Pure Aero Replacement

RafaBabolat

RafaBabolat

Semi-Pro
Took a tumble a week ago, racquet went flying and cracked at the neck. I think I am in need of a new racquet. 4.5 player, on hs team. Right-handed, 2hbh. Big serve, consistent groundstrokes, all around average player. With my Pure Aero, something that I am really missing is plow through. Groundstroke balls don't penetrate the court, and when I play with my hs team members, I can't really keep up with pace. Then, I started to hit with my Touch Speed Pro, after my PA got busted. The Speed is for a backup, received as a gift. With the Speed, there was a big change in my game, and everything is much more powerful. I started to outpace even my 5.0 teammates. However, the dense string 18x20 pattern gets to me, and sometimes I feel that I lack spin on shots. Groundstrokes with the Speed are very flat, and sometimes go long. The Speed is a very nice racquet, but I am just looking for more. On my demo list, I have,

Pure Strike 16x19, 18x20
Pure Strike VS Tour
Pure Aero VS Tour
Pro Staff 97

Additions to this list, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have never played with Yonex, but am interested in it. Thanks!
 
very good list to start...sorry about the spill and the crack..
Really only your hands will decide....
let the demos begin!
images

have fun and report back...
 
Seems like Yonex DR 98 might suits u, More comfort more drive D:
but there might be new yonex Ezone and bbt PD and head Radical coming out mehhh
 
I would definitely recommend you add Yonex DR 98 to your demo list, sounds like a good fit for you. Good luck!
 
I think you'll find the PS 16X19 to feel anemic, compared to the Pure Aero. I had a nice hit with the PS 97 recently.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
RafaBabolat said:
Will try the DR 98. How about the VS line babolats? Do you think they are comparable?
Click to expand...
I played with the Aero Storm back in the day. It's has the nice blend of control and spin and not much power. The DR98 gives you easier power giving its thicker frame built but also has the control and slightly better spin potential. Think of a blade and aeropro drive into one whole frame. It's basically what the DR98 is. The P17 16x19 is a nice one to try out as well. Similar to DR98 providing that control, easy power and spin. It's slightly thinner in construction if you are into that.
 
Last edited:
How about a Pure Drive with some added weight, or if you don't feel like messing with weight, a Pure Drive Tour. It has nice plow through.

Did you think the PA lacked plow because it has a loopier ball, or not enough mass? If you liked it otherwise but need some more beef, try a PA Tour. That will help with plow. Or if you want a less loopy ball, go with a PDT I mentioned above.
 
JonnyAbs said:
How about a Pure Drive with some added weight, or if you don't feel like messing with weight, a Pure Drive Tour. It has nice plow through.

Did you think the PA lacked plow because it has a loopier ball, or not enough mass? If you liked it otherwise but need some more beef, try a PA Tour. That will help with plow. Or if you want a less loopy ball, go with a PDT I mentioned above.
Click to expand...
I used a weighted PA, 345 g strung. Still didn't get results like the Speed tho. Actually never played with a Pure drive, might try.
 
The Volkl Super G 10 325g or V-Sense 10 325g would give you a frame with specs that are similar to your Head, but with a more open string pattern.

I played the Volkl C10 for a few years and loved it for the power and comfort, but always wanted a little more access to spin. When I inherited a pair of Volkl's O10 325g's (predecessor to the frames I listed above - very similar), I did a little tuning with lead tape to get the "fit" I prefer and these gave me the control and spin I had always wanted with my C10's.
 
RafaBabolat said:
I used a weighted PA, 345 g strung. Still didn't get results like the Speed tho. Actually never played with a Pure drive, might try.
Click to expand...

Pure Drive/Pure Drive Tour will be a great option for you. Nice plow and control. To me, the Pure Drive & Tour both provided similar spin potential as the Pure Aero but with more control and penetrating shots. Though my favorite rackets are heavy 18x20 string patterned rackets, I get better results using the Pure Drive. You should at least demo.
 
RafaBabolat said:
Took a tumble a week ago, racquet went flying and cracked at the neck. I think I am in need of a new racquet. 4.5 player, on hs team. Right-handed, 2hbh. Big serve, consistent groundstrokes, all around average player. With my Pure Aero, something that I am really missing is plow through. Groundstroke balls don't penetrate the court, and when I play with my hs team members, I can't really keep up with pace. Then, I started to hit with my Touch Speed Pro, after my PA got busted. The Speed is for a backup, received as a gift. With the Speed, there was a big change in my game, and everything is much more powerful. I started to outpace even my 5.0 teammates. However, the dense string 18x20 pattern gets to me, and sometimes I feel that I lack spin on shots. Groundstrokes with the Speed are very flat, and sometimes go long. The Speed is a very nice racquet, but I am just looking for more. On my demo list, I have,

Pure Strike 16x19, 18x20
Pure Strike VS Tour
Pure Aero VS Tour
Pro Staff 97

Additions to this list, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have never played with Yonex, but am interested in it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I would seriously consider the Asics BZ100. I nearly bought it. Massive spin even without poly (especially on serve), very forgiving, and quick at the net. It's outstanding.
 
Last edited:
I would recommend trying any one of these racquets:
Yonex EZone DR 98
HEAD XT Graphene MP
PACIFIC BXT X Tour Pro 97
PRINCE Textreme Tour 100P
Prince Tour 100
Pro Kennex Kinetic KI Q Tour
Pro Kennex QI K5 315
Head Graphene Touch Speed Pro
Wilson 2015 Blade 98 18x20
WILSON Pro Staff 97S
 
Ok, got to try out RF97, and Pure Drive. PD was dissapointing, too much vibration and I couldn't really hit clean, powerful shots. It may be the low static weight, and maybe PDT will be better. However, the RF97 was amazing. This was the 2015 version, but everything was very good; groundstrokes, serves, volleys. Everything had more depth, and the racquet just had effortless power. I was truly amazed by it. One negative is that my wrist started to hurt after the first set or so. It may be the grip size, I use #2 usually, and the racquet was a #4. I was afraid with the RF that it would get too sluggish, as some have stated in reviews, but it was fine. Could anybody compare the RF with the new Pure Strikes/VS tour? Im interested in these two, want to see other people's opinions
 
RafaBabolat said:
Took a tumble a week ago, racquet went flying and cracked at the neck. I think I am in need of a new racquet. 4.5 player, on hs team. Right-handed, 2hbh. Big serve, consistent groundstrokes, all around average player. With my Pure Aero, something that I am really missing is plow through. Groundstroke balls don't penetrate the court, and when I play with my hs team members, I can't really keep up with pace. Then, I started to hit with my Touch Speed Pro, after my PA got busted. The Speed is for a backup, received as a gift. With the Speed, there was a big change in my game, and everything is much more powerful. I started to outpace even my 5.0 teammates. However, the dense string 18x20 pattern gets to me, and sometimes I feel that I lack spin on shots. Groundstrokes with the Speed are very flat, and sometimes go long. The Speed is a very nice racquet, but I am just looking for more. On my demo list, I have,

Pure Strike 16x19, 18x20
Pure Strike VS Tour
Pure Aero VS Tour
Pro Staff 97

Additions to this list, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have never played with Yonex, but am interested in it. Thanks!
Click to expand...

The Speed Pro Touch has more power than the Pure Aero for you?
 
Doc Hollidae said:
The Speed Pro Touch has more power than the Pure Aero for you?
Click to expand...
Sorry if my wording was weird. The PA lacks depth on shots, and feel. When I hit with the speed pro, it just makes deeper shots and just feels better. I have more full, and faster swings with the speed pro, and it BOOMS. Although the PA is powerful, it doesn't boom, and no plow through.
 
fuzz nation said:
The Volkl Super G 10 325g or V-Sense 10 325g would give you a frame with specs that are similar to your Head, but with a more open string pattern.

I played the Volkl C10 for a few years and loved it for the power and comfort, but always wanted a little more access to spin. When I inherited a pair of Volkl's O10 325g's (predecessor to the frames I listed above - very similar), I did a little tuning with lead tape to get the "fit" I prefer and these gave me the control and spin I had always wanted with my C10's.
Click to expand...
A quick side question here. I am playing the C10 now and i feel the same as i am looking for just a little more spin out of them. Which of the 10 Series give you the most spin & controll. The Super G or V-Sense?? Thanks
 
RafaBabolat said:
Sorry if my wording was weird. The PA lacks depth on shots, and feel. When I hit with the speed pro, it just makes deeper shots and just feels better. I have more full, and faster swings with the speed pro, and it BOOMS. Although the PA is powerful, it doesn't boom, and no plow through.
Click to expand...

Interesting
 
RafaBabolat said:
Sorry if my wording was weird. The PA lacks depth on shots, and feel. When I hit with the speed pro, it just makes deeper shots and just feels better. I have more full, and faster swings with the speed pro, and it BOOMS. Although the PA is powerful, it doesn't boom, and no plow through.
Click to expand...
You really should try the PA Tour. My recovering from injury shoulder couldn't take the weight, but if you can handle it, it hits a very heavy ball with loads of plow. Much better frame than the PA IMO. Also loved the newest PD 27.5, felt like a totally different frame than the 27 inch PD, much more solid and easier on the arm. Maybe I got an outlier that was flexy, but it felt much lower in RDC than the standard with much less vibration.
 
I have a similar game to you and was pretty competitive in high school myself. I would suggest going with the Pro Staff 97 and putting some blue-tac in the butt cap and some lead on the hoop to get you around 12 oz. I have mine at 12.5 and you'll definitely get the plow through that you're looking for.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Sappruski said:
A quick side question here. I am playing the C10 now and i feel the same as i am looking for just a little more spin out of them. Which of the 10 Series give you the most spin & controll. The Super G or V-Sense?? Thanks
Click to expand...

I unfortunately haven't used either of those newer models, but with some customization, I'd expect either one to be able to deliver in the spin department. My O10's were significantly less stable for me in their stock form than my C10's, so they didn't feel "right" until I added the lead tape to both the hoop and handle. After tuning, my O10's now have a weight and balance that are rather close to my C10's, but they definitely give me easier access to spin.

The Super G 10 has been described as merely an O10 with softer grommets. Since it's marked down these days, that would probably be my first try.
 
RafaBabolat said:
Took a tumble a week ago, racquet went flying and cracked at the neck. I think I am in need of a new racquet. 4.5 player, on hs team. Right-handed, 2hbh. Big serve, consistent groundstrokes, all around average player. With my Pure Aero, something that I am really missing is plow through. Groundstroke balls don't penetrate the court, and when I play with my hs team members, I can't really keep up with pace. Then, I started to hit with my Touch Speed Pro, after my PA got busted. The Speed is for a backup, received as a gift. With the Speed, there was a big change in my game, and everything is much more powerful. I started to outpace even my 5.0 teammates. However, the dense string 18x20 pattern gets to me, and sometimes I feel that I lack spin on shots. Groundstrokes with the Speed are very flat, and sometimes go long. The Speed is a very nice racquet, but I am just looking for more. On my demo list, I have,

Pure Strike 16x19, 18x20
Pure Strike VS Tour
Pure Aero VS Tour
Pro Staff 97

Additions to this list, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I have never played with Yonex, but am interested in it. Thanks!
Click to expand...


Hi, how is the demo doing?
I am particularly interested in your thoughts about the Yonex DR 98 compared to the PA. Some people say that DR98 has lower power/spin than the PA, but some posters experienced that with live poly, low tension, they get similar power/spin with more control/accuracy. I am planning to switch from PA-play (swing weight 331) to the DR98, thoughts?
 
Altav said:
Hi, how is the demo doing?
I am particularly interested in your thoughts about the Yonex DR 98 compared to the PA. Some people say that DR98 has lower power/spin than the PA, but some posters experienced that with live poly, low tension, they get similar power/spin with more control/accuracy. I am planning to switch from PA-play (swing weight 331) to the DR98, thoughts?
Click to expand...
DO IT.
I play with the Ai 98, which is near identical in spec, and with a good poly the spin is huge. The control is the best part of the stick though.
 
xt prestige pro has similar swingweight to your pure aero with more plow and more control. downsides are less power and smaller sweet spot. paint is the best, which is something to consider.
 
Altav said:
Thanks . What good poly and tension would you recommend for huge spin on this frame?
Click to expand...
Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 gave me some ridiculous spin. I would go for a fairly low tension, something in the mid 40 pound range. Maybe 46.

One thing that is important is to string the crosses at a few pounds less than the mains, because this is a Yonex, and due to the isometric frame design, the racquet's structure requires this, otherwise you risk compromising the structural integrity of the frame.

Big Hitter Black 7 is a bit on the harsh side, but the racquet itself is fairly flexy and well dampened. My advice is to put a dampener on.
 
Last edited:
RafaBabolat said:
Sorry if my wording was weird. The PA lacks depth on shots, and feel. When I hit with the speed pro, it just makes deeper shots and just feels better. I have more full, and faster swings with the speed pro, and it BOOMS. Although the PA is powerful, it doesn't boom, and no plow through.
Click to expand...
The frame I'm using right now booms according to everyone that's tried hitting with it. For some reason the relatively tight 16x20 string pattern remains spin friendly however.

Prokennex Ki Q+5X Pro is certainly worth a look if you're willing to consider XL frames. Otherwise try the standard length version I guess. Don't underestimate the frame due to the brand name, it really caught me by surprise in a very good way.
 
Update...
Yea, I got a totally different demo list than the first one. I hadn't gotten to this until a week ago. Season ate up the school year, didn't want to change racquets during the season, and then I was out of town for 6 weeks. Did play some tennis, but didn't really have time for a demo. I wanted to play with the demos every day. Sorry to those who wanted to see the results, but here it is 3,4? months later :):):). I got the PS97, DR98, Speed mp, and Blade 16x19. All the newest versions.

With the PS, I felt it was too unstable when hitting with it. It didn't settle down, and wasn't solid like a RF. I also couldn't slice to save my life, Idk why, but it was horrible for me to slice with. It is definitely a nice racquet, but it just wasn't for me.

Now onto the DR98. It is similar to the PA. This was my favorite racquet, however it had some downsides. As It was a heavier racquet, I could get more pace on the ball, however it really hurt my elbow. It was probably the strings, with whatever was in the demo, however I really couldn't bear it. Other aspects were good. I loved the spin and plow, but the pain really was a letdown on my part. If I didn't have it, I probably would have just bought it, but yea.

The Speed MP and Blade 16x19 were very similar. They do have similar specs, and they played very similarly. However, both were too light for my liking. The DR98 does have a similar weight, however it has significantly more plow imo than these other two. Also, I felt that the dampening systems, graphene touch and the cv, limited the feel from the racquets, and I didn't like it. You may be thinking, how I like the Speed Pro but not the MP. With the Speed Pro however, the weight made up for the dampening, and I could get the power on the ball.

So yea... All four of these didn't work as planned. I will try the DR98 again, and maybe string it with some actual good strings. Anyways, maybe onto the Babs? Idk, I can tell that these are all good racquets, but they just let me down in one category. I actually thought about this demo for a long time, and really had trouble choosing 4 racquets... Oh well, onto the next 4. Thanks to all who suggested racquets! I really apppreciate the help from you guys. Even if all of the racquets were not to my liking, I appreciate your suggesting. Any more thoughts?
 
RafaBabolat said:
Update...
Yea, I got a totally different demo list than the first one. I hadn't gotten to this until a week ago. Season ate up the school year, didn't want to change racquets during the season, and then I was out of town for 6 weeks. Did play some tennis, but didn't really have time for a demo. I wanted to play with the demos every day. Sorry to those who wanted to see the results, but here it is 3,4? months later :):):). I got the PS97, DR98, Speed mp, and Blade 16x19. All the newest versions.

With the PS, I felt it was too unstable when hitting with it. It didn't settle down, and wasn't solid like a RF. I also couldn't slice to save my life, Idk why, but it was horrible for me to slice with. It is definitely a nice racquet, but it just wasn't for me.

Now onto the DR98. It is similar to the PA. This was my favorite racquet, however it had some downsides. As It was a heavier racquet, I could get more pace on the ball, however it really hurt my elbow. It was probably the strings, with whatever was in the demo, however I really couldn't bear it. Other aspects were good. I loved the spin and plow, but the pain really was a letdown on my part. If I didn't have it, I probably would have just bought it, but yea.

The Speed MP and Blade 16x19 were very similar. They do have similar specs, and they played very similarly. However, both were too light for my liking. The DR98 does have a similar weight, however it has significantly more plow imo than these other two. Also, I felt that the dampening systems, graphene touch and the cv, limited the feel from the racquets, and I didn't like it. You may be thinking, how I like the Speed Pro but not the MP. With the Speed Pro however, the weight made up for the dampening, and I could get the power on the ball.

So yea... All four of these didn't work as planned. I will try the DR98 again, and maybe string it with some actual good strings. Anyways, maybe onto the Babs? Idk, I can tell that these are all good racquets, but they just let me down in one category. I actually thought about this demo for a long time, and really had trouble choosing 4 racquets... Oh well, onto the next 4. Thanks to all who suggested racquets! I really apppreciate the help from you guys. Even if all of the racquets were not to my liking, I appreciate your suggesting. Any more thoughts?
Click to expand...
Hi friend, new rackets are coming out, it might delay 3 more months. Released date are mentioned at aug

Racket that are coming out
Ezone 98 and 100 (dr replacement -spec are similar,98 is 5 g lesser at 305 unstrung)

New wilson ultra( but wilson qc sucks, racket weight too inconsistent)

Head radical touch

Babolat pure drive(super stiff racket probably)
 
Dragon J said:
Hi friend, new rackets are coming out, it might delay 3 more months. Released date are mentioned at aug

Racket that are coming out
Ezone 98 and 100 (dr replacement -spec are similar,98 is 5 g lesser at 305 unstrung)

New wilson ultra( but wilson qc sucks, racket weight too inconsistent)

Head radical touch

Babolat pure drive(super stiff racket probably)
Click to expand...
Yes, I'm aware of all of these. The ezone doesn't really have a update, just new pj and grommets. Ultra is interesting, may try the 97 of that one out. Then the pure drive, well its a pure drive. Radicals come out near the winter, probably need a racquet before that.

n8dawg6 said:
have you tried the speed pr .... ah, never mind
Click to expand...
lol
 
I guess you like Babolat rackets. I liked my Pure Drive but my arm did not. I finally had to get a corizone shot in my elbow. Switched rackets and never had that problem again.
 
im still thinking what high school do you go to where there are multiple 4.5-5.0 tennis players ? when i played everyone was a 3.5 at best
 
Been there. Played ( still my backup racquet) a leaded up apd (2012 or so), then tried ps97 for a year, then dr98 for a year and now back to pure aero tour. Missed power and plow with the dr. Missed forgiveness with the ps97. Think i just prefer babolat. Tried out speed pro once and also liked it. Now thinking of trying out pure aero vs because I owned a pure storm once and that raquet was great although missed plow and power, but now I know i can solve that with lead. So very interested to hear your thoughts about the vs and the speed pro if you're demoing it.

I also liked the my leaded up apd more than my current pure aero tour, i think because i prefer more polarized set ups with slightly less hl balance( only 3 pts hl) which I managed with the lead on 3 and 9 on my old apd.
 
RafaBabolat said:
Update...
Yea, I got a totally different demo list than the first one. I hadn't gotten to this until a week ago. Season ate up the school year, didn't want to change racquets during the season, and then I was out of town for 6 weeks. Did play some tennis, but didn't really have time for a demo. I wanted to play with the demos every day. Sorry to those who wanted to see the results, but here it is 3,4? months later :):):). I got the PS97, DR98, Speed mp, and Blade 16x19. All the newest versions.

With the PS, I felt it was too unstable when hitting with it. It didn't settle down, and wasn't solid like a RF. I also couldn't slice to save my life, Idk why, but it was horrible for me to slice with. It is definitely a nice racquet, but it just wasn't for me.

Now onto the DR98. It is similar to the PA. This was my favorite racquet, however it had some downsides. As It was a heavier racquet, I could get more pace on the ball, however it really hurt my elbow. It was probably the strings, with whatever was in the demo, however I really couldn't bear it. Other aspects were good. I loved the spin and plow, but the pain really was a letdown on my part. If I didn't have it, I probably would have just bought it, but yea.

The Speed MP and Blade 16x19 were very similar. They do have similar specs, and they played very similarly. However, both were too light for my liking. The DR98 does have a similar weight, however it has significantly more plow imo than these other two. Also, I felt that the dampening systems, graphene touch and the cv, limited the feel from the racquets, and I didn't like it. You may be thinking, how I like the Speed Pro but not the MP. With the Speed Pro however, the weight made up for the dampening, and I could get the power on the ball.

So yea... All four of these didn't work as planned. I will try the DR98 again, and maybe string it with some actual good strings. Anyways, maybe onto the Babs? Idk, I can tell that these are all good racquets, but they just let me down in one category. I actually thought about this demo for a long time, and really had trouble choosing 4 racquets... Oh well, onto the next 4. Thanks to all who suggested racquets! I really apppreciate the help from you guys. Even if all of the racquets were not to my liking, I appreciate your suggesting. Any more thoughts?
Click to expand...
Considering the DR 98 makes up one spot:

1) DR 98
2) Pure Strike 16x19
3) Pacific X Force Pro
4) Pure Aero Plus

If you want to go overkill on plowthrough I would recommend my current frame, but I think that's taking it a bit too far ;)
 
RafaBabolat said:
Sorry if my wording was weird. The PA lacks depth on shots, and feel. Although the PA is powerful, it doesn't boom, and no plow through.
Click to expand...

Not sure what you mean by "boom." But you say the PA "lacks depth"??? Lots of reviewers have said the PA has too much power, lots of balls going out unless you utilize its spin capability, which is reportedly considerable. I've thought about moving to a PA... care to clarify just what you mean?
 
Ruark said:
Not sure what you mean by "boom." But you say the PA "lacks depth"??? Lots of reviewers have said the PA has too much power, lots of balls going out unless you utilize its spin capability, which is reportedly considerable. I've thought about moving to a PA... care to clarify just what you mean?
Click to expand...
Ah, maybe used depth in the wrong meaning. I meant like depth in the strings, and and how you can feel it on the string bed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

jangotango
Help choosing from a list
Replies
12
Views
1K
idna80
I
N
Pure Aero vs Pure Aero Team
Replies
4
Views
2K
A_Instead
A_Instead
M
Pure Aero vs Pure Strike 2017
Replies
18
Views
17K
Khoi Pham
K
WisconsinPlayer
Main Features/Differences/Advantages between racquets
Replies
29
Views
3K
Backhanded Compliment
Backhanded Compliment
C
Pure Aero or Pure Aero Tour
Replies
7
Views
3K
bageldog
B
Back
Top