Pure Strike Tour 3rd gen

Moveforwardalways

Hall of Fame
I was surprised to see such a lukewarm review and scores from the TW playtesters. I was looking forward to the new Pure Strike Tour 3rd gen since I currently play a weighted up Project One 7. I thought it might be a great frame. In particular, the way that the Project One 7 can drop bombs on the serve, I thought the new 3rd gen Tour would be a beast to serve with. But it only got an 80 score for serves, and the volley score was very low.

For anyone who has played this racquet, other than the weight, what is so different from the Project One 7? Is it not based on the same frame?
 

TennisHound

Legend
I tried it and the current PS16x19. The new Pure Strikes seemed to have a little more weight in the head than the P17. I like the Tour better, but it is a lot to swing.
 
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Jbloc11

Rookie
Played with the P17 weighted up and just made the switch to the Pure Strike Tour 3rd gen. I was very surprised with the lukewarm reviews as well and I believe this is truly a great racket and anticipated a higher score.

The biggest difference for me is the feel of the racket that I think it plays softer and flexier than the P17. I do believe it does have more pop and just really does all the shots well. I particularly love one handed backhands and returns with it! The main modifications I have made is that I added a leather grip and use 2 overgrips (tourna grip blue) on it and it has made it much more headlight and maneuverable. The ball seems to stay longer on the stringbed more and plays softer than the aforementioned RA. It has a larger sweetspot compared to the P17 and definitely more stable. I didn't feel like the need to add lead to the head.

In reference to serves and volleys, I do think this racket does serves and volleys well.

For reference, I also demoed 2 other rackets prior to making the switch including the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 330 (the new green one) and the Blade v7 18x20. The yonex is also a great frame but I think the Pure Strike offered more free power and spin. It's sweetspot was definitely larger and it was an easier to use racket overall. I do feel i had to work more to play with the Yonex vs the Pure Strike.

The blade 18x20 was also a great stick and was surprised with how it played as I wasn't really a big fan of the previous generations. It had more control and had a lower launch angle (and this is probably due to the dense pattern) but I also liked the flex and feel of it. I definitely served bigger with the Pure Strike but found the blade better with volleys but this could also be due to the dense pattern. This was a close second for me switching to if it wasn't for the Strike.
 

glenWs

Semi-Pro
Played with the P17 weighted up and just made the switch to the Pure Strike Tour 3rd gen. I was very surprised with the lukewarm reviews as well and I believe this is truly a great racket and anticipated a higher score.

The biggest difference for me is the feel of the racket that I think it plays softer and flexier than the P17. I do believe it does have more pop and just really does all the shots well. I particularly love one handed backhands and returns with it! The main modifications I have made is that I added a leather grip and use 2 overgrips (tourna grip blue) on it and it has made it much more headlight and maneuverable. The ball seems to stay longer on the stringbed more and plays softer than the aforementioned RA. It has a larger sweetspot compared to the P17 and definitely more stable. I didn't feel like the need to add lead to the head.

In reference to serves and volleys, I do think this racket does serves and volleys well.

For reference, I also demoed 2 other rackets prior to making the switch including the Yonex Vcore Pro 97 330 (the new green one) and the Blade v7 18x20. The yonex is also a great frame but I think the Pure Strike offered more free power and spin. It's sweetspot was definitely larger and it was an easier to use racket overall. I do feel i had to work more to play with the Yonex vs the Pure Strike.

The blade 18x20 was also a great stick and was surprised with how it played as I wasn't really a big fan of the previous generations. It had more control and had a lower launch angle (and this is probably due to the dense pattern) but I also liked the flex and feel of it. I definitely served bigger with the Pure Strike but found the blade better with volleys but this could also be due to the dense pattern. This was a close second for me switching to if it wasn't for the Strike.


It's a little heavier than previous model. It's nice on the one-handed backhand, and it is a little more powerful, which I DON'T like. Pretty soon the Strike will just be a white Pure Drive. Why can't Babolat just focus the PS on being a control-first stick? Thinner, denser beam, plush with great feel? Little by little the hoop gets a little wider, they start using power in their marketing....

Played two 10-point breakers this AM. One with the new PS 16X19 and one with the new Yonex VCore Pro 310.

With PS, I lost 10-4, and was constantly hitting the ball long, and a little wild. Serve was OK.
With VCore I won 10-7 and my partner said, "You played much better that game." Serving was bigger. But with the VCP I could take full swings and keep the ball in. Didn't hit anything long.
Pure Strike was launching on me.
 

LordRaceR

Semi-Pro
It’s almost the year now that I am playing with Pure Strike 2017 16x19, weighted up to 348g. Still very happy with it, no reason to think about changing the racquet in near future.

Only half reason is annoyance of lead tape sometimes coming off. Of course, I can put it outside or under the bumper but that isn’t my setup so it will need experimenting… anyway I would like heavier Pure Strike that doesn’t need so much lead.

Unfortunately, Tour version doesn’t exist in 2nd gen, so 3rd gen is the possible option. Didn’t have a chance to test it, there is no demo available at this moment, so any extra feedback from players who tested it’s nice to read…
 

TennisHound

Legend
This is everything the Pure Strike Tour needed to be. There is nothing wrong with: the frame shape, string pattern, or the frame stiffness. The only problem is the balance. Babolat gave it a little more weight in the head. Consequently, it slows down everything, increases the power, and decreases the control. It’s already a 12oz racquet (with overgrip and dampener) so there’s not a lot of room to add weight to the handle. I think a leather grip is too much, but a little weight will go a long way on this one. But I’m coming from an ‘18 PD so anything will feel head heavier (except a Prestige MP, or my Microgel Prestige Pro).
Even so, it’s still the best player racquet on the market right now. I’m not sure why a serious, younger, in shape player wouldn’t be using this? This is a college player or top junior’s racquet. If it was only a little more HL, it would be perfect.
 
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mogo

Semi-Pro
looking forward to trying the Pure Strike tour. I have hit with the P17 and was too light, so wanting to see how this feels stock.
 

choob

New User
Have u guys tried RF97A? looks to have a similar SW even tho there's a big weight difference.
how does it compare?
 
looking forward to trying the Pure Strike tour. I have hit with the P17 and was too light, so wanting to see how this feels stock.

edit: agree with comment that college players should be using 3rd gen tour

I was surprised with the scores as well, as I didn't like P17 that much. 3rd gen I found better balance of control, feel, power. Launch angle took a couple hits but now feels great and hitting heavy shots.

...and as I tell everyone: try the 3rd gen with gut mains poly cross. So so nice.
 

TennisHound

Legend
Have u guys tried RF97A? looks to have a similar SW even tho there's a big weight difference.
how adoes it compare?
These are just two differently constructed and engineered racquets. Even so, the similarities would be that they are heavier, more stable, demanding than what most of us use. Adding a heavy leather grip would bring the PST close to the RF97s weight. The frame shapes give each a different feel, however, weight is the great equalizer. If I had to choose them at the same weight, I would go with the RF97. If I had to chose them like they are, I would choose the PST. It would be easier to modify the PST. To me the PST just needs a little more weight in the handle, and it’s just right.
 

choob

New User
These are just two differently constructed and engineered racquets. Even so, the similarities would be that they are heavier, more stable, demanding than what most of us use. Adding a heavy leather grip would bring the PST close to the RF97s weight. The frame shapes give each a different feel, however, weight is the great equalizer. If I had to choose them at the same weight, I would go with the RF97. If I had to chose them like they are, I would choose the PST. It would be easier to modify the PST. To me the PST just needs a little more weight in the handle, and it’s just right.

didnt answer my question at all.
but thanks
 

choob

New User
I had been using RFA for sometime without much intention of changing to a different frame; however, after I had the opportunity to test the Pure Strike, it was an easy decision for me.
I tried to compare the PST and 18x20 with RFA as best as I could here: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-3rd-gen-playtest.651901/page-6#post-13781491
CHEEERRRRRRS dude good review! very informative!
i was looking at both the PST and the 16M, after ur review i think i might switch myself.
what about the swing speed? PST swings about the same as ur RFA?
 

Ft.S

Semi-Pro
Thank you, I am glad the review is providing some useful information.

i am not sure of the swing speed frankly, I’ll try to explain it this way: The PST feels more manevreable, easier to swing against hard incoming balls and is equally stable as the RFA. I find my self just swinging as hard as I can, and the ball just lands in with levels of spin I haven’t had before. I have far fewer timing issues on the court.

Since that write up, I figured how to better volley with the PST, how to slice and how to vary my swing for different shots. Now all of those varying shot types come much easier to me, and easier than with the RFA. The results are coming in with better competition on court and more wins against higher level players. The PST is a very versatile frames without a doubt.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
Still no love for the Pure Strike Tour 3rd Gen? I was disappointed that it wasn’t 18x20, but in reality the string pattern (*compared to the first gen Tour) didn’t matter. It offered just as much plow, power and stability as the first gen but was much easier to swing. I think it’s a nice upgrade in feel and maneuverability, imo. Just picked up the RF97 V13 and will be comparing it to the leather gripped PST. They are only a few grams apart.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
I switched to it last year from the Gen 1 Pure Strike Tour. I liked the Gen 1 also and played with it for five years, but it was stiff enough where I had to string it with gut since I have a sensitive elbow. With the Gen 3 PST, it play very similar and is much more comfortable and so, I switched to gut/poly hybrids. Took a couple of weeks to get used to the open pattern, but since then I hit with a lot more pace and spin.

I started a similar thread earlier this year as I’m also surprised by the lack of buzz about what is a solid players racquet. Maybe, players who like that style of racquet are not Babolat players at the rec level as everyone thinks only of tweeners like the Pure Drive and Pure Aero when they think of Babolat. Also, the Pure Strike Tour is more stable and comfortable than the lighter versions I demo’d from the Pure Strike line, but most people never demo the Tour because they are scared away by the high static weight of 12 ozs.

 

glenWs

Semi-Pro
It's a little heavier than previous model. It's nice on the one-handed backhand, and it is a little more powerful, which I DON'T like. Pretty soon the Strike will just be a white Pure Drive. Why can't Babolat just focus the PS on being a control-first stick? Thinner, denser beam, plush with great feel? Little by little the hoop gets a little wider, they start using power in their marketing....

Played two 10-point breakers this AM. One with the new PS 16X19 and one with the new Yonex VCore Pro 310.

With PS, I lost 10-4, and was constantly hitting the ball long, and a little wild. Serve was OK.
With VCore I won 10-7 and my partner said, "You played much better that game." Serving was bigger. But with the VCP I could take full swings and keep the ball in. Didn't hit anything long.
Pure Strike was launching on me.

so you need to string the strike differently
 
I really hope they re-introduce and improve the Pure Control line, but I am not optimistic at all... it’s truly babolats best offering and the feel and control with the strike line just isn’t the same.
 

LordRaceR

Semi-Pro
I still have to demo new Strike in my setup, didn’t have time to tinker with racquet this year …
Tested one very briefly but only in stock form and that was it. Too short for any conclusions expect that feels bit different and definitely more muted but not bad.

Was thinking about trying the Tour when time comes, since i customize my Strikes a lot. But Tour has less room for customizing, so I will probably test just regular versions.

Again, tested very briefly Blade v7 and Gravity Tour and was impressed with them, especially Gravity Tour, so I will add that to test next year when I will consider racquets change.

Two and half years are enough for two frames…
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
My son loves his PS 3rd Gen 16x19. It is a great racket, honestly. I, however, feel the Tour version is better all around, especially dealing against heavy hitters. It comes around so quickly and just crushes the incoming balls. Great stick for attacking tennis. No mods needed, imo.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
I really hope they re-introduce and improve the Pure Control line, but I am not optimistic at all... it’s truly babolats best offering and the feel and control with the strike line just isn’t the same.
Babolat says that the VS and VS Tour from the Gen 2 Pure Strike is just a repainted version of the earlier Pure Control line. So, stock up on those as who knows if they will re-introduce it. It is a totally different mold from any of the other Pure Strikes.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
My son loves his PS 3rd Gen 16x19. It is a great racket, honestly. I, however, feel the Tour version is better all around, especially dealing against heavy hitters. It comes around so quickly and just crushes the incoming balls. Great stick for attacking tennis. No mods needed, imo.
I agree that the Tour is a great racquet that requires no mods and is way better than the lighter Strikes. The swing weight of the Tour is similar to the lighter versions, but the extra weight and extra headlight balance makes it more stable and comfortable while being equally or maybe even more maneuverable.

If a stock racquet is good, I don’t know why some players avoid it because they want a lighter ‘platform’ racquet to customize and add weight. In this case, the manufacturer has already ’customized’ the standard version and made it better.
 
Babolat says that the VS and VS Tour from the Gen 2 Pure Strike is just a repainted version of the earlier Pure Control line. So, stock up on those as who knows if they will re-introduce it. It is a totally different mold from any of the other Pure Strikes.
Definitely not just a repaint. I don’t doubt the mold is the same but the layup feels different and they don’t really play the same :/ the racketholic in me dreams of an improved Pure Control Tour more responsiveness in the upper hoop
 
Definitely not just a repaint. I don’t doubt the mold is the same but the layup feels different and they don’t really play the same :/ the racketholic in me dreams of an improved Pure Control Tour more responsiveness in the upper hoop
Out of all the rackets I’ve hit, I’m yet to find one that I can swing out as confidently as the PCT and hit a massive ball. Something about the constant thin beam and 16x20 string pattern is the Goldilocks for me...
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
Definitely not just a repaint. I don’t doubt the mold is the same but the layup feels different and they don’t really play the same :/ the racketholic in me dreams of an improved Pure Control Tour more responsiveness in the upper hoop

I agree that I also doubted the veracity of this when I saw that from reviewers about the PS VS and PS VS Tours because I bought a VS Tour and it played very different from what I remember of the Pure Control line. I played with the swirly Pure Control and the AeroPro Control for a decade before moving to the Pure Strike Tour Gen 1 and felt that the PS VS Tour had a smaller sweet spot and harsher feel compared to my memories of the Pure Control.

I actually now like the varying beam shape (Control Frame technology) of the Pure Strike Tour and the only change I would ask of Babolat from future versions of the PST is that it be made more flexible by 3 or 4 RA points so that it feels more plush. If they made the racquet itself more flexible, they would not need to use the Cortex technology to dampen the vibrations which mutes the feel of the racquet. Also, the 16x19 string pattern feels closer to the 16x20 string pattern of older Babolat racquets because it is somewhat dense in the middle and then has more spacing between the crosses in the upper string-bed.
 

Moveforwardalways

Hall of Fame
My son loves his PS 3rd Gen 16x19. It is a great racket, honestly. I, however, feel the Tour version is better all around, especially dealing against heavy hitters. It comes around so quickly and just crushes the incoming balls. Great stick for attacking tennis. No mods needed, imo.

100% agree that the Pure Strike Tour needs no mods. Great, great frame overall. However, it is not for the general adult rec crowd though, and it will not appeal to the weekend warrior 3.5 population. But for a high level junior or the 4.5+ player, it is a must demo.
 

TennisHound

Legend
CHEEERRRRRRS dude good review! very informative!
i was looking at both the PST and the 16M, after ur review i think i might switch myself.
what about the swing speed? PST swings about the same as ur RFA?
So what did you end up going with?
 
...and the only change I would ask of Babolat from future versions of the PST is that it be made more flexible by 3 or 4 RA points so that it feels more plush. If they made the racquet itself more flexible, they would not need to use the Cortex technology to dampen the vibrations which mutes the feel of the racquet....
Wish I could like this more than once. If Babolat did this, the PST would be close to perfect for me.
 

Tranqville

Professional
Please share your experience - how arm-safe is the racquet? The stiffness looks high, but they have strong vibration reduction technology.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
Please share your experience - how arm-safe is the racquet? The stiffness looks high, but they have strong vibration reduction technology.
Extremely comfortable for me - no arm twinges since I started using it in 2019 even though I‘m 53 and play everyday. The VF of the PS Tour is 139 Hz according to TW which is about 7-8 Hz lower than the standard weight versions. It feels softer than the measured RA because it has Cortex vibration dampening built-in.

I’ve strung it with poly in the low forties and gut/poly in the mid-forties without any issues even in the winter cold. I restring often though and don’t play with poly after it goes dead - usually within 15 hours.
 

mhkeuns

Hall of Fame
The Pure Strike Tour 3rd Gen is a great racket with nice feel (*maybe a tad muted for some but I like the softer muted feel). I think some users of the previous 2nd Generation Pure Strike complained of arm pain after prolonged uses, but the 3rd Gen definitely has more vibration dampening for arm protection. It’s a racket that gives you a bit more than what you put into it meaning if you can handle its weight & SW (*which isn’t too far off from the regular version), the racket will help you to hit some of the hardest and heaviest shots you’ve ever hit.
 
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DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
I was lucky to found a tour with low SW at 326 strung. If you were disappointed like i did with 305 strikes and you love this series don’t look else. You just have to found one with low SW. The static weight only bothered me a bit on serves. It’s pretty fast and easy on every other shot. Miles better control and feel/feedback than the 305s. This and PA VS are the best babolat sticks right now. Also to add it was great to be back at high RA racquet. God bless babolat. Please don’t follow the trend with low flex at 55-60es. Instant power to the gas…. what a great help to have a stick that can auto play in a way when you are on defence and you just want to return deep with just a small flick of the wrist…. simple connected ball feedback….. no mumbo jumbo filters. I ll continue testing it…. night and day compared to the uncontrollable 305 16x19. Too bad that more YouTubers didn’t bother to review it…..it’s also Dills main stick.

 
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Tranqville

Professional
Too bad that more YouTubers didn’t bother to review it
I agree with you, the frame deserves more attention. I spoke to my Babolat store about the demo, they almost sounded surprised someone wants it :) As a marketer, I think the main reason is prejudice towards the Babolat brand.
Raving review from this guy:
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
What string do you suggest trying next ? The racquet came with RPM Team and it’s pretty decent. No complains. Maybe sth with better spin. I am between Hyper G, confidential and Lynx tour.
 

janelgreo

Professional
Just got my first pure strike tour in from the Bay, it weighs in at 336g strung, TW has it 340g strung, did I get an under spec’d racquet :confused:
 

InSydeOut

Rookie
I sold mine but in terms of shot quality this racket probably produced the best of the best for everything. Taming it day to day was the issue as back then I was not the player I am now. I think if I had it back I could tweak it to be slightly more headlight and with the right strings to be a daily driver.
 

janelgreo

Professional
I sold mine but in terms of shot quality this racket probably produced the best of the best for everything. Taming it day to day was the issue as back then I was not the player I am now. I think if I had it back I could tweak it to be slightly more headlight and with the right strings to be a daily driver.

That’s great to hear, I just got it strung with Head Lynx Tour @ 50 and static weight with Overgrip is at 345g at 6 pts HL. I typically play a bit more HL but if I do the weight would skyrocket. This is at the top end of my static weight limit. This will be my first time hitting with it so we’ll see how it goes.
 
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