Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero VS 2020

Orion

Semi-Pro
Thanks again TW for the opportunity to test cool products.

String and tension used for test: Babolat RPM/Babolat Xcel @ 44/44

Tennis experience/background: 48 year old USTA rated 4.0, played high school tennis, got back intimidating playing regularly and league in mid 30's. Intermittent wrist pain from a torn TFCC tendon. 5 years removed from surgery.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
Baseliner- flat off both wings. Wrist pain deters me from volleying, so usually come to net expecting to hit 2 volleys max. [emoji6]

Current racquet/string setups: Head Gravity Pro - Alu Power 16 / Babolat PHT 17 @ 46

How many hours did you play with the racquet? 13 hours - 4 hours on the ball machine, 5.5 hours Singles, 3.5 hours Doubles

Comments on racquet performance:

-Groundstrokes: Solid from both sides. The frame swings lighter than its weight. I played with it fully stock with the first 3-4 hours then with a TF Vibra Clip ATP dampener….no overgrip, no lead, no head tape. I felt a difference receiving bigger balls, the PA VS 2020 does get pushed around. This may be addressed by lead in the head but I enjoyed the natural balance and rarely play big hitters. This may seem weird but it felt like the ball popped from the strings, but didn't hit the court with same velocity… like it died mid-air. I noticed a lot of string movement around the 9 hour mark.

Forehand - I could take big cuts at the ball that generated good spin. The ball jumped off the strings and gives the sensation of catching the ball early. Control seemed to wane moving the ball around the court. I felt more comfortable hitting down the middle of the court. I was never able find the solid feel I get hitting inside out and down the line with the Gravity Pro. I attribute to my preference for an 18x20 and hitting a flat ball. It was difficult to dial my swing in. It may be I never got adjusted to the weight.

Backhand - The more comfortable side for me. I had more control and could pull the ball easier from side to side than with the forehand. I like the launch angle the ball leaves the strings, easier to get good lift. Good depth and nice spin from normal cuts at the ball. Don't feel my ball was that heavy though. I found a deadly slice return as the strings settled in...low net clearance and the ball stayed low.

-Serves: I found it easy to get through the air. Used to serving with the Gravity Pro, this almost felt like I was serving with a Walmart kids frame. It didn't deliver the pop I remember from the Babolat Roddick PD but I really enjoyed the consistency. There's an unexpected flex from the frame. The ball comes off dampened but not muted.

-Volleys: Solid off both sides. There is a surprising stiffness to the frame on contract. It has just the right flex. I have a tendency to break the head to early in anticipation of wrist pain. I experienced no pain volleying which is normally where I'm most troubled. It's a solid Doubles frame for me.

-Serve returns: The lightweight of the frame coupled with the firm feel made returns easy. I never never got the plow I get from the Gravity Pro. Feels like this was a result of the lack of heft. Even when I got a good rip I wasn't able to hit a punishing return.

General reaction/comments on overall performance: This is a great intermediate frame…lightweight with good flex and firm enough not to get pushed around too much. It left me wanting more so I'll definitely tweak it to see if I can get a heavier ball from it with some lead. I did notice alot of string movement last night with the center strings and outer mains. I expected to not like the frame and have it confirm my Gravity Pro marriage. Some days I don't want to compete I just want to hit balls and the Gravity Pro can be demanding. I found the PA VS 2020 to be a nice frame to just hit. I swapped frames between sets playing Singles and didn't hand to adjust too much....just didn't feel like I could go for shots I normally would. I've been in a funk since losing my Dad in February and sometimes the Gravity Pro feels like work. There's an innate desire to go for shots with the Gravity Pro. The PA VS 2020 provided a change of scenery given and fits my recent lack of desire to compete and just hit balls.

I'll continue contributing as I play around with setup. I'll be trying the RPM in the Gravity Pro.
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warney

Semi-Pro
Secondly, the last cross string is so close to the throat, that it kind of seems pointless – I’m not sure if anyone noticed that, but this is basically a 16x19 string pattern in my mind.
Yup. I noticed this too. I don't know if that cross contributes to how stringbed feels at all.
 

Boubi

Professional
Just tested it this afternoon (luxilon 4g soft in it, tension unknown), it's a great stick !
Stable, comfortable, powerful, does not vibrate
Firm feeling but never unpleasant
More precise than my pure aero tour, more manœuvrable too
At net, Fan-Tas-Tic, i would say as good as rf97 !
Groundstrokes: plow through and precision...
Serves: good head speed
This racquet is the most serious contender of the prestige mid
 

g4driver

Legend
Secondly, the last cross string is so close to the throat, that it kind of seems pointless – I’m not sure if anyone noticed that, but this is basically a 16x19 string pattern in my mind.

f556fddaf037451120fe15f1ff2d10e6.jpg



But it plays with more control than my 2016 Pure Aeros.

The biggest difference seems to be the first cross string's location to the frame. It is much closer to the top of the hoop than the first cross of a Pure Aero.
 

g4driver

Legend
But then again it could be my bad eyes [emoji28]

This frame would be money at 27.5 inches and a little more weight. I haven't extended mine yet due to some work issue, but now finally have the time to tweak it fully.
 

g4driver

Legend
Tennis experience/background:
USTA 4.5 (been a 5.0 a few times), I play a lot of league tennis (although nothing right now), both mixed and men's - all doubles.

Comments on racquet performance:
Groundstrokes:
Immediately from the first hit, I knew I liked the racquet. Some frames you can just pick up and go - and this is one of those frames for me. I have used a lot of the more “comfortable” Babolat frames in the past – including the Pure Storm / Control Tour for years, the older Aerostorms and the previous Aero VS line. This fits in with all of those.

There was a nice comfort level – for me the frame wasn’t too stiff, but had just enough flex to be able to feel the ball. I had no issues dialing it in on my flatter backhand stroke – that was probably my favorite shot with the frame. I generally hit a loopier forehand, and I’m used to a slightly higher launch angle from my Yonex DR100 – so forehands took a slight adjustment for me.

Volleys: As a double’s player, it’s important to find a racquet that I can volley with – and this is one of those frames. I loved the previous Aero VS at net, and this was an improvement from that frame – I think the extra weight really helped in this category too. The racquet had just enough flex / feel for drop volleys. There wasn’t much I couldn’t do with this frame at net.

Serve returns: Much like the groundstrokes, I really liked returning with this frame. I enjoy the low 320 swingweight for quick flick of the wrist on the returns. The frame has just enough mass to feel stable against bigger servers. Like the groundies, I probably wasn’t as dialed in on the forehand side, but that’s just getting used to the launch angle of the racquet.

These were biggest reasons to switch for me. Love how this frame volleys and love the ground strokes/ serve returns with it. Just need to get it extended to 27.5 inches permanently.
 
.I compared this with my usual 2013 Aeropro Drive

@sanister,

Thank you for the great review.

Do you think customised versions of the new VS would be a significant upgrade from customised 2013 APD? (Making stock racquets more head light by adding a lot of weight inside the handle.)

Do you think the VS is a more forgiving racquet than the APD?
 

sanister

Professional
@sanister,

Thank you for the great review.

Do you think customised versions of the new VS would be a significant upgrade from customised 2013 APD? (Making stock racquets more head light by adding a lot of weight inside the handle.)

Do you think the VS is a more forgiving racquet than the APD?
Thanks Karma.

I really don't think the PAVS is that significant of an upgrade if I am being honest,given the style of tennis I play.I have played both the 2013 APD stock & brought up to my specs as well as PA VS 2020 stock & then with added weight. Honestly,I like them both.I didn't find anything one of them could do that the other couldn't.

And nope. APD 2013 is still more forgiving,for me atleast.It is a bit harder to maneuver but on mishits and shanks and mistimed shots(which I have quite often admittedly) I found APD to atleast put the ball back in.The difference in power was a little bit more evident there.
 

JEDI MASTER

Professional
Loving this stick more and more...
having used the RF97A for years now.. so used to the 335 SW. strung with Champions Choice.. coming in at 381gr.
did some tweeking… added some weight to the PA VS.
4gr at 10 and 2:00
around 14gr at the handle
total weight strung at 345gr.
balance of 31.4 and a SW of 334.. I think that around 9pt HL.
recently strung it with Alu Power 1.30 Anniv. Ed. at 52#
really liked the 1.30 vs the 16L 1.25..

felt very stable, precise and comfortable. after 3 sets.. no arm or elbow issues..
just as good as my RF97 and 40gr lighter.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
Thanks Karma.

I really don't think the PAVS is that significant of an upgrade if I am being honest,given the style of tennis I play.I have played both the 2013 APD stock & brought up to my specs as well as PA VS 2020 stock & then with added weight. Honestly,I like them both.I didn't find anything one of them could do that the other couldn't.

And nope. APD 2013 is still more forgiving,for me atleast.It is a bit harder to maneuver but on mishits and shanks and mistimed shots(which I have quite often admittedly) I found APD to atleast put the ball back in.The difference in power was a little bit more evident there.
Yeah. 2” difference in headsize doesn’t sound or look like much but it really makes a difference when it comes to forgiveness.
 

am1899

Legend
Thanks Karma.

I really don't think the PAVS is that significant of an upgrade if I am being honest,given the style of tennis I play.I have played both the 2013 APD stock & brought up to my specs as well as PA VS 2020 stock & then with added weight. Honestly,I like them both.I didn't find anything one of them could do that the other couldn't.

And nope. APD 2013 is still more forgiving,for me atleast.It is a bit harder to maneuver but on mishits and shanks and mistimed shots(which I have quite often admittedly) I found APD to atleast put the ball back in.The difference in power was a little bit more evident there.

Nailed it.

If all I was doing was feeding balls and the occasional hitting lesson, I’d probably switch.

But in reality, I play USTA basically year round, and I hit with high performance juniors and D3 college kids fairly regularly. Right now I seem to value the help I get from the APD (particularly on defense), more than I value the better feel and net play I get out of the PAVS.

If i can ever get motivated and get back in the gym, maybe worth revisiting. (Which is the nice way of saying I’m a lazy fat arse, and I need all the help (from the racquet) i can get). ;)
 
Loving this stick more and more...
having used the RF97A for years now.. so used to the 335 SW. strung with Champions Choice.. coming in at 381gr.
did some tweeking… added some weight to the PA VS.
4gr at 10 and 2:00
around 14gr at the handle
total weight strung at 345gr.
balance of 31.4 and a SW of 334.. I think that around 9pt HL.
recently strung it with Alu Power 1.30 Anniv. Ed. at 52#
really liked the 1.30 vs the 16L 1.25..

felt very stable, precise and comfortable. after 3 sets.. no arm or elbow issues..
just as good as my RF97 and 40gr lighter.

I totally agree with you. The Pure Aero VS is such a great stick that takes weight customization really well, especially because it comes in at a pretty good head light balance in stock form. Personally, I think the more that people try and tinker with it, the more they may like it. Cheers.
 

g4driver

Legend
Nailed it.

If all I was doing was feeding balls and the occasional hitting lesson, I’d probably switch.

But in reality, I play USTA basically year round, and I hit with high performance juniors and D3 college kids fairly regularly. Right now I seem to value the help I get from the APD (particularly on defense), more than I value the better feel and net play I get out of the PAVS.

The problem for many is they don't own an APD. Even used ones demand a high price if you can find them.

I know a golfing pro who cracked two on the ground. When I told him he couldn't afford a new used one his mouth dropped.

Wish Babolat would just bring the APD & APD+ back like Wilson did with the Six.One for a limited time.
 
The problem for many is they don't own an APD. Even used ones demand a high price if you can find them.

I know a golfing pro who cracked two on the ground. When I told him he couldn't afford a new used one his mouth dropped.

Wish Babolat would just bring the APD & APD+ back like Wilson did with the Six.One for a limited time.
I've actually mentioned this to Babolat. Who knows? Maybe something will come of it in the next 2-3 years. If I hear anything, I'll def update this thread. Seems like reproducing this awesome stick would be a great idea for Babolat since there is such a demand for it, but I think they're afraid that it will hurt their current Pure Aero sales. Fingers crossed!
 

g4driver

Legend
Babolat knows many players and companies want the APD/APD+ brought back. They have been getting that feedback since 2016 when the Pure Aero came out.

They could sell both and let customers pick. I could hit with any of them honestly and be happy. APD+, PA+ and my extended VS PA (once my XTP Buttcaps arrive )
 

g4driver

Legend
Seems Babolat made the change from the APD as most consumers don't like buying something 10 years old at the time. The PA was created to increases sales driven by consumers. Babolat still makes APD for Nadal, they just don't sell them to consumers.
 

guardian2002

New User
Has anyone else found that the frames seem to be heavier than spec. The pairs at my local store all seem to be 310grams or heavier. Not that I am complaining...
 
Has anyone else found that the frames seem to be heavier than spec. The pairs at my local store all seem to be 310grams or heavier. Not that I am complaining...

If all the sticks at your local store came in from the same batch then they are likely to be similar in specs.
 
I have not weighed mine, but I absolutely love the head light balance. I would think the increased weight is probably a good thing, as long as the racquets are very similarly matched. Great stick!
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
I have not weighed mine, but I absolutely love the head light balance. I would think the increased weight is probably a good thing, as long as the racquets are very similarly matched. Great stick!

I will test it with lead at 12 cause I found it too HL and the only shot i haven’t clicked yet is the 1HB....
 

Injured Again

Hall of Fame
Has anyone else found that the frames seem to be heavier than spec. The pairs at my local store all seem to be 310grams or heavier. Not that I am complaining...

If you look at my post #163, the first four or five people to get their test racquets all measured the static weight to be 304 grams.
 

tennisgurl

Semi-Pro
Old Pure Aero VS is much better racket in comparison
Is this a joke? No it is not, not even by a long shot.

I have both. The new PA VS 2020 is a much needed improvement over the outgoing Pure Aero VS. It is more solid, and heftier, and punches above it's class thanks to its redesign. The one it replaced (2016 PAVS) was a mere 11.1 oz strung racquet and its swingweight was 318 swingweight which made it feel anemic and unstable. The racquet fluttered like crazy in hand on heavy balls. It was certainly an underwhelming racquet. This new PA VS is extremely stable for it's specs even stock, feels and plays like a charm. The feel is more smooth and muted, and doesn't feel tinny or pingy.
 

haqq777

Legend
Is this a joke? No it is not, not even by a long shot.

I have both. The new PA VS 2020 is a much needed improvement over the outgoing Pure Aero VS. It is more solid, and heftier, and punches above it's class thanks to its redesign. The one it replaced (2016 PAVS) was a mere 11.1 oz strung racquet and its swingweight was 318 swingweight which made it feel anemic and unstable. The racquet fluttered like crazy in hand on heavy balls. It was certainly an underwhelming racquet. This new PA VS is extremely stable for it's specs even stock, feels and plays like a charm. The feel is more smooth and muted, and doesn't feel tinny or pingy.
lol, don't mind him. Best to ignore. He was taken to the cleaners in a few different threads on this same topic as well. Has no clue about PA VS racquet history, racquet specs and what he is talking about.
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
Pure Aero Vs is on Top 5 of tennistaste modern racquets one of the most objective reviewers out there. Also he and other reviewers mentioned that it’s the most complete Babolat they tested the last 5 years. End of story. :)

I also own it and believe me new strike 98 feels unpredictable compared to VS which offers better feel and feedback.
d4a45ca58875bef345b11b9906d4042b.jpg
 
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Lavs

Hall of Fame
lol, don't mind him. Best to ignore. He was taken to the cleaners in a few different threads on this same topic as well. Has no clue about PA VS racquet history, racquet specs and what he is talking about.
oh yes. Indeed :)
 

Lozannois

Rookie
Pure Aero Vs is on Top 5 of tennistaste modern racquets one of the most objective reviewers out there. Also he and other reviewers mentioned that it’s the most complete Babolat they tested the last 5 years. End of story. :)

I also own it and believe me new strike 98 feels unpredictable compared to VS which offers better feel and feedback.
d4a45ca58875bef345b11b9906d4042b.jpg
Hi,

Seems like an interesting stick but anyone has any idea how it compares to the vcore 98? Seems like vcore is similar but with better feel and comfort.. is that true?

Thank you

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
 

pyrokid

Hall of Fame
Hi,

Seems like an interesting stick but anyone has any idea how it compares to the vcore 98? Seems like vcore is similar but with better feel and comfort.. is that true?

Thank you

Envoyé de mon ONEPLUS A5000 en utilisant Tapatalk
I've been looking for some similar comparisons and it seems like the few comments I've found are saying PAVS has more power and possiblyore spin while vcore has more control and feel

I'd love to hear from anyone who's compared the two too though
 

Topspin7

Rookie
I've been looking for some similar comparisons and it seems like the few comments I've found are saying PAVS has more power and possiblyore spin while vcore has more control and feel

I'd love to hear from anyone who's compared the two too though

I have been comparing the vcore 98 to the pavs 2020 for the last two days. Similar specs but they play a lot differently. I’ve had the pavs 2020 for a couple months now and just got the vcore 98.

The Vcore 98 has a more buttery feel and touch shots seem much easier. There is a certain smoothness about it. But on the other hand the pavs has more power with a crisper feel which gives me the sensation of crushing the ball. I can’t decide which one I am going to keep because there are some days where I prefer the easier access to power which allows me to crush the ball on ground strokes. I’ve read reviews about that “cheat factor” and the pavs has it. The trade off is that softer buttery feel which just feels really nice. Both rackets produce tons of spin.

Also, I thought the vcore would be easier on my elbow but after playing last night and today I have some tenderness so now I’m leaning back to the pavs which gave me the same amount of elbow tenderness which goes away after a day or two of not playing. I am thinking about adding some lead to the pavs and a vibration dampener to see if it makes the racket more plush or softer so I can have the best of both worlds. But before that I will play with the vcore for another week to see if it grows on me more.
 
I have been comparing the vcore 98 to the pavs 2020 for the last two days. Similar specs but they play a lot differently. I’ve had the pavs 2020 for a couple months now and just got the vcore 98.

The Vcore 98 has a more buttery feel and touch shots seem much easier. There is a certain smoothness about it. But on the other hand the pavs has more power with a crisper feel which gives me the sensation of crushing the ball. I can’t decide which one I am going to keep because there are some days where I prefer the easier access to power which allows me to crush the ball on ground strokes. I’ve read reviews about that “cheat factor” and the pavs has it. The trade off is that softer buttery feel which just feels really nice. Both rackets produce tons of spin.

Also, I thought the vcore would be easier on my elbow but after playing last night and today I have some tenderness so now I’m leaning back to the pavs which gave me the same amount of elbow tenderness which goes away after a day or two of not playing. I am thinking about adding some lead to the pavs and a vibration dampener to see if it makes the racket more plush or softer so I can have the best of both worlds. But before that I will play with the vcore for another week to see if it grows on me more.

Great to hear. I actually liked the Vcore 98 as well, but am more partial to the Pure Aero VS. However, I think they're both great frames. I would definitely try the PAVS with a dampener, and maybe lower the tension at least a couple pounds. Maybe that will help to find your sweet spot. Either way, both are solid frames. Good luck!
 

snoflewis

Legend
I have been comparing the vcore 98 to the pavs 2020 for the last two days. Similar specs but they play a lot differently. I’ve had the pavs 2020 for a couple months now and just got the vcore 98.

The Vcore 98 has a more buttery feel and touch shots seem much easier. There is a certain smoothness about it. But on the other hand the pavs has more power with a crisper feel which gives me the sensation of crushing the ball. I can’t decide which one I am going to keep because there are some days where I prefer the easier access to power which allows me to crush the ball on ground strokes. I’ve read reviews about that “cheat factor” and the pavs has it. The trade off is that softer buttery feel which just feels really nice. Both rackets produce tons of spin.

Also, I thought the vcore would be easier on my elbow but after playing last night and today I have some tenderness so now I’m leaning back to the pavs which gave me the same amount of elbow tenderness which goes away after a day or two of not playing. I am thinking about adding some lead to the pavs and a vibration dampener to see if it makes the racket more plush or softer so I can have the best of both worlds. But before that I will play with the vcore for another week to see if it grows on me more.

had arm pain with the PA VS, so switched to the vcore 98. had the same arm issues with vcore even though it took longer to kick in, so currently wielding gravity pro. arm pain aside, the PA VS is the better racket imo because it's more stable than the vcore 98. the vcore 98 is a good all around stick, but it just lacks the stability that the PA VS has
 
had arm pain with the PA VS, so switched to the vcore 98. had the same arm issues with vcore even though it took longer to kick in, so currently wielding gravity pro. arm pain aside, the PA VS is the better racket imo because it's more stable than the vcore 98. the vcore 98 is a good all around stick, but it just lacks the stability that the PA VS has

Hey Snoflewis, Can't remember if I asked you already, but have you tried the Gravity Tour? Is it pretty much the same stick as the pro, just a tad lighter, or totally different feel?
 

snoflewis

Legend
Hey Snoflewis, Can't remember if I asked you already, but have you tried the Gravity Tour? Is it pretty much the same stick as the pro, just a tad lighter, or totally different feel?

i haven't tried the tour, only the mp and the pro. the mp was actually really impressive but it had some vibrations that were coming through even with a dampener. a source i trust that's tried all 3 told me the tour wasn't as impressive as the mp or pro, which is contrary to the majority of the opinions on these forums, so i never bothered to try it.
 
AGAIN for those new to Babolat stick ...

If you feel arm tenderness, assuming you have decent stroke technique ... the FIRST THING YOU DO ...

Place Blu-Tack or silicone inside the handle of the racquet. Five grams is a good starting point. Open the trapdoor in the But-Cap, wrap the putty or silicon in cling wrap and insert it inside the handle. Add a little weight to the hoop if you want to maintain the racquet balance, but a few points more head light can also be an added benefit.

You will end up with a racquet that has much better impact shock dampening and will be a lot more comfortable without changing the feel too much.

And if you are not happy with that, you can try even more up to fifteen grams. AND the whole customisation is completely reversible and will leave your racquet in stock conditions.

(BTW, a string Vibration Dampener does not alter the comfort of the racquet. It simply alters the sound the stringbed makes at ball impact.)
 

Lavs

Hall of Fame
Try the PAVS with luxilon 4G soft....no arm issue, great control etc
I use Luxilon 4G 16L (no soft) and it really comfortable on my PA VS (original version from 2016, not 2020). I strung at 50, full bed and no dampener. It is much more comfortable than APD Original strung with Kirschbaum Competition @ 48.
 
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