Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero VS 2020

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

We have a VERY Limited number of Babolat Pure Aero VS racquets for a playtest. This playtest is open to USA Talk Tennis members only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Playtesters will be required to get their test racquet strung. Each racquet will be shipped with a set of Babolat Xcel 17 & a set of Babolat RPM Power 17.

Application period is now closed. Selected playtesters will be notified via email by Friday, June 5th.

IMPORTANT: we understand tennis courts can be limited or closed in certain areas during this time. We ask that you only apply if you can get the racquet strung and hit with the racquet for a total of 10 hours on court during the 4 week playtest. Don't worry, we have many more exciting playtests scheduled in the next 6 months if you are unable to at this time!

We have a very limited quantity of racquets to playtest. We select playtesters based on a number of factors, including message board participation and performance on past playtests.

In order to remain in good standing for future playtests, you must post a review by the deadline. Reviews clearly lacking in effort will result in disqualification from future playtests.

Deadline for posting your review: July 10, 2020

Include the following in your review:

String and tension used for test:
Tennis experience/background:
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Current racquet/string setups:
How many hours did you play with the racquet?

Comments on racquet performance:
-Groundstrokes:
-Serves:
-Volleys:
-Serve returns:

General reaction/comments on overall performance:

Thanks,
TW Staff

PS- Please keep comments productive. Any "email sent" posts will be deleted. Thanks!

 

[joah310]

Does it play similar to the Aero Storm GT? I know the previous pure aero vs was modeled after it.

 

[joah310]

I have looked around and have read that it doesn't. but more power, so maybe ill like this better

 

[McLovin]

Blue YPTP playtest was a bust, but things are looking better here in Northern VA. Hopefully it won't be held against me.

 

[joah310]

Same here. Played an hour with that string, now its dead and unfit for play

 

[mad dog1]

I already own a pair of the PA VS so I’m not signing up for this playtest but will share my thoughts and findings here.

 

[joah310]

I already own a pair of the PA VS so I’m not signing up for this playtest but will share my thoughts and findings here.

how was the racket for you?

 

[mad dog1]

how was the racket for you?

I like it. The specs are more inline with what I prefer. Thinner beam width, lower swingweight, very HL balance, lower static weight so it’s definitely a platform stick that requires a little lead, otherwise it is a bit anemic for me. One of the best players sticks ever released by babolat in recent years. 98” has less power than the 100” PA. 16/20 pattern offers more control than the 16/19 PA. Still able to generate a ton of spin from the FSI string spacing. Thinner beam offers better ball feel. Does not have the hollowness and “bong” sound on contact.

So improved feel, less power, more control...all good things in my book.

 

[joah310]

I like it. The specs are more inline with what I prefer. Thinner beam width, lower swingweight, very HL balance, lower static weight so it’s definitely a platform stick that requires a little lead, otherwise it is a bit anemic for me. One of the best players sticks ever released by babolat in recent years. 98” has less power than the 100” PA. 16/20 pattern offers more control than the 16/19 PA. Still able to generate a ton of spin from the FSI string spacing. Thinner beam offers better ball feel. Does not have the hollowness and “bong” sound on contact.

So improved feel, less power, more control...all good things in my book.

sounds like Babolat's version of the Ultra tour. Im guessing my chances of getting picked are pretty slim though.

 

[mad dog1]

sounds like Babolat's version of the Ultra tour. Im guessing my chances of getting picked are pretty slim though.

Not quite as good as my modded UT for me, but i do like it more than most of the babolat offerings from the past decade. My fave Babolats are the pure storm team gt and the pure storm gt with lead.

 

[joah310]

Not quite as good as my modded UT for me, but i do like it more than most of the babolat offerings from the past decade. My fave Babolats are the pure storm team gt and the pure storm gt with lead.

Can I ask what you leaded these up to?

 

[samprasbackhand]

Applied now that it looks like I'll have the chance to play regularly. I just hit for the first time in 2 months so playing with my Pure Strike Tour has my arm feeling a little sore, most likely due to the weight.

 

[mad dog1]

Can I ask what you leaded these up to?

PA VS?

 

[joah310]

PA VS?

yeah

 

[mad dog1]

yeah

Added 1g spread from 10-2. Added an OG. Have experimented with a few different tensions (47/45, 46/44 and 44/42) and 4 string jobs so far.

As my fitness is improving post big sick, I’m thinking about adding up to another gram to 10-2 and going with my higher string tension (47/45).

but so far, it’s definitely a stick with a lot of potential. With some racquets, you want to put it down after hitting a few balls. this isn’t one of them.

 

[joah310]

Added 1g spread from 10-2. Added an OG. Have experimented with a few different tensions (47/45, 46/44 and 44/42) and 4 string jobs so far.

As my fitness is improving post big sick, I’m thinking about adding up to another gram to 10-2 and going with my higher string tension (47/45).

Ive never really used such low tensions. Do you think this stick will start to cause problems if I string higher at around 54?

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

Interesting. I really like my Pure Drives and don't want to risk I'll like these better.

 

[mad dog1]

Ive never really used such low tensions. Do you think this stick will start to cause problems if I string higher at around 54?

I should mention that I use a modified JET method to string my rackets on a babolat sensor so my string beds usually feel like a string job that was strung 3#s higher in the conventional manner.

 

[joah310]

I should mention that I use a modified JET method to string my rackets on a babolat sensor so my string beds usually feel like a string job that was strung 3#s higher in the conventional manner.

Never used the JET method, but maybe I'll test these out one of these days

 

[mad dog1]

Never used the JET method, but maybe I'll test these out one of these days

I find that the string jobs play more consistently across the entire string bed and hold tension longer compared to the conventional stringing method.

 

[joah310]

I find that the string jobs play more consistently across the entire string bed and hold tension longer compared to the conventional stringing method.

sounds good enough for me to try

 

[mad dog1]

sounds good enough for me to try

The straight up JET method didn’t make complete sense to me but it did get me thinking which is how I came up with my modified JET method.

 

[tigonian02]

Things are pretty open here in Georgia. I hit for a couple of hours today with a few friends.

 

[parasailing]

Hoping I get selected to be on this playtest.

 

[joah310]

Hoping I get selected to be on this playtest.

me too

 

[snoflewis]

Awesome sticks. Playability-wise, they're halfway between APD and aerostorms with a much more solid feel. It needs 1-2g somewhere between 10 & 2, but it's the first babolat ive tried that doesnt have that typical hollow babolat feel. Also doesnt feel as stiff as the numbers suggest.

 

[g4driver]

Hoping I get selected to be on this playtest.

I hope you are selected also. I have been stringing so many frames and playing once to twice a day since April 1st, completely missed these frames have already been released. Been using my 2016/17/18 edition pure Aero+ frames for a couple of years now, but the thought of a more control-oriented Pure Aero is certainly appealing. Applied for the playtest yesterday also, but realize they only have so many frames. Fingers crossed with you @parasailing

 

[joah310]

Awesome sticks. Playability-wise, they're halfway between APD and aerostorms with a much more solid feel. It needs 1-2g somewhere between 10 & 2, but it's the first babolat ive tried that doesnt have that typical hollow babolat feel. Also doesnt feel as stiff as the numbers suggest.

That sounds pretty reassuring never really enjoyed hollow rackets

 

[lidoazndiabloboi]

Babolat did a great job with the paint on this racket. I'm really curious how this racket plays. In theory, a more controlled version of the Pure Aero is exactly the type of racket that I love.

 

[sanister]

I'm a little outdated with info regarding sales.Are these only offered in pairs like they did with the PD VS at one point if I'm not mistaken??Or will these be available for sale individually?

 

[joah310]

I'm a little outdated with info regarding sales.Are these only offered in pairs like they did with the PD VS at one point if I'm not mistaken??Or will these be available for sale individually?

they are available individually on the website right now

 

[g4driver]

@TW Staff

Any update when you might be notifying those chosen for this playtest. Perhaps you are still taking applicants.

Thanks much

 

[TW Staff]

Application period will be open until end of day today. We will notify selected participants by this Friday, June 5th by the end of day.

Thanks,
TW Staff

 

[TennisHound]

It’s funny, I remember posting several years back about how a98” PD and PA would be the coolest racquet ever. Even though it’s not quite a 98” PA. It’s still uber cool. Looking forward to the reviews. Thanks TW

 

[jangotango]

I'm actually slated to play a few tournaments for the summer. Hopefully I'll be able to test it out in a match!

 

[jangotango]

Babolat did a great job with the paint on this racket

We need to bring back the gloss!

 

[shaneno]

Yes babolat pure aero VS

Hope to try out this racquet, the older version looked amazing. Missed out on testing it.

 

[chinny562]

How exciting! The tennis courts in my city were open last week and finally got to play again
I've never played with a 16x20 before sooo.. *Fingers crossed*

 

[Moveforwardalways]

I have a PAVS 2020 and have played with it several times. It has a ridiculously high launch angle (highest I have ever played with, more than the regular Pure Aero), lots of easy spin, and very powerful. It does not offer that much more control than the regular Pure Aero. It is not very stable on off center hits, which is very noticeable when volleying. Volleying with this stick actually gave me some forearm pain against heavy hitters. However, it is like having a cheat code when serving and hitting full western forehands. As always, YMMV.

 

[marceloriosfan]

I have a PAVS 2020 and have played with it several times. It has a ridiculously high launch angle (highest I have ever played with, more than the regular Pure Aero), lots of easy spin, and very powerful. It does not offer that much more control than the regular Pure Aero. It is not very stable on off center hits, which is very noticeable when volleying. Volleying with this stick actually gave me some forearm pain against heavy hitters. However, it is like having a cheat code when serving and hitting full western forehands. As always, YMMV.

I found PAVS20 to be a dialed down version of Pure Aero: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...pure-aero-vs-2020.658788/page-4#post-14342955

 

[mad dog1]

I found PAVS20 to be a dialed down version of Pure Aero: https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...pure-aero-vs-2020.658788/page-4#post-14342955

Agreed. It’s a PA with more control, less power and better feel IME.

 

[mad dog1]

I have a PAVS 2020 and have played with it several times. It has a ridiculously high launch angle (highest I have ever played with, more than the regular Pure Aero), lots of easy spin, and very powerful. It does not offer that much more control than the regular Pure Aero. It is not very stable on off center hits, which is very noticeable when volleying. Volleying with this stick actually gave me some forearm pain against heavy hitters. However, it is like having a cheat code when serving and hitting full western forehands. As always, YMMV.

Haven’t observed any of this at all. Wonder if we talking about the same frame?

have found a gram or 2 of lead at the top of the hoop makes the frame very stable.

perhaps you have a counterfeit?

 

[El_Yotamo]

The Aero Storm Tour Cortex was one of the first racquets I ever tried when switching to adult frames back when I was growing up. I still remember how nice it was and the ridiculous serves I could hit with it, so it should be truly fascinating to compare it with the PAVS. Some of my go-tos have also been the 2014 Pure Controls (Tour and 95) so a comparison to those should be fun as well.

 

[joah310]

@TW Staff is the PAVS 2020 on TWU yet? I cant seem to find it on the racquet comparison section.

 

[djNEiGht]

interested to hear other players thoughts on this. i missed the application deadline

 

[TW Staff]

joah310,

I see it on my side. It is called Pure Aero VS. The previous iteration is called Babolat Pure Aero VS Stars and Stripes.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[joah310]

joah310,

I see it on my side. It is called Pure Aero VS. The previous iteration is called Babolat Pure Aero VS Stars and Stripes.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

thanks! just got a bit confused I guess

 

[Moveforwardalways]

Haven’t observed any of this at all. Wonder if we talking about the same frame?

have found a gram or 2 of lead at the top of the hoop makes the frame very stable.

perhaps you have a counterfeit?

I bought it from TW.

It has a thinner beam than the regular Pure Aero but it is ostensibly the same construction, which somehow must make it less stable than the regular version. It may indeed be better with weight. I added some lead at 3 and 9, which helped a little, but I would not play this racquet in stock form.

 

[JEDI MASTER]

Ive never really used such low tensions. Do you think this stick will start to cause problems if I string higher at around 54?

I have 2.. 1 strung with HyperG 16L @ 52.. the other with AluPower 16L @ 52..
luv with the Hyper G.. good balance of control and power...

 

[joah310]

I have 2.. 1 strung with HyperG 16L @ 52.. the other with AluPower 16L @ 52..
luv with the Hyper G.. good balance of control and power...

I have not tried hyper g, but considering how everyone uses it, maybe I should try it.