Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero 2023

Chairman3 said:
@TennisManiac
Measured three different spots and my L3 measured 4-1/2 with Dunlop Gecko-Tac overgrip.
So I think the grip is spot on 4-3/8
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I'm very surprised to hear this. Babolat grip sizes have always ran a size large compared to most other manufacturers. This would be the first time in Babolat's history that they actually made their grip sizes as advertised.
 
Okay what... glad I demo'd a Pure Aero 2023 from express again after doing so weeks ago. Last time my experience was that every groundstroke was automatically high trajectory very spinny shots and totally spin laden balls on serve. This time it looks like it has the exact same rpm blast addixion hybrid string setup black and white strings like last time but no longer has the high trajectory, now its actually low trajectory and way flatter lacking spin more like an aero pro drive. And serves are way way flatter not spin laden like last time.

What on earth is going on here? Exact same racquet, same string hybrid, same strokes by me, insanely different playing reaction... This is unreal and this is why gear setups in tennis can be so confusing sometimes you get a rare legendary performance that the reaction of can never be reproduced or something
 
Aestheticsaboveallelse said:
Okay what... glad I demo'd a Pure Aero 2023 from express again after doing so weeks ago. Last time my experience was that every groundstroke was automatically high trajectory very spinny shots and totally spin laden balls on serve. This time it looks like it has the exact same rpm blast addixion hybrid string setup black and white strings like last time but no longer has the high trajectory, now its actually low trajectory and way flatter lacking spin more like an aero pro drive. And serves are way way flatter not spin laden like last time.

What on earth is going on here? Exact same racquet, same string hybrid, same strokes by me, insanely different playing reaction... This is unreal and this is why gear setups in tennis can be so confusing sometimes you get a rare legendary performance that the reaction of can never be reproduced or something
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Could be QC on the two frames....specs, especially balance and SW, can vary significantly from frame to frame.

Try to get specs on the one you like! See if a pro shop can measure the SW and everything.

Could also be the string tension too though.
 
Soundbyte said:
Could be QC on the two frames....specs, especially balance and SW, can vary significantly from frame to frame.

Try to get specs on the one you like! See if a pro shop can measure the SW and everything.

Could also be the string tension too though.
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There's no way QC can cause that, has to be something with the string response but why. The previous one felt like exactly the same lightness maneuverability balance etc. anyway.

No wonder people think this pure aero has much less spin and lower trajectory than past ones im just experiencing the same thing as them this time. But previous one the opposite was the case even spinnier and much higher traject, Jason from tennis warehouse said they increased the spin too
 
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?
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As I always say, I'm new to tennis. Started this summer. So I'm not expert on the subtle differences between rackets.

I do have a Pure Aero 2017 French Open Edition w/ a tension rating @ 50 - 59lbs

And a Aero Prodrive from 2010 w/ a tension rating of 55 - 62lbs

I put RPM Blast in both. One 17g and one 16g but both @ 53lbs tension.

To be honest with you, I don't really notice much difference. They feel like very similar rackets to me, despite having different string tension recommendations.

But I didn't know what the recommendations were before having them strung.
 
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?
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Personally, I feel like my regular Pure Aero rackets feel a little lighter than my Pure Strike 16 x 19.

But I don't feel like they are more powerful. Just more spin. The Pure Strike is pretty powerful IMO.

Again, I'm pretty new to playing tennis.

I've never played a Pure Drive. But it seems like it has the same weight specs as the Pure Aero.

And maybe give you a little extra power.

Just a suggestion. I would just be cautious on rushing out to buy a Pure Aero thinking it's going to be more powerful than a Pure Strike.
 
Aestheticsaboveallelse said:
There's no way QC can cause that, has to be something with the string response but why. The previous one felt like exactly the same lightness maneuverability balance etc. anyway.

No wonder people think this pure aero has much less spin and lower trajectory than past ones im just experiencing the same thing as them this time. But previous one the opposite was the case even spinnier and much higher traject, Jason from tennis warehouse said they increased the spin too
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I mean if its not the string tension, and you didn't spec out both frames, it's has to be a QC issue. I've owned 3 of the PA23. All 3 were damn close in terms of specs. I always recommend everyone put their usual strings and tension in a frame when trying them out, as it eliminates additional variables. Of course, some frames pair better with different strings and tensions, but when trying out a frame for the first time, I'd want to make sure I understand how the frame feels. Then I'd mess around with strings and tensions, and/or lead tape.
 
Soundbyte said:
I mean if its not the string tension, and you didn't spec out both frames, it's has to be a QC issue. I've owned 3 of the PA23. All 3 were damn close in terms of specs. I always recommend everyone put their usual strings and tension in a frame when trying them out, as it eliminates additional variables. Of course, some frames pair better with different strings and tensions, but when trying out a frame for the first time, I'd want to make sure I understand how the frame feels. Then I'd mess around with strings and tensions, and/or lead tape.
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Yea like I said they both felt exactly the same to wield and swing I'm sure the QC was great like yours. But even if it wasn't, spec variance can't cause way less spin and vastly lower and different shaped trajectory that makes no sense, its the string reaction. Even if it was much heavier it would've had the same spin and high trajectory.

How would you be able to restring racquets you're trying out thats not allowed on demo orders?
 
Aestheticsaboveallelse said:
Yea like I said they both felt exactly the same to wield and swing I'm sure the QC was great like yours. But even if it wasn't, spec variance can't cause way less spin and vastly lower and different shaped trajectory that makes no sense, its the string reaction. Even if it was much heavier it would've had the same spin and high trajectory.

How would you be able to restring racquets you're trying out thats not allowed on demo orders?
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In a perfect world, through your local club. I've never used TW or other online retailers for demos, so I imagine if it's difficult if they don't allow it. Wouldn't hurt to reach out and say "hey the strings broke on the demo, can i restring it to continue my demo?"
 
The same strings can play very differently. Not only string tension, but amount and type of use and notching really affect performance.

RPM Blast changes drastically with use. It comes off the stringer live with huge bite and spin. Around 5 hours for me, playability falls off the table and it becomes slightly below average. Perhaps the first demo had fresh strings and the second was older, notched strings used by some ball basher?

BTW, spec variances can account for a lot, but you should be able to notice a difference in how they swung if the specs are different enough to significantly affect playability.
 
Just switched back to Black Knight 1.28 from Durafluxx 1.28 (both at 56/54 lockout, so about 53/51 eCP), and IMHO, BK is a much better fit in the PA23, at least for a person who hits more flat (like myself). More controlled, less spongy, less trampoline effect, more direct feedback.

As a side note, I'm finding the PA23 to be a fairly decent string eater, though, as BK 1.28 only seems to be lasting ~10 hours before it bags out. Next up will be Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30. I can usually get 15-20 hours minimum in almost any frame with M8, so the PA23 will be an interesting longevity test.
 
Soundbyte said:
In a perfect world, through your local club. I've never used TW or other online retailers for demos, so I imagine if it's difficult if they don't allow it. Wouldn't hurt to reach out and say "hey the strings broke on the demo, can i restring it to continue my demo?"
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Oh gotcha I've never played at a club just parks and tennis centers. Well just played it again and in warmer weather with sun (last night was kinda cold and night, dark) this time its getting closer to how it played last time higher trajectory and spin, so yea just some kind of tension difference or something. Really nice racquet I love it one of the best on the planet.
 
Trip said:
Just switched back to Black Knight 1.28 from Durafluxx 1.28 (both at 56/54 lockout, so about 53/51 eCP), and IMHO, BK is a much better fit in the PA23, at least for a person who hits more flat (like myself). More controlled, less spongy, less trampoline effect, more direct feedback.

As a side note, I'm finding the PA23 to be a fairly decent string eater, though, as BK 1.28 only seems to be lasting ~10 hours before it bags out. Next up will be Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30. I can usually get 15-20 hours minimum in almost any frame with M8, so the PA23 will be an interesting longevity test.
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Pure Aeros are always string eaters, noticed when I bought my 1st Pure Aero with the banana yellow new release in 2019 hyper-g in particular would lose its optimal play when its fresh very quickly... as soon as I restrung problem solved
 
@Aestheticsaboveallelse - Reading about the difference between your first and second demo experiences, could the second experience be due to Addixion having been worn down enough and/or RPM's coating be worn off enough to partially or even completely lock the string bed? That would definitely decrease launch angle, spin and reduce a fair amount of behavioral dynamics overall.
 
Trip said:
Just switched back to Black Knight 1.28 from Durafluxx 1.28 (both at 56/54 lockout, so about 53/51 eCP), and IMHO, BK is a much better fit in the PA23, at least for a person who hits more flat (like myself). More controlled, less spongy, less trampoline effect, more direct feedback.

As a side note, I'm finding the PA23 to be a fairly decent string eater, though, as BK 1.28 only seems to be lasting ~10 hours before it bags out. Next up will be Grapplesnake Tour M8 1.30. I can usually get 15-20 hours minimum in almost any frame with M8, so the PA23 will be an interesting longevity test.
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Any arm pain or harshness when the poly dies?
That was a tell-tale for me, my arm got a little tight and I realized my string was dead.
For me it has been very unforgiving with dead poly.
 
It was more the sign that balls started sailing long and control dropped off precipitously -- a somewhat well-known achilles' heel of Black Knight: it offers a very nice performance plateau that doesn't really degrade, but when it does finally die it tends to do so pretty quickly and completely (as opposed to something like Hyper-G, which degrades much more gracefully). I was surprised, as I figured I would be able to get at least 12-15 hours with BK 1.28. I've got my second string job of BK 1.28 in there now, though, so we'll see if it was a fluke (I sense it wasn't, though).

As for comfort, I think the frame would be a medium/medium-harsh on comfort. It's still not something I would push someone towards who has any concerns or past bouts with tissue health.
 
Trip said:
@Aestheticsaboveallelse - Reading about the difference between your first and second demo experiences, could the second experience be due to Addixion having been worn down enough and/or RPM's coating be worn off enough to partially or even completely lock the string bed? That would definitely decrease launch angle, spin and reduce a fair amount of behavioral dynamics overall.
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Maybe, or maybe the addixion is too tight this time or something I have no idea. That would explain the difference for sure though. Especially rpm coating wearing off seems likely since the 2023 pure aero demos are older now and I may have gotten a fresh string job the first time shortly after it released.
 
Does anyone have any thoughts on how the Pure Aero 23 compares with Pure Aero VS.

I see that the strung weight and swing weight are similar. I am primarily looking for more power and spin.
 
I hit with this stick tonight and I really liked it. I have no idea what kind or gray or silver poly TW had the demo strung with but I would say it is a fantastic stick and worth a demo for sure.
 
I decided I ultimately prefer some other frames, so if anyone is looking for L3 PA23, let me know.
I still think this is one of the better Babolat releases. Pure Strike is too muted (IMO), Pure Drive is a classic but that hasn't really changed much. This version of the Pure Aero has more feel (not a ton, but WAY more than the Pure Strike and not nearly as muted). Good pop and control. Still think a little lead at 12 or 10&2 brings this frame to life a bit more.
 
Just got 30 minutes session with this stick, before rain comes down.
Strung with RPM Blast @48 lbs

Very impressed by these:
- Super stable on volleys, i could easily redirect incoming fast balls at the net.
- Spin & power was crazy and it’s addicting
- Comfort? I don’t like vibration, but Prince Shock Trap got the job done. It’s still stiff racquet but i found this fairly comfortable.

That’s for now & it was compared to my blade v8 98.

Also i’m on my journey to replace the blade, bcs i need free power also comfort racquets.

Recently, i have tried these:
- Head Speed Pro (lack of spin, control and comfort was top notch tho)
- Head Speed MP (kinda sluggish)
- Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98 (very small sweet spot, good comfort too)
- Yonex Ezone 100 & 98 2022 (too much power, need more spin, serve absolutely bombs)

And nothing fits me at all. So, im going back to my blade v8 after that.

Will update here after got more hours with PA 23, but it’s suit me better from any other racquets above.
 
Aldukuhi said:
Just got 30 minutes session with this stick, before rain comes down.
Strung with RPM Blast @48 lbs

Very impressed by these:
- Super stable on volleys, i could easily redirect incoming fast balls at the net.
- Spin & power was crazy and it’s addicting
- Comfort? I don’t like vibration, but Prince Shock Trap got the job done. It’s still stiff racquet but i found this fairly comfortable.

That’s for now & it was compared to my blade v8 98.

Also i’m on my journey to replace the blade, bcs i need free power also comfort racquets.

Recently, i have tried these:
- Head Speed Pro (lack of spin, control and comfort was top notch tho)
- Head Speed MP (kinda sluggish)
- Prince ATS Textreme Tour 98 (very small sweet spot, good comfort too)
- Yonex Ezone 100 & 98 2022 (too much power, need more spin, serve absolutely bombs)

And nothing fits me at all. So, im going back to my blade v8 after that.

Will update here after got more hours with PA 23, but it’s suit me better from any other racquets above.
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I was an EZONE 98 user when I did this playtest. I then switched to the EZONE 100. Before I was picked for the playtest, I was already going to switch to the EZONE 100 - this playtest just helped me make the transition. I didn't stick with the Aero mainly for comfort reasons. Funny enough, the Aero has a lower flex rating (meaning it's more flexible) than the EZONE 100. The Aero did wow me in first impressions for the muted, less metallic Babolat feeling that I generally associate with the Aero and Drive racquets.
 
XFactorer said:
I was an EZONE 98 user when I did this playtest. I then switched to the EZONE 100. Before I was picked for the playtest, I was already going to switch to the EZONE 100 - this playtest just helped me make the transition. I didn't stick with the Aero mainly for comfort reasons. Funny enough, the Aero has a lower flex rating (meaning it's more flexible) than the EZONE 100. The Aero did wow me in first impressions for the muted, less metallic Babolat feeling that I generally associate with the Aero and Drive racquets.
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So you found the Ezone 100 more comfortable than PA 23?

Forget to add, my Ezone 98 always give me wrist & elbow pain after play with it, but not with the Ezone 100.
 
22 Ezone 100 is a bit more comfortable than PA 23 from my experience.. loved the PA 23 on everything else versus Ezone 100 but PA 23 gave me wrist and elbow soreness in the evening/day after play but I do have a sensitive elbow. Compared to other babolat 100" offerings, felt the most comfortable tho. Only tried with polys tho and loved it with lynx tour, confidence inspiring to take full cuts at the ball and power/spin was addictive.
 
Aldukuhi said:
So you found the Ezone 100 more comfortable than PA 23?

Forget to add, my Ezone 98 always give me wrist & elbow pain after play with it, but not with the Ezone 100.
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Yes. More comfortable. It is not as powerful to me as the PA23, though. It has more controllable power. EZ100 overall fits my game better.
 
Nadal - GOAT said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on how the Pure Aero 23 compares with Pure Aero VS.

I see that the strung weight and swing weight are similar. I am primarily looking for more power and spin.
Click to expand...

Strung weight and swing weight are similar.

But the Pure Aero VS feels way lighter.

They feel like quite different rackets to me. But both do proved pretty good spin.

I like the Pure Aero VS way better.

But if your concern is power, the Pure Aero 23 will have more of that.
 
Pure Aero

IMG-1407.jpg


Pure Strike


IMG-1408.jpg


Pure Aero VS

IMG-1410.jpg


As you can see, the Pure Aero and the Pure Strike have a similar balance.

Giving them both pretty good power.

Main difference being the noticeably tighter string patter on the Pure Strike.

The Pure Aero VS actually feels quite different.

Probably due to the different balance point and weight being more in the handle.

Noticeably less power than the other two rackets.

Despite the lack of power, I absolute love the VS and it's my favorite of the three.

I'm have the most fun when i play with the VS.
 
GimmeBackMyDog said:
Pure Aero

IMG-1407.jpg


Pure Strike


IMG-1408.jpg


Pure Aero VS

IMG-1410.jpg


As you can see, the Pure Aero and the Pure Strike have a similar balance.

Giving them both pretty good power.

Main difference being the noticeably tighter string patter on the Pure Strike.

The Pure Aero VS actually feels quite different.

Probably due to the different balance point and weight being more in the handle.

Noticeably less power than the other two rackets.

Despite the lack of power, I absolute love the VS and it's my favorite of the three.

I'm have the most fun when i play with the VS.
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That doesn't look like a Pure Aero 2023. Thats an older Roland Garros edition
 
jmorker said:
22 Ezone 100 is a bit more comfortable than PA 23 from my experience.. loved the PA 23 on everything else versus Ezone 100 but PA 23 gave me wrist and elbow soreness in the evening/day after play but I do have a sensitive elbow. Compared to other babolat 100" offerings, felt the most comfortable tho. Only tried with polys tho and loved it with lynx tour, confidence inspiring to take full cuts at the ball and power/spin was addictive.
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What tension your lynx tour strung at?
 
I’m starting to see a few of these PA23s show up at the courts. So far just guys. One is a 4.0 that switched to it from a Pure Drive Tour +. He’s playing well with it. The other guy I didn’t recognize.

While lead up top has a dramatic effect, it also affects the maneuverability. It could use a little counterbalancing, like a slightly heavier grip, with about 2-3 grams at 12. It will still feel clunky in doubles but the benefits should be worth it. This would put it about equal to a Prince Textreme Tour 100p, which is what it feels like anyway (the PA feels a little more like a frying pan than the Prince).

The real test is high mid-court volleys, overheads, and 3rd set tiebreaks.
 
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Soundbyte said:
Why not just post their respective balances instead (and of the actual rackets being discussed to boot)?
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I guess because those numbers are available on this very website.

And because the Pure Aero 17, Pure Aero 19 and Pure Aero 23 all probably have the same balance point.
 
This thing killed my arm . Good racket for spin but very uncomfortable and unpredictable stringbed. But if you can control it’s one of the best . I am selling mine
 
Wilsonbro said:
This thing killed my arm . Good racket for spin but very uncomfortable and unpredictable stringbed. But if you can control it’s one of the best . I am selling mine
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Again, “Wilson” bro not liking a new Babolat?

This racquet is anything but unpredictable. It has almost as much as control as my Blades. It’s fairly low powered with a low trajectory. It was okay for spin, but nothing special. The string pattern is very close to a Wilson Ultra 100, or even a Pro Staff 97. The only physical problems I had from this one was a slightly strained neck when I served. Odd, I know, but with no weight added, I ended up overhitting on the serve, causing a slight strain in my neck.

Some posters have mentioned a stiff feel, but I just don’t feel it. It’s a little too flexy and muted, imo (subjective, I guess). It could stand to be stiffened up slightly.
 
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TennisHound said:
Again, “Wilson” bro not liking a new Babolat?

This racquet is anything but unpredictable. It has almost as much as control as my Blades. It’s fairly low powered with a low trajectory. It was okay for spin, but nothing special. The string pattern is very close to a Wilson Ultra 100, or even a Pro Staff 97. The only physical problems I had from this one was a slightly strained neck when I served. Odd, I know, but with no weight added, I ended up overhitting on the serve, causing a slight strain in my neck.

Some posters have mentioned a stiff feel, but I just don’t feel it. It’s a little too flexy and muted, imo (subjective, I guess). It could stand to be stiffened up slightly.
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Talk to me when Babolat comes out with a 95 of the pure aero so I can control it better .
 
TennisHound said:
Again, “Wilson” bro not liking a new Babolat?

This racquet is anything but unpredictable. It has almost as much as control as my Blades. It’s fairly low powered with a low trajectory. It was okay for spin, but nothing special. The string pattern is very close to a Wilson Ultra 100, or even a Pro Staff 97. The only physical problems I had from this one was a slightly strained neck when I served. Odd, I know, but with no weight added, I ended up overhitting on the serve, causing a slight strain in my neck.

Some posters have mentioned a stiff feel, but I just don’t feel it. It’s a little too flexy and muted, imo (subjective, I guess). It could stand to be stiffened up slightly.
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Same control as blade? String & tension please?

My main stick is blade also (v8), yet my blade is much better for control. But again, i only got 3 session with this stick, so not really feeling it.

Last night i play doubles with it, strung with:
Head Lynx Tour 17 mains @53lbs
Solinco Vanquish 16 crosses @55lbs.

This set up definitely soften up the string bed, very comfort, but Lynx Tour made it heavier to swing. But spin & control is far less compared to previous setup (RPM Blast @48lbs).

Next will try full bed poly, like Solinco Hyper G, HG Soft or Dunlop Black Widow Full Bed.
 
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Had another hit tonight at a clinic, only 3 of us so lots of hitting for an hour and a half...
Still has the Poly Tour Fire and felt ok even after 10+hrs (so bonus for that string). It actually almost felt better than before, maybe I was just paying less attention to the string itself.

I did feel a little discomfort when my first set of poly died but nothing major. Playing tonight my arm got a very little bit tight, but I'm convinced it is the weight...or lack thereof.
Strung this thing is 322g (+/- 2g), most racquets I swing are 335-345g. I think I'm swinging too fast and not adapted to the lower weight.
YES..it is possible to develop TE from too light a racquet.
So I may play around with some lead in the throat.
I also intend to leatherize this frame with a Fairway (the best, try one) so may put a touch of lead at 12 instead.
Such a fun frame to toy with, never envisioned I'd like it so much.
 
Aldukuhi said:
Same control as blade? String & tension please?

My main stick is blade also (v8), yet my blade is much better for control. But again, i only got 3 session with this stick, so not really feeling it.

Last night i play doubles with it, strung with:
Head Lynx Tour 17 mains @53lbs
Solinco Vanquish 16 crosses @55lbs.

This set up definitely soften up the string bed, very comfort, but Lynx Tour made it heavier to swing. But spin & control is far less compared to previous setup (RPM Blast @48lbs).

Next will try full bed poly, like Solinco Hyper G, HG Soft or Dunlop Black Widow Full Bed.
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Almost. In reply to the poster who said it was “…completely unpredictable.” Of course the launch angle is lower and the racquet feels about 6” wider than the blade.
 
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Well I have arm problems serving . Not fun . Other than that I will be waiting for the Pure Drive 98VS. Hopefully I can jump back on the Babolat band wagon again. This is not a control racket at all . I have zero confidence with this stick to go out and win . I think 209 Last Year model was much better .
 
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