Finally got the racquet (thanks TW and Babolat!) and strung it up yesterday with full RPM 17 at 53lbs. Decided to go with the size 2 since most Babolat frames I’ve hit in the past run about a half size/full size larger than most other brands due to the flare at the buttcap and I usually use a size 2 or 3. The package from TW was wrapped, but had no promo packaging/sleeve that I’ve seen with some other demo frames.
Sets of RPM 17 and Excel 16 came wrapped alongside the new PD
The frame came in at 325g with string, rubber band dampener, and Wilson Pro Overgrip. Maybe slightly above spec, but in the right wheelhouse.
I took some macro shots of the unique styling on the frame before stringing, which I thought would be a nice change from the photos of the full racquet. The PD is definitely a looker and other than the “Drive” text mirrored on the throat, I think this is one of my favorite Babolat paint jobs in a while.
Elliptical frame and Pure Feel wording around 3 and 9 on the outer edge of the frame
FSI and HTR System tech wording on the other side of the Pure Drive
The grommets on the new Pure Drive surround the wording around 3 and 9 and the additional (albeit small) mass in those areas increases the twistweight of the racquet, being so far from the axis of rotation.
Zoomed out shot and interesting grommet design
I always think it’s interesting how/where racquet designers decide to put specs, “made in” information, and other tech information along the frame. On the PD, they left most of the information off of the throat and decided to put it on the upper hoop. You can also see the hexagonal grommets pretty clearly here.
Couldn’t wait to take the frame for some singles this morning. I’ve been using the RF97 for the last few years and just recently started experimenting with the 18x20 Blade v7–so the open 16x19 took a bit to get used to. The elliptical throat on the PD with the matte paint was more slippery in my left hand when changing grips compared to the boxier beams on my Wilson frames, but didn’t cause any issues and I forgot about it pretty quickly.
Overall I think I still need more time with the frame to get the most out of it, but I’m pleasantly surprised. The sweetspot was lower in the stringbed than what I’m used to and as others have mentioned, you’ll know when you hit outside of it. The upper hoop especially felt a bit brassy, but the bottom half of the upper hoop was surprisingly dampened. I was expecting more spin, but I’m a flatter hitter and generally found that the new PD handled flat shots pretty well. The OHBH felt a bit clunkier than usual, but performed well. I slice quite a bit as a one-hander, and can echo others who found backhand slices to be their favorite shots with the frame thus far.
My serve is one of my biggest weapons, and found that I was misfiring deep a bit due to the balance of the frame, but started to get dialed in by the end of the session. Nothing crazy in terms of spin, but could pick my spots easily and pop was simple to get. Also sounded like a cannon off flatter deliveries. More to come!
Oh, and just another fun observation—Babolat prints the “DEMO NOT FOR SALE” wherever no other branding exists (this makes sense). However, on the Pure Strike 100 demo frame it’s printed on the opposite side of the upper hoop. Looks like they use the same stamp/decal, though.
“DEMO NOT FOR SALE” text on the new Pure Drive alongside the Pure Strike 100 demo frame