Pure strike 16 x 19 or Pure strike VS

[tanyichen01]

Hi,
I am currently deciding to switch racquets, but I am not sure to get the gen3 Pure Strike 16x19 or the new Pure Strike VS. I am currently using Pure Strike 16x19 gen2 but i added 2g of lead tape each of the 3 and 9 o'clock. Any suggestions?

 

[naturalexponent]

I think most would agree you should try / demo both before committing. Note that they are different string patterns -- the PSVS is a 16x20.

 

[Tranqville]

Definitely demo Pure Strike Tour 3d gen.

 

[Trip]

@tanyichen01 - We need more info in order to make a solid recommendation for you. Regarding your current PS 16x19 Gen2, what lacking qualities, if any, are you looking to improve? I see you're fixated on sticking with Pure Strikes, but have you considered other brands/models? The current crop of 97/98" frames is the most crowded segment in tennis racquets, and there are tons of great options out there.

 

[tanyichen01]

@tanyichen01 - We need more info in order to make a solid recommendation for you. Regarding your current PS 16x19 Gen2, what lacking qualities, if any, are you looking to improve? I see you're fixated on sticking with Pure Strikes, but have you considered other brands/models? The current crop of 97/98" frames is the most crowded segment in tennis racquets, and there are tons of great options out there.

Hi I'm looking for more spin on my ground strokes, and sometimes I find that during volleys the PS gen2 feels like it's lacking stability. I have tried the PS 18x20, but I feel that the swing weight is something I need to get adjusted on. Any thoughts? Other recommendations are also welcomed!

 

[badmice2]

Hi I'm looking for more spin on my ground strokes, and sometimes I find that during volleys the PS gen2 feels like it's lacking stability. I have tried the PS 18x20, but I feel that the swing weight is something I need to get adjusted on. Any thoughts? Other recommendations are also welcomed!

sounds silly, but why would you consider more of the same if you're looking for something different?

 

[Trip]

Thanks for the extra info. Before suggesting other frames, let's look at your string setup. What string are you using now? Have you tried a more aggressively-shaped poly, either full bed, or as the mains in a hybrid with a slick cross? Doing that may give you the amount of spin you desire, with string along. And regarding stability, do you find the racquet to lack stability even with 2g of lead each at 9 and 3?

 

[badmice2]

Spin is an output of strings and technique, not the racket. Aside from switching strings as mentioned by @Trip you may need to refine your technique.

as far as volley feel is concern, do you mean you lack touch or punch?

 

[tanyichen01]

Hi all, I'm currently using RPM blast strings at 52 pounds tension, and yes i find it lacking punch for my volleys.

 

[Chairman3]

If you want more spin I'd stick with the regular Pure Strike.
The VS is low powered and requires some mods to have more power.
I also didn't find the 16x20 pattern to be overly spinny. It was fairly neutral meaning it can accomodate spin if you have that technique or you can hit flat.

 

[RNBABOLAT]

If you want more spin I'd stick with the regular Pure Strike.
The VS is low powered and requires some mods to have more power.
I also didn't find the 16x20 pattern to be overly spinny. It was fairly neutral meaning it can accomodate spin if you have that technique or you can hit flat.

I just hit with the regular pure strike 16x19 and it was AMAZING... Coming from the gravity Tour and Pro Staff v13 with lead, the PS 16x19 is a really easy racquet to serve and powerfull with some control and spin but once you get used to that "leverage" you can get sloppy on your footwork. I never thought I would like a babolat but I'm really curious about the VS.
Is the spin and power comparable leaded? And maybe would feel a bit softer? I know the RA is lower but sometimes that's not mean gentle on the arm.
Thanks

 

[Chairman3]

@RNBABOLAT No the regular strike will almost always be more powerful than the VS. Of course you can lead and mod, but the VS is much less powerful stock. Plus has a more closed pattern which contributes to the lower power too.
Spin will also be better with the 16x19 strike due to the more open pattern.
The 16x20 plays pretty closed but I think this mostly takes away from power rather than spin.
I did not find the racquet harsh but I do think the VS has a firmer response than the 63RA would leave you to believe. I'm compared to my Ultra Tour as it also has a 63RA but is much softer/flexier, to me.

 

[RNBABOLAT]

@RNBABOLAT No the regular strike will almost always be more powerful than the VS. Of course you can lead and mod, but the VS is much less powerful stock. Plus has a more closed pattern which contributes to the lower power too.
Spin will also be better with the 16x19 strike due to the more open pattern.
The 16x20 plays pretty closed but I think this mostly takes away from power rather than spin.
I did not find the racquet harsh but I do think the VS has a firmer response than the 63RA would leave you to believe. I'm compared to my Ultra Tour as it also has a 63RA but is much softer/flexier, to me.

Do you think the regular strike is firmer? Thanks
I don't mind putting some weight if the spin and power might be comparable and is more solid than the Pro staff

 

[Chairman3]

Do you think the regular strike is firmer? Thanks
I don't mind putting some weight if the spin and power might be comparable and is more solid than the Pro staff

I haven't played with the regular strike, but the general consensus is that it's stiff in a harsh way.
The VS is not stiff/harsh but has a firm response versus more flexy racquets. To me the RA is deceiving, not because it's harsh but because of the feel.
If you want more control and versatility, I'd go for the VS.
If you wouldn't change anything about the 16x19 strike, I'd stick with that one.

 

[RNBABOLAT]

I haven't played with the regular strike, but the general consensus is that it's stiff in a harsh way.
The VS is not stiff/harsh but has a firm response versus more flexy racquets. To me the RA is deceiving, not because it's harsh but because of the feel.
If you want more control and versatility, I'd go for the VS.
If you wouldn't change anything about the 16x19 strike, I'd stick with that one.

I like the feel of the regular strike but I want something softer and hopefully keep the power as much as possible since the racquet might be a bit temperamental

 

[mhkeuns]

I like the feel of the regular strike but I want something softer and hopefully keep the power as much as possible since the racquet might be a bit temperamental

PSVS is a great racket that is good at pretty much everything if you can accept that it will need a little weight for customization. It won’t need a lot, but a few grams will be needed to gain the easier access to put away power. I believe power comes from having the accuracy, consistency and predictability on the shots to mentally be able to commit and go after the shots. The PSVS will provide the confidence boosting control and accuracy.

 

[fl4tsc]

I like the feel of the regular strike but I want something softer and hopefully keep the power as much as possible since the racquet might be a bit temperamental

If you're not married to babolat I'd highly recommend giving the yonex ezone 98, or the Wilson Blade Pro a try. They both provide an excellent blend of power & control without arm ruining stiffness.

 

[AMGF]

With a few grams at the tip I hit my highest speed fh ever with the PSVS. Radar measured not feeling.
If feeling was the metric, my Pure Aero+ would hands down be the most powerful frame I ever played with. But it turns out the radar places it behind many other racquets I own or owned.

My 0,02can$

 

[RNBABOLAT]

If you're not married to babolat I'd highly recommend giving the yonex ezone 98, or the Wilson Blade Pro a try. They both provide an excellent blend of power & control without arm ruining stiffness.

Blade was way too soft... The flex is just terrible for me and no feel... Even the way the weight is distributed gave me soreness in my elbow. Had a brief experience with the DR 98 but just too powerfull

 

[fl4tsc]

Blade was way too soft... The flex is just terrible for me and no feel... Even the way the weight is distributed gave me soreness in my elbow. Had a brief experience with the DR 98 but just too powerfull

Not the regular blade, the Blade Pro. Basically an H22 prostock, only sold on wilson.com.
I'm surprised you found the ezone 98 significantly more powerful than the strike. Maybe a difference in string choice?

 

[TennisHound]

^^^Probably need to “try it” before you “buy it” - Demo

 

[marceloriosfan]

having same debate. I play 3rd gen Pure Strike 16x19.

PRVS felt too whippy and I didnt love the balance. But it feels so good when I connect and swing full/long/smooth.

I am going to replace the leather grip with syntec feel (or whatever comes on my PS16x19) and start fooling with weight...

 

[RNBABOLAT]

Not the regular blade, the Blade Pro. Basically an H22 prostock, only sold on wilson.com.
I'm surprised you found the ezone 98 significantly more powerful than the strike. Maybe a difference in string choice?

The issue with the Blade Pro is the high swingweight and how difficult they are to get... maybe if thats the case I might find a few ultra pros in 16x19.
The Ezone had the same power but a bit muted for my liking... recently tested the vcore pro and felt nice but the grip shape really really hurt my hand, so I just keep searching

 

[RNBABOLAT]

^^^Probably need to “try it” before you “buy it” - Demo

Unfortunately I live in a place were demos are not usual and if thats the case they only offer the under or 11 oz racquets in 100sq in headsize.
I had to buy gravity tour, pro staff and many others prior to the strike just by a hit... Thats why I got TE from the gravity

 

[PrinceMoron]

You can play test everything but you will end up with the PS 16/19 so why waste time

 

[marceloriosfan]

having same debate. I play 3rd gen Pure Strike 16x19.

PRVS felt too whippy and I didnt love the balance. But it feels so good when I connect and swing full/long/smooth.

I am going to replace the leather grip with syntec feel (or whatever comes on my PS16x19) and start fooling with weight...

Tried it. Great for rallying, not great for points. Sticking with 16x19, VS requires too much on every shot.

 

[DoubleD]

With a few grams at the tip I hit my highest speed fh ever with the PSVS. Radar measured not feeling.
If feeling was the metric, my Pure Aero+ would hands down be the most powerful frame I ever played with. But it turns out the radar places it behind many other racquets I own or owned.

My 0,02can$

How many grams and exactly at 12? I added the technifiber strips, 2x2g and felt like a baseball bat.. my racket seems to be within spec, I measured 310g exactly in the duo I got. I tried the blade v8 the other day and it played so much easier than the VS, any tip on making it easier to play for an upper intermediate player? OHB if that matters.

 

[Blade_X]

VS is way underpowered.
Strike 3rd gen is way muted.

So none. Wait for gen 4

 

[DoubleD]

VS is way underpowered.
Strike 3rd gen is way muted.

So none. Wait for gen 4

With the new Aero and Drive in 98 head size.. and both being more control oriented one for more power the other for more spin.. what would be the place for the Pure Strike now? Flat hitters demanding more control? I don't think they will put a lost of research/resources on the pure strike line.

 

[Blade_X]

With the new Aero and Drive in 98 head size.. and both being more control oriented one for more power the other for more spin.. what would be the place for the Pure Strike now? Flat hitters demanding more control? I don't think they will put a lost of research/resources on the pure strike line.

It’s the box beam offering from babolat. Strike would always have a more connected and classic response. They just screwed the feel of gen 3 by making it more muted. Strike is definitely a better all around racquet than aero 98 which is mediocre on volleys/touch shots and lacks power on serves. I won’t even mention pure drive 98….. i hated this racquet. On the other hand i prefer aero 98 for clay sessions over strike. Babolat has the most defined line of racquets….. only 3 lines. Kudos to them and huge respect!

 

[AMGF]

How many grams and exactly at 12? I added the technifiber strips, 2x2g and felt like a baseball bat.. my racket seems to be within spec, I measured 310g exactly in the duo I got. I tried the blade v8 the other day and it played so much easier than the VS, any tip on making it easier to play for an upper intermediate player? OHB if that matters.

I have moved my weights a bit. Iirc it was 2g at 12. But right now I’m playing with long stripes of lead from 2-5 for 339sw and 15.0tw. Plays very solid, tons of power and superb feel.

 

[BallsOfFire]

@RNBABOLAT No the regular strike will almost always be more powerful than the VS. Of course you can lead and mod, but the VS is much less powerful stock. Plus has a more closed pattern which contributes to the lower power too.
Spin will also be better with the 16x19 strike due to the more open pattern.
The 16x20 plays pretty closed but I think this mostly takes away from power rather than spin.
I did not find the racquet harsh but I do think the VS has a firmer response than the 63RA would leave you to believe. I'm compared to my Ultra Tour as it also has a 63RA but is much softer/flexier, to me.

Just a slight correction.
I own both the Pure Strike 98 16x19 and Pure Strike VS. PS16x19 and PSVS head size is almost the same. Its written to be 626 vs 630 cm2. But laying them over eachother its really hard to tell any difference in head size. I dont think there is.
The pattern of the mains/vertical on the VS is actualy slightly more spaced compared to 98 16x19. The crosses on the VS is maybe 20 (1+ over the 98) but the top and the lowest string of the horizontals are very close to the rackets frame. This means that in the sweetspot area and the all up to the 2 last crosses the spacing in the crosses are pretty much the same PSVS vs PS98. The string pattern is generally therfore more open than the PS 16x19. There is therefore more spin potiential with the VS. There is more power and control with the PS98 16x19.
Also the PSVS is spec'd on the websites as being beam: 21-22-21, but its more 21.5-22.5-21.5.

 

[Chairman3]

The string pattern is generally therfore more open than the PS 16x19. There is therefore more spin potiential with the VS. There is more power and control with the PS98 16x19.

Sorry to be contradictory, but these statements are not accurate when you actually play with the racquets.
With 1 additional string, the pattern physically can't be less dense.
Also, a slightly denser pattern will be less powerful. Also 1 sq-in is still one square inch. It was a completely new mold.
Microscopic measurements impact performance in tangible ways.
Also you aren't considering the layup, the regular Pure Strike is stiffer (more power).
In terms of spin, the regular Strikes have higher swingweights than the PSVS, so you probably experience more spin due to being able to swing the racquet faster and whip the racquet easier.
I'm not sure anyone would agree that the normal Strike has more control.

 

[BallsOfFire]

Sorry to be contradictory, but these statements are not accurate when you actually play with the racquets.
With 1 additional string, the pattern physically can't be less dense.
Also, a slightly denser pattern will be less powerful. Also 1 sq-in is still one square inch. It was a completely new mold.
Microscopic measurements impact performance in tangible ways.
Also you aren't considering the layup, the regular Pure Strike is stiffer (more power).
In terms of spin, the regular Strikes have higher swingweights than the PSVS, so you probably experience more spin due to being able to swing the racquet faster and whip the racquet easier.
I'm not sure anyone would agree that the normal Strike has more control.

As I said I have them both and several. And I have compared them closely.
The specs that is stated from Babolat/on the sale websites are inaccurate.
The Beam on the VS is 21.5-22.5-21.5 and the Pure strike 98 16 x 19 3rd gen is 21.5-23.5-22.5
The two frames has same Square inch area. its not one a 98 vs 97.
You lay them over eachother they have same area. theres no difference in square inch/cm2.
One states on paper to have 630 cm2 (PS 98 16x19) and the VS states to have 626 cm2. Its not true. They are both 630 cm2. Evidense is that they went back to a head closer to the Pure Control/Pure Storm. Density stringwise is ofcourse important mostly in the hitting area.
The extra string matters almost nothing as its placed so very far away from the hittingzone and do not much extra restiction of movement bc of its placement. Placement of the grommets really matters.
The VS has broader/more space bewteen the mains. = more spin potiential...... In the hitting area/greater sweetspot the VS has more space between the strings/bigger string squares.
Yes the layup matters ofcourse. The PS 98 16 x 19 has a stiffer layup by 2-3 points. Its something but not significant. Stiffer can mean more power but not more spin. Spin is racket head speed + angle + string spacing in hitting zone. The VS is whippier through the air. The Rpms are easier to get with the VS. The PS 98 16 x 19 has swing weight of 325-330 and the PS VS 320-325..if you get good QC rackets like I have..... most people add 2 gram of lead to the VS at 12 and an overgrip to the PS 98 16x19.... and that makes them about simular in swingweight. I dont have to agree with anyone. This is my experience backed up with real numbers and meassurements from the actual rackets in hand. The string pattern of the PS VS is identical to the Pure Aero 98.

PS VS gets compared to Technifibre TF40 315 16 x 19 by playtesters