Similar racquets to Pure Drive but not as stiff?

[PKorda]

In the market for a new racquet, currently use the Pure Drive (older model), like the racquet but don't love the stiffness, have had some relatively minor arm issues on and off and don't really want them to get worse.

So wondering what racquets are similar to the Pure Drive but not as stiff? Also have heard the 2021 Pure Drive feels less stiff, can anyone attest that there is a noticeable difference? Thanks

 

[Barnes68]

TW has a video that shows racquets that play like a Pure Drive.

 

[PKorda]

TW has a video that shows racquets that play like a Pure Drive.

That would be great, where do I find this video?

ETA, found it!

 

[Barnes68]

Try Youtube

 

[Barnes68]

For me the Pure Drive felt like I was playing with a 2 x 4.

 

[n8dawg6]

might wanna wait and check on this new head line too …

 

[88fingers]

yonex vcore 100

 

[esm]

yonex vcore 100

thought this is more of a Pure Aero
the EZ100 should be closer to a Pure Drive... i think

 

[Arzivu]

The new 'banana' prokennex

 

[Crocodile]

Diadem Nova perhaps - more comfortable than PD

 

[PKorda]

Anyone hit with the prostaff 6.1? Based on the specs looks like this may be a good option?

 

[Dbrizz]

I've read that the Blade pro is a softer version of Pure drive in H22 thread but can't confirm that personally.

 

[dr325i]

In the market for a new racquet, currently use the Pure Drive (older model), like the racquet but don't love the stiffness, have had some relatively minor arm issues on and off and don't really want them to get worse.

So wondering what racquets are similar to the Pure Drive but not as stiff? Also have heard the 2021 Pure Drive feels less stiff, can anyone attest that there is a noticeable difference? Thanks

Head’s new Boom line that is floating prototypes and will release soon will be a great alternative.
I really enjoyed the feel of it

 

[Dartagnan64]

Head Extreme MP. Yonex EZone 100. Prince Ripstick.

 

[TennisViking]

I use the Yonex Ezone 100 and I belive it is very similar to the Pure Drive. I would say that main difference is the slightly lower stiffness rating for the Ezone 100.

Having said that, both are powerful and stiff tweener racquets and anyone with even slightly sensitive arms, should definitely stay away from poly strings. I switched to the Ezone 100 after a knee injury when I realised I needed a bit more powerful and forgiving racquet. I play really good with the Ezone 100 and can highly recommend it. Many say that it is more comfortable than the Pure Drive. I did unfortunately get golfers elbow, like tennis elbow but on the inside of the arm, after using poly strings.

Therefore, I would not use a full bed poly. Go hybrid or even better, full multifilament. These days, I use the Head Velocity MLT which is a really good multi string and offers decent control for being a multi string.

The Ezone 100 with multifilament strings is quite comfortable.

Arm problems have a tendency to sneek up all of the sudden. They don't come slowly and it is not worth risking it as recovery time can be really long.

The Vcore 100 is also really nice, a bit more comfortable but for me, has a too open string pattern which leads to less control.

I am pretty sure you would like the Ezone 100. It is probably very similar to your Pure Drive with slightly more comfort and probably very slightly less power.

 

[TennisViking]

And of course, perhaps u could try a multi string first in your current racquet. That could give you the added comfort without having to buy a new racquet.

The challenge with Pure Drives and similar racquets, like the Ezone 100, is that they do offer a lot of power due to the high stiff ess and think beams, and using a very soft string will turn them into trampolines. Less control.

But, for me with a control oriented multifilament string, it works well. I would recommend :

Head Velocity MLT
Tecnifibre Triax
Volkl Power Fibre Pro

If u use full bed multi, don't go thinner than 1.30 in string gauge. Durability suffers too much in thinner gauges.

Good luck

 

[speedysteve]

I got a Pure Drive after years of resisting, just to try it.
Like you I found it too stiff to use regularly.
Moved it on quickly.

I went back to my Volkls (27.5") but recently got a Pro Kennex 7G Pro.
This is also 27.5". 16x20 pattern that I like.
Micro beady things in the hoop and handle to cushion the impact.
It's been going years, with various updates. There's a playtest on TW thats worth watching.
Has more pop esp in serve verses the 5G 5 Ki etc standard length.

I find with 27.5" racquets I can hold them easier, not going for full pinky near or off the butt cap on serve, and that relaxes my grip = essential for arm comfort.

I've only played a couple of times, strung with multi.
I like the pop and easy feel at contact.

Need more time with it to really tell though.

 

[tenezlove]

In the process of switching from a Pure Drive to Yonex Vcore 100. My reasons were similar....for arm friendliness and also for purported quality (my two pure drives feel different...especially on serves). On the baseline, it has been an easy adjustment. Perhaps a tad more spin, but a little less power which is good for me since I can hit out a bit more. Only strange thing is that it has not been as good on touch volleys which is strange because the Pure Drive is not known for feel. But hoping that with time, I can adjust to that

 

[MattHeup]

I've heard the Diadem Nova plays similar-ish with more comfort.

 

[flex]

I got a Pure Drive after years of resisting, just to try it.
Like you I found it too stiff to use regularly.
Moved it on quickly.

I went back to my Volkls (27.5") but recently got a Pro Kennex 7G Pro.
This is also 27.5". 16x20 pattern that I like.
Micro beady things in the hoop and handle to cushion the impact.
It's been going years, with various updates. There's a playtest on TW thats worth watching.
Has more pop esp in serve verses the 5G 5 Ki etc standard length.

I find with 27.5" racquets I can hold them easier, not going for full pinky near or off the butt cap on serve, and that relaxes my grip = essential for arm comfort.

I've only played a couple of times, strung with multi.
I like the pop and easy feel at contact.

Need more time with it to really tell though.

Do you feel the 7G flex on impact?

 

[speedysteve]

Do you feel the 7G flex on impact?

Not that I've noticed.
The beads reportedly shoot forward on impact and kinda mask that, one way or the other.
I've found the feel to be good on volleys, slice and dropshots though.

It's 66 RA strung I believe.
I'm used to RA around this and lower lately though tbh, although I've had some stiffys in the past

 

[J D]

PKorda, which version of the Pure Drive are you using? Swingweight and spin potential changed significantly in various iterations so it would help to know what you have to suggest something comparable.

 

[tennispro492]

Prince Ripstick comes to mind!

 

[PKorda]

PKorda, which version of the Pure Drive are you using? Swingweight and spin potential changed significantly in various iterations so it would help to know what you have to suggest something comparable.

Actually have the 2015 model, (thought I was buying the 2018 at the time but that's a story for another day), realize there are changes from model to model but didn't realize the changes were significant. And it doesn't have to be exactly like the 2015 model just generally similar specs.

 

[FloridaAG]

Yonex Ezone 98 is less stiff than the 100 with a lot of the same characteristics IMO

 

[TennisViking]

You can also check out TennisNerds review of the latest version of Pure Drive:

Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Review

I called the first post about this racquet "PD 2020", but it's actually a Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Review.

tennisnerd.net

I have heard similar comments from other players. I.e. the new version is more dampened which initially feels like more comfortable……but later on, the very high stiffness (Tennis Warehouse says it is 71 strung, approx. 73 unstrung) does affect the arm anyway.

I believe that dampening can only do so much. Stiff is stiff ,regardless of how much anti vibration tech there is. Probably a very complex issue and perhaps there are ways around it, like the Volkl handle tech that seem to work to some extent.

 

[ron schaap]

so use soft strings in your racquet.

 

[Notorious_Junkballer]

Dunlop FX 500

 

[nvr2old]

How about a Prince Warrior or TT Tour 100 or 100p? - I really like them - or a Clash?-----------testing the new Head Prototype now might want to wait and demo it as well.

 

[TennisViking]

Yes, the new Head racquet might be interesting (prototype for now. It seems very similar to the new Tecnifibre TF-X1.

Tecnifibre TF-X1 Review

Today Tecnifibre announced the Tecnifibre TF-X1, a new racquet in the comfort category and an interesting competitor to the Wilson Clash.

tennisnerd.net

and

New Secret Racquet from HEAD

I got a cool box in the mail the other day. In it was a blacked-out racquet with the text "YOU GOT THIS". It's a new secret racquet from HEAD.

tennisnerd.net

Both seem to have beams around 24mm which would make close to classical tweener (Pure Drive, Ezone 100) territory.

Last but not least, and without any scientific data , I would stay clear of any racquet that is 70 or more strung (approx 72-73 unstrung). I can already feel a slight difference in comfort between the Ezone 100 and Vcore 100 and they have 3 point difference in stiffness (71 vs 68 unstrung ).

Unfortunately, light racquets such as the Pure Drive and Ezone 100, need the high stiffness and thick beams, to offer power and stability. The best way of course from a purely arm comfort perspective, would be to use a heavier racquet with a more flexible layup. If you search this forum for arm friendly and tennis elbow posts, you can see thousands of comments about the subject.

And again, do indeed try some multifilament strings. String at 24-25 kg, or more if you hit very hard. Comfort is guaranteed to improve !

 

[B-Line]

In the market for a new racquet, currently use the Pure Drive (older model), like the racquet but don't love the stiffness, have had some relatively minor arm issues on and off and don't really want them to get worse.

So wondering what racquets are similar to the Pure Drive but not as stiff? Also have heard the 2021 Pure Drive feels less stiff, can anyone attest that there is a noticeable difference? Thanks

Head Extreme MP Microgel

 

[BlaackSheeep]

Find a Donnay Formula 100 Hexacore. I just bought two off their site using the buy one get one free sale.

 

[niktub]

Babolat should revive and update the Soft Drive line.

 

[speedysteve]

Babolat should revive and update the Soft Drive line.

Ah, The Noodle Drive, or Pure Noodle?
Somehow, I think it'll be The Not Quite as Stiff as F, but Still Stiff Drive

 

[niktub]

Ah, The Noodle Drive, or Pure Noodle?
Somehow, I think it'll be The Not Quite as Stiff as F, but Still Stiff Drive

Just a good answer to the flexible PDs done by other brands.

 

[orlin zlatarsky]

Head 360 + Speed MP

 

[danbrenner]

I've read that the Blade pro is a softer version of Pure drive in H22 thread but can't confirm that personally.

Not even close. They are polar opposites

 

[socallefty]

If it is not as stiff, it doesn’t resemble a Pure Drive anymore - that seems to be its defining feature.