APDO => Pure Aero 2023 comparison?

[SF_45er]

Bit of a niche question. I've recently started using an Aero Pro Drive Original (2004) that I got my hands on, and Im playing well with it. That said, coming from a head gravity, Im definitely noticing the stiffness. Of course, the stiffness is part of what is benefitting me on my game. But wondering if switching to the newer version, Pure Aero 2023 would be a drastic transition, and how it compares.

Specifically looking to hear from folks who have used both rackets.

Yes trying different string setups is also an option. So far Ive strung up Hyper-G Soft @ 52 lbs. Seems the right tension tbh. But may experiment with much lower tension (maybe with a stiffer string -- I do love Tour Bite so may try the 1.20 @ 42 lbs or something).

But either way, seems like I should benefit from newer technology?

Context: Im a 4.0/4.5 level player and Im 47. Looking to attack more and Ive found APDO helps me hit better rally balls as well as responds well when I swing out. It's lighter but feels more stable and is more head light but feels more like a sledge hammer in a good way -- cant quite make sense of those contradictions. And i like my gravity tour quite a bit). I dont see myself as a "Babolat guy" (I mean I grew up when they were a string company - still havent gotten used to them making rackets); though I do love Alcaraz and Rune and would love to attack more like them

 

[JEDI MASTER]

I weighted my APD to Rafa's spec.. and it plays so much better.
alot better than the current Rafa sticks..

 

[gsinko1]

I just got my hands on some APDOs and have been loving them. I've tried every generation of aero pro/pure aero at this point, and the 2016 (first pure aero if I'm not mistaken?) was the last one I could play with and feel even remotely connected to the ball. IMO, the 2019 and 2023 versions are too soft and muted, plus the more open string bed leads to less feel and control and I lose all confidence in my game. I'm also a mid-level, good enough to compete 4.5 and the APDO with Tour Bite 17g at 52lbs is phenomenal. Really good in match play when I get tight or I'm unable to swing out 100% every shot. Serves unbelievably well too. To be honest, I've had more arm discomfort and soreness from the newer, softer pure aeros because I'm not as confident in my swing and lose racquet head speed trying to guide the ball in play. I also just strung one of them with restring zero/sync hybrid @54/52 and that feels really nice as well. Not sure if it's any softer on the arm than hyper g or tour bite though

 

[SF_45er]

I just got my hands on some APDOs and have been loving them. I've tried every generation of aero pro/pure aero at this point, and the 2016 (first pure aero if I'm not mistaken?) was the last one I could play with and feel even remotely connected to the ball. IMO, the 2019 and 2023 versions are too soft and muted, plus the more open string bed leads to less feel and control and I lose all confidence in my game. I'm also a mid-level, good enough to compete 4.5 and the APDO with Tour Bite 17g at 52lbs is phenomenal. Really good in match play when I get tight or I'm unable to swing out 100% every shot. Serves unbelievably well too. To be honest, I've had more arm discomfort and soreness from the newer, softer pure aeros because I'm not as confident in my swing and lose racquet head speed trying to guide the ball in play. I also just strung one of them with restring zero/sync hybrid @54/52 and that feels really nice as well. Not sure if it's any softer on the arm than hyper g or tour bite though

Thanks, super relevant and helpful! interesting to hear the comparison. So I thought 2023 was a more closed string bed (16x20?) vs the APDO (16x19). Or is there some other difference beside the string pattern.

I echo your positives on APDO -- I need help with my serve and this provides it. And I have more confidence on low short balls I need to swing out on and approach the net. Somehow it volleys well too. Hopefully the honeymoon continues. But my backup racket may need to be a PA 2023 if it's close enough in play and feel (sounds like it may not be). I guess I should demo.

 

[gsinko1]

Thanks, super relevant and helpful! interesting to hear the comparison. So I thought 2023 was a more closed string bed (16x20?) vs the APDO (16x19). Or is there some other difference beside the string pattern.

I echo your positives on APDO -- I need help with my serve and this provides it. And I have more confidence on low short balls I need to swing out on and approach the net. Somehow it volleys well too. Hopefully the honeymoon continues. But my backup racket may need to be a PA 2023 if it's close enough in play and feel (sounds like it may not be). I guess I should demo.

The pure aero 98 is the 16x20, that's a fun racquet to hit with as well but a little harsh outside the sweet spot for me, especially for real match play. The current 2023 pure aero is 16x19 but slightly more dense in the mains than the previous pure aeros, but the feel is still pretty muddy in my experience. I think it can give you similar playing characteristics for sure, I just rely on the feel of my frame so much it's hard to go away from the old school, direct feel of the APDO. I do think Babolat reduced the stiffness of the current model as well, but like you said initially, the stiffness of Babolat frames is one of the most important aspects to their playability. I'm sure there are people who disagree with me on that, and it's easy for me to say because I've been very fortunate to never have serious arm pain from any racquet really. For sure give it a demo and put a stiff-ish string ~48-50lbs and see how you get along with it!

Edit: also really agree with your take on the short balls and volleys. Idk how they accomplished such good feel in a stiff, 100" spin machine of a racquet like this in 2004 but I wish I would've found one way sooner than I did haha.