Babolat Pure Aero replacement

[HaydTen]

I'm currently looking for a racket to replace my Pure Aero 2019. I like the spin/power I get from the racket but looking for a racket which still has good spin and decent pop but has better control and comfort than the PA. I don't want to go above 305g or 325SW and bare in mind I have 1HBH. I have a list of rackets but I need to narrow it down because I can only demo 4.

• Head extreme 2022 mp/tour
• Ezone 98
• Vcore 98
• Vcore pro 100
• Head boom mp
• Clash 100
• Speed mp 2022 (but sceptical of high SW)

Any recommendations of which I should demo? I'm open to more suggestions but worth noting I can only demo babolat/head/yonex/wilson at my local store.

Thanks!

 

[longtimelurker]

Pure aero 2022
Extreme mp

 

[Soundbyte]

Pure aero 2023
Solinco Whiteout
Vcore 100

 

[StringStrungStrang]

Pure aero 2023
Solinco Whiteout
Vcore 100

I definitely think you should try the new Pure Aero 23. A little less spin and power , but improved comfort and control. Check the TW playtest on this. Cheers!

 

[TennisManiac]

The Pure Aero 98 that comes out in January will be perfect for you. I can't believe it's not on your list.

 

[HaydTen]

The Pure Aero 98 that comes out in January will be perfect for you. I can't believe it's not on your list.

Ive been with babolat my whole life so kind of wanted to try something new. I know people rave about yonex

 

[Chairman3]

Definitely Vcore 98 or Extreme Tour (maybe MP as it is reported that control is better with the Auxetic update)

As another option, people do report the new Pure Aero as having better control than the prior versions, so you may want to look into that too

 

[Psi7]

I switched to Speed Mp 22' from Aero(you can find a lot of my reviews about this and yonex racquets). Very similar racquet, a little bit less power but way more comfort. Ezone is a different one, dont go that route if you want aero replacement. Vcore is the one you can try as it will be very close to Aero. For me just too close as i wanted more comfort. Maybe new Vcore that will be released soon will fit this criteria more.

 

[HaydTen]

I switched to Speed Mp 22' from Aero(you can find a lot of my reviews about this and yonex racquets). Very similar racquet, a little bit less power but way more comfort. Ezone is a different one, dont go that route if you want aero replacement. Vcore is the one you can try as it will be very close to Aero. For me just too close as i wanted more comfort. Maybe new Vcore that will be released soon will fit this criteria more.

Ive heard the speed is quite demanding, is this true? Im not looking for an aero clone, I still want a racket with good spin but with improved control/comfort/forgiveness which I dont find in a PA

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Ive heard the speed is quite demanding, is this true? Im not looking for an aero clone, I still want a racket with good spin but with improved control/comfort/forgiveness which I dont find in a PA

Then you should demo the vcores at least the 98 and 100 if not the 95 too... And make sure you demo the PA 2023 cause its control is improved a ton, and being made more comfortable than past pure aeros. And then just look out for that Pure Aero 98 coming out soon. Oh and the new vcores coming out soon you'll wanna demo those too lol.

 

[Psi7]

Ive heard the speed is quite demanding, is this true? Im not looking for an aero clone, I still want a racket with good spin but with improved control/comfort/forgiveness which I dont find in a PA

Think that you will have to answer question about control and forgiveness yourself as this will be very subjective i believe. I am able to control it but i am also a decent player, but if someone is able to control aero then they shouldnt have problems with speed mp as well. Definitely try it. Get Speed MP and Vcore(or new Vcore whenever its released 3-4 months?) and test it. Maybe that new Extreme MP is also worth checking but i havent tried it. I would think about this 3 so ideally get 2, pick the better one for you and then compare it to the 3rd one. Maybe you can get one of those in your local shop and get 2 from TW.

 

[Psi7]

Then you should demo the vcores at least the 98 and 100 if not the 95 too... And make sure you demo the PA 2023 cause its control is improved a ton, and being made more comfortable than past pure aeros. And then just look out for that Pure Aero 98 coming out soon. Oh and the new vcores coming out soon you'll wanna demo those too lol.

Hehe, yeah. Too many options

 

[HaydTen]

Think that you will have to answer question about control and forgiveness yourself as this will be very subjective i believe. I am able to control it but i am also a decent player, but if someone is able to control aero then they shouldnt have problems with speed mp as well. Definitely try it. Get Speed MP and Vcore(or new Vcore whenever its released 3-4 months?) and test it. Maybe that new Extreme MP is also worth checking but i havent tried it. I would think about this 3 so ideally get 2, pick the better one for you and then compare it to the 3rd one. Maybe you can get one of those in your local shop and get 2 from TW.

Thanks! I can demo 4 so will try the vcore, speed and extreme. Im thinking either boom/gravity/ezone/PA23 for the 4th racket

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Hehe, yeah. Too many options

The good news is it only takes 2 rounds of demos to try them all (3 racquets per demo, $15 shipping per demo), so its nothing crazy actually

 

[Wilsonbro]

wilosn pro staff 97 v13

 

[HaydTen]

The good news is it only takes 2 rounds of demos to try them all (3 racquets per demo, $15 shipping per demo), so its nothing crazy actually

Cant get TW demos in the UK unfortunately

 

[Jonesy]

Isn't that the pure strike function in the bab line?

 

[bobeeto]

Definitely don’t go the yonex route, you’ll never go back to bab haha

 

[HaydTen]

Definitely don’t go the yonex route, you’ll never go back to bab haha

I dont want another babolat haha

 

[bobeeto]

I dont want another babolat haha

Then you know what to do I went from aero tour to vcore 98+ and then vcore 95. I’ve played the ezones and the VCP HD. The only bab racket I’ve enjoyed as well is the pure storm. So that’s saying a lot about yonex.

 

[HaydTen]

Then you know what to do I went from aero tour to vcore 98+ and then vcore 95. I’ve played the ezones and the VCP HD. The only bab racket I’ve enjoyed as well is the pure storm. So that’s saying a lot about yonex.

How did you find the ezones?

 

[bobeeto]

How did you find the ezones?

Each are different, all don’t fit my game as much as vcore. Played the AI 100, found it to be a little too slow through the air, the DR 98, 98+ and 100+, 98 was really nice actually. Extended were just a bit too sluggish for me, although they were rock solid. And then the 2017 blue 100 which was meh for me just felt babby like sharp and too thin, the 2019/20 98 is great and the 2022 is fun as well, I find the 22 and 20 to be a matter of soft and direct - but both are nice imo.

if you like hitting flat, ezones are hard to beat. I just love my vcore’s spin and maneuverability too much. I can be as creative as I want with it, it feels like no angle is out of my ability haha

 

[HaydTen]

Each are different, all don’t fit my game as much as vcore. Played the AI 100, found it to be a little too slow through the air, the DR 98, 98+ and 100+, 98 was really nice actually. Extended were just a bit too sluggish for me, although they were rock solid. And then the 2017 blue 100 which was meh for me just felt babby like sharp and too thin, the 2019/20 98 is great and the 2022 is fun as well, I find the 22 and 20 to be a matter of soft and direct - but both are nice imo.

if you like hitting flat, ezones are hard to beat. I just love my vcore’s spin and maneuverability too much. I can be as creative as I want with it, it feels like no angle is out of my ability haha

Oh great that's interesting.
Which vcore do you have?

 

[bobeeto]

Oh great that's interesting.
Which vcore do you have?

95, it matches my all court game, the 98+ was a baseline bomb though

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Definitely don’t go the yonex route, you’ll never go back to bab haha

Maybe you haven't tried 2023 pure aero, just cause of that racquet I don't agree, its a versatile serving spin monster so good way better control now. I went from 19 pure aero to 21 vcore 100 to 21 vcore 98 and now going to 23 pure aero which is so much better than past pure aeros

 

[socallefty]

What strings and tension do you use? Should be able to tune your racquet’s performance by changing strings, gauges and tensions till it plays as you want. If you play with poly, do you break or cut out the strings within 15 hours and if not, is comfort an issue only with ‘dead’ poly?

 

[itischanandlerbong]

Ive heard the speed is quite demanding, is this true? Im not looking for an aero clone, I still want a racket with good spin but with improved control/comfort/forgiveness which I dont find in a PA

I've demo-ed the Speed MP, Extreme Tour, and Ezone 98 on your list here. I'd second the suggestion to try the Aero VS or Aero 98 coming out in Jan. The Aero VS (which is the racket I eventually chose) plays very differently from the standard Aero (thinner beam, tighter string bed, more head light, lower swingweight, much better whip).

If not, the Extreme Tour/MP (I didn't try the MP variant) seems like the closest fit to your preferences.

The Speed MP lacked the whippiness that I enjoy with the Aeros, which affected my spin generation. I found my shots to have a far lower launch angle and much flatter. I didn't get the same predictability on shot making and depth. I found it very easy to use, so I don't think you should have any concerns on the Speed MP being demanding.

The Ezone 98 had great spin generation for me, but played with too much power (and I wasn't keen on tightening my string tension as I prefer the pocketing feel from a low tension string bed). Great for rallies, but I found myself too tentative in matches because of that.

 

[HaydTen]

Maybe you haven't tried 2023 pure aero, just cause of that racquet I don't agree, its a versatile serving spin monster so good way better control now. I went from 19 pure aero to 21 vcore 100 to 21 vcore 98 and now going to 23 pure aero which is so much better than past pure aeros

You prefer the new PA to the vcore?

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

You prefer the new PA to the vcore?

Definitely, its the best serving racquet I've ever tried and improved the control of past pure aeros a ton to actually have good control and very consistent now. More spin than the vcore easily of course...

 

[HaydTen]

I've demo-ed the Speed MP, Extreme Tour, and Ezone 98 on your list here. I'd second the suggestion to try the Aero VS or Aero 98 coming out in Jan. The Aero VS (which is the racket I eventually chose) plays very differently from the standard Aero (thinner beam, tighter string bed, more head light, lower swingweight, much better whip).

If not, the Extreme Tour/MP (I didn't try the MP variant) seems like the closest fit to your preferences.

The Speed MP lacked the whippiness that I enjoy with the Aeros, which affected my spin generation. I found my shots to have a far lower launch angle and much flatter. I didn't get the same predictability on shot making and depth. I found it very easy to use, so I don't think you should have any concerns on the Speed MP being demanding.

The Ezone 98 had great spin generation for me, but played with too much power (and I wasn't keen on tightening my string tension as I prefer the pocketing feel from a low tension string bed). Great for rallies, but I found myself too tentative in matches because of that.

@Aestheticsaboveallelse Im tempted to try the PA23 / VS now. Comfort/arm issues was a major reason I want to leave babolat so hoping the PA23/VS are better in this department although the VS is still very stiff, same as my current PA

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

@Aestheticsaboveallelse Im tempted to try the PA23 / VS now. Comfort/arm issues was a major reason I want to leave babolat so hoping the PA23/VS are better in this department although the VS is still very stiff, same as my current PA

Pure aero is always stiff but 2023 is softened and feels better, but still might be too stiff for you

 

[Psi7]

@Aestheticsaboveallelse Im tempted to try the PA23 / VS now. Comfort/arm issues was a major reason I want to leave babolat so hoping the PA23/VS are better in this department although the VS is still very stiff, same as my current PA

I have big post where i was doing the switch from Aero based on the arm/elbow issues. Really give it a go and read some posts from me and others. Similar scenario so you can find some good things. I went for Speed Mp '22 because its like Aero but with way better comfort. If that comfort and arm/elbow issues are your priority then i would opt to go for the same route. Of course test the others first but i wanted bigger change when it comes to the comfort. That was my priority and i believe that switch to current Vcore or new Pa23/Vs wont make it. It can be a little bit better as new Babolat line is less stiff, vcore is a little bit better as well, but i dont think its enough when comfort is on top place for a switch. Maybe new Vcore that will be released soon will be better

 

[Trip]

@HaydTen - Per @Psi7's point regarding comfort, if it is indeed priority #1, versus just a nice-to-have, then you'll definitely want to stick to a lower/mid 60's RA and a vibration transmission of around 140Hz or lower. The key is to find a stick that isn't too noodle-y or disconnected. While the Speed MP 2022 is certainly worth a look, the Yonex VCore Pro 100 may be an even better fit, as it has a noticeably higher twist weight, more like what you're used to with the PA19.

If comfort is less of a priority, I would look at the 2023 Pure Aero first before anything else, as you're already used to the series, and the '23 is a strong move towards more control and better feel. After that, I'd look at the Head Extreme MP 2022, which is similarly connected and firm, but now more controlled from the new drill pattern with tighter mains, and most reports say it's decently comfortable despite having a high Hz rating.

 

[HaydTen]

@HaydTen - Per @Psi7's point regarding comfort, if it is indeed priority #1, versus just a nice-to-have, then you'll definitely want to stick to a lower/mid 60's RA and a vibration transmission of around 140Hz or lower. The key is to find a stick that isn't too noodle-y or disconnected. While the Speed MP 2022 is certainly worth a look, the Yonex VCore Pro 100 may be an even better fit, as it has a noticeably higher twist weight, more like what you're used to with the PA19.

If comfort is less of a priority, I would look at the 2023 Pure Aero first before anything else, as it's a strong move in the direction of more control, more feel and just a more overall well-balanced frame in general. After that, I'd look at the Head Extreme MP 2022, which is similarly connected and firm, but most reports say it's decently comfortable as well (despite having a high Hz rating).

I would like a 65RA or below, yes. Im not interested in going way below this, i just want something less stiff than my PA, so 65 and below is fine. Thats one of the reasons i put VCP100 in my list but it hasnt seemed to have gotten many votes

 

[billsedd]

Ive heard the speed is quite demanding, is this true? Im not looking for an aero clone, I still want a racket with good spin but with improved control/comfort/forgiveness which I dont find in a PA

i dont think any of the speed racquets are demanding

 

[Deleted member 798581]

I previously used the PA19 but (via a phase of experimenting with different rackets) came round to the PA23, I didn’t have any major comfort issues with the 19, but the 23 does seem more comfortable, and is massively more controlled in my opinion.