Pure Strike Tour 2020

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Super excited for the new Pure Strike Tour. The original PST was my racket of choice for nearly two years. Unlike most, I didn’t really find the second generation better than the first generation (*especially compared to the PST). I can’t wait to try the new 3rd Gen PST. I’m hoping the 3rd gen PST offers better feel and slightly more maneuverable than the first gen PST. That would make it a perfect frame for me.

It’s new, but has anyone tried out the new Tour version? Can anyone make the comparison between the first PST and the new one?
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
The PST is the only frame I’d seriously consider besides my VCore 95 and the new VCore Pro 97s. Fantastic attacking frame. Hope the new one is similar.

Me, too. It is the only frame that I think I could use exclusively. The first gen was my racket of choice for over two years..., and my holism kicked in severely. Hoping the new PST will end my sickness,
 

haqq777

Legend
Super excited for the new Pure Strike Tour. The original PST was my racket of choice for nearly two years. Unlike most, I didn’t really find the second generation better than the first generation (*especially compared to the PST). I can’t wait to try the new 3rd Gen PST. I’m hoping the 3rd gen PST offers better feel and slightly more maneuverable than the first gen PST. That would make it a perfect frame for me.

It’s new, but has anyone tried out the new Tour version? Can anyone make the comparison between the first PST and the new one?
Don't want to sound like a downer but I doubt the 3rd gen PST will play or feel like 1st gen. The biggest difference straight off the bat is string pattern. The 3rd gen PST is a 16x19 whereas the 1st gen PST was foam filled and 18x20 pattern. Feel/feedba k will be very very different.

I really liked the original Pure Strike Tour in all honesty, and I was always surprised why it didn't get the popularity it much deserved. The Tour was never tinny or brassy, as some called the 1st gen Pure Strike line, and played solid. The tour always got overlooked and overshadowed. I had the opportunity to get a couple for a good price and passed on them. Still regret it. Great racquet to have in the collection.

Also, the 2nd gen never had Pure Strike Tours. They came with Pure Strike VS Tour version, but that is offcourse a completely different racquet. Were you referring to your dislike for 2nd gen Pure Strikes in general?
 
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Power Player

Bionic Poster
Super excited for the new Pure Strike Tour. The original PST was my racket of choice for nearly two years. Unlike most, I didn’t really find the second generation better than the first generation (*especially compared to the PST). I can’t wait to try the new 3rd Gen PST. I’m hoping the 3rd gen PST offers better feel and slightly more maneuverable than the first gen PST. That would make it a perfect frame for me.

It’s new, but has anyone tried out the new Tour version? Can anyone make the comparison between the first PST and the new one?

I dont think the new PST will be like the old one at all. The old one was a classic feel, low powered and took a lot of energy to wield for 2-3 hours. The old one was a classic though, totally epic frame.

But honestly if you want that type of frame, I’m surprised you dont just stay with the Phantom 93.

Babolat hasn’t made a frame like the Pure Storm tour 18x20 ever again that I can think of.
 

haqq777

Legend
Babolat hasn’t made a frame like the Pure Storm tour 18x20 ever again that I can think of.
Hey PP, Pure Storm Tours were 16x20. I think you meant the Pure Storm LTD which were 18x20 (different head size and mold). But yeah, definitely agree with you, all of those were some badass frames. I still have a couple of Pure Storm GT Tours in my collection.
 

Power Player

Bionic Poster
Hey PP, Pure Storm Tours were 16x20. I think you meant the Pure Storm LTD which were 18x20 (different head size and mold). But yeah, definitely agree with you, all of those were some badass frames. I still have a couple of Pure Storm GT Tours in my collection.

Oh yes, you are right I meant the limited.

I used the 16x20 Tours for a while, and I thought they were easier to use but still a pretty advanced frame. I really enjoyed those racquets but they were not very forgiving if you were having an off day. That said, I don’t see much similarity between the 16x20 Tours and the Pure Strike versions, like you were saying. The old Tours were pretty darn nice racquets.
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
Ok, we’re talking about the Pure Strike Tour, from the original Strike series, and not the Storm series. Big difference.

The Pure Strike Tour was not low powered at all, in fact, ime it’s the only frame that comes close to the RF97A when it comes to power and plow.
 

haqq777

Legend
Ok, we’re talking about the Pure Strike Tour, from the original Strike series, and not the Storm series. Big difference.

The Pure Strike Tour was not low powered at all, in fact, ime it’s the only frame that comes close to the RF97A when it comes to power and plow.
Yes, I edited my post as I mistyped in the second paragraph. I meant the 18x20 Pure Strike Tour and not the Pure Storm Tour. The post should make sense now. The Pure Storm Tour was obviously a different mold/racquet altogether, the string pattern first and foremost obviously being different, and the playing characteristics as well. They discontinued the Storms before they introduced the Strikes for the first time too, so there is a generational gap there as well.
 

Faris

Professional
Hey @haqq777 I'm aware of a little bit of Storms history but not much. Can you give a timeline of Storms and their history a bit since I know you are fond of them and are knowledgeable on that part? Sorry if this is a little side tracked from Strikes but they are all the same extended family of cousins so I figured I'll ask!!
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Don't want to sound like a downer but I doubt the 3rd gen PST will play or feel like 1st gen. The biggest difference straight off the bat is string pattern. The 3rd gen PST is a 16x19 whereas the 1st gen PST was foam filled and 18x20 pattern. Feel/feedba k will be very very different.

I really liked the original Pure Strike Tour in all honesty, and I was always surprised why it didn't get the popularity it much deserved. The Tour was never tinny or brassy, as some called the 1st gen Pure Strike line, and played solid. The tour always got overlooked and overshadowed. I had the opportunity to get a couple for a good price and passed on them. Still regret it. Great racquet to have in the collection.

Also, the 2nd gen never had Pure Strike Tours. They came with Pure Strike VS Tour version, but that is offcourse a completely different racquet. Were you referring to your dislike for 2nd gen Pure Strikes in general?

That's too bad. I didn't see the specs clearly and just thought it would be the same 18x20. Thanks for the info.

I didn't find the P17 or the 18c20 Pure Strike second generation anything special, especially comparing them to the original PST.
 
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mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
I dont think the new PST will be like the old one at all. The old one was a classic feel, low powered and took a lot of energy to wield for 2-3 hours. The old one was a classic though, totally epic frame.

But honestly if you want that type of frame, I’m surprised you dont just stay with the Phantom 93.

Babolat hasn’t made a frame like the Pure Storm tour 18x20 ever again that I can think of.

The 93P is still my frame of choice. My dream frame would be combining 93P's control & maneuverability with PST's plow & power in 18x20 pattern. One can only dream.
 
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haqq777

Legend
Hey @haqq777 I'm aware of a little bit of Storms history but not much. Can you give a timeline of Storms and their history a bit since I know you are fond of them and are knowledgeable on that part? Sorry if this is a little side tracked from Strikes but they are all the same extended family of cousins so I figured I'll ask!!
Yes, Pure Storms were introduced for the first time in 2004 in two versions. They were called Pure Storm Team and Pure Storm Team MP. Both were introduced as light weight, control oriented racquets. Pure Storm Team was an 11oz strung racquet with a 98 sq inch head size and the Pure Storm Team MP was even lighter and with a bigger head size (103 sq in). They had what Babolat called "Zylon Matrix" material used in their construction in throat and hoop.

They updated the Pure Storms in 2007 dropping the Team from the name. Also updated construction of it and used what they called "Carbon Xtrem" material in their construction this time around.

They next updated Pure Storms to GT construction in 2009 and then did just a slight paint job update for those in 2011. These were my favorite iterations of Storms. I still have a couple of these.

Pure Storms were finally discontinued in 2013. In 2014, the Pure Controls were introduced again in it's place along with the first generation of Pure Strike line which OP is talking about.

Hope that helps.
 

Faris

Professional
Yes, Pure Storms were introduced for the first time in 2004 in two versions. They were called Pure Storm Team and Pure Storm Team MP. Both were introduced as light weight, control oriented racquets. Pure Storm Team was an 11oz strung racquet with a 98 sq inch head size and the Pure Storm Team MP was even lighter and with a bigger head size (103 sq in). They had what Babolat called "Zylon Matrix" material used in their construction in throat and hoop.

They updated the Pure Storms in 2007 dropping the Team from the name. Also updated construction of it and used what they called "Carbon Xtrem" material in their construction this time around.

They next updated Pure Storms to GT construction in 2009 and then did just a slight paint job update for those in 2011. These were my favorite iterations of Storms. I still have a couple of these.

Pure Storms were finally discontinued in 2013. In 2014, the Pure Controls were introduced again in it's place along with the first generation of Pure Strike line which OP is talking about.

Hope that helps.
Damn! Thanks for the knowledge drop kick on me, very helpful much appreciated my man (y)
 

haqq777

Legend
That's too bad. I didn't see the specs clearly and just thought it would be the same 18x20. Thanks for the info.

I didn't find the P17 or the 18c20 Pure Strike second generation anything special, especially comparing them to the original PST.
No worries, I was surprised that they didn't do a denser pattern Tour this time too.

Interestingly, for me, the regular version of 1st gen 18x20 (and even the 16x19) Pure Strikes were terrible feeling sticks. The 1st gen Pure Strike Tour, which we are talking about, somehow played very different than the regular 18x20, and feedback felt different. I am not sure if it was just the added weight of the Tour or something with the construction, but the only stick that stood out to me in the 1st gen Pure Strike line up was this Tour.

Now, if we compare apples to apples (since 2nd gen Pure Strikes did not have a Tour to compare to 1st gen Tour), the P17 and 18x20 were infinitely better than regular version 16x19 and 18x20 first gen Pure Strikes for me. Vibrations were less. Racquet felt smoother as well, and the 2nd gen was able to take heavier balls more easily. Less fluttering and twisting.

Just my $0.02.
 

smalahove

Hall of Fame
No worries, I was surprised that they didn't do a denser pattern Tour this time too.

Interestingly, for me, the regular version of 1st gen 18x20 (and even the 16x19) Pure Strikes were terrible feeling sticks. The 1st gen Pure Strike Tour, which we are talking about, somehow played very different than the regular 18x20, and feedback felt different. I am not sure if it was just the added weight of the Tour or something with the construction, but the only stick that stood out to me in the 1st gen Pure Strike line up was this Tour.

Now, if we compare apples to apples (since 2nd gen Pure Strikes did not have a Tour to compare to 1st gen Tour), the P17 and 18x20 were infinitely better than regular version 16x19 and 18x20 first gen Pure Strikes for me. Vibrations were less. Racquet felt smoother as well, and the 2nd gen was able to take heavier balls more easily. Less fluttering and twisting.

Just my $0.02.

Didn’t like the first PS 16x19 which had, as you mention, an unstable and fluttery feel. I remember feeling a lot of uncomfortable vibrations through the handle, almost like a tyning fork. The PST was a completely diff beast. Not sure if it was the extra weight, but it had little to no vibrations through the handle.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
No worries, I was surprised that they didn't do a denser pattern Tour this time too.

Interestingly, for me, the regular version of 1st gen 18x20 (and even the 16x19) Pure Strikes were terrible feeling sticks. The 1st gen Pure Strike Tour, which we are talking about, somehow played very different than the regular 18x20, and feedback felt different. I am not sure if it was just the added weight of the Tour or something with the construction, but the only stick that stood out to me in the 1st gen Pure Strike line up was this Tour.

Now, if we compare apples to apples (since 2nd gen Pure Strikes did not have a Tour to compare to 1st gen Tour), the P17 and 18x20 were infinitely better than regular version 16x19 and 18x20 first gen Pure Strikes for me. Vibrations were less. Racquet felt smoother as well, and the 2nd gen was able to take heavier balls more easily. Less fluttering and twisting.

Just my $0.02.

I totally agree, The Tour version was the only nice frame in the line up of the first gen Pure Strikes. I did also feel that the second generation was better, as far as the regular 16x19 and the 18x20 were concerned. It was probably not fair, but I just compared the second generation Pure Strikes to the first gen Tour version. For my experience, I found the first gen Tour version still a more potent weapon, though the second gens were much more stable, less tinny and more powerful than the first gen regular Pure Strikes.
 
I posted about this in another thread but thought I would give my brief observations with the new 18x20 strung with RPM Blast @ 55lbs. I was loosely hitting in flip flops, so take it all with a grain of salt. Def. way more plush than the previous version. Plush? Muted? Soft? I am unsure of the correct word but lacking that hollow *PING* I noticed on the Aero and Pure Drives....and honestly on the previous version of the Pure Strike. Was easily able to hit deep aggressive shots, no issues with low launch angle. Played as if it were an RF97A or Yonex VCore Pro 330. I currently am playing with a Score 98 and am seriously thinking of switching. I did notice a little less spin on my serves.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
My main frames after using the Pro Staff Midsize for more than two decades were:

Prince EXO3 Rebel 95 to
IG Prestige MP
Pure Strike Tour
Phantom 93P

I think I’ve built a preference towards the tighter pattern since the departure from the St. Vincent monster.

I really hope Babolat would consider adding an 18x20 third generation Tour version.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
I posted about this in another thread but thought I would give my brief observations with the new 18x20 strung with RPM Blast @ 55lbs. I was loosely hitting in flip flops, so take it all with a grain of salt. Def. way more plush than the previous version. Plush? Muted? Soft? I am unsure of the correct word but lacking that hollow *PING* I noticed on the Aero and Pure Drives....and honestly on the previous version of the Pure Strike. Was easily able to hit deep aggressive shots, no issues with low launch angle. Played as if it were an RF97A or Yonex VCore Pro 330. I currently am playing with a Score 98 and am seriously thinking of switching. I did notice a little less spin on my serves.

Thanks for the feedback. Surprised to see the comparison between the regular third gen Pure Strike 18x20 to the RF97 & Yonex 330.
 
1st Gen Tour was the only Pure Strike I've liked so far; seriously considered changing to it from my 28" Princes because of the exceptional plough and relatively familiar swing weight; here's hoping the new model will be similar, but it's doubtful - especially the foam filled aspect.
:(
 

RFfan88

New User
Took a play test of the pure strike tour 2020 and got about 3 hours of play with it. I’m also currently using the pure strike project one with lead tape at 3 and 9 so I demo’d the tour version to see if it would fit my specs better. I have to say that this new pure strike definitely has more pop than the previous version. It’s a lot more effortless to generate depth and power with this racket. It definitely feels more plush/muted compared to the 2nd generation so if you’re a player that likes crisp or lively response to your racket, this racket probably won’t be for you. With that said, I felt that the project one7 had a lot of dead spots if you weren’t spot on with the sweet spot and especially noticeable for volleys. The 3rd gen definitely fixed some of the issues and volleying feels so much more solid. I really recommend giving this racket a try if you’re a baseline player who likes to take big cuts with the ball. You will be rewarded with effortless depth with a smooth plush feel!
 

Ft.S

Semi-Pro
First batch of Tour (x4) came in today, exciting!!!

48631672711_225d4fbf74.jpg


Weight with full packaging: Two of them at 336 gm, one is at 338 gm, and one at 332 gm. Balance on each are between 316 to 319 mm.

48631319523_733b07a379.jpg


The racquets look and feel are truly superb IMHO. Shadow swinging it feels like the racquet is cutting through the air pretty easily. I won't be able to test it for another few days, hopefully it is as good as I hope it is.

Strung it up with scrap strings for now to let the grommets settle in, I will cut them out to put my regular strings tomorrow, play a match probably on Thursday and thoroughly test it on Monday.

48631816332_b65de790c0_n.jpg


Unstrung of the 332 gm one with packaging: Weight: 319 gm, balance: 313 mm
Strung without overgrip: 332 gm and 321 mm
Strung with overgrip (Solinco Wondergrip): 337 gm, 318 mm
 

ron schaap

Hall of Fame
First batch of Tour (x4) came in today, exciting!!!

48631672711_225d4fbf74.jpg


Weight with full packaging: Two of them at 336 gm, one is at 338 gm, and one at 332 gm. Balance on each are between 316 to 319 mm.

48631319523_733b07a379.jpg


The racquets look and feel are truly superb IMHO. Shadow swinging it feels like the racquet is cutting through the air pretty easily. I won't be able to test it for another few days, hopefully it is as good as I hope it is.

Strung it up with scrap strings for now to let the grommets settle in, I will cut them out to put my regular strings tomorrow, play a match probably on Thursday and thoroughly test it on Monday.

48631816332_b65de790c0_n.jpg


Unstrung of the 332 gm one with packaging: Weight: 319 gm, balance: 313 mm
S:unsure:trung without overgrip: 332 gm and 321 mm
Strung with overgrip (Solinco Wondergrip): 337 gm, 318 mm
Are you an official Babolat racquet tester or a Babolat sponsored pro, that you already got hold of next year racquet model?
 
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