Pure Aero Rafa Origin 2023
- Thread starter RoarTT
- Start date
The Pure Aero 23 is 65 though and the Origin is 70. That's a pretty big difference. I guess the mass and swingweight blunts the stiffness of the Origin to an extent, but there's no way anyone can convince me this is not a stiff racquet! A lot of it is what you're used to though: If you're comparing it to Yonex VCore Pro (like I am), it's much stiffer. If you're comparing it to a Pure Drive, not so much.
RA isn't the only thing that affect perceived stiffness.
I normally play with a PC2.0 with a RA of 61. I've also hit with the Percept 97H.
The Pure Aero Tour was a very stiff frame. The Origin feels similar to the Pure Aero 23 in my opinion. I do imagine the higher SW helps with perceived flex.
It is a stiff frame, just not as stiff as the other two IMO. Likewise, its certainly not a buttery frame like the PC2.0. Then again, not many frames are.
Received my copy of the PARO today. Its static weight fluctuates on my kitchen scale between 313 - 314 gms unstrung. When weighed along with tourna grip XL it comes up to 320 gms unstrung. I believe it is a bit under-spec'd? Here you can see it pictured together with my original APD with the Rafa specs which weighs 342 gms (overgrip + dampner). I have strung it with Yonex Poly Tour Pro (1.20 gauge).
I can't wait to string it and take it to the court tomorrow!
In the image below you can see that the woofer grommets on the original APD are slighly more pronounced than the ones on the PARO. I tried my best to capture them together. I hope you can get some perspective from this angle.
JEDI MASTER
Professional
i have both as well.. and they both play differently. i weighted the original APD to Rafa's spec..
and it plays so much better than the Origin.
i can play 3 sets with the APD.. and only good for 1 set with the Origin...
selling the Origin and the APD is a keeper...
and it plays so much better than the Origin.
i can play 3 sets with the APD.. and only good for 1 set with the Origin...
selling the Origin and the APD is a keeper...
codonnell
Semi-Pro
I still wish babolat would just rerelease the original. They still messed around with the grommets and stuff a little bit on the origin I believe. And they have only the very heavy version in the mold.
gino
Legend
love posts like this, keep us in the loop and get a babolat damp! LOL
Received my copy of the PARO today. Its static weight fluctuates on my kitchen scale between 313 - 314 gms unstrung. When weighed along with tourna grip XL it comes up to 320 gms unstrung. I believe it is a bit under-spec'd? Here you can see it pictured together with my original APD with the Rafa specs which weighs 342 gms (overgrip + dampner). I have strung it with Yonex Poly Tour Pro (1.20 gauge).
I can't wait to string it and take it to the court tomorrow!
In the image below you can see that the woofer grommets on the original APD are slighly more pronounced than the ones on the PARO. I tried my best to capture them together. I hope you can get some perspective from this angle.
Received my copy of the PARO today. Its static weight fluctuates on my kitchen scale between 313 - 314 gms unstrung. When weighed along with tourna grip XL it comes up to 320 gms unstrung. I believe it is a bit under-spec'd? Here you can see it pictured together with my original APD with the Rafa specs which weighs 342 gms (overgrip + dampner). I have strung it with Yonex Poly Tour Pro (1.20 gauge).
I can't wait to string it and take it to the court tomorrow!
In the image below you can see that the woofer grommets on the original APD are slighly more pronounced than the ones on the PARO. I tried my best to capture them together. I hope you can get some perspective from this angle.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Initial Preparation
1) I strung the racquet with a full bed of Yonex PTP (1.20) @ 55 lbs. This is also my regular string tension. With the Tourna Grip XL & Babolat dampner it weighed 337 gms on my kitchen scale.
2) Since I do not have access to an RDC machine, I used my intuition & feel to make some changes to the racquet setup. While air swinging it, I found it a tad heavier in the head than my APD (Rafa specs : 12 gms lead at 12 o clock and 5 gms in the butt). Remember I mentioned earlier that the APD is 342 strung. So, I shoved 5 gms of blu-tak in PARO's butt and matched static weight to 342 as well. No logical reason at all (pertaining to swing weight & balance), I just thought maybe the 5 gms deficit is because of the missing mass in the handle and luckily it swung closer to the APD based on just the feel.
3) I'm not a pink person. But I loved this color on the racquet.
Note: All the comparison that you will read ahead will be with my APD original (Rafa setup). Now, mind you this frame is 18 yrs old. It must have definitely softened over the period of time. I was gifted this racquet back in 2006. As a 15 year old kid I was over the moon for a month. Coincidentally, it was during the time Roland Garros was live on tv and we all had Rafa as the idol and Roger as the villain back then.
1) My reaction after hitting for over 1 hr today was WOW. I hit some of the most solid groundstrokes that I have ever hit on the tennis court. I felt very connected to each and every shot thanks to the absence of any dampening which the manufacturers are poisoning the racquets with nowadays.
2) Feel of the ball on the stringbed was firm. The shots went EXACTLY where they were intended to be sent. The spin was, for the lack of another word : vicious. I couldn't fathom whether this was because PARO is actually stiffer than the APD or its just that my APD is now 18 yrs softer. The only racquet that has ever come close to this level was the Babolat Pure Drive Tour + (2015), another 74 RA racquet which lets me hit similar groundstrokes. Although its much more dampened, so you don't feel as connected to the ball as you do with PARO.
3) I played two sets and didn't serve a single double fault in either one of them. I usually average 3-4 each set. I also realised today that I have a decent kick serve in my repository too! Absolutely loved serving with this racquet. My first serve % was around 80%.
4) I played a shot that I have never dared to do so earlier. I hit an inside out forehand return winner on a slice serve into my body by a lefty on the AD side of the court! In short, I felt very confident in my shots today. I just had to made sure to setup properly and swing the racquet on time. The ball went exactly where I wanted to place it with a very rewarding spin & speed!
5) In my limited experience I have found that my backhands generally handle heavier racquets better. However, today I felt they were slightly sluggish. I dunno maybe it was the body or something, but I felt I had to make slightly more adjustments while hitting backhands. I was eating balls on the volleys.
Now, these were just some first impressions.
I'm aware that they may not be the last. Things will definitely change when you are playing against better opponents, or on the days when your legs aren't moving, or when you're having some discomfort in the back, or when you're having an upset stomach, or when the wind is blowing in the wrong direction during match play etc etc. But frankly I have never felt as dialed in with any racquet (I have also tried 6-7 different racquets in last 2 yrs) on DAY 1. I will spend some more time with it on the court and come back again to share my experiences.
@gino: Here you go mate
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gino
Legend
awesome update, love hearing about the thoughts relative to the APD OG, as I have one too and have been mulling if the origin is worth itFIRST IMPRESSIONS
Initial Preparation
1) I strung the racquet with a full bed of Yonex PTP (1.20) @ 55 lbs. This is also my regular string tension. With the Tourna Grip XL & Babolat dampner it weighed 337 gms on my kitchen scale.
2) Since I do not have access to an RDC machine, I used my intuition & feel to make some changes to the racquet setup. While air swinging it, I found it a tad heavier in the head than my APD (Rafa specs : 12 gms lead at 12 o clock and 5 gms in the butt). Remember I mentioned earlier that the APD is 342 strung. So, I shoved 5 gms of blu-tak in PARO's butt and matched static weight to 342 as well. No logical reason at all (pertaining to swing weight & balance), I just thought maybe the 5 gms deficit is because of the missing mass in the handle and luckily it swung closer to the APD based on just the feel.
3) I'm not a pink person. But I loved this color on the racquet.
Note: All the comparison that you will read ahead will be with my APD original (Rafa setup). Now, mind you this frame is 18 yrs old. It must have definitely softened over the period of time. I was gifted this racquet back in 2006. As a 15 year old kid I was over the moon for a month. Coincidentally, it was during the time Roland Garros was live on tv and we all had Rafa as the idol and Roger as the villain back then.
1) My reaction after hitting for over 1 hr today was WOW. I hit some of the most solid groundstrokes that I have ever hit on the tennis court. I felt very connected to each and every shot thanks to the absence of any dampening which the manufacturers are poisoning the racquets with nowadays.
2) Feel of the ball on the stringbed was firm. The shots went EXACTLY where they were intended to be sent. The spin was, for the lack of another word : vicious. I couldn't fathom whether this was because PARO is actually stiffer than the APD or its just that my APD is now 18 yrs softer. The only racquet that has ever come close to this level was the Babolat Pure Drive Tour + (2015), another 74 RA racquet which lets me hit similar groundstrokes. Although its much more dampened, so you don't feel as connected to the ball as you do with PARO.
3) I played two sets and didn't serve a single double fault in either one of them. I usually average 3-4 each set. I also realised today that I have a decent kick serve in my repository too! Absolutely loved serving with this racquet. My first serve % was around 80%.
4) I played a shot that I have never dared to do so earlier. I hit an inside out forehand return winner on a slice serve into my body by a lefty on the AD side of the court! In short, I felt very confident in my shots today. I just had to made sure to setup properly and swing the racquet on time. The ball went exactly where I wanted to place it with a very rewarding spin & speed!
5) In my limited experience I have found that my backhands generally handle heavier racquets better. However, today I felt they were slightly sluggish. I dunno maybe it was the body or something, but I felt I had to make slightly more adjustments while hitting backhands. I was eating balls on the volleys.
Now, these were just some first impressions.
I'm aware that they may not be the last. Things will definitely change when you are playing against better opponents, or on the days when your legs aren't moving, or when you're having some discomfort in the back, or when you're having an upset stomach, or when the wind is blowing in the wrong direction during match play etc etc. But frankly I have never felt as dialed in with any racquet (I have also tried 6-7 different racquets in last 2 yrs) on DAY 1. I will spend some more time with it on the court and come back again to share my experiences.
@gino: Here you go mate
sounds like a pretty different hitting experience & nice damps!!!!!
Guys, I have spent the last 4 days swinging this racquet on the court. Today, I also got an opportunity to hit with a superior player for over 2 hours. So, I thought now is an ideal time to share a few more observations with you all.
1. I'm still waiting for my arms to fall off my body. Seriously, this "quote" was the only reason I delayed purchasing this racquet. I thought, if so many people are commenting about this racquet in such a manner on Reddit or TTW, there must be atleast some grain of truth in it! But with over 8 hrs on the court so far, and that too with with fresh (& firmer) strings, I haven't noticed any discomfort, either in my arm or in my wrist yet. I would add that both my wrist & arms are probably thanking me, for now they have to put in lesser effort on the court to produce much more powerful shots!
2. I did stand 1 feet further away than usual on the baseline against the superior player to get a better measure of his deeper balls. Luckily, the heft of this racquet compensated the extra distance by producing far more penetrating balls. My opponent praised the amount of bite my forehands & backhands were producing. He was unable to return many balls back with equal zip & power on many occassions throughout the hitting session.
3. The directional control on groundstrokes is amazing. I believe the higher swingweight along with high stiffness might be the reason for this. I'm not sure. The chip service returns (a la Wawrinka) on this racquet produces much more depth than all the racquets that I have swung till now.
4. It's been 4 days and I haven't hit a double fault yet! Seriously guys this has never happened before. First serve % remains over 80% even now.
5. This racquet is a defensive delight! I can push the ball back in with so much more power even when on the backfoot that its almost orgasmic. If my racquet is anywhere similar to what Nadal weilds, I can now fully understand how he does what he does on the court with his physical prowess and skill!
6. For some mysterious reason, I'm unable to play well with the Wilson Pro Overgrip. I hit more balls on the net with it. I'm able to manipulate this racquet much better with the tourna grip. Is this the reason Nadal also uses a less tackier VS Overgrip? Who knows.
7. I'm yet to test this racquet on faster courts (hard). I play on a clay court which does give me the luxury of time (to adjust) & height on the ball.
APD vs PARO -
1) PARO has far superior directional control than the APD. Personally, I attribute it to the higher stiffness and higher swingweight of PARO.
2) PARO feels similar to APD. APD has more vibrations. Personally, I think thats because of the older grommets in my APD (a few are smashed as well).
3) PARO has almost similar launch angle to APD. Slices on both forehand and backhand move almost parallel to the top of the net. When I slice using APD there is a slight "lift" in the ball. I think this may not be a fair comparison because I do not have the exact numbers (balance & swing weight).
EDIT: Grammar
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mpournaras
Hall of Fame
Do we think the aero Origin grommets would fit the Aero Pro cortex/GT frames?
bobeeto
Hall of Fame
Dae18
Hall of Fame
No, one user on here tried it, I tried it as well going the reverse way. The origin has a slightly different drill pattern at certain spots compared to the APD even though both are have the same skips 16x19 pattern
mpournaras
Hall of Fame
Bummer! Thanks for the info. Need a set for some cortex APDs
Dae18
Hall of Fame
Sure thing and good luck!
lidoazndiabloboi
Hall of Fame
When I first got my Origin, I removed the grommet, and tried to put the APD grommet on. Indeed it did not fit. I ended up cutting the APD throat grommet into 3 separate pieces, and put it on the Origin. If I recall correctly, the APD grommet spacing is not long enough to fit the Origin. It would have to be cut in multiple places to get it to fit, and will have gaps. So if that is the case, if you were to try to put the Origin grommet on a APD, theres a possibilty it can fit, if you were to cut and remove small bits of the grommets. But I'm not saying it can 100% fit, just saying there could be a chance. If you are going to try, let us know the results!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Guys, I have spent the last 4 days swinging this racquet on the court. Today, I also got an opportunity to hit with a superior player for over 2 hours. So, I thought now is an ideal time to share a few more observations with you all.
1. I'm still waiting for my arms to fall off my body. Seriously, this "quote" was the only reason I delayed purchasing this racquet. I thought, if so many people are commenting about this racquet in such a manner on Reddit or TTW, there must be atleast some grain of truth in it! But with over 8 hrs on the court so far, and that too with with fresh (& firmer) strings, I haven't noticed any discomfort, either in my arm or in my wrist yet. I would add that both my wrist & arms are probably thanking me, for now they have to put in lesser effort on the court to produce much more powerful shots!
2. I did stand 1 feet further away than usual on the baseline against the superior player to get a better measure of his deeper balls. Luckily, the heft of this racquet compensated the extra distance by producing far more penetrating balls. My opponent praised the amount of bite my forehands & backhands were producing. He was unable to return many balls back with equal zip & power on many occassions throughout the hitting session.
3. The directional control on groundstrokes is amazing. I believe the higher swingweight along with high stiffness might be the reason for this. I'm not sure. The chip service returns (a la Wawrinka) on this racquet produces much more depth than all the racquets that I have swung till now.
4. It's been 4 days and I haven't hit a double fault yet! Seriously guys this has never happened before. First serve % remains over 80% even now.
5. This racquet is a defensive delight! I can push the ball back in with so much more power even when on the backfoot that its almost orgasmic. If my racquet is anywhere similar to what Nadal weilds, I can now fully understand how he does what he does on the court with his physical prowess and skill!
6. For some mysterious reason, I'm unable to play well with the Wilson Pro Overgrip. I hit more balls on the net with it. I'm able to manipulate this racquet much better with the tourna grip. Is this the reason Nadal also uses a less tackier VS Overgrip? Who knows.
7. I'm yet to test this racquet on faster courts (hard). I play on a clay court which does give me the luxury of time (to adjust) & height on the ball.
APD vs PARO -
1) PARO has far superior directional control than the APD. Personally, I attribute it to the higher stiffness and higher swingweight of PARO.
2) PARO feels similar to APD. APD has more vibrations. Personally, I think thats because of the older grommets in my APD (a few are smashed as well).
3) PARO has almost similar launch angle to APD. Slices on both forehand and backhand move almost parallel to the top of the net. When I slice using APD there is a slight "lift" in the ball. I think this may not be a fair comparison because I do not have the exact numbers (balance & swing weight).
EDIT: Grammar
Great review. Kind of finding the exact same thing - well, besides not DFing at all,haha. I had not played in 3 months and jumped straight back into long tiring rallies with a coach and I was surprised at my shot tolerance with this frame. The placement and control is really good too.
The SW on mine is around 360 but it doesn't really feel like that to me.
It's just strange that while the frame is heavy, it is not as heavy as I expected. I typically weight my APDs to 315, so that doesn't bother me, but I didn't expect the SW to be so manageable.
Pretty awesome frame. Great release by Babolat.
Konik_1982
Rookie
Coming a bit late to the party but also agree that this a very fun racquet to use/have. I got my hands on one barely used from a guy who wanted to get rid of it for the "it´s too much of a racquet for me" reason. As I like to try different frames I got it immediately. Strung with Alu Power Lime at 25kg and played 2 hours by the seller, I took it for a date the other day
As many other users above...I just can say it´s a great racquet to use! I consider myself as a 3,5-4,0 player (so not directly the target group for this one) but quite fit (184cm, 88 kgs) working out at the gym 2-3 times a week and I can say without this background it wouldn´t be that easy to swing this thing for the whole 2 hour match. But I had so much fun, paying attention to hit in front and the racquet did the rest.
What I liked the most was the stability, plow and the feel without any fancy tech that almost all brands are putting into their frames. Not saying that this will be my new tournament racquet, I need to be sure I can play it for more matches during one day but it´s definitely staying in my bag just for the "fun" factor.
Too bad that many people are discouraging other ones from trying this thing, I´m sure that even rec players would enjoy an occasional hit with the Rafa Origin
Also kudos to Babolat to have the balls to release it!!
As many other users above...I just can say it´s a great racquet to use! I consider myself as a 3,5-4,0 player (so not directly the target group for this one) but quite fit (184cm, 88 kgs) working out at the gym 2-3 times a week and I can say without this background it wouldn´t be that easy to swing this thing for the whole 2 hour match. But I had so much fun, paying attention to hit in front and the racquet did the rest.
What I liked the most was the stability, plow and the feel without any fancy tech that almost all brands are putting into their frames. Not saying that this will be my new tournament racquet, I need to be sure I can play it for more matches during one day but it´s definitely staying in my bag just for the "fun" factor.
Too bad that many people are discouraging other ones from trying this thing, I´m sure that even rec players would enjoy an occasional hit with the Rafa Origin
Also kudos to Babolat to have the balls to release it!!
StringStrungStrang
Professional
I agree with @Konik_1982 !! The Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Origin IS a great racquet !! Many people (not just advanced players) could enjoy playing with it . For me the only limiting factor is whether or not someone can swing it easily enough, for long enough. If you can - give it a try !! It is a racquet that really helps players especially those that usually stay near the baseline. I've played and enjoyed such a wide range of racquets, so I think it's a shame to limit yourself - play it and figure out if you like it or not !!What I liked the most was the stability, plow and the feel without any fancy tech that almost all brands are putting into their frames. Not saying that this will be my new tournament racquet, I need to be sure I can play it for more matches during one day but it´s definitely staying in my bag just for the "fun" factor.
Too bad that many people are discouraging other ones from trying this thing, I´m sure that even rec players would enjoy an occasional hit with the Rafa Origin
Also kudos to Babolat to have the balls to release it!!
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Agree completely. First off, it's an old school frame meaning that there is no dampening tech in it. Having an APD with no muting tech is incredible on it's own. But then you add in the fact that the high SW can provide a major advantage, and it becomes quite viable. High SW is not for everyone, but it really makes a dramatic difference in the amount of power output, especially when combined with a stiff 100.
If you are a player that is committed to the discipline of using the kinetic chain on all shots (including serve), than this racquet is really worth a go. I continue to be surprised at how easy it is to use. I do think Babolat lowered the SW a bit from the 370+ that TW reviewers were using. My 2 are 352 SW and 360. I prefer the 360 as of now.
I have a good collection of APDs and PDs so if the SW ever gets to be too much, I can easily drop down and still be using the same mold. I also have the Rafa version, which I also think is pretty great. I just prefer the tighter pattern and extra heft of the Origin - which continues to surprise me when I say that.
Konik_1982
Rookie
Cannot agree more with you guys @StringStrungStrang and @Power Player
One of the reasons I made my comment here was also a reply I read on one of the Facebook groups with used tennis racquets where someone was selling it.
Someone commented that this racquet is absolutely unplayable and can make a devastating impact on the arm of a player and is good only for hanging on a wall...
So not true as we know very well...it is similar to RF97 with its 340g. Is it a tough racquet to use? Yes. Should you make it your go to racquet for tournaments? I wouldn´t really recommend that.
BUT - is it a racquet worth trying just for its exceptional feel and characteristics? ABSOLUTELY As I saw somewhere mentioned - the RF97 is a racquet that no amateur should use as a long term frame...but every amateur should play with it at least one time. Very similar to the Aero Origin.
@StringStrungStrang and @Power PlayerOne of the reasons I made my comment here was also a reply I read on one of the Facebook groups with used tennis racquets where someone was selling it.
Someone commented that this racquet is absolutely unplayable and can make a devastating impact on the arm of a player and is good only for hanging on a wall...
So not true as we know very well...it is similar to RF97 with its 340g. Is it a tough racquet to use? Yes. Should you make it your go to racquet for tournaments? I wouldn´t really recommend that.
BUT - is it a racquet worth trying just for its exceptional feel and characteristics? ABSOLUTELY
As I saw somewhere mentioned - the RF97 is a racquet that no amateur should use as a long term frame...but every amateur should play with it at least one time. Very similar to the Aero Origin.
tim-ay
Legend
The idea that the Origin is hard to play with for longer matches is really not valid. This is a power frame that swings easy. If anything the frame is much easier to use than old school control frames that require swinging out, especially on defense or you’re coughing up short balls. That is a huge benefit of the Origin and its strength is easy power and depth.
The two challenges are 1. early prep and 2. relaxing / looseness on serve. If you can do those things and have decent technique, the frame rewards.
The cooler weather and a minor glute injury kept me away from the courts for a month. Hey… mid 50’s is brutal on us Floridians. Coming back on the courts in the last week and I just plugged right back in. I did have to remember to focus on looseness on serve. I tend to want to lay into too much, probably using too much shoulder. the Origin stops me right away from that bad habit.
The two challenges are 1. early prep and 2. relaxing / looseness on serve. If you can do those things and have decent technique, the frame rewards.
The cooler weather and a minor glute injury kept me away from the courts for a month. Hey… mid 50’s is brutal on us Floridians. Coming back on the courts in the last week and I just plugged right back in. I did have to remember to focus on looseness on serve. I tend to want to lay into too much, probably using too much shoulder. the Origin stops me right away from that bad habit.
Konik_1982
Rookie
So, after some time playing exclusively with the Origin I just must say that I got another one and I´m switching to it also in regards to tournament play. Never saw this coming but this racquet delivered everything I wanted (even if I didn´t know what I really wanted...).
The plow, stability, ability to absorb heavy fast balls and redirect the pace....just amazing. And on the top - I would definitely NOT call this frame an arm wrecker or similar, on the contrary. Many lighter racquets are causing arm discomfort much frequently than the heavier ones.
Got another one from a guy for 65€,-
in a 9,5/10 condition...I guess it was too heavy for him, so I got lucky.
The plow, stability, ability to absorb heavy fast balls and redirect the pace....just amazing. And on the top - I would definitely NOT call this frame an arm wrecker or similar, on the contrary. Many lighter racquets are causing arm discomfort much frequently than the heavier ones.
Got another one from a guy for 65€,-
in a 9,5/10 condition...I guess it was too heavy for him, so I got lucky.Phyneas123
New User
I just noticed that on the Babolat US and Spain stores, the swingweight for the PARO is listed at 335 instead of 371. Have they released a new version of the racket/changed it in some way from the original release?
Unstrung v strung i think
Phyneas123
New User
Gotcha, thanks!
KC!
Hall of Fame
Mine was 335 unstrung. Most of the people I know who have them in US are in the 355-365 strung swing weight range.
Blade_X
Professional
I tested Rafa 290. It’s a mix of older pure aero and current latest model. Not so harsh and not so plush. Great power and spin…… but i can’t manage the 33 unstrung balance of it. It definitely needs tons of weight around the grip. Too demanding on low balls and slow on volleys. One of my best serving experiences nevertheless.
Slap a leather grip on it. That was the only mod I did to mine
duffybarracuda
New User
^^Realy interesting points !! I was unsure with my swingmonster (Aero 2019 plus, 18g at 3/9), but you are 100% correct - it is easy playing with good pace simply being relaxed...well got to be prepared early, but thats somehow normal. Have to say that i´m swinging little bit more oldschool, using HH swingweight for natural swingspeed. Think i stick with it, thank you.
Love my Aero, cannot live without this nice trajectory...rarely hit net
... but sometimes wish a bit more precision , so probably switching to the 2023.
Blade_X
Professional
Did it become faster and easier ?
Do you currently using it ?
I was using it, but in the few weeks I've been demoing the GT98 (sold them), TF305S (still have), Ezone 98 (still have), and the Origin (2nd time around with it). I've effectively switched to the Origin, as I sold 2 of the 3 Rafas I had.
I thought the Rafa was too light without the leather
Phyneas123
New User
For anyone who has tried both, how does the Pure Aero Rafa Origin play vs the Pure Drive? Both seem to be stiffer, powerful rackets, but are there a lot of differences between them?
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Origin is more head heavy and has way, way, way more plow. The Pure Drives are stiffer so you can play them at a lower SW and still get immense pop. It's not the same weight of shot as the Origin, but not much really is.
Origin is a heavier and more solid frame.
Konik_1982
Rookie
Pure Drive is like a fast car, Origin is like a badass tank in terms of plow and penetration.
in terms of plow and penetration.
Konik_1982
Rookie
The Origin has also much more feel as a racquet. The stiffness is not an issue at all (due to the weight distribution I guess?).
I wouldn´t really put these two next to each other into a comparison. Each racquet is for a different user.
