Pure Aero Rafa Origin 2023

I just got my copy of the Origin and strung it with 1.30 RPM Blast, swing weight came in 364 strung(333 unstrung) so I'm not complaining at all. All the weighting is by the tip of the frame which actually let it come through quite nicely in full swings, completely not what I expected at all. I have realized that other frames I had with higher twist weight(weight at 3 & 9) can be harder to maneuver than the copy of Origin I have despite lower swing weight.

Initially purchased the frame just for collection and to experience it once. But I've learned something that defied my previous ideas of racquet weight and swingweight. Ended up playing most of the 2.5 session with it and really enjoyed it in rallies. On the other hand, I can barely make a serve in with this frame. Will follow up with videos soon
 
Let me do a small intro before sharing my impressions on Rafa 290. My favourite babs were pure drive 12, pure aero 2016 (neon yellow) and strike gen 2. BABOLAT HAD ONLY ONE JOB TO DO. Just make them arm friendly without sacrificing their feel. Instead they increased SWs on all of them and made them even more muted…… they failed to deliver. They are not bad racquets but to me older versions were a lot better and easier to use.

Origin 290 is a mix of first pure aero neon yellow (the way it swings and the raw feel) but with the heft and the increased SW of pure aero 2019. It’s the classic babolat pure aero. You get the stiff stringbed response, the characteristic ping sound, the unreal spin potential on kick/slice serves and the unlimited free power while on defence and returns. You will even get a tennis elbow if you are not careful :p

It needs weight at 3/9 and tailweight it cause it’s very unstable on volleys. Ball sinks on the center of the stringbed and it’s the only spot it gives a satisfactory connection. Outside of it, it’s classic pure aero harshness. It was difficult for me to flatten the ball and shots out of strike zone could easily fly 2 meters out.

Every user that didn’t enjoy the more plush and control version of pure aero 23 should test it. It’s not a racquet i would ever switch to….. too thick for my all around game. It’s also very HH and drugged down my 1HB…..but overall i easily prefer it over aero 23.


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I just got my copy of the Origin and strung it with 1.30 RPM Blast, swing weight came in 364 strung(333 unstrung) so I'm not complaining at all. All the weighting is by the tip of the frame which actually let it come through quite nicely in full swings, completely not what I expected at all. I have realized that other frames I had with higher twist weight(weight at 3 & 9) can be harder to maneuver than the copy of Origin I have despite lower swing weight.

Initially purchased the frame just for collection and to experience it once. But I've learned something that defied my previous ideas of racquet weight and swingweight. Ended up playing most of the 2.5 session with it and really enjoyed it in rallies. On the other hand, I can barely make a serve in with this frame. Will follow up with videos soon
Similar exp with you. I just wanted a display/mess-around frame but it's actually really fun for casual hitting (mine was also about 363 SW). Can't make serves in with it except flats and they mostly go long haha.
 
My arm muscles did feel a bit sore after, more than I've felt with my regular frame for sure (360+ extreme tour) but nothing that won't go away in a day. Helps that I am hitting relatively clean nowadays. Frame stiffness will be a bigger issue when hitting not as clean.

String can also be a factor.

RPM Blast 1.30 at 50lbs certainly is not the most comfortable, but I did like the string performance. It compliments the Origin well. Beefy string that brings control to this open pattern and large head.
 
I noticed that the Origins are averaging around 365 SW, so we have:

Origin: 335g strung weight, 365 SW
Autograph: 365g strung weight (with OG), 335 SW

Classic weight vs swing-weight choice. Which one is actually harder to swing?
 
I noticed that the Origins are averaging around 365 SW, so we have:

Origin: 335g strung weight, 365 SW
Autograph: 365g strung weight (with OG), 335 SW

Classic weight vs swing-weight choice. Which one is actually harder to swing?
Just speaking for my game(you might find it different based on how you hit):

Origin is harder to swing, but not by a ton. However I also consider it a higher performing frame and weighting for everything besides serve. I find it the most difficult to serve with the balance and SW of Origin.

A on spec RF97 is quite amazing to serve with, and I have impression that I serve generally well with all my racquets in the 330s SW and a more regular balance.
 
time410s tested swing weight of 4 racquets

350 (strung Hy-G 16g)
323 unstrung
319 unstrung
313 unstrung

 
If I order the Rafa origin from tennis warehouse, do I get this boxes with Rafa’s signature and the box that says play legendary? I want that box too



 
The high swing is manageable at times..hits such a bliss ball with pure mass and great control when hit clean..
My only issue is it such a beast it (me) launches the ball with so much power..
So if you don't hit it clean and proper.. consider it a launched ball with no chance of going in...
 
The high swing is manageable at times..hits such a bliss ball with pure mass and great control when hit clean..
My only issue is it such a beast it (me) launches the ball with so much power..
So if you don't hit it clean and proper.. consider it a launched ball with no chance of going in...
You know theres a light version too right? Plays great
 
Question - just hit with a new Rafa origin I got that is 343sw strung, so much more manageable than the 370sw ones everyone has been reviewing. It was an awesome experience, and I’m wondering if anyone here thinks an origin in that sw range could be a racquet for a 51 yr old former college player like myself? (About 6.7 utr)? Tons of spin, great power, and super stable on volleys, rpm rough 17g @52 lbs. currently using the shift 315 ~330sw, so not that much heavier
 
Question - just hit with a new Rafa origin I got that is 343sw strung, so much more manageable than the 370sw ones everyone has been reviewing. It was an awesome experience, and I’m wondering if anyone here thinks an origin in that sw range could be a racquet for a 51 yr old former college player like myself? (About 6.7 utr)? Tons of spin, great power, and super stable on volleys, rpm rough 17g @52 lbs. currently using the shift 315 ~330sw, so not that much heavier
I mean, if you play better with it, and you can manage the weight (without causing injury or fatigue), then I wouldn't see any reason not too. 343 sw isn't that unreasonable to play with if you feel fine with it imo. But I think it really comes down to how you play and feel with the PARO compared to your Shift
 
I mean, if you play better with it, and you can manage the weight (without causing injury or fatigue), then I wouldn't see any reason not too. 343 sw isn't that unreasonable to play with if you feel fine with it imo. But I think it really comes down to how you play and feel with the PARO compared to your Shift
Yeah I'm really surprised since I bought it mostly for fun and as a collectors item, but playing with it and of course since I got a lower spec one, it felt super playable and I felt like I was playing better with it than with my Shift 315. I'll have to play a singles match for fun against one of my buddies to see how much fatigue I feel with it over the course of 2-3 full sets of singles.
 
I've gotten hands on with the PA Rafa Origin, and compared with my Aeropro Drive, as well as compared with a set of replacement grommets.
Few things I found out. The mold of both rackets is pretty close to each other.
But here come the differences. Since I had an extra set of Aeropro Drive grommets, I popped out the RO grommets and tried to see where it can fit. The drill spacing throughout the entire racket is different between the two. I tried to swap the APDO throat grommets onto the Rafa Origin, and it was slight off, so couldn't fully push the grommet in. The side grommets spacing were also a little different, so could not be swapped. The spacing at the head guard of the racket was also different. if you take the RO head grommet insert, and try to fit it with the APD headguard, it can fit if the head guard holes are enlarged.

In conclusion, it looks like there is some differences between the Original Aeropro Drive, and this Rafa Origin. But it still looks like a fun racket to try out.

Specs with plastic and rubber band, 320g 32.9 SW331.
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Hi
I wonder if the grommets for 23PA 100 will fit the Rafa Origin version?If not ,any grommets could fit?
Thanks!
 
Played with a former challenger player who is a very successful jr coach. We are both over 40. I was concerned I’d be late but we were stomping on it. I really like this racquet. I used Wilson revolve twist at 55lbs played 3 hours one day of doubles. Then swung out after. didnt see any arm pain etc. this was after 4 weeks of maybe hitting 3 times.
 
The high swing is manageable at times..hits such a bliss ball with pure mass and great control when hit clean..
My only issue is it such a beast it (me) launches the ball with so much power..
So if you don't hit it clean and proper.. consider it a launched ball with no chance of going in...
I spent two days missing the center and most went in. I’m using the 370sw I hit with tons of spin according to the folks across the net so maybe that’s why. My excuses for sucking was not hitting for 4-5 weeks
 
Had a RAFA Origin demo with gray 15gauge spiral shaped poly (no markings found) and really liked it. Huge spin and plow but more controlled than I was expecting. A total beast.

So now I finally got my own and strung it with my go-to RS Lyon at 55lbs- (1.30, proportional) and controll is just not there, ball bounce is just too much, which is felt on strokes and touch shots.

A bit disappointed, I really hope it's a just a difference in strings and not a difference in frame stiffness.
 
Had a RAFA Origin demo with gray 15gauge spiral shaped poly (no markings found) and really liked it. Huge spin and plow but more controlled than I was expecting. A total beast.

So now I finally got my own and strung it with my go-to RS Lyon at 55lbs- (1.30, proportional) and controll is just not there, ball bounce is just too much, which is felt on strokes and touch shots.

A bit disappointed, I really hope it's a just a difference in strings and not a difference in frame stiffness.
I demoed it as well and it was strung with RPM Blast Rough, which I expected to destroy my arm, but it felt so good. I was shocked. Maybe worth a shot...
 
It's not a hard-racquet-to-use
However, it's so powerful that you really have to spin and play behind the baseline
At net it's the most stable racquet i know
 
Had a RAFA Origin demo with gray 15gauge spiral shaped poly (no markings found) and really liked it. Huge spin and plow but more controlled than I was expecting. A total beast.

So now I finally got my own and strung it with my go-to RS Lyon at 55lbs- (1.30, proportional) and controll is just not there, ball bounce is just too much, which is felt on strokes and touch shots.

A bit disappointed, I really hope it's a just a difference in strings and not a difference in frame stiffness.

So I finally popped 1.30 RS Lyon (gawd damn it lasts long) and restrung with Diadem Solstice 15L (thick shaped poly).

Difference is night and day in control - now stringbed felt like my demo did, much less bouncy. This is the only way to fly with this racket as far as I'm concerned.

On the downside racket also swings like that demo, I can feel the extra weight of the strings. Ideally I'd like to shave off a gram...not a big deal though.

Here are some points:

 
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So I finally popped 1.30 RS Lyon (gawd damn it lasts long) and restrung with Diadem Solstice 15L (thick shaped poly).

Difference is night and day in control - now stringbed felt like my demo did, much less bouncy. This is the only way to fly with this racket as far as I'm concerned.

On the downside though racket also swings heavier like that demo, I can feel the extra weight of the strings...not a big deal though.

Here are some points:

Is this you? The take-back is identical!
 
Just picked up an Rafa Origin for a song and hit briefly today. Holy crap this thing hits a huge ball. Mine was already strung with synthetic gut which felt like it was around 56-58lbs. I could swing half as hard and get the same results as my Ezone 98+ or Speed Pro’s, etc. Biggest surprise was that it didn’t swing as heavy as I thoughit it would... I haven’t measured any specs yet. What I do know is that even with synthetic gut I could hit forehand shots that would jump 6ft up in the air off the court. The ball would ’oval’ or egg shape as I call it with regularity due to the crazy amount of spin.

All of which has me begging the question... Could I actually play matches with this thing? It has so much plow. It’s not terribly hard to get it going, but once it goes… it goes. It effortlessly moves through contact like a hot knife through butter. It wins the collision without a second though so the only thing that matters is that you have it on the right path as you won’t be changing it once in motion.

Surpirisingly comfy… my first impression on this is just ‘Wow, so that’s how Rafa does what he does’. Even then I‘m a poor substitute to Rafa, but with his racquets head speed and ability… this stick would be absolutely frightening to face. The weight of shot on every ball is visceral.
 
Surpirisingly comfy… my first impression on this is just ‘Wow, so that’s how Rafa does what he does’. Even then I‘m a poor substitute to Rafa, but with his racquets head speed and ability… this stick would be absolutely frightening to face. The weight of shot on every ball is visceral.
Indeed, there is still a case for swinging the heaviest-swinging stick you can still operate well enough for long enough, at slightly slower speed (and more predictably), versus having to swing the lighter stick at max or near-max effort. It doesn't work for everyone, but for certain players, especially those with a predisposition for heftier weight, it can be quite a nice match.
 
Finally got to hit with one a few weeks ago. Coming from my usual 350-365g range, this 335g was no problem to manoeuvre. Groundstrokes were effortless and had nice control as well as obviously spin. Probably the only Bab I am happy playing without a dampener. Mine was strung with the poly/syngut yellow/pink hybrid. Easier to play than an RF97 for me. Quite nice really.
 
My 2nd under-spec Origin arrived, 314 unstrung swingweight, to pair with my first which is about the same. Gonna make a go of trying this as my main stick for a bit and see how it goes! Kind of excited...any string recommendations? Other than the obvious RPM Blast at 55lbs lol. Looking at softer, spinnier polys.
 
My 2nd under-spec Origin arrived, 314 unstrung swingweight, to pair with my first which is about the same. Gonna make a go of trying this as my main stick for a bit and see how it goes! Kind of excited...any string recommendations? Other than the obvious RPM Blast at 55lbs lol. Looking at softer, spinnier polys.
Mine is 326 unstrung.
I haven't had a chance to hit with mine yet, but TruPro BlackKnight, Diadem Solstice, or Mayami Hit Pro / Tour Hex should be on your short list.
 
My 2nd under-spec Origin arrived, 314 unstrung swingweight, to pair with my first which is about the same. Gonna make a go of trying this as my main stick for a bit and see how it goes! Kind of excited...any string recommendations? Other than the obvious RPM Blast at 55lbs lol. Looking at softer, spinnier polys.
RPM Power 17G
 
So I'm enjoying this frame very much. I've always been a high SW guy, but this is the highest I've played in a bit. It's just rock solid all around. Feel isn't terrible...felt pingy as first but I'm happy with it now. Great for serves and bashing from the baseline. Gonna try to trade for another L2 Origin.
Playing mine with Diadem Solstice Black 18g at 48 lbs
 
So I'm enjoying this frame very much. I've always been a high SW guy, but this is the highest I've played in a bit. It's just rock solid all around. Feel isn't terrible...felt pingy as first but I'm happy with it now. Great for serves and bashing from the baseline. Gonna try to trade for another L2 Origin.
Playing mine with Diadem Solstice Black 18g at 48 lbs
Do u have a dampener on ? With a Sampras one, it did not feel pingy at all
 
Greetings, posters. I hit with the Origin and practiced some serves with it: it's definitely one of the most solid feeling racquets I've ever played hit it. It reminded me a little bit in terms of "solidness" to the Wilson Profile--the one designed by Siegfried Kuebler in West Germany that the Williams sisters used for a period of time as kids. Obviously this is a much more modern frame though!

I only rallied with it, but I didn't have an issue with the swingweight. I use the Yonex VCore Pro 330 from 2019 and used to use the RD-7, which was 340+. Great power, great depth, great spin and the control seemed good too. I was comfortable hitting every shot with the exception that serving was difficult with it. I'd have to practice my serve with it to get the timing down. My only (and significant) concern about the racquet (outside of the price) is that it is very stiff. I'm confused about the RA rating of the original Aero Nadal used: TW has it at 67 and another website at 72, but but let me say that I'd be happy with 67! ! I loved the Yonex RDiS 100 mid at 68, but I don't want anything in the 70s.



Would I play with it? I would definitely like to try at some point; it made the Yonex VCore 95 I was also trying seemed underpowered and too light (though it's a very good racquet and I could 100 percent play with it). I'll wait for it go on sale or buy one secondhand, but I'd disagree with posters who say the swingweight should prevent people from playing with it. For advanced players, it's worth a shot. For the record, I'm a 4.5 player who is competitive with 5.0s in singles and doubles. Also, the cosmetics are "fun" though I won't call it a classical beauty. Again, I'd love to see a version two that's 67.
 
Greetings, posters. I hit with the Origin and practiced some serves with it: it's definitely one of the most solid feeling racquets I've ever played hit it. It reminded me a little bit in terms of "solidness" to the Wilson Profile--the one designed by Siegfried Kuebler in West Germany that the Williams sisters used for a period of time as kids. Obviously this is a much more modern frame though!

I only rallied with it, but I didn't have an issue with the swingweight. I use the Yonex VCore Pro 330 from 2019 and used to use the RD-7, which was 340+. Great power, great depth, great spin and the control seemed good too. I was comfortable hitting every shot with the exception that serving was difficult with it. I'd have to practice my serve with it to get the timing down. My only (and significant) concern about the racquet (outside of the price) is that it is very stiff. I'm confused about the RA rating of the original Aero Nadal used: TW has it at 67 and another website at 72, but but let me say that I'd be happy with 67! ! I loved the Yonex RDiS 100 mid at 68, but I don't want anything in the 70s.



Would I play with it? I would definitely like to try at some point; it made the Yonex VCore 95 I was also trying seemed underpowered and too light (though it's a very good racquet and I could 100 percent play with it). I'll wait for it go on sale or buy one secondhand, but I'd disagree with posters who say the swingweight should prevent people from playing with it. For advanced players, it's worth a shot. For the record, I'm a 4.5 player who is competitive with 5.0s in singles and doubles. Also, the cosmetics are "fun" though I won't call it a classical beauty. Again, I'd love to see a version two that's 67.
I don't find it stiff at all. I don't really care about the RA number as much as I do the feel. And this is my favorite feeling Babolat since the Pure Control line.
The regular Pure Aero (pre-2023) and Pure Aero Tour lines were much stiffer, with the latter being the only racket to ever give my elbow some soreness.

The Origin is a great frame. I eat string with it like no other though.
 
Greetings, posters. I hit with the Origin and practiced some serves with it: it's definitely one of the most solid feeling racquets I've ever played hit it. It reminded me a little bit in terms of "solidness" to the Wilson Profile--the one designed by Siegfried Kuebler in West Germany that the Williams sisters used for a period of time as kids. Obviously this is a much more modern frame though!

I only rallied with it, but I didn't have an issue with the swingweight. I use the Yonex VCore Pro 330 from 2019 and used to use the RD-7, which was 340+. Great power, great depth, great spin and the control seemed good too. I was comfortable hitting every shot with the exception that serving was difficult with it. I'd have to practice my serve with it to get the timing down. My only (and significant) concern about the racquet (outside of the price) is that it is very stiff. I'm confused about the RA rating of the original Aero Nadal used: TW has it at 67 and another website at 72, but but let me say that I'd be happy with 67! ! I loved the Yonex RDiS 100 mid at 68, but I don't want anything in the 70s.



Would I play with it? I would definitely like to try at some point; it made the Yonex VCore 95 I was also trying seemed underpowered and too light (though it's a very good racquet and I could 100 percent play with it). I'll wait for it go on sale or buy one secondhand, but I'd disagree with posters who say the swingweight should prevent people from playing with it. For advanced players, it's worth a shot. For the record, I'm a 4.5 player who is competitive with 5.0s in singles and doubles. Also, the cosmetics are "fun" though I won't call it a classical beauty. Again, I'd love to see a version two that's 67.

Pro Stock website measures RA unstrung, TW measures strung. Stringing can bring down RA 3-5 points
 
Pro Stock website measures RA unstrung, TW measures strung. Stringing can bring down RA 3-5 points

Thanks for this information. Why did Babolat make the Nadal racquet: 73 +/- 3: https://www.babolat.com/us/pure-aero-rafa-origin-unstrung/101509.html

It's interesting to me that on the website that it reads:

"Specially designed with a stiffer frame and a more head-heavy balance, this racquet will help you set the pace on the court with powerful shots."

It's also interesting that Babolat's description never claims these are Nadal's specs; it only claims he helped design it/offer input to produce a tour spec racquet.

I still think they should have made it less stiff. I hit with it again today...so solid and fun to hit with, but a little too stiff.
 
Anyone here have any experience customizing the regular Aero Pro? The 2019 is 67 flex. Anyone think about adding weight to that one?
 
Thanks for this information. Why did Babolat make the Nadal racquet: 73 +/- 3: https://www.babolat.com/us/pure-aero-rafa-origin-unstrung/101509.html

It's interesting to me that on the website that it reads:

"Specially designed with a stiffer frame and a more head-heavy balance, this racquet will help you set the pace on the court with powerful shots."

It's also interesting that Babolat's description never claims these are Nadal's specs; it only claims he helped design it/offer input to produce a tour spec racquet.

I still think they should have made it less stiff. I hit with it again today...so solid and fun to hit with, but a little too stiff.
They do say it in the introductory write-up:

"Nadal’s eagerly awaited return to the tournament tennis has been accompanied by a new version of his Pure Aero Rafa racquet, which has evolved since he first signed up with Babolat as a 10-year-old. His new racquet, the Pure Aero Rafa Origin is the closest possible to the specifications Nadal himself is using, in terms of weight, balance, technologies, stiffness, lay-up and cosmetic design. This new “full of energy” design in yellow, pink, dark blue and light blue, have been chosen by Nadal himself, which embody his game and personality."

https://www.babolat.com/us/news-art...rafa-origin/tennis-pure-aero-rafa-origin.html
 
They do say it in the introductory write-up:

"Nadal’s eagerly awaited return to the tournament tennis has been accompanied by a new version of his Pure Aero Rafa racquet, which has evolved since he first signed up with Babolat as a 10-year-old. His new racquet, the Pure Aero Rafa Origin is the closest possible to the specifications Nadal himself is using, in terms of weight, balance, technologies, stiffness, lay-up and cosmetic design. This new “full of energy” design in yellow, pink, dark blue and light blue, have been chosen by Nadal himself, which embody his game and personality."

https://www.babolat.com/us/news-art...rafa-origin/tennis-pure-aero-rafa-origin.html

You're right. Interesting. So, if that's true, Nadal is using a racquet that is quite stiff. I also read that his are strung many times to soften them up a bit though (I'm not sure if this is true). That's a little confusing to me because why not just make it a little less stiff to begin with?
 
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