I am not familiar with babolat at all but realize that the pure drive seems to get a lot of good reviews. Also noticed there are few models in the pure drive range. For ladies intermediate to advance level, which one is highly recommended? Is it better than pure control and pure strike?
Babolat pure drive.. Need advise
- Thread starter star
- Start date
TW Staff
Administrator
Did someone say Pure Drive?! 
First of all, I would suggest demoing! What racquet do you currently use?
I love the Pure Drive (actually, now I prefer the heavier spec, so I use a Pure Drive Roddick) and I have used some form of it for the past 10+ years. So if you are looking for power and maneuverability, you'll find it in the Pure Drive. If you don't mind a stiff set up, give it a go.
The Strike and Control are also great racquets though, in my opinion. You have some string pattern options and weight choices with those too. It's going to be about personal preferences and feel, as the Pure Drive will be the stiffest of the 3 and the most powerful.
The Control has a softer feel and a more controlled setup while the Strike has a bit more power than the Control and rewards first strikers.
The Ai 100 plays similar to the Pure Drive, but it has the Yonex feel and shape, so keep that in mind.
Honestly, demo, demo, demo and see what you like best and suits your game!
Hope that helps,
Michelle, TW
First of all, I would suggest demoing! What racquet do you currently use?
I love the Pure Drive (actually, now I prefer the heavier spec, so I use a Pure Drive Roddick) and I have used some form of it for the past 10+ years. So if you are looking for power and maneuverability, you'll find it in the Pure Drive. If you don't mind a stiff set up, give it a go.
The Strike and Control are also great racquets though, in my opinion. You have some string pattern options and weight choices with those too. It's going to be about personal preferences and feel, as the Pure Drive will be the stiffest of the 3 and the most powerful.
The Control has a softer feel and a more controlled setup while the Strike has a bit more power than the Control and rewards first strikers.
The Ai 100 plays similar to the Pure Drive, but it has the Yonex feel and shape, so keep that in mind.
Honestly, demo, demo, demo and see what you like best and suits your game!
Hope that helps,
Michelle, TW
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
Pure Drive 107
Pure Drive
Pure Drive Roddick
Pure Drive Plus
Pure Drive Light
Edit: Since you use the Ai 100 the Pure Drive in the regular version is likely best for you. However, the Pure Drive is much stiffer. You need to be aware of the possibilities of pain and injury with such a stiff racquet.
The Pure Strike 100 with a bit of lead seems to be a better idea IMO.
Last edited:
Lukhas
Legend
^Not totally correct. Pure Drive Plus isn't its own racquet: it's a variant of other racquets of the line. From the easiest to use to the hardest to use (relatively to the line):
-Pure Drive 107:
-Pure Drive Lite;
-Pure Drive;
-Pure Drive Roddick.
I know the last two exist in a extended length of 27.5in (or "Plus" version). That said, why not demoing the regular Pure Drive and a AeroPro Drive side to side? Both are nice options in terms of friendliness if you can take the stiffness. The Strike does not (totally) have it, it's closer to a Blade or a Radical in spirit.
-Pure Drive 107:
-Pure Drive Lite;
-Pure Drive;
-Pure Drive Roddick.
I know the last two exist in a extended length of 27.5in (or "Plus" version). That said, why not demoing the regular Pure Drive and a AeroPro Drive side to side? Both are nice options in terms of friendliness if you can take the stiffness. The Strike does not (totally) have it, it's closer to a Blade or a Radical in spirit.
Last edited:
What are you looking for that is different than what you have? What is your style of play? Are you primarily a flat hitter or a top spinner? Do you have long, full strokes or medium strokes? Do you hit with pace and generate your own pace or are you a counterpuncher?
Answering these questions will help those with in-depth knowledge provide you with better insights.
Answering these questions will help those with in-depth knowledge provide you with better insights.
WhiteStripes
Semi-Pro
If you're coming from an Ai100, the Pure Drive will have a lot of common characteristics. From my experience, the Pure Drive swings a bit easier/faster. It also feels much stiffer/harsher, so that's something to consider if you're prone to arm pains. Otherwise, both are very forgiving, user friendly sticks with plenty of pop and spin potential. I have not hit with the Lite version.
The Pure Control (295g standard version) is much more low-powered and control-oriented than either of those racquets, with a much more softer/flexible feel. You'll have to generate more of your own power, but it'll allow you to swing out more on your strokes. I like my Pure Strikes, but in either 16x19 or 18x20 patterns in the standard 305g (and the Tour version is probably out of the equation as it's a bit of a beast to swing), it'll probably feel/swing the most demanding for you out of all of these sticks. The Strike 100 16x19 (290g), however, may be an option. Very, very fast swinging frame, but even compared to a PD or Ai100, you're giving up a little bit of weight, and you're going to lose out on some pop and stability in exchange for maneuverability.
While I wouldn't personally choose a racquet based on aesthetics, if it's something you're considering, all the more power to you. As always, it's best to demo (either through TW's demo program or a local shop if available) before making a decision. And there's nothing wrong if you end up liking your Ai100 the best out of everything. It's an excellent stick.
The Pure Control (295g standard version) is much more low-powered and control-oriented than either of those racquets, with a much more softer/flexible feel. You'll have to generate more of your own power, but it'll allow you to swing out more on your strokes. I like my Pure Strikes, but in either 16x19 or 18x20 patterns in the standard 305g (and the Tour version is probably out of the equation as it's a bit of a beast to swing), it'll probably feel/swing the most demanding for you out of all of these sticks. The Strike 100 16x19 (290g), however, may be an option. Very, very fast swinging frame, but even compared to a PD or Ai100, you're giving up a little bit of weight, and you're going to lose out on some pop and stability in exchange for maneuverability.
While I wouldn't personally choose a racquet based on aesthetics, if it's something you're considering, all the more power to you. As always, it's best to demo (either through TW's demo program or a local shop if available) before making a decision. And there's nothing wrong if you end up liking your Ai100 the best out of everything. It's an excellent stick.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
whichever you like best. There is no string that fits a certain racquet, but there is a string that suits a certain player. Buy a set of each and test them.
SpinToWin
Talk Tennis Guru
ideally yes. Strings can change the way a racquet plays completely.
Cobra Tennis
Professional
I highly recommend the pacific x fast pro as a demo alongside the pure drive. a bit softer and easier on the arm than the PD and that great fischer feel!
There is an x fast pro lite version coming out in the next couple of weeks as well.
There is an x fast pro lite version coming out in the next couple of weeks as well.
MikeHitsHard93
Hall of Fame
Pure Drive has a lower swing weight, which would be the reason as to why they feel different and why the yonex feels more stable.
