First Impressions of Pure Aero 98

[Jessethedolan]

I tried Tour Sniper in it at 48, it's kinda stiff to me, causing me some soreness. But if you're cool with using Blast, you should be fine. Alpha and M8 worked better for me in PA98.

Interesting. Thank you! My coach is a fan of hybrids and would probably try a blend of that and a nylon but that can get so costly. I've always preferred just a full bed of poly. I'll look into Alpha and M8, thank you!

 

[Jessethedolan]

We have used ALU Soft @ 48lbs (CP on a Wise 2086) in the VS and tried it in the PA98 as well - ALU plays great and comfy in both.

Great to know, thank you! I've never used ALU before

 

[burma_shave]

Tennis spin measured the RA live recently and it was the same for both the VS and the 98 - 70 unstrung (67 strung). So the 98 is not softer by that measurement. Of course, TW got a 65. Not sure who to believe.

To make things more unclear, the Tennis.com review has the RA at 64 https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/racquet-review-babolat-pure-aero-98

 

[CroPlayer]

I'm not sure that the RA number alone tells how stiff/soft the racket is. I tried it with several types of strings and I can definitely say that it is a comfortable racket, I have also played with more comfortable rackets, but in any case this is far from a hard and uncomfortable racket. I played with the Ezone 98 2020 for a while and I can say that this is a more comfortable racket for me, especially for shots outside the sweet spot. Although according to my own experiences, and also according to the experiences of others, I think that each of us experiences the racket completely differently. An example is the Vcore Pro 97HD, for some it is super soft, for others it is as stiff as a board.

 

[Curious]

I was wondering if someone could compare Pure aero 2019 (the yellow one) and this pure aero 98. Thanks.

 

[Jessethedolan]

I was wondering if someone could compare Pure aero 2019 (the yellow one) and this pure aero 98. Thanks.

I can speak to this. I used the 2019 PA since 2020 and just made the switch to the 98 last month.

I'm a 4.0 baseliner and I loved the PA and the combination of power and spin I could generate with it. I got into modifying the racquet and put lead at 3 and 9 as well.
It would be difficult to control sometimes and a little inconsistent in rallies if I wasn't using spin on every shot.
I began struggling with keeping the ball in play and being consistent so my coach recommended me try the 98 so I could "swing out" on the shots more and generate my own power. The 98 is a much more rewarding racquet to wield. It lacks the pure racquet power that the 19 PA has but instead it gives you more control to reign in your natural power. You really get out what you put into the racquet more than the 19, in my opinion. You still have to use to spin to best utilize this frame but if you swing it fast enough, it'll reward you with the shot you want.

It's definitely worth a demo, especially when comparing it to the 19PA.

Hope this helps!

 

[iceman_dl6]

Awesome! Too bad my elbow is allergic to RPM Blast, lol! Any other poly even Luxilons don’t bother me. Even the Blast Rough (yellow) didn’t work out.

I just had it restrung with Yonex PTP yellow 1.25 at 45 lbs and will see how it goes!

Thanks @BomBomBecker for your suggestion to try the Yonex PTP 1.25 (black)

Here are my comments about the Yonex PTP yellow 1.25 @ 45 lbs:

1st 2 hours: Felt firm but not uncomfortable, control was really the highlight, as I could swing out without worry. Spin was better than I expected for a round poly. My arm felt much better with this string than any RPM Blast string. What I didn’t like is it felt too dead for my taste even at such a low tension of 45 lbs, as I had to work harder than usual to push back my opponent.

2hr to 4hr mark: I decided to take all the weight off from the top the handle (near the throat area) that I had previously installed, in order to speed up the racquet, as from previous experience, it also increases the liveliness of the stringbed. I probably don’t need that extra weight, as I already have 2 overgrips/leather grip + 6g at the buttcap + a hint of lead at 12 (don’t know the exact weight tbh). Result? That liveliness and the ball jumping off the stringbed with interest! BUT, without any loss of control, as I can control that liveliness (if I hit soft it goes short, and if I hit hard, it goes deep, but without fear of going long!) and the spin and feel are quite good! With the RPM Blast Rough (also in yellow), I had ZERO feel and it was harsh on the arm!

I just hope it will play this way for as long as possible! But so far, I’m lovin’ it and it beats my trustworthy customized PAVS strung with Confidential 1.30 @ 45 lbs

BUT, this is just a first impression and I’m cautiously optimistic since I need to play against a more variety of opponents before concluding that this will be THE setup/string of choice for my game!

 

[TennisHound]

PA98 has sounds similar to the Prince Synergy, only stiffer and about $200 more

 

[Blade_X]

I took the leap of faith and bought one without measuring it. And my specs are almost perfect!

Unstrung: W305,6gr / SW289 / BL31,5

I will string it with hyper g 1.25 at 21kg before first hitting.

 

[UruguayanPLayer]

How does it compare to the latest ezone 98?

 

[Blade_X]

I definitely feel that most weight is placed on the head…. it doesn’t have that head light / hollow weight balance of VS. It also seems more compact while VS felt to have a more round head shape. It cuts like a knife thought the air without feeling light…… Let’s see how it plays……

 

[Deleted member 775108]

Tennis spin measured the RA live recently and it was the same for both the VS and the 98 - 70 unstrung (67 strung). So the 98 is not softer by that measurement. Of course, TW got a 65. Not sure who to believe.

If Tennis Spin used the newer Wilson machine it seems to give high numbers. I would trust the Babolat RA that TW probably has used for all these years.

 

[Royp91]

I noticed that Baiardo machine tends to measure everything a bit higher. The new versions of the Aeros all feel softer and more muted than the 2019 and 2020 versions.

 

[nevin23liauw]

Not sure if this is true, but tennisnerd mentioned rune and alcaraz switched to the new ones? If they did i guess theyre not as picky

 

[mrravioli]

Not sure if this is true, but tennisnerd mentioned rune and alcaraz switched to the new ones? If they did i guess theyre not as picky

maybe it means they're quite picky. no one's more picky than board members here, and we switch every 2 weeks

 

[nevin23liauw]

maybe it means they're quite picky. no one's more picky than board members here, and we switch every 2 weeks

Haha maybe picky needs to be defined here: i assume that the definition of picky for pros is that they’re faithful to their setup, same racquet for the whole career cuz no new racquets pleases them, no changing (like nadal? Sad news about nadal )

While for us picky is changing racquet cuz we want to find that right one cuz we’re just hard to please w ours, or just cuz we want to since we aint pros anyways but Preach, every 2 weeks sounds right for me too LOL.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Not sure if this is true, but tennisnerd mentioned rune and alcaraz switched to the new ones? If they did i guess theyre not as picky

I believe it PA98 is similar but just better improvements over the VS

 

[Blade_X]

Unfortunately PA98 didn’t work for me. I found it to be a TOTAL different experience than VS. More heady heavy balance and weight on the head area. VS feels like a frying pan with a more rounded head while 98 feels more compact and more of a blade/strike type of racquet.

98 is a more solid offering but to my surprise feel was not plush like aero 300 latest but it was crisp and unfortunately felt more muted than VS. Don’t know if it has to do with hyper g 1.25 but i strung it too low at 21kg and feel was still harsh and also had an annoying pingy sound.

Like VS it felt a little bit unstable at 3/9 but with VS I had more confidence and overall felt much more forgiving. I had a lot more power with 98 on various type of serves and it feels like a racquet that can produce a heavier ball too but I believe that VS has greater energy return and because it’s easier to handle i can play more easily my defence game if needed. Touch shots, volleys and 1HB are easily better with the 98.

If i had to choose one it would be VS despite the more benefits 98 offers. VS is more hollow but to me easier to play with at least from the baseline where more matters.

 

[y0035215]

Is anyone who owns the PA 98 in L2 or L3 able to measure the circumference of the grip with original basicgrip without overgrip? I do not know if L2 or L3 would be better.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Unfortunately PA98 didn’t work for me. I found it to be a TOTAL different experience than VS. More heady heavy balance and weight on the head area. VS feels like a frying pan with a more rounded head while 98 feels more compact and more of a blade/strike type of racquet.

98 is a more solid offering but to my surprise feel was not plush like aero 300 latest but it was crisp and unfortunately felt more muted than VS. Don’t know if it has to do with hyper g 1.25 but i strung it too low at 21kg and feel was still harsh and also had an annoying pingy sound.

Like VS it felt a little bit unstable at 3/9 but with VS I had more confidence and overall felt much more forgiving. I had a lot more power with 98 on various type of serves and it feels like a racquet that can produce a heavier ball too but I believe that VS has greater energy return and because it’s easier to handle i can play more easily my defence game if needed. Touch shots, volleys and 1HB are easily better with the 98.

If i had to choose one it would be VS despite the more benefits 98 offers. VS is more hollow but to me easier to play with at least from the baseline where more matters.

I haven't used my PA 98 yet but the VS I find plays stiff and dead with almost every string... PA 98 felt fine drop n hitting balls alone

BUT the reason im still interested in VS is I had a great demo experience strung with addixion. Thats why its interesting you think it has greater energy return. Occasionally sometimes that match when I really hit a clean shot it turned into an unstoppable power ball that jumped up off the court with spin so fast the opponent always shanks or even whiffs. I want that again...

Had both forehands and serves with that effect at least a couple or few of each

 

[DelPeric]

Pasteing here from another thread:

VS is sturdier and stiffer, noticeably more mass in the throat and shoulders, so that its tip seems too light, it was made for pro use, made to add a lot of lead at 12, and then it feels balanced. VS has that ridiculous energy return too, if you flatten a forehand and nicely connect it's a projectile. PA98 still gives nice generous power, but not like that, PA98 has a bit more flex, less punch and less energy return. VS is rock solid, like RF97A, Yonex VCP 330g or Rad Pro G360+, while PA98 can slightly vibrate on some flat shots, but nothing much, like most good racquets for advanced players.

PA98 is noticeably smoother and more linear over the whole stringbed, not just the sweetspot like VS. Significantly lighter and less stiff/sturdy in the throat and shoulders, its mass is more evenly distributed, whereas the VS is very depolarized. PA98 has higher sw, noticeably more mass at the tip of the racquet. PA98 is stock just like I have my VSes modded, with 2-3g of lead at 12. PA98 reminds of Radical MP in terms of weight and flex distribution, but gives more power.

With both VS with lead and PA98 stock, same-ish sw, VS needs constant superfast hitting and crucially attacking the ball in front of the body, it feels good in fast rallys. PA98 is way more forgiving in that sense, you can dig yourself out of the corner with it more naturally and easily, it'll also work great in faster but not fastest ball exchanges, and it doesn't need lead at all. You can swipe at the ball slightly late with it, that works a bit better with PA98, defensive or grinding points sometimes too.

Simply put, VS is (too) stiff, and too demanding, made for people who play Futures level and up, and who hit the ball 4h daily, with fresh strings. It's a race car. Babolat made it for Alcaraz, and we'll see many other pros play with it over the years, painted in PA98 colours.

PA98 is for everyone else, your arm won't fall off, you lose some of the punch and stability, but not that much if you're not a hard hitter always looking to flatten the ball and punch through. PA98 is easier to use than VS, and I think a lot of people will really like it. A defensive counterpuncher or a grinder won't like it all that much though, as it will still ask to attack the ball consistently, with a nice long full swing, and a lot of energy, not just a snowflake

Thanx for nice description. I'm 4,5 NTRP player, baseline counterpuncher or agressive baseliner, trying to get better and running to net when i play nice shot(want to get to all around game). Forehand topspin is main shot, doublehanded backhand. Goal is to play like poor men Alcaraz(im ex footbal player, very fast and explosive, 39 years old). I was playing with pro staff 315g 2016-2021. Than switched to Aero Rafa previous version. I ordered Pure Aero 98 because i wanted more control on my shots than 100 sq inch head Aero was givin me. Racquet got very close to stock weight number(304,5 g). Problem was balance, it was 2 mm more HL. I strung it with MSV Focus hex 1,23(hexagonal string) at 24/23 kg(around 53/50 lbs- preffered setup). After first tennis session i felt there is nice amount of spin on my shots(not just like Aero Rafa, but enough), precision on shots was better. Problem was that i just was missing mass on racquet when playing with solid hitters. I was not able to measure swingweight, but it surely was not 327 like it should. It felt like 320 max. Like the racquet was more light on top. I started with 1g then 2g on top, i put it on the middle on top at 12 but despite relatively high twistweight(tw says 15.4) i became strange when i hit outside sweetspot. Than i took the lead strips(2g) and slice them on very thin strips and spread that from 10.30 to 13.30. Now its much better and the balance is spot on like it should. Was not feeling that outside of sweetspot difference that much. Probably cause the holes where the strings get into frame on top now have more mass near it. Im spin oriented player so i dont think i should put the lead on 3 and 9(not sure). My slice and serve are better also now, but racquet feels a bit strange, is more polarized.

Is there some better way to put lead on frame or? thanx

PA 98 is very fast, good and looks very nice in real life, much better than on pics. I have history with tennis elbow, but this sticks is comfortable for me, no problems. If i could find best way to put lead on it, it would be very helpful(not much experience there). If You or someone else has some advice with that it would be apprecieted

 

[Mischko]

Placing lead tape around the racquet depends on the player and the racquet, no universal rule. Most players will like it at 12 or a bit at 3&9 if the frame feels flimsy

Comparing PA98 with Aero 100 is not so much the weight but the easy depth and launch angle. With PA98 you have to hit the ball, just blocking or half swings won't work. Swing earlier, wider, and hit harder. And then when you get used to it you'll have a better feel for lead placement

 

[ulunxtns]

I own both the 2023 PA100 & PA98. Tbh, the feel between these two racquets is different.

PA100 is easier to play and has more flex in the throat, more forgiving, has more spin and more powerful.

PA98 on the other hand has a smaller sweet spot, balls will die when hitting outside the sweet spot. It seems more string sensitive than PA100. The biggest difference I noticed is the flex. PA98 has a stiffer throat, it moves through the air more 'uniform', kinda like a 'log'. But it does hit the heavier balls compared to PA 100 and encourages full swing and puts more spin on the ball to control the shots.

PA100 feels softer on impact despite both racquets' RA being 65.

 

[DelPeric]

Placing lead tape around the racquet depends on the player and the racquet, no universal rule. Most players will like it at 12 or a bit at 3&9 if the frame feels flimsy

Comparing PA98 with Aero 100 is not so much the weight but the easy depth and launch angle. With PA98 you have to hit the ball, just blocking or half swings won't work. Swing earlier, wider, and hit harder. And then when you get used to it you'll have a better feel for lead placement

Ok, than i will continue with this setup and try to swing faster and earlier, wider, and hit harder like You said. Wont remove this setup with thin lead strips spread at the top, cause it really feels much better than small short strip of same weight put only on one place at the top at 12. I really like the frame, just need to adjust some more time i guess.Thank You

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

Pasteing here from another thread:

VS is sturdier and stiffer, noticeably more mass in the throat and shoulders, so that its tip seems too light, it was made for pro use, made to add a lot of lead at 12, and then it feels balanced. VS has that ridiculous energy return too, if you flatten a forehand and nicely connect it's a projectile. PA98 still gives nice generous power, but not like that, PA98 has a bit more flex, less punch and less energy return. VS is rock solid, like RF97A, Yonex VCP 330g or Rad Pro G360+, while PA98 can slightly vibrate on some flat shots, but nothing much, like most good racquets for advanced players.

PA98 is noticeably smoother and more linear over the whole stringbed, not just the sweetspot like VS. Significantly lighter and less stiff/sturdy in the throat and shoulders, its mass is more evenly distributed, whereas the VS is very depolarized. PA98 has higher sw, noticeably more mass at the tip of the racquet. PA98 is stock just like I have my VSes modded, with 2-3g of lead at 12. PA98 reminds of Radical MP in terms of weight and flex distribution, but gives more power.

With both VS with lead and PA98 stock, same-ish sw, VS needs constant superfast hitting and crucially attacking the ball in front of the body, it feels good in fast rallys. PA98 is way more forgiving in that sense, you can dig yourself out of the corner with it more naturally and easily, it'll also work great in faster but not fastest ball exchanges, and it doesn't need lead at all. You can swipe at the ball slightly late with it, that works a bit better with PA98, defensive or grinding points sometimes too.

Simply put, VS is (too) stiff, and too demanding, made for people who play Futures level and up, and who hit the ball 4h daily, with fresh strings. It's a race car. Babolat made it for Alcaraz, and we'll see many other pros play with it over the years, painted in PA98 colours.

PA98 is for everyone else, your arm won't fall off, you lose some of the punch and stability, but not that much if you're not a hard hitter always looking to flatten the ball and punch through. PA98 is easier to use than VS, and I think a lot of people will really like it. A defensive counterpuncher or a grinder won't like it all that much though, as it will still ask to attack the ball consistently, with a nice long full swing, and a lot of energy, not just a snowflake

Now that is what I call a super post. Why you be so all knowing??

 

[Wilsonbro]

Hands down the Pure Aero VS is 1 of the best Serving rackets of all time.

 

[iceman_dl6]

Thanks @BomBomBecker for your suggestion to try the Yonex PTP 1.25 (black)

Here are my comments about the Yonex PTP yellow 1.25 @ 45 lbs:

1st 2 hours: Felt firm but not uncomfortable, control was really the highlight, as I could swing out without worry. Spin was better than I expected for a round poly. My arm felt much better with this string than any RPM Blast string. What I didn’t like is it felt too dead for my taste even at such a low tension of 45 lbs, as I had to work harder than usual to push back my opponent.

2hr to 4hr mark: I decided to take all the weight off from the top the handle (near the throat area) that I had previously installed, in order to speed up the racquet, as from previous experience, it also increases the liveliness of the stringbed. I probably don’t need that extra weight, as I already have 2 overgrips/leather grip + 6g at the buttcap + a hint of lead at 12 (don’t know the exact weight tbh). Result? That liveliness and the ball jumping off the stringbed with interest! BUT, without any loss of control, as I can control that liveliness (if I hit soft it goes short, and if I hit hard, it goes deep, but without fear of going long!) and the spin and feel are quite good! With the RPM Blast Rough (also in yellow), I had ZERO feel and it was harsh on the arm!

I just hope it will play this way for as long as possible! But so far, I’m lovin’ it and it beats my trustworthy customized PAVS strung with Confidential 1.30 @ 45 lbs

BUT, this is just a first impression and I’m cautiously optimistic since I need to play against a more variety of opponents before concluding that this will be THE setup/string of choice for my game!

My journey with the PTP has now ended, lol! The problem with this string is that it gets stiffer and harsher real quick as you play with it more and more. The playability duration definitely sucks with PTP and this string ain’t cheap.

Now going back to the Solinco Confidential, which goes softer as you go. I will bump up the tension so it doesn’t go to rocket launcher mode.

 

[pico]

Best strings I have found with the VS so far are 1.30mm BHS7T on mains and 1.25mm BHS7T on crosses.

 

[Aestheticsaboveallelse]

My journey with the PTP has now ended, lol! The problem with this string is that it gets stiffer and harsher real quick as you play with it more and more. The playability duration definitely sucks with PTP and this string ain’t cheap.

Now going back to the Solinco Confidential, which goes softer as you go. I will bump up the tension so it doesn’t go to rocket launcher mode.

But rocket launcher mode sounds fun! Shorten strokes (or decrease speed) to keep in play and enjoy effortless power?

 

[curtstead]

So are these about to fly off the shelf post Alcaraz Wimbledon win or what lol

 

[UruguayanPLayer]

So are these about to fly off the shelf post Alcaraz Wimbledon win or what lol

Oh yes, these give you the teleporting ability he has on court.

 

[codonnell]

Hello,

I am interested in buying a pure aero 98 (had a really good demo). Based off what I’ve seen is the spec variance pretty good? I want it to feel like the demo I had. I reached out to tw info and it looked like they could measure some off the shelf for an additional 30$ . Overall consensus would be is the spec variation smaller with this model de the previous vs and current aero? I have a bunch a base aero storms and their static weights all came in around the same.

Would you just buy one or see if they would try to get closest spec to retail for the 30.
Thank you

 

[kies]

Hello,

I am interested in buying a pure aero 98 (had a really good demo). Based off what I’ve seen is the spec variance pretty good? I want it to feel like the demo I had. I reached out to tw info and it looked like they could measure some off the shelf for an additional 30$ . Overall consensus would be is the spec variation smaller with this model de the previous vs and current aero? I have a bunch a base aero storms and their static weights all came in around the same.

Would you just buy one or see if they would try to get closest spec to retail for the 30.
Thank you

probably still get a measurement. My two came at a 323 vs 333 sw difference between the two. weight and balance came close but still >1g apart

 

[DG21]

Well, that would be a deal breaker.

I'm going to guess it's actually 62.

Because that's what the new VCore is rated at on the TW Website right now.

69 seems way to high, especially considering the regular Pure Aero has an RA of 65.

But certainly if the RA is 69, I will be getting a VCore.

But it seems more arm friendly is the way the these companies appear to be moving on these rackets.

The matching service i used from TW gave the following stiffness results:

Racket	Weight	Swingweight	Balance	Stiffness
1	305,8	287	31,6	67
2	305,6	289	31,7	67
3	301,9	283	31,4	67
4	302,1	281	31,3	68
5	307	292	31,7	67
6	306,2	294	31,9	67

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

The matching service i used from TW gave the following stiffness results:

Racket	Weight	Swingweight	Balance	Stiffness
1	305,8	287	31,6	67
2	305,6	289	31,7	67
3	301,9	283	31,4	67
4	302,1	281	31,3	68
5	307	292	31,7	67
6	306,2	294	31,9	67

I'm not saying you aren't correct.

But that is so far of the listed specs that I'm having trouble believing it's accurate.

You definitely sure you're talking about the PA98?

 

[DG21]

I'm not saying you aren't correct.

But that is so far of the listed specs that I'm having trouble believing it's accurate.

You definitely sure you're talking about the PA98?

Well yes. I requested the matching service for a 98, eventually bought a 98 and successfully play with this 98