where the stiffer frame was more obvious. Feels not as good even if its very efficient.

Volleys are easy and frame is stable, the relative lightness makes this high sw/tw frame easy to move around.

For me this is almost good enough to make me switch. However I’m still on the fence regarding the feel/stiffness of the frame. The PSVS feels really good and I need more time to see if what I give in terms of comfort and feel is gained back in free points. More tests needed.

Edit to add: the stiff feel might be the Rexxxer string. I looked it up and many says it plays stiff. Will switch to rpm blast rough and see how it goes.
Click to expand...

Tbf RPM blast is quite stiff as well.

based on your first day how would you stack ranks PAVS, PA+, DR98+?
 
Saitamaxpunch1 said:
Tbf RPM blast is quite stiff as well.

based on your first day how would you stack ranks PAVS, PA+, DR98+?
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Rpm blast rough is not as stiff as rpm blast. It’s been my go to cross strings for a couple years now. I should maybe have started with this one before testing the Rexxxer.

I am not playing with the PAVS but the PSVS.

As of now it’s:
Overall 1-PSVS 2-PA+
Feel 1-PSVS 2-DR+
Power 1-PA+ 2-PSVS
Serve 1-PA+ 2-DR+
Stability 1-PSVS 2-PA+
Comfort 1-PSVS 2-DR+
Spin 1-PA+ 2-Dr+
Return 1-PSVS 2-PA+
Control 1-PSVS 2-no clear 2nd

Very close for me between the PA+ and PSVS. If the comfort was just a bit higher with the PA+ I’d switch.
 
Another session with the PA+ with the rpm blast rough and it’s much better. The comfort is good enough. The feel is firm when you hit close to the tip and it makes sense that this type of racquet has a stiffer tip. But otherwise even if the frame doesn’t feel like it flexes much, there is no sting or harmful vibrations reaching the elbow.

So is this the new DR98+, no it’s not. It doesn’t flex quite enough, not that far but you wouldn’t mistake it for a DR. However, spin, power and stability is on a whole other level. Like of the DR went to the gym and shot steroids like Ben Johnson.

Got my radar out and beat my Beast Pro 100LB on the serve and slap fh by a few mph.

Power and spin are crazy good. Confort is ok. All in all very satisfied and will switch to the PA+ 2023.
 
Appreciate the update. I’ll be able to try mine in a couple weeks. I was considering also getting a used DR + off the bay. What type of player would you say this is optimised for compared to DR+?
 
It most definitely is not a dr98 plus. Very very different models. Ai98 is the closest to dr98 same would apply if you can still find the plus version.
source : I have all three.
 
Saitamaxpunch1 said:
Appreciate the update. I’ll be able to try mine in a couple weeks. I was considering also getting a used DR + off the bay. What type of player would you say this is optimised for compared to DR+?
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Aggressive player with spin.
It’s a tweener so I guess any medium level player could play with it and have fun and get a boost in power/spin. But if you have good ball control and spin you will do great damage to your opponent if you’re an advanced player.

I love to counter attack and I love that I can turn defense into offense at the flick of the wrist.

I also have a big serve (110-120mph flat and 90mph spin serve) this racquet is a joy to serve with. I had a ton of aces in my last doubles match as I posted earlier.

DR+ is less stable and less powerful. Even if you benefit from the xl it requires more commitment into your shots. But it is more comfortable and has a better feel. I’d say to rallye with friends the DR+ is more than capable and it’s fun to feel the flex. But to win a match, the PA+ will be better.
 
I got my PA+ 23 this week and took it for a spin. I strung it with my go to Volkl Cyclone 18L @ 44lbs.

Slice serves and top spin forehands were great (my opponents mentioned my spin was a lot heavier).

However after 4 games I started to get elbow pain. I also got a DR 98 + and felt the same.
Switch back to EZT 2022 and the pain subsided. Maybe extended frames are no longer viable for me
 
The dr 98 is nice but it is on the firmer side. I have minor pain every time I use it as a backup otherwise I use my AI98 for matches without issues.
 
So I modified my PA+ to make it more solid at the volley and adjusted the balance to suit my bh and now it feels like the heavy balls and super spin is kinda lost. You can't have it all it seems. I'll be removing the lead and keeping it stock except for the leather grip. By trying to make it more versatile I kinda killed its best attributes.

Played it side by side with my PSVS and the PSVS just feel more solid and the better control makes them feel like I don't need to think when I hit. Whatever I want to do, the ball does what I expect it to do. With the PA+ I need to make adjustments as the launch angle is a bit higher even with tighter strings and always need to hit perfect otherwise the extra power make me miss long. For now I'm back with the PSVS.

Will keep the PA+ and use it when nothing works and decide I have enough and if I'm gonna lose, I'm gonna lose blasting heavy balls and 120mph double faults.:-D
It's a fun frame to hit whether I adjust to it or not.
 
Can this racket hit a fast ground stroke? I haven't seen anyone hit above snail pace with the new standard Aero.... guessing it's the light specs on the original
 
Yamin said:
Can this racket hit a fast ground stroke? I haven't seen anyone hit above snail pace with the new standard Aero.... guessing it's the light specs on the original
Click to expand...
lol, it absolutely can crush balls. 75% balls have more juice on them than 90% balls with my regular v8 BP. not always a good thing, but relaxed juice on demand is the PA+’s thing.
 
AMGF said:
So I modified my PA+ to make it more solid at the volley and adjusted the balance to suit my bh and now it feels like the heavy balls and super spin is kinda lost. You can't have it all it seems. I'll be removing the lead and keeping it stock except for the leather grip. By trying to make it more versatile I kinda killed its best attributes.

Played it side by side with my PSVS and the PSVS just feel more solid and the better control makes them feel like I don't need to think when I hit. Whatever I want to do, the ball does what I expect it to do. With the PA+ I need to make adjustments as the launch angle is a bit higher even with tighter strings and always need to hit perfect otherwise the extra power make me miss long. For now I'm back with the PSVS.

Will keep the PA+ and use it when nothing works and decide I have enough and if I'm gonna lose, I'm gonna lose blasting heavy balls and 120mph double faults.:-D
It's a fun frame to hit whether I adjust to it or not.
Click to expand...
The key for me is to make sure you adjust your spacing. If you set up, have the right spacing, and swing relaxed, there is a ton of control and power. But…. it’s not a control frame compared to BP, Elevate v3, Shift 315, or PSVS in your case. But for me I think it’s the best control from any racket in the PA or PD babo lines.
 
tim-ay said:
The key for me is to make sure you adjust your spacing. If you set up, have the right spacing, and swing relaxed, there is a ton of control and power. But…. it’s not a control frame compared to BP, Elevate v3, Shift 315, or PSVS in your case. But for me I think it’s the best control from any racket in the PA or PD babo lines.
Click to expand...
It's mostly the launch angle for me. It launches the ball a bit high, as long as I want to play loopy no problem, in fact it is fabulous with this type of shots. But if I want to flatten a shot I need to be really careful to hit very close to the net with a decent amount of spin or it will be long. I believe once the outdoor courts open this could be a very good frame for outdoor and clay.
 
AMGF said:
It's mostly the launch angle for me. It launches the ball a bit high, as long as I want to play loopy no problem, in fact it is fabulous with this type of shots. But if I want to flatten a shot I need to be really careful to hit very close to the net with a decent amount of spin or it will be long. I believe once the outdoor courts open this could be a very good frame for outdoor and clay.
Click to expand...
I’ve only played outdoors with it, Florida life style, hard court and har tru. One of things I like about the PA+ is I can flatten out on demand. But I understand what you are saying….. I just don’t find the launch as high as say the Elevate v3 (which I can also flatten out most of the time if I want to).

I only have about 1.5g of head tape on the frame and playing it otherwise stock with an overgrip. TW is already mid 13’s and SW 330 ish per the Briffidi. I don’t think the frame needs weight at that spec. tons of stability too. but you may have one with a different stock spec, these things can vary widely.
 
tim-ay said:
I’ve only played outdoors with it, Florida life style, hard court and har tru. One of things I like about the PA+ is I can flatten out on demand. But I understand what you are saying….. I just don’t find the launch as high as say the Elevate v3 (which I can also flatten out most of the time if I want to).

I only have about 1.5g of head tape on the frame and playing it otherwise stock with an overgrip. TW is already mid 13’s and SW 330 ish per the Briffidi. I don’t think the frame needs weight at that spec. tons of stability too. but you may have one with a different stock spec, these things can vary widely.
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It all depends with what you're used to. I also have a Briffidi and I got 14.0tw and 340sw (Gut/poly) 329g strung with overgrip/damper on the stock PA+. Thing is my PSVS are 14.5tw, 333sw and 343g. As far as stability goes the PSVS feel tons better probably because PA+ is polarized and PSVS is depolarized. With a 97in head and 16/20, control is definitely better than PA+ 100in and 16/19.

I bet in dense air and high humidity the PA+ will play much better than in dry indoor air.

What strings are you using with the PA+?
 
AMGF said:
It all depends with what you're used to. I also have a Briffidi and I got 14.0tw and 340sw (Gut/poly) 329g strung with overgrip/damper on the stock PA+. Thing is my PSVS are 14.5tw, 333sw and 343g. As far as stability goes the PSVS feel tons better probably because PA+ is polarized and PSVS is depolarized. With a 97in head and 16/20, control is definitely better than PA+ 100in and 16/19.

I bet in dense air and high humidity the PA+ will play much better than in dry indoor air.

What strings are you using with the PA+?
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Tier One Durafluxx. It’s a great string for rackets like this that have a lot of power. Even stringing low you can have good control as the string doesn’t give you anything for free, yet has good spin and comfort. It’s a gem.

edit add: wow, you have a beefier frame than mine is stock. even with over grip, mine is 322g and that includes the head tape too , no dampener though. 340 SW might slow it down which would cost me control, I think.
 
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tim-ay said:
Tier One Durafluxx. It’s a great string for rackets like this that have a lot of power. Even stringing low you can have good control as the string doesn’t give you anything for free, yet has good spin and comfort. It’s a gem.

edit add: wow, you have a beefier frame than mine is stock. even with over grip, mine is 322g and that includes the head tape too , no dampener though. 340 SW might slow it down which would cost me control, I think.
Click to expand...
Babolat QC... I have a beefy one.
 
2ndServe said:
what the difference between the 2019 pa+ and the 2023 pa+
Click to expand...

I have used both and 2023 fits my style (4.0 flat hitter) better.
2019 is easier to play with but has less control on every shot than 2023. 2019 PA+ matches with heavy topspin baseliner style to the 100% while 2023 one will be like 80% match. 2019 is more string sensitive in a way that if you string it slightly loose (low tension and/or thin strings) it becomes uncontrollable on even moderately aggressive shots.

My biggest gripes with 2019 PA+ were flat serves, slices.
Flat serves on "T" are easier to execute with 2023. I was regularly over hitting those (unless I took some pace off) with 2019.
Slices float more with 2019 (you will get the depth though).
2019 is easier to play on defense and for hitting passing shots.

I also felt 2019 PA+ was little unstable at stock weight and I had weight in head of both of my racquets counter balanced with putty in handle. For 2023 PA+ I only have weight in handle.
I found best performance out of 2019 PA+ with full poly, but it started bothering my arm. With 2023 PA+ I am happy with multi-poly (I will eventually go with Gut-poly in one) and don't think I need to go full poly. It already has enough control.
 
AMGF said:
It’s too quiet. I ordered it. Will test it along my old Dr98+ and have first hand impressions.
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@AMGF


Forgive me if I missed this earlier, but curious if you owned / played with the 2016 PA+ frames and posted any comparisons between the 2016 PA+ and the 2023 version. The 2019 PA+ felt too muted for my taste.

I've been using the 2016 PA+ since 16/17 and hope to hit with a 2023 PA+ when I get a break from work..
 
g4driver said:
@AMGF


Forgive me if I missed this earlier, but curious if you owned / played with the 2016 PA+ frames and posted any comparisons between the 2016 PA+ and the 2023 version. The 2019 PA+ felt too muted for my taste.

I've been using the 2016 PA+ since 16/17 and hope to hit with a 2023 PA+ when I get a break from work..
Click to expand...
I used the PA+ 2016 for a short while. It felt stiffer and more direct for sure. The new PA+ is more muted in my opinion. I never tried the 2019.
 
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