Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Drive 2025

codonnell

Semi-Pro
Consistent string bed? Comparable to...?

How much free power are we talking? EZ98? PA98? More? Less?

Thanks in advance!
I do not mean to triple post. But I’d say the string bed can be a bit inconsistent with the lower launch angle when hitting, I still need more time. As far as power is concerned, I’d say the pd98 swings very similarly to the ezone98. power levels go so far:
I’d put
Power PA98 > PD98 >EZ98.
I did take the PA98 out for a tiny bit and just felt it packed that extra punch over the pd98 due to the extra spin and more aero dynamic hoop. The people hitting with me noticed a difference in power level too almost instantly. However the PD98 offered a bit more easy depth on the back foot and can definitely be used as a 1 2 approach the net stick as compared to the aero, which I think feels more of a baseliner stick imo.
 
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Chairman3

Hall of Fame
PD98 is probably the first Babolat I would consider switching to, this is saying something because I'm a player's frame guy for life.

Hit with it for an hour, not bad feeling. Dampened but not so muted like Babs can be. Almost in Yonex territory now (and not a bad thing).

Some extra pop on serves and groundstrokes was immediately noticeable. Pretty good spin and it was easy to get the ball deep. Didn't get to do alot of volleys. Slices weren't the best (high launch) but I didn't do alot either.

Some outstanding concerns:
-Definitely a little crisp and firm even with a moderate string at a lower-ish tension (48 lbs)
-Powerful response and higher launch that I'd normally tamp down with tension but worry it'll be stiff
-will it get uncomfortable after alot of use
-will it have enough feel to play all-court with touch

Obviously only an hour, but initial impressions are very good.
Probably getting a more serious demo instead of just a quick test drive.
 
I just had a 2 1/2 hour hitting session with the pd 98. Decent first impression so far but definitely takes a settle in period. The frame provides good pop as a pd would, good stability, surprisingly decent maneuverability for the lower balance point. It really shined on the flat backhands and slices were amazing. There was next to no twisting when handling volleys either. On my forehead, it was quite inconsistent and will take some time to dial in. So far I feel as if this frame suits someone with a linear swing path and more of a flat ball hitter. You realy have to focus on shaping that shot to get the topspin. I can provide more detail but those were some of the first impressions. I also played with someone who used the last gen 98, so I will be uploading some pics to compare tho they may not be great quality fair warning
I hit again and I would agree with this 100 percent. Everything felt great except trying to generate a topspin forehand. Sometimes, the ball would launch to the fence, others it would land short with nothing on it. I was going back and forth with the new '25 PD 98 and the previous model. The previous model felt much better when trying to hit a heavy forehand. Everything else, I prefer the new one. Feel, control, slice, flat hitting, etc.
 

Holic

Semi-Pro
I hit again and I would agree with this 100 percent. Everything felt great except trying to generate a topspin forehand. Sometimes, the ball would launch to the fence, others it would land short with nothing on it. I was going back and forth with the new '25 PD 98 and the previous model. The previous model felt much better when trying to hit a heavy forehand. Everything else, I prefer the new one. Feel, control, slice, flat hitting, etc.
Wow did that save me 300€.
Thanks!
 

GabeFSU

Rookie
I hit again and I would agree with this 100 percent. Everything felt great except trying to generate a topspin forehand. Sometimes, the ball would launch to the fence, others it would land short with nothing on it. I was going back and forth with the new '25 PD 98 and the previous model. The previous model felt much better when trying to hit a heavy forehand. Everything else, I prefer the new one. Feel, control, slice, flat hitting, etc.
How about difference serving between previous 98 and new PD98? Thanks!
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
PD98 is probably the first Babolat I would consider switching to, this is saying something because I'm a player's frame guy for life.

Hit with it for an hour, not bad feeling. Dampened but not so muted like Babs can be. Almost in Yonex territory now (and not a bad thing).

Some extra pop on serves and groundstrokes was immediately noticeable. Pretty good spin and it was easy to get the ball deep. Didn't get to do alot of volleys. Slices weren't the best (high launch) but I didn't do alot either.

Some outstanding concerns:
-Definitely a little crisp and firm even with a moderate string at a lower-ish tension (48 lbs)
-Powerful response and higher launch that I'd normally tamp down with tension but worry it'll be stiff
-will it get uncomfortable after alot of use
-will it have enough feel to play all-court with touch

Obviously only an hour, but initial impressions are very good.
Probably getting a more serious demo instead of just a quick test drive.
What's your normal stick?
 
How about difference serving between previous 98 and new PD98? Thanks!
Serving is always the last piece of the puzzle for me. i always just "figure it out". Its not a major weapon of mine. I thought the new one had better control and feel. The old one has a little more juice. especially on the heavy kick serve. But the old one was is definitely more harsh.
 

Trip

Legend
@StefanosWillSaveTheWorld - How about adding a bit of lead at 12 or 10 & 2, plus some counter-balance under the butt cap, to add some polarity and help the frame exhibit more natural and effortless "see-saw" motion, the idea being it would hopefully help with more repeatable stroke mechanics on a modern, more swipey forehand?
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
What's your normal stick?
Was using the Pro Staff V14 as my main, then acquired some 18x19 Blades and was using those for the last 2 months. They were kind of my moby dick frame, and I'm slightly disappointed because I haven't immediately gelled with them, so I went back to my Pro Staffs.
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
Got more time with the PD+. Can't find my volleys with it, but I'll be damned if its not great as playing Del Po tennis.
Big serve, big forehands.

Launch angle is lower than I would like. More to follow...
 

ulunxtns

Professional
I hit again and I would agree with this 100 percent. Everything felt great except trying to generate a topspin forehand. Sometimes, the ball would launch to the fence, others it would land short with nothing on it. I was going back and forth with the new '25 PD 98 and the previous model. The previous model felt much better when trying to hit a heavy forehand. Everything else, I prefer the new one. Feel, control, slice, flat hitting, etc.
I think it really depends on the strokes. When I hit with @bobeeto 's PD98, the first thing I noticed was how easy to generate the spin. From the first ball, I was like 'Oh boy, there's a lot of spin' and kinda high launch for me. Lots of power, I'd say it has more power than Ezone 98. It swings lighter than I thought, firm but not too harsh. Of course, these are just the first hit impression.
 

GabeFSU

Rookie
Yeah a 5 pt RA decrease is significant. It's into the Aero stiffness territory now :unsure:
There is a difference between strung & unstrung RA.
For example, with the PD98, I believe the 67 RA on TW site is for a strung racket & the same as the previous PD98.
I believe that the 72 unstrung RA is what is published on Babolat site for previous model.
Despite a similar/same measured RA a rackets construction & tech may still allow it to feel softer/harsher.
 
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TennisViking

Semi-Pro
66 RA (strung) for the standard 300g Pure Drive, sounds very , very interesting.

Really surprises me as I thought they would never make the Pure Drive less stiff. That brings it in line with the Ezone 100.

I will definitely need to test the new Pure Drive and also the 2025 version of the Ezone 100.

(Tennis Warehouse RA rating is of course not a ”proof” but they usually check several racquets and publish an average based on those racquets)
 

Alcawrath

Professional
The 67 strung RA on TW site is the same as the previous PD98.
I believe that the 72 unstrung RA is what is published on Babolat site for previous model.
Despite a similar/same measured RA a rackets construction & tech may still allow it to feel softer/harsher.
I didn't mention the pd98, I was talking about the standard pure drive. Last Gen was 71, current Gen is now 66. Hence the 5 pt difference
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
Anyone who has play tested the 2025 standard version of the Pure Drive, have you noticed any change in the power level ?

One would think that 66 RA strung should have some impact.

I remember with the 2020 edition of the Ezone 100, it was way stiffer than the 2022 version. I preferred the softer 2022 version but there was indeed a drop in power.
 

MatiasR

New User
Wow softest PD ever! Very curious to read reviews of how they play as they were on my radar next January.
 

McLovin

Legend
I suspect those stiffness numbers will come up as they get a larger sample set to measure from, so don't get too excited. I find it hard to image the new "normal" PD is 66 and the PD+ is 69 "by design". The target specs are likely the same, just that the samples they have now to measure from are on the lower side of the spec.
 

TennisViking

Semi-Pro
I suspect those stiffness numbers will come up as they get a larger sample set to measure from, so don't get too excited. I find it hard to image the new "normal" PD is 66 and the PD+ is 69 "by design". The target specs are likely the same, just that the samples they have now to measure from are on the lower side of the spec.
Good point. That could indeed be the case.

Personally if the Pure Drive would be close to 70 RA , unstrung, I would be interested. Anything over 71-72 starts to become too stiff for me, regardless of dampening tech.
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
For the regular pd or pd+ playtesters, how is the launch angle? Same as 18 and 21? I believe the drill pattern is the same and no tighter, right?
 

snoflewis

Legend
For the regular pd or pd+ playtesters, how is the launch angle? Same as 18 and 21? I believe the drill pattern is the same and no tighter, right?
It's definitely more open than the previous string patterns used pre-2018. Same main spacing as 2012 but more spaced out crosses. Launch angle is high, especially with the addedf flex/pocketing. Early impressions are a slightly softer and much less muted 2021 PD
 

snoflewis

Legend
Anyone who has play tested the 2025 standard version of the Pure Drive, have you noticed any change in the power level ?

One would think that 66 RA strung should have some impact.

I remember with the 2020 edition of the Ezone 100, it was way stiffer than the 2022 version. I preferred the softer 2022 version but there was indeed a drop in power.
It's not super obvious to me, but maybe a slight drop. Not nearly as much as the power drop from 2019 to 2023 PA.
 

gsinko1

Semi-Pro
For the regular pd or pd+ playtesters, how is the launch angle? Same as 18 and 21? I believe the drill pattern is the same and no tighter, right?
The standard PD has been pretty much the same as far as launch angle IME. I don't have an '18 or '21 anymore to compare but think they are the same drill pattern? Someone can correct me if I'm wrong there. I will say this one might feel a touch more predictable/consistent across the stringbed. It plays quite similarly to the '18 and '21 but with the feel going slightly back in the direction of the '15 and prior, which is a good thing (IMO)
 
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TheBoom

Hall of Fame
I‘m at around 10 hours with the PD 100, really good so far. It’s been a minute since I used the pure drive and I remember why I love the line so much. A little launchy, but that’s probably due to the string setup I’ve been using. Going to dial it in but I really like it, and it’s the most solid feeling pure drive I’ve used. I think a lot of it is due to the dampening tech, which I normally hate but I actually think it improves the pure drive quite a lot. Will submit my review next week once I have another 5-10 hours of hitting with it and another string job at a higher tension (been at 50 lbs so far)
 

TheBoom

Hall of Fame
For the regular pd or pd+ playtesters, how is the launch angle? Same as 18 and 21? I believe the drill pattern is the same and no tighter, right?
Launch angle feels about the same as what I remember the two prior generations of pure drive to be. If it’s different, it’s a marginal difference at best
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
For the regular pd or pd+ playtesters, how is the launch angle? Same as 18 and 21? I believe the drill pattern is the same and no tighter, right?
PD+ here. Feels slightly lower than the PD+21 to me, but my current main is the Pure Aero Rafa which has a relatively high launch angle. So probably a wash compared to prior gen.
 

McLovin

Legend
For the regular pd or pd+ playtesters, how is the launch angle? Same as 18 and 21? I believe the drill pattern is the same and no tighter, right?
PD+ here. Can’t speak to previous versions as I only used the ‘21 for a few hours 2+ years ago, but I feel it’s practically identical to my Blackout XTDs…if that helps at all…
 

TennisHound

Legend
I‘m at around 10 hours with the PD 100, really good so far. It’s been a minute since I used the pure drive and I remember why I love the line so much. A little launchy, but that’s probably due to the string setup I’ve been using. Going to dial it in but I really like it, and it’s the most solid feeling pure drive I’ve used. I think a lot of it is due to the dampening tech, which I normally hate but I actually think it improves the pure drive quite a lot. Will submit my review next week once I have another 5-10 hours of hitting with it and another string job at a higher tension (been at 50 lbs so far)
Im at 52lbs with the .17ga RPM Blast and it’s not launchy (to me) but very controlled hitting.
 

vndesu

Hall of Fame
Got to hit with one of the pure drive demos yesterday from a friend and strung it up at 56 with full confidential, and I was really impressed. Though I wish it had a bit more weight (making me want to try the plus, but I will be adding weight) it felt really stable and I was hitting some crazy backhands last night.
 

TheBoom

Hall of Fame
Im at 52lbs with the .17ga RPM Blast and it’s not launchy (to me) but very controlled hitting.
Interesting, I was thinking about stringing at 54 and going down from there if needed. I don’t use RPM and I remember it being a fairly stiff string, so I’ll probably need to go to 54 to get similar performance to what you’re describing
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
Hit again tonight, had this happen off an mis-hit. LA weather, and racket has been stored inside since getting it. Regular return miss, didn’t frame the ball. Thought I would flag it.@TW Staff @Babolat Official
Looks like such a clean break that it's probably a manufacturing defect.

Reminds me of cracked throat grommets I had on my old RDX500! But that frame was 20 years old!
 

ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
I find it to be super stable. The box beam around 10/2 and the higher swingweight really helps. Feels like there’s a lot of mass in the top of the racket head.

It’s stiff as stiff and still pretty thick on the beam, so there’s forgiveness on the off center shots, but there is a pretty small “sweet spot”.
There definitely is a supreme feeling when you connect well, but it’s not that different from off center hits.

I can’t speak to the PA98, but with all my thoughts, I would say just consider it a pure drive with a slightly lower launch angle and a little more point and shoot control
From the pictures it does not have a box beam, any where in the head.
Never mind, found some that show what it is.
 
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ClaudTT

Semi-Pro
https://ibb.co/Zmghh2t

Here’s some pics, shockingly the previous generation pd 98 looks to have a denser pattern in the middle of the frame and the Beam thickness looks about the same.
Thanks for your pics, I can see the modest box beam from 9 > ~11 ... would like to know how flex it feels comparatively to your Storm ( I have access to one).
 
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codonnell

Semi-Pro
Thanks for your pics, I can see the modest box beam from 9 > ~11 ... would like to know how flex it feels comparatively to you Storm ( I have access to one).
Not a problem at all. The box beam is still somewhat rounded and not completely flat like the storms. The aero storms are my main frame so it has “stiff” competition (pun intended). Both frames clock in at a 67 stiffness, but the pure drive 98 feels stiffer overall in the hoop and a bit clunkier in the throat to me than the aero storms do. I think the aero storms are a bit more comfortable and offer better touch but the pd98 is going to be more forgiving around the baseline and more stable at the net. Feel free to ask more questions about the differences of the 2, I am happy to answer and have 2 more playing sessions scheduled for this weekend.
 
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TheBoom

Hall of Fame
Why TW website says PD100 is in low-mid range in power, isn't this a high power frame by all means?
They’re probably gauging that on how much “free” power a frame has. I think they’re getting that metric from how fast you’re expected to swing a racket to tap into that power

For example, the Yonex Astrel requires less swing speed to tap into the power of the frame than the Pure Drive, than the Pure strike than the etc.
 

MatiasR

New User
Can anybody tell if the PD base model 2025 is less powerful than the 2021 version? TBH that reduction in stiffness has me worried...
 

topspn

G.O.A.T.
Why TW website says PD100 is in low-mid range in power, isn't this a high power frame by all means?
Yes, it's always been categorized by TW low-mid. Indeed, it is a powerful tweener, however there is a range of more oversized frames with more easy power available.
 

GabeFSU

Rookie
First hit with the new PD98 last night. Played a friendly doubles match amongst 4.0 usta players. I have been playing with the outgoing PD98 over the last month, so focusing on initial impressions comparing the two. Both had a hybrid multi/poly string job. Taking measurements, the static weight of the new PD98 was 3g heavier & swingweight was 319.8 for the new vs 313.4 for the old (with og and dampener in each).

New PD98 felt a little more solid on contact & more consistent stringbed. Serve felt heavier, but not faster. Same with volleys. The speed of maneuverability did feel slower thru the air, which impacted timing to contact the ball in front & applying spin on forehand and serves.

So, overall I really enjoyed the first hit & racket felt better on contact BUT wasn't thrilled to lose some racket head speed. That may simply be attributable to random racket specs where the old vs new I hit were 3g & 6.6 swingweight points different, when they are supposed to be the same. Timing may quickly improve on future hits or it may just be the spec I got, but then I wonder if feel was also enhanced due to weight?

Right now not sure if I like older or newer better. Will hit again Friday and report back. Unfortunate that static & swing weights were not the same b/c then comparison would truly be about the technical differences between models: string pattern, NF2 and beam design. It does look great and better in person vs online pics.
 
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Nojoke

Semi-Pro
First hit with the new PD98 last night. Played a friendly doubles match amongst 4.0 usta players. I have been playing with the outgoing PD98 over the last month, so focusing on initial impressions comparing the two. Both had a hybrid multi/poly string job. Taking measurements, the static weight of the new PD98 was 3g heavier & swingweight was 319.8 for the new vs 313.4 for the old (with og and dampener in each).

New PD98 felt a little more solid on contact & more consistent stringbed. Serve felt heavier, but not faster. Same with volleys. The speed of maneuverability did feel slower thru the air, which impacted timing to contact the ball in front & applying spin on forehand and serves.

So, overall I really enjoyed the first hit & racket felt better on contact BUT wasn't thrilled to lose some racket head speed. That may simply be attributable to random racket specs where the old vs new I hit were 3g & 6.6 swingweight points different, when they are supposed to be the same. Timing may quickly improve on future hits or it may just be the spec I got, but then I wonder if feel was also enhanced due to weight?

Right now not sure if I like older or newer better. Will hit again Friday and report back. Unfortunate that static & swing weights were not the same b/c then comparison would truly be about the technical differences between models: string pattern, NF2 and beam design. It does look great and better in person vs online pics.
Good info. How was stiffness and comfort compared to the old model? Thx.
 

Soundbyte

Hall of Fame
Pure Drive+ 2025 Review
Specs unstrung: 304, 32.1cm balance, 294 Swing weight, and Twist weight of 12.9. Strung swingweight is 328.
Comparison specs of my 2021 Pure Drive+ unstrung: 300g, 32cm balance, 297 swing weight, and twist weight of 12.5

String and tension used for test: Tru Pro Pure Rush Mains and Ghostwire crosses, both 17g
Tennis experience/background: 25 years playing, former tennis club president of a BigTen university program; currently USTA 4.5 rated
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): Lefty, aggressive serve; Try to mix it up and play attacking tennis.
Current racquet/string setups: Pure Aero Rafa 290 with a leather grip (300g total). No other mods. But that was on the tailend of a racket journey of 2023/2024 that included the Prestige Classic 2.0, Blade Pro, C10 Pro / PB10 Mid, and Boom Pro (and countless other rackets!). So I'm more of a "classic racket" player despite my current racket of choice.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? 10+

Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
-Groundstrokes: The highlight of this playtest is the groundstrokes. Forehands specifically. This is a perfect grip and rip racket. I got plenty of spin (not Aero levels), and launch angle felt slightly lower than prior gen. The extra length helps on the 2 handed backhand. Slices were adequate but sat up more than I would like. Very solid feeling, no wobbling. But power drops off dramatically if you catch the ball south of the sweetspot.
-Serves: Serves and an extended length Pure Drive are the benchmark for serving. Easy power, spin, placement. I still think its the gold standard. I'll take the feel of a solid contact players frame serve over the Pure Drive anyday, but the Pure Drive is what is giving be better results. I didn't modify my frame at all, but I think a bit of lead to help polarize it more would really open it up on serves.
-Volleys: Volleys are where I struggled the most with this frame. I just could seem to not launch them. I suspect the extended length slowed me down just a bit, but I would often find myself punching volleys long. I wouldn't even think to try a drop volley, as I just couldn't hone it in. Probably speaks more to me than the racket.
-Serve returns: The racket is very stable. No concerns with serve returns. Returns were flatter than with the Rafa, but overall no complaints. When given the opportunity, its a great frame for ripping returns.


Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control- This categorization always puzzles me. I consider most frames to be "power" frames, outside of the dying breed of mids like the Prestige. I would put this in the 7.5/10 for power. It packs a punch, but isn't an un-tameable rocket launcher. Control comes from spin, and the spin is there.
Top Spin/Slice- Compared to the Aero, it has less spin and a lower launch angle. But compared to every other 300-305g frame I've used, I'd say its very similar. My slices sat up a bit more than I prefer. But compared to say the Elevate, Blade, Boom Pro, Whiteout/Blackout, VCore 98...I'd say spin is very comparable.
Comfort - I've never been one to have comfort issues with a racket. The only exception was a Pure Aero Tour from the mid 2010s. The 2025 Pure Drive Plus is plenty comfortable. I think it pairs nicely with softer polys. Although I imagine it would also pair nicely with a deadened poly to really go after the spin.
Feel- I put rackets into 3 categories for feel: Hate, Love, or Fine. This is firmly in the fine camp. It's not terrible like prior gen Strikes, but its not love like a Prestige Classic, PS85, or Gravity Pro. I think manufacturers are finally moving away from the overly muted era of tennis rackets, and I'm happy about that.
Maneuverability - No issues here, other than on my volleys. Again, thats on me more than the frame. I played a good amount of doubles while playtesting this frame, which is probably why I'm highlighting my volley issues.
Stability - See above. Very stable thanks to the stiffness and beam width. I personally plan on adding a bit of weight down the road to see if I can kick it up a notch.

General reaction/comments on overall performance:
This is a win for Babolat. The Pure Drive is a modern classic, arguably "the" modern classic tennis frame. While it's lacked star power endorsements, its still a fantastic frame for the masses. For anyone looking for some extra free pop on their serve, I definitely recommend reaching for the Pure Drive Plus. This is a racket that can be used from anyone from a beginner all the way up to advanced players without issue. I'm personally curious how the Pure Drive 98 will review, as I think it will likely be the racket that higher level players may prefer. But in a world of disappearing extended lengths frames, this is probably the one I'd reach for personally. The new cosmetic is great. Looks better in person than online. I expect to see these on the courts for years to come.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, if you like to channel your inner Del Potro and hit big serves and big forehands, this is the perfect racket for you.

Thank you TW for the opportunity to participate in the playtest. Happy Holidays to everyone!
Future plans for me to tweak this frame: Add a few grams at 12 to bump up the SW closer to 338-340. I'm a sucker for leather grips too, but this frame is already fairly headlight, so I'll start with lead at 12 and then decide if additional handle weight is needed.
 
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