Pure Strike 98 16x19

[canuckfan]

Just wanted to leave some feedback for this stick. Early on it received some mixed/lukewarm reviews and has not seemed to be a smash hit for Babolat, possibly because of a lack of high profile endorsement on the men's tour. Tsonga was supposed to be the standard bearer but he fell on hard times and did not stay with it.

On paper this racket looked fantastic to me but I didn't get a chance to playtest it until recently. I have hit with it now for about 6 hours. It has a nice weight and balance to it. Solid but maneuverable, it can be whipped through contact when I need to scramble. I have added an overgrip and just 3 total grams of lead at 3 and 9. I may tweak this slightly but I like it for now. The racket has a really nice blend of power and control, with good feel. The 16 x 19 pattern is slightly more closed (has 8 mains going through the throat) but good spin is available. By being a bit more closed it allows me to hit flatter trajectories with good command. I feel more at home initiating offensive shots than I typically do. Feel is very nice, it has some pop to it but there is a slightly cushioned response that has allowed me to play full poly with good comfort. This is notable to me because I normally find full poly too harsh, with my normal setup being a poly-syngut hybrid.

It performs well when going after the ball and trying to dictate, but is also able to help me out when I need it on defense. Not able to hit amazing power shots on D like some tweeners, but its good enough and I feel the gains on offence outweigh the defensive miracle shot ability of aeropro drive type alternatives.

It also shines at net, solid enough to punch volleys and with very good touch and mobility. This racket was truly a joy to use at net.

On serve I haven't yet gelled with it but it does a decent job. I'm hitting better each time I use it, and while it hasn't wowed me I must admit that my serve is normally an area I need to work on anyways. To be fair the weight is significantly different from my 11.9 oz weighted Dunlop 500 Tours and I'm still adjusting to that.

Overall this racket has really impressed me. I have hit with the Ai98 and the new Blade 16x19, and the Pure strike 98 16x19 clearly outshone them both for me. I hope my experience will help anyone thinking of trying this stick out.

 

[jaxadam]

I own this racquet, and if I had to write a review, it would be very similar.

It's a pretty comfortable racquet, and I can place my shot relatively well, but I think the lack of power, and just not really feeling connected to some of my shots is what makes me grab other racquets out of the bag.

 

[YesTennis]

Nice review. Could you post your thoughts of the Pure Strike(16x19) in comparison the the Blade(16x19). Thanks in advance!

 

[JackB1]

Just wanted to leave some feedback for this stick. Early on it received some mixed/lukewarm reviews and has not seemed to be a smash hit for Babolat, possibly because of a lack of high profile endorsement on the men's tour. Tsonga was supposed to be the standard bearer but he fell on hard times and did not stay with it.

On paper this racket looked fantastic to me but I didn't get a chance to playtest it until recently. I have hit with it now for about 6 hours. It has a nice weight and balance to it. Solid but maneuverable, it can be whipped through contact when I need to scramble. I have added an overgrip and just 3 total grams of lead at 3 and 9. I may tweak this slightly but I like it for now. The racket has a really nice blend of power and control, with good feel. The 16 x 19 pattern is slightly more closed (has 8 mains going through the throat) but good spin is available. By being a bit more closed it allows me to hit flatter trajectories with good command. I feel more at home initiating offensive shots than I typically do. Feel is very nice, it has some pop to it but there is a slightly cushioned response that has allowed me to play full poly with good comfort. This is notable to me because I normally find full poly too harsh, with my normal setup being a poly-syngut hybrid.

It performs well when going after the ball and trying to dictate, but is also able to help me out when I need it on defense. Not able to hit amazing power shots on D like some tweeners, but its good enough and I feel the gains on offence outweigh the defensive miracle shot ability of aeropro drive type alternatives.

It also shines at net, solid enough to punch volleys and with very good touch and mobility. This racket was truly a joy to use at net.

On serve I haven't yet gelled with it but it does a decent job. I'm hitting better each time I use it, and while it hasn't wowed me I must admit that my serve is normally an area I need to work on anyways. To be fair the weight is significantly different from my 11.9 oz weighted Dunlop 500 Tours and I'm still adjusting to that.

Overall this racket has really impressed me. I have hit with the Ai98 and the new Blade 16x19, and the Pure strike 98 16x19 clearly outshone them both for me. I hope my experience will help anyone thinking of trying this stick out.

I used this stick for 3-4 months and this assessment is right on the money. In fact reading your review, It sounded like I was writing it myself Freaky.
The PS 16x19 is one of those racquets that does everything well. Best thing I liked about it was the lower trajectory and the way I could drive my slices close to the net with it. Also it has above average touch and feel for delicate shots. Great racquet for a counterpuncher or someone who just wants to get everything back...like a Ferrer type. Only negative for me was a little lack of power. You supply most of your own with this stick, but with full multi you can get some nice pop.

The Pure Strike 16x19 is definitely an under appreciated, solid performer. Same class as the Speed MP, Radical MP or Blade 98. Anyone considering any of those 3 should also give the PS a shot.

 

[Babolat Official]

Just wanted to leave some feedback for this stick. Early on it received some mixed/lukewarm reviews and has not seemed to be a smash hit for Babolat, possibly because of a lack of high profile endorsement on the men's tour. Tsonga was supposed to be the standard bearer but he fell on hard times and did not stay with it.

On paper this racket looked fantastic to me but I didn't get a chance to playtest it until recently. I have hit with it now for about 6 hours. It has a nice weight and balance to it. Solid but maneuverable, it can be whipped through contact when I need to scramble. I have added an overgrip and just 3 total grams of lead at 3 and 9. I may tweak this slightly but I like it for now. The racket has a really nice blend of power and control, with good feel. The 16 x 19 pattern is slightly more closed (has 8 mains going through the throat) but good spin is available. By being a bit more closed it allows me to hit flatter trajectories with good command. I feel more at home initiating offensive shots than I typically do. Feel is very nice, it has some pop to it but there is a slightly cushioned response that has allowed me to play full poly with good comfort. This is notable to me because I normally find full poly too harsh, with my normal setup being a poly-syngut hybrid.

It performs well when going after the ball and trying to dictate, but is also able to help me out when I need it on defense. Not able to hit amazing power shots on D like some tweeners, but its good enough and I feel the gains on offence outweigh the defensive miracle shot ability of aeropro drive type alternatives.

It also shines at net, solid enough to punch volleys and with very good touch and mobility. This racket was truly a joy to use at net.

On serve I haven't yet gelled with it but it does a decent job. I'm hitting better each time I use it, and while it hasn't wowed me I must admit that my serve is normally an area I need to work on anyways. To be fair the weight is significantly different from my 11.9 oz weighted Dunlop 500 Tours and I'm still adjusting to that.

Overall this racket has really impressed me. I have hit with the Ai98 and the new Blade 16x19, and the Pure strike 98 16x19 clearly outshone them both for me. I hope my experience will help anyone thinking of trying this stick out.

thanks for the feedback!

 

[YesTennis]

I just ordered one the Pure Strike 16x19. I had it strung with VS/RPM to help boost the power a bit

 

[canuckfan]

Nice review. Could you post your thoughts of the Pure Strike(16x19) in comparison the the Blade(16x19). Thanks in advance!

The blade was a solid feeling racquet but there was one thing wrong with it that I couldn't ignore -- it was clumsy. The balance feels head heavy. On second serves, at the net, and anytime I needed to make a fast adjustment the lack of maneuverability was a problem. I had hit with the previous version and was hoping this detail would be improved in the new one, but it was the same. In fact, if you go to the TW university power zone data on the 16 x 19 blade, I think you may be (unpleasantly) surprised at the numbers.

 

[jaxadam]

The blade was a solid feeling racquet but there was one thing wrong with it that I couldn't ignore -- it was clumsy. The balance feels head heavy.

Interesting feedback. I actually feel the PS feels quite head heavy, but I also felt this with the Blades.

 

[canuckfan]

http://twu.tennis-warehouse.com/learning_center/contours.php
Take a peek at the TWU data on the Blade vs Strike 98 16 x19. A fairly big difference in balance and swingweight. Some players might prefer the feel of the Blade but for me it was a problem.

 

[counterpuncher]

Interesting feedback. I actually feel the PS feels quite head heavy, but I also felt this with the Blades.

I agree that it has a very polarized feel. I've had one for a while but may now be moving on. It is very similar to the G Speed, G Radicals and Blades in this regard and that coupled with mine being off spec with a 330 swingweight (mind you this was the lowest they had in the store at the time) makes it too cumbersome on my serve and one handed backhand. But it is a stick worth a demo, as it plays like a slightly lighter, stiffer and more powerful Pure Storm Tour.

 

[canuckfan]

There have been some reports of over spec strikes. Michelle from TW mentioned it, a few other people on this board, and also there is some mention of it in the customer reviews. Luckily I have not run into this but it might be worth it to use TW's racket matching service if you are buying this racket.

 

[jaxadam]

I've had one for a while but may now be moving on. It is very similar to the G Speed, G Radicals and Blades in this regard and that coupled with mine being off spec with a 330 swingweight (mind you this was the lowest they had in the store at the time) makes it too cumbersome on my serve and one handed backhand. But it is a stick worth a demo, as it plays like a slightly lighter, stiffer and more powerful Pure Storm Tour.

I moved on. I agree that it was too cumbersome on serve and backhand as well. Those were actually the two issues that really made me move on, coupled with the fact that it just didn't have the power to back up at least some other strengths.

I still have it, and a multi/poly hybrid at 48 has helped it, but it's just not a stick I like to grab.

 

[counterpuncher]

There have been some reports of over spec strikes. Michelle from TW mentioned it, a few other people on this board, and also there is some mention of it in the customer reviews. Luckily I have not run into this but it might be worth it to use TW's racket matching service if you are buying this racket.

I think the matching service is a must for this racquet. Unfortunately for me TW can no longer ship Babolat and most of the other brands down under anymore. Almost no other place offers this service or charges at least double what TW does to check the specs of a racquet which would take a whole 1 minute for weight, balance and sw on an RDC.

 

[jaykay]

-deleted- (duplicate post)

 

[jaykay]

I think the matching service is a must for this racquet. Unfortunately for me TW can no longer ship Babolat and most of the other brands down under anymore. Almost no other place offers this service or charges at least double what TW does to check the specs of a racquet which would take a whole 1 minute for weight, balance and sw on an RDC.

Hey counterpuncher - Do you own this frame? This is on a special in Aus as well now and Prelli or some others will defly help pick out the best matched pair. I'm keen to know if you've tried this frame and if so, what your feedback is...? I'm specifically looking for gripsize comparos (is it bigger, smaller or true to size as compared to other racquets, say, the Head, for example) and string reccos.

 

[TennisHound]

Grip feels slightly bigger to me. 4 3/8 feels like 4 1/2, etc. Nice stick though. Takes some getting used to. RPM Blast 16L @ 51-53lbs feels the best to me in this one.

 

[counterpuncher]

Hey counterpuncher - Do you own this frame? This is on a special in Aus as well now and Prelli or some others will defly help pick out the best matched pair. I'm keen to know if you've tried this frame and if so, what your feedback is...? I'm specifically looking for gripsize comparos (is it bigger, smaller or true to size as compared to other racquets, say, the Head, for example) and string reccos.

Yes I still own it and will get around to listing it to sell, rather than having sitting there unused in my closet. Yes I saw the special at Prelli when I was last there, Lou was trying to convince to take up there buy 1 get 1 free offer about a month ago.

With regards to grip size, imo they run large. I bought a 4 1/8, thinking with an overgrip it would be about a 4 1/4, but it's larger than that. I think the 4 1/8 is a tad smaller than a 4 1/4, so you would probably need to use a Skin Feel replacement grip to get it close to true size.

I had Alu Power in mine at 45lbs and hated it. The racquet pinged, sweet spot felt small and it felt torsionally unstable. I then restrung it with Pro Line II 1.15 at 40 lbs and it was a vast improvement. The sweet opened up and it felt better. I think it's a good frame, along the lines of the Storm series with more power and spin.

I think I would of persisted with mine, but the sw of mine feels like around 330 which is too much for my strokes, I do better with sticks around the 320 mark. I think you need to pick your string carefully and not string too high. The Ai98 is fairly similar imo, as is the PS 97 in a stiffer package.

 

[bobombom]

I demoed this racquet a while back and while I hit exceptionally well with it, I could not get over the metallic ping feeling every time I hit the ball. It was really jarring..

 

[TennisHound]

Yes I still own it and will get around to listing it to sell, rather than having sitting there unused in my closet. Yes I saw the special at Prelli when I was last there, Lou was trying to convince to take up there buy 1 get 1 free offer about a month ago.

With regards to grip size, imo they run large. I bought a 4 1/8, thinking with an overgrip it would be about a 4 1/4, but it's larger than that. I think the 4 1/8 is a tad smaller than a 4 1/4, so you would probably need to use a Skin Feel replacement grip to get it close to try to size.

I had Alu Power in mine at 45lbs and hated it. The racquet pinged, sweet spot felt small and it felt torsionally unstable. I then restrung it with Pro Line II 1.15 at 40 lbs and it was a vast improvement. The sweet opened up and it felt better. I think it's a good frame, along the lines of the Storm series with more power and spin.

I think I would of persisted with mine, but the sw of mine feels like around 330 which is too much for my strokes, I do better with sticks around the 320 mark. I think you need to pick your string carefully and not string too high. The Ai98 is fairly similar imo, as is the PS 97 in a stiffer package.

Quality control is a factor, I have one that is 11.3oz strung and one that is 11.7. Both were bought new. It's crazy. Weight on these racquets makes a big difference, too.

 

[eelhc]

Took advantage of the recent promotion and picked up 2 Pure Strike 98 16x19s... Just received and unboxed them today and I have to say... I'm not impressed with the quality control. 0.3oz (~9gram) weight difference between the 2 frames, bubbles in the paint job. No showstoppers and once i match the racquets with a little lead tape I'm sure they'll play just fine but these Babolats really do not look like a premium product.

 

[TennisHound]

Yep I had one that was .4oz heavier than my other two.

 

[NicolasV]

I demoed this racquet a while back and while I hit exceptionally well with it, I could not get over the metallic ping feeling every time I hit the ball. It was really jarring..

Could be the demoracket. I receive my demo and let's say it was close to 'done'. the frame looked like it was 10 years old, being played with 5 hours a day every day.

Another think that comes to mind, shockdampeners?

 

[elsk]

Man I love this racket, demoed it and it was a dream so went ahead and bought one, came in 6g underweight so added an overgrip and lead to 3 and 9. Played with it for a number of sets now and have had to drop it due to a very sore forearm! Even strung it up with VS gut in the mains and RPM in the crosses but it was not enough to take the harsh feel away

May remove the lead from the hoop and try it again once my arm recovers.

 

[alexg]

Man I love this racket, demoed it and it was a dream so went ahead and bought one, came in 6g underweight so added an overgrip and lead to 3 and 9. Played with it for a number of sets now and have had to drop it due to a very sore forearm! Even strung it up with VS gut in the mains and RPM in the crosses but it was not enough to take the harsh feel away

May remove the lead from the hoop and try it again once my arm recovers.

That was my experience too. Couldn't find any setup that was comfortable, except for a full bed of XOne Biphase 18. That was nice but very short lived.

Anything else including vs team x polytour pro gave me some forearm warning signs.

Loved how I played with it, just not a sustainable setup for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[topspn]

Well, I too really enjoyed the p17 and only reason I couldn’t play it regularly is it did give me arm discomfort. I’ve finally found a setup that allows me to play it regularly without arm discomfort. Hyper-g/MonoGut ZX 50/52 plays very nicely and my arm feels good

 

[NicolasV]

Hyper-g/MonoGut ZX 50/52 plays very nicely and my arm feels good

Do you know any good replacement for the Hyper G. I haven't found it availible in the area I live at. I hear it is pretty good choice on the PS frame.

I remember a while back I loved to play with BB Alu Power. Because of several reasons ( one being the cost ) I have dropped that string. I haven't really found a replacement for the BB Alu Power since then, and I play with simple Prince Warrior strings atm.

Is the Hyper G a good replacement for the BB Alu Power? I am looking for a power string, but not extremely overpowered. I enjoy the frame but want some more power then the PS gives, SOME!

 

[topspn]

Do you know any good replacement for the Hyper G. I haven't found it availible in the area I live at. I hear it is pretty good choice on the PS frame.

I remember a while back I loved to play with BB Alu Power. Because of several reasons ( one being the cost ) I have dropped that string. I haven't really found a replacement for the BB Alu Power since then, and I play with simple Prince Warrior strings atm.

Is the Hyper G a good replacement for the BB Alu Power? I am looking for a power string, but not extremely overpowered. I enjoy the frame but want some more power then the PS gives, SOME!

No i don’t think hyper-g is similar to Alu. Feel wise Alu is more crisp. Hyper-g more comfortable, much better spin potential, lasts longer and has better control. Alu for me plays great first 3 hrs then takes a severe down turn

 

[TomTennis495]

Love this stick. Great review. I actually ended up with the 18X20 since the 16 seemed to sail on me sometimes.

 

[TennisHound]

Edited

 

[TomTennis495]

Edited

Why? I had no problem with it. Coming from golf the term "pured it" was very common. Good to know its not in tennis

 

[TennisHound]

Eh, my reply just wasn’t needed

 

[Nostradamus]

https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Strike_98_16x19_Project_One7/descpageRCBAB-PS16.html

this is one of the best reviewed racket from TW ever as well. this racket sounds wonderful as well. it sounds like thunder when you hit the ball with it.

 

[topspn]

So how is this “pro Stock” version any different then retail?

babolat-pro-stock-pure-strike-16X19-project-one7

 

[topspn]

I have my P17 up to 345g with leather grip and weight @12, under the butt cap and 7” mark. Really plays with some sweet heavy ball and just plan fun at net. I’ll be trying Tourna BZ in it tomorrow

 

[NicolasV]

No i don’t think hyper-g is similar to Alu. Feel wise Alu is more crisp. Hyper-g more comfortable, much better spin potential, lasts longer and has better control. Alu for me plays great first 3 hrs then takes a severe down turn

Thanks for the advice, not really hyped to try it out if it isn't similar at all.
As it turned out I got a free stringjob to try some strings. Yonex PTG Strike ( supposed to be the best yonex string they ever made ). My brother played with it and it snapped within the first hour, TWICE. He made me try it to see if it might be just him. He plays at a higher lever then me ( more spin and more power shots ). Hope it lasts longer for me. We'll see...