Opinions on the Babolat Pure Strike 100

FedFan07

New User
Thinking about getting the Babolat Pure Strike 100 just wanted to see what other people who have hit with thought about it
 
You can check out the playtest thread we had earlier.

But if I remember correctly, it wasn't well received as it was unstable.
 

lynnbart

Rookie
I am demoing one right now. I am currently using the Pure Drive and the Pure Strike is quite a bit opposite. The Strike does have decent power but doesn't feel very solid and is light. Backhand slices are good but it wasn't very easy to get much pop on a serve I am sticking with the Pure Drive.
 

vegasgt3

Rookie
I use the Pure Strike Tour, but I demoed the Strike 100. It has the same nice feel, good power, but for me it needs some lead tape mods to be playable.

I had my 11 year old daughter try it out, but she said it was too light and not stable enough for her if that's any indication of the stock weight set up.

I would recommend it, but buy some lead tape to experiment.
 

joshtige600

New User
yeah, just to second that. If Tsonga plays the strike 100, he most assuredly doesn't play it at stock weight. That is a racquet that doesn't seem to be designed to be played stock. Tough to demo frames like that. You almost have to buy on faith. I demoed the strike tour and thought it was plenty stable (but too stiff for me/like the pure control better) and I would like to think that a leaded up strike 100 would be similarly stable.
 
I haven't played with it in stock form but last night I spent about 15 minutes with one leaded up to 12 oz and it was incredible. I forgot what my friend said the balance point (31 point something) was but it was still maneuverable and stable and I was hitting with nice pace and spin. Despite it being strung with full poly I didn't experience any discomfort. The racquet had excellent control but a bit of free power that my current Volkls don't have when I'm stretched out wide. If I were to pick up new racquets today they would without question be the Strike 100 then lead them up to my liking.
 

Dberger820

Rookie
I have been playing with the Strike 100 for over a month now as I was part of the play test. I really enjoyed the Strike in stock form although I did find it light. As long as I kept up a decent racquet head speed, the stick was a weapon. If I didn't, I would have trouble with it flying on me some. The maneuverability in stock form is unreal.

I did put about 8 grams of lead at 7 and 5 last week per TW suggestion. I wanted to match the specs to my IG Radical I had played with before. So far I am really liking the added weight. Feels a ton more solid but still maneuverable. Slicing has gone from horrible to quite penetrating. Overall I am still very pleased with the racquet.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
I have been playing with the Strike 100 for over a month now as I was part of the play test. I really enjoyed the Strike in stock form although I did find it light. As long as I kept up a decent racquet head speed, the stick was a weapon. If I didn't, I would have trouble with it flying on me some. The maneuverability in stock form is unreal.

I did put about 8 grams of lead at 7 and 5 last week per TW suggestion. I wanted to match the specs to my IG Radical I had played with before. So far I am really liking the added weight. Feels a ton more solid but still maneuverable. Slicing has gone from horrible to quite penetrating. Overall I am still very pleased with the racquet.

weighting to 300-308 (unstrung) with a swing weight 314-320 (strung) seems to be the most popular in our office
 

808

Professional
Yep, I think the Pure Strike 100 was basically made to be customized considering its stock specs. Granted, I didn't even try mine stock but with a little bit of lead here and there it plays great. It's a very versatile frame that's begging you to go all out and attack the ball. If you do, it rewards you with plenty of controlled power. If you don't, well, you probably won't like that racket very much. You have to stay on the gas. Not a grinders frame, rather one to end points with at the earliest opportunity. I switched to it on advise of my coach.
 
Apologize for the long post, but I want my recommendation to have some context.

I've been using my Pure Strike 100 since December 12th (first day of availability here in Canada) and am loving it.

A bit about myself: I got back into tennis about 6 years ago, play minimum of 4 times a week (3.5 singles and doubles two days, 4.0-4.5 drills with pro one day, and rally practice one day). Am 5'6, 51 years old, but fit and fast on the court, like to slice and dice, and will never be a baseline basher in this lifetime.

I don't have a super fast swing (but it's not slow either) so I feel comfortable with lighter racquets. I've been on a learning curve and have moved through a few racquets and demoed even more. I have a much better sense of what I like now. Finding the right one is tough for me because I prefer control oriented sticks but could also use some help with power.

I owned a couple of Aeropros and started to get tennis elbow (stringing with RPM), so I moved to the Head Speed 300. The weight was perfect (300 unstrung) and the flex was low 62. Problem was it was both unstable and underpowered in comparison. But what I did notice was that I could put the ball exactly where I wanted it to go. I loved the precision (way better than the aeropro for me) and I was able to run opponents around. Still, ever curious, and seeking more help in the power department, I bought a Volkl Organix V1. Also tried stringing with gut. Loved the plush feel and the new power, but had to keep stringing tighter to control the power. Went up to 60 and the stick was still too powerful (did try a poly once and it tamed the racquet, but also started bugging my elbow again). Went back to the Speed for kicks, strung it with gut and loved the return to control. Thought my dreams would be answered with the graphene Speed MP, but I've demoed it for lengthy periods on 2 different occasions and it is a different animal completely. In my opinion it has sacrificed control for power. It is easy to use and easy to spin, but the trajectory is way to high (in my opinion).

So I tried the Strike 100 and the 305. I like an open pattern, so the 305 (18x20) didn't click at all, but the 100 did. It has great control and ample power. It is easy to wield and the 100in headsize is more forgiving than the 98 of the 305. I demoed with excel but am stringing mine with VS 16 gut at 55.

I've never customized before, but after reading as much as I could here I thought I'd try. Being 290 unstrung, I thought I could add 4g total at 3 and 9 (2g per side) and counterbalance with 4g at the top of the handle and still be below 300. Wow! The difference was noticeable. Way more solid and stable. Decided to add 2g at 12 and counter with 2g in the but cap and that's where I am now. The stick is still very easy to manoeuvre, but it hits a solid ball now. Funny that Daniel from Babolat recommends in a prior post a weighting similar to what I ended up with.

Don't be put off by the mixed reviews. TW do a great job, but anyone who regularly hits with a stick that's 320-340g or more is going to find one that's 290 unstable. The balance is great and if you like to move around, control your shots, this is an excellent frame.
 

degrease

Rookie
I thinking of getting one. Currently using apd, recently leaded up to 343g. I like it but am getting a touch of Tennis Elbow. Also i am more of a attack asap than a grinder so it might suit my game better
 

Cengusiento

Rookie
My opinion is that the pure strike 100 is too unstable for its weight. It's not a problem of its 290g. The Volkl V1 MP, the head graphene speed S, or the prince exo3 tour team are all of them sub 290g frames and have great stability.

The problem in the strike 100 is its narrow beam. Yeah, weighting it up with lead solve the issues but the frame will ever be unstable for its weight class
 

seb23

Rookie
My opinion is that the pure strike 100 is too unstable for its weight. It's not a problem of its 290g. The Volkl V1 MP, the head graphene speed S, or the prince exo3 tour team are all of them sub 290g frames and have great stability.

The problem in the strike 100 is its narrow beam. Yeah, weighting it up with lead solve the issues but the frame will ever be unstable for its weight class

It's not just the static weight that counts but the swing weight too. The strike seems to be very low for both of these. I haven't tried it but with a swing weight of 304 there is a lot of room to add lead to the hoop which will increase stability yet not make it sluggish
 

raging

Professional
Any more exact date yet on the 305 16x19 release?

still May for US.

I know a lot of posters are nervous about modifying the 100 but if you change the swingweight (by placing the weight in the right positions as Babolat official recommended) you will obviously affect the static weight.

If some of you have arm issues just go away from full poly(RPM etc) & hybrid or go Multi.
Maybe even try the new Origin string?

I figured most people are on here because they were interested in the 100,
the 305 is a good frame but Bjorn yesterday explains how easy it is to modify
the 100 and again specifies exactly where.

I am still loving my PD107s which most tell me are too light for my game & playing standard but I love what I can do with the ball and how they play. We have come a long way from the soft drive!

If you don't want to modify, wait a couple of months, maybe less and demo
the 305. It also plays well.
 

cmendez79

Semi-Pro
Whats the common set up with lead in the strike 100?

I have 2 coming and i do not know whats a good set up
 

drumnman2

Rookie
Not sure what everyone else is doing but I have mine set up where they are working great now. Wilson shock shield grip adds .2 oz. and then 4" strips of 1/4 lead at 3&9 and also 4" at 12. Lead @ 12 made the most difference as it felt a little flimsy at 12. I actually am using Black Xcel 16 ga. @ 58 pounds and am getting plenty of spin and power so my shots drop in with an aggressive stroke.
 
R

red rook

Guest
I have played with a blade blx 98 with 10 grams in the handle for a couple of years. Pretty much replicated the same with the help of the tw customization tool. But it took a lot of weight! 9 grams at 12, leather grip (added 8 grams), and then 6 grams in the buttcap. 11.6 oz/335 swingweight/~5 pts HL
 

MixedMaster

Semi-Pro
I've been playing with the Strike 100 3-4 weeks now and using it stock. I've found it to be a little unstable also but wanted to make sure I was used to the stick before adding any led. My previous stick was 110in. 9.9oz strung. I added led at 3,9, & 12 to that frame and it worked good. I will do the same at 3 & 9 on the Strike when I can get out and play again (snow). I'm thinking the added weight, as many have attested to, will make a fantastic difference.
 

cmendez79

Semi-Pro
I used yesterday the Strike with some lead, I added 2 grams each at 3 and 9, and 4 grams at 12, and added tugnsten putty in the buttcap about 9 grams, final specs strung with og and damp of : weight 324 grams, balance of 32.5 and sw of 324

I would say it was great, good spin and stability, great shots, the best were the serve and my slice.

My forehand needed it a little bit of adjusting, but overal great racket.

But I find it still a little light for my taste, so it needs more lead overall.

Good racket
 

JackB1

G.O.A.T.
Hi guys, If I add 2gram lead at 3 and 9, does any one know the balance and it swing weight?

Thank you,

there is no way anyone can answer that without knowing the current weight of your racquet. I would guess though that it would make the racquet about 1 point more headheavy and add about 2-4 swingweight points.
 
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blx6.1

New User
there is no way anyone can answer that without knowing the current weight of your racquet. I would guess though that it would make the racquet about 1 point more headheavy and add about 2 swingweight points.

Sorry for not mention about the racquet. I use Pure Strike 100. At this moment, It still the same like the one in shop :)
 

MikeHitsHard93

Hall of Fame
Sorry for not mention about the racquet. I use Pure Strike 100. At this moment, It still the same like the one in shop :)

Unfortunately, 99% of retail frames do not weigh exactly the same even if they are the same model. The only way to know is to weigh it yourself and calculate the SW with the TWU's calculator OR take it to a pro shop that has an RDC.

Adding 2 grams to both 3 and 9 o'clock on the frame increases SW by 8 points. If you are adding 1 gram to each side, youre increasing SW by 4 points.
 

blx6.1

New User
Unfortunately, 99% of retail frames do not weigh exactly the same even if they are the same model. The only way to know is to weigh it yourself and calculate the SW with the TWU's calculator OR take it to a pro shop that has an RDC.

Adding 2 grams to both 3 and 9 o'clock on the frame increases SW by 8 points. If you are adding 1 gram to each side, youre increasing SW by 4 points.

Thank you, I have got the answer with the help of TWU:)
 

blx6.1

New User
thank you, guys. I have put 2gram in 3/9 and 1gram at the butt of racquet.

Swing now is about 308 and the balance is the same. My backhand seem more stable.
 

MixedMaster

Semi-Pro
I've been playing with the Strike 100 3-4 weeks now and using it stock. I've found it to be a little unstable also but wanted to make sure I was used to the stick before adding any led. My previous stick was 110in. 9.9oz strung. I added led at 3,9, & 12 to that frame and it worked good. I will do the same at 3 & 9 on the Strike when I can get out and play again (snow). I'm thinking the added weight, as many have attested to, will make a fantastic difference.

I went back and added 4grams to the handle and now I have a very good feeling strong hitting stick. I'm really enjoying it.
 

Lolo

New User
Hey guys, I got some questions and I hope you can help me.
I have been playing with the PS 100 for a while now and overall am pretty satisfied with it, but after reading about how much you can improve it with weight customization I tought I will try that too.
So i weighed my PS and it was 320g strung. It probably should be 310g strung but i refer the 10 g extra weight to 2-3 overgrips i have to use.
so here is my question: Can the weight contributed by the overgrips just be seen like lead attached to the handle? And how would you recommend customizing the racket head? I plan on putting 4g on each the 3 and 9 o clock position, but also thought about the 10 and 2 o clock version.
Please tell me your thoughts about it!! :)
 

MixedMaster

Semi-Pro
If I understand the balancing points correctly, what you do to the head you do to the handle if you want to keep the balance the same as an un-doctored stick. What I put in the head I also put in the handle. I only use one over grip, but I did trim down my led tape in the handle to account for the weight of the grip. I purchased a 2nd stick and the weights were almost the same so I loaded them the same and I'm happy with them. I hope this helps some. Good luck...
 

tmc5005

Rookie
The Pure Strike 100 is a stiff racquet and bad for your arm as is true for just about any babolat racquet
My current top 10 arm friendly racquets are:

Dunlop Biomimetic Max 200G
HEAD YT Graphene Prestige Pro
PACIFIC X Feel Pro 95
Prince EXO3 Rebel (95)
Prince Tour 98 ESP
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI5 315
Technifibre 2013 Tflight 315 16M LTD
Volkl Power Bridge-10 Mid
Volkl Organix 10 325G
Wilson Prostaff Six.One BLX (95)
 

majstore

New User
Added lead tape to 3 (3 grams), 6 (3 grams) and 12 (3 grams). Stringed with RPM Blast 22 kg (48 lbs). It's more stable and still easy to swing, but the stick is very long. In fact it's the longest racket I own. What do you think about customization?

Planning on buying Pro's Pro Cyber Spin. What do you think, what tension should I go for?
 

greg280

Rookie
12.3 ounces, 33cm. balance. dont know what the swingweight is maybe approaching 350 to 360. Bad for my arm? No. Not doing weight training to keep my arms, wrists, forearms strong? Thats bad for my arm.
 
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