Replacement for Pure Aero VS

B

buttercluck

New User
Hey TT community,

The Problem:
Ive been very unlucky and administered structural cracks to two Pure Aero VS rackets in as many weeks. One in a moment of rage (so dont have sympathy) and the other from accidentally releasing the racket at the end of a serve.

Im going to count my losses now and stop playing with them as it’s only a matter of time before theyre rendered useless. Seeing as the VS is discontinued, I thought it would be an appropriate time to switch frames and would welcome any advice.


About me:
Im about a 4.5 level and my gamestyle is a powerful aggressive baseliner but sometimes come to the net. I have a one handed backhand and typically hit throw the ball rather than loopy topspin (but my shots aren’t flat - think driving topspin like Federer). My biggest attributes are my serve and forehand. I play most of the year on clay and sometimes hard court.


Pros and Cons of the PAVS:
What I loved about Pure Aero VS was that it enhanced by forehand and serve for more free points. I previously had a weak second serve which the spin of the racket fixed and resulted in far fewer double faults.

What i didnt like was the instability in off-centre hits, the difficulty to flatten the ball and how it felt on my one handed backhand. The frame is quite powerful and didnt promote being able to swing out hard.


What Im looking for in a racket:
The PAVS was a great blend of spin and control which I want to be the key benefits of my next frames. The PAVS was too powerful so something that is control orientated yet forgiving. I like frames that are quite headlight because my racket head speed is very quick. I want the feeling to be solid through contact and not flimsy like many hollow Babolat frames out there.

Preferred specs:
95-100 inch head size
300-315g unstrung
>6-7 pts headlight once strung
< 23mm beam thickness

Some suggestions for demo:
Head Extreme Tour 2022
Vcore 98 2023
Pure Aero 98
Head Speed Pro
Blade 98 v8 (either pattern)
Pro Staff 97
Pure Strike 16x19 or Tour
Head Radical


Any suggestions from the community would be great and to hear your experiences with any of the rackets listed above or that you believe I might like. Thanks!!
 
If you have blade and Pure Strike in there

Whiteout 305 (either pattern)
Or TF40 either pattern are really up there in that control oriented tweener esque scene
 
I’d probably say speed pro. I hear great things about it. I want to demo it honestly but I’m just too connected with my Tfight 305s. I’d recommend that but it’s not in the 6-7 PT HL range.
 
If you're a 1HBH I think the VC98 and Blade v8 16x19 are great options if you maintain good RHS.

I recently just switched to the VC98 and have had no adjustment period on my 1HBH, feels really natural with the stick. I haven't tail weighted it either, just OG on top of stock grip.

The VC98 will be the closest to the PAVS, however much plusher, and wont be as harsh on mishits. The power will be somewhat similar, but I think the box beam will allow for more consistency when you decide to flatten out shots.

The new pro staff will come somewhere between the Blade and the VC98 too if you have no luck with either.
 
@buttercluck - First off, if you're looking for 6-7pts HL strung, then the Radical MP, any Blade and the regular Pure Strike are out, as they're all 3-4pt HL strung.

Considering the qualities you want, I'd look at the following frames:
- Diadem Elevate / Elevate Tour
- Dunlop FX 500 Tour
- Head Extreme Tour (with lead @ 9 & 3, 12)
- Tecnifibre TFight 315 ISO
- Wilson Pro Staff X v14
- Wilson Shift 300 (with lead @ 9 & 3)
- Yonex VCore 98
 
ChrisJR3264 said:
I’d probably say speed pro. I hear great things about it. I want to demo it honestly but I’m just too connected with my Tfight 305s. I’d recommend that but it’s not in the 6-7 PT HL range.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion. I can always add some weight in the handle to get my preferred headlight balance for the Speed Pro.

Might demo the Vcore 98 as I previously played with the Vcore 95.
 
Trip said:
@buttercluck - First off, if you're looking for 6-7pts HL strung, then the Radical MP, any Blade and the regular Pure Strike are out, as they're all 3-4pt HL strung.

Considering the qualities you want, I'd look at the following frames:
- Diadem Elevate / Elevate Tour
- Dunlop FX 500 Tour
- Head Extreme Tour (with lead @ 9 & 3, 12)
- Tecnifibre TFight 315 ISO
- Wilson Pro Staff X v14
- Wilson Shift 300 (with lead @ 9 & 3)
- Yonex VCore 98
Click to expand...
Would you recommend the PSX over the PS97? I already own an Angell TC97 which plays very similar to a Pro Staff so might not invest in that stick.
 
buttercluck said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I can always add some weight in the handle to get my preferred headlight balance for the Speed Pro.

Might demo the Vcore 98 as I previously played with the Vcore 95.
Click to expand...

Hmm if you want control- vcore 98 isn’t for you.
I suggest trying the vcore pro 97 - 310 gram.
 
musicsoul said:
Ezone 98 & Vcore 98 (my guess is that you like the Ezone more for driving backhands).
Click to expand...
I actually used the Ezone for a while but didnt like the unpredictability of the stringbed - felt erratic. I swing very fast and generate the pace myself so I need a lower power racket.
 
buttercluck said:
I actually used the Ezone for a while but didnt like the unpredictability of the stringbed - felt erratic. I swing very fast and generate the pace myself so I need a lower power racket.
Click to expand...
Which version? Because the new one is not erratic. It does have power. I also swing very fast, suits me. But for less power: vcore 95.
 
buttercluck said:
Hey TT community,

The Problem:
Ive been very unlucky and administered structural cracks to two Pure Aero VS rackets in as many weeks. One in a moment of rage (so dont have sympathy) and the other from accidentally releasing the racket at the end of a serve.

Im going to count my losses now and stop playing with them as it’s only a matter of time before theyre rendered useless. Seeing as the VS is discontinued, I thought it would be an appropriate time to switch frames and would welcome any advice.


About me:
Im about a 4.5 level and my gamestyle is a powerful aggressive baseliner but sometimes come to the net. I have a one handed backhand and typically hit throw the ball rather than loopy topspin (but my shots aren’t flat - think driving topspin like Federer). My biggest attributes are my serve and forehand. I play most of the year on clay and sometimes hard court.


Pros and Cons of the PAVS:
What I loved about Pure Aero VS was that it enhanced by forehand and serve for more free points. I previously had a weak second serve which the spin of the racket fixed and resulted in far fewer double faults.

What i didnt like was the instability in off-centre hits, the difficulty to flatten the ball and how it felt on my one handed backhand. The frame is quite powerful and didnt promote being able to swing out hard.


What Im looking for in a racket:
The PAVS was a great blend of spin and control which I want to be the key benefits of my next frames. The PAVS was too powerful so something that is control orientated yet forgiving. I like frames that are quite headlight because my racket head speed is very quick. I want the feeling to be solid through contact and not flimsy like many hollow Babolat frames out there.

Preferred specs:
95-100 inch head size
300-315g unstrung
>6-7 pts headlight once strung
< 23mm beam thickness

Some suggestions for demo:
Head Extreme Tour 2022
Vcore 98 2023
Pure Aero 98
Head Speed Pro
Blade 98 v8 (either pattern)
Pro Staff 97
Pure Strike 16x19 or Tour
Head Radical


Any suggestions from the community would be great and to hear your experiences with any of the rackets listed above or that you believe I might like. Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Don't skip on VCore 95 - it will faithfully do what you ask, spin or flat.
 
No, it's a controlled racquet. 1.30 RPM Power, 1.25 Rev or some other 1.30 string you prefer, and some lead and you're good. Watch some reviews on Youtube
 
buttercluck said:
I actually used the Ezone for a while but didnt like the unpredictability of the stringbed - felt erratic. I swing very fast and generate the pace myself so I need a lower power racket.
Click to expand...
Very strange
I have a ezone 98 and what I like about it is if I miss I know why
it also magnifying serve , FH. and 1hbh
it has very low launch angle
 
buttercluck said:
Hey TT community,

The Problem:
Ive been very unlucky and administered structural cracks to two Pure Aero VS rackets in as many weeks. One in a moment of rage (so dont have sympathy) and the other from accidentally releasing the racket at the end of a serve.

Im going to count my losses now and stop playing with them as it’s only a matter of time before theyre rendered useless. Seeing as the VS is discontinued, I thought it would be an appropriate time to switch frames and would welcome any advice.


About me:
Im about a 4.5 level and my gamestyle is a powerful aggressive baseliner but sometimes come to the net. I have a one handed backhand and typically hit throw the ball rather than loopy topspin (but my shots aren’t flat - think driving topspin like Federer). My biggest attributes are my serve and forehand. I play most of the year on clay and sometimes hard court.


Pros and Cons of the PAVS:
What I loved about Pure Aero VS was that it enhanced by forehand and serve for more free points. I previously had a weak second serve which the spin of the racket fixed and resulted in far fewer double faults.

What i didnt like was the instability in off-centre hits, the difficulty to flatten the ball and how it felt on my one handed backhand. The frame is quite powerful and didnt promote being able to swing out hard.


What Im looking for in a racket:
The PAVS was a great blend of spin and control which I want to be the key benefits of my next frames. The PAVS was too powerful so something that is control orientated yet forgiving. I like frames that are quite headlight because my racket head speed is very quick. I want the feeling to be solid through contact and not flimsy like many hollow Babolat frames out there.

Preferred specs:
95-100 inch head size
300-315g unstrung
>6-7 pts headlight once strung
< 23mm beam thickness

Some suggestions for demo:
Head Extreme Tour 2022
Vcore 98 2023
Pure Aero 98
Head Speed Pro
Blade 98 v8 (either pattern)
Pro Staff 97
Pure Strike 16x19 or Tour
Head Radical


Any suggestions from the community would be great and to hear your experiences with any of the rackets listed above or that you believe I might like. Thanks!!
Click to expand...
I was playing the PAVS and sadly ended the same as you (it slipped out hand on a serve and the impact cracked the frame).
I've moved to the Prince ATS Tour 98 ("ATS") with a multi cross and spin friendly main (black widow). I've also played it with gut/RPM (very powerful and spinny) full multi and full poly. It reacts well to different strings, showing the string potential, whereas I found the PAVS quite sensitive to string selection.
ATS has good pocketing, can play spin or flat, has great feedback and an open sweetspot (the PAVS was not so sweet in the fringes whereas the ATS is not harsh on miss hits). Also, you can load the trap door if you want to change the balance (I put a coin in there weighing 4.4g plus putty and that little change has made the stick even more solid).
I've tried all sticks on your list. After the ATS I'd take the Pure Strike but it is really top heavy feeling (not head heavy perse but more like a hammer so it lags a bit before impact, but is super solid). Or the PA98, it's super fun to play with, more spinny than the ATS, though a but less control/accuracy.
Head SP needs technique that is above my level. Blade is a great feel but a bit plasticy and underpowered. VC didn't feel accurate, PS97 is not rewarding for mishots, though feel is good. Radical felt too disconnected /muted.

I think if you allow an hour or two you will find the ATS is an extension of your arm.

Good luck.
 
Sughaclef said:
I was playing the PAVS and sadly ended the same as you (it slipped out hand on a serve and the impact cracked the frame).
I've moved to the Prince ATS Tour 98 ("ATS") with a multi cross and spin friendly main (black widow). I've also played it with gut/RPM (very powerful and spinny) full multi and full poly. It reacts well to different strings, showing the string potential, whereas I found the PAVS quite sensitive to string selection.
ATS has good pocketing, can play spin or flat, has great feedback and an open sweetspot (the PAVS was not so sweet in the fringes whereas the ATS is not harsh on miss hits). Also, you can load the trap door if you want to change the balance (I put a coin in there weighing 4.4g plus putty and that little change has made the stick even more solid).
I've tried all sticks on your list. After the ATS I'd take the Pure Strike but it is really top heavy feeling (not head heavy perse but more like a hammer so it lags a bit before impact, but is super solid). Or the PA98, it's super fun to play with, more spinny than the ATS, though a but less control/accuracy.
Head SP needs technique that is above my level. Blade is a great feel but a bit plasticy and underpowered. VC didn't feel accurate, PS97 is not rewarding for mishots, though feel is good. Radical felt too disconnected /muted.

I think if you allow an hour or two you will find the ATS is an extension of your arm.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
I have ATS 98 underspec Japan Version but now prefer EZTour 2022 for my go to racket. Nevertheless, sometimes I want a lighter racket that is easier to swing, though I find ATS string bed is sometimes erratic and it doesn't have specific strength or weakness. Do you have tips in optimizing ATS? What experiences/stories do you have that highlighted the racket's strong points?
 
I haven't had too much erratic response from the string bed. I did add weight to the handle (5g in the cap), though a few friends have said the makes the weight feel off, I found slight better swing path and targeting. I am hesitant to add weight as I want less stress on my arm. I prefer this over leather grip which altered the balance and weight too much.
I recently strung Volkl Vtorque pro tour string (white with small groves, quite stiff) at 48/51. Then placed a band damper across the lower string. The result is muted but very accurate hits and ample spin. Previously it was strung with gut VS and Rpm Blast and it was a total powerhouse. Great spin and depth with a comfortable swing strength and no need to muscle the ball. It played flatter with this combination, too.
 
Sughaclef said:
I haven't had too much erratic response from the string bed. I did add weight to the handle (5g in the cap), though a few friends have said the makes the weight feel off, I found slight better swing path and targeting. I am hesitant to add weight as I want less stress on my arm. I prefer this over leather grip which altered the balance and weight too much.
I recently strung Volkl Vtorque pro tour string (white with small groves, quite stiff) at 48/51. Then placed a band damper across the lower string. The result is muted but very accurate hits and ample spin. Previously it was strung with gut VS and Rpm Blast and it was a total powerhouse. Great spin and depth with a comfortable swing strength and no need to muscle the ball. It played flatter with this combination, too.
Click to expand...
I am using Blade Pro 18x20 now, and find it has excellent feel and plow. But after tiring my arm (particularly my back of the hand), I suddenly crave for a more whippier racket and want to give ATS another run. With my BP, if I cannot produce high RHS, the spin will be very lacking so the balls need to be precisely controlled, otherwise my opponent will have easier time blocking my pace back.

I put 3g coin+double overgrip (total 10+3=13 g) and find the Prince becomes very HL. Nevertheless, maybe because I am used to BP18, ATS feel superfast and launch long. It was strung with Hyper G 48 lbs.

Should I string it with low-powered low tension (45ish) for spin (I think it cannot give laser beam like BP and will control the ball with spin drive) and how do you think about ATS control?

Maybe I need to put some lead at 12 (my favorite place)?
 
Head Extreme Tour 360+ but with some customisation at 3+9.

Similar to the PAVS but better for ohbh and control but not a massive fan of the stability and smaller sweetspot.

It’s not the most fun racket to play with but after the lead tape, it does everything well enough.

I’ll be looking at the incoming generation during the summer but otherwise content for now. I hit more of a driving topspin rather than something loopy with shape so the radical MP might be a better choice.
pico said:
@buttercluck what did you go with?
Click to expand...
 
I've demoed most on your list. I was settled on Blade v8, but then tried and immediately bought the Head Speed Pro (2024),and have not looked back. Indeed I've sold all my sticks (including PA98, Tour ATS, Phantom, Ultra Tour Pro) but for the Blade as a back up and because I strung it with gut and didn't want to lose the investment. Point being the HSP is that versatile that I can rely on it and instead focus on my technique, timing, footwork, etc.. The frame is solid with no concern about off-center hits (high twist weight perhaps?). Power is there, finesse too. No modifications needed. I've strung Confidential 16 at 48/46 (for my play the 16 felt better than 17, but not sure why). And, as a final perk: zero arm pain (not true of PAVS or PA98).
 
Sughaclef said:
I've demoed most on your list. I was settled on Blade v8, but then tried and immediately bought the Head Speed Pro (2024),and have not looked back. Indeed I've sold all my sticks (including PA98, Tour ATS, Phantom, Ultra Tour Pro) but for the Blade as a back up and because I strung it with gut and didn't want to lose the investment. Point being the HSP is that versatile that I can rely on it and instead focus on my technique, timing, footwork, etc.. The frame is solid with no concern about off-center hits (high twist weight perhaps?). Power is there, finesse too. No modifications needed. I've strung Confidential 16 at 48/46 (for my play the 16 felt better than 17, but not sure why). And, as a final perk: zero arm pain (not true of PAVS or PA98).
Click to expand...
Is that the Head Speed Legend?
 
buttercluck said:
Head Extreme Tour 360+ but with some customisation at 3+9.

Similar to the PAVS but better for ohbh and control but not a massive fan of the stability and smaller sweetspot.

It’s not the most fun racket to play with but after the lead tape, it does everything well enough.

I’ll be looking at the incoming generation during the summer but otherwise content for now. I hit more of a driving topspin rather than something loopy with shape so the radical MP might be a better choice.
Click to expand...

I think it's a solid choice.

I have the 360+ and the Auxetic. I prefer the Auxetic but they're very similar.

b100.png

b101.png


Usually my order of preference when playing...

1. Extreme Tour Auxetic
2. Pure Aero VS
3. Extreme Tour 360+
4. Pure Aero 98
 
buttercluck said:
Hey TT community,

The Problem:
Ive been very unlucky and administered structural cracks to two Pure Aero VS rackets in as many weeks. One in a moment of rage (so dont have sympathy) and the other from accidentally releasing the racket at the end of a serve.

Im going to count my losses now and stop playing with them as it’s only a matter of time before theyre rendered useless. Seeing as the VS is discontinued, I thought it would be an appropriate time to switch frames and would welcome any advice.


About me:
Im about a 4.5 level and my gamestyle is a powerful aggressive baseliner but sometimes come to the net. I have a one handed backhand and typically hit throw the ball rather than loopy topspin (but my shots aren’t flat - think driving topspin like Federer). My biggest attributes are my serve and forehand. I play most of the year on clay and sometimes hard court.


Pros and Cons of the PAVS:
What I loved about Pure Aero VS was that it enhanced by forehand and serve for more free points. I previously had a weak second serve which the spin of the racket fixed and resulted in far fewer double faults.

What i didnt like was the instability in off-centre hits, the difficulty to flatten the ball and how it felt on my one handed backhand. The frame is quite powerful and didnt promote being able to swing out hard.


What Im looking for in a racket:
The PAVS was a great blend of spin and control which I want to be the key benefits of my next frames. The PAVS was too powerful so something that is control orientated yet forgiving. I like frames that are quite headlight because my racket head speed is very quick. I want the feeling to be solid through contact and not flimsy like many hollow Babolat frames out there.

Preferred specs:
95-100 inch head size
300-315g unstrung
>6-7 pts headlight once strung
< 23mm beam thickness

Some suggestions for demo:
Head Extreme Tour 2022
Vcore 98 2023
Pure Aero 98
Head Speed Pro
Blade 98 v8 (either pattern)
Pro Staff 97
Pure Strike 16x19 or Tour
Head Radical


Any suggestions from the community would be great and to hear your experiences with any of the rackets listed above or that you believe I might like. Thanks!!
Click to expand...
You will love the Wilson Shift and Ezone 98
 
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