Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero 2023

zpureaerobag3.png

zpueraero4.png
 
Is it too big? It's a 12 racket bag so I guess not any bigger than I expected.

But I would classify the yellow on it as very bright.

More bright yellow than banana yellow.
 
Hi All,

I wasn't part of the playtest (leaving in Europe) but I have bought this new version of the PA

My racket history is quite long (PD for 12 years, discovering tennis forums and trying >10 rackets over 5 years...., did last summer with Wilson Blade 104 V8, previous one with VCore 100, pevious one with PA Team; I have also used Wilson Clash 100 V1)

I have bought the PA 2023 without a play test....

I am a 40 / 4.5 player in the mid 40s ; Strong FH; OKish 1HBH ; not too much of a net player despite playing double 1 / week

Compared to my current set-up (Blade 104 HGS 1.2 at 50/48lbs)

Set- up (Wilson NG / alu power rought 52/50)

I would say that
1. Serve are awesome ! This used to be one of my good strokes but I had lost it last year ... PA brought it fully back .
Strong power for 1st serve
and good spin on the 2nd
Probably an area where this racket is clearly giving me an edge vs. previous one

2. Top Spin FH & BH - very good
More power than blade
More spin as well
What strikes me with this racket is that it pushes me to play differently.
I'm more of a flat hitter and with the PA, I really enjoy playing with more spin and hitting bigger target ... with a lot of success
My usual partner have noticed that my balls are more difficult to handle

3. Slice
I want more depth with this racket than with my blade.
I love this shot with this racket

4. Volley
works well. I need to adjust a little for the added power

5. Maneuverability
More difficult to move than my Blade, and much more than the team version
Very stable racket (= or > VCore 100; > Blade 104)
Required to adapt and commit more to the shot which is better in practice sessions ... we will see if it works as well in competitive matches

6. Control / power
I love it
It is probably less control than my blade but it forces me to go for bigger target and I must say that it works probably better for my style of play


7. Comfort
This is where the picture is not as bright ... I used to play with Vcore 100 2 years ago but moved away from it (to clash and then blade 104) due to shoulder pain
I was hoping that due to the improved comfort of this version it would be OK but I felt some discomfort (not pain) in the arm (not shoulder) with this new frame after 1st session with my traditional string (HGS) ; I was not 100% OK before the session as I had had 5 coaching sessions in a row with previous racket and therefore some muscle soreness
I have moved to VS / Alu right after 1st hitting session and it is now OK but I'm not a fan of this set-up as I prefer copoly .
I think I will keep it in until it brakes as I need to adapt to the frame and its slightly higher weight and SW and this causes me to hit the ball a little too late in some cases.
Once I will be more at ease with weight and SW, I'll probably go back to copoly ... either HGS or maybe something thicker and firmer at 40lbs but unsure which one
 
GimmeBackMyDog said:
zpureaerobag3.png
Click to expand...

I notice that you put some Babolat Super Tape on the bumperguards. That is one way fix the PA 23 bumperguard design flaw!. Does anyone know how much that weighs and how effective it is? I never really like to use tape but might have to on this one.
I do like that side of the bag. The other Aero side is a bit crazy for me.
 
So I think the racquet is a tad string sensitive and maybe it is more tension than string.
Had 16g syngut at 52lbs and it was fine.
BBO at 48lbs also fine until it died, which was noticeably quick in this frame.
Now Poly Tour Fire 16L at 48lbs which feels a bit erratic. The feel of the string isn't bad but sometimes it feels like there's zero power and other times it crushes the ball.
Maybe I should've upped the tension to 50lbs or maybe it's because it's a 1.25 (16L) instead of 1.30(16) in this open pattern...
I've hit about 5 hours with this string and probably another 5 this weekend, so will hold final judgement.
 
Alright time for my update...

Played another 10 hours or so with it since posting my review. Had it restrung with Yonex Poly Tour Fire at 48lbs and used that the whole time.
I was not wowed with this string, it felt a little inconsistent. I commented already, but I think this racquet could be string or maybe tension sensitive. I had never used PTFire (PTF) so have no reference for how it performs in other racquets, but probably wouldn't use it again in this one.

Takeaways from my additional time. This frame has a nice un-babolat like response. It's not super powerful, stiff, or harsh. I actually like the feel and response. With PTF it was noticeably low-powered outside the sweetspot, mishits were punished more and I missed some balls into the net. I usually miss long, when I miss.

Topspin backhands are good with this racquet, easy to produce that stroke, both one-hand and two-hand. The racquet just swings pretty easy.
Good control on serves, more so than groundstrokes.
Volleys still good and still impress me
I still want more directional control but that has to do with my style of play and prior racquets.

I think with this update the racquet moved less from a spin-focused racquet and more to the general tweener category. And this is not a bad thing at all, I think it makes it easier to use for a broader audience.

Am I switching.....doesn't seem likely, something like a Speed Pro or Tfight 305 probably are closer to what I want.
BUT...It will stay in the bag and I will toy with string setups. I think a poly/syngut hybrid would be a great way to soften the string bed and add some power.
 
@Chairman3 - Great update. I got to what I estimate as 10-12 hours of 4.0-ish pretty hard hitting (including my fair share of 100-mph flat first serves) with Tier One Black Knight 1.28 @ 56/54 (lockout, so ~53/51 eCP) and it appears as though the string bed may be dead. I thought I would get a bit more time out of BK 1.28 (maybe 15-20 hours), but perhaps the PA's drill pattern and/or extra string movement makes it somewhat of a string eater. I can't imagine what would happen with polys of much narrower gauge and/or lower durability... I think I'm going reload with T1 DuraFluxx 1.30, while I wait on the arrival of more BK 1.28 and Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30.

I'll be seeing a lot more clay courts as I head into the winter season, so I definitely plan to keep the PA23 in the bag, to fight fire with fire if/when necessary, and see how it goes from there.
 
I have both the 2023 PA and 2023 PA Team...
I added weight here and there to the PAT to match the spec of my PA..not much weight.
The PAT swings more easily.. Offers more spin and pop with less control compared to the PA..
The PAT has carried over the more open string pattern from the outgoing models..
 
@Wilsonbro - That's a definite, but the more dense mains do make it an easier transition for those with a flatter game, myself included.

@Chairman3 - Most definitely, I think 16 gauge is the way to go for poly, 15L for nat/syn-gut/multi if hybriding.

@A_Instead - Thanks for the recon on the PA Team. Good to know there's an option if you like the older string bed. 285g is a tad on the light side, but seems like it takes weight fairly well?
 
When I demo'd this it seemed to have the most perfect spin application to the ball on serve ever. Like if you brush the ball significantly it automatically generates a beautiful spin laden ball the same way over and over. Super consistent. Most satisfying serving racquet ever because of this, huge improvement on all past aeros nothing else does this
 
Aestheticsaboveallelse said:
Like if you brush the ball significantly it automatically generates a beautiful spin laden ball the same way over and over. Super consistent. Most satisfying serving racquet ever because of this, huge improvement on all past aeros nothing else does this
Click to expand...

This racket is a serve monster - I've never felt like that - So fun , you can flat , slice , kick and vary a lot with ease
 
Hello, I have a question (that may be a bit stupid) - if anyone can help me, I'd appreciate it very much.

I currently use de 2013 APD and just bought a de PA 2023. The rec. tension for de APD is 55-62 and the rec. tension for the PA 2023 is 50-59.

The tension I use in my ADP is 55 and I'm not sure if I should use the same string tension on de APD considering the range of rec. tension is different from the APD.

If I use 55 LBS on my PA, will the racket feel "the same" as my 55 LBS on my APD? or will it feel stiffer?
 
JEGO said:
Hello, I have a question (that may be a bit stupid) - if anyone can help me, I'd appreciate it very much.

I currently use de 2013 APD and just bought a de PA 2023. The rec. tension for de APD is 55-62 and the rec. tension for the PA 2023 is 50-59.

The tension I use in my ADP is 55 and I'm not sure if I should use the same string tension on de APD considering the range of rec. tension is different from the APD.

If I use 55 LBS on my PA, will the racket feel "the same" as my 55 LBS on my APD? or will it feel stiffer?
Click to expand...
The racquets probably won't feel the same because they are different racquets.

However, I would at least start at 55lbs since that is what you are used to with the APD. It will give you a better comparison.
"Rec. Tensions" on racquets are arbitrary, you can string any racquet however you want.
 
A_Instead said:
Got my 1st hit today with the new pure Aero that I bought...not part of play test..
Not overly impressed.. but I am sure it could grow on me if I take the time figure it out..
I still prefer the banana Pure Aero Tour..
But will give it the typical look.. other wise will be posting in other forum..then get the new Auxetic Extreme MP..
Click to expand...
Did you get that extreme?
 
Wilsonbro said:
Are u saying that this serves better than the Pure Drive tour or plus and the ezone 98, also the wilson burn??
Click to expand...

I have never used any of these rackets

I have used clash 100 v1, vcore 100 (2020) blade 104, PA team (2020)

this new PA is the best for me when it comes to serve . I like the fact that I can vary a lot with confidence
 
So I played about 90 minutes with Tier One Durafluxx 16 1.28 at 57/55 pounds (lockout, so ~54/52 eCP) and it felt too spongy and trampoline-ish versus Black Knight 1.28 at similar tension, so I think BK will be a better fit, at least for someone with a bit flatter style such as myself. Hope that helps as another data point on string!
 
I have a pack of that durafluxx, but I may try the softer head lynx (one of my go-to's).
Also considering Gamma Marathon 15. Since learning about this 1.40 syngut I am dying to test it and see if its durability is good or better than poly. The thickness should provide plenty of control, the question is can I get twice as many hours as 16g syngut.
 
Chairman3 said:
@Trip forgot to mention that in my post, definitely think 16g strings are the way to go in this racquet.
The PTFire I am using is the 1.25 and could account for some of the inconsistent response I'm getting. It was definitely better with BBO
Click to expand...

I've played it with 16 ga and 17 ga poly and it plays great with either (46 / 48) , but the emphasis is slightly different. The 16 ga tends to firm up the string bed a bit more and provide more control with a bit less power. Spin is nearly equal. I find I like both, but it depends what you want from this racquet. The 17 is more fun to hit with, but the 16 is more grown up. Either way, it is a Pure Aero and definitely not a ProStaff or Prestige. I've been playing with my old racquet (Pure Strike 98) more to compare and contrast Babolat offerings: love the thinner beam, quickness and precision, but on the continuum of tennis strokes giving up some explosiveness and spin. The Pure Strike I have is weighted up to 343 gr. vs 326 for the PA 23, yet the PS is more maneuverable and more consistent and noticeably easier on my arm. So in the end still looking for the Holy Grail of racquets.
 
Last edited:
Hi,

I am confused between the Pure aero 2023 and pure aero 2023 team.

I currently use a 305g pure strike. 2 things I am looking for is more power and lower swing weight.

Will switching to pure aero which is 300g be enough or should I switch to the 285g pure aero team?
 
@Nadal - GOAT - If you're used to the Pure Strike, I would think the regular PA23 300g would give you enough of a boost without having to drop down to the Team. The regular PA will be 5g lighter (somewhat noticeable) and about 8-12 points of strung swing weight lower (at about 320-ish, versus low-mid 330's of the PS), very noticeable, while slightly increasing string bed power, albeit with slightly less plow-through from less hoop mass than the PS. The PA Team string pattern would give you even more trampoline effect, spin and free power, but less control, especially if/when hitting flat, and you'd be losing 15g of frame heft, so recoil weight and stock plow-through would drop precipitously low, probably to the point where you'd likely have to add lead on the hoop and potentially counter-balance with weight on or in the handle. It really comes down to which string bed you think you'd prefer and how much you do or don't want to have to customize.

The ultimate way forward would be fronting the cash for one of each, then having a play-off using the same string at equivalent dynamic tension; you keep the winner and sell the loser.
 
Trip said:
@Nadal - GOAT - If you're used to the Pure Strike, I would think the regular PA23 300g would give you enough of a boost without having to drop down to the Team. The regular PA will be 5g lighter (somewhat noticeable) and about 8-12 points of strung swing weight lower (at about 320-ish, versus low-mid 330's of the PS), very noticeable, while slightly increasing string bed power, albeit with slightly less plow-through from less hoop mass than the PS. The PA Team string pattern would give you even more trampoline effect, spin and free power, but less control, especially if/when hitting flat, and you'd be losing 15g of frame heft, so recoil weight and stock plow-through would drop precipitously low, probably to the point where you'd likely have to add lead on the hoop and potentially counter-balance with weight on or in the handle. It really comes down to which string bed you think you'd prefer and how much you do or don't want to have to customize.

The ultimate way forward would be fronting the cash for one of each, then having a play-off using the same string at equivalent dynamic tension; you keep the winner and sell the loser.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot for your insightful response.

Based on your post, I think the regular PA seems a better choice. Though I liked the suggestion of buying both and then selling the loser. I will probably do that.
 
It’s certainly string sensitive. It needs something to liven up the string bed. I had mine strung at 48 with the .17ga RPM and it felt too loose and mushy. Has anyone tried gut on the mains?
 
Nadal - GOAT said:
Thanks a lot for your insightful response.

Based on your post, I think the regular PA seems a better choice. Though I liked the suggestion of buying both and then selling the loser. I will probably do that.
Click to expand...
I'd say the regular Pure Aero would be a good fit for what you're looking for.
The team could be too big a change given you are used to the heavier frame.
I'd say get the regular PA and play with it awhile.
I think playing two new frames at the same time can confuse everything, trust me I've done it :laughing:
But I understand the relevance of having them side by side.
 
@TennisHound - Strings are definitely a personal thing. For my play style -- more flat and direct that most Pure Aero players -- I like a string bed that calms down the power, so low energy return and short dwell time, but still with a lot of spin potential. So a 16 gauge, moderately shaped co-poly is the order of the day for me; stuff like Tier One Black Knight and Grapplesnake Tour M8 are my favorites so far.
 
Nadal - GOAT said:
Hi,

I am confused between the Pure aero 2023 and pure aero 2023 team.
I currently use a 305g pure strike. 2 things I am looking for is more power and lower swing weight.

Will switching to pure aero which is 300g be enough or should I switch to the 285g pure aero team?
Click to expand...

@Trip and @Chairman3 have some good advice! FWIW I play a Pure Strike 98 16x19 (2nd Gen.) and I love the new Babolat Pure Aero 23. First as you said, you are looking for more power. The PA 23 will definitely supply that for you. The additional power and spin stand out above the Pure Strike. The SW is another matter. Even though the SW of the PA 23 is listed at 322 and the Pure Strike is 327 (3rd gen) or 323 (2nd Gen) SWs which could be similar given production variations, my PS 98 is noticeably quicker and more maneuverable than my stock PA 23. Even though I have weighted the PS 98 from a stock static weight of 320, to its current weight of 343.

What I am saying is I can promise you the PA 23 is more powerful and generates more spin. However, I can not promise you it will feel quicker or easier to swing. My experience and /or perception is the opposite. (Also, I have never liked the Aero Team for me it is not in the conversation, but everyone needs to make up their own mind for their game, style of play etc. )
I do like both the PS 98 and Pure Aero, and while specs are similar they are two distinct experiences. I am currently undecided which path I will choose.

You need to play them ( buy, demo or borrow) with similar set ups and then decide.
 
Last edited:
StringStrungStrang said:
@Trip and @Chairman3 have some good advice! FWIW I play a Pure Strike 98 16x19 (2nd Gen.) and I love the new Babolat Pure Aero 23. First as you said, you are looking for more power. The PA 23 will definitely supply that for you. The additional power and spin stand out above the Pure Strike. The SW is another matter. Even though the SW of the PA 23 is listed at 322 and the Pure Strike is 327 (3rd gen) or 323 (2nd Gen) SWs which could be similar given production variations, my PS 98 is noticeably quicker and more maneuverable than my stock PA 23. Even though I have weighted the PS 98 from a stock static weight of 320, to its current weight of 343.

What I am saying is I can promise you the PA 23 is more powerful and generates more spin. However, I can not promise you it will feel quicker or easier to swing. My experience and /or perception is the opposite. (Also, I have never liked the Aero Team for me it is not in the conversation, but everyone needs to make up their own mind for their game, style of play etc. )
I do like both the PS 98 and Pure Aero, and while specs are similar they are two distinct experiences. I am currently undecided which path I will choose.

You need to play them ( buy, demo or borrow) with similar set ups and then decide.
Click to expand...
Great to know you have used the PS 98 and PA 23. I actually use a 18x20 PS 98 currently so i guess switching to PA 100 with its 16x19 string pattern will add even more power and spin for me than it did for you. Reducing the swing weight is not as important if I am able to generate enough extra power with the switch to PA 23.

One more question please, between PA 23 and PA team, what would you say are the key differences you felt while playing? (I assume you have used both based on your post)
 
Yes, I tried the PA Team on a couple occasions and never liked either of them - sold them right away.
They were never substantial enough, too light, not enough plow through and also a bit erratic even when I added weight to the hoop and handle. Spin was not as good either. The ball was not as powerful or heavy as the standard version. The Pure Aero Plus or APD Plus is even a bit more powerful if you like extended length racquets.

Compared to the PA 23, the PS 98 16x19 is more precise, more maneuverable, quicker through the ball, pockets a little better and is easier on your arm. I also like that the beam is thinner, and while it has power and spin the PA 23 has it handily beat there.
Moving from an 18x20 to a 16x19 PS or PA will give you more power and spin, but all things being equal though the PA 23 has more of both and it is very stable for its weight.

I was impressed by the PA 23, but not sure I can play with it long term due to its stiffness. The PA 23 and the PS 98 are very good racquets (among many) , so it really depends what a person values or needs more in their game at the moment.
 
Another question for you all - with all things relatively equal (e.g. technique, strings, string pattern, how you swing across all racquets) did you feel like the PA23 really provided more spin on your shots? If so, what do you attribute this to based on how the racquet felt when you hit with it? Do you believe the aero design is legit in allowing an easier loopy motion?
 
tomato123 said:
Another question for you all - with all things relatively equal (e.g. technique, strings, string pattern, how you swing across all racquets) did you feel like the PA23 really provided more spin on your shots? If so, what do you attribute this to based on how the racquet felt when you hit with it? Do you believe the aero design is legit in allowing an easier loopy motion?
Click to expand...
100% it has more spin than most other racquets. How do I know? I can see the ball moving more, dipping more dramatically and curving / biting more on various slices. People I play against have also confirmed the same. I do not think the Aero design has anything to do with it, it is more of how they design the string bed, head size, beam width, stiffness and spacing. The spin is what it is designed for. Generally, speaking most 16 x19 100 sq in racquets generate a decent amount of spin.

Having said that good technique contributes more to spin. So a flat hitter will not generate much spin with this racquet, but a person who can generate spin will generate more with the PA 23. As mentioned earlier if I hit the same topspin shot with my Pure Strike 98 and my PA 23, all things being equal the PA 23 will impart more spin ( and power) than the PS 98.
 
tomato123 said:
Another question for you all - with all things relatively equal (e.g. technique, strings, string pattern, how you swing across all racquets) did you feel like the PA23 really provided more spin on your shots? If so, what do you attribute this to based on how the racquet felt when you hit with it? Do you believe the aero design is legit in allowing an easier loopy motion?
Click to expand...
I feel the Pure Aero is similar in spin production as the Solinco Whiteout and Blackout frames. It certainly swings quickly, but I don't know if the "aero beam" has anything to do with it, if I'm being honest.
It's definitely a spin frame. There's so many other spin frames around these days, no it's not as unique as it may have been years ago
 
@tomato123
I don't play a lot of 100 sq-in, open pattern frames, but I don't think this would produce more spin than another frame with similar string spacing in the pattern. There is not some magic ingredient to produce spin, it is still mostly technique driven.
I used to have a Youtek Radical Pro that I thought produced a crazy amount of spin, more so than this frame. It also had an aero-ish beam shape, albeit a lot thinner.

That being said, I think the Aero frame stuff is mostly legit. The racquet does swing pretty easily despite its thick beam and headsize. However, I do not have enough of a consistently vertical motion to really take advantage or have an appreciable benefit vs. other frames. I also think the beam could lose 1-2mm and make the racquet even more maneuverable while maintaining stability and power.
 
Hi guys - new to the forum. Will be demoing the PA23 tomorrow and PS100 on Thursday. Coming from PA2019 (too powerful/not enough control) and weighted up PS98 (love it but still too underpowered and therefore exhausting for my 52 yo Dadbod). I suspect that the PS100 may still feel underpowered (for me), even though I will be adding overgrip and some lead at 3/9/12. Guessing that PA23 with Bab VS Touch 16 @ 52 mains/RPM Rough 17 @ 48 crosses & 2-3g at 12 will be my Goldilocks - excited to hopefully find out in a few days...
 
@Parabolaholic - I think you're going to find the PA23 quite nice. Do note, the frame is quite tuned as it is, so a little lead goes a long way. I would increment in 1g steps, starting with 1g only (I only needed a single gram to get swing weight to 328 w/ 16G poly). I would also consider counter-balancing with an overgrip or a couple/few grams of putty in the butt cap "octagon", to keep strung balance ~6pts head-light, or more. And be patient; the swing dynamics take a bit to dial in, especially coming from a Strike. Also, the string bed is quite lively, so you might want to bump the tension of VS into the mid 50's, and RPM to perhaps 50-ish. If that's still too powerful, I'd maybe look to sub out the nat gut with a lower-power multi in the mains, such as Velocity or Triax/RPX, etc. Best of luck; let us know how it works out!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse: Babolat Pure Aero 98
4 5 6
Replies
275
Views
32K
CroPlayer
C
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Strike VS 2022
7 8 9
Replies
401
Views
32K
ClaudTT
ClaudTT
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Drive 2025
11 12 13
Replies
601
Views
57K
GraceGlad
GraceGlad
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Drive 2021
7 8 9
Replies
401
Views
47K
BBender716
B
TW Staff
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Strike 2024 (98 16x19 and 100 16x20)
8 9 10
Replies
490
Views
63K
Ombudsman
Ombudsman
Back
Top