Tennis Warehouse: Babolat Pure Aero 98

[codonnell]

Aero storm was amazing, cant find them recently for a decent price. Hopefully PA 98 will play like it in some ways.

I love these frames and definitely talk about them too much (starting to hoard them lol). I, also hoping the new 98 plays a bit similar to the old aero storm frames. I will say I prefer the gt much more then the red cortex. It felt more crisp/consistant with a more manageable/customizable swing weight.

Also If you keep an eye on a popular auction site you can get some good deals on them with the exception of having to replace the bumper .

 

[SupahMan5000]

Babolat made some decent player racquets as you said aero storm, pure storms,and pure control. Problem is they weren't 100" and wasn't what they were known for. Back then you had the classic prestige, radical, 6.1 and etc for player frames. Now Wilson, head, babolat and all the other brands are coming to the middle. Almost everything is coming into the 305-315, 97-100", open string pattern, fat beam racquet spec

I still own the Pure Control 95+. Doesn't fit my game quite well nowadays, but feel and playability was unbelievable. A paintjob that looks classy and still looks contemporary.

 

[KungfuTennis]

I realize now I played the forerunner to this Pure Aero 98, the Babolat Aero Storm - they shared a 16 x 20 stringbed, thinner shaft ( was 21/19mm) ) and lower RA (66) BUT the Aero Storm was a beast to swing... 340 SW. I loved it but did not know how to handle such a racquet back then. I think the PA 98's 327 SW and thinner beam (compared to the current PA 23) will hit the sweetspot for a lot (me) of people. It stood out a little more then too since it was red, white and black like the other Storm racquets!

A little after the Aero Storm GT released with the 2010 APD GT colorway and a tour version. Liked that racket a lot, reminds me a lot of the OG Aeropro Control. Aero beam + Pure Control hoop always seemed interesting to me.

 

[jangotango]

I have two brand new 2016? Pure Aero VS. After seeing Felix and the popularity of the new VS/98 on the college circuit now I kinda want to try them out.

 

[roger presley]

The VCore 95 has a large sweet spot. I accept your apology.

Large for 95 and that's all

 

[vndesu]

Just waiting patiently to see if we get chosen lol.

 

[mad dog1]

The VCore 95 has a large sweet spot. I accept your apology.

I kindly disagree with you disagreeing

The previous VC95 does have a large sweetspot for a 95”. If Maniac is comparing the size of the VC95 sweet spot to a 100” frame, it is smaller.

 

[Chairman3]

Queue the refresh email gifs....

 

[Trip]

Per the last few playtests, especially those with a lot of interest, I wouldn't be surprised if invites are delayed a day or more.

 

[n80aoag]

Nothing in my spam folder either, but if this business offer works out with the Nigerian Prince (it was too good to pass up) I am buying everyone in this thread their own PA98 with a Gut/Alu power hybrid

 

[taydbear7]

Nothing in my spam folder either, but if this business offer works out with the Nigerian Prince (it was too good to pass up) I am buying everyone in this thread their own PA98 with a Gut/Alu power hybrid

Hopefully they threw in the free extended car warranty.

 

[Devil_dog]

 

[RafaBabolat]

Got my email. Thanks @TW Staff for the amazing opportunity! I’ve been waiting to try this racquet out! Hopefully everyone here will get into a playtest soon

 

[FrankyRelax]

Selected! My first racquet play test! Very excited!

 

[n80aoag]

Praise Brooksby, I’m in…

Thank you TW for making my day!

 

[Soundbyte]

Selected! My first racquet play test! Very excited!

Same here! I'm pumped because I tried to order a PAVS last fall but at the time my grip Size was out of stock. Ive played so many frames but this one is in my spec wheelhouse

 

[ne1410is]

Just got the email, and I’m in for the playtest. Super stoked as it’s my first, and I honestly didn’t think I’d get picked! Thank you TW!!! Looking forward to letting everyone know how it plays. Looks promising from the specs.

 

[taylor15]

Congrats to those that got in! Looking forward to reading about this one

 

[vndesu]

ahaha

 

[SlowTiger]

ahaha

I feel you

 

[TennisManiac]

Just got the email. I can't believe I've been selected! Thank you so much TW for the opportunity! I'm making a racket switch this season and this one is on my short list of rackets to try out.

 

[Trip]

Congrats everyone! Doesn't appear I was selected this time but I plan to chip in a comparison vs. the regular PA23 once I get the chance to try the PA98.

 

[bobeeto]

Good luck to everyone with the playtest! Don’t forget to thoroughly test the backhand slice

 

[RafaBabolat]

What strings would be good with this racquet? I have some Hyper G and RPM Blast, but is there something that really suits this or predecessors like the PA VS well?

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

What strings would be good with this racquet? I have some Hyper G and RPM Blast, but is there something that really suits this or predecessors like the PA VS well?

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with Hyper G.

I think both are well suited for this racket.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Might switch to the VCore since Babolat doesn't seem to be supporting the Pure Aero 98.

It's a bummer because I really like my VS.

 

[TennisManiac]

Might switch to the VCore since Babolat doesn't seem to be supporting the Pure Aero 98.

It's a bummer because I really like my VS.

What?

 

[SlowTiger]

What strings would be good with this racquet? I have some Hyper G and RPM Blast, but is there something that really suits this or predecessors like the PA VS well?

I'd say it's best to try in a string you already know well. That way you're testing the racquet and not the strings. You can tweek from there

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Might switch to the VCore since Babolat doesn't seem to be supporting the Pure Aero 98.

It's a bummer because I really like my VS.

Not supporting? 3 of the ATP top 10 use it (and not just the paint job)

 

[Trip]

Not supporting? 3 of the ATP top 10 use it (and not just the paint job)

To the best of my knowledge, none of them actually use the PA98, but rather various permutations of earlier-gen PAVS models, painted to look like the PA98 -- as per so many other pro's apparently using this or that latest model, most of the time it's just an older one painted to look like the current generation.

 

[taydbear7]

Congrats to those selected!

 

[Devil_dog]

Good luck and have fun to everyone selected for this playtest! I look forward to reading your reviews.

 

[Power Player]

Good luck to everyone with the playtest! Don’t forget to thoroughly test the backhand slice

Ok will do! It is my favorite change of pace shot to hit.

 

[yonex]

Ok will do! It is my favorite change of pace shot to hit.

Please compare it to the blade pro haha

 

[Power Player]

Please compare it to the blade pro haha

of course! That and the ez98 will be my comps.

 

[StringStrungStrang]

I can't wait to see some comparisons with Pure Strike 98 ( Std. & Tour) Pure Aero 23 !! This racquet has a lot of promise and very curious to see if it delivers!

 

[Soundbyte]

To the best of my knowledge, none of them actually use the PA98, but rather various permutations of earlier-gen PAVS models, painted to look like the PA98 -- as per so many other pro's apparently using this or that latest model, most of the time it's just an older one painted to look like the current generation.

To be fair, do any pros use current gen rackets? And I mean retail versions. Not painted, not custom layups or drill patterns

Most use the variations of frames they've been using for years. Even if someone like Carlos grew up with PAVS, I wouldn't expect him to switch to the PA98.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Not supporting? 3 of the ATP top 10 use it (and not just the paint job)

And to get one, you're almost going to have to find of them and see if they have a spare.

The VS has been out of production for a few months.

Then you have to wait to get one...months after the regular version is released.

Then it's available on one website and gone in two days.

It's like they're making this racket out of polar bears or something.

 

[vndesu]

Though I didnt get chosen, I was able to get my hands on one and had one session last night and one with it tomorrow. Currently strung up with Alu power at 54 and im loving it so far. More to come!

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Though I didnt get chosen, I was able to get my hands on one and had one session last night and one with it tomorrow. Currently strung up with Alu power at 54 and im loving it so far. More to come!

I just put Alu Power @ 51 in my VS.

Played once and struggled at first but seemed to get a feel for it as they broke in a little.

It's cold but I'm going to try to give it another go in a little bit.

Hyper G is kind of go to string. I like the feel of them in just about any racket.

Alu Power and RPM Blast definitely have spin and power.

But I kind of like the way I can feel the ball on the stringbed a little more with the Hyper G.

 

[vndesu]

I just put Alu Power @ 51 in my VS.

Played once and struggled at first but seemed to get a feel for it as they broke in a little.

It's cold but I'm going to try to give it another go in a little bit.

Hyper G is kind of go to string. I like the feel of them in just about any racket.

Alu Power and RPM Blast definitely have spin and power.

But I kind of like the way I can feel the ball on the stringbed a little more with the Hyper G.

I have 3 back up VS and i also found that hyper g soft 17g was my go to. The comfort is definitely a lot better with the update, just need to add a smidge of weight in the head. I was getting good whip but wanted a bit more plow.

For my thursday session, gonna add some lead at 3 and 9 and then possibly add a leather grip.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

Putting a smidge of weight in the head wouldn't definitely give it a little plow through.

And a leather grip would help balance out that weight and help keep it head light.

But I play really well with the VS the way it is so I don't want to mess around with it.

It's a give and take I guess.

I recently bought a Head Extreme Tour and customized it right away. Weight in the handle and a little bit @ 3, 9, 2, and 10.

It definitely has more stability and plow but it lacks some of the maneuverability and whippiness of the VS.

So I might take the lead tape off the 2 and 10 and little out of the handle and see what happens.

 

[GimmeBackMyDog]

I wouldn't categorize the VS/98 as a baseliner's dream. At least not in stock form.

But it's a beast at putting away short balls.

I have a Pure Strike and a regular Pure Aero. And they certainly have more power from the baseline.

But when you get a short ball, the VS/98 is just ridiculously good at putting it away.

Which is why I want another and am disappointed Babolat seems to be creating an intentional market shortage for whatever reason.

I'll give them a week or two to get some back in stock before I decide to order the new VCore 98.

 

[ulunxtns]

Though I didnt get chosen, I was able to get my hands on one and had one session last night and one with it tomorrow. Currently strung up with Alu power at 54 and im loving it so far. More to come!

Same here, wasn't lucky enough to be chosen for the playtest, but I ordered demo, arrived yesterday. The demo came with RPM Hurricane 1.30. I'm not familiar with that string, according to my tennis tension app, it was about 43 lbs, I was a little surprised that the demo was strung that low, but I usually play poly in mid 40s, so no issue for me. First session last night, whippy and fast through the air, but I've been hitting long than usual, still adjusting to getting more control of the ball.

Anyone has experience with that string (RPM Hurricane), maybe there's a break-in period. To me, it feels very average. I'm thinking of putting other strings in it to try.

I recently demoed new vcore 98 as well, of course different string set up. But Vcore 98 seems more forgiving and easier to generate spin. PA98 has more of linear response and more powerful than vcore 98. Both racquets are very good at serve.

 

[Yamin]

Which is why I want another and am disappointed Babolat seems to be creating an intentional market shortage for whatever reason.

They probably just stopped manufacturing the old one.. it wasn't selling before it was endorsed, and the 98 was already designed. The 98 probably won't be a huge seller either amongst casual players since it now has the same PJ as the 100, and lost the "vs" name that just recently built some hype.

 

[TennisManiac]

Though I didnt get chosen, I was able to get my hands on one and had one session last night and one with it tomorrow. Currently strung up with Alu power at 54 and im loving it so far. More to come!

String it lower!

 

[vndesu]

Don't worry. The PA98 is going to be better. It's the exact same frame but a tad bit softer.

String it lower!

We'll see how it goes once i doctor up my racket ahha.

 

[TennisManiac]

I just put Alu Power @ 51 in my VS.

Still too high. String it in the mid 40s.

 

[Soundbyte]

Still too high. String it in the mid 40s.

44-48 is the sweet spot IMO. Babolats tend to do better lower too. I plan on stringing mine at 44 with T1 Durafluxx when it arrives

 

[Trip]

@Soundbyte - Durafluxx 1.28 played great in the PA23, a close second to Black Knight 1.28, which I found to be a bit more controlled overall. I strung DF at 56/54 lockout (so ~53/51 eCP) and it was just about perfect, but I hit a flatter ball so I tend to need a higher DT. So DF in the mid-upper 40's in a PA98 for someone who hits more SW/W sounds just about right.