Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Strike 100

[TW Staff]

Attention Talk Tennis Members:

We have a very limited number of Pure Strike 100 racquets for a playtest. The racquets will ship out of our CA warehouse. 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 come with a set of RPM Rough Red 17 and XCel Black 17. The grip sizes are 4 ¼ and 4 3/8

Application period has closed. Chosen playtesters will be notified via email by Friday, May 31st.

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 participate you must post your findings in this thread by July 12, 2019 by 5 pm PST.

Posting a review by the deadline is necessary to remain in good standing for future playtests.

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:


TW Staff

PS- We will delete “request sent” emails, but encourage a lively “pre-game” discussion on Pure Strike racquets and/or quantum field theory.

 

[dr. godmode]

2020 Pure Strike featuring Quantum Cortex. Your ball will be both in and out until your opponent calls it.

 

[A_Instead]

"Enjoy" to those who get the golden opportunity..
These play tests are such a nice gesture from TW..

 

[n8dawg6]

intellesting. hope this one has a strung SW of 320-325ish.

 

[Red Hood]

I hope the hype is also real with this version.

 

[kblades]

Looking forward to seeing how this one compares to the rest of the lineup. I turned into a bit of a holic last year. Bought and played with the 2015 PD, 2018 PD, and PDVS last year before eventually switching to the PS 16x19. After adding lead to it, I’ve been really enjoying it, but will still try out this new PS to see how it stacks up against all of those.

Initially, it’s interesting they seem to be pushing the 100” version whereas the 98” has been the flagship PS model in the past. The current 100” version did not fare as well in the TW reviews and they definitely aren’t a big seller around my area. Everyone around here that wants a 100” Babolat go with the PD or PA.

But I’ve been following the other PS thread as well and a few people have commented they’ve had the chance to demo the new model but they’ve also mentioned it being the 100” version. And now the TW playtest is for the 100”.

If they do choose to make the 100” the flagship, it seems they are really starting to blur the different product lines especially after just releasing the 98” PDVS in an attempt to offer a more control oriented PD (which is what I always considered the PS line to be).


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[mhkeuns]

Sounds like a fun playtest. Can’t wait for the reviews.

 

[sp1derman]

Maybe this racquet has within the elusive graviton which pulls all balls to the sweet spot! Anyway, I'm curious if the racquet PJ looks as busy in person and it's power vs control for the low 50s poly users out there!

 

[M Pillai]

Another opportunity I have to pass for the time being. Have fun. I will watch this thread for the playtest experiences and reviews, but won't be able to participate for the time being. Really nice looking racket. The Pure Strike line is very popular among my tennis partners because of the ease of use and good balance of power and control.

 

[mhkeuns]

Maybe the Strike line will be 100" and plus, and the Strike VS line will occupy the 98" or less sizes.

 

[J B]

I want to test it against my 2014 PS. Id be willing to ship mine to someone if you want to test both. To the ones that get the test.

 

[Tennis_Monk]

I’m keenly watching this thread as I’m looking to switch from Aero to Strike. Before Aero I was on Pure drive. The quest for a perfect 100 inch racquet continues..

 

[A_Instead]

if you want a perfect 100.. that racket is out now.. Prince Textreme Tour 100P.. or the 310..

 

[danbrenner]

the new pj is gorgeous

 

[bleno567]

I've narrowed down my racquet search to the strike 100, Vcore pro 100, and the 100p. I'm very curious to learn the specs for the new strike 100 when it's released.

 

[ron schaap]

Hopefully heavier than previous versions which needed too much lead, but otherwise were nice racquets.
What has tennis to do with quantum theory? Einstein once said that god doesnt gamble. He was wrong, but unless there are actually quantum computers, quantum effects can not be observed in the normal world at the moment.

 

[topspn]

Gosh, I really enjoyed the playability of the p17 98 but was just a bit uncomfortable on my arm. Hope comfort is a bit better

 

[topspn]

What I can’t believe is Dominic Thiem plays a grip size 1/4

 

[J B]

Who says he does? Looks like a 3/8 from the thumb position on his grip.

 

[haqq777]

What I can’t believe is Dominic Thiem plays a grip size 1/4

He uses a custom molded grip to replicate HEAD style grip he used prior to switching over to Babolat. Always tricky to assign size to custom grips.

Who says he does? Looks like a 3/8 from the thumb position on his grip.

Official specs recently released by Babolat have him at grip size 2.5 which is between 1/4 and 3/8. According to various sources on this forum, he also uses a custom grip like I mentioned above.

 

[topspn]

He uses a custom molded grip to replicate HEAD style grip he used prior to switching over to Babolat. Always tricky to assign size to custom grips.

Official specs recently released by Babolat have him at grip size 2.5 which is between 1/4 and 3/8. According to various sources on this forum, he also uses a custom grip like I mentioned above.

Yes, he does but still even though custom but still tiny when you think of a guy 6’ 1” and Rafa too.

 

[haqq777]

Yes, he does but still even though custom but still tiny when you think of a guy 6’ 1” and Rafa too.

Yeah, I def see what you mean. Might be due to smaller grip being more conducive to spin generation perhaps. I personally don't feel comfortable going small and much rather have my true grip size. Stability suffers for me and racquet twists more than I like. But more spin because I guess racquet closes face more than usual on contact and hence more brushing action? Just have to remind myself to keep it loose otherwise it can hurt the arm too.

Anyway, I tried to find that official Babolat poster about Thiem specs but for the life of me can't find it anymore.

 

[topspn]

Here you go @haqq777

 

[J B]

He uses a custom molded grip to replicate HEAD style grip he used prior to switching over to Babolat. Always tricky to assign size to custom grips.

Official specs recently released by Babolat have him at grip size 2.5 which is between 1/4 and 3/8. According to various sources on this forum, he also uses a custom grip like I mentioned above.

I wish i could figure how to do that as well. The 3/8 is a little big but the 1/4 is definitely too small

 

[J B]

I've narrowed down my racquet search to the strike 100, Vcore pro 100, and the 100p. I'm very curious to learn the specs for the new strike 100 when it's released.

Same, i have the Vcore and want to see how the PS compares.

Is Thiem using a 18x20 or the 16x19?

 

[topspn]

Same, i have the Vcore and want to see how the PS compares.

Is Thiem using a 18x20 or the 16x19?

A 98 18x20

 

[bleno567]

I wish i could figure how to do that as well. The 3/8 is a little big but the 1/4 is definitely too small

I've been playing with a prince 4 1/2 most of my entire life. I've recently started experimenting with smaller grips. I have a strike 100 in 1/4, and it feels bigger than expected and pretty comfortable.

 

[J B]

I've been playing with a prince 4 1/2 most of my entire life. I've recently started experimenting with smaller grips. I have a strike 100 in 1/4, and it feels bigger than expected and pretty comfortable.

Than the prince? Wow. That is very interesting. I think about getting the 1/4 then building it up but then you mess with the weight.

 

[jonestim]

I wish i could figure how to do that as well. The 3/8 is a little big but the 1/4 is definitely too small

The current Pure Strikes ship with a Skin Feel grip on them, which is 1.55mm thick. If you replace it with a 1.70mm thick grip you should be able to get close to that middle ground. I will also occasionally wrap a layer of fiberglass mesh tape under the grip to get a tiny bit extra feel without adding weight.

 

[SOY78]

This is going to be fun and interesting

 

[kvan]

Excited to be a part of this playtest!

I remember all the hype around the original PO7 prior to release. Was working at a local country club at the time and when we got one of the prototypes we all definitely geeked out.

Never took the original for a long enough spin to gauge how well it would work for my game as I tend to use beefier and/or lower RA sticks, so this will be an interesting few weeks.

From what I remember I enjoyed the crisp feel and easy access to pop and spin. Think I like the og paintjob better than this new iteration, but we’ll see.

 

[haqq777]

I'm in. Can't wait to review this! I have two of the P17 Pure Strikes so this will be a great opportunity to compare. Thank you as always to Tennis Warehouse for giving all of us these opportunities to geek out. Much appreciated.

 

[topspn]

Lucky you, this sure is an interesting racquet to play test given how good the P17 was

 

[Bhagi Katbamna]

Excited to participate. I have a Pure Strike 98 16x19(the red and black version) so I cannot wait to put this racket through its paces.

Received the racket earlier today and have strung it with the supplied Babolat RPM rough at 55 lb. Planning to play tomorrow and usually what I do is to post and update after each time I play with the racket so that people have an idea of how it performs over the entire time I use it.


String and tension used for test: RPM blast rough at 55 lb

Tennis experience/background:
53 years old. Started with an aluminum racket like the Head red head(pro) and played varsity in high school. Playing regularly during college. Took a few years off during medical school but played regularly during residency and fellowship. Have improved significantly during the last 15-20 years c/w high school.

Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley):
All court but am more comfortable at baseline.

Current racquet/string setups:
Babolat Pure Drive 2015 with Kirschbaum Pro Line II mains and Gamma live wire crosses.
I also have a Pure Strike(black and red) 16x19 but that racket feels a little off balance to me. To me if feels heavier than it is and a bit sluggish to swing.

How many hours did you play with the racquet?
8 so far playing doubles. One and a half hour singles.


Comments on racquet performance:
-Groundstrokes:
The balance felt right to me and allowed me to swing really fast. There were no problems hitting back balls with spin and pace. I was able to whip through the ball on the forehand. Playing longer with the racket the characteristics have not changed.
Forehand:
The launch angle was the same as my regular racket and I was able to hit the ball over the height of the net that I wanted without having to adjust my swing. There were no surprise hot spots or dead spots. I was able to hit with spin when I needed to and hit flat put-away shots without difficulty. The innate power of the racket itself felt a bit less than my pure drive but being lighter I could take bigger swings and didn't feel that my shots were slower or less heavy.
Control was really good as well. I could place the ball consistently where I wanted to. Still great spin as well.
Backhand:
I have a one handed backhand and I really, really enjoyed using this racket. I have a tendency to not accelerate through the ball or stop short on the backhand. With this racket I felt good taking big swings because the balance felt really good. I could hit really spinny, heavy backhands as well as biting slices. Power felt a little less but again, I wanted to and could swing faster. If I fall back into the habit of not fully swinging, the ball can land short. Again the control was really good as well.

-Serves:
The lighter weight made serving a pleasure. The pure drive is a monster on serves and I would say this racket give less pace than a pure drive everything else being equal. Control was excellent. I could hit all of the spots I wanted to without any problem. I had great kick on my second serves and great lefty slice on the ad-court as well.
-Volleys:
The light weight and balance made volleys and reflex volleys very easy to hit. I didn't feel that the racket was being pushed around by hard shots at the net. Feel was excellent on drop volleys. The maneuverability was also very helpful.

-Overheads
A pleasure. It was easy to get solid contact and put away lobs.

-Serve returns:
This was the only area where the lower weight of the racket was a negative for me. On some hard serves it was hard to get depth. As I use this racket more, I'll be interested in seeing if this is something that is consistent or will improve as I get used to the racket. Still having issues with getting depth on reflex shots. A little lead might be good. Still struggling with depth on the returns. I think that stringing looser will help or even hybrid stringing.
Feel: As with control, I was able to hit drop volleys and lobs with good feel. I didn't feel like the ball got away from me.
General reaction/comments on overall performance:
So far I have really enjoyed using this racket. The balance feels correct to me and I can take fast swings use spin to control the ball and put it where I want. Comfort is good as well. I used to have arm problems but due to doing tennis elbow exercises in the past I can pretty much use any racket without problems.
If I could change one thing I would have strung the racket a little looser or use hybrid string with a multi filament cross. I would also add a leather grip.

The racket looks great too.


I'd like to thank tenniswarehouse and Babolat for allowing me to be a part of the play test.

 

[haqq777]

Excited to be a part of this playtest!

I remember all the hype around the original PO7 prior to release. Was working at a local country club at the time and when we got one of the prototypes we all definitely geeked out.

Never took the original for a long enough spin to gauge how well it would work for my game as I tend to use beefier and/or lower RA sticks, so this will be an interesting few weeks.

From what I remember I enjoyed the crisp feel and easy access to pop and spin. Think I like the og paintjob better than this new iteration, but we’ll see.

Great to see you in the Pure Strike 100 playtest @kvan - I'm with you on the PJ for this one. I think the Project One Seven had a great PJ and this might be a bit busier looking PJ. But lets wait and see. I will post a ton of pics so everyone can see.

 

[kblades]

Congrats to those of you that got in. Will be following this one closely and looking forward to your feedback!


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[kvan]

Great to see you in the Pure Strike 100 playtest @kvan - if my memory serves me right, we were both in the Black Prostaff RF97 playtest as well way back in 2016. That was an awesome playtest.

I'm with you on the PJ for this one. I think the Project One Seven had a great PJ and this might be a bit busier looking PJ. But lets wait and see. I will post a ton of pics so everyone can see.

Yup, 3 short years ago. Made me switch to the RF97 then, (from a 2012 C10 Pro and modified 1st Generation Pure Strike 98 16x19,) and I continue to play with it today and am very familiar with that stick.

Almost forgot I used to use that 1st Gen Pure Strike. In stock form I think it got pushed around a bit too much and I think they addressed the stability issues well in the Project One7. A big upgrade from that first iteration imo.

The new paintjob on this third iteration really reminds me too much of the old Pure Storm Ltd GT (below), which I demo’d nearly 5 years ago. Didn’t like that frame too much, but I’ll try and not let that get in the way of this playtest.

 

[fundrazer]

So I was also selected for the playtest. Thanks TW for the opportunity.

 

[bleno567]

So I'm about 85% sure this or the current version of the strike will be my next racquet. Very excited to hear those selected for the test compare and contrast.

 

[bleno567]

Than the prince? Wow. That is very interesting. I think about getting the 1/4 then building it up but then you mess with the weight.

I'm sorry. I'm not sure I understood your response earlier. No not bigger than the prince. The 1/4 just feels bigger than I expected.

 

[haqq777]

Yup, 3 short years ago. Made me switch to the RF97 then, (from a 2012 C10 Pro and modified 1st Generation Pure Strike 98 16x19,) and I continue to play with it today and am very familiar with that stick.

Almost forgot I used to use that 1st Gen Pure Strike. In stock form I think it got pushed around a bit too much and I think they addressed the stability issues well in the Project One7. A big upgrade from that first iteration imo.

The new paintjob on this third iteration really reminds me too much of the old Pure Storm Ltd GT (below), which I demo’d nearly 5 years ago. Didn’t like that frame too much, but I’ll try and not let that get in the way of this playtest.

Yes, Pure Storm is a GOAT frame. The LTD which you posted a pic of is nice too, but I much prefer the PSTGT which is a slightly bigger head size and is 16x20 (LTD being 95 sq inch head size and 18x20). The 2009 GT is my favorite iteration (and the one after that is good too).

I did not care much for the Carbon Xtreme version before the GT ones and then the Pure Control after the Pure Storms (the swirly Pure Controls circa 2001 were amazing though, have two of those as well).

Here are two of PSTGT from my stash, third one is my backup in my car bag. The paint scheme is definitely similar to this new Pure Strike.

 

[tennisgurl]

Good luck to all playtesters. I did not get in but really excited to hear the playtesters thoughts. Have any of the playtesters received their racquets yet? Would love to see some pics and hear about initial impressions..

 

[haqq777]

Hi @TW Staff

Just wondering if the test racquets have been shipped? I usually receive a notification from My Choice UPS but haven't yet. Email mentioned review due date is June 28th so just checking.

Thanks

 

[TW Staff]

haqq777,

Racquets will be shipped out tomorrow.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

 

[topspn]

Good luck guys, pretty curious on reactions to this frame

 

[haqq777]

haqq777,

Racquets will be shipped out tomorrow.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW

Thank you for the update, Brittany. Look forrward to receiving the racquet.

 

[TennisManiac]

Is this demo just the 100? Or are there any 98's being sent out?

 

[djkahn86]

Is this demo just the 100? Or are there any 98's being sent out?

I'm not certain they made 98s?

Pure Strike 100 and Pure Strike Team is all i can find

 

[TennisManiac]

I'm not certain they made 98s?

Pure Strike 100 and Pure Strike Team is all i can find

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...t-pure-strike-project-two-zero-thread.634509/

 

[TW Staff]

This playtest is just for the Pure Strike 100. There will be a 98 message board playtest in 6-8 weeks. There will be 5 racquets launching in the Pure Strike lineup in mid August.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW