Ryebread
Hall of Fame
Not surprised at all.
16x19 98
supposed to be 305 grams unstrung
came in unstrung
298 grams
32.5 cm
316 strung with poly
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Time to string at try them out
The two demos of the 16x20 I used had swing weights (strung) of 326g and 331g, and having just placed an order using their matching service, I asked for something around a 322sw strung, and the closest they could find were 325. So yeah, I'm pretty sure the 320 average on their website should be adjusted upwards now that the sample size is larger.TW will have to adjust their SWit’s out of whack for an average it seems
*face palm* How the heck, then, did 320SW make it to the 100 16x20 product page? Did they even measure any retail-run frames? Strange...I asked for something around a 322sw strung, and the closest they could find were 325.
What’s even crazier is another online tennis retailer lists the swing weight as 317.*face palm* How the heck, then, did 320SW make it to the 100 16x20 product page? Did they even measure any retail-run frames? Strange...
Mind boggling, indeed.What’s even crazier is another online tennis retailer lists the swing weight as 317.
The ezone has better feel, not as muted and hollow feeling. It sounds like you would want the Ezone 100, the strike I would say is harder to use because of the higher swingweight and beefiness.Could the pure strike 98 16x19 be considered a slightly easier to use Ezone Tour or pretty much the same? How different do they perform?
Is the feel better for ezone 98 or pure strike (both 98 16x19 and 100 16x20)
Currently using ezone 98+. Hard to keep up if the other is hard hitter. I also notice I don’t go up to net as much which I would prefer doing.
6.0 UTR or 4 ntrp. Thanks!
Why don’t you just pay the extra $25 and have them match two racquets to your specifications?I ordered 4 frames and plan to keep the 2 that are the closest in spec to what TW says are specs. I am not a master technician so the only thing I can do is use my scale to weight the frame, and then do the poor man’s balance by seeing where they fall off my kitchen counter. I figure if they weigh the same, and have the same balance point they should have the same swing weight.
My question is. If I want a swing weight at 320 what should I hope they weigh in at? Considering I am not going to remove the plastic around the grip or the promotional card that is typically fastened into the frame?
I should have done that and was planning to do that, but I ended up getting a significant discount on the racquets (long story) and it wasn’t an option.Why don’t you just pay the extra $25 and have them match two racquets to your specifications?
Good to know on the feel front.The ezone has better feel, not as muted and hollow feeling. It sounds like you would want the Ezone 100, the strike I would say is harder to use because of the higher swingweight and beefiness.
The ezone 100 is I would say one of the more controlled tweener 100’s on the market.Good to know on the feel front.
I thought ezone 100 is way more powerful? I came from a Prince textreme tour 310 which was a bit too powerful which lead me to switch to ezone98+.
Also ezone 98+ has SW of 330 and up so I figure maneuverability is not far from pure strike 98.
Anyways my goal is to keep performance of ezone98+ but just a bit more maneuverable.
16 SW differenceWas at a local shops and measured out 2x frames, 100’s 16x20.
Frame 1
Static 309
SW 297
Bal 31.1
Frame 2
Static 304
SW 281
Bal 30.7
Wowza, lolololol.. Took both as is given they were the only 2 they had.
Customized frame 2 and strung with Razor Code 17 @53. Final spec after a lot of lead mostly at 12 and kimony grip + tourna supreme og;
Static 336
SW 339
Bal 32.2
MrG/I - 20.37
RW - 172.91
Setup feels good air swinging. Frame feels like a knife through butter. No need for dampener, razor code + frame cuts out the vibration well based on bouncing a ball on the string bed in the front yard.
Hitting tomorrow am with frame, will give some feed back on my specs in this frame.
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These numbers are always interesting. Giant sweetspot and power on the 98 16x19. Small(er) on the 100 16x20
I would settle some. Until someone shows a naked 16X20 with high SW in a vid, I would take it with a grain of salt. 337 strung is a long ways to go from the 280's and 290's we've seen mainly reported unstrung. To physically get to 337 they would have to mess of the lay up entirely. Few people take several measurements and average them, as well.Mind boggling, indeed.
Which one did you try that you're comparing to the gen2/project one 7?I hoped this gen would be more like the project one 7 but just easier on the arm, but unfortunately this one doesn't play anything like what I remember from the gen2. It's probably due to the average SW increasing by 10pts between the gen4 and gen2 but maintaining the same balance. I recall the one7 being an all-court weapon because of it's combination of control/power and manueverability. It was like a Blade with more pop. However, I personally didn't like anything about this new one. It felt cumbersome to manuever, low launch angle, stringbed was somewhat inconsistent and erratic at times, and outside of the sweetspot it felt stiff/boardy even though the RA is lower. My demo did have fresh strings but probably not the most ideal string setup so that could have also been a contributing factor as to how it played.
Oops, sorry I meant to quote my prior post from last night:Which one did you try that you're comparing to the gen2/project one 7?
Do you know the string setup? Thanks!Oops, sorry I meant to quote my prior post from last night:
I grabbed a demo of the 98 16x19 from the local shop:
319.5g static
33.5/3HL balance
329 SW
M: Gamma Moto 17 / X: Gamma TNT 16 @ 53#Do you know the string setup? Thanks!
Any incosistent launches?I hit with my own Stike 98 first time yesterday for 2 hours( Demo-ed them for 2 weeks), a practice match. Worked pretty well, serve surprisingly felt natural, still need to dial in but not too difficult to adjust. I got my racquet from a local shop, unsrung SW was 298, strung with Kpop for the first try.
Strung specs with dampener and OG: 326g, 32.6cm, 335SW.
I am curious to hear your thoughts on the 16x20 too.I hoped this gen would be more like the project one 7 but just easier on the arm, but unfortunately this one doesn't play anything like what I remember from the gen2. It's probably due to the average SW increasing by 10pts between the gen4 and gen2 but maintaining the same balance. I recall the one7 being an all-court weapon because of it's combination of control/power and manueverability. It was like a Blade with more pop. However, I personally didn't like anything about this new one. It felt cumbersome to manuever, low launch angle, stringbed was somewhat inconsistent and erratic at times, and outside of the sweetspot it felt stiff/boardy even though the RA is lower. My demo did have fresh strings but probably not the most ideal string setup so that could have also been a contributing factor as to how it played.
Disappointing. I was hoping they'd go back to Gen 2, but it's starting to sound like it's Gen 3 with different feel. Makes me wonder if there really is an engineering limitation making something as maneuverable, powerful, and controllable as the P17 without being a legendary arm killer. Then again, it sounds like the two 100 frames are vast improvements and maybe will appeal to the P17 crowd. Will see for myself at some point.I hoped this gen would be more like the project one 7 but just easier on the arm, but unfortunately this one doesn't play anything like what I remember from the gen2. It's probably due to the average SW increasing by 10pts between the gen4 and gen2 but maintaining the same balance. I recall the one7 being an all-court weapon because of it's combination of control/power and manueverability. It was like a Blade with more pop. However, I personally didn't like anything about this new one. It felt cumbersome to manuever, low launch angle, stringbed was somewhat inconsistent and erratic at times, and outside of the sweetspot it felt stiff/boardy even though the RA is lower. My demo did have fresh strings but probably not the most ideal string setup so that could have also been a contributing factor as to how it played.
No, I didn't notice. And it's quite comfortable, compared to PA98, much better.Any incosistent launches?
Have you played the 100 16x20? Or the 98 16x19 only??No, I didn't notice. And it's quite comfortable, compared to PA98, much better.
Still very maneuverable. When I hit bad shots, most of the time I thought it was user error which is a good sign that I didn't blame the racquet lol.
I played both. I like 98 16x19 more. To me, it has more power and a bigger sweetspot, that 16x20 is very comfortable tho, almost a little noodley for me. I like the racquet with a little stiffness to it. 98 works better for me.Have you played the 100 16x20? Or the 98 16x19 only??
Was at a local shops and measured out 2x frames, 100’s 16x20.
Frame 1
Static 309
SW 297
Bal 31.1
Frame 2
Static 304
SW 281
Bal 30.7
Wowza, lolololol.. Took both as is given they were the only 2 they had.
Customized frame 2 and strung with Razor Code 17 @53. Final spec after a lot of lead mostly at 12 and kimony grip + tourna supreme og;
Static 336
SW 339
Bal 32.2
MrG/I - 20.37
RW - 172.91
Setup feels good air swinging. Frame feels like a knife through butter. No need for dampener, razor code + frame cuts out the vibration well based on bouncing a ball on the string bed in the front yard.
Hitting tomorrow am with frame, will give some feed back on my specs in this frame.
Was at a local shops and measured out 2x frames, 100’s 16x20.
Frame 1
Static 309
SW 297
Bal 31.1
Frame 2
Static 304
SW 281
Bal 30.7
Wowza, lolololol.. Took both as is given they were the only 2 they had.
Customized frame 2 and strung with Razor Code 17 @53. Final spec after a lot of lead mostly at 12 and kimony grip + tourna supreme og;
Static 336
SW 339
Bal 32.2
MrG/I - 20.37
RW - 172.91
Setup feels good air swinging. Frame feels like a knife through butter. No need for dampener, razor code + frame cuts out the vibration well based on bouncing a ball on the string bed in the front yard.
Hitting tomorrow am with frame, will give some feed back on my specs in this frame.
Thanks again @TW Staff for selecting me for the PS98 16x19 playtest. It's been a joy to get to try this frame alongside my own pure strikes (my frame of choice is the Gen 3 Pure Strike Tour). See below for a written review - I also decided to put my thoughts/hitting experience into a review video (see video description for time stamps) to add a bit of a personal touch. Hopefully other members enjoy reading/hearing my thoughts. Thanks again TW!
String and tension used for test: Volkl Cyclone Tour 18 Black @48lbs
Tennis experience/background: Former NCAA collegiate player/coach & nationally ranked junior. Come from a long history of using player's frames (Wilson 6.1 95, HEAD Prestige Microgel - Youtek, HEAD Speed Youtek IG, & Wilson RF97)
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): All-court attacking player. Always seeking a midcourt forehand. Uses slice backhand frequently. These days more placement over power as my legs age. One-handed backhand & semi-western forehand grip.
Current racquet/string setups: My current frame of choice is a tie between the Wilson kBlade 98 & Babolat Pure Strike Tour. I can comfortably switch between both of these options in any given match. Strings rotate between Diadem Solstice Black, Topspin Cyber Flash, & Volkl Cyclone Tour.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? 8-10 hours
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
Groundstrokes: Groundies with the PS98 16x19 are terrific. For me, it's the perfect blend between power and control. Enough free power to use my opponents pace & redirect shots on defense, but also enough control to take a large cut at the ball & not worry about it sailing long. I enjoy the ball-pocketing with this open pattern, it grips the ball well but also doesnt impart an offensive launch angle. A great modern player's frame from the ground, allowing for considerable forgiveness with all groundstrokes. I'm a huge fan of the upper hoop response with these frames, a controllable level of power.
Serves: Serving with the PS98 16x19 was a really enjoyable experience. Tons of forgiveness but also control. The upper hoop response allows to a comfort in the attacking mindset, being able to take a big cut at a kick serve or slice serve without fear of imparting too much spin. Flat serves were excellent as well - great directional control and a solid level of power for a 98 sq inch player's frame.
Volleys: The touch on these frames is exceptional. I mentioned this in my video, but too often people have claimed this line of frames lacks feel. I believe that is an incorrect classification of a muted/dampened/soft layup. To me, the string bed is incredibly responsive & easy to trust, which is a more true reflection of feel/touch. The touch on volleys, overheads, and drop-shots is stellar & allows for a lot of confidence in the trajectory of touch shots. I love the way the string pattern catches a volley, the ball sinks into the stringbed, but comes out with interest. I think the experience at net is a lot like using a pro staff 97 with more forgiveness outside of the sweetspot.
Serve returns: I would echo my sentiments in terms of the groundstrokes. This frame is great at absorbing pace based on the beam design/molds construction. More of the same when compared to pure strikes of old. Great in terms of blocking the ball back but still having free power on board. One of the few players frames on the market today that can deliver a chip return with some weight of shot. I love the way the slice return bites with this frame.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control: As I mentioned in my video, the power on these is substantial but not alike to other thicker beamed Babolat frames. To me it’s more powerful than a blade or pro staff 97 but less so than a modern prestige, radical or speed. I would say enough free power onboard to feel like you aren’t losing anything, but not enough to get away with abbreviated swings and still feel like you are hitting with depth. The control is exceptional, especially for a 16 main frame. It allows for controllable power and spin off of ground, which makes for a really balanced hitting experience.
Top Spin/Slice: Also mentioned in my video review, the spin production on this 16 main PS98 is exceptional. The string pattern allows for a controllable degree of spin that doesn’t create a launch angle that makes you have to tailor your game to the frame. In short, enough spin on tap to take big cuts, but not so much that you feel like you have to consciously calculate the right level of spin.
Comfort: The PS98 16x19 is a really comfortable frame. The mid-60s RA coupled with a low vibration frequency make for a soft and dampened layup. As mentioned prior, this doesn’t affect the touch or string bed responsiveness. The softer band dampened feel just makes for a comfortable ride when hitting outside of the sweet spot, something very foreign for a frame with the Babolat branding. If I could compare it to any other frames comfort level, I think I would compare it to the Wilson blade pro, plush but not overly dampened or soft.
Feel: As mentioned in my section on volleys & netplay - the PS98 has a really predictable response across the stringbed and upper hoop, which allows for a ton of confidence in every shot. The predictability of the string bed and blend of control/power make this frame great from a feel perspective. Never really had to second guess my shot placement with this frame.
Maneuverability: This is is one area I think this frames could be better out of the box. For whatever reason the weight distribution & beam design make for a weighty head even if the balance doesn’t suggest it. I’m sure with tail weighting or even a simple leather grip this could be solved. I customize my pure strike tour gen 3 frames up to 370g with tail weighting and they are more maneuverable than the PS98 out of the box.
Stability: the PS98 is incredibly stable out of the box. The mid/upper hoop can handle pace and redirect the pace with interest. Really a gem of a frame in terms of stability, especially given the thin beam and 98 headsize. I found blocking heavy balls back with pace easy while still managing to hit with considerable depth.
Additional category - SOUND: I think the tone of a frame is important to consider. It can play a role in the tactile perception of a frames comfort. I think the Gen 3 was really dull in terms of sound but Gen 4 I feel a more bass/low-end frequency when I strike the ball. Check the end of my video for a sound test where I use Gen 3 and Gen 4 in consecutive alike shots with the same conditions (same string, tension, grips, weight, etc). Have spent some considerable time with other pure strike-truthers like @socallefty analyzing this notion relative to the pure strike tour.
General reaction/comments on overall performance: see above video for more in depth general comments. This frame is a great modern players option, something with controllable power & ample spin production. Highly recommended for the attacking player coming from the pro staff, prestige, or alike players frame lineage.
Concluding remarks: the pure strike 98 is a special frame to me personally. I switched back in 2017 to this frame full-time after years/decades of using classic player's sticks like the Wilson 6.1 95, HEAD Prestige Microgel - Youtek, HEAD Speed IG, and Wilson RF97. I've used the Gen 3 strike 98 tour competitively in men's opens & even had the privilege to take to Europe and use on the legendary Foro Italico (Rome Open) clay courts - see below pics.
To me, the pure strike 98 is the perfect well-rounded player's stick. Controllable power but also a lot of things I like in a player's frame (thin beam, 98 inch head, etc). The gen 3 pure strike tour is an all-time frame for me. Gen 4 Pure Strike 98 picks up right where Gen 3 left off. Offering a comfy soft layup with all of the benefits of a modern Babolat frame. The sound/tone of the Gen 4 is more of a pronounced "thud" - I think that will be a welcome change for a lot of people who wanted to use a pure strike 98, but didn't love the tactile experience of Gen 3.
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It kind of aligned with my experience with the 16x20. Especially on the serve, I thought the flex was a little weird, didn't feel natural for my serve motion. After demoing the 98 16x19, I switched to it, more power, stability, and better serve. Even the sweet spot feels bigger on the 98 for some reason.First hit with 100 16x20 , strung with Dunlop Explosive Power @ 48lbs
Not bad but i expected more from it on my first hit, it's pretty soft, but the power was a little disappointing so far even with a a 330 SW on mine, Gen 3 98 hit one of the biggest balls for a hybrid power / control frame
Also this is one of the few times that serving was very bland, i can serve with almost any racquet, and this was quite underwhelming
Also mine lacked some stability and plow, but let's see what the next few hits provide me, i suspect it's the string at the moment
So it seems you agree with Henrik.First hit with 100 16x20 , strung with Dunlop Explosive Power @ 48lbs
Not bad but i expected more from it on my first hit, it's pretty soft, but the power was a little disappointing so far even with a a 330 SW on mine, Gen 3 98 hit one of the biggest balls for a hybrid power / control frame
Also this is one of the few times that serving was very bland, i can serve with almost any racquet, and this was quite underwhelming
Also mine lacked some stability and plow, but let's see what the next few hits provide me, i suspect it's the string at the moment
We'll all end up with a pure drive or somethinIt gave me yet another perspective on how low-powered many of my frames really are, and truly does have me rethinking the appropriate balance of control-to-power for me/my game.
Well - to each their own! My 16x20 Strikes have been in the mid to upper 320s SW, with RPM rough around 45 lbs, and I felt they had plenty of power on tap and ability to keep the ball deep with as much topspin as I wanted to put on the ball. I tried the 100 Blade v8 last year, partially cause of Henrik's strong support, and I thought it was just an OK racquet compared to the PA 2023 and now this Pure Strike 100.So it seems you agree with Henrik.
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So crazy how everyone feels these things differently. Maybe I hit with pretty low powered frames, the 100 16x20 had some real pop for me.So it seems you agree with Henrik.
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