Pure Strike 2024

Pneumated1 said:
I've lurked around in this thread most of the day and have read your post several times. I main UP 18x20s currently and dabble with Artengo TR960 Control Tours, but what you state here is what I want. It's even becoming a necessity, just an injection of pop. That's all. I hit PCTs for a few years and loved them, but they became a lot of racquet for how often I played and my age. Something like the UPs/Artengos just slightly more powerful. Something lighter than the PCTs. Something more forgiving than my old TC95s. Dang, I need a PSVS or PS97. It's so clear now.
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Just add a bit of lead at 3 and 9 or 10 and 2 (future test for me) to give a bit more stability and give it time! I play consistently 1M over the net with 16L Confidential at 49lbs
 
Pneumated1 said:
I've lurked around in this thread most of the day and have read your post several times. I main UP 18x20s currently and dabble with Artengo TR960 Control Tours, but what you state here is what I want. It's even becoming a necessity, just an injection of pop. That's all. I hit PCTs for a few years and loved them, but they became a lot of racquet for how often I played and my age. Something like the UPs/Artengos just slightly more powerful. Something lighter than the PCTs. Something more forgiving than my old TC95s. Dang, I need a PSVS or PS97. It's so clear now.
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I'm getting plenty of pop with mine, but I have them at a decently hefty spec (~335SW, ~350g). That's not to discourage you - the PSVS/PS 97 is awesome. And, it's easier to play with than the UP or the Pure Control Tours, that is definitely true. I say give it a go.
 
Trip said:
@Pneumated1 - Sounds to me like you should be looking at 98-ish player/bordering-on-pleener frames, with more direct/rawl feel, ie. 2024 CX 200 or Auxetic Radical MP. You'll get 80+% of the precision and feel, while getting noticeably more controllable pop.
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It seems a no-brainer, and I occasionally get the courage to try something more modern, but I usually retreat back to my traditional plush frames that are doing me fewer and fewer favors. I left one frame off the list, but I throw a C-10 Evo into the mix, customized, and it's more modern feeling to me than anything I own, and it's surprisingly stable and a decent defensive frame as well with sufficient pop. I demoed and liked the 'dreamsicle/traffic cone' (2020??) Radical a lot, but I was a bit lost with it in point play. The Dunlop could work, considering I started tennis and main'd the 300G for 5 years. I demoed the PSVS and liked it a lot, but it came with a multi that was scrambled after one session, and I never got a chance to get back out with it. It slipped away somehow. And besides, I'm dabbling into RW a bit, and mine should be the same as yours, so it's easier to get a PSVS there than a lighter alternative. The Solinco WO 305 18x20 seems like an intuitive option as well. I can't shake the idea of that one. And I know for a fact that I could game the Gravity Tour, which is more forgiving, plenty powerful, and keeps me in touch with my plush preferences. Whichever I land on, I'll have to break through mentally and commit. Essentially, yes, I agree with you.
RNBABOLAT said:
Just add a bit of lead at 3 and 9 or 10 and 2 (future test for me) to give a bit more stability and give it time! I play consistently 1M over the net with 16L Confidential at 49lbs
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'give it time' is key. I'm learning this.
Kozzy said:
I'm getting plenty of pop with mine, but I have them at a decently hefty spec (~335SW, ~350g). That's not to discourage you - the PSVS/PS 97 is awesome. And, it's easier to play with than the UP or the Pure Control Tours, that is definitely true. I say give it a go.
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You've shaved SW;), but yeah, the PSVS/PS 97, GT (especially the rumored 2025 version), WO 305 18x20, and RP seem, at least on paper, ones that could draw me to modern tennis.
 
Pneumated1 said:
You've shaved SW;), but yeah, the PSVS/PS 97, GT (especially the rumored 2025 version), WO 305 18x20, and RP seem, at least on paper, ones that could draw me to modern tennis.
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I know - I'm a lightweight. I may try to get down to 330 and see how that does, but truly, I don't think I need to for now.
 
Pneumated1 said:
It seems a no-brainer, and I occasionally get the courage to try something more modern, but I usually retreat back to my traditional plush frames that are doing me fewer and fewer favors. I left one frame off the list, but I throw a C-10 Evo into the mix, customized, and it's more modern feeling to me than anything I own, and it's surprisingly stable and a decent defensive frame as well with sufficient pop. I demoed and liked the 'dreamsicle/traffic cone' (2020??) Radical a lot, but I was a bit lost with it in point play. The Dunlop could work, considering I started tennis and main'd the 300G for 5 years. I demoed the PSVS and liked it a lot, but it came with a multi that was scrambled after one session, and I never got a chance to get back out with it. It slipped away somehow. And besides, I'm dabbling into RW a bit, and mine should be the same as yours, so it's easier to get a PSVS there than a lighter alternative. The Solinco WO 305 18x20 seems like an intuitive option as well. I can't shake the idea of that one. And I know for a fact that I could game the Gravity Tour, which is more forgiving, plenty powerful, and keeps me in touch with my plush preferences. Whichever I land on, I'll have to break through mentally and commit. Essentially, yes, I agree with you.
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Gotcha. So you're probably most compatible with box/hybrid-box, constant-width beams (as opposed to variable-width and/or too elliptical a cross-section). That being understood, I would say the new CX 200 is a must-try, as well as a revisit of the PSVS (or Strike97 if PSVS stock is gone) and I'd also do a Percept 97, just to fill out the demo "3-pack".
 
I played with my TW demos today - singles for 1.5 hours against a lesser opponent - and played two sets with the 16x20 100 and a set with the 16x19 100. The 16x20 was great - more controlled than the PA2023 for sure, easy to hit out with and go for winners without fear of missing by a ton, very stable at net and returns, and serves were pretty good (though not at the PA level). It definitely doesn't feel as flexy as the 61 RA TW has published, very similar flex profile to the PA98. The 16x19 was noticeably stiffer and had more power, with slightly more spin potential, although I didn't feel as comfortable hitting all out with it like I did with the 16x20. Both are great racquets and would be a great alternative to the Pure Aeros if you're looking for a little more control and a normal launch angle.
 
@Fighting phoenix - Great initial feedback. Probably the first on the forum, outright. On the 16x20, what RA would you say it felt like. More like a 65ish, ala the PA23? And might there be a brand/model of frame that you could liken levels of control/precision and innate power? Thanks in advance!
 
Trip said:
@Fighting phoenix - Great initial feedback. Probably the first on the forum, outright. On the 16x20, what RA would you say it felt like. More like a 65ish, ala the PA23? And might there be a brand/model of frame that you could liken levels of control/precision and innate power? Thanks in advance!
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I would say that the RA feels more like 63-64, similar flex that I feel with the PA98, which to me feels slightly more flexy than the regular Pure Aero. From a power/control perspective, I would say it has slightly less power than the PA98, and the control and string bed consistency is much better, similar to what the Blade 100 feels like (although I would say it's slightly more spin friendly than the blade 100), or also similar consistency/control to the Radical Pro but with a higher launch angle. Great racquet so far imo.
 
Fighting phoenix said:
I would say that the RA feels more like 63-64, similar flex that I feel with the PA98, which to me feels slightly more flexy than the regular Pure Aero. From a power/control perspective, I would say it has slightly less power than the PA98, and the control and string bed consistency is much better, similar to what the Blade 100 feels like (although I would say it's slightly more spin friendly than the blade 100), or also similar consistency/control to the Radical Pro but with a higher launch angle. Great racquet so far imo.
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Thank you @Fighting phoenix. I was disappointed reading your initial comment about a higher stiffness in the 16x20, but relieved it feels like 63/64.

Taking both out tomorrow along with the Blade 100 v8, indoors against a ball machine. Will report back
 
Ombudsman said:
Thank you @Fighting phoenix. I was disappointed reading your initial comment about a higher stiffness in the 16x20, but relieved it feels like 63/64.

Taking both out tomorrow along with the Blade 100 v8, indoors against a ball machine. Will report back
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It’s more flexible than the 16x19 for sure, but isn’t plush and super flexible like a prince or gravity. Definitely more comfortable than the v3 98 strike I used to play with.
 
Fighting phoenix said:
It’s more flexible than the 16x19 for sure, but isn’t plush and super flexible like a prince or gravity. Definitely more comfortable than the v3 98 strike I used to play with.
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Cheers. The PS98 16m is what I’m trying to replace. While I love that racquet, my arm and shoulder did not, thus comparing the new releases with the Blade 100 and Prince TT100 290.

I’m particularly interested in the pocketing and plush feel, which I thought the PS98 provided. All my racquets strung with X1@50 - demos are Xalt
 
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Ombudsman said:
Cheers. The PS98 16m is what I’m trying to replace. While I love that racquet, my arm and shoulder did not, thus comparing the new releases with the Blade 100 and Prince TT100 290.

I’m particularly interested in the pocketing and plush feel, which I thought the PS98 provided. All strung with X1@50
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The previous version of the PS98 16x19 wrecked my shoulder, so I'm very glad that these aren't as stiff across the board. The PS98 with X1 I'm sure will be awesome.
 
socallefty said:
It seems like a few posters are popping up and talking about the Gen3 PS affecting their shoulder. Did that happen to many?
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Yep shoulder tendinitis after a 3 days tournament with my PS98 loaded with technifibre black code (amazing combo by the way)

Since then switched to lower stiffness frames (TF40, Gravities) but my game isn't the same anymore (less spin, weaker forehand, slower serve...)

I play again with my PS 98 now with triax 128 at 23 kg.. much much more comfortable!!
 
socallefty said:
It seems like a few posters are popping up and talking about the Gen3 PS affecting their shoulder. Did that happen to many?
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Yup. Not necessarily the racquet exclusively, but diagnosed with a SLAP and rotator-cuff tear. Gave me elbow problems too…but damn, do I like the racquet. I string mine with X1 @50 - and it’s simply wonderful - but does not relieve the arm issues completely.

Just returned from a couple hours with both the PS100 16x20 and 16x19. Will post my experience later this evening.
 
Ombudsman said:
Yup. Not necessarily the racquet exclusively, but diagnosed with a SLAP and rotator-cuff tear. Gave me elbow problems too…but damn, do I like the racquet. I string mine with X1 @50 - and it’s simply wonderful - but does not relieve the arm issues completely.

Just returned from a couple hours with both the PS100 16x20 and 16x19. Will post my experience later this evening.
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How was it?
 
Me and my buddy tested 100 16x19, 100 16x20, 98 16x19 over the weekend.
100 16x20, 98 16x19 demos came over specs, both 337 SW with the RPM Rough in it. I had to restring the 100 16x20 with tour bite 20 gauge to reduce the SW. It ended up at 327 SW.

After rally and match play, we both liked the 98 16x19 the most, although I had high hopes for the 100 16x20. But the 98 just feels more natural and easy, despite the 337 SW, still felt fast and served well.
I will keep playing this week, see if anything changes. Also, I have another 100 16x20 demo on my way, hope that one is more or less on specs, I want to put normal gauge strings on it to test it out.

Good thing about these new strikes is the comfort, it doesn't feel hollow like PAs, and so far no arm discomfort. 100 16x20 def plush, 98 feels stiffer than 100, but still comfortable.
 
ulunxtns said:
Me and my buddy tested 100 16x19, 100 16x20, 98 16x19 over the weekend.
100 16x20, 98 16x19 demos came over specs, both 337 SW with the RPM Rough in it. I had to restring the 100 16x20 with tour bite 20 gauge to reduce the SW. It ended up at 327 SW.

After rally and match play, we both liked the 98 16x19 the most, although I had high hopes for the 100 16x20. But the 98 just feels more natural and easy, despite the 337 SW, still felt fast and served well.
I will keep playing this week, see if anything changes. Also, I have another 100 16x20 demo on my way, hope that one is more or less on specs, I want to put normal gauge strings on it to test it out.

Good thing about these new strikes is the comfort, it doesn't feel hollow like PAs, and so far no arm discomfort. 100 16x20 def plush, 98 feels stiffer than 100, but still comfortable.
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What about groundstrokes? Can you take big swings without being concerned if it goes to the moon ? ( on the 98 )
 
Pekoms said:
What about groundstrokes? Can you take big swings without being concerned if it goes to the moon ? ( on the 98 )
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It was good in control, I didn't have any problem with overhitting. The 98 has a much denser string pattern in the middle compared to the two 100s.
 
ulunxtns said:
Me and my buddy tested 100 16x19, 100 16x20, 98 16x19 over the weekend.
100 16x20, 98 16x19 demos came over specs, both 337 SW with the RPM Rough in it. I had to restring the 100 16x20 with tour bite 20 gauge to reduce the SW. It ended up at 327 SW.

After rally and match play, we both liked the 98 16x19 the most, although I had high hopes for the 100 16x20. But the 98 just feels more natural and easy, despite the 337 SW, still felt fast and served well.
I will keep playing this week, see if anything changes. Also, I have another 100 16x20 demo on my way, hope that one is more or less on specs, I want to put normal gauge strings on it to test it out.

Good thing about these new strikes is the comfort, it doesn't feel hollow like PAs, and so far no arm discomfort. 100 16x20 def plush, 98 feels stiffer than 100, but still comfortable.
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So when TW lists a SW of 320 is that unstrung? Seems like a listed SW of 320 and an actual SW of 337 is not just poor quality control, but an entirely different racquet.
 
I had high hopes for the 100 16x20, but I came away unimpressed after playing with it for about half an hour during drills. The best thing about it was the low launch angle. I’ve been playing a speed pro, which is solid at everything but it’s at my upper limit in terms of weight and maneuverability. I was hoping the strike would give me a good blend of power and control similar to the speed pro, but in a more maneuverable package. Although it was indeed more maneuverable, the strike felt kind of flimsy and hollow compared to the speed pro. Almost felt like the speed pro was made of higher quality graphite or something, just a more pleasant sensation at impact. The strike did serve better than the speed, but speed did everything else better for me. I’m gonna pass on the strike. Will stick with the speed pro for now, although I might pick up a shift just for fun on those days when I just want to stand at the baseline and bash away as hard as I can.
 
AZJ1973 said:
So when TW lists a SW of 320 is that unstrung? Seems like a listed SW of 320 and an actual SW of 337 is not just poor quality control, but an entirely different racquet.
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I think it's just poor quality control. But I do think TW should check the specs, especially for the demos. If demo racquets are off-spec that much, it kinda defeats the purpose of the demo process. It's hard for us to decide if we like the racquets or not. That's why I ordered the second batch of demos. But it could be avoided if TW makes sure the demos are more or less on specs.
 
Lee580 said:
I had high hopes for the 100 16x20, but I came away unimpressed after playing with it for about half an hour during drills. The best thing about it was the low launch angle. I’ve been playing a speed pro, which is solid at everything but it’s at my upper limit in terms of weight and maneuverability. I was hoping the strike would give me a good blend of power and control similar to the speed pro, but in a more maneuverable package. Although it was indeed more maneuverable, the strike felt kind of flimsy and hollow compared to the speed pro. Almost felt like the speed pro was made of higher quality graphite or something, just a more pleasant sensation at impact. The strike did serve better than the speed, but speed did everything else better for me. I’m gonna pass on the strike. Will stick with the speed pro for now, although I might pick up a shift just for fun on those days when I just want to stand at the baseline and bash away as hard as I can.
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What a shame. I had a Speed Pro last year and while I quite liked it I found the benefits of it over the Speed MP were not worth the loss in maneuverability. I was hoping the 16x20 would somewhat emulate the Speed Pro at a more manageable swing weight but it sounds like I need to find and underspec Speed Pro.
 
heavyD said:
What a shame. I had a Speed Pro last year and while I quite liked it I found the benefits of it over the Speed MP were not worth the loss in maneuverability. I was hoping the 16x20 would somewhat emulate the Speed Pro at a more manageable swing weight but it sounds like I need to find and underspec Speed Pro.
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Or you could demo the 16x20 if you can - this stuff can be very subjective and dependent on many factors.
 
Show down of the PS100 16x19 and 16x20 for me. PJs still not attractive but if playability is special then it will be forgiven
 
Spent a healthy amount of time with the PS 100 16x20 this weekend, strung with Tour M8 at 45#. Felt pretty great generally and I played solid tennis with it. Amazing feel at contact if you really swing out, but can feel a little noodly at slower swing speeds. Launch angle was just about perfect for my game, but I wouldn't mind just a hair more spin/shape potential. Highlights: Rock solid on the backhand side for some reason. Really effective on second serves. Pretty good control, accuracy, stringbed consistency. Lowlights: Weak at the net (could use some more crispness there), first serves missing some heat, generally a little bit clunky form-factor wise but could get used to it. The above tells me I like this frame, but would probably love the 16x19. Have a demo on the way...
 
topspn said:
Show down of the PS100 16x19 and 16x20 for me. PJs still not attractive but if playability is special then it will be forgiven
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My guess is you’re going to like the 16x19 better - stiffer, more spin and power. Similar to the pa98 but slightly better control? It’s close but need to play with it some more
 
Fighting phoenix said:
My guess is you’re going to like the 16x19 better - stiffer, more spin and power. Similar to the pa98 but slightly better control? It’s close but need to play with it some more
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You could very well be reading my mind. I’ll probably have to get both and really test them out. I am looking for a PA98 clone in a 100. PA98 works extremely well for me as an all court stick albeit erratic sometimes on serves
 
topspn said:
You could very well be reading my mind. I’ll probably have to get both and really test them out. I am looking for a PA98 clone in a 100. PA98 works extremely well for me as an all court stick albeit erratic sometimes on serves
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I am looking for the exact same thing. I do believe that if the string pattern is indeed tighter then PS 98 16x19 would fit the bill for me.
 
Count me as someone who is hoping to enjoy the PS 100 16x20.

I was forced to play the Clash v2 100 for a couple years due to elbow concerns and actually didn’t mind playing with it. Didn’t love it but didn’t hate it. My elbow improved.

It improved so much that this summer I decided to move up in stiffness level a tad bit and give the Head Speed MP a try. I played with the Speed for a couple of months. No issues at all with the elbow but I missed the maneuverability of my Clash. I guess I prefer a racquet that is more headlight.

When the new Pure Strike specs came out the 16x20 grabbed my attention. Even if the RA of 61 is a little off, I am eager to give even if it’s in the 62-63 range. I was a Project One-7 Pure Strike lover until my elbow told me to try something softer.

I am hoping for it to be a combination of the softness and spin potential of the Clash, and the consistency of the Speed and my old Pure Strike 98.

Seems like specs are everything I want. Low stiffness rating, 7 points HL, and a swing weight that should make it maneuverable.
 
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