Brand new Pure Aero VS 2020

[gutfeeling]

Following up here to my last post as it was sort of bothering me a bit, lol.

I took two of my new Babolat racquets. One was the latest Pure Strike in Grip 3 (4 3/8) and the other was the latest Pure Aero VS in Grip 2 (4 1/4). Both racquets brand new with plastic on handles.

This is the measurement for Pure Strike grip. Pretty on par with standard Babolat Grip 3:

Now the interesting bit. Here is a picture from the new Pure Aero VS that is Grip 2:

So I wasn't off my rocker in thinking the grip for this thing came in bigger. The new PAVS is one whole size bigger and comes in flush at (4 3/8) in size, as you guys can see in the picture.

Granted this isn't a super scientific method, but still, I felt a significant enough difference when holding the racquets so definitely worth checking for yourself.

Same “issue” with Yonex but maybe different cause because the Yonex base grips are thin.

 

[haqq777]

Same “issue” with Yonex but maybe different cause because the Yonex base grips are thin.

Yes, could be the thinner Syntec Team on Pure Strike versus the thicker Syntec Pro on PAVS. Not sure how that would work though like do they account for handle size only and not replacement grip itself when measuring size? Or do they have different criteria for different lines? Like all Babolats I have used with Syntec Pro have been pretty standard sizes so why bigger on PAVS? So many questions, haha.

 

[tennisgurl]

Yes, could be the thinner Syntec Team on Pure Strike versus the thicker Syntec Pro on PAVS. Not sure how that would work though like do they account for handle size only and not replacement grip itself when measuring size? Or do they have different criteria for different lines? Like all Babolats I have used with Syntec Pro have been pretty standard sizes so why bigger on PAVS? So many questions, haha.

I'm on the new Pure Aero VS 2020 playtest and got grip size 2. Definitely bigger like you said. I also have a brand new 2019 Pure Aero that I have barely touched that is in grip size 2 as well and that feels clearly smaller.

 

[AA7]

Same “issue” with Yonex but maybe different cause because the Yonex base grips are thin.

Yeah Yonex for sure bigger man. Like @haqq777 I actually measured my yonex and wilson w/out any grip. Yonex 3 measures like 4 almost. I have vcp hd and vcp 310 and they both are larger than 3 (even though they supposed to be 3)

 

[BBender716]

Stupid question, I've heard loads about what people tend to prefer about the PAVS (more control, feel, maneuverability, etc). However, I'm trying to decide between a PA and the PAVS and wonder what people prefer about the PA.

My racquet history is basically moving from heavy traditional frames to a more modern frame (and more appropriate for my level ~3.5/4) over the years. Most of my playing has been on a One.Six 95, Blade, and TC95 and now really enjoying a Clash 98.

I tried a 2019 PA Tour and liked it a lot except it is probably excessively heavy for my level.

I play a more topspin heavy forehand and a OHBH. I prefer to hit from the baseline but am working on a more well rounded game since I have a heavy serve and play mostly singles.

Am I overreaching if I decide on a PAVS instead of a PA?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[mad dog1]

Am I overreaching if I decide on a PAVS instead of a PA?

No. It’s not like the pavs is some super low powered stick.

 

[BBender716]

No. It’s not like the pavs is some super low powered stick.

Yeah makes sense. Probably more powerful than the Clash 98 even, ya?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[mad dog1]

Yeah makes sense. Probably more powerful than the Clash 98 even, ya?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

The 2 sticks have different response to the ball because of the difference in flex but power levels are similar.

 

[tsamo]

Played a friendly match yesterday with my PAVS. String is Signum Pro Tornado 1.23 at 23kgs. My racket even with leather grip and an over-grip was only 1.5 points HL which threw me off the first time around, so before the match yesterday I added 6-8 grams(can't remember right now, I'll have to check) to the handle. That took it to 5.5 points HL and Holy Moly, it was as if it was a different racket altogether.

Good on defense, plenty of spin, good slices and backhands, plenty of directional control and amazing first serves! The only thing I have yet to click with, while playing with this frame, is my slice serve for some reason! Honestly when I get used to slice serves with the PAVS it might tie with my DR 98+ for my favorite frame! The only drawback(if you can even call it that) for me, is the hollow feeling of the racket but after a while you hardly think about it.

Really hoping it's not just a honeymoon period!!

 

[pfchang]

Yes, could be the thinner Syntec Team on Pure Strike versus the thicker Syntec Pro on PAVS. Not sure how that would work though like do they account for handle size only and not replacement grip itself when measuring size? Or do they have different criteria for different lines? Like all Babolats I have used with Syntec Pro have been pretty standard sizes so why bigger on PAVS? So many questions, haha.

I'm on the new Pure Aero VS 2020 playtest and got grip size 2. Definitely bigger like you said. I also have a brand new 2019 Pure Aero that I have barely touched that is in grip size 2 as well and that feels clearly smaller.

Just curious if either of you two managed to remedy the grip size issue?

I'm usually a 3/8 in babolat w/ skin feel base grip, and a thicker solinco wondergrip OG over it. Just trying to figure out what grip I should get if either of you have any advice?

 

[AA7]

Get L2. Can always go bigger if you need to with 2 OGs etc.

 

[pfchang]

Get L2. Can always go bigger if you need to with 2 OGs etc.

I understand you can always size up with extra grips/heat shrink, but that reduces the bevel feel and/or adds weight respectively, I'm just trying to minimize mods as much as possible to get the best "natural fit" since I'm very particular with my grip.

 

[JEDI MASTER]

Just curious if either of you two managed to remedy the grip size issue?

I'm usually a 3/8 in babolat w/ skin feel base grip, and a thicker solinco wondergrip OG over it. Just trying to figure out what grip I should get if either of you have any advice?

I have a 3/8 grip. And it measures out to 4-1/2”. I just got done changing the grip to the Syntec Feel. And feels so much better now. Can really feel all the bevels.

Measures out to 4-3/8” and approx. 5.4gr. lighter.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tennisgurl]

Just curious if either of you two managed to remedy the grip size issue?

I'm usually a 3/8 in babolat w/ skin feel base grip, and a thicker solinco wondergrip OG over it. Just trying to figure out what grip I should get if either of you have any advice?

I went with Tourna Pro Thin as advised by my local pro shop. No issues at all for grip size 2 for me.

 

[haqq777]

I'm usually a 3/8 in babolat w/ skin feel base grip, and a thicker solinco wondergrip OG over it. Just trying to figure out what grip I should get if either of you have any advice?

L2 in stock form actually measures exactly as L3 in stock form for PA VS 2020, as I measured and showed above. I think going L2 with Syntec Team and then wrapping your Solinco Wondergrip (very underrated overgrip btw, I really like it) on top would be the way to go for you in PA VS 2020, and should land you where you are currently.

 

[mike841]

 

[Vapix]

Someone played with both PA VS 2020 and Dunlop Srixon CV 3.0 F Tour to compare them?

 

[AgassiGrafFan]

I have a question for @haqq777 and anyone else with experience with Aero and Gravity lines. How does the current Pure Aero VS slot in or compare to the PA2019 and the APD2013? Also I know the feel is very different than Head Gravity but how does the Aero VS play compared to that line?

Here is where I currently stand. My main frames are PA2019 strung mostly at 54/52 with Cyclone/Poly Tour Strike. I am messing around with going down to 50/48 at least while it is colder. My alternative main frames are Gravity Tour strung at 50/48 with a variety of strings but I think I will settle on Lynx Edge/PTS or full RPM blast.

What I love about the PA2019 is the tremendous bite I get off the ground and serving. I can generate a lot of winners, aces, or unreturned balls. My biggest issue is that I feel like I have to be very precise, particularly on my 2HBH, to control the ball with spin. I play mostly on clay so that is no big deal, but I am prone to want to drive through the ball sometimes and I can lose a little control on the backhand. I think the bigger issue, particularly in match play, is I can overcook it if I get sloppy on my footwork, which is definitely an issue at times. This is most apparent on off pace short balls.

On the Gravity Tour I love the forgiveness and familiar classic Head feel (I developed on the Bumblebee OS). I don’t really have to think at all, just swing at the ball. It isn’t quite as viscous at the PA2019 but I don’t get out hit from the baseline by any means. My biggest complaint about the Gravity is I feel like I don’t get the same power and bite on serve. I still hit aces bc of placement and spin, but I feel like I get fewer free pts overall.

At one point I thought the answer was to use my 2013APDs but after using the other two I feel like I lack some punch, particularly on the backhand but overall, when playing against bigger hitting 5.0 types. I would use them indoors or summer hard courts but I feel like they lack horsepower on the clay.

So what I am wondering is does the PA VS fill that void between the PA2019 and Gravity Tour where it has the forgiveness and ability to flatten out like Gravity with more serving punch like the PA2019, or is it more like the APD2013 where it has nice control but lacks HP? Thanks for any responses.

 

[haqq777]

I have a question for @haqq777 and anyone else with experience with Aero and Gravity lines. How does the current Pure Aero VS slot in or compare to the PA2019 and the APD2013? Also I know the feel is very different than Head Gravity but how does the Aero VS play compared to that line?

Here is where I currently stand. My main frames are PA2019 strung mostly at 54/52 with Cyclone/Poly Tour Strike. I am messing around with going down to 50/48 at least while it is colder. My alternative main frames are Gravity Tour strung at 50/48 with a variety of strings but I think I will settle on Lynx Edge/PTS or full RPM blast.

What I love about the PA2019 is the tremendous bite I get off the ground and serving. I can generate a lot of winners, aces, or unreturned balls. My biggest issue is that I feel like I have to be very precise, particularly on my 2HBH, to control the ball with spin. I play mostly on clay so that is no big deal, but I am prone to want to drive through the ball sometimes and I can lose a little control on the backhand. I think the bigger issue, particularly in match play, is I can overcook it if I get sloppy on my footwork, which is definitely an issue at times. This is most apparent on off pace short balls.

On the Gravity Tour I love the forgiveness and familiar classic Head feel (I developed on the Bumblebee OS). I don’t really have to think at all, just swing at the ball. It isn’t quite as viscous at the PA2019 but I don’t get out hit from the baseline by any means. My biggest complaint about the Gravity is I feel like I don’t get the same power and bite on serve. I still hit aces bc of placement and spin, but I feel like I get fewer free pts overall.

At one point I thought the answer was to use my 2013APDs but after using the other two I feel like I lack some punch, particularly on the backhand but overall, when playing against bigger hitting 5.0 types. I would use them indoors or summer hard courts but I feel like they lack horsepower on the clay.

So what I am wondering is does the PA VS fill that void between the PA2019 and Gravity Tour where it has the forgiveness and ability to flatten out like Gravity with more serving punch like the PA2019, or is it more like the APD2013 where it has nice control but lacks HP? Thanks for any responses.

If you are already finding a bit less horsepower with 2013 APD, you will not find the 2020 PAVS any more powerful. The 2020 PAVS is a nice frame but it is tamed, more controlled version of 2019 PA and is lower powered than both 2019 PA and 2013 APD.

2020 PAVS is similar in some respects to the 2013 APD. It is easy to use, the new beam design ditches the boxy hoop that Aerostorm line had and I think that makes it more stable in its stock form than it's predecessor, the 2016 PAVS. It is more muted feeling too (all newer Babs are I find) so feedback is more similar to 2019 PA than 2013 APD the latter being livelier. The pattern is a bit tighter in center and not crazy wide open and except for the very top cross, if you do an overlay the string pattern is looks to be very similar to the 2013 APD. The notable difference if you use them side by side is power and control, PAVS being lower powered and more controlled. The PAVS 2020 felt more maneuverable too due to slightly smaller head size I believe but still had a decent sweet spot. I have no issues flattening the ball with it, same for 2013 APD.

As for the 2019 PA, it is a sweet frame. The string pattern is considerably open for 2019 PA compared to 2013 APD so I feel for me it doesn't have the consistent ability to flatten out the balls at times. And I have modern strokes. For extreme spinsters though the 2019 PA is a dream. Gobs of spin, just set up, drop racquet head and go low to high swing path every time and it delivers crazy spin. It does goes through strings very fast but that comes with the territory.

Also feel wise it is more muted so you get that dampened sort of feedback which is not a bad thing, but for me I like just a bit livelier feedback from stringbed so I can better tell where the ball contact happens. That is why I prefer 2013 APDs more. But if I had to, I could easily switch to 2019 PA and adapt.

I unfortunately do not have enough extensive experience with Gravity line to make an honest comparison. Gravity frames feel fantastic though, no denying that. And the MP looked very promising.

 

[AgassiGrafFan]

If you are already finding a bit less horsepower with 2013 APD, you will not find the 2020 PAVS any more powerful. The 2020 PAVS is a nice frame but it is tamed, more controlled version of 2019 PA and is lower powered than both 2019 PA and 2013 APD.

2020 PAVS is similar in some respects to the 2013 APD. It is easy to use, the new beam design ditches the boxy hoop that Aerostorm line had and I think that makes it more stable in its stock form than it's predecessor, the 2016 PAVS. It is more muted feeling too (all newer Babs are I find) so feedback is more similar to 2019 PA than 2013 APD the latter being livelier. The pattern is a bit tighter in center and not crazy wide open and except for the very top cross, if you do an overlay the string pattern is looks to be very similar to the 2013 APD. The notable difference if you use them side by side is power and control, PAVS being lower powered and more controlled. The PAVS 2020 felt more maneuverable too due to slightly smaller head size I believe but still had a decent sweet spot. I have no issues flattening the ball with it, same for 2013 APD.

As for the 2019 PA, it is a sweet frame. The string pattern is considerably open for 2019 PA compared to 2013 APD so I feel for me it doesn't have the consistent ability to flatten out the balls at times. And I have modern strokes. For extreme spinsters though the 2019 PA is a dream. Gobs of spin, just set up, drop racquet head and go low to high swing path every time and it delivers crazy spin. It does goes through strings very fast but that comes with the territory.

Also feel wise it is more muted so you get that dampened sort of feedback which is not a bad thing, but for me I like just a bit livelier feedback from stringbed so I can better tell where the ball contact happens. That is why I prefer 2013 APDs more. But if I had to, I could easily switch to 2019 PA and adapt.

I unfortunately do not have enough extensive experience with Gravity line to make an honest comparison. Gravity frames feel fantastic though, no denying that. And the MP looked very promising.

Hmmm. Thanks for the feedback. I definitely don’t want less power than the 2013APD. I find playing on the clay, especially as it has cooled off, that it is more effective to drive hard topspin with good depth than hit straight through the court. I actually wish that I played with my APDs more bc I have one with data, which I enjoy, and I even have one that has never been strung when I thought I was going APD exclusively after the PA2016 debacle. I just don’t feel like I get the same damage with APD that I get with PA2109 and the Gravity Tour. I have messed around with dropping the tension (I am at 54# and actually prefer 57) but I feel like the Woofers start to feel like a trampoline if I hit through the ball at low tension which is part of why I would want to use the APD in the first place.

I think as things stand I will probably use my PA2019 against heavier hitters and conditions and use the Gravities against more grinder/counter puncher types since they seem to like the weight of shot I give them anyway but GT is more forgiving on my end. I will probably use the APDs more for doubles or hard courts where I need to be quicker and hit lower and flatter and perhaps against finesse players where it can be harder to get the ball up and down. At the end of the day I am not playing for money so I may as well enjoy what all these great racquets have to offer. As for the PA VS I just have to decide if I like the looks enough to burn some money on them. They do look really nice but I don’t know that they do anything better than what I already have.

 

[mikele]

I have the pavs and the gravity pro, love both, the pavs is faster through the air and more maneuvreable and the pro is more solid and stable. Spin pavs win but in feeling is the pro. Depends what your game is and what are you looking for, I ditched the pavs due to arm and wrist discomfort for the pro and no regrets.

 

[snoflewis]

I have the pavs and the gravity pro, love both, the pavs is faster through the air and more maneuvreable and the pro is more solid and stable. Spin pavs win but in feeling is the pro. Depends what your game is and what are you looking for, I ditched the pavs due to arm and wrist discomfort for the pro and no regrets.

i had a similar path. had the PAVS 2020, a short stint with the vcore 98, gravity pro, and now with the PA 2019. im finding the PA 2019 to be more comfortable and smoother in feel than the PA VS

 

[Boubi]

PAVS is all about control and precision, it doesn't lack power and feels comfortable (paired with 4G)

 

[abarth20]

Considering getting one for my self. But some specs seemed off.. Given it's a VS frame shouldn't be the tolerances closer to the orignal specs?.. I've seen some with 330sw... And close to head heavy balanced ones..

 

[marceloriosfan]

Considering getting one for my self. But some specs seemed off.. Given it's a VS frame shouldn't be the tolerances closer to the orignal specs?.. I've seen some with 330sw... And close to head heavy balanced ones..

the+/1 gram specific to the matched pairs BUT the overall tolerance ranges still apply

 

[marceloriosfan]

Considering getting one for my self. But some specs seemed off.. Given it's a VS frame shouldn't be the tolerances closer to the orignal specs?.. I've seen some with 330sw... And close to head heavy balanced ones..

call TW and have them check specs, they've been known to measure in the past for specific requests...

 

[BabPlayer-JohnnyG]

Yeah, I def recommend having them measure out the specs on a specific stick. Mine came in right about on spec, but sometimes different racquet runs can spread the specs a bit. Good luck! It truly is a great stick, probably the best I've ever used. It might seem sacrilegious to some on this site, but I'd say it's one of the top 3 Bab racquets, ever! Cheers! You should check out my review that I posted on the site if you want some detailed info on it and my play test. It's listed under "My Review of the Pure Aero VS (2020)." Happy almost New Year!

 

[WilsnGrpheneStrkeTour]

I've been trying other sticks the past couple of months, namely from Yonex, but I keep coming back to the PAVS. I guess I try other frames out of curiosity, but in the end I always come to the realization that the PAVS does everything I need, and often times better in most areas compared to the competition.

For example: with the Yonex 97HD, the feel and power I get on my serves is definitely better than the PAVS, but with the PAVS I find I get better directional control and can more easily vary/modulate my power and spin, which wins me a lot of points. It really is a fun stick to experiment with on serve.

Groundstrokes w/ PAVS are just the right height/trajectory for how I hit, and allows for me to flatten out shots if need be; if I'm hitting long, more often than not I'm within a few inches of the line vs. blasting the back wall. This was the primary reason I moved on from the Pure Aero Tour, that frame was just too dependent on spin in order to keep the ball in, and if you didn't fully commit to the full throttle top spin stroke, results could vary.

Finally, the last frame I used for a few years prior to the PAVS 2020 was the predecessor: the PAVS Tour (2016). That was my attempt to tame the wildness of the Pure Aero Tour, and it worked great; but, compared to the PAVS 2020 though, it was a heavier, stiffer stick that I never really nailed down and felt solid with (should have tried the regular non-Tour version). Inconsistent feel on my groundstrokes, harsh on my elbow, and it just felt unwieldy at times; the PAVS 2020 fixed all of that.

All that to say: this PAVS is a supremely well rounded, versatile racquet that I find the more you put into it, does everything really, really well. Most importantly: it looks dapper strung with that gold Luxilon 4G

 

[yessir]

What gauge do you guys find to work the best with the racquet? 1.30 or 1.25?

 

[mikele]

For me 1.25

 

[BabPlayer-JohnnyG]

What gauge do you guys find to work the best with the racquet? 1.30 or 1.25?

For me, I like RPM Blast 1.30 at 50 pounds. It's a 16x20 pattern, but still pretty open, so I think 16 gauge is good. Otherwise, I'd probably string 17 gauge at 53-54 pounds based on how I play.

 

[pinco000]

guys, can you share setups that work well? Im thinking of solinco confidential 1.25 @50 or have a reel of alu power 1.25. I usually play with tension around 50 but not sure with this stick as its way stiffer on paper than my current clash 98

 

[mikele]

guys, can you share setups that work well? Im thinking of solinco confidential 1.25 @50 or have a reel of alu power 1.25. I usually play with tension around 50 but not sure with this stick as its way stiffer on paper than my current clash 98

I have not tried confidential, I have tried rpm blast rough at 1.30 22kg ( hurt my arm ) and at 1.25 21kg, was so so , then rpm blast at 1.30, 1.25 and 1.20, with 21/22kg and 21/21kg ( 46 pounds) and for me the rpm blast at 1.25 is the best at 22/ 21 or 21/21kg. At this time of the year, I go 21/21, in summer I go a bit higher like 22/23kg.

 

[Wilsonbro]

Awesome stick but having arm probelms on Serving. I need to find a setup with no arm pain like natrual gut or head mlt. love this stick though little less stable and plow. but way better than my pure strike 18 by 20 in terms of forgivness

 

[Wilsonbro]

I have not tried confidential, I have tried rpm blast rough at 1.30 22kg ( hurt my arm ) and at 1.25 21kg, was so so , then rpm blast at 1.30, 1.25 and 1.20, with 21/22kg and 21/21kg ( 46 pounds) and for me the rpm blast at 1.25 is the best at 22/ 21 or 21/21kg. At this time of the year, I go 21/21, in summer I go a bit higher like 22/23kg.

the arm pain is terrible

 

[Wilsonbro]

right now using wilson revolve spin 16 in black at 50lbs

 

[pinco000]

PAVS is all about control and precision, it doesn't lack power and feels comfortable (paired with 4G)

what tension did you use?

 

[Boubi]

what tension did you use?

It was a test but i would say 23-25 kgs

 

[Infineon]

I’ve been enjoying the PAVS on mostly all areas except for volleys. Anyone did any modifications to help out their game at the net?

 

[yessir]

I’ve been enjoying the PAVS on mostly all areas except for volleys. Anyone did any modifications to help out their game at the net?

Ask Carlito the next next gen volley god.

 

[Nish1021]

Been looking for this specific version for a while. LMK if anyone wants to sell one in a #2 grip. I specifically want the 2020 version, not the newest one out now.