I tried the PA last night in a match, and it felt great. I typically play with the PD 100 2025, and after the 3rd game switched to the PA. It immediately felt softer and slightly more controllable. However, as the match went on I found I was lacking power/depth control. It was pretty hard to gauge where it was going to go. I switched back to the pd and immediately felt much better responsiveness and enjoyed the firmer feel. I used to play with the Pa 23 and never had this power issue. Both strung 22 /21kg lynx tour / hawk touch, same day. Any suggestions to get this power and crispness back?
2026 Pure Aero Changes
- Thread starter Nobackhander69
- Start date
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- Tags
- pure aero pure aero 98
MatiasR
Rookie
Depends on the player. To me it is an upgrade, to others a downgrade. To each his/her own.
Diadem Axis 98 is a nice middle ground IME.
I finally hit with the ‘26 PA98 today. I mained the ‘23 for over a year. I honestly wasn’t expecting it to play as different from the ‘23 as it did. It feels like a totally different racquet to me. This ‘26 demo was almost identical in specs to the ‘23 I had. Strung specs were 322g static, 32.7cm/5pts HL balance, and 324sw with Gamma Moto 17g.
The two things that I noticed most above all else was the increased dwell time and lack of pop. You can feel the ball sinking into the strings during the swing but then the response just feels anemic. That easy power was what made the ‘23 so appealing in my opinion and now it has lost what made it so great before. This new version may appeal to some but I personally much preferred the previous model.
Also, I’m still of the opinion the feedback around higher twistweight and more weight in the head is just a result of bad QC moreso than intentional design change. I don’t have a way to measure twistweight, but I played with my ‘23 long enough to know the twistweight on it was higher than this ‘26 demo I hit with, which contradicts some of the feedback I’ve seen.
The two things that I noticed most above all else was the increased dwell time and lack of pop. You can feel the ball sinking into the strings during the swing but then the response just feels anemic. That easy power was what made the ‘23 so appealing in my opinion and now it has lost what made it so great before. This new version may appeal to some but I personally much preferred the previous model.
Also, I’m still of the opinion the feedback around higher twistweight and more weight in the head is just a result of bad QC moreso than intentional design change. I don’t have a way to measure twistweight, but I played with my ‘23 long enough to know the twistweight on it was higher than this ‘26 demo I hit with, which contradicts some of the feedback I’ve seen.
soulfree914
Rookie
PA98 2026, TW racquet spec (this is for 1 racquet, not for spec matching of multiple racquets) :
This was initially proposed:
304.52g bal: 8.5pts / 31.5 cm sw: 287 (unstrung with plastic wrap on)
I wanted a slightly higher SW at the cost of higher static weight and ended up choosing this:
306.93g. Bal: 31.5/ 8.5 pts HL. Sw: 291 (unstrung with plastic wrap on)
This was initially proposed:
304.52g bal: 8.5pts / 31.5 cm sw: 287 (unstrung with plastic wrap on)
I wanted a slightly higher SW at the cost of higher static weight and ended up choosing this:
306.93g. Bal: 31.5/ 8.5 pts HL. Sw: 291 (unstrung with plastic wrap on)
LordGulbis
Semi-Pro
MatiasR
Rookie
Considering the commercial success the Ezone 98 had in 2025, being sold out everywhere and praised by many reviewers, it is understandable Babolat went that way too.
But it is still weird that they abandoned the 23PA98, which was also a hot seller. They should keep the mold and release a permanent Carlos Alcaraz edition, ask him for his preferred paint job, and let him use it on tour. I mean, the guy is already a legend at 22 yo! Would be the same as they did with Rafa later in his career with his custom racket and colors. Babolat, are you reading this? Please forward to marketing dept. You are welcome!
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audible013
New User
Hello guys! I need your advice about string setup for Pure Aero 100? I am currently using Head Lynx Tour 1.25. I also have some questions about hybrid setups like RPM Blast 1.25 + RPM Soft 1.30?
What do you recommend else? I want to try something new.
What do you recommend else? I want to try something new.
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Felt similar when demoing a 26PA98.
It is definitely softer and felt less pop/power and the stringed pocketing was more noticeable.
I think Babolat have achieved the “easier to play” goal for the new 2026 model.
Still maining a pair of 20PAVSs and felt the 23PA98 is softer and less raw to the 20PAVS.
In saying that, Babolat (bad) QC can play a major part of good and not so good demoing experience. lol
ajspurs
Semi-Pro
Yeah, I do think you need a bit of time with it as well. Not to disregard anyone's personal experiences with it at all as a lot of people actually share the same somewhat negative experience so we're certainly not talking about one-offs in that regard, but I'd have sold mine if I only had a couple of weeks with it. I find it a lovely hitting experience if you're just ensuring you're loose and that power comes easy to you still.
Big_Dangerous
Talk Tennis Guru
It's a bit firmer, has a denser pattern with the 20th cross, but to me it does things better than the Ezone like the touch and feel shots. Plus it's also not nearly as muted and mushy feeling. You get a firmer and cripser feel with it. To me, it's better than an Ezone from a pure performance perspective.
Big_Dangerous
Talk Tennis Guru
Having used both of them, I would say the new version is maybe a better racket all-around racket because it's more forgiving and less demanding. So I can see why Babolat made this switch to maybe create a 98 that appeals to more players or can be used by more players even at lower levels. It feels like you'd have to at least be a 4.0 or above to get the most out of the 2023 PA98. Whereas, I can see lower level players getting on with this new PA.
Rec10sKing
New User
I found the RPM Blast + RPM Soft hybrid quite pleasant to hit with in the PA100, but durability left a lot to be desired with significant notching occurring after one or two hits. I really like O-toro Tour Octa at 50# in this frame, but it also depends on what you're looking for.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
I’m not sure that the 98 really needed to be more accessible to <4.0s? After all that’s still covered nicely by the 100.
98 to me is at least a 4.5+ racquet, for match play.
ajspurs
Semi-Pro
Yeah, I mean it feels less explosive (possibly just simply that in being only a feeling) to me and I wouldn't be surprised if the power was objectively reduced, even if only marginally, but I certainly don't find that I can do less damage with it. Can still aggressively dictate rallies and hit winners with it in the exact same why I did with the '23 one.
Big_Dangerous
Talk Tennis Guru
Depends. I mean as an intermediate player back in the days, I used the Volkl PB 10 mid that was only 93 inches.
Injured Again
Hall of Fame
I originally strung my PA100 with Hyper-G Soft but found the combo too muted. For me the PA100 needs a higher feedback string and so I restrung with Silver 7 Tour, which IMO is a much better fit for the racquet.
jmacdaununder2
Legend
I was just going with the figure mentioned above; I guess Babolat is aware that the Nadal influenced sales are now more Carlos inspired, so ideally their nascent flagship needs to work across a broader player spectrum.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
tried it again comparing 2026 pure aero side by side with 2023 pure Aero. Hybrid string setup same, which makes huge difference when comparing the two.
Manuverability is definitely better with 2026 version,, especially at net, but at baseline too,, very suddle difference at the baseline though, much better manuverability at net, not sure why this is, so you have to hit for 10+ hours to really understand this difference. Power level is slightly better with 2023 version. Stability is better with 2026 version. Control is better with 2026 version albeit slightly.
Manuverability is definitely better with 2026 version,, especially at net, but at baseline too,, very suddle difference at the baseline though, much better manuverability at net, not sure why this is, so you have to hit for 10+ hours to really understand this difference. Power level is slightly better with 2023 version. Stability is better with 2026 version. Control is better with 2026 version albeit slightly.
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Feedback on the pure aero+ while I'm still playing at a tournament. Got a matched pair at TWE, 303g 283 SW. One was strung with rpm blast 1.2 at 23 kgs, the other with otoro/snap 23/22. The toroline setup feels miles better, more spin, comfort, control. The blast is already done after 3 hours of play.
already 5 wins this week including 2 in the same evening yesterday. I get balls I couldn't get before, defensive balls get in with the spin I manage to generate. Crushing the serves, between 5 and 10 aces per match, my first serve is around 90% unreturned and I get enough security with the second serve.
I am really happy with the real match behavior compared to practice and friendlies. I tend to get quite tense during competitions and it was the case for my first 2 games then I was able to loosen up and it's doing wonders.
The competition mindset made switch back to a 2 hander for my backhand. It's not optimal but at least the ball gets in. I struggle with the slice so far, it's too low most of the time.
Globally the launch angle is not that high, less than the new vcore 98 for example but I do get plenty of spin.
I will certainly customize the racket by adding some weight at 12 or 3/9.
already 5 wins this week including 2 in the same evening yesterday. I get balls I couldn't get before, defensive balls get in with the spin I manage to generate. Crushing the serves, between 5 and 10 aces per match, my first serve is around 90% unreturned and I get enough security with the second serve.
I am really happy with the real match behavior compared to practice and friendlies. I tend to get quite tense during competitions and it was the case for my first 2 games then I was able to loosen up and it's doing wonders.
The competition mindset made switch back to a 2 hander for my backhand. It's not optimal but at least the ball gets in. I struggle with the slice so far, it's too low most of the time.
Globally the launch angle is not that high, less than the new vcore 98 for example but I do get plenty of spin.
I will certainly customize the racket by adding some weight at 12 or 3/9.
numbyumlewis
New User
Interesting to hear how many people say the power is less than the 2023 version. I have had countless hours on the 23 version and I would say I have more power on every ball with the 26 Aero.
end-er
New User
I strung my second racket (23PA98) with the same strings and tensions. I found it great in training and against easy opponents, but got pushed and beaten by a stronger player in a tournament when I had to play more defensive. I will string that hybrid 1 kg higher next time, maybe it feels better against big hitters.
ajspurs
Semi-Pro
I found this interesting as I don't watch his videos anymore, but I feel like I remember this coach for the most part using Wilson's or possibly a Head Radical or something at some point. Have to fully agree with what he says though as the touch and feel really is an improvement, and the stability is great.
Bit the bullet and bought a 2026 PA 98. Coming from a 2023 Head Radical MP, I feel is night and day. Better launch angle, more top spin. The feel is a tad muted but the ball pocketing and maneuverability is fantastic. I can’t help that they did try to emulate the Ezone.
With that said, I feel like it does punish you on shots that you don’t commit on so you really do need to hit through.
I did try the 2026 100. It also is a nice racket. Very easy to generate lift and is much easier to use, especially on slower strokes.
With that said, I feel like it does punish you on shots that you don’t commit on so you really do need to hit through.
I did try the 2026 100. It also is a nice racket. Very easy to generate lift and is much easier to use, especially on slower strokes.
numbyumlewis
New User
Anyone doing any customizations with the 2026 PA 98 that has been beneficial? Leather grip?
Agzetabyte
Rookie
My friend has a leather grip on his and I do prefer it. Makes it a bit easier maneuver.
DG21
Rookie
As a huge fan of the 2023 PA98 I’ll be honest — I really didn’t want to try the new 2026 version. But curiosity got the better of me and I ended up demoing it today. It was strung with fresh RPM Blast 1.25 blue, probably around 24-25kg.
So… Babolat completely ruined this line. I’m sorry but there’s no other way to put it.
It feels and plays like a totally different racket. The feel is muted and dampened, almost stiff in a way I wasn’t expecting. But more than that, it lost its magic — that special power-to-control balance that made the PA98 so unique. With the 2023 version, when you really accelerated through your forehand it just rewarded you. The ball seemed to sink into the stringbed and explode off with real heat and penetration. This new one just… doesn’t do that. It plays like any other racket on the market.
Funny enough, my current main is the PD2025 and I actually think it’s better in every category — plusher (I know, ironic), more powerful, easier to generate spin with if your technique is there, and honestly more control for my swing style too due to its point and shoot nature.
I did sell my PA 2023s because of comfort issues, and I sometimes regret that. That racket is going to become iconic — right up there with other iconic Babolat molds like APDO, Pure Aero Rafa, and PD.
I hope Babolat will re-release PA98 2023 mold and layup as a collection piece one day.
So… Babolat completely ruined this line. I’m sorry but there’s no other way to put it.
It feels and plays like a totally different racket. The feel is muted and dampened, almost stiff in a way I wasn’t expecting. But more than that, it lost its magic — that special power-to-control balance that made the PA98 so unique. With the 2023 version, when you really accelerated through your forehand it just rewarded you. The ball seemed to sink into the stringbed and explode off with real heat and penetration. This new one just… doesn’t do that. It plays like any other racket on the market.
Funny enough, my current main is the PD2025 and I actually think it’s better in every category — plusher (I know, ironic), more powerful, easier to generate spin with if your technique is there, and honestly more control for my swing style too due to its point and shoot nature.
I did sell my PA 2023s because of comfort issues, and I sometimes regret that. That racket is going to become iconic — right up there with other iconic Babolat molds like APDO, Pure Aero Rafa, and PD.
I hope Babolat will re-release PA98 2023 mold and layup as a collection piece one day.
heavyD
Hall of Fame
When a brand gets everything right on a frame, it's always going to be hard to improve as very likely newer iterations will always be in it's shadow because they aren't exactly the same. IMO the 26PA98/100 feel closer to the 93PA98/100 compared to the 26VC98/100 which feel like totally different silos compared to the 23VC's. Heck the 22 EZONE's used to play and feel like traditional Pure Drives but the 25 versions plays like a plush, flexible, comfort/power style of frame. When you consider the changes to the frame, I feel the 26PA's play remarkable similar to the 23 versions while feeling more comfortable so while the feel/comfort (and maybe peak power of the 23 PA98) is definitely not the same, I feel the performance is pretty similar at least for me.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
I put a RF Leather grip on mine. Mainly because I didn’t love the stock grip on these racquets and RF adds minimal weight for leather. Maybe 3-4 grams over stock. I also prefer the bevel feel with leather. This racquet is pretty amazing regardless of the grip.
Exactly, its a different racquet. Not that bad though, just different. Fortunately i have 5 2023 PA98s and 2 grommets lol.
In addition to this, I think either the balance or maybe the aerodynamics of the throat on the new 98 makes it feel harder to use than the 23. It definitely did not feel like I was swinging a PA that gives free/easy access to power and spin. I had that "I am afraid to miss" feeling
DG21
Rookie
Well. It’s a marketing release. A “pop music” racket to attract more regular rec players, increase sales and protect the market share from growing in popularity Ezone 98. From the business stand point it makes total sense and i would not mind this move if Babolat also kept the 23 version but added NF2 Tech to it to make it a bit more comfortable without touching the layup and changing the mold. They could rename this line and keep two silos running in parallel instead of killing this fantastic mold and layup. For me it’s a total shame. But on the other hand, i am happy since i did not really want to switch away from PD2025. It’s a fantastic release and a great racket. It cured my wrist injury and TE which PA never could.
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EggSalad
Hall of Fame
Chiming back in to say that I’m not sure I’m sold on leather on this racquet. The RF leather was 20g installed which only added 4g to the handle. But it kind of made the racquet a little clunky. I’m not sure how else to describe it. It’s very maneuverable but somehow the overall weight/swing is odd. Just went back to a synthetic grip and going to play with that for a while.
My suspicion is that it’s a pretty polarized racquet stock. Sometimes when you add a little weight to a really polarized racquet, it has a more significant change in how that racquet swings than the weight would imply. My working theory is that if I add any weight to this racquet from here, it may just be a few grams in the throat.
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soulfree914
Rookie
I’m playing my best tennis with the 2026 PA98. For whatever reason, the slimmer throat design works great on my one-handed backhand and slice, which were not the strengths of the former PA98’s from what I remember (I had owned the VS, demoed the 2023 version). Compared to my ‘22 Boom Pro and ‘24 Boom Pro, the PA98 gives me better connection to the ball, more stability, and more RPMs (judging by the result after a bounce) when swinging at a similar rate. It has a little less plow but that is understandable since the Boom Pro is 5-grams heavier in stock weight. The racquet reminds me somewhat of the ‘25 Ezone98 which I played with for a couple of months, but has a slightly more direct feel, is more stable on off-center shots and it rewards you with more top spin when you’re hitting low-to-high. Kick serves with Ezone98 were amazing, but PA98 takes that to another level. I may be in the honeymoon phase but I can tell that it’s a special racquet and works great for my game.
LordGulbis
Semi-Pro
Is it me or the PA 100 2026 feels a bit anemic compared to the previous models? Many complained about the decrease in power on the PA 98 but I'm feeling the same thing about the PA 100.
The Fire 305s definitely is more powerful for example.
The Fire 305s definitely is more powerful for example.
PhantomStriker
Rookie
That would be their chance to introduce a Carlitos line, like they did for Rafa.
I have been playing with the PA98 26 for about a month. Feels great on hard court you can hit flat and add spin, but the PA98 23 feels better on clay and has better spin. Just a comparison on surfaces. I couldn’t get that high jumping ball with the new aero on the dirt. I don’t play that often on clay but the difference was easy to see in the ball flight. Just an observation, I am 50/50 on making the switch to the new model and may try some of the Vcore sticks. Mainly the Vcore 98 plus.
Alcawrath
Hall of Fame
I am reading a lot of mixed opinions on power compared to the previous model. However, I'm wondering if the power is truly different or if this racquet feels less maneuverable and thus a tad slower.
While I know the marketing for it advertises a more aerodynamic racquet mold, I've only read reviews that indicate that it's either as maneuverable as the previous model or less maneuverable. Less maneuverable implies slower through the air, and less racquet speed through the air would yield less power on clean contact. Does anyone feel as though the '26 is faster through the air than the '23?
Also, I'm no engineer so maybe I'm way off base here?
While I know the marketing for it advertises a more aerodynamic racquet mold, I've only read reviews that indicate that it's either as maneuverable as the previous model or less maneuverable. Less maneuverable implies slower through the air, and less racquet speed through the air would yield less power on clean contact. Does anyone feel as though the '26 is faster through the air than the '23?
Also, I'm no engineer so maybe I'm way off base here?
I use a ton of rackets. I would say it's as manueverable at the 23, but it's it's definitely less powerful. It's just one notch down in power, it's not like the 2023 is a Pure Drive while the 2026 is a Pro staff 85.
Pure Drive Roddick+, Pure Control 95+, and now this 2026 PA98 are my favorite Babolat frames. Honorable mention to the Origin.
EggSalad
Hall of Fame
Chiming back in with data and feedback that maybe no one cares about.
With leather, my sticks were 31.6-31.8 balance. I didn’t like how the racquet played at that spec. All of my strokes were inconsistent from a targeting perspective with that set up.
I’ve gone back to a synthetic grip and they are in the 32-32.2cm balance range and all aspects of this stick play better for me in the range. What’s nice is that I can play that spec at 327-329 SW and 330g static weigh. So I guess I’m saying that my experience is this racquet plays better in stock form than from making it more HL.
I’ve liked Pure Rush and Hawk Tiuch in this racquet. Just did a hybrid of both and hoping that is my preferred string bed.
raymondumbara
Rookie
I also play OHBH. I demoed the ‘23 like 2 years ago and didn’t gel with it. Ended up going back to my RF Pro. It felt launchy on slices and volleys. Like it was getting this weird loopy launch angle. It felt to me that I was only able to hit loopy shots with it. The ‘26 came out and I feel like every groundstroke is heavier — and coming from my RF Pro I think that’s saying something
Note that all of this is my personal experience and will obviously differ swing to swing
Agzetabyte
Rookie
Still stiff and still decently harsh but not as much as other babolat offerings. If you stone like stiff frames babolats arnt really for you. Other than the strike vs
