Pure strike 305g 16x19 vs pure strike tour 320g

[lucasbr04]

Hey guys, i demoed these 2 rackets and i think the tour version is better for me. However, here in my region it is hard to find the pure strike tour.
So my question is, will the customized version of the regular pure strike play like the tour version or should i try to find the tour version?

 

[RoarTT]

I think @socallefty might be able to help you?

 

[socallefty]

I compared the Pure Strike Tour against the regular weight versions and found it to be more stable and comfortable while being equally maneuverable. Higher static weight but similar SW because it is more headlight - vibration freq is 139 instead of 145-147. I’ve been playing with the PST since it came out. My wife played with the regular 16x19 for a year before switching to the Tour because she liked my racquet better every time she tried it.

I‘ve never tried to customize the standard models.

 

[lucasbr04]

I compared the Pure Strike Tour against the regular weight versions and found it to be more stable and comfortable while being equally maneuverable. Higher static weight but similar SW because it is more headlight - vibration freq is 139 instead of 145-147. I’ve been playing with the PST since it came out. My wife played with the regular 16x19 for a year before switching to the Tour because she liked my racquet better every time she tried it.

I‘ve never tried to customize the standard models.

thanks!

 

[Caly]

I've been playing with the tour for the last few months. Had come from the storm tour and made the decision to get the strike tour based on not being able to get the regular storm to play anything like the tour.

Might be worth noting the swingweight of my strike tours came in at 343 and 345 and noticed on tennis nerds review his was 342 compared to 334 for the TW samples. Was thinking about getting the 305g strike to have a lighter option in the bag.

 

[Ramjet]

I put a leather grip on my regular pure strike. That adds about 10 grams to weight (I'm told), while making it slightly more head light. I use a gut/poly hybrid and I think that setup feels great.

 

[mhkeuns]

Even adding lead and stuff to the regular Pure Strike, it wasn’t as good as the manufacturer tuned Pure Strike Tour, ime. Don’t get me wrong. The regular version hits mean balls and offers lots of spin, too. The Tour version, however, is just a better at everything - even the ease of swing in my opinion.

 

[Tranqville]

I tried both racquets recently, PST is much better. @mhkeuns is right, Babolat did some magic with the extra weight to tune it in a unique way. PST has much better arm safety. Regular 16x19 feels hollow and unstable.

 

[jmacdaununder2]

Applying Occam's razor, you'd think that, as per the PD/PDT, and PA/PAT variants, the only substantial difference between Pure Strike Tour and PS non-Tour models would be the presence of two longitudinally oriented lead weights located on a metal 'lattice' inside the handle; it would be great if someone could pop the trapdoor on one of their frames and have a look.

 

[Tranqville]

Applying Occam's razor, you'd think that, as per the PD/PDT, and PA/PAT variants, the only substantial difference between Pure Strike Tour and PS non-Tour models would be the presence of two longitudinally oriented lead weights located on a metal 'lattice' inside the handle; it would be great if someone could pop the trapdoor on one of their frames and have a look.

To support your theory: the twist weight is exactly the same in both frames at 14.8

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Even adding lead and stuff to the regular Pure Strike, it wasn’t as good as the manufacturer tuned Pure Strike Tour, ime. Don’t get me wrong. The regular version hits mean balls and offers lots of spin, too. The Tour version, however, is just a better at everything - even the ease of swing in my opinion.

Tranqville: This comment is very interesting to me. My kid is undergoing a racquet journey at a critical point in his young but staggeringly developing tennis career. First year of college tennis, currently weighted up to roughly the same specs as the Pure Strike Tour. He has clearly moved past what the Elevate Tour can do for him, and after a demo of the Strike Tour (done purely out of curiosity) it might be a really good frame for him to transition to. you said "The Tour version...is just better at everything" vs the regular 305. I assume that the caveat to that statement is if you can handle the weight. I'm just curious if you can expand on that. The usual question when one is demoing frames is "Do you want more power, spin, or control?" to which the answer should always be "Yes".

 

[Tranqville]

Tranqville: This comment is very interesting to me. My kid is undergoing a racquet journey at a critical point in his young but staggeringly developing tennis career. First year of college tennis, currently weighted up to roughly the same specs as the Pure Strike Tour. He has clearly moved past what the Elevate Tour can do for him, and after a demo of the Strike Tour (done purely out of curiosity) it might be a really good frame for him to transition to. you said "The Tour version...is just better at everything" vs the regular 305. I assume that the caveat to that statement is if you can handle the weight. I'm just curious if you can expand on that. The usual question when one is demoing frames is "Do you want more power, spin, or control?" to which the answer should always be "Yes".

Really there is not that big of a caveat, because swingweigths are not that different between 18x20 and PST. The weight in PST feels super comfortable to me due to the optimal mass distribution. I suspect Pure Strike Tour and 18x20 regular Pure Strike share the same lay-up. PST vibrates at 139HZ, 18x28 at 141 HZ: pretty much the same. 16x19 has 147 HZ vibration frequency. 16x19 vibrates unpleasantly on off-center hit, while PST does not. With 18x20, you can go Dominic Theim route and weight it up. It comes down to string pattern preference.

This video could be useful. In summary, the most popular college frames, according to the video, are:

Wilson Blade
Pure Strike
Pure Aero
Ezone
Head Speed

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Im talking about the 16 x 19 Tour gen 3 but I think your points remain valid.

 

[mhkeuns]

Tranqville: This comment is very interesting to me. My kid is undergoing a racquet journey at a critical point in his young but staggeringly developing tennis career. First year of college tennis, currently weighted up to roughly the same specs as the Pure Strike Tour. He has clearly moved past what the Elevate Tour can do for him, and after a demo of the Strike Tour (done purely out of curiosity) it might be a really good frame for him to transition to. you said "The Tour version...is just better at everything" vs the regular 305. I assume that the caveat to that statement is if you can handle the weight. I'm just curious if you can expand on that. The usual question when one is demoing frames is "Do you want more power, spin, or control?" to which the answer should always be "Yes".

I think you’re asking me the question in regards to PST. I tried all three versions of the 3rd gen and came away with being most impressed with the PST. The main difference wasn’t the power. The regular version has a plenty of it in both patterns. What separates the PST from the regular versions is that it feels easier to swing with much better plow and being able to withstand hard hit heavy balls better. The racket is made to be played against advanced players who hit hard balls. Very, stable, predictable, good control & spin, and most of all super powerful. It has it all. The weighted up regular version did not play as effective.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Ive seen that video in my wide ranging research. Important to note that the host’s perspective based on local observation and results may vary by region. From what Ive seen around here it is about 90 percent Blades with college players with the other 10 percent a mix of stuff that varies by year. My kid didn’t bond with the Blade when he tried it, so we are trying to think outside the box.

I think you’re asking me the question in regards to PST. I tried all three versions of the 3rd gen and came away with being most impressed with the PST. The main difference wasn’t the power. The regular version has a plenty of it in both patterns. What separates the PST from the regular versions is that it feels easier to swing with much better plow and being able to withstand hard hit heavy balls better. The racket is made to be played against advanced players who hit hard balls. Very, stable, predictable, good control & spin, and most of all super powerful. It has it all. The weighted up regular version did not play as effective.

yep, that’s exactly what my kid it after. Plow and stability combined with all the other stuff the regular Strike offers.

 

[Tranqville]

I think you’re asking me the question in regards to PST. I tried all three versions of the 3rd gen and came away with being most impressed with the PST. The main difference wasn’t the power. The regular version has a plenty of it in both patterns. What separates the PST from the regular versions is that it feels easier to swing with much better plow and being able to withstand hard hit heavy balls better. The racket is made to be played against advanced players who hit hard balls. Very, stable, predictable, good control & spin, and most of all super powerful. It has it all. The weighted up regular version did not play as effective.

I agree 100% and could not have said it better. PST has a lot of potential, and I can only unlock a small part of it. When I hit my hardest groundstrokes, above 80 mph, it comes alive, becomes kind of firm and flexible at the same time, very DIRECT. The feel, the sound, it's like thunder. Increadibly satisfying. My teaching pro says even the regular rally balls I hit with PST feel like stones. Best of all, it's when hitting at full power that I feel safest with my arm - I feel that PST returns all the energy to the ball and not into harmful vibrations. Cuts like a hot knife through butter.

 

[Tranqville]

My kid didn’t bond with the Blade when he tried it, so we are trying to think outside the box.

I suggest you also demo the new Technifibre Tfight 305 ISO. Different technology, of course, foam filled. A fine modern frame.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

I’m sending all of these great responses directly to my son, who is the person at question here. His impressions so far pretty much mirror what y’all have said anyway, but its nice to hear corroborating evidence. Thank you all!

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Agree…the tFight 305 is already on the list when we can get our hands in one, as is the TF40 315.

 

[Casper777]

Looks weird to see all the praise for the PST while the TW review is mediocre at best... especially in terms of manoeuvrability and confort

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Looks weird to see all the praise for the PST while the TW review is mediocre at best... especially in terms of manoeuvrability and confort

I'm deeply appreciative of the real world/real time commentary on this frame; my kid is bombarded daily with peer pressure to switch to a Blade; nothing against the Blade but my kid rejected it as an option for him very quickly. I think his entire review of the expeience was "gaaaaack!" closely followed by "I can do better than that!" same with the RF. Just not a Wilson guy I guess. The PST was a curiosity demo order on my part cuz the specs so closely matched how he has his current frames leaded up; the PST is actually a bit light in comparison. He is grateful to find out that he isn't the only person who appreciates the PST. Thanks to you all.

 

[socallefty]

I'm deeply appreciative of the real world/real time commentary on this frame; my kid is bombarded daily with peer pressure to switch to a Blade; nothing against the Blade but my kid rejected it as an option for him very quickly. I think his entire review of the expeience was "gaaaaack!" closely followed by "I can do better than that!" same with the RF. Just not a Wilson guy I guess. The PST was a curiosity demo order on my part cuz the specs so closely matched how he has his current frames leaded up; the PST is actually a bit light in comparison. He is grateful to find out that he isn't the only person who appreciates the PST. Thanks to you all.

There is a Pure Strike Tour club

Babolat Pure Strike Tour Club

Who's currently using this stick? Seems as though it's not a mass appeal frame (none of my sticks are: I created a Blade 93 club a while back, lol).

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Looks weird to see all the praise for the PST while the TW review is mediocre at best... especially in terms of manoeuvrability and confort

Yep, I've watched that video a few times. I think Troy liked it but kinda wished it was an 18 x 20. Tennisnerd (Jonas) seemed to like it ok. A lot of other reviews i watched were by guys who didn't look strong enough to play with it effectively.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

There is a Pure Strike Tour club

Babolat Pure Strike Tour Club

Who's currently using this stick? Seems as though it's not a mass appeal frame (none of my sticks are: I created a Blade 93 club a while back, lol).

tt.tennis-warehouse.com

i forget the exact quote, smething like " I'd never be part of any club that would have me as a member," But I like the PST club. Any club worth joining needs a bartender who can mix an effective yet tasty Hurricane. I humbly report that I am not that guy.

 

[Tranqville]

Looks weird to see all the praise for the PST while the TW review is mediocre at best... especially in terms of manoeuvrability and confort

I watched every single review available on Youtube. Pure Strike Tour is an attacking weapon, and only two reviewers fully appreciated that: Tenncom @dr. godmode and Mike Komen. I found TW review overall favorable to PST. Players who actually demoes the racquet, mostly enjoyed it!

PST has good maneuverability due to perfect balance and mass distribution. I'm coming from a history with Vcore 95, which is arguably the most maneuverable racquet in the market. I never found myself missing it. PST plays itself, most of the time, just comes through the ball. Receiving serve is a bliss. Volleying is lovely. PST shines on 1HBH. As an attacking player, you need to set up early and you will be handsomely rewarded.

Comfort: I experienced some discomfort with Blade v7, Vcore 95, RF 97 v13, Vcore Pro 97. From mild forearm soreness to severe wrist pain. None to report with PST. In the summer, I was working on my foundations, had grueling training session hitting tons of balls at full effort, still a happy camper. It's very important to string at low tensions with full poly, not above low 40s, or use hybrid setup, again at low tensions. Sweet spot is big and off-center hits are comfortable. I was shocked at how uncomfortable Gen 1. PST was on off-center hits in comparison.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Awesome information.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Kinda curious what y'all think if we do decide to switch to the PST on this question: I'm kinda thinking he needs at least three matched PSTs given what he is doing in tennis right now, maybe four given the current price as that likely keeps three nearly fresh strung frames in the bag at all times with a fourth likely leaning against the stringing machine awaiting a study break. Or is that overkill? No right or wrong answers here. I kinda figure that with the Strikes all being discounted right now that there is a refresh coming soon, and the Tour skipped a generation and may do so again, so 4 is kinda future-proofing. Tech likely wouldn't change much in a refresh as Babolat seems to like to stick with a winning formula when they find one (if you liked an Aero from 8 years ago, you could seamlessly transition to a new one).

 

[Tranqville]

@Peyote Biornsson There was a very nice old posting here on how many racquets you need: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/how-many-racquets-do-you-need.127992/

I think you alluded somewhere that your son is a string breaker. He may also want to have a couple of extra racquets in his bag strung at different tensions. I'd say 4 is minimum, 6 would be normal. 10-12 if he gets fully or partially sponsored by Babolat.

 

[dr. godmode]

I watched every single review available on Youtube. Pure Strike Tour is an attacking weapon, and only two reviewers fully appreciated that: Tenncom @dr. godmode and Mike Komen. I found TW review overall favorable to PST. Players who actually demoes the racquet, mostly enjoyed it!

PST has good maneuverability due to perfect balance and mass distribution. I'm coming from a history with Vcore 95, which is arguably the most maneuverable racquet in the market. I never found myself missing it. PST plays itself, most of the time, just comes through the ball. Receiving serve is a bliss. Volleying is lovely. PST shines on 1HBH. As an attacking player, you need to set up early and you will be handsomely rewarded.

Comfort: I experienced some discomfort with Blade v7, Vcore 95, RF 97 v13, Vcore Pro 97. From mild forearm soreness to severe wrist pain. None to report with PST. In the summer, I was working on my foundations, had grueling training session hitting tons of balls at full effort, still a happy camper. It's very important to string at low tensions with full poly, not above low 40s, or use hybrid setup, again at low tensions. Sweet spot is big and off-center hits are comfortable. I was shocked at how uncomfortable Gen 1. PST was on off-center hits in comparison.

One funny thing is that all three of us, you, Mike and I, previously used the VCORE 95 as our racquets of choice prior to trying the PST. I find this hilarious because I don't think the two racquet could be much more different considering they are both aimed at advanced, attacking players.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Its always interesting to see how players evolve from a common starting point to a common end point with regard to racquets.

 

[Tranqville]

One funny thing is that all three of us, you, Mike and I, previously used the VCORE 95 as our racquets of choice prior to trying the PST. I find this hilarious because I don't think the two racquet could be much more different considering they are both aimed at advanced, attacking players.

To close the loop, in another thread I asked what would be the best platform racquet to rebuild PST specs with better feel, and the most recommended option was the Extreme Tour that you're playing with - well, the new Auxetic version of it!

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Update: just asked my kid if he had to play a match to save his iwn life and had to play it with a racuet in his own bag, what would he choose. PST with no hesitation. And a few other players told him that he is hitting a better ball with it.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

His usual is at 53, but given what Im reading that likely seems high for this frame for optimal performance. Maybe start at 48 and assess from there? He nearly always plays indoors and soon that will be a necessity when rainy season starrs here so hot weather wont really be a concern for about 8 months, neither will cold.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

No idea what the odds are of getting sponsored by Babolat. When I was playing and coaching they were handing frames out to college players like a gateway drug. I did fill out their online sponsorship form, but no reply as of yet. Regardless, he is edging closer to marriage to the PST and if necessary I’m willing and able to get him at least 4 matched frames to start with. He strings his own here at home so that should keep him good for awhile. If not, I look for more.

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

No idea what the odds are of getting sponsored by Babolat. When I was playing and coaching they were handing frames out to college players like a gateway drug. I did fill out their online sponsorship form, but no reply as of yet. Regardless, he is edging closer to marriage to the PST and if necessary I’m willing and able to get him at least 4 matched frames to start with. He strings his own here at home so that should keep him good for awhile. If not, I look for more.

To follow up on that, he currently has 6 of his current frames and he really only ever has three in rotation at any given time and has only had one match where he broke strings in two of them. Ive warned him that even I have broken 5 or more in a match a few times and he needed to think about it like you never go on a road trip without a spare tire, but kids gotta learn about stuff in their own way.

 

[Tranqville]

To follow up on that, he currently has 6 of his current frames and he really only ever has three in rotation at any given time and has only had one match where he broke strings in two of them. Ive warned him that even I have broken 5 or more in a match a few times and he needed to think about it like you never go on a road trip without a spare tire, but kids gotta learn about stuff in their own way.

Upload a high quality video of him playing on Youtube and send the link to all the relevant Babolat decision makers, including in HQ. In this forum, there is a college section where guys can be more knowledgable about getting sponsored, definitely ask there.

 

[socallefty]

Players broke strings more easily when soft strings were used. If he plans to use poly, three racquets might be enough for matches with a fourth to experiment in practice with other strings and tensions. If he plans to use poly hybrids, he might break strings more often.

Pure Strike Tour: Use or Abuse!

 

[Peyote Bjornsson]

Excellent tip. Thank you.