Pure Aero 98 Club

johnmccabe

Hall of Fame
I happened to click into the Amazon page for PA98. They listed size 2 and 4 for $279 but size 3 for $193 with non prime shipping from Amazon Japan. Hesitated for half hour and pulled the trigger. The price has gone back to normal now. Hope it's legit.
 
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Succession

Semi-Pro
6 months in with the 98 and I am in love.
Switched from the 18x20 Blade and never looked back.

The spin, control + potential for variety I get from this racquet are absolutely breathtaking. Experimented with adding weight but went back to stock form.
If your strokes and technique are able to generate fast racquet head speeds, the rewards are exceptional. When my strings (RPM Blast) are mint, I feel I can rip every shot in tennis history - nasty spin, amazing feel, slices are out of this world and flattening out for blazing winners works as well. Your technique and point of contact have to be on point tho.

Next level racquet in my opinion.

Oh and my favorite shots with the 98 are the high and heavy spin balls that Alcaraz played against Sinner in IW24 and against Zverev in RG24 (not the moonballs tho), it’s hard to describe but the heaviness that comes with it despite being a relatively slow ball is something else. My second favorite shots with it are the slices.
 

y0035215

Rookie
Is there a certain type of player for whom you think the pa98 is best suited (possibly independent of the players who advertise the PA98)?

Whereas a year ago I really stuck to the baseline a lot defensively, I'm now playing more and more attacking tennis. I have the feeling that the PA98 suits me less and less.
 

ajspurs

Rookie
Is there a certain type of player for whom you think the pa98 is best suited (possibly independent of the players who advertise the PA98)?

Whereas a year ago I really stuck to the baseline a lot defensively, I'm now playing more and more attacking tennis. I have the feeling that the PA98 suits me less and less.

I would say someone who likes to take fast and aggressive swings at the ball, and who tries to take control of the points with that aggression and be on the front foot. It's a very rewarding racket to attack the ball with. If you're someone who is enjoying coming to the net more, I personally wouldn't put this racket at the top of the list. Even if you were still a defensive baseline player I would probably suggest the standard Pure Aero over this one.
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
Been flirting with the PA98 for about six months after several years with the EZ98. Tons of mass in the hoop (14+ twistweight measured on Briffidi vs. 13.5 for the EZ98) combined with low balance point (31.5 cm unstrung) is what differentiates this frame from other 98/100 sq in, 300/305 gram offerings. So while it plows it also maintains nice maneuverability which is conducive to swinging out as others have noted. Playing stock simply with a few grams added to hoop/handle as needed for matching purposes. Bravo Babolat.
 
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Trip

Legend
Been flirting with the PA98 for about six months after several years with the EZ98. Tons of mass in the hoop (14+ twistweight measured on Briffidi vs. 13.5 for the EZ98) combined with low balance point (31.5 cm unstrung) is what differentiates this frame from other 98/100 sq in, 300/305 gram offerings. So while it plows it also maintains nice maneuverability which is conducive to swinging out as others have noted. Playing stock simply with a few grams added to hoop/handle as needed for matching purposes. Bravo Babolat.
What are your stock unstrung swing weights? Mid-290's?
 

gutfeeling

Hall of Fame
What are your stock unstrung swing weights? Mid-290's?
I’ve measured at least 5 but the two I kept were ~ 304, 31.5, high 280s/low 290s all unstrung. These were the tamest since I also had a pair that was ~ 310, 31.9, 300 unstrung but did not keep those. Sorry (or congrats) to whoever ended up getting them, they were tanks.
 

Succession

Semi-Pro
I would say someone who likes to take fast and aggressive swings at the ball, and who tries to take control of the points with that aggression and be on the front foot. It's a very rewarding racket to attack the ball with. If you're someone who is enjoying coming to the net more, I personally wouldn't put this racket at the top of the list. Even if you were still a defensive baseline player I would probably suggest the standard Pure Aero over this one.

I would love to add the potential to variety here.

For me it's not only about attacking, I feel like I can hit any ball during a rally and know exactly how and where it will land in the court.
From low fast spin to high and heavy spin balls that push the opponent far behind the baseline to flattened out shots.

On one hand I agree that it's primarily made for an attacking game style but it is brilliant on defense as well, the heavy + high spin mentioned before can almost be used to counterattack from a defensive position.

I also step into the court much and finish points at the net - this racquet works for me on all aspects.

The only downside I have is more related to my string choice. RPM Blast becomes almost unplayable after 6 hours and all the magic disappears and the balls are starting to sail long instead of producing spin.
 

johnmccabe

Hall of Fame
Decided to tweak the 98. Leather grip, 4 grams at 3-9 o'clock. 340g total, 6 point head light. Feeling great in casual hitting and serving. Will have to test it in matches next
 

nyc

Hall of Fame
I’ve measured at least 5 but the two I kept were ~ 304, 31.5, high 280s/low 290s all unstrung. These were the tamest since I also had a pair that was ~ 310, 31.9, 300 unstrung but did not keep those. Sorry (or congrats) to whoever ended up getting them, they were tanks.
Mine came in unstrung at
#1
304.7g
31.7
291SW

#2
304.6
31.9
293.49 SW

Got a third one that was 8g lighter - not playing it.

#2 is my favorite. Swings easy but has good plow.
 

Trip

Legend
@gutfeeling and @nyc - Thank you both. Seems like the "on-spec" frames around 305g and 31.5cm have swing weights from 290-ish to the low 290's, which checks out. Just need a matching service on every purchase, to cut through the relatively high standard of deviation. Somewhat par for the course these days.
 

maksp

Semi-Pro
@gutfeeling and @nyc - Thank you both. Seems like the "on-spec" frames around 305g and 31.5cm have swing weights from 290-ish to the low 290's, which checks out. Just need a matching service on every purchase, to cut through the relatively high standard of deviation. Somewhat par for the course these days.
I had 1 sw come in at 280 and other at 292... didnt get the matching service
 

nyc

Hall of Fame
Got one off the Bay and a matched pair from TW that I picked up used locally. Closest match was the bay one and one of the “matched” ones

The problem with the matched pair ones is that they apparently only match static weight. Balance and swing weight were drastically different.
 

jj4545

New User
Really like the stick on groundstrokes. For 1 HBH had to put some weight it the handle (2 overgrips+ 4g lead= around 15gr.) to move the balance as I like it it. But compared to my control oriented frame the serve and especially the flat one is noticeably slower, I just feel too much air drag swinging. Has anyone noticed this or is it my bad technique?
 

Fed_Wilson

New User
I happened to click into the Amazon page for PA98. They listed size 2 and 4 for $279 but size 3 for $193 with non prime shipping from Amazon Japan. Hesitated for half hour and pulled the trigger. The price has gone back to normal now. Hope it's legit.
Was it legit?
 
Had a hit with a demo PA 98. It was strung 51lbs with Hyper-g. My initial impressions is it felt close to a frying pan and off-center shots die. Hoping that lowering tension and stringing with a softer or thinner gauge poly would help. For context, I normally use ezone 98+ strung with Tour Sniper 44-46lbs

Do folks have recommendations on strings that have good playability duration? I was thinking of trying Pure Rush at either 1.23 or 1.18 at 44lbs. Maybe even ghost wire in the cross.

I also feel like latest Pure strike 98 actually might be more user friendly. Is that just me?
 

johnmccabe

Hall of Fame
Had a hit with a demo PA 98. It was strung 51lbs with Hyper-g. My initial impressions is it felt close to a frying pan and off-center shots die. Hoping that lowering tension and stringing with a softer or thinner gauge poly would help. For context, I normally use ezone 98+ strung with Tour Sniper 44-46lbs

Do folks have recommendations on strings that have good playability duration? I was thinking of trying Pure Rush at either 1.23 or 1.18 at 44lbs. Maybe even ghost wire in the cross.

I also feel like latest Pure strike 98 actually might be more user friendly. Is that just me?
Just strung my PA 98 with tourna silver 7 in mains and isospeed baseline in cross, both at 42 lbs. Feels very good to me. Are you sure the demo strings are not dead?

Haven't had poly main in PA 98 for a while. Not sure when my elbow will start complaining.
 

Fed_Ex

Rookie
I’m giving another opportunity to the PA98. I currently play the PD98 with leather grip and was searching for something a smidge softer (while still crisp), more maneuverable and faster through the air. PA98 was the obvious choice but the one I borrowed a couple of months ago was strung too tight and with a string that was too muted for my liking.

I've tried another one strung with PHT 1.25 at 22.5kg, which is my current string setup in the Pure Drives and felt much better, but I would still string it a couple of pounds lower I think.

What string setups would you recommend trying? For reference, I tend to play in the mid-high 40's and crisp strings in control rackets such as Blades.

Thanks!
 
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landcookie

Semi-Pro
Had a trial hit with the Pa98 today and holy cow does this thing swing fast through the air.

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the DNA of this PA line vs the PA Rafa?
 

yourtennisfit

Professional
Had a trial hit with the Pa98 today and holy cow does this thing swing fast through the air.

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the DNA of this PA line vs the PA Rafa?

The PA VS and 98 are just smaller headsizes and thinner beams, so kind of a controlled Pure Aero

The new Pure Rafa and Origins are older Pure Aero molds with thick beams, basically no dampening and the 100 sq inch
so while they will be heavier and more mass behind your shots, they will obviously swing slower through the air
 
Just strung my PA 98 with tourna silver 7 in mains and isospeed baseline in cross, both at 42 lbs. Feels very good to me. Are you sure the demo strings are not dead?

Haven't had poly main in PA 98 for a while. Not sure when my elbow will start complaining.

I can't say for sure but strings were not notched at all so they looked fresh. I think they were just strung too tight especially considering my baseline is 44lbs.
 

landcookie

Semi-Pro
The PA VS and 98 are just smaller headsizes and thinner beams, so kind of a controlled Pure Aero

The new Pure Rafa and Origins are older Pure Aero molds with thick beams, basically no dampening and the 100 sq inch
so while they will be heavier and more mass behind your shots, they will obviously swing slower through the air
Thanks!
 
Hi all,

Looking at picking up one of these PA98 frames and had a batch measured by a local MRT service to pick from.

Out of the measured frames (listed below), all seem a bit low-ish on unstrung SW and I’m trying to be mindful of relative stiffness in my decision.

In your experiences with Babolat frames, would the one point difference in stiffness between the 66 and 67 RA be very noticeable once strung (all else being equal)? I don’t have a history of arm issues, but would prefer to keep it that way :)

(Unstrung with plastic on handle):

Frame 1: 304.5g, 284 SW, 66 RA
Frame 2: 305.5g, 287 SW, 66 RA
Frame 3: 307.3g, 288 SW, 67 RA
Frame 4: 307.4g, 290 SW, 67 RA
Frame 5: 306.8g, 290 SW, 68 RA

I would prefer to have a low 320 SW in stock form, but don’t mind adding some weight if the lower 66 RA would feel a bit softer and more arm friendly than 67 RA once strung.

I feel like I could probably play the 290 SW 67 RA frame stock if it ends up being 320/322 SW once strung, and prefer not to customize, but debating if adding a few grams of lead to the 287 SW 66 RA frame would be a better decision for the sake of it being a touch softer. Unless you guys think the 287 SW unstrung frame would be stable enough to play stock as I like a whippier, faster feeling frame anyway.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated, thanks!
 

johnmccabe

Hall of Fame
Hi all,

Looking at picking up one of these PA98 frames and had a batch measured by a local MRT service to pick from.

Out of the measured frames (listed below), all seem a bit low-ish on unstrung SW and I’m trying to be mindful of relative stiffness in my decision.

In your experiences with Babolat frames, would the one point difference in stiffness between the 66 and 67 RA be very noticeable once strung (all else being equal)? I don’t have a history of arm issues, but would prefer to keep it that way :)

(Unstrung with plastic on handle):

Frame 1: 304.5g, 284 SW, 66 RA
Frame 2: 305.5g, 287 SW, 66 RA
Frame 3: 307.3g, 288 SW, 67 RA
Frame 4: 307.4g, 290 SW, 67 RA
Frame 5: 306.8g, 290 SW, 68 RA

I would prefer to have a low 320 SW in stock form, but don’t mind adding some weight if the lower 66 RA would feel a bit softer and more arm friendly than 67 RA once strung.

I feel like I could probably play the 290 SW 67 RA frame stock if it ends up being 320/322 SW once strung, and prefer not to customize, but debating if adding a few grams of lead to the 287 SW 66 RA frame would be a better decision for the sake of it being a touch softer. Unless you guys think the 287 SW unstrung frame would be stable enough to play stock as I like a whippier, faster feeling frame anyway.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated, thanks!
I would definitely go for 1. Adding some weight is so easy. Balance can also be tuned. Can't lower RA. Nice shop also measuring RA. Is this in the US?
 

Holic

Semi-Pro
I would also go for frame 1 or 2, even though I prefer my pure aero 98 at 333 swingweight. Easily adjust up.
I really though it was just me, the change I get when I go from 328-330 sw to 333-335 sw in this frame is so massive unlike any other frame. The power goes up exponentially.
 

johnmccabe

Hall of Fame
Just strung my PA 98 with tourna silver 7 in mains and isospeed baseline in cross, both at 42 lbs. Feels very good to me. Are you sure the demo strings are not dead?

Haven't had poly main in PA 98 for a while. Not sure when my elbow will start complaining.
Got tennis elbow two weeks after this post. Immediately went back to gut/poly multi/poly hybrid.
 
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I would definitely go for 1. Adding some weight is so easy. Balance can also be tuned. Can't lower RA. Nice shop also measuring RA. Is this in the US?
Thank you for the reply and your thoughts!

As for the shop, yes it is great they offer spec measurement and matching services and they provide top tier customer service.

I live in Canada and it is a racquet sports shop in my area.

Cheers
 
Does anyone have a rough guess as to what the strung RA would be if unstrung RA is 66?

Any of you have experience with this frame in particular?

Thanks all!
 

yourtennisfit

Professional
Does anyone have a rough guess as to what the strung RA would be if unstrung RA is 66?

Any of you have experience with this frame in particular?

Thanks all!

It will go down slightly if strung - so maybe something like a 64.

RA won't tell the entire story however, since it mainly measures the stiffness at the throat.
Particularly the PA98 is pretty stiff in the throat thanks to the Aero beam design, so it might not be entirely comparable with something like a Gravity98
 
It will go down slightly if strung - so maybe something like a 64.

RA won't tell the entire story however, since it mainly measures the stiffness at the throat.
Particularly the PA98 is pretty stiff in the throat thanks to the Aero beam design, so it might not be entirely comparable with something like a Gravity98
Thank you for your reply and insight. Much appreciated!
 

ZIMING

New User
I had PA98 strung at 52/50# at first it was just a mediocre racket, nothing specially good. then I customized it by adding 4 grams of lead tapes at 12, and replacement by leather under grip. strung at 60/60# with RPM HURRICANE 1.30, PA98 turned out to be a terribly powerful rocket launcher when I hit hard. spin and control both become excellent after customization. I guess that's what Babby called controled power in its commercials.
 

johnmccabe

Hall of Fame
Will be phasing out of PA 98 unfortunately. Gone back to full bed soft poly at low tension after recovering from elbow issues. 3hours later feeling it again.
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
I had PA98 strung at 52/50# at first it was just a mediocre racket, nothing specially good. then I customized it by adding 4 grams of lead tapes at 12, and replacement by leather under grip. strung at 60/60# with RPM HURRICANE 1.30, PA98 turned out to be a terribly powerful rocket launcher when I hit hard. spin and control both become excellent after customization. I guess that's what Babby called controled power in its commercials.

It depends on specs you got. My two PA98s I ordered with good SW of 298 & 300. I just threw on leather grip, OG and strung up totally ready to go. Excellent racquet and I have zero discomfort
 

HolyMountain

Semi-Pro
I’m considering jumping ship from the Whiteout 18x20.

Aero 98 gives so much extra forgiveness against players who are better than me and I don’t lose anything against players who are at my level or below. It’s just less of a treat to use due to some mild clunkiness and less connected feel. But the off centre stability is just so good it really helps me stay in the point for a few extra shots.
Gut/Poly fixes that connected feel - or lack of.
 

HolyMountain

Semi-Pro
Has anyone here moved from the ezone 98 to the aero 98 that predominantly hits flat groundstrokes?
I just did, have only played a few causal doubles sets. Promptly noticed way more spin on my serve, easier to get dipping angles on ground strokes. As expected, also easier to overhit.
 
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