Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
is this racket really that much better than the previous version ?? if so, how. this new version is really getting hyped up by general Youtubers.
Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Drive 2025
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
jimdontcare
Semi-Pro
Something to keep in mind when watching reviews of this racquet: this is many popular review channels' first reviews of Pure Drives in general. Just due to this youtube culture arising after the 2021 Pure Drives had been out for a bit. I got the sense that a lot of reviews were praising the Pure Drive line in general, but only noting changes in feel. If feel changes playability for you (sometimes feel makes real), it could be a big improvement, but maybe temper expectations otherwise. As a caveat, I say this as someone who never hit a 2021.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Very intelligent statement
MatiasR
New User
As a previous player of the PD 2021, and having bought another for my wife recently, I was also very interested in the changes of the 2025 compared to it. And having read and watched pretty much all reviews available, especially paying attention to those comparing these 2 base models, truth is that they all agree that nothing much has changed, maybe a little more comfortable, which never was a problem for me or my wife anyway.
And I agree with Jim above: many are describing the PD goodness in general, some of them never had experience with them before, or at least not the previous model, just many years ago.
My impression is also that it is a small incremental upgrade in a best selling racket (the base model). Kind of like "if it ain't broken don't fix it".
And I agree with Jim above: many are describing the PD goodness in general, some of them never had experience with them before, or at least not the previous model, just many years ago.
My impression is also that it is a small incremental upgrade in a best selling racket (the base model). Kind of like "if it ain't broken don't fix it".
Last edited:
stapletonj
Hall of Fame
I agree to an extent. The increased flex helped more people than not, esp., older arms and shoulders.As a previous player of the PD 2021, and having bought another for my wife recently, I was also very interested in the changes of the 2025 compared to it. And having read and watched pretty much all reviews available, especially paying attention to those comparing these 2 base models, truth is that they all agree that nothing much has changed, maybe a little more comfortable, which never was a problem for me or my wife anyway.
And I agree with Jim above: many are describing the PD goodness in general, some of them never had experience with them before, or at least not the previous model, just many years ago.
My impression is also that it is a small incremental upgrade in a best selling racket (the base model). Kind of like "if it ain't broken don't fix it".
It seemed to me that the space between the center mains was also tightened a bit, which gave increased accuracy, at an only slight loss of spin.
Simply put, as a tester who, like you, tried to compare it to the last model as opposed to every other racket on the planet, I found it to be an upgrade.
It was not a complete redo from the ground up. That was not needed.
MatiasR
New User
And then these guys make sure that it is a "huuuuge upgrade". I suppose I will only know if I try them side by side myself too.As a previous player of the PD 2021, and having bought another for my wife recently, I was also very interested in the changes of the 2025 compared to it. And having read and watched pretty much all reviews available, especially paying attention to those comparing these 2 base models, truth is that they all agree that nothing much has changed, maybe a little more comfortable, which never was a problem for me or my wife anyway.
And I agree with Jim above: many are describing the PD goodness in general, some of them never had experience with them before, or at least not the previous model, just many years ago.
My impression is also that it is a small incremental upgrade in a best selling racket (the base model). Kind of like "if it ain't broken don't fix it".
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
The reports on stiffness and swingweight of 2025 PD 98 are very CONFUSING to say something nice...
I read and heard these:
The manufacturer claims something that is NOT: more flexible, and numerous testers report the OPPOSITE ON COURT.
Dealers like TW, TX, etc etc post specs with various RA numbers... some 66 others 67 (which suggest mid stiff unstrung) while apparently plays like an RA 71.
Originally the PD VS 98 was RA 68 with 16x19 pattern, PD 98 with 16x20 and semi box beam top should have come out 'more flexy' than its predecessor as Babolat claims.
Similarly with swingweight ... ALL over the map: 317-330 huge differences.
What is going on on quality control QC ???
I read and heard these:
The manufacturer claims something that is NOT: more flexible, and numerous testers report the OPPOSITE ON COURT.
Dealers like TW, TX, etc etc post specs with various RA numbers... some 66 others 67 (which suggest mid stiff unstrung) while apparently plays like an RA 71.
Originally the PD VS 98 was RA 68 with 16x19 pattern, PD 98 with 16x20 and semi box beam top should have come out 'more flexy' than its predecessor as Babolat claims.
Similarly with swingweight ... ALL over the map: 317-330 huge differences.
What is going on on quality control QC ???
Last edited:
babolat QC is pretty poor in my experience, but a range of 13 pts on sw isn't too bad. the issue is babolat gives itself +/- 3 RA for QC, so 66 to 71 RA is likely still within tolerance. I had 15 examples of a previous gen PD, and there were a couple that felt like completely different sticks even beyond the spec variances.
Last edited:
I demoed the outgoing PD and enjoyed it only to find that it was 299g unstrung and had a SW of 313. So crazy maneuvering and still plenty of pop given stiffness and fast swing.
I also think that SW is less = to maneuverability and swing speed with frames going to still racket-face and flex beams. You simply have to demo.
Played with a friends proper spec outgoing & 10 hours with proper spec new one & think current PD98 is just a little slower thru the air and less forgiving. It is more comfortable and stable! So while intermediate level players could enjoy outgoing one, the new one may be best suited to stronger players.
ClaudTT
Semi-Pro
Much to the contrary, FYI 13 kg-cm^2 is a huge difference in SW !!!
I could not get any player to accept/tolerate that difference, no matter what level from 3.5-6.0
Is not a question of testing on court, you either contact the ball right or out of range.
Similarly to stiffness: RA71 and your elbow will tell you in half hour if is too much.
Last edited:
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
It seems specs so far are quite varied with the new Pure Drive. Tennis Warehouse first sample was at 66 RA strung, approx 68-69 unstrung........others have reported 70-71 RA ratings.
I play with the Ezone 100 (2022 version) and also played with the version before that. The former was a few points stiffer and my elbow could definitely feel it, even with a multifilament string.
I am really keen on the 2025 Pure Drive and will order one but only with racquet matching service. 70 RA is really max for my elbow; no dampening tech will make an ultra stiff racquet comfortable.
I play with the Ezone 100 (2022 version) and also played with the version before that. The former was a few points stiffer and my elbow could definitely feel it, even with a multifilament string.
I am really keen on the 2025 Pure Drive and will order one but only with racquet matching service. 70 RA is really max for my elbow; no dampening tech will make an ultra stiff racquet comfortable.
I’m demoing the 25 PD 98 and 100 right now. Unfortunately, they are more head heavy than the published specs and the swingweights are 330 and 334 respectively, so they’re not much help as far as demos. 
Bab’s QC is and has been all over the place. I have 15, 18, and 21 Pure Drives that are way over spec. I won’t buy PD’s any more without using the matching service, but that goes for pretty much any brand of racquet nowadays.
Bab’s QC is and has been all over the place. I have 15, 18, and 21 Pure Drives that are way over spec. I won’t buy PD’s any more without using the matching service, but that goes for pretty much any brand of racquet nowadays.
KC!
Hall of Fame
No
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
In Europe from TennisWarehouse, you get: static weight, swingweight, balance and stiffness.
TennisPro(EU) offers the same but without stiffness rating.
Personally I don’t tell them what I look for. I want to see the specs before.
Roberto_spin
Rookie
After playing with the PD2009 Roddick (Smurf!), the PD2012 Roddick (cool PJ!) I wanted to upgrade to the PD2021. Then the announcement of the PD2025 came and I have searched, read, watched all I could find.
The following surprises me: why is there little attentention/marketing on the PD2025?
Especially from Babolat self. The PD2021 had bigger attention/commercials etc.
Is it because:
- Looks like their strategy is to do it via Tennis-distribution like TW
- Is it because less pro players are playing nowadays with the PD? Exception- we'll see Perricard in the top10 this year (my preditction).
- Is it because the upgrade isn;t that huge, except the NF2 tech?
I just followed my gut and ordered the new PD2025 so I'm very curious how it plays the forthcoming weeks.
The following surprises me: why is there little attentention/marketing on the PD2025?
Especially from Babolat self. The PD2021 had bigger attention/commercials etc.
Is it because:
- Looks like their strategy is to do it via Tennis-distribution like TW
- Is it because less pro players are playing nowadays with the PD? Exception- we'll see Perricard in the top10 this year (my preditction).
- Is it because the upgrade isn;t that huge, except the NF2 tech?
I just followed my gut and ordered the new PD2025 so I'm very curious how it plays the forthcoming weeks.
Right. Usually I just want something closest to the specs TW published. And then they send you a selection of 4 or 5 and you pick what you want. If there are two rackets closed to published weight and balance specs but one is 66 stiffness and one is 73, I’d like to know that before choosing.
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
Yes. As long as the specs are more or less in line what can be expected , it is only a matter of choosing two fairly similar ones.
TW specs are of course not the “correct” specs as often swingweight nor stiffness is published by the manufacturer.
I didn't know that TW Europe offered matching like TW US. There is no description on their website.
Last edited:
I didn't know that TW Europe offered matching like TW US. There is no description on their website.
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
Few retailers are advertising this service. I would guess they might not want everyone to know such a service is possible …..
From a retailers perspective , they are probably happy that the vast majority of buyers are completely unaware of the bad quality control and differences in specs.
Hi all, I've moved from speed mp to PD100 which i'm now renting (2021 version) and i like it a lot, is definitely my racket! As i need to buy one i'm struggling between going for the 2021 or 2025. The idea of an easier on the arm racket looka nice, though from the the different reviews seems softer, which worries me a bit cause i like the feeling of the 2021. What's your view on this? Is it still a oure drive feeling but better dampened, or changes?
heavyD
Professional
I just received the folllowing specs on 6 x 2025 Pure Drives. What's the consensus on the best two of the bunch?
| Weight(g) | Weight(oz) | Balance(mm) | Balance(Points HL) | Swingweight(SW) | Stiffness(RA) |
| 302.4 | 10.67 | 327 | 5.01 | 286.00 | 69.00 |
| 303.9 | 10.72 | 323 | 6.27 | 281.00 | 69.00 |
| 303.9 | 10.72 | 325 | 5.64 | 287.00 | 69.00 |
| 304.8 | 10.75 | 327 | 5.01 | 289.00 | 69.00 |
| 301.3 | 10.63 | 328 | 4.69 | 285.00 | 70.00 |
| 300.2 | 10.59 | 328 | 4.69 | 286.00 | 69.00 |
honestly might be the best 6 measurements for sticks i've seen here
Are the figures you received from TW? Seems like 69 and not 66 is likely the more accurate value. Or perhaps 66 is their strung figure, which is also actionable information. Thanks for posting this.
Last edited:
heavyD
Professional
Figures are from RacquetGuys in Canada. I’m thinking the last two are the closest.
Agreed. That would be the 2 I would select
kijasek
New User
The balance point is way off on all of them. It should be 320 unstrung. They will fell more head heave than they should.
TennisViking
Semi-Pro
Indeed. Balance is a bit off. Should be closer to 320mm and since they have the plastic wrap on the handle, could even be slightly less than the 320mm. Swingweight through seems quite ok. On Babolat webpage stiffness is quoted at 72RA (+-3).
Pure Drive Gen11 Unstrung | Babolat
Babolat Pure Drive Gen11 Unstrung. for both beginners and professionals. Have fun and play your best game with Babolat!
www.babolat.com
I’d pick the bottom two. They are the lightest and so very close. If you notice any difference you can add the slightest weight to easily match perfectly.
I agree. Those two would be easy to fix. Especially if you are already adding an overgrip. It’s when the rackets are overweight (and different balances) that it becomes harder to match.
i'll take consistency across the batch over what's "right", especially for something that can be fixed easily
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Tried a 25 pure drive + tonight, I got that one because I am head balance sensitive and much to my surprise all the others are too H heavy for my liking. Quite a fun racket! I can't help you guys with comparisons to older pure drives, I only tried and didn't want to use the Roddick PD long ago and for sure I have forgotten what that was like, I use yonex now. But, I didn't even hit serves tonight, which should be the forte of this racket, and I really enjoyed it, even on the 1 hander BH. My favorite shot was a lefty fh dipper when a righty came to the net crosscourt, I hit a shot that starts on their right and then dips across their chest down to their feet/backhand, for some reason this PD plus is whippy. I don't think there is too much power either, just a nice boost. And thanks TW, I was sent a brand new one with plastic on the handle to demo.
I've been using a Regna 98 lately, despite my signature, and this PD plus was essentially plug and play except for a couple of barely missed overheads hit long.
I've been using a Regna 98 lately, despite my signature, and this PD plus was essentially plug and play except for a couple of barely missed overheads hit long.
This was probably the best serving racket I tried in the last 10 years, great for my forehand too, the 1hbh I wasn’t so keen on
Anyone on this? Thanks a lot
Nastase
Semi-Pro
If you're happy with the 2021 version's feel and performance, then I would not go down the rabbit hole of a new racket tbh. Keeping it in the family, if you shop TWE (Europe) they have the 2021's on sale for roughly $130-150 depending on the graphics you prefer. It takes 3-4 days to arrive here but saves you a bunch of money. The new version is nice, a little softer feeling and modestly lighter. Theres not a monumental difference in performance on court to me between the two. YMMV.
TW Staff
Administrator
Hi Pure Drive Fanatics!
We will be hosting Olivier (from Babolat HQ) soon and will be recording a podcast all about Pure Drive! Wanted to see what YOU want to ask and learn about -- please leave any questions regarding Pure Drive here and I will do my best to get them all answered!
Appreciate it!
Michelle, TW
We will be hosting Olivier (from Babolat HQ) soon and will be recording a podcast all about Pure Drive! Wanted to see what YOU want to ask and learn about -- please leave any questions regarding Pure Drive here and I will do my best to get them all answered!
Appreciate it!
Michelle, TW
Also: what's the official RA unstrung? I see different info between 66 (communicated) vs 69 (tested)
Fighting phoenix
Professional
No one is communicating 66RA unstrung as far as I've seen - that's the TW strung RA number. Generally it's been 69/70 unstrung, 66 strung.
MatiasR
New User
Base model gen 11 says RA 72
www.babolat.com
Same as base model gen 10 also RA 72 (here in Wimbledon edition).
www.babolat.com
So either a mistake or it was not lowered?
Pure Drive Gen11 Unstrung | Babolat
Babolat Pure Drive Gen11 Unstrung. for both beginners and professionals. Have fun and play your best game with Babolat!
www.babolat.com
Same as base model gen 10 also RA 72 (here in Wimbledon edition).
Pure Drive Wimbledon (2024) Unstrung | Babolat
Babolat Pure Drive Wimbledon (2024) Unstrung. for both beginners and professionals. Have fun and play your best game with Babolat!
www.babolat.com
So either a mistake or it was not lowered?
MatiasR
New User
Another question about NF2 original and 2.0 version. The website describes as a "new 100% unidirectional linen fabric offers greater mechanical strength in the direction of the fibers and optimal filtration of vibrations". So before they were not unidirectional? And how different is it from 3 and 9 into the throat area?
Maybe too technical (and possibly confidential too) so I would understand if they don't want to answer.
Maybe too technical (and possibly confidential too) so I would understand if they don't want to answer.
FuzzyYellowBalls
Legend
Unless the answer is obvious and I just don't know, why is the Plus the only more "head light" version.
Lazytennis
New User
Hi,
what string recommendation they give for PD 100? and why recommended tensions are lower 45-55 lbs than previous models?
I don't know if and why it's different from previous models but given the stiffness of the frame, I would not go high tension on this if you're using poly.
TheBoom
Hall of Fame
I’d love to know the thought process behind finally, after so many years, decided to lower the stiffness. I think it’s a great move, but I’d love to know why now
I think they're trying to keep the pure drive plus very maneuverable. It swings lighter than all extended racquets I've used. Encourages topspin brushing and less emphasis on straight through plow.
Similar threads
