Pure Aero 98 Club

Did you try weighing up your ez98 to see if it hits a similar ball?
I weighted up the EZ 98L to the exact same balance, sw, weight, and twistweight. The thing I realized though is the ezone has a much fatter beam so the racquet feels pretty heavy and not as maneuverable as the thin PA 98 beam.
 

iceman_dl6

Professional
volkl cyclone tour 18 black - rpm blast for the common man who cares about their arm health
Interesting! I’ve had some experience with that string but in 16g in the 2022 EZ98. Nice and comfy with a good energy return.

How is the durability in 18 gauge in your PA98?
 

faded_lines

Rookie
How do you find they play? I cant get Grapplesnake locally but Toroline K-pop I can

It plays nicely for me @ 48 lbs. Good solid feel and easy spin. I really enjoy this setup and will probably stick with it for awhile. A friend of mine recommended I try Snapper from Toroline so I might try that in my second PA98.
 

wagen

New User
The EZ98 is an easier racquet to use for sure. It's been my main racquet for about a year now and been playing well with it. It's whippier which allow you to create angles and loopier shots. Serves are effortless, as you can just snap your wrist to create nasty slice serves and powerful flat serves. I don't have the best kick serves, but I'd say the whipper nature of the racquet help me snap through contact. I have 3g of lead @ 12 and that brings the SW up to 320 with 17g strings.

With the PA98, I feel like it forces you to swing through the ball more which produces a more penetrating shot through the court. This could be related to the swing weight of the PA98 is higher. Mine came in stock at 331sw with OG and dampener. But I'm loving heavier balls I'm able to hit so far.
331 sw is quite high I would say. I picked up a total of 6 rackets second hand.

(all measurments are strung with poly ~1.2mm, leather grip, dampener, OG)

First batch of 3 rackets came in sw 325/325/331
Second batch of 3 rackets came in sw 320/320/325

After I got the first batch, I matched all to 331 sw, but I played noticeably worse than with 325sw.
So after I got the second batch, I matched 5 of them to approx 326 sw (340g, 31.6cm balance, 13.5-14 tw). Not sure what to do with the last frame, but as I have 5 to play with, I am good for the moment (playing actively with 3 of them, 2 are spare) :cool:
 

slal1984

Professional
Out of the 3, 2 came under spec and 1 was close. I think this is a great racquet. Its got a low launch angle when i was just going around 50-70%, however the spin was so there when i was generating the racquet head speed.

At first the racquet felt really boardy, so i switched strings to one i felt pocketed the ball a little better and went down a gauge. From Tourna silver 7 tour 1.25 to Solinco Confidential 1.20. Tension was (52/50) for both setups.

I was glad they came in under, i kept those and added a leather grip with 2g total from the 4th cross down.
SW 317, 317, 323.
 
I haven't played my PA 98 since ordering the Extreme Tour a year ago.

I've love my Extreme Tour.

But the ET probably due for a restring so I'm gonna pull the 98 out of hibernation and give another try.

Hopefully, it doesn't aggravate my tennis elbow like it did last time.

If so, I'll just pull out the ET or VS.
 

faded_lines

Rookie
I weighted up my PA98 with a leather grip, over grip, and dampener. The final specs are 340g static, 32cm balance, 331sw. It plays like a different animal now, much more stable and doesn't flutter against big hitters. Feels really good right now but see if I feel the same after a few more outings.
 

ajspurs

Rookie
Am on the fence about selling this racket. Well actually I'd already decided to (wrecked my arm a bit) as it was up on ****, now taken down though. Played with it again briefly yesterday after momentarily switching to the standard Pure Aero 2023 (softer feel on impact) and damn, it made me realise just how good this racket is. If you're aggressive and like to attack, if gives you so much of a license to do so, way more than the 100 sq inch version, which really is just a bit too powerful for me.

It's a stiff frame and a Babolat so I get that, but am willing to change the strings and tension to see how I get on, before selling it. Anyone have a soft but playable setup in this frame? I currently have Toroline Wasabi at 50lbs but have a set of Hyper G Soft at home and was thinking about maybe putting a softer rounded poly in the crosses and stringing it 46/48lbs.

Also, I know it's a case of 'oh you've had arm problems and are using a poly, go figure', but I do like how a poly allows me to be as aggressive as my game is, so would love to find a softer poly setup.

And lastly, apologies to anyone I disagreed with about this racket not giving arm problems! Guess there are so many variables that may have one person facing them and another not.
 
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ajspurs

Rookie
Also, in case it comes down to it, how similar is an Ezone 98?

Firstly, Is it too powerful in comparison to the PA98?

And secondly, is it likely to be a more comfortable and arm-friendly racket than the PA98?
 

yourtennisfit

Professional
Also, in case it comes down to it, how similar is an Ezone 98?

Firstly, Is it too powerful in comparison to the PA98?

And secondly, is it likely to be a more comfortable and arm-friendly racket than the PA98?

EZone has a launch angle that is about half of the PA98, power level might be a bit higher, but that might be misleading as the angle is completely different between the two.
Most players seem to say that the EZone is comfortable, it definitely flexes a lot more in the throat, but is similar in the hoop. Actually the Ezone is one of the few frames that hurt my arm, the PAVS and PA98 never do this.

Try the PA98 with something spinny in the mains, but a soft string in the crosses - e.g. I tried Ultra Cable with Poly Tour Pro at around 24/23 kgs
a tad more power, but also helps the arm ;)
 

ajspurs

Rookie
EZone has a launch angle that is about half of the PA98, power level might be a bit higher, but that might be misleading as the angle is completely different between the two.
Most players seem to say that the EZone is comfortable, it definitely flexes a lot more in the throat, but is similar in the hoop. Actually the Ezone is one of the few frames that hurt my arm, the PAVS and PA98 never do this.

Try the PA98 with something spinny in the mains, but a soft string in the crosses - e.g. I tried Ultra Cable with Poly Tour Pro at around 24/23 kgs
a tad more power, but also helps the arm ;)

Thanks! Interesting about the Ezone hurting your arm and the PA98 not doing so either. To be fair in the time that I've had the PA98, I've not had arm problems for longer than I have, but it's hard to tell if it was creeping up on me, or something in particular instigated it.

I was thinking about PTP for the crosses! Do you know if it's softer than Hyper G soft? I only may as well have that in the mains as I have a set already, but no point in crossing it with PTP if it's not a softer string.
 

yourtennisfit

Professional
Thanks! Interesting about the Ezone hurting your arm and the PA98 not doing so either. To be fair in the time that I've had the PA98, I've not had arm problems for longer than I have, but it's hard to tell if it was creeping up on me, or something in particular instigated it.

I was thinking about PTP for the crosses! Do you know if it's softer than Hyper G soft? I only may as well have that in the mains as I have a set already, but no point in crossing it with PTP if it's not a softer string.

Yeah - sometimes this arm thing is funny, maybe also the combo between strings and a racket doesn't work, who knows

I never played Hyper G soft, but I would say the PTP is about the same as Tour Bite Soft - it might be worth trying still.
But maybe if you put Hyper G at 2 lbs/1kg more and then have PTP there, it might work fine. I like the round cross, it at least seems to me that it improves snap back and spin further :)
 

ajspurs

Rookie
Yeah - sometimes this arm thing is funny, maybe also the combo between strings and a racket doesn't work, who knows

I never played Hyper G soft, but I would say the PTP is about the same as Tour Bite Soft - it might be worth trying still.
But maybe if you put Hyper G at 2 lbs/1kg more and then have PTP there, it might work fine. I like the round cross, it at least seems to me that it improves snap back and spin further :)

Yeah it can be hard to nail down the root cause of it. I think what made me think about selling it straight away was the wrist pain that also developed. Any arm pain always went away within a day, but wrist pain can last a few days and only really diminish, rather than completely going away, thus making it really difficult to play tennis as much as you'd like.

Awesome, thanks though, will give it a go. Would really love to not have to sell this racket, it's an amazing stick.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
I hope this helps but I remember when I first got my PA98s there was a little bit of arm fatigue. I am not going to calling it pain because it really wasn't. More like a bit achy after play. However that simply went away over time and I don't feel it anymore. My racquets are a little heavier with leather grips and higher SW and strung mostly with wasabi @50lbs.
 

Alcawrath

Professional
Has anyone found a string setup that makes this racket "enjoyable to play"? I don't mean from a performance perspective.
Dunlop black widow has been a comfortable string for me in it. Only downside is that since it's soft the tension maintenance can be short lived. Since I don't have elbow problems with it I've been playing tour bite
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
Has anyone found a string setup that makes this racket "enjoyable to play"? I don't mean from a performance perspective.
What criteria besides playability would make it enjoyable? More pocket? soft string? more crisp string? more power? more control? more feedback? I find wasabi very enjoyable in mine. I am trying k-pop to see if I get a bit more pocket sensation
 

Yamin

Hall of Fame
What criteria besides playability would make it enjoyable? More pocket? soft string? more crisp string? more power? more control? more feedback? I find wasabi very enjoyable in mine. I am trying k-pop to see if I get a bit more pocket sensation
Fun factor... not sure. I liked this racket for its performance but it just felt like a tool to win matches with rather than to enjoy tennis with.
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
Am on the fence about selling this racket. Well actually I'd already decided to (wrecked my arm a bit) as it was up on ****, now taken down though. Played with it again briefly yesterday after momentarily switching to the standard Pure Aero 2023 (softer feel on impact) and damn, it made me realise just how good this racket is. If you're aggressive and like to attack, if gives you so much of a license to do so, way more than the 100 sq inch version, which really is just a bit too powerful for me.

It's a stiff frame and a Babolat so I get that, but am willing to change the strings and tension to see how I get on, before selling it. Anyone have a soft but playable setup in this frame? I currently have Toroline Wasabi at 50lbs but have a set of Hyper G Soft at home and was thinking about maybe putting a softer rounded poly in the crosses and stringing it 46/48lbs.

Also, I know it's a case of 'oh you've had arm problems and are using a poly, go figure', but I do like how a poly allows me to be as aggressive as my game is, so would love to find a softer poly setup.

And lastly, apologies to anyone I disagreed with about this racket not giving arm problems! Guess there are so many variables that may have one person facing them and another not.
I have mine strung with Polyfibre Viper, and that’s a very arm friendly combo.
 

ulunxtns

Professional
Fun factor... not sure. I liked this racket for its performance but it just felt like a tool to win matches with rather than to enjoy tennis with.
I feel the same way. Undeniably I won matches with this stick, but I didn't like the feel of it. Recently testing Blade v9, I like that feel way more, also PA98 did hurt my arm.

I might give it another try with Gut/Poly, any good Poly cross recs for this frame?
 

Yongsan

New User
The fun for me comes out of not having to worry about equipment and play my game. This racquet does that for me
Completely agree with this. I have demoed 8 other sticks casually since fully switching to the PA98 and nothing else even came close for me. Feels good to not worry about my equipment and just enjoy tennis. Funnily enough, it's gotten me looking at these forums a lot less too lol.

Regarding others on strings - I've only tried Hyper G and Restring Zero in this, mainly have just played with Zero the last 4-5 months at 44lbs.
I do feel some elbow tenderness only if I keep playing sessions upon sessions when the strings are dead - if I'm not lazy with stringing it doesn't seem to be too much of an issue.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
Completely agree with this. I have demoed 8 other sticks casually since fully switching to the PA98 and nothing else even came close for me. Feels good to not worry about my equipment and just enjoy tennis. Funnily enough, it's gotten me looking at these forums a lot less too lol.

Regarding others on strings - I've only tried Hyper G and Restring Zero in this, mainly have just played with Zero the last 4-5 months at 44lbs.
I do feel some elbow tenderness only if I keep playing sessions upon sessions when the strings are dead - if I'm not lazy with stringing it doesn't seem to be too much of an issue.
Feel and fun with a racquet are definitely subjective, but I can pretty confidently say that this is a great racquet overall based on having demoed and played with a ton of different frames over the last year, other's feedback, reviewers, etc.. Personally I find it a fun racquet to play with, but given the muted somewhat "hollow" nature of the racquet, I think it plays best with a crisper poly vs. a more muted softer poly.

No arm issues for me (and I have had issues in the past), but I wouldn't string a full bed of poly in this racquet much higher than 50 lbs max. Agree with @topspn that toroline wasabi works well with the PA98 and is a relatively soft poly. Gamma AMP Moto 17 yellow was also one of my faves for this racquet.

I was a hairsbreadth away from fully committing to this racquet, just that the higher launch angle was a bit much for my game, and it is relatively unforgiving in that you need to always be swinging at full speed and the sweet spot isn't generous.
 

ajspurs

Rookie
I have mine strung with Polyfibre Viper, and that’s a very arm friendly combo.

Thanks! Will keep that in mind after the Hyper G Soft/PTP combo (y)

Feel and fun with a racquet are definitely subjective, but I can pretty confidently say that this is a great racquet overall based on having demoed and played with a ton of different frames over the last year, other's feedback, reviewers, etc.. Personally I find it a fun racquet to play with, but given the muted somewhat "hollow" nature of the racquet, I think it plays best with a crisper poly vs. a more muted softer poly.

No arm issues for me (and I have had issues in the past), but I wouldn't string a full bed of poly in this racquet much higher than 50 lbs max. Agree with @topspn that toroline wasabi works well with the PA98 and is a relatively soft poly. Gamma AMP Moto 17 yellow was also one of my faves for this racquet.

I was a hairsbreadth away from fully committing to this racquet, just that the higher launch angle was a bit much for my game, and it is relatively unforgiving in that you need to always be swinging at full speed and the sweet spot isn't generous.

Yeah I've got Toroline Wasabi in it now strung at 50lbs. Used it yesterday and it felt softer than I remember it feeling, plus I didn't get arm and wrist pain with it so it could be that it's better for me a bit lower than 50lbs. Actually thinking back, the arm problems started after having Hyper-G in it for what I'm sure was too long. I've used Pure Drives, the 2019 Pure Aero, 2023 Aero and now the PA98 in which I've mostly used without any issues until now, so I am starting to think the overuse of a dead poly may have been the cause.

What did you settle with in the end? The Pure Strike 100 16x20 v4? I literally just finished watching a Tennis Nerd video on that, sounded really good from what he and another on there were saying.
 

Fighting phoenix

Professional
Thanks! Will keep that in mind after the Hyper G Soft/PTP combo (y)



Yeah I've got Toroline Wasabi in it now strung at 50lbs. Used it yesterday and it felt softer than I remember it feeling, plus I didn't get arm and wrist pain with it so it could be that it's better for me a bit lower than 50lbs. Actually thinking back, the arm problems started after having Hyper-G in it for what I'm sure was too long. I've used Pure Drives, the 2019 Pure Aero, 2023 Aero and now the PA98 in which I've mostly used without any issues until now, so I am starting to think the overuse of a dead poly may have been the cause.

What did you settle with in the end? The Pure Strike 100 16x20 v4? I literally just finished watching a Tennis Nerd video on that, sounded really good from what he and another on there were saying.
Yeah the PS100 16x20 was just the right fit for me - stock it's 7 pts head light balance, mine are mid 320s SW strung (depending on the string), and it's slightly more comfortable, forgiving, and a normal launch angle with the ability to get as much power and spin as I want to put on the ball. I miss the feel of putting away forehands on the PA98, but the PS has plenty of power with no issues w/r to control.
 

ajspurs

Rookie
Yeah the PS100 16x20 was just the right fit for me - stock it's 7 pts head light balance, mine are mid 320s SW strung (depending on the string), and it's slightly more comfortable, forgiving, and a normal launch angle with the ability to get as much power and spin as I want to put on the ball. I miss the feel of putting away forehands on the PA98, but the PS has plenty of power with no issues w/r to control.

Thanks, that sounds perfect spec-wise. I do really like the sound of it to be fair, and don't mind the difference in put away power if you get what I assume to be a noticeable increase in control over the PA98. I'm looking forward to seeing how my PA98 feels with the adjustments, but I'm intrigued to try some flexible control rackets again too as my game has changed a bit and is more aggressive, so I'm wondering if a control racket will give me even more licence to be so.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
Feel and fun with a racquet are definitely subjective, but I can pretty confidently say that this is a great racquet overall based on having demoed and played with a ton of different frames over the last year, other's feedback, reviewers, etc.. Personally I find it a fun racquet to play with, but given the muted somewhat "hollow" nature of the racquet, I think it plays best with a crisper poly vs. a more muted softer poly.

No arm issues for me (and I have had issues in the past), but I wouldn't string a full bed of poly in this racquet much higher than 50 lbs max. Agree with @topspn that toroline wasabi works well with the PA98 and is a relatively soft poly. Gamma AMP Moto 17 yellow was also one of my faves for this racquet.

I was a hairsbreadth away from fully committing to this racquet, just that the higher launch angle was a bit much for my game, and it is relatively unforgiving in that you need to always be swinging at full speed and the sweet spot isn't generous.

Just a couple of differences in the experience. There is no higher launch angle for me, super reasonable and easily go flat. Sweet spot very generous on mine. I think this may be due to a few things. My frames had naturally high SW. I also added leather grips to mine so added weight and altered to more HL.
 

HeavyHitter

Rookie
For the guys using stock frame, and seeking more plush feel, try using 16 gauge 1.30mm string around 40~50lbs. It has a stiff hoop and open string pattern so thinner strings will lose their elasticity and feel harsh quickly if you're not stringing it tight. You'll get better pocketing with 16g strung at lower tension.
 

workerONE

New User
These are my stock specs, strung with an overgrip
Weight 323.5g
balance: 12.75
swing weight: 320.9
Twist weight: 13.7

These are my specs now
Weight 349.8g
balance: 12.375
swing weight: 334.8
Twist weight: 14.1
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
These are my stock specs, strung with an overgrip
Weight 323.5g
balance: 12.75
swing weight: 320.9
Twist weight: 13.7

These are my specs now
Weight 349.8g
balance: 12.375
swing weight: 334.8
Twist weight: 14.1

You have certainly added some weight. My two frames came in higher SW so all I did was replace the stock grip with leather/OG. Strung with wasabi or super toro they are 335g/31.8-9, 331-332SW. Very maneuverable and quick and zero addition of weight in the head. Not a smidge of hollowness, pretty good sweet spot even periphery of string bed will give a decently solid ball back.
 

nyc

Hall of Fame
Has anyone experienced different RA stiffness between the same model PA98s?

I have two, matched balance and static weight, SW is 4 points apart, but the feel is vastly different. One feels more crisp and spinny, the one with the heavier SW feels considerably more plush and less spinny, so I suspect the stiffness is dramatically different. I have never experienced such a difference in stiffness in any racquet I have owned, so wondering if I ended up with a fake. Mind you, I prefer the crisper (potentially fake) one!
 

Holic

Semi-Pro
Has anyone experienced different RA stiffness between the same model PA98s?

I have two, matched balance and static weight, SW is 4 points apart, but the feel is vastly different. One feels more crisp and spinny, the one with the heavier SW feels considerably more plush and less spinny, so I suspect the stiffness is dramatically different. I have never experienced such a difference in stiffness in any racquet I have owned, so wondering if I ended up with a fake. Mind you, I prefer the crisper (potentially fake) one!
Swingweight?
 

snoflewis

Legend
Has anyone experienced different RA stiffness between the same model PA98s?

I have two, matched balance and static weight, SW is 4 points apart, but the feel is vastly different. One feels more crisp and spinny, the one with the heavier SW feels considerably more plush and less spinny, so I suspect the stiffness is dramatically different. I have never experienced such a difference in stiffness in any racquet I have owned, so wondering if I ended up with a fake. Mind you, I prefer the crisper (potentially fake) one!
not specifically for PA98 but i've had a couple of pure drives feel completely different from the others within a batch of 14 i owned. they flexed differently, felt particularly more hollow, and played quite differently with significantly less pocketing. it was very strange, but the weight, balance, and sw weren't that far off. i've never experienced this with any stick other than a babolat
 
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yourtennisfit

Professional
not specifically for PA98 but i've had a couple of pure drives feel completely different from the others within a batch of 14 i owned. they flexed differently, felt particularly more hollow, and played quite differently with significantly less pocketing. it was very strange, but the weight, balance, and sw weren't that far off. i've never experienced this with any stick other than a babolat

Same for me with a set of PD98s - one feels solid and powerful, the other is hollow and jarring. But both bought at the same store and surely no fake.

With the PA98, I ve never had that, feel like its a lot more muted and dampened compared to my VS.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
they came at 280 and 291, unstrung, no overgrip.
After stringing and adding weight and gripped, they’re at 316 and 320

Yikes, you got two very low SW frames. I am sure that would make a lot of difference in feel even at that low range with 11pt difference. More material being distributed in the head. Mine were ~297SW unstrung. Nothing hollow about them at all and very maneuverable
 
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Holic

Semi-Pro
they came at 280 and 291, unstrung, no overgrip.
After stringing and adding weight and gripped, they’re at 316 and 320
Wow so low! Everyone i have came 298 unstrung. I guess you feel the 280 to be the spinny one right?
 
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Djinn

Semi-Pro
Could anyone tell me their unstrung SW and strung SW that they measured with a Briffidi or better? Also which strings and gauge?

I’d like to add weight to my new set under the grommet and want to figure out how much weight to add before stringing. Trying to figure out how much SW strings add to this racquet in particular. I know generally it’s about 30, but I’d like a more precise measurement. That way I won’t need to replace grommets later. Thank you!
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
Could anyone tell me their unstrung SW and strung SW that they measured with a Briffidi or better? Also which strings and gauge?

I’d like to add weight to my new set under the grommet and want to figure out how much weight to add before stringing. Trying to figure out how much SW strings add to this racquet in particular. I know generally it’s about 30, but I’d like a more precise measurement. That way I won’t need to replace grommets later. Thank you!

Different poly string will differ a bit by how much SW they add to this racquet. Wasabi and super toro are more dense strings that weigh a bit more and so does lynx tour and some others. Tourna silver 7 tour slightly less weight so won’t add as much SW. With a poly expect addition of 31-34SW pts depending on the string of 17g
 
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nyc

Hall of Fame
Wow so low! Everyone i have came 298 unstrung. I guess you feel the 280 to be the spinny one right?
Oh yeah for sure - not exactly plush but has a lot going for it otherwise. 2 grams at 3 and 9, 8 grams in handle and it’s super stable and spinny. A little nervous how it will pan out on my arm. But so far, so good.
Just wish it were a touch more plush.
 

ajspurs

Rookie
Played with my PA98 today, strung with Hyper G soft in the mains at 48lbs, and Poly Tour Pro at 46lbs, and was almost like a different racket. So much softer and comfortable on the arm, without the sacrifice of control. No arm or wrist pain for the first time in a while also. Really impressed by the increased comfortability.

Also played with an Ezone 98 strung with a full bed of Hyper G Soft at 48lbs, which felt nice too, but just not as 'solid' as the PA98. Will play with it a little longer to get more of a feel of it though.
 

Djinn

Semi-Pro
Different poly string will differ a bit by how much SW they add to this racquet. Wasabi and super toro are more dense strings that weigh a bit more and so does lynx tour and some others. Tourna silver 7 tour slightly less weight so won’t add as much SW. With a poly expect addition of 31-34SW pts depending on the string of 17g

Absolutely, this is why I asked for specific string and gauge as well. Thank you.
 
Also, in case it comes down to it, how similar is an Ezone 98?

Firstly, Is it too powerful in comparison to the PA98?

And secondly, is it likely to be a more comfortable and arm-friendly racket than the PA98?
I demoed an Ezone 98.

I don't know if the Ezone is more powerful. But it's a flatter, more piercing ball flight of the stringbed IMO.

So it may seem more powerful.

But I would say from a power standpoint, they're in the same tier.

I play an Extreme Tour, which is certainly softer more arm-friendly than both.

The Ezone 98 and PA98 are also kind of the same category here...not sure either can be said to be more arm-friendly without playing them extensively.

You might get different opinions from different people.

The Ezone 98 and PA98 have a feel that, to me, seemed very similar. I would guess that have a very similar stiffness rating.
 
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