Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero 2023
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TennisHound
Legend
I would classify this Pure Aero as a lighter Prince TT 100P.
I think anyone declaring "arm-pain" needs to be more specific, for the benefit of others reading this.
Probably specify what type (TE, GE, shoulder, etc), string/tension with approximate hours of use, history of arm pain, did your arm pain go away when using another racquet with comparable string setup, as specific as you can be really.
I've had no sustained arm-pain using this racquet, only time I felt anything was with stiff-dead poly. So I think it is misleading to vaguely declare arm-pain because everyone's experience is different.
Probably specify what type (TE, GE, shoulder, etc), string/tension with approximate hours of use, history of arm pain, did your arm pain go away when using another racquet with comparable string setup, as specific as you can be really.
I've had no sustained arm-pain using this racquet, only time I felt anything was with stiff-dead poly. So I think it is misleading to vaguely declare arm-pain because everyone's experience is different.
TennisHound
Legend
I wouldn't say it needs to be stiffer, I think they found a good balance.
But it definitely doesn't have that stiff Babolat power like some of their other frames, or even prior versions of the Aero.
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
Which string among the following do you think will go best with the PA 23?
1. RPM Blast
2. Hyper G
3. Confidential
Please recommend any string other than the above 3 also based on your experience.
1. RPM Blast
2. Hyper G
3. Confidential
Please recommend any string other than the above 3 also based on your experience.
A_Instead
Legend
I have my 23 PA with RPM blast...same outcome when using RPM blast in any racket.. Great for a few hours...then nothing...
Tried a 23 with Hyper G... typically Hyper G response.. pretty decent if you like Hyper G..
Imo Volkl cyclone should work good in the 23..
May try that next.. just not using my 23 at the moment...
Tried a 23 with Hyper G... typically Hyper G response.. pretty decent if you like Hyper G..
Imo Volkl cyclone should work good in the 23..
May try that next.. just not using my 23 at the moment...
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
Would you say Confidential will work similar to Hyper G with a bit more control?
Haven't tried confidential yet and am curious.
RPM blast has too short a life for my liking.
@esm - Two fairly different frames. The PA23 is going to be more airy/crisp, best fitted for a windshield-wiper stroke style, including a more rounded ground stroke trajectory, more spin-friendly overall, including serves. The BP is going to be meatier, thuddier, higher stock swing weight, more head-heavy balance, a more calm string bed, a better bludgeoning type tool for perhaps a flatter style, which will do a bit better at hitting through the opponent, as opposed to beating them via a barrage of overly curvy, super spin-laden, plunging groundies as the PA tends to be best for. So the PA23 and BP are made for somewhat different approaches and game styles. That said, this is the most controlled Aero in quite some time, and if there were ever one that could be called on for more of an all-purpose game approach, the PA23 would be the one.
Similar to @Trip it probably comes down to style of play.
The PA will be much easier to use although when I had my BP I would say it was the more powerful racquet. That thing blasted balls and I felt like it was a decently high launch angle. I was stringing poly at 50lbs too.
It has an amazing feel in terms of flex but it is harder to use with the high swingweight and less HL balance.
PA23 isn't as powerful or stable and will be easier to swing. For me personally, the PA wasn't an insane spin machine, but I don't have a heavy topspin game. It does generate spin pretty easy though.
These are pretty far apart on the spectrum to compare. But my blanket statement is any player of any level could probably use the PA more easily.
But if you enjoy the BP and feel you play well, stick with it.
@Trip
thank you Gents for the great info, as always. i understand. i should have asked the question properly, as in the comparisons for both when the are on the same spec.
but yeah, i can see the BP being more powerful than the PA23, "stock-spec wise". as much as i am tempted, i think i will spend more time with the PA23 (for now...)
i really enjoyed the first PA23 outing, and as it is my birthday week, i have just done a naughty thing and bought a 2nd PA23. lol
I've enjoyed the two round polys that I have used so far. I think the pattern is very open so you need a poly with good tension maintenance.
Big Banger Original 48lbs (died super quick)
Poly Tour Fire (1.25) 48lbs (12-14hrs and feels better than it did the first 4hrs or so)
I do think the PTF is becoming uncontrollable
I think next I am going with a hybrid Poly main and syngut (maybe multi) cross for some added power and longevity.
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Power Player
Bionic Poster
I agree with this yet, I play the same with the APD (have not used the PA23, but I suspect it is similar to my 2013 APD) and the Blade Pro - heavy spin game with a ball that I vary between high and heavy or hitting through more. Maybe this why I like the Blade Pro so much, it is fantastic for me at both things. I am not a flat hitter though.
I find both pretty easy to use, but the V8 Blade Pro obviously swings a little heavier, but pretty close to my 2010 APD. One thing I like though, is I can use that weight to "throw" the ball over the net and keep it deep, which is quite helpful when gassed or out of position.
@Power Player - Good to know the BP. It really seems to be a pretty universal frame, despite the more head-heavy balance. You being an APD13 player, I'd be curious for you to try the PA23 and give comments/feedback. I think the addition of flax, plus removal of certain excess from the frame, has done it a fair bit of good overall, but I have limited play time with other recent-gen Aero's, so I'd keen to get your opinion.
Power Player
Bionic Poster
At some point I will try it for sure, I love Babolat tweeners, more the older ones though. So this return back to the tighter pattern is awesome. I just typically like to buy and string up a frame to really know how much I like it, and these racquets are F'n expensive nowadays. If I see a deal on one in my gripsize I will make it happen though.
My favorite older Bab tweener right now is the Pure Drive 2012. By a little over the 2010 and 2013 APDs I have.
Yeah they are!! A lot of peeps really seem to like that PD '12 -- is it the more concentrated sweet spot and unfiltered feedback / feel that you like so much, compared to the newer, more muted stuff?
So I matched my PA23, BP, and Ultra Pro to similar specs.
The PA swings easier. Is easier than the the BP for the vast majority of players. If your liking the PA23, I suggest the Ultra Pro over the Blade Pro.
Both Blade Pro and Ultra Pro are great feeling frames. Blade Pro is for more thumping, and slightly harder to play with. Coming from my own experience (recently sold my PA23 and Blade Pros, switched to Ultra Pro), I think you'd have more success getting a Ultra Pro to your spec. The Blade Pro relies on getting fairly lucky with Wilson QC
Power Player
Bionic Poster
Yes you nailed it. Thats what I love about it. It has a really nice feel to it and a massive sweetspot, plus it plays rather well in it's light, stock form.
Thanks for that man. Good info.
assuming you were referring to the UP 16m, which I have not tried yet, however I have a CT960 16m, which is supposed to be similar to the UP 16m. I am a big fan of the UT and I also have a couple of PP960 18m - I felt it played very similar to the UT, at the same specs.
I do like the CT960 16m though. I felt it played easier than the UT/PP960 18m, and the PA23 played much easier than all of these, at the same specs, including the same (colour) string. I felt I needed less effort to produce the same type of shots/serves and I was able to preserve more energy over a period of a two-hour session.
i do like the thin beam, players racquet type, but as I am aging towards the big 5-0 (in a couple of years… or so), I felt something easier to swing and give me a bigger “reward” is welcomed, especially up against younger, bigger hitting and fitter players. That’s what I am thinking anyway, but I will always have one of these thin beam, players racquets in my bag, for when I feel brave. Lol.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
@esm Happy Birthday week! I think you will love the PA 23 even more as you play with it. It is a lot of fun and it does generate easy spin and power to keep you playing aggressively even as your age advances lol. As has been mentioned many times by many reviewers here a little lead tape on the hoop really brings out the best in the PA 23 giving it the added ooomph to keep people on their toes. That power, stability and access to spin make it a fun racquet / weapon to have at your disposal. It plays with more control / comfort than my older APD 2013 with just a touch less stock power. Great serves, volleys, groundstrokes but just a touch stiff (not as stiff as my APD) for my long term taste. Good looking and fun to play with. Enjoy!!
Thank you for the birthday message
Yes, it is fun and so easy to generate power (coming from more player-orientated racquets previously... i do miss the thin/boxed beam though).
I have added some weight around the 57.5cm location and some weight in the but cap - this thing is SO stable and so much fun near the net areas. I still need to work on the mid court put away shots now that i can generate top spin much easier with the PA23. I need to bring out the topspin pro too.
i am cool with the current spec (my usual spec for the past 12 months or so..), so i will try to stick wih the PA23 for as long as i can. Thanks again.
Have played with the PA23 for two months now and recently my elbow have started to hurt. Anyone else with the same problem? Have used the PA19 before since release and have had zero discomfort there since i lowered the tension to 22kg. I also added 3g lead @ 12 o clock and the racquet felt great. Great feel, great spin and power and i also love the look of the racquet. Too bad my arm almost feels like it wants to fall off. Zero problem with the arm since i returned to my old PA19.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Sorry to hear that. It is a stiff racquet compared to many ( and more comfortable than many Babolats) and although it is an awesome racquet in sooo many ways - some people find it triggers some sensitivity. Softer strings, lower tensions, better technique are all possible cures. Although the PA is impressive not everyone is cut out to play with it. It has not bothered me, but I can feel it is not as comfortable on my joints as other set ups. If you have had good success with other PAs this one should not bother you at all. Perhaps just a dead poly or stiff string set up.
XFactorer
Hall of Fame
I declared arm pain in my review. More specifically, pinky side of my right wrist. I used the lowest Babolat recommended tension, 50 lbs.
I've since moved to the EZONE 100, stiffer RA, no pain. There are some times when the wrist is sore, but I've not felt the jarring wrist issue. EZONE is strung at 45. Will say that the PA2023 beats the EZ100 in stability, though. But EZ100 has more controllable power.
I have had history of wrist issues in right and left wrists. Never TE or GE. Wrist was not a regular issue until I play tested the PA. Went away after I went to the EZONE. Had similar wrist issues with the APD2013.
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
What in your opinion are the best string and tension combinations for PA 23? I have just ordered one with Solinco Confidential at 50 lbs. Want to try different combinations to find the best fit.
Thanks @XFactorer, arm-pain is so varied I thought it'd be more helpful to have some additional details.
TennisHound
Legend
I think the tighter string pattern can contribute to arm pain, amongst other things.
From what little time I've had with the PA19, I played with it at least long enough to notice a different type of feel transmitted to the hand versus the PA23, which generates a bit more feedback more often. Even though the PA23 has a lower RA and 2hz lower vibe frequency, the frequency of occurrence of the vibrations seems higher. If I had to theorize, I would attribute it to the tighter string bed (as @TennisHound mentioned), tighter grommet fitment, more bending/bowing of the frame and of course the way the layup propagates the vibrations themselves.
This likens to a similar phenomenon I noticed with two (to eliminate one just being a lemon) Prince Phantom 100X 305's -- everyone says how comfy of a frame they are at 58RA and 133hz, but with their fluttery tips they are buzzing constantly, on almost every impact, as if I was holding an electric massage wand in my hand... No matter what string and tension I tried with them (from poly to multi to syn gut to MonoGut ZX -- everything short of nat gut), I had horrid forearm pain. This clearly goes against the grain with the 100X 305, so I just chalk it up to the fact that certain frames just don't agree with certain people's biomechanics and/or tissue makeup like they do others, and it can happen with even the most supposedly comfortable frames out there.
This likens to a similar phenomenon I noticed with two (to eliminate one just being a lemon) Prince Phantom 100X 305's -- everyone says how comfy of a frame they are at 58RA and 133hz, but with their fluttery tips they are buzzing constantly, on almost every impact, as if I was holding an electric massage wand in my hand... No matter what string and tension I tried with them (from poly to multi to syn gut to MonoGut ZX -- everything short of nat gut), I had horrid forearm pain. This clearly goes against the grain with the 100X 305, so I just chalk it up to the fact that certain frames just don't agree with certain people's biomechanics and/or tissue makeup like they do others, and it can happen with even the most supposedly comfortable frames out there.
StringStrungStrang
Professional
Well best string & tension FOR ANY PLAYER depends on quite a few variables, but for me I strang a poly (shaped) / poly (round) hybrid with Hyper-G mains 46#, Nano Vendetta crosses 48#, and it suited me very well. Powerful, but not too powerful, excellent spin, great stability and control and just enough comfort. I enjoyed that set up very much. I usually string in the mid 40s for polys, others like them higher and lower, but this suits me well. Confidential is a great string IMO, but I like it in the mid 40s with a softer cross, that make it more comfortable and adds a touch more pop and spin.
@Trip @TennisHound @XFactorer and @Chairman3 among others, all make some very valid points about pain, sensitivity, susceptibility, string beds, weight and vibration frequencies. Some can be changed or modified to suit you better and that may be enough so that you can enjoy an otherwise great racquet. There are many many posts on this. FWIW I can share something that I have started doing for my own racquets that helps me quite a bit,
i) silicone in the handle (lots of people like the weight and feel) and
ii) use of power pads just outside the throat (not very common) dampens bad vibes and give a nice solid feel.
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Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
Got my PA 23 and played for the 1st time today with solinco confidential @ 50 lbs.
Love the easy power and depth as I am switching from Pure strike 18*20. Though need to get used to the racquet for a bit more control.
The racquet looks amazing and is very fun to play with. Hope it serves me well and doesn't trouble my arm.
Love the easy power and depth as I am switching from Pure strike 18*20. Though need to get used to the racquet for a bit more control.
The racquet looks amazing and is very fun to play with. Hope it serves me well and doesn't trouble my arm.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
Confidential is brutal on the arm
Aestheticsaboveallelse
Legend
I think erratic is just in the DNA of pure aeros
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
Do you have any recommendations for arm friendly strings.. I would like arm friendly string + durability. Say a string I can use for 15-20 hours of play.
I am an intermediate level with more of a top spin and placement kind of game rather than hard flat hitting. So I guess strings should last a little longer than it does for hard hitters right?
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Fed Kennedy
Legend
I switched over to tier one black knight and its much more comfortable
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
What are your thoughts on Hyper G? You think it will be more comfortable than confidential?
I have heard good things about it but was put off with the green colour
Fed Kennedy
Legend
I feel that Hyper G has a plasticky feel that I dont like. I cant hate on the performance but the tier one string is massively better in terms of comfort. Solinco string in general is kind of rough on the arm unless you get the soft versionWhat are your thoughts on Hyper G? You think it will be more comfortable than confidential?
I have heard good things about it but was put off with the green colour
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
How long does it last you though? I read in some reviews online that it goes dead pretty fast as compared to Hyper G.
Fed Kennedy
Legend
If you care about your arm cut the poly after 10 hours. Any poly.
I'll be trying mine with Tecnifibre Triax tonight
Started with gut / poly and like it, then played with Hyper G Soft HGS and it's quite all around, comfort OKish, spin great, control OK - wanted to try something more butter like (I know triax from previous stick, I guess it's gona be a nice fit)
Started with gut / poly and like it, then played with Hyper G Soft HGS and it's quite all around, comfort OKish, spin great, control OK - wanted to try something more butter like (I know triax from previous stick, I guess it's gona be a nice fit)
Nadal - GOAT
Hall of Fame
Which gut/poly did you use and at what tensions?
Does anyone have thoughts on Babolat's RPM Blast 17 + Touch VS 16 Hybrid? This combo is sold pre-packed by Babolat and easy to find and thus looking for opinion on this combo only and not possible/ better alternatives. It would be helpful if someone can advise on how it plays, durability etc.
Thanks
McLovin
Legend
Have not tried this combo, but understand that pre-packaged combos are usually more expensive than buying the two strings separately. The VS/RPM combo is $41. Separately they’re $35.50 ($52+$19 = $71. But you get 2 stringings, so $71/2 = $35.50).
Hi @Nadal - GOAT ,
I have use Wilson choice - Wilson gut / alu Power rough at 24/22kg (53/ 48.5)
I went for the pre-pack as I wasn't sure that I would stick with this solution and use the 2nd half a full set of both
I'm not a string breaker (copoly) but i break Multi in 10-15h - after 15 h, I find the hybrid to work still ok but the alupower seems to be dead and very much out of tension (with limited impact on playabilty I have to say - expect that I have the feeling I have lost a little predictability in my shots)
Maybe I prefere VS/ 4G rough as the 4G seems to hold tension better (the overall set-up is firmer with 4G)
