My fave Babolat ever that no one liked

[teachingprotx]

I love Babolat. Love the fact they are French. Love their shoes, bags ,apparel,strings and grips .. don’t like their rackets . Too stiff the lot of em’. Except one . The last generation 95 pure control ..
I loved hitting with this . It was in the end too heavy for me. Didn’t like the paint job much. Loved the buttery feel.
Also I love the 1970,s head shape . You have to see this frame from a certain angle . It’s so crazy different than any other Babolat.
I guess it’s the same molds as the old 95 limited controls , but due to the paint job it looks crazy outdated . The head shape resembles the old wooden midsize rackets .. not the normal standard heads but the midsized heads .
In certain angles it look like it could be made of entirely of wood.
Which is neat !
I wonder why not more of us use this frame . It’s what a ton of us love here on tt boards . Head light , flexible , smaller heads etc . But no one uses it and I can’t imagine why.
I did at onetime .. but it became too heavy for me ..
I will take a pic of the angle I’m talking about where it really shows off that old school head shape

 

[teachingprotx]

https://imgur.com/lpXfqBK

Is it just me or does this look really egg head / wood racket head shape?

 

[PhxRacket]

I loved the Pure Control Tour pictured above. VS Tour, not so much.

 

[RoarTT]

https://imgur.com/lpXfqBK

Is it just me or does this look really egg head / wood racket head shape?

Yes, it’s sort of the reverse of the Head Gravity line

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Same here. Not so many people liked my racket of choice pure strike original 98 16/19 (they prefer the 2nd gen) but that’s ok...I like mine and I play the best tennis I can play with it and I’m happy lol


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[Deleted member 768841]

My pure drive tour is the racquet I hit with for fun, I mainly keep it as backup, however my preferred stick is the blade v7 18/20.

 

[stephenclown]

The original orange and black Pure Storm Limited was my favourite babolat - they are essentially the same as the last gen PC95. Used that for a number of years and loved it. Apparently the + version in them was really something great.

Was Babolats attempt at the PT57A clone - 19mm straight beam, boxy

There was a thread for them actually:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/babolat-pure-storm-pure-control-fan-club.599647/

 

[tonylg]

The original orange and black Pure Storm Limited was my favourite babolat - they are essentially the same as the last gen PC95. Used that for a number of years and loved it. Apparently the + version in them was really something great.

@graycrait

 

[graycrait]

Just a little while back I was able to get a European Issue Pure Storm 95 LTD+ GT. OMG! What a lovely racket!! 27.5" 18x20 95" and with Nat Gut mains x round poly crosses left this thing with controlled power to spare. When my 60yr old game goes to cr..p like it often does I just walk over to the bag and get the PS 95LTD+GT out and right the ship.

 

[Subway Tennis]

The last generation Pure Control 98 was a great frame, as was the 98+.

I believe the Pure Control was continued as one of the models in the Pure Strike Project line up until the second generation?

 

[haqq777]

The original orange and black Pure Storm Limited was my favourite babolat - they are essentially the same as the last gen PC95.

The original Carbon Xtreme LTD Pure Storm played very very different than Pure Control 95. That LTD Pure Storm was low 60s RA strung and swung very light at around 305 swingweight. With a little bit of weight it felt very stable and hit a big ball.

By contrast, Pure Control 95 was a high 50s RA racquet and swung relatively heavier close to 315 swing weight. They played very different, had different feel and feedback as well due to different layups.

The GT LTD were far more closer in feel and feedback to Carbon Xtreme LTD than the Pure Control 95.

Was Babolats attempt at the PT57A clone - 19mm straight beam, boxy

I'm not so sure about that either. The PT 630/280 were released long before (couple of decades almost) the original LTD Pure Storm hit the shelves. HEADS also had different feel/feedback and played very different with more feel and hoop flex.
And by the time the first LTD Pure Storm was released, Babolat were well on their way to corner the 100 sq inch tweener market. I don't think they were worried too much about working on a PT57 clone. LTD was just an addition in their offering for that time.

 

[graycrait]

At 66yrs old I have swung a lot of rackets and enjoy hitting new ones. But if you think there is a better racket all time over the Pure Storm 95 LTD+ GT you just don't care about tennis!

 

[tonylg]

At 66yrs old I have swung a lot of rackets and enjoy hitting new ones. But if you think there is a better racket all time over the Pure Storm 95 LTD+ GT you just don't care about tennis!

But do you really like it?

 

[sanister]

I believe the Pure Control was continued as one of the models in the Pure Strike Project line up until the second generation?

The last gen of Pure Controls came out with 1st gen of Pure Strikes in 2014. These Pure Controls went on sale the following year as the Pure Control line was decided to be discontinued. TW had them on sale for the longest time I remember. They were gone before the Project One Seven versions (2ng gen) Pure Strikes came out.

 

[Subway Tennis]

The last gen of Pure Controls came out with 1st gen of Pure Strikes in 2014. These Pure Controls went on sale the following year as the Pure Control line was decided to be discontinued. TW had them on sale for the longest time I remember. They were gone before the Project One Seven versions (2ng gen) Pure Strikes came out.

You're right. Sorry, I've muddled up what i meant to say. What I meant is that one of the pure strike models that came out was as if they continued the pure control 98 with a Pure Strike paintjob. It was essentially the same PC98 right down to having that familiar slightly rounded box beam, but with a pure strike paintjob. I remember thinking that it was going to be a way to "stock up" on a racquet almost identical to a pure control 98.

I only found out because someone on TT gave me the heads up. I will try and find the link.

 

[topspn]

And let’s not forget Babolat also had another classic players frame with the Pure Storm Tour GT. Hit a pretty hefty ball and big serve in total comfort

 

[stephenclown]

The original Carbon Xtreme LTD Pure Storm played very very different than Pure Control 95. That LTD Pure Storm was low 60s RA strung and swung very light at around 305 swingweight. With a little bit of weight it felt very stable and hit a big ball.

By contrast, Pure Control 95 was a high 50s RA racquet and swung relatively heavier close to 315 swing weight. They played very different, had different feel and feedback as well due to different layups.

The GT LTD were far more closer in feel and feedback to Carbon Xtreme LTD than the Pure Control 95.


I'm not so sure about that either. The PT 630/280 were released long before (couple of decades almost) the original LTD Pure Storm hit the shelves. HEADS also had different feel/feedback and played very different with more feel and hoop flex.
And by the time the first LTD Pure Storm was released, Babolat were well on their way to corner the 100 sq inch tweener market. I don't think they were worried too much about working on a PT57 clone. LTD was just an addition in their offering for that time.

My bad, I should have said that they attempted to try and take market share away from those kinds of frames and for their upcoming pro players as well. Been reading too much PT630 **** in recent days going insane in isolation that everything prestige of worth comes from that lineage haha. Harrison started with one of these frames before a hodgepodge of meddling that hasn't helped his issues. It didn't really match babolats before or after. Dense 18x20 low RA 95" leather grip low twistweight.

Sorry also stuffed up, I thought they were closer, I had to go back and find the difference but it was low 60s for the one I used. Ones after from GT to the PC95 looked very similar with major differences in twistweight probably making a fair whack of difference in the solidity factor. Even at 313 SW for the 95 it's way too underpowered with being under 60RA. Maybe good for verdasco lol.

Did you ever try out the PC95/PSL+?

I regret selling my old PSL, it was most likely low 50s by the time it went through 8 years of thrashing on and off.

 

[haqq777]

My bad, I should have said that they attempted to try and take market share away from those kinds of frames and for their upcoming pro players as well. Been reading too much PT630 **** in recent days going insane in isolation that everything prestige of worth comes from that lineage haha. Harrison started with one of these frames before a hodgepodge of meddling that hasn't helped his issues. It didn't really match babolats before or after. Dense 18x20 low RA 95" leather grip low twistweight.

Sorry also stuffed up, I thought they were closer, I had to go back and find the difference but it was low 60s for the one I used. Ones after from GT to the PC95 looked very similar with major differences in twistweight probably making a fair whack of difference in the solidity factor. Even at 313 SW for the 95 it's way too underpowered with being under 60RA. Maybe good for verdasco lol.

Did you ever try out the PC95/PSL+?

I regret selling my old PSL, it was most likely low 50s by the time it went through 8 years of thrashing on and off.

No worries! Yeah Harrison is all over the place really. As you said, didn't help in his case. And the LTD were indeed so different from mainstream Babolats as well specs wise. The LTD were short lived too, didn't sell well enough for Babolat and were ultimately discontinued.

That said, those older LTD were such great sticks though weren't they? They were very classic players racquets, so much feel and control/precision. I still own a GT LTD and play with it just for fun every now and then. Never really took it on as my main. I much preferred the Pure Storms GT Tours (very different racquet as you know). And the Swirlys as well before those, in terms of older Babs.

I never tried the + lengths versions, but did try the Pure Control 95 in standard length. Didn't like it that much honestly, felt substantially less solid upon ball contact and balance seemed a bit weird. Overall, personally I would give the nod to the Carbon Xtreme and GT LTD versions and would pass on the Pure Control 95.

 

[teachingprotx]

Same here. Not so many people liked my racket of choice pure strike original 98 16/19 (they prefer the 2nd gen) but that’s ok...I like mine and I play the best tennis I can play with it and I’m happy lol


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Beautiful sticks man !!

 

[teachingprotx]

Yeah man the balance was off for me too on the 95 pc . If it would have been way more head light I would have enjoyed it more but it would have to be overall much lighter . At 12 plus I’m out .. hell man at 11 plus I’m out

 

[teachingprotx]

Not to derail but the first gen pure strike was one of the absolute most beautiful sticks I’ve seen in 30 years . The dark gray with the hot fluoro red . Dead sexy brothers ..,
Mm mmm mmmm baby love .

 

[stephenclown]

No worries! Yeah Harrison is all over the place really. As you said, didn't help in his case. And the LTD were indeed so different from mainstream Babolats as well specs wise. The LTD were short lived too, didn't sell well enough for Babolat and were ultimately discontinued.

That said, those older LTD were such great sticks though weren't they? They were very classic players racquets, so much feel and control/precision. I still own a GT LTD and play with it just for fun every now and then. Never really took it on as my main. I much preferred the Pure Storms GT Tours (very different racquet as you know). And the Swirlys as well before those, in terms of older Babs.

I never tried the + lengths versions, but did try the Pure Control 95 in standard length. Didn't like it that much honestly, felt substantially less solid upon ball contact and balance seemed a bit weird. Overall, personally I would give the nod to the Carbon Xtreme and GT LTD versions and would pass on the Pure Control 95.

Heard very similar about the 95s being very poor in comparison. PSL thick layup from what I could tell but low SW, very solid and very whippy. I am surprised that the 95 was less stable, the PSLs were seriously low twistweight...

I heard the + length were even better but who knows, PSL+ seemed to have been very rare.

 

[sanister]

You're right. Sorry, I've muddled up what i meant to say. What I meant is that one of the pure strike models that came out was as if they continued the pure control 98 with a Pure Strike paintjob. It was essentially the same PC98 right down to having that familiar slightly rounded box beam, but with a pure strike paintjob. I remember thinking that it was going to be a way to "stock up" on a racquet almost identical to a pure control 98.

I only found out because someone on TT gave me the heads up. I will try and find the link.

I think I know which racquet you are talking about. It is the Pure Strike VS which they introduced with second generation (white paint). Same mold as last generation of Pure Control (also confirmed by Babolat Official as well). Unfortunately it did play a bit crisper than last generation of Pure Control racquets and had higher RA. Swung a but similarly but I am very sure it was a different layup.

 

[sanister]

I heard the + length were even better but who knows, PSL+ seemed to have been very rare.

Just a matter of preference really. I didn't like the plus length and liked my standard length more. They do pop up on the big auction site every now and then. There is one + length right now for $70 in 3/8 grip size on buy it now. Usually they go pretty cheap as well. Usually around $50 range in decent condition, most even cheaper.

 

[stephenclown]

Just a matter of preference really. I didn't like the plus length and liked my standard length more. They do pop up on the big auction site every now and then. There is one + length right now for $70 in 3/8 grip size on buy it now. Usually they go pretty cheap as well. Usually around $50 range in decent condition, most even cheaper.

Ah true, I have never bothered with extended length racquets so didn't bother with any of the PSL+. I might pick one up but they never come up in Australia, I have also promised myself not to accumulate too many racquets. I only have 5 or 6 at the moment but I know I will end up with the HEAD Pro Tour 2.0 as well and I have something in the wworks so hopefully I will have some more choices in the future as well.

 

[polksio]

i play with a psltd, I like it very much with around 15g spread all accross 10 to 2

 

[beltsman]

https://imgur.com/lpXfqBK

Is it just me or does this look really egg head / wood racket head shape?

Really nice look

 

[Subway Tennis]

I think I know which racquet you are talking about. It is the Pure Strike VS which they introduced with second generation (white paint). Same mold as last generation of Pure Control (also confirmed by Babolat Official as well). Unfortunately it did play a bit crisper than last generation of Pure Control racquets and had higher RA. Swung a but similarly but I am very sure it was a different layup.

That's the one. Spot on.

 

[J011yroger]

I have the OG.

J

 

[jersey34tennis]

I thought this one was the original version

https://www.****.com/itm/Babolat-Pu...206554?hash=item444e589dda:g:8hwAAOSw5nJd8Q-U

 

[polksio]

look at this throat shape
the subtle homage to the prestige
look at the throat inserts into the hoop
the old school hoop shape reminiscent of wooden midsizes
the tasteful maroon colour with a hint of masterfully placed black
the not so subtle homage to the prestige through the font on the side
oh my god ... how did babolat manage to have so much god damn good taste?

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

look at this throat shape
the subtle homage to the prestige
look at the throat inserts into the hoop
the old school hoop shape reminiscent of wooden midsizes
the tasteful maroon colour with a hint of masterfully placed black
the not so subtle homage to the prestige through the font on the side
oh my god ... how did babolat manage to have so much god damn good taste?

They are French Aesthes all.


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[graycrait]

There can be only one!

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Beautiful sticks man !!

Haha yeah I know. I do have some other pics I took. Enjoy lol

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[speedysteve]

Haha yeah I know. I do have some other pics I took. Enjoy lol

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I regularly string one of these, perhaps the player has two even! I don't know.
He likes them [emoji846]

 

[David Le]

Same here. Not so many people liked my racket of choice pure strike original 98 16/19 (they prefer the 2nd gen) but that’s ok...I like mine and I play the best tennis I can play with it and I’m happy lol


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I loved the OG Pure Strike from Babolat. Never liked the 16x19, but the 18x20 Tour, or 100 were great. Both were pretty soft at 65RA and consistent.

 

[esm]

Haha yeah I know. I do have some other pics I took. Enjoy lol

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Love it. Nice string colour combo too

 

[esm]

Mine says hi

 

[Deleted member 746200]

I regularly string one of these, perhaps the player has two even! I don't know.
He likes them [emoji846]

For the OG strike some people loved some people hated lol mainly because it doesn’t play like a typical Babolat frame


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[teachingprotx]

The red Fluoro strings is what nails it on the PS

 

[sanister]

I regret missing out on Wimbledon edition of first gen Strike that was on the clearance sale for the longest time here on TW. Should have pulled the trigger then. Saw one with Solinco Hyper G on my courts much later, and that thing looked fantastic!

 

[Jack the Hack]

Haha yeah I know. I do have some other pics I took. Enjoy lol

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I'm curious what string that is with the red color that nearly matches the red flouro highlights in the OG Pure Strikes?

I have 5 of the OG Pure Strike Tours and love the paint job. That has been my racquet of choice for the past 5 years. I usually string them with Solinco Hyper G or Kirshbaum Max Power.

It's probably just me aging out and starting to lose my game, but I have not won a singles tournament since I switched to the Pure Strike Tour. I love the feel and my volleys seem better, but it appears like I may have lost some sting on my groundies and serve. I previously used the 2012 Pure Drive Roddick, of which I still have 3 frames. The last year I played with the Pure Drive Roddick, I was #1 in my age group in my Section and I had several big wins. I switched to the Strikes to get more control and to alleviate some pain in my wrist, which worked, but I haven't had the same success in matches as before. It is probably just me, not the racquets. However, in a lark a few weeks ago, I took my old Pure Drive Roddicks out and was shocked how easily I could generate more power, especially on my backhand and serve. So, I may switch back in some tournaments (whenever they start again) and see what happens.

 

[Deleted member 746200]

I'm curious what string that is with the red color that nearly matches the red flouro highlights in the OG Pure Strikes?

I have 5 of the OG Pure Strike Tours and love the paint job. That has been my racquet of choice for the past 5 years. I usually string them with Solinco Hyper G or Kirshbaum Max Power.

It's probably just me aging out and starting to lose my game, but I have not won a singles tournament since I switched to the Pure Strike Tour. I love the feel and my volleys seem better, but it appears like I may have lost some sting on my groundies and serve. I previously used the 2012 Pure Drive Roddick, of which I still have 3 frames. The last year I played with the Pure Drive Roddick, I was #1 in my age group in my Section and I had several big wins. I switched to the Strikes to get more control and to alleviate some pain in my wrist, which worked, but I haven't had the same success in matches as before. It is probably just me, not the racquets. However, in a lark a few weeks ago, I took my old Pure Drive Roddicks out and was shocked how easily I could generate more power, especially on my backhand and serve. So, I may switch back in some tournaments (whenever they start again) and see what happens.

The red string is Babolat RPM blast Rough which surprisingly matches the OG pure strike pretty well lol. I’ve been using these pure strike since 2015 and never can find something to replace them. They do play more like a Blade or Radical rather than Pure drive, but comparing to Blade, the OG strikes has a little more “Babolat twist” which I really dig into since I switched from pure drive 2013. My game is fast and I try to attack asap so pure strikes suits me perfectly. Not a huge fan of the 2nd and 3rd gen pure strikes though feel like they bring back the power but lost some feel and ball pocketing from the OG.


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[Deleted member 746200]

I'm curious what string that is with the red color that nearly matches the red flouro highlights in the OG Pure Strikes?

I have 5 of the OG Pure Strike Tours and love the paint job. That has been my racquet of choice for the past 5 years. I usually string them with Solinco Hyper G or Kirshbaum Max Power.

It's probably just me aging out and starting to lose my game, but I have not won a singles tournament since I switched to the Pure Strike Tour. I love the feel and my volleys seem better, but it appears like I may have lost some sting on my groundies and serve. I previously used the 2012 Pure Drive Roddick, of which I still have 3 frames. The last year I played with the Pure Drive Roddick, I was #1 in my age group in my Section and I had several big wins. I switched to the Strikes to get more control and to alleviate some pain in my wrist, which worked, but I haven't had the same success in matches as before. It is probably just me, not the racquets. However, in a lark a few weeks ago, I took my old Pure Drive Roddicks out and was shocked how easily I could generate more power, especially on my backhand and serve. So, I may switch back in some tournaments (whenever they start again) and see what happens.

Btw RPM blast rough is not my string of choice, I only used a couple time just for the matching color lol. I’ve been using Solinco Tour bite 16L around 46lbs for more than 5 years.


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[Jack the Hack]

Btw RPM blast rough is not my string of choice, I only used a couple time just for the matching color lol. I’ve been using Solinco Tour bite 16L around 46lbs for more than 5 years.


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Ok, thanks for letting me know that. I tried RPM Blast several years ago, but didn't love it. So I didn't know they had a rough version or that it came in red. It does look awesome in the Strikes though!

I used to use Solinco Tour Bite 17g in the Pure Drive Roddick at around 55 lbs, but switched to Max Power 18g at 50 lbs in the Strike Tour because of the tighter 18x20 string pattern. I just started using Hyper G a few months ago, which feels better for some reason. I'll keep goofing around with my racquets and strings to see if I can find the magic combo for where I'm at right now. Definitely on a downward trend on the X Y axis of age and performance, but trying to fight it.

 

[teachingprotx]

Same here. Not so many people liked my racket of choice pure strike original 98 16/19 (they prefer the 2nd gen) but that’s ok...I like mine and I play the best tennis I can play with it and I’m happy lol


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I absolutely ADORE THE PAINT ON THIS ! Babolat best PJ EVER

 

[esm]

I absolutely ADORE THE PAINT ON THIS ! Babolat best PJ EVER

the Wimpy PJ is even better, IMO, of course

 

[taylor15]

I loved the PS Ltd!! Didn’t have this graphic but also the carbon Xtreme. It was a fine platform frame, wish I never sold it off

 

[socallefty]

My favorite Babolat paint job was the red/black Pure Strike Tour that I played with for five years till 2019. My favorite Babolat racquet is a tie between the original swirly Pure Control (version from year 2000-2001) and the current Gen 3 Pure Strike Tour.

 

[snweater]

Same here. Not so many people liked my racket of choice pure strike original 98 16/19 (they prefer the 2nd gen) but that’s ok...I like mine and I play the best tennis I can play with it and I’m happy lol


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I’m playing with the gen 2, got them just as the gen 3 launched. Liked gen 2 better so I got two of those. Got really lucky and grabbed two for the modest price of ~160. They’re identical in weight AND swingweight, so I got triple lucky really!
I’ve never played with the first gen but I’d love to try a pair at some point. I keep hearing conflicting reports on their playability. However, they do look amazing!

EDIT: I wish Babolat would do like HEAD and release “nite” paintjobs. I’d very be tempted to buy a black and red PS gen 3..!