Is New Pure Aero 98 worth the upgrade from PAVS?

[pico]

For ppl who have tried both, do you feel the new Pure Aero 98 is worth the switch from the PAVS? I saw the specs and it seems the Pure Aero 98 will have a softer feel. They have boosted the swingweight but then I wonder if the lower flex with the higher swingweight might just have the same power level as the PAVS which has a higher flex but lower stock swingweight? Anything that would sway one over to the Pure Aero 98?

 

[jdx2112]

For ppl who have tried both, do you feel the new Pure Aero 98 is worth the switch from the PAVS? I saw the specs and it seems the Pure Aero 98 will have a softer feel. They have boosted the swingweight but then I wonder if the lower flex with the higher swingweight might just have the same power level as the PAVS which has a higher flex but lower stock swingweight? Anything that would sway one over to the Pure Aero 98?

 

[pico]

I did watch this video. Would prefer more opinions from more users.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Probably not.

But the VS is my favorite racket and I got it right before the disappeared.

So I need a second one anyway.

But if you already have 2 or 3 VS's probably unlikely unless you have tennis elbow or something.

Should be nearly identical with a lower RA rating.

 

[Leen]

I personally would stay with the old one just for the PJ.

 

[McLovin]

They have boosted the swingweight

To the best of my knowledge, Babolat doesn’t post swingweight specs. Those are measured by retailers, and are an average of “X” number of frames. So, take those numbers with a large grain of salt.

 

[DariaGT]

Seems another 18 year old using the Pavs? hits a ripper FH. I wonder if any current Pavs users will use this latest model or will
it attract players that are moving from the 6.1 which would be a similar racquet if tighter string pattern albeit lesser Maneuverability

 

[Yamin]

Seems another 18 year old using the Pavs? hits a ripper FH. I wonder if any current Pavs users will use this latest model or will
it attract players that are moving from the 6.1 which would be a similar racquet if tighter string pattern albeit lesser Maneuverability

Stock vs stock they're a little different. The PA98 is a little less stable, but more maneuverable. The PA98 is more controlled, but a bit less power. The PA98 has higher launch, but I don't get the erratic response I did on the PAVS (on reverse follow throughs for myself)... The PA98 is also softer, but I hate the feel in both models (Mushier and soft vs muted and harsh). PA98 has a bigger sweet spot, but both are still pretty dead around the edges. PA 98 needed a small amount of weight at 3 and 9 while the PAVS needed it at 12 to play how I'd like them... stable but not sluggish.

I don't think people who like their PAVS will have a reason to change, but if people are looking for a softer/more controlled version this should work. If people didn't like the PAVS at all, they won't suddenly like this one. If someone plays a weighted up PAVS already and wanted the qualities above, it would be a good switch.

Have been hearing many of the PA98 are coming in head heavy though.

 

[AMGF]

Stock vs stock they're a little different. The PA98 is a little less stable, but more maneuverable. The PA98 is more controlled, but a bit less power. The PA98 has higher launch, but I don't get the erratic response I did on the PAVS (on reverse follow throughs for myself)... The PA98 is also softer, but I hate the feel in both models (Mushier and soft vs muted and harsh). PA98 has a bigger sweet spot, but both are still pretty dead around the edges. PA 98 needed a small amount of weight at 3 and 9 while the PAVS needed it at 12 to play how I'd like them... stable but not sluggish.

I don't think people who like their PAVS will have a reason to change, but if people are looking for a softer/more controlled version this should work. If people didn't like the PAVS at all, they won't suddenly like this one. If someone plays a weighted up PAVS already and wanted the qualities above, it would be a good switch.

Have been hearing many of the PA98 are coming in head heavy though.

I haven’t played either of these racquets but are you sure the PA98 is less stable and more maneuverable? The PA98 is heavier a bit, has more sw and tw for the same balance. On paper it should be the other way around.

Was the PAVS modified? Different strings?

 

[Yamin]

I haven’t played either of these racquets but are you sure the PA98 is less stable and more maneuverable? The PA98 is heavier a bit, has more sw and tw for the same balance. On paper it should be the other way around.

Was the PAVS modified? Different strings?

I only have the info that the rackets I'm comparing were about 11.4 oz, and I've tried 2 different pavs. Could be the PA98 is just more polarized. I'm not an expert but it sounds less common that you have more SW, TW, but also same weight... could be it wasn't the same racket/sample? PAVS has a heavy weight concentration at 3 and 9 and the tip is extremely dead. PA98 feels like some of that has been distributed to the top of the hoop.

In terms of feel/how it swings to me, PA98 seems to have a lower twist weight than pavs and how the racket handled volleys and off center hits reflected it.

 

[iceman_dl6]

I haven’t played either of these racquets but are you sure the PA98 is less stable and more maneuverable? The PA98 is heavier a bit, has more sw and tw for the same balance. On paper it should be the other way around.

Was the PAVS modified? Different strings?

From my experience, new PA98 is more stable and less maneuverable.

 

[gino]

did @Babolat Official confirm they are the same mold?

 

[iceman_dl6]

did @Babolat Official confirm they are the same mold?

Click on the link below:

Bonjour from Babolat: Part Trois

Hi there, will there be a new Pure Aero RAFA coming?

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Power Player]

To the best of my knowledge, Babolat doesn’t post swingweight specs. Those are measured by retailers, and are an average of “X” number of frames. So, take those numbers with a large grain of salt.

They post SW now, at least on the PA98. Scroll down to the specs and you will see it.

Pure Aero 98 Unstrung | Babolat

Babolat Pure Aero 98 Unstrung. for both beginners and professionals. Have fun and play your best game with Babolat!

www.babolat.com

 

[McLovin]

They post SW now, at least on the PA98. Scroll down to the specs and you will see it.

Pure Aero 98 Unstrung | Babolat

Babolat Pure Aero 98 Unstrung. for both beginners and professionals. Have fun and play your best game with Babolat!

www.babolat.com

Interesting.

On a side note, they also posted it for the new PA+ (290). My normal doubles partner just picked one up 2 days ago (he's been using the 2015 version since...2015). I put it on my BRIFFIDI and it clocked in at 291, along w/ an unstrung weight of 299g. The only thing that seemed "off" was the balance, as it says "9pts HL" on the frame, and his measured 11pts. Now, my balance board is a Home Depot wood rod put through 2 eyelets, so we'll give Babolat the benefit of the doubt there...

 

[mogo]

Interesting.

On a side note, they also posted it for the new PA+ (290). My normal doubles partner just picked one up 2 days ago (he's been using the 2015 version since...2015). I put it on my BRIFFIDI and it clocked in at 291, along w/ an unstrung weight of 299g. The only thing that seemed "off" was the balance, as it says "9pts HL" on the frame, and his measured 11pts. Now, my balance board is a Home Depot wood rod put through 2 eyelets, so we'll give Babolat the benefit of the doubt there...

How does he like it in comparison to his older model?

 

[McLovin]

How does he like it in comparison to his older model?

He hasn't hit w/ it yet. He picked it up Tuesday, dropped it off yesterday, and I strung it last night. We're supposed to hit this afternoon, but right now I'm hacking up a lung every 5 minutes, so I may have to postpone.

 

[mogo]

He hasn't hit w/ it yet. He picked it up Tuesday, dropped it off yesterday, and I strung it last night. We're supposed to hit this afternoon, but right now I'm hacking up a lung every 5 minutes, so I may have to postpone.

Sorry to hear, I hope you feel better soon. Looking forward to the review to come!

 

[Yamin]

Now, my balance board is a Home Depot wood rod put through 2 eyelets, so we'll give Babolat the benefit of the doubt there...

This playtest for PA98 might give us a chance to give Babolat some insight into the awful QC... I can already hear the cries of other forum members when I say mine was a bit unstable while others are reporting them coming in log like at 4pts balance.

 

[DariaGT]

Stock vs stock they're a little different. The PA98 is a little less stable, but more maneuverable. The PA98 is more controlled, but a bit less power. The PA98 has higher launch, but I don't get the erratic response I did on the PAVS (on reverse follow throughs for myself)... The PA98 is also softer, but I hate the feel in both models (Mushier and soft vs muted and harsh). PA98 has a bigger sweet spot, but both are still pretty dead around the edges. PA 98 needed a small amount of weight at 3 and 9 while the PAVS needed it at 12 to play how I'd like them... stable but not sluggish.

I don't think people who like their PAVS will have a reason to change, but if people are looking for a softer/more controlled version this should work. If people didn't like the PAVS at all, they won't suddenly like this one. If someone plays a weighted up PAVS already and wanted the qualities above, it would be a good switch.

Have been hearing many of the PA98 are coming in head heavy though.

I expected a lower launch angle with the tighter pattern?
Did you really mean soft and mushie vs the Pavs?!!!!

Be interesting to see the views on QC vs Dunlop sx300 with is also a similar design
I miss the QC of the old ProKennex Destiny days but the 95 units they first came out with felt like a ball and chain for swingweight

 

[Yamin]

I expected a lower launch angle with the tighter pattern?
Did you really mean soft and mushie vs the Pavs?!!!!

I didn't experience a lower launch angle. As for the feel it feels like the PA 100. Just a little bit more solid. Medium stiffness string is probably the way to go.

As for QC, mine "feels" on spec. Have only tried one sx300 so can't comment in that regard. The sx felt less maneuverable, more solid, and better for flatter hitters.

 

[DariaGT]

I didn't experience a lower launch angle. As for the feel it feels like the PA 100. Just a little bit more solid. Medium stiffness string is probably the way to go.

As for QC, mine "feels" on spec. Have only tried one sx300 so can't comment in that regard. The sx felt less maneuverable, more solid, and better for flatter hitters.

Any twistweight differences you recall

 

[Yamin]

Any twistweight differences you recall

Less maneuverable and more solid usually points to higher twist weight. They're pretty similar though. Aero and thinner beam makes the 98 a bit faster

 

[DariaGT]

was hoping you state that as I was surprised it produced higher launch angle with tighter pattern, but softer frames can do that as well
as I enjoy higher twist weights with some dwell time with a OHBH and also on my FH.

Would you say it is softer in the shaft or other area like the hoop? Always prefer softer shaft/throat and firmer hoop myself specially on OHBH and serves.
I found Yonex and Dunlop have been doing that well with their Ezones, Vcores and CX line, well it was more noticeable for me than on other brands in the last 10 years.

I could be wrong as I dont try too many frames unless they really stand out in performance and the Pavs is surely a disruptive offering that is hard to avoid.
Even French and Arabic commentators stated that Arthur Fils FHs were clocking faster than Sinner, Alcaraz and Rune in his recent run, shades of peak Monfils FH missiles!

 

[HeavyHitter]

I've been playing with VS for over a year now, just hit with Aero98 yesterday. Didn't get to hit with it stock form, as it was my friends modded frame, which is similar to my specs as well. Couldn't tell any significant difference. String spacing is exactly same. Didn't notice any difference in comfort either. Feels exactly same. I prefer the VS paintjob so not going to upgrade.

We did notice that Aero98 comes in at slightly heavier specs than the VS (we took averages of 8 VS frames and 4 Aero98) in stock form. So for those playing in stock form will notice better comfort due to the increased mass. I don't think there's anything different in the layup

 

[tlsmikey]

My biggest concern with a potential switch is that SW change. I really liked the lower swing weight of the PAVS, which gave you the ability to customize a bit without it becoming too heavy. If we're starting at around 325-328g SW with the PA98, I think this might be a deal breaker for me.

 

[Mischko]

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 other 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.

 

[DariaGT]

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 other 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.

Do you think Norrie would benefit to upgrade to this model since its very closer to his pure strike with less oomph?
Will be interesting to see the feel of this new model vs the pure strike.
yet I dont see how the pure strike will remain significant if this line becomes more adopted in time.
There seems to be a fair amount of reviewers that dont like any of the VS for OHBHs?

 

[Mischko]

I don't really know what Norrie plays with, but it doesn't seem to me that a college players' attackers' frame is made for him? But it's a light racquet so it could be modded a lot.

 

[nadal is goat]

I played so bad with the pavs...gave me wrist problems. With the 98 feels amazing, i just bought 2 and will settle on it.

 

[DariaGT]

This version was designed for the Pavs Pros and long overdue for the Aero line.
Raz seems is only just started getting grooved with the new RA65, as you can see he has more time on the ball and better dropshots

He was still trying to find his timing in matchplay and said he had a lot of work to do before hitting in Argentina, with a hiccup vs Norrie
but now seems he has succeeded and is almost all dialed into this disruptive bit of equipment that allows the destruction of baseline counter punching drones.

Yonex swinging Rybakina just steam rolled the world no1 and Sabalenka doing the same thing. I like this power tennis, hope it lasts and changed the tour.
Well at least till the ATP step in and put more felt on the balls again to slow things down.

Yonex and Babolat are the winners atm

 

[Deleted member 746200]

New PA98 is very arm friendly, feels way softer than PAVS. I tried them side by side with same srting and tension and came out with the conclusion. PA98 has great ball pocketing, but kinda lack stability in defense. I would prefer using PA98 and add some lead instead PAVS.

 

[DariaGT]

I would love to hear about OHBH players views on the PA98 vs a 6.1, PS, CX, VC95, Prestige or other 95 and under stick.
The PA98 I tried felt good on the non player arm due to narrow tapered throat, but setup for DBHB so my OHBH felt just average
compared to my stock Mizuno Lendl Type-S I keep to revive my OHBH again as I lose confidence with my usual 95 sticks.

 

[CroPlayer]

I can give a comparison with the vcore 95 2021. The Vcore 95 is an excellent racket for OHB, with a little tweaking the PA98 becomes a solid racket for OHB. Troat when held with a weaker hand is strange, but after a few hours one gets used to it easily. Defensiveness is easier with this racket because it is inherently stronger and it is easier to send deep topspin shots, especially with OHB. The racket is extremely comfortable, with all the strings I've tried. What you need to pay attention to is which strings are placed. With a thickness of 1.30mm, it is easy to pass a swingweight of 330 (lynx tour 1.25 has 332 sw with a 2g dampener), which in the end can affect the performance a lot, since the factory swingweight is 327, which is already the upper limit for some.

 

[Blade_X]

I can give a comparison with the vcore 95 2021. The Vcore 95 is an excellent racket for OHB, with a little tweaking the PA98 becomes a solid racket for OHB. Troat when held with a weaker hand is strange, but after a few hours one gets used to it easily. Defensiveness is easier with this racket because it is inherently stronger and it is easier to send deep topspin shots, especially with OHB. The racket is extremely comfortable, with all the strings I've tried. What you need to pay attention to is which strings are placed. With a thickness of 1.30mm, it is easy to pass a swingweight of 330 (lynx tour 1.25 has 332 sw with a 2g dampener), which in the end can affect the performance a lot, since the factory swingweight is 327, which is already the upper limit for some.

I hope so for pa98 cause with VS the main con was 1HB… no plow, not enough string bed sink in and as a result not confidence to swing out.

 

[naturalexponent]

I can give a comparison with the vcore 95 2021. The Vcore 95 is an excellent racket for OHB, with a little tweaking the PA98 becomes a solid racket for OHB. Troat when held with a weaker hand is strange, but after a few hours one gets used to it easily. Defensiveness is easier with this racket because it is inherently stronger and it is easier to send deep topspin shots, especially with OHB. The racket is extremely comfortable, with all the strings I've tried. What you need to pay attention to is which strings are placed. With a thickness of 1.30mm, it is easy to pass a swingweight of 330 (lynx tour 1.25 has 332 sw with a 2g dampener), which in the end can affect the performance a lot, since the factory swingweight is 327, which is already the upper limit for some.

I'm with you on the PA98 being a solid OHB racquet. I actually felt this way about the PAVS, too.

 

[Fluffy_Skye]

Has anyone played with both Radical MP and PA98 (or PAVS)? I have the 360+ Radical MP and I love its playability. In particular I like the evenly distributed weight. The problem is it's too stiff. When strung with poly, I can't play it for more than 10 minutes. When strung with multi, I can play it just fine. Still wouldn't call it comfortable, but playable and doesn't give me any pain.

its mass is more evenly distributed

I see that PA98 has similar spec to Radical MP and I'm tempted by rackets with evenly distributed mass. Is there any chance that PA98 is softer than Radical MP?

Or is there anything out there that has similar spec while being more comfortable.

 

[pico]

Has anyone played with both Radical MP and PA98 (or PAVS)? I have the 360+ Radical MP and I love its playability. In particular I like the evenly distributed weight. The problem is it's too stiff. When strung with poly, I can't play it for more than 10 minutes. When strung with multi, I can play it just fine. Still wouldn't call it comfortable, but playable and doesn't give me any pain.

I see that PA98 has similar spec to Radical MP and I'm tempted by rackets with evenly distributed mass. Is there any chance that PA98 is softer than Radical MP?

Or is there anything out there that has similar spec while being more comfortable.

I actually have both. Played the PAVS longer. I just got my Radical MP. So cant really compare but will in time.

 

[DariaGT]

I can give a comparison with the vcore 95 2021. The Vcore 95 is an excellent racket for OHB, with a little tweaking the PA98 becomes a solid racket for OHB. Troat when held with a weaker hand is strange, but after a few hours one gets used to it easily. Defensiveness is easier with this racket because it is inherently stronger and it is easier to send deep topspin shots, especially with OHB. The racket is extremely comfortable, with all the strings I've tried. What you need to pay attention to is which strings are placed. With a thickness of 1.30mm, it is easy to pass a swingweight of 330 (lynx tour 1.25 has 332 sw with a 2g dampener), which in the end can affect the performance a lot, since the factory swingweight is 327, which is already the upper limit for some.

I always preferred narrow necked throats that are closer to Kneissl, Estusa and older mono neck frames I grew up with for the OHBH
Since the DBH rules most of the tour the racquets have gotten wider except for the Bab Aeros, Head Prestige, Prince and TF
The SW of 327 is welcome for stability but would be better with a lower SW to allow for many more different setups.

 

[iceman_dl6]

After 2 months with the PA98, I feel that it needs more weight than the PAVS to achieve the same power due to the reduced stiffness. I just wish they kept the same stiffness as the PAVS.

Also, it doesn’t feel as direct and raw as the PAVS.

 

[Sughaclef]

Thanks Mischko. I've demoed the PA98 w/RPM Blast four hours this week, and usually play with the PAVS (Volkl multi/Black Widow hybrid). Your comments are very accurate and astute. Especially the point of the PA98 digging out of corners easier. The PAVS feels more solid on contact, more premium if you will, and is sturdier on volleys. The PA98 let me get away with lazier shots, later timing, poorer footwork

.

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 other 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.

I have trialled the PA four hours this week and own the PAVS. Your verdict here is spot on and very very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to add so much detail.
PAVS is for the player I hope to be, PA98 let's me enjoy being the player I am now. It is more forgiving for poor footwork, bad timing, mishits, and as you said: digging out of a corner. The PA98 is much friendlier on mishits, and is more lively /fun to play with. Whereas the PAVS rewards good play with a feel and power and accuracy that makes your game feel you are in the next level, but you have to work hard to stay there.
One thing I noted was the PAVS feels steadier on volleys and net play, more authoritative. PA98 serves are easier in the arm and shoulder but were more likely to go long (this may be an adjustment requirement on my side). The flex/softer material is noticeable in the PA98, making the stick a little more fun to play with, but a little less "Babolat" in feel and response.
I would have zero qualms buying the PA98 if the PAVS was not available and if I had the 98 I would not worry about what I am missing with the PAVS.
Thanks again for your comprehensive review.

 

[avocadoz]

It's definitely worth the upgrade. I liked the PAVS but love the PA98. The PA98 is more stable (especially at net), has better plow, and hits a heavier ball due to the increased sw. It's also got better control and the feel is softer too. It's improved from all areas of the court imo, well except for the pj. So no, the PAVS and the PA98 don't play the same.

 

[Snipe]

Anyone test both frames with specs matched?
Also - what string / tension is everyone using?

I love my PAVS, but it's harsh on the elbow with RPM Blast 17 strung at 46/44. Just added lead today but haven't had a chance to go hit. Specs:

	Aero VS	Aero VS (w/ Lead)
SW	315	327.3
Balance	32.1	32.3
TW	13	14.1
Strung Static	329	336.4

Hoping I like it as I absolutely could not get along with the Vcore 98 at:

	Vcore 98 (lead)
SW	329.9
Balance	344.2
Strung Static	334

Oddly - I love the Vcore 100 with almost identical specs - so trying to figure some things out.

 

[pico]

Anyone test both frames with specs matched?
Also - what string / tension is everyone using?

I love my PAVS, but it's harsh on the elbow with RPM Blast 17 strung at 46/44. Just added lead today but haven't had a chance to go hit. Specs:

	Aero VS	Aero VS (w/ Lead)
SW	315	327.3
Balance	32.1	32.3
TW	13	14.1
Strung Static	329	336.4

Hoping I like it as I absolutely could not get along with the Vcore 98 at:

	Vcore 98 (lead)
SW	329.9
Balance	344.2
Strung Static	334

Oddly - I love the Vcore 100 with almost identical specs - so trying to figure some things out.

As a PAVS user, I have tried a Vcore 100 and was quite smitten by it. I actually bought one.

 

[Richard Pioline]

Probably not.

But the VS is my favorite racket and I got it right before the disappeared.

So I need a second one anyway.

But if you already have 2 or 3 VS's probably unlikely unless you have tennis elbow or something.

Should be nearly identical with a lower RA rating.

The PAVS will be an all-time classic soon. Like the 95D. It is the first of this new line, the raw one, the unmuted king. To me, this has such great match-feel. Nothing muted about this for me, and I love it. I string it low with thick poly, to bring out a bit of pocketing.