Pure Aero 2023 Comfort???
- Thread starter ollinger
- Start date
bobeeto
Hall of Fame
Where did tennis nerd say this?
ollinger
G.O.A.T.
His review of the racquet; go to his website
McLovin
Legend
The real story is you need to play with one to determine that for yourself.
I’m in my mid 50s, playing 4.5/5.0 tennis, using a 70RA extended frame (Blackout XTD), with full poly (Signum Pro X-perience) strung at 52lbs. Absolutely no arm/wrist/shoulder issues.
ollinger
G.O.A.T.
I think attorneys say bad cases make bad law
ollinger
G.O.A.T.
I think I've hit at least briefly -- sometimes VERY briefly due to discomfort -- with nearly every Bab since they first showed up in Moya's and Corretja's hands, and I've yet to encounter one that was adequately comfortable. The specs of the 2023 looked promising but it seems like there's something baked into the Bab DNA that produces harshness, and if my elbow doesn't feel it, my wrist will. An issue I don't have with most other racquets, so no blather please about technique.
heavyD
Professional
Any review that states it's too stiff is likely using too high of a tension or the wrong string as there have been way too many reviews that state it's more comfortable than the 2019 for it not to be true to a degree (after all there are people that complain Clashes are too stiff so anything is possible as everyone is different). That's what I'm hoping for as mine just got delivered today. I really loved the Pure Drive but after a few months it started to cause a bit of elbow pain even with multifilament strings. I'm hoping this racquet can get me back into Babolat full time.
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I was on the playtest and used it exclusively for a month to 6 weeks, no pain of any sort.
I strung it, at one point, with Big Banger Original, which some consider really stiff/firm. The racquet did not feel good when the string died, but that was the string. I asserted that in a post that this racquet does amplify dead poly in an unpleasant way.
Also strung with Poly Tour Fire and never had issues.
This was at 48lbs, so maybe people stringing higher have problems.
Strung, mine weighed 320g, which is lighter than what I swing normally and it does swing decently fast. This could be a source of arm-pain as well, because yes you can get TE from too light a racquet.
Overall, not "arm-friendly" but it mostly comes down to the individual.
I strung it, at one point, with Big Banger Original, which some consider really stiff/firm. The racquet did not feel good when the string died, but that was the string. I asserted that in a post that this racquet does amplify dead poly in an unpleasant way.
Also strung with Poly Tour Fire and never had issues.
This was at 48lbs, so maybe people stringing higher have problems.
Strung, mine weighed 320g, which is lighter than what I swing normally and it does swing decently fast. This could be a source of arm-pain as well, because yes you can get TE from too light a racquet.
Overall, not "arm-friendly" but it mostly comes down to the individual.
A_Instead
Legend
I have found through my experiences with many rackets over the years is how you hold the racket , arm/elbow bend and swing type/tempo really comes into play if a racket gives you pain..and of course racket stiffness, balance, swing weight, string type and tension etc..
The beloved Clash and Clash Pro even strung with multi wrecked the top of my elbow..bad..
Using a pure drive strung low still made my hand and wrist feel like I punched a wall..
Yet no elbow issues...
At the moment I am using the Ezone 98 and Boom Pro with hybrids pain free .
The beloved Clash and Clash Pro even strung with multi wrecked the top of my elbow..bad..
Using a pure drive strung low still made my hand and wrist feel like I punched a wall..
Yet no elbow issues...
At the moment I am using the Ezone 98 and Boom Pro with hybrids pain free .
McLovin
Legend
I think attorneys also lie for a living…or at least bend the truth so it fits their narrative…
My point is: you need to hit it yourself and not take anyone’s personal experience as if it’s gospel.
My only bout with TE was using a Fischer Pro No 1. It wasn’t the frame, though, it was the 4G Rough.
Saitamaxpunch1
Rookie
I think in general folks say it's softer, but still not a comfort racket..
It felt softer when I demoed it last week - I order a PA Plus 2023z
Go get a wilson if you want comfort (I would never stoop that low myself
).
It felt softer when I demoed it last week - I order a PA Plus 2023z
Go get a wilson if you want comfort (I would never stoop that low myself
).
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The ‘23 is definitely softer than the ‘19. I have used both with the same strings and tension extensively. I had used the Speed Pro 360+ and Auxetic and those racquets are softer and more comfortable. I wanted more stability and power so the PA worked better for me. I was using the ‘19 and felt some elbow discomfort when I played a lot and switched to the ‘23 just to try it and there is noticeable difference. The strung RA is 65 vs the 67 on the ‘19 and it feels like that’s about right.
Crocodile
G.O.A.T.
I think what many are suggesting including Jonas is that if you are predisposed to getting arm problems then there are better options out there than the Pure Aero.
While I haven’t hit with the 2023 iteration of the Asro there certainly are other options out there. Currently I have been testing the Wilson Shift 315 and will see how it pulls up in the arm comfort criteria. So far it has been very good. At present my arm safe picks are PK Q Tour 315 and 325 2021, Angell K7 Lime and Red, Volkl C 10 Pro 330 and Wilson Clash V2 100 Pro. Will hopefully test how the updated Volkl V1 Evo performs. The Diadems are very good and so is the Artengo Control Tour 960 but these are all very different frames.
Pro Kennex have the Ki 10 which would be more comfortable but the SW is up there so you may have to asses whether you like that or not. Head Gravity MP is also good and the Boom MP with weight added is maybe Ok.
Also forgot to mention the Prince Phantoms and look out for the new Ripstick which should be due for maybe a smaller head size.
While I haven’t hit with the 2023 iteration of the Asro there certainly are other options out there. Currently I have been testing the Wilson Shift 315 and will see how it pulls up in the arm comfort criteria. So far it has been very good. At present my arm safe picks are PK Q Tour 315 and 325 2021, Angell K7 Lime and Red, Volkl C 10 Pro 330 and Wilson Clash V2 100 Pro. Will hopefully test how the updated Volkl V1 Evo performs. The Diadems are very good and so is the Artengo Control Tour 960 but these are all very different frames.
Pro Kennex have the Ki 10 which would be more comfortable but the SW is up there so you may have to asses whether you like that or not. Head Gravity MP is also good and the Boom MP with weight added is maybe Ok.
Also forgot to mention the Prince Phantoms and look out for the new Ripstick which should be due for maybe a smaller head size.
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bobeeto
Hall of Fame
Interesting that the supposed softer aero is stiffer. Has anyone else found this? I’ve never played it and find babolat trying to dampen rackets laughable
longtimelurker
Professional
Great frame! No more vcore98 + ? The 2023 98+ should be a winner!
jmacdaununder2
Legend
Good option until the VCore 98+ arrives - fingers crossed!
servingaces
New User
Mayb the Pure Aero 98. Have you tried that one? Must be a good racket.
heavyD
Professional
They actually make great racquets (nobody makes a perfect racquet for everyone) as the PA and PD are perennial top sellers and there's a generation of players on the tour using PA's right now. In regards to easy spin and power racquets they have no peers in the industry. Where they struggle is refinement but I can see why they are hesitant to overly change the formula. I think most of us realize they don't make arm friendly racquets but at the same time sales trumps all else and it's one of those "don't fix what's not broken" things as they have two lines that are perennial top 5 sellers because of easy access to spin and power. Why overly invest in entering the pool of dime a dozen feel and comfort racquets with all the other brands when what you do well outsells them all anyway?
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McLovin
Legend
Brushy
New User
Jumping on this thread a little late here.
I have the new 2023 Aero 98. Just got one to try it out, coming from playing mainly prostaff 97 v14 and ezone 98 2022. I like the spin and free power but the next day elbow and arm pain are definitely noticeable. I have it strung with Babolat RPM soft at 50lbs which I hate. The balls fly too long and are erratic.
I typically string w hybrid on my other rackets with 18g poly tour pro and gamma live wire pro 17. 51/53lbs.
I picked up my prostaff in the second set the other night and could easily swing out and keep the ball in. Sure it didn’t have the free power and spin from the Babolat by I was more consistent and the feel was more plush.
Any recos?
Matt
I have the new 2023 Aero 98. Just got one to try it out, coming from playing mainly prostaff 97 v14 and ezone 98 2022. I like the spin and free power but the next day elbow and arm pain are definitely noticeable. I have it strung with Babolat RPM soft at 50lbs which I hate. The balls fly too long and are erratic.
I typically string w hybrid on my other rackets with 18g poly tour pro and gamma live wire pro 17. 51/53lbs.
I picked up my prostaff in the second set the other night and could easily swing out and keep the ball in. Sure it didn’t have the free power and spin from the Babolat by I was more consistent and the feel was more plush.
Any recos?
Matt
bobeeto
Hall of Fame
Play the pro staff
Brushy
New User
Haha yes. Easy answer and precisely what I did. As much as I loved serving and hitting forehands w the new aero 98 , I don’t think I’m the long run it’s worth potential arm damage at age 44. I was curious to try a full bed of multis in it to see how that changes it because on paper my prostaff is technically stiffer.
TennisHound
Legend
The ‘23 PA is anything but harsh. It’s softer than the banana or ‘16 version. It could be slightly stiffer.
PA98 is a completely different racquet than the PA. The only thing they share is the paint.
PA98 is a completely different racquet than the PA. The only thing they share is the paint.
Brushy
New User
I have the PA98. And everything I read is that it’s softer, etc. etc., however Babolat has notoriously been stiffer always. I’ve owned them in the past but thought I’d give this new one a try after hearing it’s praises. Perhaps it’s the strings? It feels fine when I’m playing it. It’s just the day after I feel sore. It’s hard to pin it down though.
I’m wondering about trying a full bed of TNT react2 or live wire pro at around 55lbs or so.
I’m wondering about trying a full bed of TNT react2 or live wire pro at around 55lbs or so.
I had the same experience as you. And oddly enough, when I went to a full bed of x-one biphase it was worse than a hybrid setup. My theory is that because I had a little bit less control I was exaggerating, the top spin and put extra strain on my elbow. So I am done with these…
Brushy
New User
Ya I feel you on this one. I’m thinking I’m just gonna sell it. My ezone and pro staffs have a much more plush and solid response when hitting. The babolat still has that hollow feel and it’s really jarring off center.
McLovin
Legend
Have you looked at the specs of the PS v14 vs the PA 2023? The PS v14 is actually stiffer than the PA 2023:
PS v14:
| Head Size: 97 in / 625.81 cm |
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight:11.7oz / 332g |
| Balance: 12.6in / 32cm / 7 pts HL |
| Swingweight: 332 |
| Stiffness: 66 |
PA 2023:
| Head Size: 100 in / 645.16 cm |
| Length: 27in / 68.58cm |
| Strung Weight:11.2oz / 318g |
| Balance: 12.99in / 32.99cm / 4 pts HL |
| Swingweight: 322 |
| Stiffness: 65 |
If I had to guess, it was either (a) full poly vs a hybrid in your regular frame, or (b) the lighter swingweight/"head-heavier" balance altered your swing.
Brushy
New User
Well I have the pure aero98 and 3 grams lead at 10/2. It was too headlight at first. Could be the strings? They were Babolat rpm soft at 52lbs. All other frames I have hybrid in. The prostaff is an RA 66 and the pureaero98 is 65. Basically the same. They do play drastically different though. The PWS system Wilson has had for eons in their Prostaffs feels great. It’s a much lower pitch noise when hitting and a more stable feel. Less power though so my swing had to adjust for the aero98 since it’s whippier
Jono123
Professional
I bought one recently and strung it with a multi at 53. I have arm issues (GE) and switched from a Blade 98. The Aero is a light stick and swings very easily due to being head light.
I can report zero arm issues and decent feel. Its not Blade ball pocketing but the large sweetspot, free power and extra size more than compensates.
Bought the PA100 in the summer after testing it over a few sessions. Given my history of tennis elbow (TE), I need to be cautious. Despite initial skepticism about transitioning to Babolat due to the stiffness of their frames, I decided to give it a try based on reports of improved comfort with the PA.
Upon testing,to my suprise, I found the racket to be plush and comfortable. After experimenting with 2 or 3 string options, I settled on my normal/go to Setup TP Black Knight 1.23 @ 23 kg.
Around 4 to 5 weeks later, playing an average of 2 times a week for 2 hours each session, I experienced some soreness in my right arm. I reduced the string tension to 22 kg, and the soreness disappeared the next day. This was the first red flag. As someone with a history of TE, I typically restring every 6 to 8 hours.
However, the soreness persisted, affecting my left arm as well. I have a two handed backhand and maintained my technique and didn't mess with it. I switched to Ghostwire crosses and reduced the cross tension to 21 kg. Unfortunately, after the next tournament, the TE returned, affecting both arms.
Although I attributed it to the intensity of the tournament matches, I should have paid more attention to the symptoms. Despite the discomfort, I continued experimenting with different setups, clinging to the enjoyment of playing with the PA.
After about 3 months of use, my arm issues worsened, prompting me to stop using the PA 100. The plush feel of the racket initially suggested comfort, but the development of TE in my left arm indicated possible vibrations that were damaging my tendons without my awareness.
While I loved the racket, I couldn't compromise my health. I had previously played with the Auxetic Extreme MP for about 6 months (if i remember correctly) , and before that, my go-to stick was the 360+ Extreme Tour for about a year. I also had positive experiences with the Gravity MP and Pro, which helped alleviate TE after using the 360+ Speed MP without frequent restringing/dead strings, bad slice and serve technique etc.
Since switching to the VC98, which feels stiffer than anticipated, my arm condition has improved with each session. The TE in my left arm is gone, and while my right arm still experiences occasional soreness, the pain has significantly diminished.
If you're considering the PA and have a history of arm issues, I recommend stopping at the first signs of TE symptoms or exploring alternatives like multis or syngut, even though they may not be your preference. They're not mine xD I love polys.
Nevertheless, while the PA initially felt comfortable for me, it didn't stand the test of time.
Determining its comfortability after just a few sessions might not be accurate.
So be careful.
Upon testing,to my suprise, I found the racket to be plush and comfortable. After experimenting with 2 or 3 string options, I settled on my normal/go to Setup TP Black Knight 1.23 @ 23 kg.
Around 4 to 5 weeks later, playing an average of 2 times a week for 2 hours each session, I experienced some soreness in my right arm. I reduced the string tension to 22 kg, and the soreness disappeared the next day. This was the first red flag. As someone with a history of TE, I typically restring every 6 to 8 hours.
However, the soreness persisted, affecting my left arm as well. I have a two handed backhand and maintained my technique and didn't mess with it. I switched to Ghostwire crosses and reduced the cross tension to 21 kg. Unfortunately, after the next tournament, the TE returned, affecting both arms.
Although I attributed it to the intensity of the tournament matches, I should have paid more attention to the symptoms. Despite the discomfort, I continued experimenting with different setups, clinging to the enjoyment of playing with the PA.
After about 3 months of use, my arm issues worsened, prompting me to stop using the PA 100. The plush feel of the racket initially suggested comfort, but the development of TE in my left arm indicated possible vibrations that were damaging my tendons without my awareness.
While I loved the racket, I couldn't compromise my health. I had previously played with the Auxetic Extreme MP for about 6 months (if i remember correctly) , and before that, my go-to stick was the 360+ Extreme Tour for about a year. I also had positive experiences with the Gravity MP and Pro, which helped alleviate TE after using the 360+ Speed MP without frequent restringing/dead strings, bad slice and serve technique etc.
Since switching to the VC98, which feels stiffer than anticipated, my arm condition has improved with each session. The TE in my left arm is gone, and while my right arm still experiences occasional soreness, the pain has significantly diminished.
If you're considering the PA and have a history of arm issues, I recommend stopping at the first signs of TE symptoms or exploring alternatives like multis or syngut, even though they may not be your preference. They're not mine xD I love polys.
Nevertheless, while the PA initially felt comfortable for me, it didn't stand the test of time.
Determining its comfortability after just a few sessions might not be accurate.
So be careful.
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Yes and no, in my opinion. It depends. ^^ The Pure Aero seems to be considered a comfortable frame, or let's say, more comfortable than the previous version. With an RA of 65, it falls into the mid-section of stiffness. The 360+ Extreme Tour and 360+ Pro (forgot to mention this one) are also relatively stiff.In short , don't use a poly in an already stiff frame.
My second racket, besides the VC98, is an EZ98 (forgot to mention this one too xD), which has the same average RA as the PA100 (65). I've experienced no arm issues with several different poly setups on all those frames. Surprisingly, the Pure Aero doesn't feel that stiff to me; in my opinion, the AEMP feels stiffer.
But yes, I would agree that you shouldn't use poly in a 70 RA frame like an Ultra or Pure Drive if you've had arm issues in the past. Despite that, you shouldn't use both of them, even with cotton strings, if you've had arm issues. xD
InsideOut12
New User
It's a Babolat.
alcaraziño
New User
Interesting post, I have a similar history. I was playing quite well with the Pure Strike 16/19 2nd gen until it gave me elbow pain and had to stop using it. I had never had elbow pain playing tennis before. Apparently that racket was an arm killer with so many testimonies about the troubles it gave to its users. So I had to switch and after trying a few different options, I stuck with the Head Extreme Tour 360+ (like you did). It took some time to adapt, because even if it's considered a "spin friendly" racket, it's quite a low powered one (definitely needs lead at 3&9), with a lower launch angle than the Strike, and requires better footwork and longer and faster swings. I must say after two years playing with the ET I really got used to it, like it, and also I haven't had any pain.Bought the PA100 in the summer after testing it over a few sessions. Given my history of tennis elbow (TE), I need to be cautious. Despite initial skepticism about transitioning to Babolat due to the stiffness of their frames, I decided to give it a try based on reports of improved comfort with the PA.
Upon testing,to my suprise, I found the racket to be plush and comfortable. After experimenting with 2 or 3 string options, I settled on my normal/go to Setup TP Black Knight 1.23 @ 23 kg.
Around 4 to 5 weeks later, playing an average of 2 times a week for 2 hours each session, I experienced some soreness in my right arm. I reduced the string tension to 22 kg, and the soreness disappeared the next day. This was the first red flag. As someone with a history of TE, I typically restring every 6 to 8 hours.
However, the soreness persisted, affecting my left arm as well. I have a two handed backhand and maintained my technique and didn't mess with it. I switched to Ghostwire crosses and reduced the cross tension to 21 kg. Unfortunately, after the next tournament, the TE returned, affecting both arms.
Although I attributed it to the intensity of the tournament matches, I should have paid more attention to the symptoms. Despite the discomfort, I continued experimenting with different setups, clinging to the enjoyment of playing with the PA.
After about 3 months of use, my arm issues worsened, prompting me to stop using the PA 100. The plush feel of the racket initially suggested comfort, but the development of TE in my left arm indicated possible vibrations that were damaging my tendons without my awareness.
While I loved the racket, I couldn't compromise my health. I had previously played with the Auxetic Extreme MP for about 6 months (if i remember correctly) , and before that, my go-to stick was the 360+ Extreme Tour for about a year. I also had positive experiences with the Gravity MP and Pro, which helped alleviate TE after using the 360+ Speed MP without frequent restringing/dead strings, bad slice and serve technique etc.
Since switching to the VC98, which feels stiffer than anticipated, my arm condition has improved with each session. The TE in my left arm is gone, and while my right arm still experiences occasional soreness, the pain has significantly diminished.
If you're considering the PA and have a history of arm issues, I recommend stopping at the first signs of TE symptoms or exploring alternatives like multis or syngut, even though they may not be your preference. They're not mine xD I love polys.
Nevertheless, while the PA initially felt comfortable for me, it didn't stand the test of time.
Determining its comfortability after just a few sessions might not be accurate.
So be careful.
However, the itch of trying something new is coming back. I'm playing competitive league rankings in my city and while against similar level opponents I don't lack anything from my racket, when I face higher level big hitting rivals that put a lot of pressure, I tend to suffer a bit more, and I could use a racket that's more forgiving and gives me a bit more of easy power while defending. Also I see that all the best players in my league are playing with some variation of the Pure Aero 100, it may be a coincidence, but I also think that racket makes your life a bit easier while playing competitively. So I have the temptation of giving it a try, specially since they say is softer, but my main concern is obviously tennis elbow, pain in the arm, etc.
Do you think I could give the new Pure Aero 100 a try, and see if I don't get any pain? Or it will be a waste of time and I should look somewhere else for a 100 sq in racket (something like the Vcore 100 or the Gravity Tour).
riptide120
New User
So what's the consensus on a more arm-friendly PA 98? I demoed one, and liked everything about it, but my arm wasn't happy. I'm comparing it to a Pure Strike 98 gen3 16x19. Pure Aero has better feel, and swings faster, despite having similar stats, and feeling just as stable (and the extra spin is nice too). But the Pure Strike has never given me any arm trouble. PA demo was from a local shop, so it was strung with Babolat hybrid.
What else is there to look at? Maybe a Vcore 98 tour?
What else is there to look at? Maybe a Vcore 98 tour?
TheBoom
Hall of Fame
My buddy has it but is having arm issues now despite decent technique. I’ve only hit with it a few times, but I don’t really like it and certainly wouldn’t put it above the pure strike in comfort
bobeeto
Hall of Fame
Vcore 98 is very nice on the arm. Not as buttery as other rackets in its RA range but the feeling is great for a spin racket
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