Pure Strike 2024

That's exactly what I was thinking about... That was the very smart move from Tecnifibre with the TF305 and from Head with the Gravity Pro

The Pure Strike would highly benefit from a switch to a 31.5 balance point and a target of 295 SW unstrung versus the current 300+

But I highly doubt they will make that kind of change with a mid-life update. We'll have to wait another year and a half to get (maybe) an updated model...

They went with a lower RA with this one and that's already a great move to solve the brassy feel of the previous model, but SW is still too high for the current game
What is the feel like of the 98 16x19 compared to the Technifibre tf40 or 305s?

My memories of the gen 2 pure strike were that it was way too muted for me and also bugged my arm. But that was 7 years ago so things can change.
 
I have read quite a few commenters mentioning the high SW so I'm curious about that. When I compare to some other rackets, it doesn't seem astronomically high. Does it play/feel heavier than its spec or something? Or is it more so high compared to some recent releases?

Is this a "more mass concentrated at the top of the hoop" type of thing? Combination of that plus the stiffness and how that's perceived? Anyways, just been wondering.
 
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What is the feel like of the 98 16x19 compared to the Technifibre tf40 or 305s?

My memories of the gen 2 pure strike were that it was way too muted for me and also bugged my arm. But that was 7 years ago so things can change.

Compared to the older Pure Strikes, the 4th gen will feel noticeably more connected and less muted, although I'm not sure if I would call it crisp. But since I've been playing wiwth the 305S and the PA Rafa Lite here and there, if I pick up the 4th Gen Strike now, it's impossible not to notice that it's on the muted side when compared to the other two. Not to the extent that it's unplayable or anything, though. On the contrary, I think I actually hit my best groundstrokes on the Strike and it's definitely on my regular rotation especially for match play due to how stable and reliable it is. But having some of the most connected racquets on the market right now in my collection, crisp strings are pretty much a non negotiable for me on the Strike.
 
I have read quite a few commenters mentioning the high SW so I'm curious about that. When I compare to some other rackets, it doesn't seem astronomically high. Does it play/feel heavier than its spec or something? Or is it more so high compared to some recent releases?

Is this a "more mass concentrated at the top of the hoop" type of thing? Combination of that plus the stiffness and how that's perceived? Anyways, just been wondering.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RMYAhsJs55w&pp=ygUfcmFja2V0cyBh
bmQgcnVubmVycyBwdXJlIHN0cmlrZQ%3D%3D

This video will answer your questions.
 
The QC and high SW is holding me back from getting this racket. Im not sure if i need to be so 'scared' bout it.
Maybe just going for model 99 or ezone 98.
 
I am playing my PS 98 16/19 since five weeks now and I am pretty happy with it.
But, one thing I don‘t understand. In the past, I always played with a dampener in my rackets. But for PS 98, it plays so much better without dampener. I get much better spin and net clearance without dampener.
It is strange.
 
what Is power level for Pure Strike 98 16 x 19.
does anyone compared to Head Extreme Tour , Tecnifibre T Fight 315S , Babolat Pure Aero VS , Wilson Blade 98 16 x 19 v9
 
what Is power level for Pure Strike 98 16 x 19.
does anyone compared to Head Extreme Tour , Tecnifibre T Fight 315S , Babolat Pure Aero VS , Wilson Blade 98 16 x 19 v9
On-spec, in stock form, it has more power than any of those frames, primarily from having higher swing weight / hitting weight.

At equal strung spec, PAVS = 315S >= ET >= Strike > Blade.
 
Hi Trip,
Thank you for reply
Do you think, Is It possible to achieve (with customization) a power level for Pure Strike VS 2019 close to Pure Strike 98 16 x 19 2024
 
@sasho - Theoretically, yes, but that's dependent on adding however much extra swing/hitting weight is needed to counter the softer flex, slightly thinner beam, smaller head size, and slightly less explosive 16x20 – and you're ability to get that much extra static weight and swing weight moving at equal (or at least high enough) racket head speed. You can also try more powerful string setups, but string-derived power sits at a distant second place to hitting weight (ie. swing weight at the point of contact). So you'll want to max out hitting weight first (as much as you can handle before it starts to effect RHS and/or endurance) by bracketing the strike zone with lead tape at roughly 10 & 2 (or 9:30 and 2:30, depending on where you tend to make contact most often - check your string wear to confirm), then possibly counterbalancing in/on the handle if you feel you need to, then once you get the frame dialed in, you create the highest-powered string setup that you can still control. All of that combined tends to create the highest-powered output for whatever particular frame is in question. Some frames tend to take weight better than others, before they start to feel too sluggish. Good news is the PSVS takes weight really well. There are several members here who play it around a strung spec of 350g static and 340sw, and it's apparently still pretty usable, so it's doable, provided (again) you've got the physicality and game to wield such a spec.

Hope that helps.
 

Yo
The white stripes on one side would make this paintjob really close to the PSVS and if glossy could make it at the 2nd place for me in any PS paintjob just behind the VS. Hopefully Babolat could see this and start to get things right with the strike... We don't want white racquets.
 
Does anyone know if the string spacing from the gen 3 to the gen 4 pure strike 100 actually got denser, or did they just change the name from FSI power to FSI control?
 
Pure strike 97 question - tested it, really liked it with rpm team at 22kg. Please can I have some other string suggestions which suit this frame , am a little bit wary of full beds of poly.
Suggestions I mean on the comfort side, not stiff strings. And good hybrid suggestions?
 
Pure strike 97 question - tested it, really liked it with rpm team at 22kg. Please can I have some other string suggestions which suit this frame , am a little bit wary of full beds of poly.
Suggestions I mean on the comfort side, not stiff strings. And good hybrid suggestions?

You can try FireWire mains, GhostWire crosses (aka FW Boost). It’s comfortable, lovely, and complements the frame’s ability to provide touch, spin, and precision. Excellent setup.

I’m also currently enjoying Grapplesnake Alpha in this stick, which is one of the softer polys I’ve used.
 
Pure strike 97 question - tested it, really liked it with rpm team at 22kg. Please can I have some other string suggestions which suit this frame , am a little bit wary of full beds of poly.
Suggestions I mean on the comfort side, not stiff strings. And good hybrid suggestions?
Michael, stay AWAY from dead strings like RPM polys... This racket wants power strings, it PROVIDES control in bundles and precision. I use a lot MSV and Weiss Cannon polys.
 
Pure strike 97 question - tested it, really liked it with rpm team at 22kg. Please can I have some other string suggestions which suit this frame , am a little bit wary of full beds of poly.
Suggestions I mean on the comfort side, not stiff strings. And good hybrid suggestions?
Because of the tight string spacing, it needs a little help with spin, if that's a big part of your game. I prefer a shaped main, and you can always hybrid for comfort. More importantly I'd start around 1.20 gauge if you're not a string breaker. Mach10, hyper G soft, O-toro are all comfy for poly. The orange o-toro matches the stripes on this frame perfectly...
 
I ended up making the switch from the ezone 98 (22) to the strike (16x19). I was getting some muscle pain in my forearm no matter what I did.

Didn't have that with the strike and found similar playability overall so ended up pulling the trigger and switching. Really love how playable it is in stock form. I don't feel much of a need to add weight yet. Maybe that changes and I'll add 5-10 in the handle. But for now I'm quite happy!
 
I ended up making the switch from the ezone 98 (22) to the strike (16x19). I was getting some muscle pain in my forearm no matter what I did.

Didn't have that with the strike and found similar playability overall so ended up pulling the trigger and switching. Really love how playable it is in stock form. I don't feel much of a need to add weight yet. Maybe that changes and I'll add 5-10 in the handle. But for now I'm quite happy!

When I was using the '22 EZ98 and the PSVS, the two sticks I considered switching to the most were the Strike 98 16m and the 305S (which I ended up committing to). I do love the Strike, though, and found virtually no downsides in the demo I tried. But I've heard stories of high SWs with the QC. What are the specs of yours?
 
When I was using the '22 EZ98 and the PSVS, the two sticks I considered switching to the most were the Strike 98 16m and the 305S (which I ended up committing to). I do love the Strike, though, and found virtually no downsides in the demo I tried. But I've heard stories of high SWs with the QC. What are the specs of yours?
Haven't tested out the swing weight, don't have access to a machine anymore. But weight is about right, and swing weight feels right about on spec. I have a blade pro on spec as well (I did test SW and weight on it) and the pure strike feels much lighter to swing. My understanding is the 16m strike tends to be less egregiously over spec than the 18m.

I agree though, very few downsides with it. A bit more effort to pronate on serve, but the effortless power lets me feel confident not muscling the ball which in turn helps my consistency. And I haven't been overpowered yet so not feeling a need to go heavier except for preference
 
How is everyone modding this frame?

I've been really enjoying it stock, but it's much lighter than I usually play (320 unstrung). But with the swing weight being so high, it does make modding it a bit tricky without increasing the swing weight. The highest I'd want to go is 340 SW.

Are most just slapping a leather grip on it and calling it a day? Have you all found success adding weight to it?
 
Has anyone else found that the gray edition of the Pure Strike 98 16x19 'feels' different from the white version? Heavier, stiffer, boxier? It's not a bad feeling per say, but I don't know if I am just imagining it, but I've tried a couple of them and they feel different to me. Maybe the paint has an effect on it?
 
Has anyone else found that the gray edition of the Pure Strike 98 16x19 'feels' different from the white version? Heavier, stiffer, boxier? It's not a bad feeling per say, but I don't know if I am just imagining it, but I've tried a couple of them and they feel different to me. Maybe the paint has an effect on it?
Need to get your specs measure, stock unstrung. Static, balance, SW. That's where the difference is going to be — ie. material dispersion.
 
How is everyone modding this frame?

I've been really enjoying it stock, but it's much lighter than I usually play (320 unstrung). But with the swing weight being so high, it does make modding it a bit tricky without increasing the swing weight. The highest I'd want to go is 340 SW.

Are most just slapping a leather grip on it and calling it a day? Have you all found success adding weight to it?
I play both the PS100 x19 and x20 all via MRT and slightly below spec.

I’ve added 2-3g of putty in the handle to all 3 and less than 3g of lead tape to 2 of the racquets to roughly match the specs.

Love the feeling of extra stability with the putty but it’s not the same feeling as having just leather grips IMO. I don’t really notice the lead tape if I’m honest.
 
Every 98 I've tried seems to fall between 294 and 304g

They should have probably just published it as a 300g racket

When you publish at 305g and half the rackets are in the 290s people are gonna assume it swings both ways and they might get a 315g frame

(unless some of you have?)
 
Every 98 I've tried seems to fall between 294 and 304g

They should have probably just published it as a 300g racket

When you publish at 305g and half the rackets are in the 290s people are gonna assume it swings both ways and they might get a 315g frame

(unless some of you have?)
Mine are both exactly on spec (shockingly) I didn't even buy them together.

Just added 7g to the handle on both and trying two setups in the hoop. One with 3g at 12 and the other with 3g at 3&9. More to come
 
Has anyone else found that the gray edition of the Pure Strike 98 16x19 'feels' different from the white version? Heavier, stiffer, boxier? It's not a bad feeling per se, but I don't know if I am just imagining it, but I've tried a couple of them and they feel different to me. Maybe the paint has an effect on it?
Identical…If the swing weight and balance are the same which is always iffy with Babolat.
 
Babolat QC has improved lately I think... bought several Pure Strike 100 16x20 (2 whites 1 year ago and 2 Grey lately) they all came on spec.

First I measured 307gr and though "wow another overpeced one"... then removed the rubber band around the grip and hop... 305 gr hahaha

All four came between 292 and 294 Swingweight unstrung with means basically matched for me
 
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How is everyone modding this frame?

I've been really enjoying it stock, but it's much lighter than I usually play (320 unstrung). But with the swing weight being so high, it does make modding it a bit tricky without increasing the swing weight. The highest I'd want to go is 340 SW.

Are most just slapping a leather grip on it and calling it a day? Have you all found success adding weight to it?
that's what i did to my 18x20s and called it good 'nuff. that's after coming from 90s-early '00s Prestige frames that were like 360g+ static. No issues that i can report. IIRC, static on this one is around 340g with an overgrip (tourna) and a dampener.
 
I specifically searched for a model with these swing/twist specs so I didn't have to bother with lead tape anymore (they're all underspec but I like it, and they're close to each other)

So no mods on mine aside from yonex supergraps

Anything can be a platform racket I guess, but this to me is a ready to rock racket
 
Every 98 I've tried seems to fall between 294 and 304g

They should have probably just published it as a 300g racket

When you publish at 305g and half the rackets are in the 290s people are gonna assume it swings both ways and they might get a 315g frame

(unless some of you have?)

Man I spoke to soon, Bab QC...

Got another in the mail and its 10+ grams heavier than the others and about 26.7ish inches long rather than 27. Not just a log but a stump.

Can they just move their production across the street to the Chinese factory head is using....
 
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