Why is Babolat Pure Strike on Sale?

[mhkeuns]

The Control will exist within the Pure Strike line. It will be called the Pure Strike CTRL. These are currently being used by professionals such as Sam Stosur.

The Strike will be updated as the next generation of Pure Strike, and the Pure Control will be updated as the Pure Strike CTRL.










To be clear, the Pure Strike will be updated as the next generation of Pure Strikes. These will include various models, though I am not quite sure on the specifics. The Pure Controls will become Pure Strike CTRLs, essentially being integrated within the Pure Strike family, though maintaining distinct characteristics from the Pure Strikes. The two are not being blended together into a single model.

As far as specs and timeline, I do not have specific details at the moment. Our racket development team is still working on refining the racket and fine tuning all of the specs. And, I know that the Pure Strikes and Pure Strike CTRLs will not be coming out in 2016.

Also, I want to thank you all for the feedback regarding the Pure Strike line. Obviously, I cannot guarantee that these specific adjustments will be integrated into the rackets, but it is immensely helpful to get specific feedback from you all. Your attention to detail is what helps us improve all of our products!

One thing that I would wish for the Pure Strike Tour is for it to be easier to swing with nothing else changed. I love that thing, but it does feel a bit sluggish.

 

[Lukhas]

I had almost expected the Strike and Control to actually be blended into one frame to be honest. Not convinced by keeping the same variety of mould and specs but under one paintjob, making them visually similar but probably quite different in terms of feel and performance. We'll see.

 

[TennisHound]

It's good to hear the Pure Strike will remain. I'm currently using the 16x19 and have grown used to it. Sure it could use very slight updates, but is fine on its own. I'm afraid Babolat will mes it up if they change it too much

 

[chrisingrassia]

And, I know that the Pure Strikes and Pure Strike CTRLs will not be coming out in 2016.

Actualy, now that I think about it, why the massive sale/promotion currently for the Strikes then if nothing new to replace until 2017?

 

[rc.hudson1]

Actualy, now that I think about it, why the massive sale/promotion currently for the Strikes then if nothing new to replace until 2017?

That's what I still don't get, but if it's not being discontinued, I guess I can't complain!

 

[Crisp]

In Australia at tennis specialists it's 2 for the price of 1. Which if you like it is a great deal. I actually think they are selling them for $169 for two. $85 a frame they simply must not be selling.

 

[Bartelby]

It seems like a marketing-driven decision to get the paintwork noticed whereas the original decision to have a Control plus a Strike line was a logical one.

I had almost expected the Strike and Control to actually be blended into one frame to be honest. Not convinced by keeping the same variety of mould and specs but under one paintjob, making them visually similar but probably quite different in terms of feel and performance. We'll see.

 

[Lukhas]

It seems like a marketing-driven decision to get the paintwork noticed whereas the original decision to have a Control plus a Strike line was a logical one.

For that, they'd need endorsees. The last notable male pro to use a PC mould was Gonzalez. More recently, I can only remember Harrison, who switched (had to?). There are a few female endorsers (IIRC, Cornet and Stosur), but nothing really substantial.

 

[chrisingrassia]

I believe Borna Coric and Thiem both play with the PS racquets

 

[Crisp]

I believe Borna Coric and Thiem both play with the PS racquets

I thought coric was a yonex user? Has he changed?

 

[pabletion]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll let our product team know about the interest in an extended version

Which version would you most like to see extended?

Maybe the extended version could be called the Pure Strike CTRL+ALT

 

[SpinToWin]

I believe Borna Coric and Thiem both play with the PS racquets

I thought coric was a yonex user? Has he changed?

Coric still endorses the Yonex VCore Tour F, Chris probably confused the paintjobs. He does not however use that racquet (see the string pattern).

 

[chrisingrassia]

Yeah my bad

 

[mmille24]

Interesting. I meant more specifically, since we don't offer every racket in the Aero line extended. Just the Pure Aero.

Which racket in the Pure Strike line were you thinking could benefit most? Pure Strike 16x19? Tour?

Rather than making a plus version. I think it would make more sense to make a Pure Strike Tour 16x19. That would likely appeal to more players.

 

[TennisHound]

^^^That would make a little too much sense.

 

[LinePainter]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll let our product team know about the interest in an extended version

Which version would you most like to see extended?

I'd really like to see the Pure Strike 100 as an extended length racquet. It would give the frame some more power and bump up the swingweight a little. There are not enough tweener weight racquets that are flexible and 27.5".

 

[Plush Wheelhouse]

tried so hard to like this racquet. it looks so cool, and the premise was so good.
bought the 18x20 305gm.

but it just sucks.

even when weighted up to 12.7 ounces, it still lacks a decent sweet spot, and vibrates on slightly off centre hits, and despite all the weight, it STILL feels doughy. Done with them. might smash them up and sacrifice them to Odin

 

[tennistomcat]

tried so hard to like this racquet. it looks so cool, and the premise was so good.
bought the 18x20 305gm.

but it just sucks.

even when weighted up to 12.7 ounces, it still lacks a decent sweet spot, and vibrates on slightly off centre hits, and despite all the weight, it STILL feels doughy. Done with them. might smash them up and sacrifice them to Odin

Maybe before writing off the Pure Strike line, consider demoing the 16X19. I hit with the 18X20 & liked the flex/dwell but felt it was sluggish & weak with a very small sweetspot. Spin was hard to come by & it wasn't enough to lure me from my blx blade 98 which had more stability & plow. I didn't like the 18X20 too much at all.

I demoed the 16X19 & liked it much better - easier access to spin but not forced to hit a loopy ball like the puredrive/aeropro (it has tighter spacing in the center). It played in between a 16X19 & 18X20 for me. It has very good control/feel and decent pop - but it is more like a player's racket & not a tweener that weekend warriors can pick up & start blasting shots from the get-go. More accomplished players with longer, fundamentally sound strokes should take to it quickly.

I can't play with the 25-26 mm tweener rackets these days - I shank alot & can only hit zones but not spots - just not enough feel/contorl & these rackets just feel so hollow. If you are young & grew up playing with these tweener rackets & it's all you know, then it's not a big deal.

I grew up playing with an POG OS & am used to the feedback & control of a thinner, flexy, solid feeling racket (the thick tweeners do not feel solid to me). The wide open string patterns force me to hit loopy balls that clear 2.5 ft over the net but that's not how I like to hit.

I hit a flatter ball & on the rise alot. I've been looking for a racket like pure strike that blends the flex, control, & power successfully into a thinner beam with decent pop - doesn't have to be pure drive power but better than old school prestige. This kind of racket is extremely hard to come by these days & hats off to Babolat for taking a gamble & bringing it to the table. The 16X19 was an awesome racket all around for me. If I didn't have this issue with a twinge in my shoulder when serving with it, I would stil be playing with it today. Maybe if it had come in a 27.25" or 27.5" length, it could have been even better for me in those areas that I had trouble with.

Sadly, this line is disappearing, but the good news is that it's being replaced/updated with a new line - hopefully one plays just as sound but with improvements to the line. My issues with it are probably non-issues for others. Just my 2 cents.

I've never hit with the 100 sq in. one but found the 16X19 to be a solid all-around racket. I probably should have given it more time & strung even looser with softer strings to try to work out the kinks.

 

[Plush Wheelhouse]

Maybe before writing off the Pure Strike line, consider demoing the 16X19. I hit with the 18X20 & liked the flex/dwell but felt it was sluggish & weak with a very small sweetspot. Spin was hard to come by & it wasn't enough to lure me from my blx blade 98 which had more stability & plow. I didn't like the 18X20 too much at all.

I demoed the 16X19 & liked it much better - easier access to spin but not forced to hit a loopy ball like the puredrive/aeropro (it has tighter spacing in the center). It played in between a 16X19 & 18X20 for me. It has very good control/feel and decent pop - but it is more like a player's racket & not a tweener that weekend warriors can pick up & start blasting shots from the get-go. More accomplished players with longer, fundamentally sound strokes should take to it quickly.

I can't play with the 25-26 mm tweener rackets these days - I shank alot & can only hit zones but not spots - just not enough feel/contorl & these rackets just feel so hollow. If you are young & grew up playing with these tweener rackets & it's all you know, then it's not a big deal.

I grew up playing with an POG OS & am used to the feedback & control of a thinner, flexy, solid feeling racket (the thick tweeners do not feel solid to me). The wide open string patterns force me to hit loopy balls that clear 2.5 ft over the net but that's not how I like to hit.

I hit a flatter ball & on the rise alot. I've been looking for a racket like pure strike that blends the flex, control, & power successfully into a thinner beam with decent pop - doesn't have to be pure drive power but better than old school prestige. This kind of racket is extremely hard to come by these days & hats off to Babolat for taking a gamble & bringing it to the table. The 16X19 was an awesome racket all around for me. If I didn't have this issue with a twinge in my shoulder when serving with it, I would stil be playing with it today. Maybe if it had come in a 27.25" or 27.5" length, it could have been even better for me in those areas that I had trouble with.

Sadly, this line is disappearing, but the good news is that it's being replaced/updated with a new line - hopefully one plays just as sound but with improvements to the line. My issues with it are probably non-issues for others. Just my 2 cents.

I've never hit with the 100 sq in. one but found the 16X19 to be a solid all-around racket. I probably should have given it more time & strung even looser with softer strings to try to work out the kinks.

I had issues with harsh vibrations on even slightly off centre hits, and started to get TE, was told silicon in the handle may help, so I popped the buttcap and etched out about 2 inches of the foam inside the handle and injected silicon in there. It kinda worked OK, but the racquet still felt harsh, and yet dead at the same time.

Funny you should mention the 16 x 19, as I kinda wish I had been able to try it now.

What I am thinking of buying is the tecnifibre 315 tfight ltd 16 x 19 or 18 x 20....or a yonex ai98.....dunno....

 

[Hangman]

My Pure Strike 16x19 came yesterday and I had a long hitting session with it. It was strung with Origin 16 @ 57lbs.
For reference, my current stick of choice is a Prince Textreme Tour 100T @ 53lbs..

I find that the Pure Strike to feel stiffer and harsher and more power than the TT100T.
It has a harsher, but somehow more muted/less feel than the TT100T.
As for speed, the Pure Strike does not feel any slower than the 100T.
Less control/feel and harsher, but overall not a bad racquet.
I still prefer the TT100T, but the Pure Strike is not a bad stick, just not as good for my playing style as the TT100T.

 

[tennistomcat]

My Pure Strike 16x19 came yesterday and I had a long hitting session with it. It was strung with Origin 16 @ 57lbs.
For reference, my current stick of choice is a Prince Textreme Tour 100T @ 53lbs..

I find that the Pure Strike to feel stiffer and harsher and more power than the TT100T.
It has a harsher, but somehow more muted/less feel than the TT100T.
As for speed, the Pure Strike does not feel any slower than the 100T.
Less control/feel and harsher, but overall not a bad racquet.
I still prefer the TT100T, but the Pure Strike is not a bad stick, just not as good for my playing style as the TT100T.

I've never heard about the TT100T until now but after looking at the specs, TW reviews, & player feedback, I wish I had. It's got good feedback across the board with a good blend of flex, power, & control according to reviewers.

How is the access to spin in general & the power on serve Hangman? I am trying to move away from the18X20's because I've found that I have to really give it some effort to get really good spin (especially on kick serves) whereas with 16X19's, it comes naturally.
It's hard to find a flexy racket that can really pop the serve with what's offered now by most racket companies - if this does, it may be worth a demo. This racket looks pretty sweet on specs.

 

[Hangman]

I've never heard about the TT100T until now but after looking at the specs, TW reviews, & player feedback, I wish I had. It's got good feedback across the board with a good blend of flex, power, & control according to reviewers.

How is the access to spin in general & the power on serve Hangman? I am trying to move away from the18X20's because I've found that I have to really give it some effort to get really good spin (especially on kick serves) whereas with 16X19's, it comes naturally.
It's hard to find a flexy racket that can really pop the serve with what's offered now by most racket companies - if this does, it may be worth a demo. This racket looks pretty sweet on specs.

Spin on forehand shots on the TT100T is not as good as the Pure Strike, but the TT100T is the best serving racquet I have used ever. The TT100T power is great on serve and the spin on serve is great as well. It is my favorite racquet at the moment, so much so that I currently have 3 of them. If you are considering the TT100T, but want something a bit more weight, look at the TT100P as well, but that is an 18x20 pattern instead of 16x18. The TT100T is definitely worth a demo if you are considering racquets. Of course this is just my preference, but all of my friends who played with or have tried my TT100T have went out and purchased one for themselves..

 

[Babolat Official]

Maybe before writing off the Pure Strike line, consider demoing the 16X19. I hit with the 18X20 & liked the flex/dwell but felt it was sluggish & weak with a very small sweetspot. Spin was hard to come by & it wasn't enough to lure me from my blx blade 98 which had more stability & plow. I didn't like the 18X20 too much at all.

I demoed the 16X19 & liked it much better - easier access to spin but not forced to hit a loopy ball like the puredrive/aeropro (it has tighter spacing in the center). It played in between a 16X19 & 18X20 for me. It has very good control/feel and decent pop - but it is more like a player's racket & not a tweener that weekend warriors can pick up & start blasting shots from the get-go. More accomplished players with longer, fundamentally sound strokes should take to it quickly.

I can't play with the 25-26 mm tweener rackets these days - I shank alot & can only hit zones but not spots - just not enough feel/contorl & these rackets just feel so hollow. If you are young & grew up playing with these tweener rackets & it's all you know, then it's not a big deal.

I grew up playing with an POG OS & am used to the feedback & control of a thinner, flexy, solid feeling racket (the thick tweeners do not feel solid to me). The wide open string patterns force me to hit loopy balls that clear 2.5 ft over the net but that's not how I like to hit.

I hit a flatter ball & on the rise alot. I've been looking for a racket like pure strike that blends the flex, control, & power successfully into a thinner beam with decent pop - doesn't have to be pure drive power but better than old school prestige. This kind of racket is extremely hard to come by these days & hats off to Babolat for taking a gamble & bringing it to the table. The 16X19 was an awesome racket all around for me. If I didn't have this issue with a twinge in my shoulder when serving with it, I would stil be playing with it today. Maybe if it had come in a 27.25" or 27.5" length, it could have been even better for me in those areas that I had trouble with.

Sadly, this line is disappearing, but the good news is that it's being replaced/updated with a new line - hopefully one plays just as sound but with improvements to the line. My issues with it are probably non-issues for others. Just my 2 cents.

I've never hit with the 100 sq in. one but found the 16X19 to be a solid all-around racket. I probably should have given it more time & strung even looser with softer strings to try to work out the kinks.

Thanks for the review and feedback. I do want to clear one thing. The Pure Strikes are NOT being discontinued. They will be updated in 2017, as per our 3 year product cycles.

 

[TennisHound]

^^^^I like the color, too! For most of us, we bought it on the looks alone.

 

[JCarboneri]

Thanks for the review and feedback. I do want to clear one thing. The Pure Strikes are NOT being discontinued. They will be updated in 2017, as per our 3 year product cycles.

Babolat Pure Control Tour is the best racquet ever made... Do you know if they will keep the specs and "feeling" of this racquet ? I believe that everything with good feeling, medium flexible rate, 315-325 swingweight with 11.8oz will always have a good number of followers.... nice to know that babolat will keep it in the line, but the name will be funny.. babolat pure strike control tour.... BPSCT

Thanks a lot to be in contact directy with the end-user to send the info back to the factory... shame that other brands don't do the same....

JCF - Brazil