Hi everyone, I've been considering getting either the Pure Aero 98 or the Pure Aero 100 and can't decide between the two. I'm an intermediate player and most of the reviews I've read state that the 98 is a more advanced player's racquet, and is less forgiving, but is an overall better racquet. Has anyone used either of the two or both, and can provide some clarity?
Pure Aero 98 or 100
- Thread starter shahmirkg
- Start date
Depending on your style of play, I'd err on the side of the 100. It's more forgiving than the 98 and its new tighter string pattern has improved its control. I bought one off a friend a few months back because I was worried Babolat would change its design again, back towards its previous somewhat difficult to control versions.
Birrittene96
New User
I just went through a similar doubt, I wasn't sure between ezone/vcore 98 and vcore 100. I went back and forth a lot but ultimately the 100 is the right choice if you are at the lower intermediate level as I am. I mean they both could work but people probably underestimate how important it is to have some more power, both for defense and for keeping your energy up for a whole match.
Coincidentally I noticed a crack on my vcore 100 just as I made my mind, so I recently bought a pure aero 100. It's a great racquet, very controlled for a 100, I love it so far. Less launchy then the vcore, better feel.
Definitely try it, it's a no brainier imo, unless you have a one handed backhand, but even if you do it's a matter of getting used to it. Also, forehand and serves will be better, so it's a worthwhile trade.
Coincidentally I noticed a crack on my vcore 100 just as I made my mind, so I recently bought a pure aero 100. It's a great racquet, very controlled for a 100, I love it so far. Less launchy then the vcore, better feel.
Definitely try it, it's a no brainier imo, unless you have a one handed backhand, but even if you do it's a matter of getting used to it. Also, forehand and serves will be better, so it's a worthwhile trade.
Birrittene96
New User
Isn't the throat wide also on the 98?
Unfortunately, I do have a 1 handed backhand
I would say I'm around the same level, a bit more towards intermediate now. I currently play with a Speed MP L, which also has a 100-sq inch head so I think the transition would be a lot easier too considering the points you've mentioned.
On an unrelated note, I've read a lot of good things about the vcore 95 but could never imagine playing with a 95
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Yes, it is and aero style of course. The PA98 with the thinner beam and higher SW feels right though moving in the air on the bh.
I've been holding out on demo-ing since they're from a different store, but I think I might just go ahead and try at least one of them for a little more clarity
I've read the thinner beam also helps for volleying and varying your shot selection, whereas it doesn't come that easy with the 100
Nastase
Semi-Pro
PA100 is quite forgiving and easy to handle. If you’re considering the PA100 and PA98 you should perhaps consider demoing the Pure Strike 98 16x19 and the PS100 as well. Thinnish beam. Same power and swingweight when comparing (Strike and PA) 100 vs 98 models. IMO the PA98 hits w more spin than 98 Strike, which seems a bit flatter. Otherwise similar performance. The Strike has a beam that’s a tiny bit thinner. All excellent rackets.
I think not many people would pay attention to PAVS/PA98, if it weren’t for Alcaraz and/or Rune… lol.
PA23 (100) is a more versatile and effortless racquet to use and tinker with. Why exert yourself when you can use something easier to use?!?
Honestly, the 2squareinch difference isn’t noticeable. It is all in the head. lol.
PA23 (100) is a more versatile and effortless racquet to use and tinker with. Why exert yourself when you can use something easier to use?!?
Honestly, the 2squareinch difference isn’t noticeable. It is all in the head. lol.
GodlessEndeavor
Professional
By default you should choose the 100, unless you're sure you can't control its power with your playing style. Most people can control its power by improving their technique as long as they have good topspin mechanics. Of course if you don't like playing with the 100 because of feel, that also answers your question.
I bet Alcaraz would play amazing tennis with the 100, but he probably benefits from that extra bit of control on the 98 since he can generate crazy power himself. Unfortunately most of us are not Alcaraz.
Note: With other racket brands the answer might be a bit different since many brands make their 98s more comfortable (less stiff), but I believe this isn't the case on the Pure aeros, so the choice is a bit clearer in this case.
I bet Alcaraz would play amazing tennis with the 100, but he probably benefits from that extra bit of control on the 98 since he can generate crazy power himself. Unfortunately most of us are not Alcaraz.
Note: With other racket brands the answer might be a bit different since many brands make their 98s more comfortable (less stiff), but I believe this isn't the case on the Pure aeros, so the choice is a bit clearer in this case.
gutfeeling
Hall of Fame
I think the differences between the 98 and 100 are more than just headsize and power/control. One key difference is weight distribution. The 98 has a lot more weight in the head and significantly higher twistweight. The 98 also has a much lower balance point, so despite the head mass it remains maneuverable. Even though the 98 is viewed as more controlled, it actually has as much or more power potential than the 100. However, due to the weight distribution it can be trickier to swing well consistently and fully access its benefits. Agree that most folks including myself would probably be better off with the 100 which is probably easier to use effectively, but I can’t deny the addicting playability of the 98 when I’m at my best.
topspn
G.O.A.T.
Yeah it has that reaction flickability factor. When forced into it, you can adjust and wrist snap adjust angle. My PA98s were all specifically picked with higher SW 299 and 300 unstrung. So I never needed to add weight in the head but I did add leather grips and smidge weight under butt cap. Strung they are 340g/31.5/331-332SW. I don’t think a PA98 with low SW would play as well
Birrittene96
New User
What did you decide?
ajspurs
Rookie
Really don't agree with this at all to be honest. I've owned and used both simultaneously, switching between them in the same session and whilst the feeling between them is very familiar, they also perform quite differently and one may suit someone quite a bit more than the other depending on the way that person plays. For example, the 98 was easier/better for me to use than the 100, simply because I could keep the ball in the court much easier with fast and aggressive swings at the ball, and I had a level of control that I'd never previously had, all whilst not feeling any real significant loss of power. The 100 has easier depth through less effort, but I can't put my foot on the gas with it in the same way that I can with the 98, without fear of hitting out.
The 98 has been the racket I've played my best tennis with (prior to the Gravity Pro) out of a range of previous 100 sq inch aero's and pure drive's. I'd had a few sessions where I'd played OK with the Aero 100, and instantly played better when I switched to the 98 as it allowed me to have a much more consistent level of controlled aggression.
It all depends on the person and their game though as to which will suit them more, but there is most certainly a difference between the rackets.
Last edited:
Yeah. I understand you view point and agree everyone is different. I have a pair of both and ended up with the 100.
velvetsledgehammer
Rookie
No doubt there is a significant difference in the Babolat Aero 98 and the 100. I wonder sometimes if some of these players that have had some arm discomfort playing with the 98 would not play just as well with something like the Kennex Ki5, which is similar specs to the 98, and certainly more arm friendly. Now the 100 is a different story, it would be a much bigger difference changing from that one.
I’ve been playing with the 98, restring zero mains and sync crosses, 47/45. I dealt with golfer’s elbow for about 8 months. It started using a softer frame strung with gut/poly @ 52/50 + poor technique.
With the Restring setup, the PA98 pockets and flexes while giving me zero arm/elbow issues.
I’m going to state the obvious, it’s 95% technique.
If you cannot stay loose, lag and let racket do the work, most all frames are tuning forks that send the energy up into your arm. I’ll also add swing path to the above. If you cannot hit the proper swing path, inside out + lag, which all complement one another, there certainly is a higher chance you’ll experience some arm issue over time.
The PA98 is perhaps one of the best frames I’ve ever played with. It is not for 3.0/3.5’s. You need to “know” how to hit. Otherwise, it’s just like anything else just with its own feel and you’ll never actually feel/understand what it can do other than watching the pros.
With the Restring setup, the PA98 pockets and flexes while giving me zero arm/elbow issues.
I’m going to state the obvious, it’s 95% technique.
If you cannot stay loose, lag and let racket do the work, most all frames are tuning forks that send the energy up into your arm. I’ll also add swing path to the above. If you cannot hit the proper swing path, inside out + lag, which all complement one another, there certainly is a higher chance you’ll experience some arm issue over time.
The PA98 is perhaps one of the best frames I’ve ever played with. It is not for 3.0/3.5’s. You need to “know” how to hit. Otherwise, it’s just like anything else just with its own feel and you’ll never actually feel/understand what it can do other than watching the pros.
I veered a little and went ahead to demo the Ezone's, Vcore's and the Aero 100, so I'm still in the process, but between the 98 and 100, definitely the 100. The 98 was too stiff and felt really heavy on my arm.
Birrittene96
New User
Good for you figuring that out. Enjoy your test, you can't go wrong whith any of those 3 frames, among the most sold and appreciated in recent years.
Honestly I think you would find that vcore 95 feels similar in size to aero 98. Yonex rackets have a naturally bigger sweetspot and I wouldnt be surprised it is easier to use than the aero.
Aero 98 is very arm friendly imo
After a few weeks of demo-ing Yonex's, I went ahead and bought the VCore 98, immediately gelled with it, but that might be a discussion for a different thread
SF_45er
Rookie
Wanted to add my experience as I play with an APDO and planning on getting either a PA 98 or 100.
APDO: unlike its reputation it has never felt stiff to me (maybe because it's 20 years old?). Great racket. Have chosen it over many other rackets Ive played with - most recently speed pro and gravity tour 100. I like it so much it's made me realize that this style of racket suits me well. I'm not an aggressive baseliner, so I had thought it was not for me (Im more counterpuncher, movement consistency - maybe poor man's demon).
PA 98: I've only played with it once, but found it immediately easy to transition from the APDO. While I play great with APDO, during my session I actually hit better forehands with with 98 quite immediately. Very easy to play with was my first impression. However, this was just a set. It's quite possible that over the course of 2-3 hours I would start missing the more forgiving 100. But the first hit was so good I need to give it a shot (and encourage others to do so -- I would describe it as accessible on first hit at least unlike just about every other 98 Ive tried (maybe because of other properties that racket makers bundle with it as someone said). Though even within the one set I remember thinking my level dropped quite a bit at the end (can't say for sure it was the racket though).
Im a bit biased against 98s by default. Previously I had a similar positive impression of ezone98 but over multiple matches found that I shanked more balls than the 100s I was testing at the time (the speeds). Blade 98 of any generation I could never play with even on first hit. I recently just tried Gravity 98 and it too is hard to play with for my game and is nothing like either the GPro or GTour 100. I've also playtested PS 98 and 100. I found the 98 hard to play with. So in general: I am wary of 98s, even though many at my level and below do just fine. Guessing has to do with specific aspects of game, not just level.
PA 100: I haven't tried it yet but it's my default choice since it's closer in specs to APDO.
APDO: unlike its reputation it has never felt stiff to me (maybe because it's 20 years old?). Great racket. Have chosen it over many other rackets Ive played with - most recently speed pro and gravity tour 100. I like it so much it's made me realize that this style of racket suits me well. I'm not an aggressive baseliner, so I had thought it was not for me (Im more counterpuncher, movement consistency - maybe poor man's demon).
PA 98: I've only played with it once, but found it immediately easy to transition from the APDO. While I play great with APDO, during my session I actually hit better forehands with with 98 quite immediately. Very easy to play with was my first impression. However, this was just a set. It's quite possible that over the course of 2-3 hours I would start missing the more forgiving 100. But the first hit was so good I need to give it a shot (and encourage others to do so -- I would describe it as accessible on first hit at least unlike just about every other 98 Ive tried (maybe because of other properties that racket makers bundle with it as someone said). Though even within the one set I remember thinking my level dropped quite a bit at the end (can't say for sure it was the racket though).
Im a bit biased against 98s by default. Previously I had a similar positive impression of ezone98 but over multiple matches found that I shanked more balls than the 100s I was testing at the time (the speeds). Blade 98 of any generation I could never play with even on first hit. I recently just tried Gravity 98 and it too is hard to play with for my game and is nothing like either the GPro or GTour 100. I've also playtested PS 98 and 100. I found the 98 hard to play with. So in general: I am wary of 98s, even though many at my level and below do just fine. Guessing has to do with specific aspects of game, not just level.
PA 100: I haven't tried it yet but it's my default choice since it's closer in specs to APDO.
