New Pure Drive 2018?!

[JonnyAbs]

Also, per Tennis This, "The 2018 Pure Drive will include FSI Power, just like the Pure Strike series (also known as the Project One7) of tennis racquets. While FSI Power is not new, it will be new for the Pure Drive line.

FSI Power will be integrated in the same 16×19 string pattern but the strings will be longer (from end to end) thus increasing the sweetspot of the racquet and giving you more power! Spin will also come easier with the FSI Power technology."

I don't think I will like this. I did not like it with the Pure Aero. The launch angle became very high and the racquet became more difficult to control. Maybe it will work if the stiffness truly is reduced to 69 from 72 (strung stiffness) but the Pure Aero has a 69 stiffness and I found it tough to control depth.

 

[KluddKalle]

Not at all; but a Pure Drive with a somewhat thinner beam (dunno, around 22mm) and slightly smaller headsize at around 67RA strung, yeah perhaps.


Part of me wishes I hadn't seen that paintjob.

But...that sounds a lot like the Pure Strike 16x19 to me. Just a tiny bit higher swing weight.

 

[Lukhas]

But...that sounds a lot like the Pure Strike 16x19 to me. Just a tiny bit higher swing weight.

Forgot to mention Plus length. Also sounds like the Pure Aero VS/AeroStorm and countless others, not that I would mind.

 

[TennisHound]

I for one think a PD and PA 98 would be the ultimate. Leave everything the same just a slightly smaller head (well, obviously APD string pattern for the PA).

 

[Power Player]

I don't think I will like this. I did not like it with the Pure Aero. The launch angle became very high and the racquet became more difficult to control. Maybe it will work if the stiffness truly is reduced to 69 from 72 (strung stiffness) but the Pure Aero has a 69 stiffness and I found it tough to control depth.

Your issues with the PA sound more related to the open string pattern.

 

[thefederman]

I skimmed the thread and couldn't find anyone confirming it so I will. There will be a Pure Drive VS and VS tour (I believe this is the naming they are going with) they will be 98sq inch head size and thinner beams while maintaining the same oval beam design of the drive line. Those are all the details I have right now. I have also seen the new pure drive in person and agree with those that think it looks cheap

 

[SpinToWin]

I skimmed the thread and couldn't find anyone confirming it so I will. There will be a Pure Drive VS and VS tour (I believe this is the naming they are going with) they will be 98sq inch head size and thinner beams while maintaining the same oval beam design of the drive line. Those are all the details I have right now. I have also seen the new pure drive in person and agree with those that think it looks cheap

Huh, interesting

 

[Bartelby]

Interesting but confusing. Companies are starting to put all sorts of things under the brand names that sell, whether they belong there or not.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

I skimmed the thread and couldn't find anyone confirming it so I will. There will be a Pure Drive VS and VS tour (I believe this is the naming they are going with) they will be 98sq inch head size and thinner beams while maintaining the same oval beam design of the drive line. Those are all the details I have right now. I have also seen the new pure drive in person and agree with those that think it looks cheap

So which Pro Kennex mold is it this time around?

 

[Nostradamus]

Just seen it. Similar colors to the '09 version but with a huge Pure Drive font running down the left & right side of the throat(Pure in black on the left and Drive in white on the right). The two stripes are white on the right side and black on the left. No active cortex on it, so it's solid on the throat like the PA, but has Babolat new cortex Pure feel inside which dampen the vibrations similar to Wilson's countervail and Head's graphene touch.

did you get to hit with it as well ?? or seen the specs ?

 

[n8dawg6]

fedace is onnit

 

[jarko111]

Where did this come from?

I've heard that the APD or PA is similar to the DR's but not the PD. A PD is so stiff. Click on the PD on TW page and it only really compares it to the APD and the Prince Warrior.

 

[parasailing]

Planning stage at best.

But no, if they do it, it will be WAY spinnier and more powerful than that FAKE 16X19 Pure Strike.

I called it FAKE 16X19 along with the Prestige Rev Pro due to the dense middle mains that are as dense as the 18 mains frames.

Totally agree as I have the Pure Strike and it felt more like a 18x20 than a 16x19. I had to lower the tension to 44lbs to make it feel less stiff.

 

[parasailing]

If this is RA 69 then unstrung will be 67 or lower which would be amazing for a Babolat racquet. They usually are way too stiff so this is one racquet I plan on purchasing and trying out.

 

[RafaBabolat]

It's a disappointing design. Bro, the p17 was sexy! Y tho... I was looking forward to a new refresh. The hoop seems to be made more tapered on the sides, like a PA. The grommets changed... it looks like they did the aerodynamic thing on the PD too. Also, does anybody know if the PD increased in shaft thickness? Oh well, hope it doesn't destroy everybody's elbows.

Ps, sorry if these things were already stated.

 

[DANMAN]

I for one think a PD and PA 98 would be the ultimate. Leave everything the same just a slightly smaller head (well, obviously APD string pattern for the PA).

People say this from time to time. I'd argue that reducing the head size 2" and leaving everything else the same would not even be noticeable in a blind playtest which is why I don't think we will ever see it.

To me, what would be interesting is a 22.5-23mm straight beam oval head stiff frame like a pure drive.

 

[PaulC]

People say this from time to time. I'd argue that reducing the head size 2" and leaving everything else the same would not even be noticeable in a blind playtest which is why I don't think we will ever see it.

To me, what would be interesting is a 22.5-23mm straight beam oval head stiff frame like a pure drive.

Babolat's "98" is more like 97 (the 1st gen Pure Storms were called "97s" but newer "98" Pure Storm/PC grommets will fit), so the difference may be more than you think.

But I have to agree: it's the reduced beam-width along with other mods that will make it a "Controllable Power" racquet, like the PA VS.

 

[A_Instead]

A 2 inch size difference can be felt....

 

[DJ-]

A 2 inch size difference can be felt....

It sure can... waiting for @n8dawg6

 

[TennisHound]

Babolat's "98" is more like 97 (the 1st gen Pure Storms were called "97s" but newer "98" Pure Storm/PC grommets will fit), so the difference may be more than you think.

But I have to agree: it's the reduced beam-width along with other mods that will make it a "Controllable Power" racquet, like the PA VS.

Nah you'll never see it. Would still be cool though. If you left everything the same (only made it 98" and tighter pattern for PA) it wouldn't be anything near a VS (thank God).

 

[n8dawg6]

A 2 inch size difference can be felt....

THATS WHAT SHE SAID

 

[n8dawg6]

all yall tryin to make the pure drive a different racquet ... should try a different racquet. im ALMOST positive theres something out there in the mythical spec you desire.

 

[PaulC]

all yall tryin to make the pure drive a different racquet ... should try a different racquet. im ALMOST positive theres something out there in the mythical spec you desire.

Name one!

People tried Wilson Ultra 97... Good size, but too much flex and not enough punch.

Wilson Tour 95s/Steam 96/Burn 95s? Almost there... again, not enough punch (just a tad more will do it for the latest version), plus need a standard length version.

Head Radicals?? Forget it. Not even close.

Head Extreme? Only If they have a true 97-98 version.

 

[n8dawg6]

too much flex and not enough punch.

which is what would happen to the pure drive, if yall made it flexy.

 

[JonnyAbs]

Your issues with the PA sound more related to the open string pattern.

sounds like they are going more open with the pure drive

 

[SpinToWin]

Name one!

People tried Wilson Ultra 97... Good size, but too much flex and not enough punch.

Wilson Tour 95s/Steam 96/Burn 95s? Almost there... again, not enough punch (just a tad more will do it for the latest version), plus need a standard length version.

Head Radicals?? Forget it. Not even close.

Head Extreme? Only If they have a true 97-98 version.

It just sounds like you want a Pure Drive...

And the Graphene Rads are quite close to it, there's a reason for many Pure Drive users around these parts switching to it.

 

[Zoolander]

All hail the death of the stupid crappy plastic gimmicky cortex!

Lets hope the new "pure feel cortex" stuff inside is just a fancy name for foam.

 

[PaulC]

It just sounds like you want a Pure Drive...

And the Graphene Rads are quite close to it, there's a reason for many Pure Drive users around these parts switching to it.

Yep, but a 97-98 PD.

Tried Graphene Rads... but for some reason, it plays more like a 100 for me than a 97-98.

Come to think about it, the latest Wilson Burn 95 (more like a 96-97) is the closest fit, if it got a regular 27" length and packs a tad more punch, AND with a 325 or LOWER swing weight.

(Or go back the Prestige Pro route, if they reduce the 22mm beam width back to 20.5mm and with a 66+ strung RA stiffness)

 

[tmc5005]

I would like to see the PD, or a version of it, in the 60-62 range.

That would be great I give this racquet 1 star in terms of how arm elbow friendly it is

 

[Bartelby]

The cortex, I think, was always inside.

The plastic thing was either marketing or a physical device to stop shock transmission or both.

In any event, I never thought it enhanced the look of the racquet.

All hail the death of the stupid crappy plastic gimmicky cortex!

Lets hope the new "pure feel cortex" stuff inside is just a fancy name for foam.

 

[PhxRacket]

That would be great I give this racquet 1 star in terms of how arm elbow friendly it is

I know, I have been reading your recommendations. I am about to purchase a pair of Volkl C10 Pros. String thoughts based on your extensive research?

 

[n8dawg6]

And the Graphene Rads are quite close to it, there's a reason for many Pure Drive users around these parts switching to it.

this frame (the graphene or XT frame, not a painted earlier model) is showing up in the WTA, div 1 tennis on TV, and a women's challengers event my local club hosted in april. it can also be seen in my hands hitting an inconsistent kick serve that frustrates both my opponents and my doubles partners.

 

[PaulC]

this frame (the graphene or XT frame, not a painted earlier model) is showing up in the WTA, div 1 tennis on TV, and a women's challengers event my local club hosted in april. it can also be seen in my hands hitting an inconsistent kick serve that frustrates both my opponents and my doubles partners.

Nicely Put!

Probably due to its now bigger than true 98 head size (a bit bigger than my Blade Wilson 98s). I always thought this thing is better off staying with the older true 95 head size.

 

[n8dawg6]

Nicely Put!

Probably due to its now bigger than true 98 head size (a bit bigger than my Blade Wilson 98s). I always thought this thing is better off staying with the older true 95 head size.

its what i would call a tween-tweener. somewhere between a pure drive and a (modern) prestige.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

That's a mighty big 'between' ya got there son...

 

[n8dawg6]

That's a mighty big 'between' ya got there son...

i dont make my tween-tweener calls lightly, sir

(i do actually, and usually after a few drinks)

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Frankly I was hoping for a '...that's what she said'.

 

[Zoolander]

Frankly I was hoping for a '...that's what she said'.

Its absence speaks volumes then, doesnt it!

 

[Kalin]

That is really fugly.

Here's hoping they spent the money on technology and new materials. Because sure as heII they didn't spend it on design.

 

[n8dawg6]

Here's hoping they spent the money on technology and new materials. Because sure as heII they didn't spend it on design.

not a chance! its gonna be recycled stuff w a paint job.

 

[corerotation]

I skimmed the thread and couldn't find anyone confirming it so I will. There will be a Pure Drive VS and VS tour (I believe this is the naming they are going with) they will be 98sq inch head size and thinner beams while maintaining the same oval beam design of the drive line. Those are all the details I have right now. I have also seen the new pure drive in person and agree with those that think it looks cheap

Hmm, very interesting....I like!

 

[TennisHound]

Even if some PD users are switching to the XT Rad Pro, it is not a pleasant racquet to hit with. No pleasant.

 

[EdMcMush]

Hmm, very interesting....I like!

my wishes for the past 3 years are coming true. Maybe me bugging babolat telling them to make a 98 pure drive finally made them cave

 

[EdMcMush]

I skimmed the thread and couldn't find anyone confirming it so I will. There will be a Pure Drive VS and VS tour (I believe this is the naming they are going with) they will be 98sq inch head size and thinner beams while maintaining the same oval beam design of the drive line. Those are all the details I have right now. I have also seen the new pure drive in person and agree with those that think it looks cheap

wishes came true

 

[Nostradamus]

my wishes for the past 3 years are coming true. Maybe me bugging babolat telling them to make a 98 pure drive finally made them cave

what is the big deal with 98. that is just 2 sq inch difference,,,which won't make any difference on your game. if they made the Beam thinner and more flexible,,then if is completely different racket. Pure drives need to maintain its Stiff design. that is where power comes from

 

[EdMcMush]

what is the big deal with 98. that is just 2 sq inch difference,,,which won't make any difference on your game. if they made the Beam thinner and more flexible,,then if is completely different racket. Pure drives need to maintain its Stiff design. that is where power comes from

I need the Babolat power with more control which is why the pure aero vs is perfect for me

 

[Jeremy Babbe]

Really? Nice.

Any info on the new PD?

From what I heard I believe the frame will be 98 square inches.

 

[mrtrinh]

I doubt the new pure drive will be a 98. It makes absolutely no sense for babolat to change their iconic mold. For those wishing for a 98 and slightly less stiff pure drive = pure strike.

If you use google there are leaked pictures and specs. Looks like it will have no visible cortex like the pure aero, FSI and there are claims of a 69 flex.

 

[Babolast]

Has anyone seen the new bags yet? I for one, are guessing all blue bags to match the frame.

 

[FedererExpress]

I doubt the new pure drive will be a 98. It makes absolutely no sense for babolat to change their iconic mold. For those wishing for a 98 and slightly less stiff pure drive = pure strike.

If you use google there are leaked pictures and specs. Looks like it will have no visible cortex like the pure aero, FSI and there are claims of a 69 flex.

Sweet baby jesus, I googled, and that is one UGLY racquet. That's from someone who LOVED the cosmetics of all the pure drives to date except for the Cortex version.

Reminds me of the Wilson Kobra Team FX, but even worse!