Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Strike 2024 (98 16x19 and 100 16x20)
- Thread starter TW Staff
- Start date
Are any of you successfully using 16 gauge full poly stringing on the Strike 16x20?
I used the Strike for about a month with the Tourna big hitter silver 7 tour 16, even though it is a rather stiff string, I had to tighten the strings to 25/24 kg to feel the right control.
I recently switched to the same string but 16 gauge and I can play with the same effectiveness even with 23/22 kg tension.
Furthermore the frame has gained a bit of stability. Am I "atypical" or has anyone had a similar experience?
I've been using the Blade v8 18x20 for 2 years and I don't rule out the possibility that I tried to get closer to those levels of control, without losing too much power...
(sorry for my poor English, I'm Italian
)
I used the Strike for about a month with the Tourna big hitter silver 7 tour 16, even though it is a rather stiff string, I had to tighten the strings to 25/24 kg to feel the right control.
I recently switched to the same string but 16 gauge and I can play with the same effectiveness even with 23/22 kg tension.
Furthermore the frame has gained a bit of stability. Am I "atypical" or has anyone had a similar experience?
I've been using the Blade v8 18x20 for 2 years and I don't rule out the possibility that I tried to get closer to those levels of control, without losing too much power...
(sorry for my poor English, I'm Italian
)@Adedalo77 - Perhaps its providence that you should ask that question now, as I was just about to bump this thread with quite an update of my own, which will include addressing string gauge. Short answer: you're not alone, and 16 gauge poly in the 100 16x20 has been great -- more face weight, less flex / waviness to the string bed when swinging big, all-around better control. More below...
@Fighting phoenix, @Cowboy, @gino, @taydbear7, @SinneGOAT, @naturalexponent, @curtstead, @Brando, and/or others who were testers or have been following / thinking about the Strikes, I have what I think is a fairly significant update. If you recall, my initial playtest sample from TW was a fair amount over-spec (unstrung: 307g / 31.7cm / 304sw), and it played with a somewhat-lumbering Blade Pro -esque-ness to it, which wasn't really what I was looking for. Long story short, I liked the base qualities enough to pursue a second, more on-spec frame. Unfortunately, TW's units were all over-spec, so I ended up pulling one from a competitor (let's just call them "TE") and it was more or less dead nuts on: 305g / 31cm / 292sw -- a hair low on the balance point for preserving enough tip awareness if/when adding weight to the handle, but workable enough.
And the result? A drastic difference in general ease/speed of play and maneuvering, while retaining the same amount of hoop stability, energy-response and string bed consistency of the first sample. I'm actually a bit in awe. The thing flexes (in the neck at least) almost as much as a VCore Pro on contact, but returns energy like a Textreme Tour 100 310, yet has a precision level close to that of a Radical MP. Versus my main axe for the last 2-ish years, the Aux 1.0 Prestige MP-L, the S100-16x20 feels slightly more cumbersome in preparation and through the air (mainly due to the more burly 23mm mid/lower beam) but the racquet face is more forgiving and the output (at similar string bed stiffness) is more composed and reliable, I think owing mainly to the layup/beam combo, higher amount of parallel drilling and center mains that are 1/4" shorter than the MP-L, so there's less "loose ripple" in the center of the string bed. All of that, with a sweet spot that is roughly 1.5-2x larger yet somehow just as well-defined, more off-center forgiveness and a hoop shape that offers more "swiping room" between 10 & 2, and more "jamming forgiveness" between 8 & 4, with fewer pure shanks around those corners, leading to more balls back in play more often, especially when returning.
That said, it has definitely needed customization to get the swing physics inline with what I want. Right out of the box with just an over grip and 36sw points worth of poly, the MGR/i (~20.3) was forcing a way loopier swing than I wanted, and the recoil weight (mid-160's) wasn't providing enough resistance to my own levers/strength (6'2", 36"-ish reach, still strong adult male). To address, my main move was to add 10g of lead tape to the neck, to bring static up and de-polarize, without altering the balance point too much, plus .5g lead at 12, a Volkl V-Dry over grip, and Gamma Ocho Silver 1.30 / Head Hawk Black 1.30 at 53/50 lbs lockout (so ~50/47 constant pull), and my "signature" dampener (half a neckband, knotted around the center two-most mains, for only 1g/.5sw point addition), for a current spec of 341g/31.6cm/331.5sw/173rw/20.6mgr/i (click to enlarge):
As for the string setup, I've definitely found that slightly thicker, beefier, more calm/composed strings lend this frame a world of good (agree with you, @Adedalo77). I also like the frame's ability to accomodate just about as crisp/firm a setup as you can think up, including Ocho 1.30 / Hawk 1.30, although I'm not wild about adding 36sw points, but for the amount of plow-through, control over excessive flex and overall beefiness added, I'll take the trade for now. Perhaps I can find a lighter-weight string bed that still maintains most or all of those benefits, be it a hybrid strung higher, or whatever. We'll see.
Moving beyond most of the geek-ery, the thing I'm simply most excited about is the power and depth I can achieve at lower effort/exhaustion levels, while gaining more overall reliability (especially on the OHBH) and not giving up that much, if anything, to get there. Granted, it's only been a couple sessions at the newly dialed-in spec, but this thing gives me renewed vigor in trying to combine the vast majority of precise attacking ability of the 97D's and 95" Prestiges of the world, but in a more forgiving package that makes it considerably easier to defend with and play better on more surfaces/conditions, all while lowering my exhaustion levels. So far, the signs are promising that the Strike 100 16x20 could be "the one" to do it, more so than any other pleener I've tried in recent memory. And that's saying a lot, because I've tried close to everything else out there.
Last comment: for anyone thinking of pulling the trigger on a Strike Gen4, I would implore you do so only via a matching service, at TW or elsewhere. A 12 swing weight point spread, while certainly not the biggest that's ever been seen, could quite literally mean the difference between something wonderful and something almost unplayable. Alas, it is what it is, so better to know up-front from someone who's been through it firsthand.
Needless to say, I'm encourage to see where this ends up. More updates to follow as soon as I can.
@Fighting phoenix, @Cowboy, @gino, @taydbear7, @SinneGOAT, @naturalexponent, @curtstead, @Brando, and/or others who were testers or have been following / thinking about the Strikes, I have what I think is a fairly significant update. If you recall, my initial playtest sample from TW was a fair amount over-spec (unstrung: 307g / 31.7cm / 304sw), and it played with a somewhat-lumbering Blade Pro -esque-ness to it, which wasn't really what I was looking for. Long story short, I liked the base qualities enough to pursue a second, more on-spec frame. Unfortunately, TW's units were all over-spec, so I ended up pulling one from a competitor (let's just call them "TE") and it was more or less dead nuts on: 305g / 31cm / 292sw -- a hair low on the balance point for preserving enough tip awareness if/when adding weight to the handle, but workable enough.
And the result? A drastic difference in general ease/speed of play and maneuvering, while retaining the same amount of hoop stability, energy-response and string bed consistency of the first sample. I'm actually a bit in awe. The thing flexes (in the neck at least) almost as much as a VCore Pro on contact, but returns energy like a Textreme Tour 100 310, yet has a precision level close to that of a Radical MP. Versus my main axe for the last 2-ish years, the Aux 1.0 Prestige MP-L, the S100-16x20 feels slightly more cumbersome in preparation and through the air (mainly due to the more burly 23mm mid/lower beam) but the racquet face is more forgiving and the output (at similar string bed stiffness) is more composed and reliable, I think owing mainly to the layup/beam combo, higher amount of parallel drilling and center mains that are 1/4" shorter than the MP-L, so there's less "loose ripple" in the center of the string bed. All of that, with a sweet spot that is roughly 1.5-2x larger yet somehow just as well-defined, more off-center forgiveness and a hoop shape that offers more "swiping room" between 10 & 2, and more "jamming forgiveness" between 8 & 4, with fewer pure shanks around those corners, leading to more balls back in play more often, especially when returning.
That said, it has definitely needed customization to get the swing physics inline with what I want. Right out of the box with just an over grip and 36sw points worth of poly, the MGR/i (~20.3) was forcing a way loopier swing than I wanted, and the recoil weight (mid-160's) wasn't providing enough resistance to my own levers/strength (6'2", 36"-ish reach, still strong adult male). To address, my main move was to add 10g of lead tape to the neck, to bring static up and de-polarize, without altering the balance point too much, plus .5g lead at 12, a Volkl V-Dry over grip, and Gamma Ocho Silver 1.30 / Head Hawk Black 1.30 at 53/50 lbs lockout (so ~50/47 constant pull), and my "signature" dampener (half a neckband, knotted around the center two-most mains, for only 1g/.5sw point addition), for a current spec of 341g/31.6cm/331.5sw/173rw/20.6mgr/i (click to enlarge):
As for the string setup, I've definitely found that slightly thicker, beefier, more calm/composed strings lend this frame a world of good (agree with you, @Adedalo77). I also like the frame's ability to accomodate just about as crisp/firm a setup as you can think up, including Ocho 1.30 / Hawk 1.30, although I'm not wild about adding 36sw points, but for the amount of plow-through, control over excessive flex and overall beefiness added, I'll take the trade for now. Perhaps I can find a lighter-weight string bed that still maintains most or all of those benefits, be it a hybrid strung higher, or whatever. We'll see.
Moving beyond most of the geek-ery, the thing I'm simply most excited about is the power and depth I can achieve at lower effort/exhaustion levels, while gaining more overall reliability (especially on the OHBH) and not giving up that much, if anything, to get there. Granted, it's only been a couple sessions at the newly dialed-in spec, but this thing gives me renewed vigor in trying to combine the vast majority of precise attacking ability of the 97D's and 95" Prestiges of the world, but in a more forgiving package that makes it considerably easier to defend with and play better on more surfaces/conditions, all while lowering my exhaustion levels. So far, the signs are promising that the Strike 100 16x20 could be "the one" to do it, more so than any other pleener I've tried in recent memory. And that's saying a lot, because I've tried close to everything else out there.
Last comment: for anyone thinking of pulling the trigger on a Strike Gen4, I would implore you do so only via a matching service, at TW or elsewhere. A 12 swing weight point spread, while certainly not the biggest that's ever been seen, could quite literally mean the difference between something wonderful and something almost unplayable. Alas, it is what it is, so better to know up-front from someone who's been through it firsthand.
Needless to say, I'm encourage to see where this ends up. More updates to follow as soon as I can.
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@Adedalo77 - Perhaps its providence that you should ask that question now, as I was just about to bump this thread with quite an update of my own, which will include addressing string gauge. Short answer: you're not alone, and 16 gauge poly in the 100 16x20 has been great -- more face weight, less flex / waviness to the string bed when swinging big, all-around better control. More below...
@Fighting phoenix, @Cowboy, @gino, @taydbear7, @SinneGOAT, @naturalexponent, @curtstead, @Brando, and/or others who were testers or have been following / thinking about the Strikes, I have what I think is a fairly significant update. If you recall, my initial playtest sample from TW was a fair amount over-spec (unstrung: 307g / 31.7cm / 304sw), and it played with a somewhat-lumbering Blade Pro -esque-ness to it, which wasn't really what I was looking for. Long story short, I liked the base qualities enough to pursue a second, more on-spec frame. Unfortunately, TW's units were all over-spec, so I ended up pulling one from a competitor (let's just call them "TE") and it was more or less dead nuts on: 305g / 31cm / 292sw -- a hair low on the balance point for preserving enough tip awareness if/when adding weight to the handle, but workable enough.
And the result? A drastic difference in general ease/speed of play and maneuvering, while retaining the same amount of hoop stability, energy-response and string bed consistency of the first sample. I'm actually a bit in awe. The thing flexes (in the neck at least) almost as much as a VCore Pro on contact, but returns energy like a Textreme Tour 100 310, yet has a precision level close to that of a Radical MP. Versus my main axe for the last 2-ish years, the Aux 1.0 Prestige MP-L, the S100-16x20 feels slightly more cumbersome in preparation and through the air (mainly due to the more burly 23mm mid/lower beam) but the racquet face is more forgiving and the output (at similar string bed stiffness) is more composed and reliable, I think owing mainly to the layup/beam combo, higher amount of parallel drilling and center mains that are 1/4" shorter than the MP-L, so there's less "loose ripple" in the center of the string bed. All of that, with a sweet spot that is roughly 1.5-2x larger yet somehow just as well-defined, more off-center forgiveness and a hoop shape that offers more "swiping room" between 10 & 2, and more "jamming forgiveness" between 8 & 4, with fewer pure shanks around those corners, leading to more balls back in play more often, especially when returning.
That said, it has definitely needed customization to get the swing physics inline with what I want. Right out of the box with just an over grip and 36sw points worth of poly, the MGR/i (~20.3) was forcing a way loopier swing than I wanted, and the recoil weight (mid-160's) wasn't providing enough resistance to my own levers/strength (6'2", 36"-ish reach, still strong adult male). To address, my main move was to add 10g of lead tape to the neck, to bring static up and de-polarize, without altering the balance point too much, plus .5g lead at 12, a Volkl V-Dry over grip, and Gamma Ocho Silver 1.30 / Head Hawk Black 1.30 at 53/50 lbs lockout (so ~50/47 constant pull), and my "signature" dampener (half a neckband, knotted around the center two-most mains, for only 1g/.5sw point addition), for a current spec of 341g/31.6cm/331.5sw/173rw/20.6mgr/i (click to enlarge):
As for the string setup, I've definitely found that slightly thicker, beefier, more calm/composed strings lend this frame a world of good (agree with you, @Adedalo77). I also like the frame's ability to accomodate just about as crisp/firm a setup as you can think up, including Ocho 1.30 / Hawk 1.30, although I'm not wild about adding 36sw points, but for the amount of plow-through, control over excessive flex and overall beefiness added, I'll take the trade for now. Perhaps I can find a lighter-weight string bed that still maintains most or all of those benefits, be it a hybrid strung higher, or whatever. We'll see.
Moving beyond most of the geek-ery, the thing I'm simply most excited about is the power and depth I can achieve at lower effort/exhaustion levels, while gaining more overall reliability (especially on the OHBH) and not giving up that much, if anything, to get there. Granted, it's only been a couple sessions at the newly dialed-in spec, but this thing gives me renewed vigor in trying to combine the vast majority of precise attacking ability of the 97D's and 95" Prestiges of the world, but in a more forgiving package that makes it considerably easier to defend with and play better on more surfaces/conditions, all while lowering my exhaustion levels. So far, the signs are promising that the Strike 100 16x20 could be "the one" to do it, more so than any other pleener I've tried in recent memory. And that's saying a lot, because I've tried close to everything else out there.
Last comment: for anyone thinking of pulling the trigger on a Strike Gen4, I would implore you do so only via a matching service, at TW or elsewhere. A 12 swing weight point spread, while certainly not the biggest that's ever been seen, could quite literally mean the difference between something wonderful and something almost unplayable. Alas, it is what it is, so better to know up-front from someone who's been through it firsthand.
Needless to say, I'm encourage to see where this ends up. More updates to follow as soon as I can.
I would say a more than exhaustive answer, I'm happy that my feelings were also reflected in other players, I thought I was "crazy". I also confirm, from direct experience, the problem of Babolat's very poor level of quality control. I purchased my two frames online and they have very different specifications that I tried to match in a "homemade" way by intervening in the handle and with lead tape to the neck. Thanks again for your feedback!
ChanterRacquet
Professional
What I think is funny is for all you guys who pay for the matching service, none of that data ever gets shared publicly by TW. Sure would be nice for TW to add and update unstrung averages with each matching service if for no other reason than how out of whack their current strung specs are and will persist to be because it’s only informed by a few frames when the product is new.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Agreed, and I will also add that we should advocate for them to publish a standard deviation - the larger the number, the worse the QC which would be helpful knowing that the "average" on spec number might be very hard to obtain given the sometimes wild swings in numbers above and below the target range.
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Nice! I've been experimenting now and then with other frames, since it took me a while to land on this 16x20 PS and I'm still surprised that I chose this, but I agree 100% with your assessments on the strengths of the frame. The matching racquets I ordered are all around 6-7 pts headlight strung, and 295sw unstrung, so depending on the strings my sw is landing a little higher than yours are @Trip , and I've been stringing mostly in the 1.20 gauge range full bed poly (sometimes 1.25).@Adedalo77 - Perhaps its providence that you should ask that question now, as I was just about to bump this thread with quite an update of my own, which will include addressing string gauge. Short answer: you're not alone, and 16 gauge poly in the 100 16x20 has been great -- more face weight, less flex / waviness to the string bed when swinging big, all-around better control. More below...
@Fighting phoenix, @Cowboy, @gino, @taydbear7, @SinneGOAT, @naturalexponent, @curtstead, @Brando, and/or others who were testers or have been following / thinking about the Strikes, I have what I think is a fairly significant update. If you recall, my initial playtest sample from TW was a fair amount over-spec (unstrung: 307g / 31.7cm / 304sw), and it played with a somewhat-lumbering Blade Pro -esque-ness to it, which wasn't really what I was looking for. Long story short, I liked the base qualities enough to pursue a second, more on-spec frame. Unfortunately, TW's units were all over-spec, so I ended up pulling one from a competitor (let's just call them "TE") and it was more or less dead nuts on: 305g / 31cm / 292sw -- a hair low on the balance point for preserving enough tip awareness if/when adding weight to the handle, but workable enough.
And the result? A drastic difference in general ease/speed of play and maneuvering, while retaining the same amount of hoop stability, energy-response and string bed consistency of the first sample. I'm actually a bit in awe. The thing flexes (in the neck at least) almost as much as a VCore Pro on contact, but returns energy like a Textreme Tour 100 310, yet has a precision level close to that of a Radical MP. Versus my main axe for the last 2-ish years, the Aux 1.0 Prestige MP-L, the S100-16x20 feels slightly more cumbersome in preparation and through the air (mainly due to the more burly 23mm mid/lower beam) but the racquet face is more forgiving and the output (at similar string bed stiffness) is more composed and reliable, I think owing mainly to the layup/beam combo, higher amount of parallel drilling and center mains that are 1/4" shorter than the MP-L, so there's less "loose ripple" in the center of the string bed. All of that, with a sweet spot that is roughly 1.5-2x larger yet somehow just as well-defined, more off-center forgiveness and a hoop shape that offers more "swiping room" between 10 & 2, and more "jamming forgiveness" between 8 & 4, with fewer pure shanks around those corners, leading to more balls back in play more often, especially when returning.
That said, it has definitely needed customization to get the swing physics inline with what I want. Right out of the box with just an over grip and 36sw points worth of poly, the MGR/i (~20.3) was forcing a way loopier swing than I wanted, and the recoil weight (mid-160's) wasn't providing enough resistance to my own levers/strength (6'2", 36"-ish reach, still strong adult male). To address, my main move was to add 10g of lead tape to the neck, to bring static up and de-polarize, without altering the balance point too much, plus .5g lead at 12, a Volkl V-Dry over grip, and Gamma Ocho Silver 1.30 / Head Hawk Black 1.30 at 53/50 lbs lockout (so ~50/47 constant pull), and my "signature" dampener (half a neckband, knotted around the center two-most mains, for only 1g/.5sw point addition), for a current spec of 341g/31.6cm/331.5sw/173rw/20.6mgr/i (click to enlarge):
As for the string setup, I've definitely found that slightly thicker, beefier, more calm/composed strings lend this frame a world of good (agree with you, @Adedalo77). I also like the frame's ability to accomodate just about as crisp/firm a setup as you can think up, including Ocho 1.30 / Hawk 1.30, although I'm not wild about adding 36sw points, but for the amount of plow-through, control over excessive flex and overall beefiness added, I'll take the trade for now. Perhaps I can find a lighter-weight string bed that still maintains most or all of those benefits, be it a hybrid strung higher, or whatever. We'll see.
Moving beyond most of the geek-ery, the thing I'm simply most excited about is the power and depth I can achieve at lower effort/exhaustion levels, while gaining more overall reliability (especially on the OHBH) and not giving up that much, if anything, to get there. Granted, it's only been a couple sessions at the newly dialed-in spec, but this thing gives me renewed vigor in trying to combine the vast majority of precise attacking ability of the 97D's and 95" Prestiges of the world, but in a more forgiving package that makes it considerably easier to defend with and play better on more surfaces/conditions, all while lowering my exhaustion levels. So far, the signs are promising that the Strike 100 16x20 could be "the one" to do it, more so than any other pleener I've tried in recent memory. And that's saying a lot, because I've tried close to everything else out there.
Last comment: for anyone thinking of pulling the trigger on a Strike Gen4, I would implore you do so only via a matching service, at TW or elsewhere. A 12 swing weight point spread, while certainly not the biggest that's ever been seen, could quite literally mean the difference between something wonderful and something almost unplayable. Alas, it is what it is, so better to know up-front from someone who's been through it firsthand.
Needless to say, I'm encourage to see where this ends up. More updates to follow as soon as I can.
I'll try your suggestion and see how it plays with a 1.30, but I'll note that my favorite string so far is head lynx tour, which is already probably close to 1.30 in their 1.25 gauge. For now, it's the perfect balance for me of plow, easy depth, maneuverability, forgiveness, but with still very good directional control. My only two slight gripes are that at the net sometimes it isn't as stable as I want it to be (although that could be me), and although I get plenty of kick and spin on my serves, it's not as powerful as other racquets in a similar sample of racquets (ie regular strike 100, strike 98 16x19, PA 98)
jimdontcare
Semi-Pro
Wow.
I hear you there. Everything is a trade off. I'd be keen to grab a regular 100 16x19 at some point, shooting for the lowest SW and balance point they can find, and compare the 16x20 and 16x19 at the same strung spec. I'm always on the hunt for the most amount of controllable power without reducing precision, and I wonder if I could push the limits even further with the 100 16x19, without overdoing it.
I know; seems like a bit of an overdone analogy, but I think it's pretty accurate. You can really feel the flex, but also the energy return, and the precision is solid. It's not that much less precise than a VCP/Percept 97 or Radical MP/Pro, but significantly more forgiving, reliable and flat out easier to play with, especially when your time is taken away and/or you're stretched on defense. That's a fairly decent net-positive difference, for most players anyways.
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Ombudsman
Rookie
So finally had the time to spend on an extended demo after a few work related interruptions, and settled on the PS100 16x19. I loved my PS98 but it caused arm/shoulder issues. I’ve been trying to find a pain free alternative to the PS 98 since and it’s been a promising start.
Demos all had Babolat xAlt 16 - unknown tension. All 3 racquets a touch over-spec but not unreasonable. All played stock.
Played about 10 hours this month (a lot for me) with both PS100s and the 98 16x19. My biggest concern was arm health and so far, outside of a little fatigue and general achiness (mostly due to the 98 I think), I’ve been surprisingly and happily pain free. Flax fibers seem work!
Third impression- the latest generation has that familiar ‘thudiness’ but in a good way and I adjusted to it quickly. The 98 was just too much for me, although I had no complaints about its performance. I found the 100 16x19 just a little easier to use than the 16x20 and provided added power on both sides (yes, the inside out forehand is awesome). THBH was effortless as was the serve. No issues with stability.
I’ve just ordered a relatively on-spec PS100 16x19 with TF X1 1.30 in red @50. Super excited to hopefully find that thing…
Demos all had Babolat xAlt 16 - unknown tension. All 3 racquets a touch over-spec but not unreasonable. All played stock.
Played about 10 hours this month (a lot for me) with both PS100s and the 98 16x19. My biggest concern was arm health and so far, outside of a little fatigue and general achiness (mostly due to the 98 I think), I’ve been surprisingly and happily pain free. Flax fibers seem work!
Third impression- the latest generation has that familiar ‘thudiness’ but in a good way and I adjusted to it quickly. The 98 was just too much for me, although I had no complaints about its performance. I found the 100 16x19 just a little easier to use than the 16x20 and provided added power on both sides (yes, the inside out forehand is awesome). THBH was effortless as was the serve. No issues with stability.
I’ve just ordered a relatively on-spec PS100 16x19 with TF X1 1.30 in red @50. Super excited to hopefully find that thing…
netlets
Professional
I recently switched to the 16x20 and am really happy with it. I wanted a softer racquet than my PS 98 16x19 with a bit more free power and this was perfect. It didn’t take too much time adjust since both are Strikes. This racquet is much better on my shoulder due to the flex and lower RA. One thing where I differ is I thought 52 lbs with RPM rough16 was way too stiff. I use an edgy poly at 47 - may go down to 45. The ball pocketing is far better and I don’t lose any control. I tried 52 only because it was a demo. I don’t know what my swing weight is - both of my racquets were on spec at 305 unstrung. I feel like they are easier to swing than my 98s though - better on serve because I can snap my wrist easier. Also, getting major kick on my second serve and no problem at all getting massive spin on my groundies. I always felt that was more technique than racquet as I have always generated heavy top spin after adjusting to a particular racquet.
JFrijhoff
Rookie
Had a first hit and impression with the three rackets. Strung Toroline Wasabi in the 100D and Gravity Tour 23/22 kg, the PS 100 16x20 still had RPM blast 22kg as bought secondhand because didn't have time to restring at that point (had notches in the strings already).
Overall I seemed to play best with the Gravity Tour, but there is bias there because I've been hitting mainly with the Gravity MP and Pro for the past few months so not much adjustment period needed probably. The Percept definitely is stiffer/crisper (no pain), but had the least power of the two. I had trouble controlling depth and power with the PS as balls were sometimes sailing out on me, but had the easier power and spin out of the three for me. Next I'll focus on one racket at a time in my hitting sessions for the next weeks.
Just a quick update. This might be my current favorite racquet. Despite having 4 Blades in my bag, I've been playing matches with this frame and Head Velocity Power. These two match very well...at least for my game.
One of my biggest complaints when doing the playtest was the number of shots that hit the top of the net and dropped on my side. That was with my normal hybrid setup. Using the full bed HVP, the launch angle matches that of my Blades, but has some very nice touch and spin. Not to mention the comfort. This is a supreme setup!
One of my biggest complaints when doing the playtest was the number of shots that hit the top of the net and dropped on my side. That was with my normal hybrid setup. Using the full bed HVP, the launch angle matches that of my Blades, but has some very nice touch and spin. Not to mention the comfort. This is a supreme setup!
Fighting phoenix
Professional
I have two Blade 100Ls that I have customized and consider to be my main sticks. After playing with the PS 100 16*20 with the lower stiffness rating, I opted to get a Blade 100 to get a little more plow through and get a little more flex as it has a similar RA rating to the PS. The Blade 100L is the frame that I referenced in my latest post.
I also have Blade 98 18x20 v7, v8 and v9; but I have not played with those side-by-side with the PS.
OK, recreating this post, now that I cleared it with @TW Staff.
Since this playtest concluded, my Strike 100 16x20 playtest demo, a Grip 3, fairly over-spec at 307g/31.7cm/304sw unstrung -- original review here -- has been more or less gathering dust, as I've since bought an on-spec retail Grip 4 (305g/31cm/292sw unstrung) and can't really see myself going back to the playtest demo for any real length of time at this point, so...
I'm offering up my playtest demo Strike 100 16x20 (Grip 3) to any fellow TT member who would be interested, for only the cost of shipping, provided you meet four conditions:
So, anyone who satisfies those conditions and is interested, please feel free to DM me and we can talk. Looking to pass on the positive vibes and keep the stoke going!
Update (7/9/24) - found a recipient for my playtest demo frame!
Since this playtest concluded, my Strike 100 16x20 playtest demo, a Grip 3, fairly over-spec at 307g/31.7cm/304sw unstrung -- original review here -- has been more or less gathering dust, as I've since bought an on-spec retail Grip 4 (305g/31cm/292sw unstrung) and can't really see myself going back to the playtest demo for any real length of time at this point, so...
I'm offering up my playtest demo Strike 100 16x20 (Grip 3) to any fellow TT member who would be interested, for only the cost of shipping, provided you meet four conditions:
- You're located in the Continental USA.
- You don't already own a Strike 100 16x20 or have participated in this play test yet.
- You have a history that shows you can play with higher-spec frames (unstrung swing weight of 300+, with Blade Pro type behavior).
- You'll publish a review on the frame in this thread, before the end of the summer.
So, anyone who satisfies those conditions and is interested, please feel free to DM me and we can talk. Looking to pass on the positive vibes and keep the stoke going!
Update (7/9/24) - found a recipient for my playtest demo frame!
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I'm pleased to say that I found a hopefully good recipient for my 100 16x20 demo frame -- @Adamo, who is a Strike Gen 3 98 player and knows it well. I just sent the frame off to him, and he intends on giving it a full review here after putting it through its paces. Happy to spread the stoke! 
In other news, I'm still trying to dial in my remaining on-spec retail Grip 4. Currently waiting to play Tourna Silver 7 Tour 1.25 / MSV Bussard 1.20, strung at 53/50 lockout (~50/47 constant-pull). I've also customized with some lead at 6 o'clock, too boost MGR/i but shift weight from the throat to elsewhere (previously has some in the throat, but it just didn't feel quite right). Once I get some more play time in, I will report back again.
In other news, I'm still trying to dial in my remaining on-spec retail Grip 4. Currently waiting to play Tourna Silver 7 Tour 1.25 / MSV Bussard 1.20, strung at 53/50 lockout (~50/47 constant-pull). I've also customized with some lead at 6 o'clock, too boost MGR/i but shift weight from the throat to elsewhere (previously has some in the throat, but it just didn't feel quite right). Once I get some more play time in, I will report back again.
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Thanks again Trip for this opportunity, I have benefited greatly from this forum and thank everyone for all their info regarding strings, racquets and insights. I am a racquetoholic and have played a ton of different racquets before settling on the 3rd Gen Pure Strike 98 16x19 about 6 months ago. I was playing the Aero 98 at the time and loved everything about it but the feel. I string my own racquets but couldn't find the right string to help with the feel.
The demo that Trip sent me is actually exactly the same as what I play in my Pure Strike 98s so from the get go I felt right at home. My doubles hit tonight was brief with the Pure Strike 100 16x20 tonight but so far I am shocked. My first serve was bigger, my second serve had more spin and both my forehand and thbh were heavier but felt effortless. Volleys felt stable and forgiving. Definitely more power than the 98 and more forgiving but still quite controlled. It didn't feel over flex or unstable at all. More to come but this was my first impressions.
The demo that Trip sent me is actually exactly the same as what I play in my Pure Strike 98s so from the get go I felt right at home. My doubles hit tonight was brief with the Pure Strike 100 16x20 tonight but so far I am shocked. My first serve was bigger, my second serve had more spin and both my forehand and thbh were heavier but felt effortless. Volleys felt stable and forgiving. Definitely more power than the 98 and more forgiving but still quite controlled. It didn't feel over flex or unstable at all. More to come but this was my first impressions.
Three more outing including some tournament play. I loved the power of the Kirschbaum Syn gut but I have never been a syn gut user. I was actually surprised how well it played but it lacked the control I get from my Pure Strike 98s with Rpm Rough. So I restring the PS100 with Rpm Blast Rough 17 at 54lbs (51 eCp) which I run in my PS98s. Bad mistake, racquet lost all it's pop. It became boardy and lost all the characteristics I loved with the Syn gut. Interesting that the PS98 has so much more power with the same string and tension. The string bed is so much more open on the PS100 that I thought the power would be similar but it's not. Going to change polys and drop tension to high 40s. Maybe VCT or Firewire Boost. Stay tuned.
I tried cutting out the crosses of my RPM Rough (51 lbs) and adding a multi to give it back some more life but that just didn't work. The racquet still felt anemic but unpredictable. I really didn't enjoy that. I just if I try a hybrid in the future I'll just have to string the poly lower to begin with but I don't think I'll have to go there anymore. So I was going to try a low tension 16 guage string as some people have suggested but tried the other side of the spectrum. I went with Tecnifibre Ice Code 18g (1.2) in a full bed at 51 lbs (48 lbs eCp). So much better. A ton of pop, nice control and really good spin. Felt slightly less power than the Syn Gut but much more solid. I guess the more open pattern is giving me much more spin even with a round string but the 16x20 is still delivering really great control. The thinner string is making the racquet feel more whippy and the forgiveness and spin levels are definitely more than I get out of my PS98. I'll keep playing this in some matches and report back. Its very interesting because I never liked the thinner guages on my PS98s with both the 16x19 and 18x20 patterns.
@Adamo - Nice feedback thus far. And yes, I was going to say, especially on that sample frame, I found minimizing face weight as much as possible to be key in making it swing quickly enough – so if going full-bed poly, then a lighter weight and thinner gauge poly, otherwise hybrid, if you can make one work.
Keen to here more of your findings as you have time.
Keen to here more of your findings as you have time.
I played a few more hours with the Ice Code and it felt great but the thinner gauge (1.2) led to quite a lot of balls that were sailing long. I very rarely use a 1.2 gauge string and in the past I have always felt that it didn't give me the control that I like. I know that I was going to fight the high swing weight of the demo (304 sw) but I definitely prefer a thicker gauge string. So I restrung it with Solinco Tour Bite 1.25 to give it a try. I have never used Tour Bite so it was a bit of an experiment. I wanted a string that didn't have a high energy return (per TW University ratings) as I wanted to string it on the low side. As per my earlier posts, I found that RPM Blast Rough at 51 lbs was awful so I was fearful to string a stiffer poly that high. Inspired by Tennis Nerds post of the recent Cincinnati (i think that was the tournament) pro string tensions, I strung it at 45 lbs and bingo. Its fantastic, plenty of control and just enough power. The spin is just insane. Outside on slower hard courts the ball bounced so high that my hitting partners all commented on how difficult it was to return and how far they had to step back. Great connection to the ball. My serves had much more directional control than with the 1.2 gauge string and I could swing out with my forehand and the ball would drop in deep. My THBH had enough power and had amazing top spin. It didn't quite have the same power as the syn gut or 1.2 Ice Code but it still had plenty. I do fight the high swing weight a little in doubles as long as I focus on early prep, it is fantastic. I'll play some more with it before I send out my full review. Maybe a 1.2 cross would lighten it just enough but for now it feels like I am 90% there.
Thanks again @TW Staff for selecting me for the PS98 16x19 playtest. It's been a joy to get to try this frame alongside my own pure strikes (my frame of choice is the Gen 3 Pure Strike Tour). See below for a written review - I also decided to put my thoughts/hitting experience into a review video (see video description for time stamps) to add a bit of a personal touch. Hopefully other members enjoy reading/hearing my thoughts. Thanks again TW!
String and tension used for test: Volkl Cyclone Tour 18 Black @48lbs
Tennis experience/background: Former NCAA collegiate player/coach & nationally ranked junior. Come from a long history of using player's frames (Wilson 6.1 95, HEAD Prestige Microgel - Youtek, HEAD Speed Youtek IG, & Wilson RF97)
Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley): All-court attacking player. Always seeking a midcourt forehand. Uses slice backhand frequently. These days more placement over power as my legs age. One-handed backhand & semi-western forehand grip.
Current racquet/string setups: My current frame of choice is a tie between the Wilson kBlade 98 & Babolat Pure Strike Tour. I can comfortably switch between both of these options in any given match. Strings rotate between Diadem Solstice Black, Topspin Cyber Flash, & Volkl Cyclone Tour.
How many hours did you play with the racquet? 8-10 hours
Comments on racquet performance for each stroke (each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum):
Groundstrokes: Groundies with the PS98 16x19 are terrific. For me, it's the perfect blend between power and control. Enough free power to use my opponents pace & redirect shots on defense, but also enough control to take a large cut at the ball & not worry about it sailing long. I enjoy the ball-pocketing with this open pattern, it grips the ball well but also doesnt impart an offensive launch angle. A great modern player's frame from the ground, allowing for considerable forgiveness with all groundstrokes. I'm a huge fan of the upper hoop response with these frames, a controllable level of power.
Serves: Serving with the PS98 16x19 was a really enjoyable experience. Tons of forgiveness but also control. The upper hoop response allows to a comfort in the attacking mindset, being able to take a big cut at a kick serve or slice serve without fear of imparting too much spin. Flat serves were excellent as well - great directional control and a solid level of power for a 98 sq inch player's frame.
Volleys: The touch on these frames is exceptional. I mentioned this in my video, but too often people have claimed this line of frames lacks feel. I believe that is an incorrect classification of a muted/dampened/soft layup. To me, the string bed is incredibly responsive & easy to trust, which is a more true reflection of feel/touch. The touch on volleys, overheads, and drop-shots is stellar & allows for a lot of confidence in the trajectory of touch shots. I love the way the string pattern catches a volley, the ball sinks into the stringbed, but comes out with interest. I think the experience at net is a lot like using a pro staff 97 with more forgiveness outside of the sweetspot.
Serve returns: I would echo my sentiments in terms of the groundstrokes. This frame is great at absorbing pace based on the beam design/molds construction. More of the same when compared to pure strikes of old. Great in terms of blocking the ball back but still having free power on board. One of the few players frames on the market today that can deliver a chip return with some weight of shot. I love the way the slice return bites with this frame.
Comments on racquet performance in each area (should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Power/Control: As I mentioned in my video, the power on these is substantial but not alike to other thicker beamed Babolat frames. To me it’s more powerful than a blade or pro staff 97 but less so than a modern prestige, radical or speed. I would say enough free power onboard to feel like you aren’t losing anything, but not enough to get away with abbreviated swings and still feel like you are hitting with depth. The control is exceptional, especially for a 16 main frame. It allows for controllable power and spin off of ground, which makes for a really balanced hitting experience.
Top Spin/Slice: Also mentioned in my video review, the spin production on this 16 main PS98 is exceptional. The string pattern allows for a controllable degree of spin that doesn’t create a launch angle that makes you have to tailor your game to the frame. In short, enough spin on tap to take big cuts, but not so much that you feel like you have to consciously calculate the right level of spin.
Comfort: The PS98 16x19 is a really comfortable frame. The mid-60s RA coupled with a low vibration frequency make for a soft and dampened layup. As mentioned prior, this doesn’t affect the touch or string bed responsiveness. The softer band dampened feel just makes for a comfortable ride when hitting outside of the sweet spot, something very foreign for a frame with the Babolat branding. If I could compare it to any other frames comfort level, I think I would compare it to the Wilson blade pro, plush but not overly dampened or soft.
Feel: As mentioned in my section on volleys & netplay - the PS98 has a really predictable response across the stringbed and upper hoop, which allows for a ton of confidence in every shot. The predictability of the string bed and blend of control/power make this frame great from a feel perspective. Never really had to second guess my shot placement with this frame.
Maneuverability: This is is one area I think this frames could be better out of the box. For whatever reason the weight distribution & beam design make for a weighty head even if the balance doesn’t suggest it. I’m sure with tail weighting or even a simple leather grip this could be solved. I customize my pure strike tour gen 3 frames up to 370g with tail weighting and they are more maneuverable than the PS98 out of the box.
Stability: the PS98 is incredibly stable out of the box. The mid/upper hoop can handle pace and redirect the pace with interest. Really a gem of a frame in terms of stability, especially given the thin beam and 98 headsize. I found blocking heavy balls back with pace easy while still managing to hit with considerable depth.
Additional category - SOUND: I think the tone of a frame is important to consider. It can play a role in the tactile perception of a frames comfort. I think the Gen 3 was really dull in terms of sound but Gen 4 I feel a more bass/low-end frequency when I strike the ball. Check the end of my video for a sound test where I use Gen 3 and Gen 4 in consecutive alike shots with the same conditions (same string, tension, grips, weight, etc). Have spent some considerable time with other pure strike-truthers like @socallefty analyzing this notion relative to the pure strike tour.
General reaction/comments on overall performance: see above video for more in depth general comments. This frame is a great modern players option, something with controllable power & ample spin production. Highly recommended for the attacking player coming from the pro staff, prestige, or alike players frame lineage.
Concluding remarks: the pure strike 98 is a special frame to me personally. I switched back in 2017 to this frame full-time after years/decades of using classic player's sticks like the Wilson 6.1 95, HEAD Prestige Microgel - Youtek, HEAD Speed IG, and Wilson RF97. I've used the Gen 3 strike 98 tour competitively in men's opens & even had the privilege to take to Europe and use on the legendary Foro Italico (Rome Open) clay courts - see below pics.
To me, the pure strike 98 is the perfect well-rounded player's stick. Controllable power but also a lot of things I like in a player's frame (thin beam, 98 inch head, etc). The gen 3 pure strike tour is an all-time frame for me. Gen 4 Pure Strike 98 picks up right where Gen 3 left off. Offering a comfy soft layup with all of the benefits of a modern Babolat frame. The sound/tone of the Gen 4 is more of a pronounced "thud" - I think that will be a welcome change for a lot of people who wanted to use a pure strike 98, but didn't love the tactile experience of Gen 3.
Hi! Reviving an old post but thank you for the great review, and I also noticed that you've also played with the Pure Strike VS - I've been using the PSVS for the past couple years and I am intrigued by the 4th gen 16x19 Strike and the Pure Aero 98. I'm curious to see if either of these would play similarly as the PSVS but with a bit more inherent pop, and I am wondering if the 4th gen 16x19 Strike fits that bill without losing too much feel and control compared to the VS? I also prefer a mid launch angle, as in I'm not really interested in going too much higher in launch than the PSVS, so I am not sure how this Strike being 16x19 would play out in that area. What was your experience like with the 16x19 and PSVS? Or with the PSVS and PA98 if you have played with that racquet as well? If any other playtester has any insights they could share it would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks!
Fighting phoenix
Professional
I've tried all these racquets, and mained the PA98 for a while, tried the PSVS and PS 98, maining the PS 100 16x20 right now. The PA98 is going to give you more power and spin than the PSVS, but doesn't have the touch and feel of the PSVS; the Pure Strike 98 is slightly more powerful than the PSVS, and I would say slightly more spin friendly as well.
Much of this depends on your playing level and play style - the PSVS and PA98 are similar on the forgiveness front, and I wouldn't recommend either to anyone lower than a 4.0 level player. The Strike 98 16x19 is more forgiving and can be played with at the 3.0 level plus, in my opinion.
Much of this depends on your playing level and play style - the PSVS and PA98 are similar on the forgiveness front, and I wouldn't recommend either to anyone lower than a 4.0 level player. The Strike 98 16x19 is more forgiving and can be played with at the 3.0 level plus, in my opinion.
gino
Legend
Cheers man. I spent a lot of time on this review/video so I appreciate you shouting that out. Glad you could glean some insight from my thoughts. Sadly I’ve gone 0/3 on TW playtest applications since so I’m not sure it was totally worth the effort! Hah
Anyways, I can definitely lend some thoughts. I have 3 of the PSVS, 4 of the strike tour gen 3, a pair of the PA98, and now this new strike 16x19. Launch angles are an important consideration here. I think the PS 16x19 is very similar launch window to the PSVS. PS98 felt higher on forehands, but lower on backhands. PA98 on the other hand is much more launchy and tends to fly a bit compared to these other control oriented Babolats. In general, the PSVS launch angle might be higher than that of the PS 16x19, especially on serves. I like serving way more with the PS98 16x19. Has that real point and shoot feel with good access to spin but also flat serve directional control
In short, I think you have to go pure strike 98. It’s a similar beam construction, feel, and spin/launch window to your PSVS. That all bring said, it’s got more inherent pop that you’re seeking. It’s definitely more muted/dampened and that isn’t for everyone, but I personally love that. Feel free to PM or reply here with addl questions, have to help. Here’s some footage of me hitting with both to add some visuals to my write up
PSVS
PS 16x19
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Thanks so much for the thoughtful and informative reply! Appreciate all your contribution to the community and it seems like it will be a smooth and fun transition from the PSVS to the 16x19.
gino
Legend
Of course mate, happy to help. I think one other consideration I’ll layer in are the stock swing weights. The PA98 is more in the PSVS range out of the box. The strike 98 will feel cumbersome and less whippy stock. The 330ish range is a tough starting point if you want something whippy, I’m sure you could try and source some in a lower spec range. Personally I don’t obsess over SW or even measure it on my frames, but I think it’s always an important high level consideration
How was the feel with full bed RPM rough on the Strike? That string in particular seems to have some strong mixed opinions on this forum. Thanks!
On my Pure Strike 98's Gen 3, all I play with is RPM Rough. Its amazing. At first I didn't love it in the 100 16x20 Strike but that was at 54 lbs (51 eCp). I recently dropped the tension to 51 lbs (48 ecp) and its fantastic. So much spin, great power, and lovely feel. It has really become one of my favorite strings. On a side note I tried Tour Bite at 48 lbs (45 ecp) in the 100 and it was wonderful during the first 4 hours and then the tension dropped and my balls started going long. It just got worse from there and I had to cut it out. Maybe its worth a try a little higher but felt fairly stiff at 45 lbs and I don't want to end up with tennis elbow or a shoulder issue. From all my time with RPM Rough, I have had zero shoulder or elbow issues.
SinneGOAT
Legend
It felt really good in the strike. It equaled out the strike’s lower spin and power capabilities. It added a lot of good power and amazing spin to the racquet where it’s a great blend of power, control, and spin. Doesn’t make the strike feel overpowered either which is great, amazing spin and good injection of power.
So my 16x19 Strike came in a few days ago and I was able to play with it today, and I am thoroughly impressed...!! All the glowing reviews here were pretty much spot on and I'm making the switch myself from my beloved PSVS. I had it strung up with Alu Power because I wanted to get an impression for its "peak performance" and played a full match.
Things that stood out the most to me -
This racquet is basically a cheat code on serves. I mean seriously it was almost hard not to hit a quality serve everytime and it's just confidence inspiring for match play.
So, forehands - the way the racquet produces a unique balance of stiffness and flex, combined with a fresh set of Alu... when I made a good, solid contact on the sweet spot and hit through the ball, dare I say my brain immediately received an associative trigger that this was very close to the feel/response of the Yonex Regna. I suspect that the Regna-like feel won't be as closely achieved without that fresh bed of Alu, but it definitely speaks to how good the feel is on this racquet.
I was also surprised at how good the racquet was on slice backhands. I could play such a versatile game with this just like the PSVS but now it's like I've gotten a noticeable upgrade at the baseline and on serves.
Thanks again to all the playtesters here for your insights
Things that stood out the most to me -
This racquet is basically a cheat code on serves. I mean seriously it was almost hard not to hit a quality serve everytime and it's just confidence inspiring for match play.
So, forehands - the way the racquet produces a unique balance of stiffness and flex, combined with a fresh set of Alu... when I made a good, solid contact on the sweet spot and hit through the ball, dare I say my brain immediately received an associative trigger that this was very close to the feel/response of the Yonex Regna. I suspect that the Regna-like feel won't be as closely achieved without that fresh bed of Alu, but it definitely speaks to how good the feel is on this racquet.
I was also surprised at how good the racquet was on slice backhands. I could play such a versatile game with this just like the PSVS but now it's like I've gotten a noticeable upgrade at the baseline and on serves.
Thanks again to all the playtesters here for your insights
SinneGOAT
Legend
The 98 16/19 has been an absolute dream racquet. I think it’s definitely overlooked by many who are looking towards the 16/20 but the 98 is just so great.So my 16x19 Strike came in a few days ago and I was able to play with it today, and I am thoroughly impressed...!! All the glowing reviews here were pretty much spot on and I'm making the switch myself from my beloved PSVS. I had it strung up with Alu Power because I wanted to get an impression for its "peak performance" and played a full match.
Things that stood out the most to me -
This racquet is basically a cheat code on serves. I mean seriously it was almost hard not to hit a quality serve everytime and it's just confidence inspiring for match play.
So, forehands - the way the racquet produces a unique balance of stiffness and flex, combined with a fresh set of Alu... when I made a good, solid contact on the sweet spot and hit through the ball, dare I say my brain immediately received an associative trigger that this was very close to the feel/response of the Yonex Regna. I suspect that the Regna-like feel won't be as closely achieved without that fresh bed of Alu, but it definitely speaks to how good the feel is on this racquet.
I was also surprised at how good the racquet was on slice backhands. I could play such a versatile game with this just like the PSVS but now it's like I've gotten a noticeable upgrade at the baseline and on serves.
Thanks again to all the playtesters here for your insights
I just purchased the racket a week ago ( played with Head Extreme) and Yonex EZONE 100 in past. I really liked those rackets. This one I actually love . I am more flat hitter and it suits my game so much better. I can still put some top on it but if I do not , it does not penalize me like the Extreme especially. I serve very hard with this one and my power is more then enough. I did not buy the pure drive because I hit with it and it is too much power for me. This one is also not still feeling so much that it hurts my elbow and I do not play with a dampner now. It is just crisp enough for me . I use Triax 16G at 47 and I am really loving the set up. Confidence with this racket is sky high. The faster I swing the more it rewards me and I have to remind myself to be aggressive because that is what it likes. I hit backhand winners down the line from the deuce side now, I never even would try it before it goes where I ask. I have concluded reviews are all personal preference and until you demo and put on strings you like it is hard to say. I am keeping this one for a long time.
2024 Pure Strike 100 16x20 Review
(Post 1 of 2)
Thanks to the @TW Staff and @Trip for this opportunity to review this racquet and provide some feedback. I hope its useful for those considering this racquet and trying to figure out strings because I went on a bit of a string journey before I found what worked best. Also, thanks Trip again as I loved your format and stole it for my review.
Preface
Playtest Setup - Spec, Strings & Usage
(each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum)
(Post 1 of 2)
Thanks to the @TW Staff and @Trip for this opportunity to review this racquet and provide some feedback. I hope its useful for those considering this racquet and trying to figure out strings because I went on a bit of a string journey before I found what worked best. Also, thanks Trip again as I loved your format and stole it for my review.
Preface
- Tennis experience/background
- 46-yo male; 6'2" 186lbs; 4.0 NTRP; played through high school and competitively on their team but didn’t really play much until I joined a tennis club in 2014. Since then I have been playing competitively in tournaments in both singles and doubles.
- Private lesson and pro hitting partner 2 hours a week and approximately 15-20 hours a week of court time (our club in indoor)
- I love trying racquets and tend to switch often or at least try some for a period of time. Recent racquets include Head Speed Pro/MP, Extreme MP, Gravity MP, Babolat Aero/98, Yonex Percept 100D.
- I string for myself and about a dozen others that play competitively or are just friends (Prince 1000).
- Describe your playing style (i.e. serve & volley)
- Semi-western grip, significant topspin and enjoy coming to the net.
- Two-hand backhand
- Big flat serve which is my primary strength but also have a kick and slice serve.
- Net game would be second strength.
- Current racquet/string setups
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 3rd Gen 16x19 - Unstrung Spec: 306g/299sw Strings: Babolat RPM Blast Rough @ 53 or 55 lbs lockout (depending on season)
- Babolat Pure Strike 98 3rd Gen 18x20 - Unstrung Spec: 304g/300sw Strings: Klip Natural Gut 16 @52lbs Main String/Head Lynx Tour Red 17 @ 48 lbs lockout
- Racquet Setup & Comparisons
- Setup & Comparison Detail:
Playtest Setup - Spec, Strings & Usage
- Measured Spec & Customization (same as Trip)
- Stock w/overgrip
- Unstrung Spec: 307g / 31.7cm (~8pts HL) / 304sw -- somewhat over-spec
- Strung Spec (w/ Technifibre Razor Soft 1.25): 334g / 32.75cm (~6pts HL)
- (w/ Volkl Cyclone Tour 16 Grey): 335g (~5pts HL)
- Stock w/overgrip
- String and tension used for test
- Full-Bed Poly: Tecnifibre Razor Soft 1.25 full bed at 55 lbs lockout (so ~52 eCP/dropweight)
- Volkl Cyclone Tour 16 Grey 55 lbs lockout
- Usage: How many hours did you play with the racquet?
- 30 hitting sessions; 37 hours
- Strings Tried and comments – I found the racquet quite string sensitive
- Kirschbaum Syn Gut Black 1.3 57/54 lbs lockout– I’m not a syn gut user and have never used it so this is very interesting for me. Found it soft and powerful but overall quite nice. Being a poly guy, I loved the power but hated the control. Played amazingly when I focused on spin but serves ended up long and precision was clearly not there. Hated the moving strings. The racquet actually did a good job of making a powerful string useable which I have found in the past not that common.
- Yonex Pro Tour 1.2 52lbs lockout – I have used this string a lot and really like it. It doesn’t last a long time for me but usually gives me nice spin, control and feel. It didn’t feel like this at all in my Pure Strike. Felt dead, with limited control and poor feel. This got cut out very quickly.
- Babolat RPM Rough 1.25 53lbs and 51lbs lockout. At 53lbs I didn’t like it at all. Racquet felt odd almost anemic. I love this string but it clearly didn’t work at that tension. At 51lbs it was much better but still didn’t have the same amazing feel and connection that I got from my Pure Strike 98 when strung with it.
- Tecnifibre Razor Code 1.25 @48lbs and crossed with Gosen OGSM 17 @ 51lbs. Overall pretty good but not amazing. The power was good, precision was nice but feel was pretty dead. Played for a little while hoping it would open up but never did.
- Solinco Tour Bite 1.25 @ 48lbs and 51lbs. I really loved this string at both tensions but the 51lbs felt best. I thought I had found the one as it played great for 4-6 hours and then it didn’t. Both times it just went dead on me. I’m not a Solinco user and I know many are but it felt like the magic went away. Feel went from great to awful. The 51lb tension lasted much longer than the 48 lbs. On to the next one.
- Tecnifibre Ice Code 1.2 @51lbs. Right off the stringer this felt great. Played an incredible doubles match. Thought the decreased swing weight was the answer and it was for a very short period of time. After my second hitting session it just felt springy and I lost all control. Out it came.
- Tecnifibre Razor Soft 1.25 at 55 lbs. I thought I would try it as the guy from Gladiator Tennis said it was amazing in the Pure Strike 16x20. He wasn’t wrong. I have tried this string in about 4 other racquets and hated it every time but in this racquet it shined. Great control, nice pop, very good feel and also pretty decent string especially for a round string. This and Volkl Cyclone Tour are really both amazing.
- Volkl Cyclone Tour 1.3 at 55lbs. Inspired by all the great posts by G4driver I bought a reel of this about a year ago. It actually has played very well in almost all the racquets I have used and I really loved it in the Babolat Aero 98. This racquet was no different and actually I think this is the best so far. It has better spin than Razor Soft and a little longer dwell time due to the softer stiffness. It also feels a tad more forgiving. This may be better for doubles while Razor soft is better for full swings that you have in singles.
- Hopefully, this saves some people time that are demoing this racquet.
(each section should be 3-5 sentences minimum)
- Groundstrokes - Overall: 8.5/10
- Forehands - 8/10 – Forehand were great. I found it quite forgiving. Not as forgiving as a standard Pure Aero or Speed MP as the 16/20 pattern gives a more direct feeling. I found it to have easy depth and I love the spin. For a 16/20 pattern I was actually very happy with the spin it produced even with round strings. I found it more difficult to flatten out compared to the Pure Strike 98 16x19. As I compared the string patterns, the 98 is much tighter so it makes sense. The 16/20 spread the strings through the entire head and that is probably why it feels more forgiving than the 98.
- Backhands (OHBH) - 9.5/10 – I actually prefer my backhand and this racquet really made it shine. It felt like the sweet spot was large. Could hit both flat and loopy/topspin balls. The 16/20 pattern gave me more directional control than a typical 100 16x19. It also felt easy just hitting a typical rally ball consistently or really stepping into it and cracking the ball.
- Serves - Overall: 8.75/10
- Flat - 9/10 – Love flat serves with this. The part that I enjoy the most is that it can hit a big serve with still amazing precision. Usually this is lost in the 100” rackets. I had the same feeling in the Pure Strike 98 3rd Gen 16x19 and although some people didn’t like the 3rd Gen, I felt the serve precision was great on the flat serve but I think the 100 16/20 is equal to it. Where the 16/20 shined for me is that I feel I have a little more in the tank. If I really push it, the racquet responds very well. I commonly hear “Wow, that was hard as hell” or “That was next level”.
- Kick - 9/10 – I have just started to use more kick serves and this racquet has made it easy. Balls seem to bounce up with less effort and I actually win a lot of points unexpectedly. The spin makes it difficult to time and it has become my go to second serve. For me its better than the Percept 100D, Speed MP and Aero.
- Slice - 8/10 - Slice serves were great actually surprisingly good. I always found the smaller tighter patterns performed but and they usually do but for a 100 this is fantastic. The 98 18x20 was ridiculously good in this category but it lacked the punch on the flat and was not good on the kick for me. This 100 16/20 really acts like a typical 98 in my opinion.
- Volleys - Overall: 9/10
- Stab/Punch - 9/10 – I love volleying with this racquet and the larger head almost feels like I’m cheating in doubles. My last match was amazing with it. The other team tried to hit through me and the racquet just stayed solid and precise. The only time I noticed what others have said about some instability was when I used a light 18 gauge string. For the first time I notice it twist slightly but with all the 1.25 and 1.3, it is pretty much automatic. I love playing the net and this actually almost makes it unfair for opponents.
- Drop/Touch - 9/10 – I thought they were still great. I can drop them short and hit sharp angles. It feels very precise. Maybe not quite scalpel like which I got from the Percept 100D and the Pure Strike 18x20 but they just weren’t as good on the punch volleys. I will definitely take the 100 16/20 compromise in this competition as it does everything very well.
2024 Pure Strike 100 16x20 Review
(Post 2 of 2)
Performance Qualities
(should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
Overall General Reaction/Comments
I will try to keep this brief as I think I may have rambled on a bit. Thanks again to the @TW Staff and @Trip for this opportunity. This has been a lot of fun.
I would highly recommend this racquet for anyone looking for a racquet that sits between the typical tweener racquet and a players racquet. So someone looking for more feel and precision than a Pure Drive, Pure Arrow, Ezone 100, Speed MP, Wilson Clash but don’t want to go to a 98” frame because of your age, skill or just want the forgiveness then this is definitely a must demo. I haven’t tried the Pure Strike 100 16x19 but I have heard some decent things about it. I find that the Pure Strike 100 16x20 is a more forgiving Pure Strike 98 without sacrificing anything. As discussed, I’m a 4.0 in my late 40’s and I need to keep improving but don’t need to punish myself with a racquet that needs me to be on my A game every match. This Pure Strike fits the bill. I will definitely look at switching to it. I think that if you are a 3.0-4.5 NTRP, this racquet could definitely work for you. I would just string it differently as discussed above.
Also, as mentioned above it is definitely worth the extra money to have it measured before you buy it as a low swing weight will mean instability and a high swing weight will be unmaneuverable and difficult to swing.
Thanks,
Adamo
(Post 2 of 2)
- Serve Returns - 9/10 – I love returning with this racquet. It is a different animal than a typical 100 16x19 for me. Its more precise and enjoys more pace. It can be a little more tricky if you play with people that have lower pace spinny serves. It doesn’t do all the work for you. Let me rephrase this. If you use a multi or syn gun in the low 50 lb range, then it can generate the power on its own with minimal effort but where this racquet shines is in 1.25 or 1.3 gauge string in the 52 to 53 lb (eCp) range. This is where it feels similar to a 98. Saying that returning high pace serves with a thicker gauge string is absolute intoxicating. Ball come off the racquet with spin and precision with more pace than what came in. Forehand was amazing and backhand was also great. Just on slower balls, you definitely have to generate your own pace with pretty solid technique or you will struggle a bit.
Performance Qualities
(should be 2-3 sentences minimum)
- Power – 7.5/10 – This is interesting for me as I feel that this racquet is as powerful as you could ever want on flat serves but it definitely asks you to demand it from your technique. It definitely doesn’t just serve fast with minimal effort like a Babolat Pure Drive does. On both forehand and backhand I feel that it doesn’t have the same power that you get from the Pure Aero, Pure Aero 98, Speed MP or Pure Strike 98 16x19. I actually prefer it though as it feels like I can swing out with less balls going long but still deep.
- Control - 9/10 – I love the control for a 100” racquet and I think the closest feeling that I have tried would be the Speed Pro. The Speed Pro gave me the control and was great for hitting flat but I missed the topspin a lot. It was good for an 18x20 but I have come to realize I’m not a 18x20 guy. I tend to play better with a 16x19 and best with a 16x20. For me it feels very similar to the Pure Strike 98 16x19 control wise which is a big compliment based on the wider pattern and larger head.
- Top Spin – 9.5/10 – I love the spin from this racquet and especially with both Tour Bite 1.25 and Volkl Cyclone Tour. The spin off VCT is amazing. Its effortless and just feels right. When I played the Head Extreme MP there were times that I felt like I was just spinning the ball into the net and had to aim higher just to get it deep. This isn’t the case here. Its like spin on tap. If you want it, its there or is happy to keep it to light spin when needed.
- Slice - 8.5/10 – I really like the slice on this racquet. As mentioned before, its not going to slice like an 18x20 or a small headed 16x19 as it just isn’t built that way but for a 100” racquet it slices amazingly. Ball doesn’t float often, stays quite low and easily controllable.
- Comfort – 8.5/10 – Playing with the Gen 3’s Pure Strikes for a while (a long time for me) these strikes feel so comfortable. I mean they will never feel like a Wilson Clash or Gravity MP or even the Speed MP. My problem is I like a crisp precise feel and I want comfortable without being mushy or overly muted. So if you have arm and shoulder issues this 100 16/20 may be too much but then it may not be. Its flex is less than all of the Pure Strike line and is one of the softest strikes they have every made. It’s a really great balance of soft but crisp. Hard to describe but definitely worth a try if you fit this type.
- Feel – 9.5/10 – I love the feel of this racquet and this is where Babolat has made the biggest change in my book. It is much different than the Gen 3s without losing what I loved about the last gen. I love hitting drop shots and do it fairly often. This racquet does it so well. The Gen 3 98 16x19 with its raw feel may be slightly better but its so close. It doesn’t feel muted to me at all. It feels soft and connected which I think is amazing that Babolat was able to pull that off. All the racquets that I have tried give up feel the moment they soften the frame. This is not the case with the Pure Strike 16x20. If I was a baseline grinder, I would just play the Babolat Pure Aero 100 and be done with it or maybe the Speed MP. Both are incredible racquets that do everything really well but I find the feel overly muted which makes drop shot and feel shots unenjoyable.
- Maneuverability - 8/10 – I tend to play with slightly heavier racquets with strung weights in the 332-335 gram static weight so I felt very comfortable with this Pure Strike. I do agree with @Trip though, the swing weight is probably at the top of my comfort zone and prefer a 290-295 sw. I would prefer it to be 295 sw if possible so if you are considering it I would definitely get it checked by the shop before you buy it. I found for a 100” racquet, this was very maneuverable and quick through the air. It didn’t feel clunky at all. I must mention that I feel almost all 100” racquets look and feel clunky and that is why I have gravitated toward 98” racquets.
- Stability - 9/10 – As I mentioned earlier, this is one point that has come up regarding the Pure Strike 100 16x20 but I didn’t find this the case at all. I find it super stable but my demo was over spec. I think that if you get a 303-308 gram static weight racquet with a swing weight from 290-295, stability will not be an issue but I would definitely not string below a 1.25 gauge.
Overall General Reaction/Comments
I will try to keep this brief as I think I may have rambled on a bit. Thanks again to the @TW Staff and @Trip for this opportunity. This has been a lot of fun.
I would highly recommend this racquet for anyone looking for a racquet that sits between the typical tweener racquet and a players racquet. So someone looking for more feel and precision than a Pure Drive, Pure Arrow, Ezone 100, Speed MP, Wilson Clash but don’t want to go to a 98” frame because of your age, skill or just want the forgiveness then this is definitely a must demo. I haven’t tried the Pure Strike 100 16x19 but I have heard some decent things about it. I find that the Pure Strike 100 16x20 is a more forgiving Pure Strike 98 without sacrificing anything. As discussed, I’m a 4.0 in my late 40’s and I need to keep improving but don’t need to punish myself with a racquet that needs me to be on my A game every match. This Pure Strike fits the bill. I will definitely look at switching to it. I think that if you are a 3.0-4.5 NTRP, this racquet could definitely work for you. I would just string it differently as discussed above.
Also, as mentioned above it is definitely worth the extra money to have it measured before you buy it as a low swing weight will mean instability and a high swing weight will be unmaneuverable and difficult to swing.
Thanks,
Adamo
Fighting phoenix
Professional
Passed on the stoke…nice! ;-)@Adamo - Great review, and a great addition to the thread. Glad you could make good use of the playtest demo, and happy to have passed on the stoke.
TwinCinema
Professional
The 98 16x19 or the 100 16x20?
SinneGOAT
Legend
I’ve held onto my 98 16/19’s, they’re great frames but I’m assuming they’re referring to the 16/20.
100 16*20
