Pure Strike 2024

patrickluvsoj said:
Is the T-fight 315 16x19 a more maneuverable and better feel version of Pure Strike 98 16X19, or is the power & forgiveness drop-off pretty significant?
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Power: in stock form, the TFight 315 won't hit as big a ball, as it's average strung swing weight will be roughly 10-15 points lower. At equal strung spec, though, power will be roughly equivalent.

Forgiveness: the PS98 16x19 will probably have a noticeably larger sweet spot and more uniform behavior over a larger part of the face area than the TFight 315.

Feel: If you had this question about the Gen 3 Strikes, I'd give it to the TFights all day long, but with the considerable improvements made to the Gen 4 Strikes in feel, I would have to say it would come down more to taste.
 
I see why the scores could be low for serve, volley, maneuverability comfort & feel. But personally I feel like the overall score could be higher on the Pure Strike 98 16x19. Also the testers reviewing the stick are using rackets that aren't really close to the Pure Strike which could factor into this.
 
patrickluvsoj said:
I see why the scores could be low for serve, volley, maneuverability comfort & feel. But personally I feel like the overall score could be higher on the Pure Strike 98 16x19. Also the testers reviewing the stick are using rackets that aren't really close to the Pure Strike which could factor into this.
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Feel and comfort are improved imo... This feels like a 26mm beam the way the weight is distributed though.
 
Orange-and-Blue said:
After demoing 6 racquets, I think I’ve settled on the PS100 16x20. Was by far my most consistent and best mix of performance, feel, stability. Ezone 98 was the runner up, which other than the difference in head size, the other measurables were pretty similar to the ps100 16x20 (weight, swing weight, 6pt HL).

That being said, what’s been the ideal string set up for this racquet? Does it prefer lower tension? I think my demo was hyper g at 52. I’m thinking I might want to go a little lower at 50 for some incremental power/depth.
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I hit with the 16x20 demo the last couple of days. It's a demo from the club I teach at, so I had to string it at 52lbs, which is tighter than I would like. The first 45 minutes it was too stiff of a string bed. The next day it played much better. I would have started at 48 since it is a 100 sq" racquet and then go up or down depending on how it feels (full poly not hybrid). I'm currently using Gen3 PS 16x19 and wonder if the arm pain I have is due to the swing weight. I'm giving the new Strike a solid chance since it's more in my range for SW. 330s is not ideal at the moment for my arm health. I think it's really more of an issue of SW than stiffness.
 
I demo’d the 16x20 and loved how it played, but got just a tinge of elbow pain. Demo was a multi strung at 55 lbs. Maybe a lower tension would solve the issue, but reluctant to take the chance on it and then not be able to use it. Currently playing with an Ezone 100, current gen, with multi in low 50s and have no elbow issues with that.
 
All the PS100 16x20 aficionados! I am getting my frame today and will take to the stringer. I like crisp strings in flexy frames and a bit softer string in more stiffer frames. So I want to start out trying sliver 7 tour a crisp string. Thoughts on tension please since you’ve already experimented with this racquet. I was thinking 50lbs?
 
topspn said:
All the PS100 16x20 aficionados! I am getting my frame today and will take to the stringer. I like crisp strings in flexy frames and a bit softer string in more stiffer frames. So I want to start out trying sliver 7 tour a crisp string. Thoughts on tension please since you’ve already experimented with this racquet. I was thinking 50lbs?
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Agreed on type of strings for this frame as you mentioned, and 50 lbs sounds like a good starting tension. My favorite so far is tf ice code in this stick.
 
Fighting phoenix said:
Agreed on type of strings for this frame as you mentioned, and 50 lbs sounds like a good starting tension. My favorite so far is tf ice code in this stick.
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I tried the Toroline experimental hybrid with Toro Toro in mains and Wasabi X in the crosses in the PS 98 18x20. Tension at 55/57. Once you break the strings in after a couple ground strokes, it feels very nice. Absolutely no jarring feeling coming from the relatively high tension. Didn't feel underpowered too. Very good spin as expected from Toroline strings.
 
patrickluvsoj said:
I see why the scores could be low for serve, volley, maneuverability comfort & feel. But personally I feel like the overall score could be higher on the Pure Strike 98 16x19. Also the testers reviewing the stick are using rackets that aren't really close to the Pure Strike which could factor into this.
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I haven't seen the review but I was a playtester and one of things I wrote that I didn't like was the maneuverability so I can see why it gets a low score. Also, the power on the serve wasn't great but it was more of hitting the spots and hitting angles which I wrote in my review.
 
I am in the process of switching from a v1 Gravity Pro to the Strike 16x19. So far, the honey moon period is going really well, way better than when I tried and ultimately switched back from the banana pure aero.

I haven't wanted to pick up the Gpro since getting the Strike. While the Gpro is really trustworthy, neutral and balanced in most areas, the pure strike peaks more on attacking the corners/angles and serves. Suffers a little on hand speed.

Once you get adjusted and start swinging free, it hits lively penetrating balls and still retains the feel to switch up the spins, speed and angles, strong and adaptable. I love how when really accelerating through, the throat flex adjusts ever so slightly to increase directional control and helps stop the ball spraying. It eggs you on to attack the space and move forward. Then the weight at the top really helps whip through with little deflection around mid court.
 
Any more updates from anyone playing the new '24 Strikes? I was on the 100 16x20 play test with an over-spec sample (304sw unstrung), and am thinking of buying another, at or even a bit under-spec, via TW matching service, maybe even a 98 16x19 as well, but just wanted to gauge any further feedback from players of the current Strikes. They seemed to create quite a bit of a splash for a bit here, and then faded as other frames have since released (CX, Blade, etc.). (@Fighting phoenix, @gino, and company). Thanks in advance anyone!
 
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I have switched from Blade to the 1620 Strikes and really enjoying them. Suprised the hype faded. Pretty much on spec except for sw at 330. My 2nd frame I just got is 325. Haven’t swung it yet to know if I like it better. A little higher than my blades, but they feel more solid/stable.
 
@sixtyseries - Thanks for that. Looking at your other posts, it appears you're coming from the v8 98 16x19? I, too, am enjoying the higher level of solidness and stability in stock form, versus the vast majority of player and player/tweener cross-over ("pleener") frames I've tried over the past couple years. Anyone else?
 
Trip said:
Any more updates from anyone playing the new '24 Strikes? I was on the 100 16x20 play test with an over-spec sample (304sw unstrung), and am thinking of buying another, at or even a bit under-spec, via TW matching service, maybe even a 98 16x19 as well, but just wanted to gauge any further feedback from players of the current Strikes. They seemed to create quite a bit of a splash for a bit here, and then faded as other frames have since released (CX, Blade, etc.). (@Fighting phoenix, @gino, and company). Thanks in advance anyone!
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Yeah I’ve been maining these for a couple months now, and playing solid tennis with my best results in a while - some of that can be attributed to getting comfortable with one racquet and not switching all the time, but I also think it’s a great compliment to my all court game and a solid stick for singles and doubles. Forgiving, power and spin when I need it, excellent control, great feel. Only complaints are that serves don’t have as much power as other options (like the ps98 or 100 16x19), and I wish I had a little more feel at the net. But everything involves tradeoffs, right?

Btw, all of mine are right around 325sw strung, 6-7 pts headlight.

I am tempted to experiment with the new blade 98, pure strike 98, and even the boom mp as an easier more powerful option ;-)
 
Thanks @Fighting phoenix. Good to hear you've had such a positive experience. I would agree, that yes, feel isn't quite as good as certain other pleener/player sticks, but the actual performance envelope of the frame is pretty darn good -- that's a very Babolat -esque thing to say, isn't it? But I get it now. Their layups tend to be geared towards just that -- high stability-to-weight ratios, higher power-to-weight ratios, high rebound performance -- usually prioritized over items like touch/feel/flex/purity, especially if those latter things stand a chance of reducing the former too much. And honestly, I can't really blame them for going that route, as, love or hate, it caters to the way tennis has changed, and it certainly gets results on the court. There's just a certain explosiveness that so many Babolats seem to play with, even if the feel on many (most?) of them isn't the greatest (PSVS/Strike97 mostly omitted from that indictment).
 
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Trip said:
Thanks @Fighting phoenix. Good to hear you've had such a positive experience. I would agree, that yes, feel isn't quite as good as certain other pleener/player sticks, but the actually performance envelope of the frame is pretty darn good -- that's a very Babolat -esque thing to say, isn't it? But I get it now. Their layups tend to be geared towards just that -- high stability-to-weight ratios, higher power-to-weight ratios, high rebound performance -- usually prioritized over items like touch/feel/flex/purity, especially if those latter things stand a chance of reducing the former too much. And honestly, I can't really blame them for going that route. It certainly gets results on the court, as we all know by seeing the high-performance games of so many Drive/Aero/Strike players. There's just a certain explosiveness that so many Babolats seem to play with, even if the feel on many (most?) of them isn't the greatest (PSVS/Strike97 mostly omitted from that indictment).
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Yeah very well said. Pure aero 98 is exactly like that, just not always the most satisfying/fun to play with, but damn it helped me win points. Would have stuck with that had I been ten years younger
 
Trip said:
@sixtyseries - Thanks for that. Looking at your other posts, it appears you're coming from the v8 98 16x19? I, too, am enjoying the higher level of solidness and stability in stock form, versus the vast majority of player and player/tweener cross-over ("pleener") frames I've tried over the past couple years. Anyone else?
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yep, exactly.
 
Are there any official stringing instructions out there for two piece? Sometimes I can get the crosses tied to cross though the tight grommet, I suppose we are supposed to tie the crosses to the mains? @Babolat Official
 
Anyone have luck finding 100 16x20 coming in at 320 or so swing weight similar to TW published specs? I had some measured and the lowest found was 328 sw. Not sure if I should just move on or keep looking. Not sure if the TW published specs are just off or what. Babolat website has 295 SW unstrung, so maybe that’s a more realistic number. Babolat number is heavier than TW published but seems closer to what people are reporting in reality. If so, then I don’t think this stick will work for me. I’m looking to go a little lighter.
 
Lee580 said:
Anyone have luck finding 100 16x20 coming in at 320 or so swing weight similar to TW published specs? I had some measured and the lowest found was 328 sw. Not sure if I should just move on or keep looking. Not sure if the TW published specs are just off or what. Babolat website has 295 SW unstrung, so maybe that’s a more realistic number. Babolat number is heavier than TW published but seems closer to what people are reporting in reality. If so, then I don’t think this stick will work for me. I’m looking to go a little lighter.
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Mine is at 321.
 
naturalexponent said:
Mine is at 321.
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Ok, thank you for the feedback. It’s seems like babolat published specs and TW published average specs are a little off from each other, but almost all the reviews I’m seeing are indicating they are getting a higher spec which is closer to the babolat spec. The lower TW spec which you got is just about perfect for what I’m looking for. Just trying to figure out what’s really out there.
 
Pure Strike were never meant to be low swingweight sticks....

325-330 is the way to go. Pretty sure the 320 TW specs are based on a poor batch as I bought several ones with matching and out of th total 15 that were measured there were all ranging from SW 292 to 303 unstrung

If you can't manage those SW the Percept might be the next logic choice
 
Casper thanks for your thoughts.

My main racquet right now is speed pro, playing at 328g static and 326 SW. I like almost everything about it but I’m interested to try something a little lighter that retains a some similar qualities. I like the plow and stability at that weight but I’m a little sluggish on the overheads sometimes. Also I like the idea of a lighter weight setup for days when the arm is a little tired or for causal social hitting with lower level friends.

Was hoping the strike 16x20 at sw 320-322 would maybe fit the bill. Maybe not if you are correct in your thoughts.

I thought the Percept 100d could work out but I really did not like the demo. Not sure if it was awful string or stiffness but I took about three swings and put it back in the box. Also messing around with a blade 100 right now and it has a lot of great qualities but it’s a little launchy. Hard to hit my short angle approaches and lot of volleys flying long. I’m only a 4.0 so a lot of it is my technique of course.
 
Lee580 said:
Casper thanks for your thoughts.

My main racquet right now is speed pro, playing at 328g static and 326 SW. I like almost everything about it but I’m interested to try something a little lighter that retains a some similar qualities. I like the plow and stability at that weight but I’m a little sluggish on the overheads sometimes. Also I like the idea of a lighter weight setup for days when the arm is a little tired or for causal social hitting with lower level friends.

Was hoping the strike 16x20 at sw 320-322 would maybe fit the bill. Maybe not if you are correct in your thoughts.

I thought the Percept 100d could work out but I really did not like the demo. Not sure if it was awful string or stiffness but I took about three swings and put it back in the box. Also messing around with a blade 100 right now and it has a lot of great qualities but it’s a little launchy. Hard to hit my short angle approaches and lot of volleys flying long. I’m only a 4.0 so a lot of it is my technique of course.
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You can probably get a Pure Strike 16x20 in the low 320 sw range - mine are around 325 w/ strings, but if I use 1.18/1.20 gauge it gets lower. PS 100 16x19s seem to be coming in at lower swing weights, but that one might have the launchiness issues you're experiencing with the Blade 100.

A lot of my 4.0 friends are loving the Yonex Ezone and Vcore 98s - have you tried those? Speed MP might also be a really good option, but the new ones are coming in a little heftier (Aux 1.0 versions are still easy to get and come in at a lower sw than the Aux 2.0s).
 
Fighting phoenix said:
You can probably get a Pure Strike 16x20 in the low 320 sw range - mine are around 325 w/ strings, but if I use 1.18/1.20 gauge it gets lower. PS 100 16x19s seem to be coming in at lower swing weights, but that one might have the launchiness issues you're experiencing with the Blade 100.

A lot of my 4.0 friends are loving the Yonex Ezone and Vcore 98s - have you tried those? Speed MP might also be a really good option, but the new ones are coming in a little heftier (Aux 1.0 versions are still easy to get and come in at a lower sw than the Aux 2.0s).
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Thanks for the suggestions. I have tried those recently and they didn’t work out for various reasons. I had a Shift 16x20 for a while and it was a lot of fun but wasn’t enough control for me. I really want to try out a tour 100p but I need to wait for a new cosmetic, current pj isn’t my cup of tea.
 
If you’re in the US and looking for a 1620 with a measured strung sw at 330, hit me up. Not eager enough to sell on the For Sale section because I like it, but just not hitting with it as I demonstrably play better with the 290 PAR.
 
Hey, @Babolat Official!

Do you happen to know if the new black grommets for the Pure Strike 18x20 4th Gen will fit on the previous Pure Strike 18x20 3rd Gen (both headguard, side grommets, and even throat piece)?

Also, do you happen to know when the new (black) Pure Strike 18x20 4th Gen grommets will be available for purchase, either here on Tennis Warehouse or through Babolat directly? cc: @TW Staff

Thanks in advance for any help - I really appreciate it!
 
Astonish said:
Hey, @Babolat Official!

Do you happen to know if the new black grommets for the Pure Strike 18x20 4th Gen will fit on the previous Pure Strike 18x20 3rd Gen (both headguard, side grommets, and even throat piece)?

Also, do you happen to know when the new (black) Pure Strike 18x20 4th Gen grommets will be available for purchase, either here on Tennis Warehouse or through Babolat directly? cc: @TW Staff

Thanks in advance for any help - I really appreciate it!
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@TW Staff @Babolat Official Just thought I’d bump this to see if Tennis Warehouse or Babolat are able to help clarify this! Thanks in advance for any info, I appreciate it :)
 
Astonish said:
@TW Staff @Babolat Official Just thought I’d bump this to see if Tennis Warehouse or Babolat are able to help clarify this! Thanks in advance for any info, I appreciate it :)
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Hello Astonish,

Thank you for your question. Good question!

Yes, all 2024 models that existed in 2020 (so not 10016/20 or 97) use the same part number grommets, but in the color black instead of red.
It looks like the grommet is available on tenniswarehouse.com

Have a great day
Craig
 
Babolat Official said:
Hello Astonish,

Thank you for your question. Good question!

Yes, all 2024 models that existed in 2020 (so not 10016/20 or 97) use the same part number grommets, but in the color black instead of red.
It looks like the grommet is available on tenniswarehouse.com

Have a great day
Craig
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Hey @Babolat Official,

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it! It’s good to know that the 4th Gen 18x20 grommets will work on the previous 3rd Gen 18x20.

Just to clarify, this is the only Pure Strike 18x20 grommet that I’m finding on Tennis Warehouse: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Strike_18x20_Grommet_2020/descpageBAB-BPS1820GRM.html

It says it’s the 2020 version (so presumably red, and not black). Do you know if the black 2024 grommets will be available anywhere for the 18x20?

Thanks again!

cc: @TW Staff
 
ACT said:
Im debating whether to buy Strike Team and weight it up to my specs, or buy the 98 underspec (or do both and see a difference) seems alot more difficult to get an underspec Strike, their SWs are averaging very high
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I did that and even after lead, Team still produced a lighter ball than 300gr 100 inch. Team also launches the ball easily. I experienced sth similar with blade 100 ans blade 100 team.
 
Astonish said:
Hey @Babolat Official,

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it! It’s good to know that the 4th Gen 18x20 grommets will work on the previous 3rd Gen 18x20.

Just to clarify, this is the only Pure Strike 18x20 grommet that I’m finding on Tennis Warehouse: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Strike_18x20_Grommet_2020/descpageBAB-BPS1820GRM.html

It says it’s the 2020 version (so presumably red, and not black). Do you know if the black 2024 grommets will be available anywhere for the 18x20?

Thanks again!

cc: @TW Staff
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Just spoke with @TW Staff live support and they said they don’t have any of the new 2024 Pure Strike 18x20 grommets on order. They thought maybe @Babolat Official hadn’t started producing them quite yet? Hopefully they become available soon though, as it would be nice to have grommet replacements available without having to mix and match with the wrong color from 2020 :X3:
 
I’ve mained the 100 16x20 now for four months, and have tried a number of string set ups, and my favorites so far are (all around 50 lbs):

Lynx tour mains (1.20 orange), ice code 1.20 crosses
RPM blast orange 1.20
Lynx tour mains, hawk touch (red) crosses

The first and third are my faves so far, but blast orange is really solid
 
I’ve started the transition to the new Pure Strike 100 (16x19). Fortunate to get a matched set just about spec. I added 2g in the handle and including overgrip and dampener, my final specs are: 328 static / ~318/320 SW / 32.5 balance.

Been about a month now and if you were a G3 user but experienced discomfort, highly recommend you demo the G4. From a comfort perspective, it’s definitely an improvement, while maintaining the Pure Strike personality. Only issue I’m working through is the higher launch angle.

I use exclusively multis and both are strung with X1 16@52. This works perfectly for me as it provides excellent pocketing and added power, but most importantly, I no longer experience the elbow/shoulder issues from G3.

Plan to play around with 1-2g of lead around the hoop to increase SW a few pts.
 
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Fighting phoenix said:
I’ve mained the 100 16x20 now for four months, and have tried a number of string set ups, and my favorites so far are (all around 50 lbs):

Lynx tour mains (1.20 orange), ice code 1.20 crosses
RPM blast orange 1.20
Lynx tour mains, hawk touch (red) crosses

The first and third are my faves so far, but blast orange is really solid
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Do you prefer orange strings?
Only reason I ask is I’m currently playing with Lynx tour main / pro poly plasma crosses and love it!
 
I'm trying to make the transition from pure strike vs to pure strike 97, but it's difficult to adapt. The 2024 version has a more mutted feel and is about 15 to 20% more powerful. I feel the feel of VS is much more refined than the new version. I use it on both poly tour pro 1.25 with 50 lbs and 10% stretch.
 
Paulo Braz said:
I'm trying to make the transition from pure strike vs to pure strike 97, but it's difficult to adapt. The 2024 version has a more mutted feel and is about 15 to 20% more powerful. I feel the feel of VS is much more refined than the new version. I use it on both poly tour pro 1.25 with 50 lbs and 10% stretch.
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I though that the 97 was pretty much untouched and just got a few refinery in the feel deparment not too significant compared to the VS... Do you experience an up in power?? How could that be possible? Can you elaborate a bit. Thanks
 
RNBABOLAT said:
I though that the 97 was pretty much untouched and just got a few refinery in the feel deparment not too significant compared to the VS... Do you experience an up in power?? How could that be possible? Can you elaborate a bit. Thanks
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I also thought it was launched as the same racquet, but with some dampening added and a worse paint job. Why would it be so much more powerful?
 
Just handled a gen 4 97, it feel so much more premium than the 98 and 100's. PJ looks better, more shimmery like the Shift prototype. The orange color is more neon like, way better... The clear grommets look incredible. The black Strike lettering on the throat is better from a design perspective. All said, this thing feels like it's make on a different level all together.
 
sixtyseries said:
Just handled a gen 4 97, it feel so much more premium than the 98 and 100's. PJ looks better, more shimmery like the Shift prototype. The orange color is more neon like, way better... The clear grommets look incredible. The black Strike lettering on the throat is better from a design perspective. All said, this thing feels like it's make on a different level all together.
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Have you seen the Gen 3 Strike VS paint job that was replaced by the Gen 4 Strike 97?
 
socallefty said:
Check it out - it was an awesome gloss red/black frame which was reminiscent of old Pure Controls and Gen 1 Strikes. The glossy finish made it one of the best looking frames ever.
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Nice, just don’t understand why they are so made so differently. The 98 and 100 feel a bit cheap now after handling the 97. ‍♂️
 
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