Is Babolat PureStrike 98 (18x20), in your experience, a tennis elbow maker?

[eb_tennis_247]

I'have just gotten an unstrung Babolat PureStrike 98 (18x20).

While looking at some stringing recommendations, I ran into a discouraging pattern where people initially praise the racket for its play performance (it is one of the highest rated rackets on TW, rated at 89), but then I see articles, and threads like these, these, these (TW PST customer feedback, search "elbow"), and these, where people say that it caused them a tennis elbow or shoulder after some time of playing.

Hence, my questions for those who have it are:

- is Babolat PureStrike 98, specially 18x20, indeed, and in your experience, prone to causing a tennis elbow (or shoulder problems)?

- if so, do you have any string type, size, and tension recommendations?

(I am coming back to tennis from a 20 years break. Used to be a 3.5-4.0 player)

 

[Flying_Axe]

Okay, I haven't played with 18/20, but 16/19 gave me elbow pain. Considering they are the same racquet with different string pattern and 16/19 is generally more arm-friendly, I think 18/20 can be too stiff for many players. If your arm can handle the stiffness, it is surely a beautiful weapon doing everything nicely. If not, TF40 305, XTC 305 and Blade 18/20 are similar choices. Though Blade is way more demanding.

 

[Stratotanker]

I’ve played with a number of frames, always poly at low to mid tensions. I used the P07 18x20 strike for about six months and gave myself the only case of tennis elbow I’ve ever had. Tried a few string setups. No luck. Switched to different frame, recovered. Felt adventurous and used the strike for an hour of hitting a few months later...before I was even off the court, almost an instant return to the tennis elbow pain. This is anecdotal, but there are A LOT of these anecdotes about that generation strike. YMMV, but that reputation seems to be well-earned.

A bummer, too - that strike was the best racquet for my game I’ve ever played with - just couldn’t find a way to use it.

 

[Jd1boo]

The 16x19 gave me wrist and shoulder issues after about a month of play. I work with my hands so had to move on.

 

[nicklane1]

Great racket. I hit out on all my shots.No arm issues at all.
Wouldn't recommend a full bed of poly though.

 

[AJvR]

Played for two years with it for 6 hours a week, first year stock, second year leaded. All the time full bed poly (PHT, RPM Blast, Hyper-G, Revolution, Hawk, RS Lyon) strung at 24 to 26 kilo, no arm, shoulder or wrist issues, but all anecdotical. If you don't want to take risk, try lower tensions first, or perhaps a hybrid. It's a very good stick imho, worth trying out.

Similar background like you (25 years break, 4.0 level).

 

[glenWs]

I'have just gotten an unstrung Babolat PureStrike 98 (18x20).

While looking at some stringing recommendations, I ran into a discouraging pattern where people initially praise the racket for its play performance (it is one of the highest rated rackets on TW, rated at 89), but then I see articles, and threads like these, these, these (TW PST customer feedback, search "elbow"), and these, where people say that it caused them a tennis elbow or shoulder after some time of playing.

Hence, my questions for those who have it are:

- is Babolat PureStrike 98, specially 18x20, indeed, and in your experience, prone to causing a tennis elbow (or shoulder problems)?

- if so, do you have any string type, size, and tension recommendations?

(I am coming back to tennis from a 20 years break. Used to be a 3.5-4.0 player)

All Pure Strikes are elbow and wrist killers.

 

[time_fly]

You probably already came across my posts; I’m one of the people who developed severe TE from the 2017 Pure Strike. I tried both string patterns and even different grip sizes since I played well with it. I’ve never had TE before or since I dumped the Pure Strike.