Pure Strike 100 (16x20) vs Pure Strike VS (or 97)?

[electricityscape]

Hi everyone,

I've been using the Babolat Pure Strike VS for the last 2 years, and even though I love playing with that racket, I sometimes find myself craving some extra power and spin. I am looking for a more user-friendly racket with similar specs to the Strike VS (low swingweight around 320, very headlight balance, low flex), and came across the new Pure Strike 100 16x20. They seem to be very similar specs wise, with the 100 being just 5 grams lighter and of course having a bigger head size. FYI, I am more of a flat hitter, have a one handed backhand and play mostly from the baseline.

Has anyone played with both sticks (VS or the newer 97, doesn't matter) who can provide any comparison between them? I've tried another 100sq in rackets (mainly the Pure Drive and the Speed MP), but didn't like them. The PD felt way too powerful and stiff (I like playing with a full bed of poly at low tensions so that's even more power and almost no control), while the Speed MP felt too head heavy and difficult to swing.

Thank you!

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Some options, assuming you're looking for something not too different than the VS, but with extra power and spin, low flex, headlight balance:

Blade 98 v9 - might not give you enough extra power, but spin and flex are solid and not too different than the Strike VS
Boom Pro - extra spin and power than the VS
Extreme Pro - extra spin and power than the VS
Pure Strike 98 16x19 - this might be what you're looking for
Percept 97 - a little bit more than what you're getting from the VS, but not much
Vcore 98 - extra power, spin, low flex, headlight - loving this racquet right now

I love the PS 100 16x20, so you might like that the most as well

 

[JFrijhoff]

I’ve played the PSVS and 100 16x20. Both pure strike, but not really the same. The 100 has the tendency to launch on me, so also means the power is there . I haven’t really committed long enough to dial in string/tension/playtime to fully compare the two.
Good suggestions above as well, would probably lean to Percept 97 (have only played the 2018 predecessor), Blade 98 v9 or Vcore 98 (I’d say most user-friendly out of those three), for swingweight that you’re looking for and user friendliness. New pure strike 98 16x19 can be a bit hefty if you’re unlucky in the QC lottery. Haven’t played the boom or extreme.

 

[HypnoticLasagna]

I demoed the fleet of strikes. '24 Strike 97 is similar to the VS. I found it to have a better feel, but it wasnt a crazy update and not worth the price to "upgrade". Something about the 16x20 100 didnt feel right to me I dont know what it was, but everytime I played with it after the 98 16x19, I felt like I got less spin and power. It seems the 1620s are mostly over spec, so warning there. After reading your post, I honestly think you should demo the Aero 98. I liked it so much better than the 1620 100 strike for similiar specs.

 

[electricityscape]

Some options, assuming you're looking for something not too different than the VS, but with extra power and spin, low flex, headlight balance:

Blade 98 v9 - might not give you enough extra power, but spin and flex are solid and not too different than the Strike VS
Boom Pro - extra spin and power than the VS
Extreme Pro - extra spin and power than the VS
Pure Strike 98 16x19 - this might be what you're looking for
Percept 97 - a little bit more than what you're getting from the VS, but not much
Vcore 98 - extra power, spin, low flex, headlight - loving this racquet right now

I love the PS 100 16x20, so you might like that the most as well

Thanks for the suggestions! Pure Strike 98 16x19 unfortunately has a very high strung swingweight (around 330) for my taste. Both my VS came at 316 strung SW and I have added some lead to bring that number to 320, so that would be my comfort zone. I've read both the Extreme Pro and Vcore 98 work better with a heavy-topspin focused game (which is not my case). I thought the Percept 97 was even more control-oriented than the PSVS, have to check that one out then, as well as the Boom Pro. Have you tried the Ezone 98? That one also seems to have a sub 320 SW and a good blend of power/spin/control.

 

[electricityscape]

I’ve played the PSVS and 100 16x20. Both pure strike, but not really the same. The 100 has the tendency to launch on me, so also means the power is there . I haven’t really committed long enough to dial in string/tension/playtime to fully compare the two.
Good suggestions above as well, would probably lean to Percept 97 (have only played the 2018 predecessor), Blade 98 v9 or Vcore 98 (I’d say most user-friendly out of those three), for swingweight that you’re looking for and user friendliness. New pure strike 98 16x19 can be a bit hefty if you’re unlucky in the QC lottery. Haven’t played the boom or extreme.

Yeah, Strike 98 16x19 seems to have a rather high SW for my taste. I have used the gen2 (that one had a lower SW) for a couple of years but from time to time I had some intense shoulder pain, so I switched to the VS. No pain at all and I love how this racket plays, but I think I'd enjoy some more user friendliness.

 

[ChanterRacquet]

If you do try 16x20, absolutely use the “matching” service so you can get one with a 280-290 unstrung swingweight because common theme is overspec (relative to TW’s “average”). Mine is 330 strung. So, harder to swing than the average VS/97.

 

[electricityscape]

I demoed the fleet of strikes. '24 Strike 97 is similar to the VS. I found it to have a better feel, but it wasnt a crazy update and not worth the price to "upgrade". Something about the 16x20 100 didnt feel right to me I dont know what it was, but everytime I played with it after the 98 16x19, I felt like I got less spin and power. It seems the 1620s are mostly over spec, so warning there. After reading your post, I honestly think you should demo the Aero 98. I liked it so much better than the 1620 100 strike for similiar specs.

Yeah, I've also read that the 100 16x20 tend to be overspec. I've demoed (not really, just borrowed it from a friend since in my country there is no chance to demo a racket) the Aero 98, but it seemed to have a rather high SW, I found it to be difficult to maneuver after an hour and a half or so of playing, but I guess that is my fault since I've got used to the low SW of my VS.

 

[TwinCinema]

Yeah, Strike 98 16x19 seems to have a rather high SW for my taste. I have used the gen2 (that one had a lower SW) for a couple of years but from time to time I had some intense shoulder pain, so I switched to the VS. No pain at all and I love how this racket plays, but I think I'd enjoy some more user friendliness.

If by user-friendliness you mean forgiveness, I totally understand that with the PSVS. It has a small sweet spot and won't accommodate shots that miss it. But I think it's still fairly easy to use in all other areas (it's maneuverable, good weight and balance, etc. and doesn't feel too clubby even at a swing weight of 330 with lead).

When you say you want more spin and power out of the VS, it makes me wonder what strings you're using. I get plenty of spin and power out of this frame with a few different setups, so maybe adjust the strings? Plus add about 4g of lead at 12. That should give you all the power you need, and with a crisp poly with some snap you'll have spin on tap too. (Might want to try FireWire Boost for the best of all worlds).

 

[electricityscape]

If by user-friendliness you mean forgiveness, I totally understand that with the PSVS. It has a small sweet spot and won't accommodate shots that miss it. But I think it's still fairly easy to use in all other areas (it's maneuverable, good weight and balance, etc. and doesn't feel too clubby even at a swing weight of 330 with lead).

When you say you want more spin and power out of the VS, it makes me wonder what strings you're using. I get plenty of spin and power out of this frame with a few different setups, so maybe adjust the strings? Plus add about 4g of lead at 12. That should give you all the power you need, and with a crisp poly with some snap you'll have spin on tap too. (Might want to try FireWire Boost for the best of all worlds).

That is exactly what I mean, I think a bigger head size would be more helpful especially when being around the hour and a half mark in my matches where my form and technique start to drop.
I get some good power with this racket using either RPM blast 1.25 or ALU Power 1.25 both at 48. I would like just a bit more extra power without having to go lower in tension or changing the string type. Also more spin would be nice for my one handed backhand and second serve, I know this is probably a lack of skill so a more helpful racket would be nice.

 

[tophersuwita]

OP, are you my twin? I have similar playstyle and racket preference: all court player with topspin drive forehand (not loop) and flat OHBH, prefer control racket. I had PSVS and the 16x20. My take: VS was one of my main racket but after playing on higher level, I started to be punished when my shots went short or my volley setup was not deep. I still like the FEEL and MANEUVERABILITY so I kept it while "cheating" with my 16x20.

The 100 16x20 was much more forgiving, especially for my groundies. I like its SOLIDITY the most, but like others said, I lost QC lottery so it felt sluggish when I approached the net or I needed to defend.

I maybe won 60% of my game, the worst since playing with Blade Pro (it had similar solidity but much more sluggish).

Like other holics, I looked for another racket, then another, then another, and when I stumbled into Ezone DR98, I was really captivated. It had FEEL, MANEUVERABILITY, in a much more forgiving entity. My coach told me to try to play with "easier" racket and learn controlling power racket, rather than forcing myself to powering control racket.

I tried Ezone 100 and got surprised once more: I could control this power racket! Once played with Speed MP, Drive 100, Aero 100, Aero+, Prince Twistpower 100, I have already given up playing with power rackets (I like Blade 100 because it is lower powered). Tried Blade 98 (ball just died after bounce), Speed Pro (didn't like the feel), Aero 98 (too brassy, I like the 100 more), and Prince ATS 98 (elongated mains made it a bit unpredictable for my strokes).

I got Windsor Japan and Osaka edition, one each, strung with Razor white, and I win almost all of my matches with my regular friends. One of my friends even stated his astonishment because suddenly he cannot win easy point anymore (usually my groundies shank/go long after 3-4 balls rally in the match) and my balls are more penetrating. My take: STABLE, POP, WHIPPY, FORGIVENESS, but lost a bit maneuverability and solidity of PSVS/16x20. Imo when you can control the "easy racket", you will get surprised because you have already played the game in harder difficulty. Penetrating/heavy balls coming at me, sharp slice, loopy balls, etc that usually make me error with PSVS (or Blade Pro, RF97A, Ultra Tour 95J, etc etc) are now non-existent.

PS. Now I only want to try Strike 97 (because it's rare in my country) for PSVS FEEL with a bit more power. How do you guys think? Is it non-respectable to change my take like that?

 

[dfwchar]

OP, are you my twin? I have similar playstyle and racket preference: all court player with topspin drive forehand (not loop) and flat OHBH, prefer control racket. I had PSVS and the 16x20. My take: VS was one of my main racket but after playing on higher level, I started to be punished when my shots went short or my volley setup was not deep. I still like the FEEL and MANEUVERABILITY so I kept it while "cheating" with my 16x20.

The 100 16x20 was much more forgiving, especially for my groundies. I like its SOLIDITY the most, but like others said, I lost QC lottery so it felt sluggish when I approached the net or I needed to defend.

I maybe won 60% of my game, the worst since playing with Blade Pro (it had similar solidity but much more sluggish).

Like other holics, I looked for another racket, then another, then another, and when I stumbled into Ezone DR98, I was really captivated. It had FEEL, MANEUVERABILITY, in a much more forgiving entity. My coach told me to try to play with "easier" racket and learn controlling power racket, rather than forcing myself to powering control racket.

I tried Ezone 100 and got surprised once more: I could control this power racket! Once played with Speed MP, Drive 100, Aero 100, Aero+, Prince Twistpower 100, I have already given up playing with power rackets (I like Blade 100 because it is lower powered). Tried Blade 98 (ball just died after bounce), Speed Pro (didn't like the feel), Aero 98 (too brassy, I like the 100 more), and Prince ATS 98 (elongated mains made it a bit unpredictable for my strokes).

I got Windsor Japan and Osaka edition, one each, strung with Razor white, and I win almost all of my matches with my regular friends. One of my friends even stated his astonishment because suddenly he cannot win easy point anymore (usually my groundies shank/go long after 3-4 balls rally in the match) and my balls are more penetrating. My take: STABLE, POP, WHIPPY, FORGIVENESS, but lost a bit maneuverability and solidity of PSVS/16x20. Imo when you can control the "easy racket", you will get surprised because you have already played the game in harder difficulty. Penetrating/heavy balls coming at me, sharp slice, loopy balls, etc that usually make me error with PSVS (or Blade Pro, RF97A, Ultra Tour 95J, etc etc) are now non-existent.

PS. Now I only want to try Strike 97 (because it's rare in my country) for PSVS FEEL with a bit more power. How do you guys think? Is it non-respectable to change my take like that?

Regarding your last comment/question, there are a few comments and threads on this already but in my opinion, the PS97 felt a bit more muted than my PSVS. PSVS is my main right now. I tested the 97 against it and I personally didn’t find it feeling as nice. It also could have been that the 97 I was testing was higher spec than my VS. However the difference was minimal.

 

[dfwchar]

Reading through this I am a bit curious. Might need to demo this one soon.

 

[MrBD]

Tbh I stuck with the same thing, playing with PSVS but still not found any better one.

 

[tophersuwita]

How about 98 18x20? Need the solid feel more than VS can offer.

 

[Trip]

@electricityscape - So, I have 30+ hours with the Strike VS and 50+ hours with the Strike 100 16x20, previously having been on the TW playtests of both (VS review here and 100 16x20 review here), and am continuing to evaluate a retail copy of the 100 16x20. So I know both racquets well. Plus, I've also tried my fair share of what's out there within the realm you're looking, and I also share an extreme eastern forehand and flatter OHBH myself, so I know where you're coming from.

First, lets look at your list of constraints/wants:
- Keep strung SW around 320
- Keep strung balance similar to PSVS
- Keep your string setup consistent, with RPM 1.25 or Alu 1.25 in the high 40's
- Retain overall whippy-ness and maneuverability
- Increase forgiveness and free-power

In lieu of all of that, I'm not sure the Strike 100 16x20 will work, mainly because, even with a lower-spec sample (you'd need one with an unstrung SW of <=286, potentially very hard to find), chances are the overall setup will still feel too sluggish (low balance point + a lot of face weight + 100" hoop + thicker beam = high recoil weight, low MGR/i and floppy/loopy/late swing physics). Don't get me wrong; forgiveness and free power will definitely increase, and you're welcome to try the 100 16x20, but I think even the Strike 100 16x19 might be a better option (still bought via matching service, for unstrung SW <=288). It won't feel quite as floppy, swing mechanics will be more naturally linear, and at 5g lighter, you'll be ale to counterbalance in the handle to move the balance point back down, with less of a playability penalty.

Beyond the Strike 100 16x19, here's a list of more frames with 320-ish or slightly lighter average strung SW's that I think you should look at:

- Babolat Pure Strike Team Gen 4, no matching service needed, with a heavier grip + a bit of tip lead
- Head Speed MP-L, with heavier grip and a bit of tip lead
- Prince ATS Tour 100 290, with a heavier grip + more handle lead
- Yonex Percept 100, with heavier grip (might be a bit too firm in flex, not sure)
- Yonex EZone 98, with heavier grip (maybe a bit too firm, and with such a dense central string bed, a good chance that you'll have to drop tension with RPM/Alu, and even so, it still may kill your arm)

If you wanted to go more for narrower mains and more of a friendlier purely flatter-hitter's frame, I would stick with one of the Strikes, Percept or EZ98. Otherwise, the Speed MP-L or Tour 100 290 have more open patterns that will give you easier spin access and a bit more power from the string bed itself due to a bit more extra trampoline, and are easily customized to bring up to your spec, with a heavier base grip and maybe a bit of hoop lead (but not much needed).

Hope that helps! Any questions, feel free.