Why isn't the Pure Aero 98 more popular on here?

[Tweener]

I was wondering why the Pure Aero 98 isn't more popular on this forum. It's an incredible racquet. I originally played with the AeroPro Drive for years. I stopped playing for a few years and came back using the Pro Staff RF97. For my ohbh, the RF97 is probably the best racquet on the market. Unfortunately, the heft of the racquet contributed to some mild tennis elbow, so I started using the v11 and then v13 Pro Staff 97. The lighter weight helped, and I played well with the PS97 once I went from a gut/poly hybrid to full bed hyper g. One day, a hitting partner was demoing the Pure Aero 98 and I decided to give it a test drive. Immediately, I felt an infusion of power and spin into my game which noticeably pushed back my opponents and put me in control of more rallies than with any of my beloved Pro Staffs. It brought out the spin I used to have with my APD, but was much better for the ohbh while providing me some of the control that I loved from the Pro Staffs. I first bought a Pure Aero VS instead of the PA98 due to the hype, and it was also incredible. However, the PAVS also began giving me some mild elbow discomfort. I went for the PA98 and it has been more comfortable without a doubt. The raw feeling of the VS helps me with touch volleys and is more satisfying, but the PA98 allows me to swing out on both wings without fear of any discomfort. The PAVS and PA98 have been the perfect solution for my game, striking the right balance between spin and control. I play an all court game with variety and get to every ball, and the PAVS and PA98 allow me to hit more aggressive shots and winners from defensive positions than the Pro Staffs did. I can see why Carlos and Holger use this thing, it's really a great racquet. I thought I'd share my experience for anyone considering the PA98 since I don't see much discussion on here about it. I hope this helps, especially for those looking to make a crazy switch from something like a Pro Staff to the PA98, they are very different racquets but the transition was surprisingly easy.

 

[ollinger]

Didn't much care for my demo of it, smallish sweetspot, not all that comfortable, noting that the RA 65 Pure Aero 100 (2023) with the same RA has also been panned by some as hard on the arm, fair but not great stability, a good but not especially great racquet.

 

[Soundbyte]

People still associate Babolat as being harsh on the arm. It doesn't matter if they made a RA 50 frame... People would argue it "plays stiffer" and once one person says "I felt something in my elbow, which never happens " people move on.

The PA98 is a great racket. I enjoyed doing the Playtest for it. Ultimately not the type of frame I prefer.

 

[dyslexical-scope]

The eye watering $440 AUD recommended retail price might have something to do with it.

 

[Yamin]

Feel is awful. Not a fan of the flax. Fine racket

 

[riddick]

Feel is awful. Not a fan of the flax. Fine racket

flex ?

 

[TennisHound]

I was wondering why the Pure Aero 98 isn't more popular on this forum. It's an incredible racquet. I originally played with the AeroPro Drive for years. I stopped playing for a few years and came back using the Pro Staff RF97. For my ohbh, the RF97 is probably the best racquet on the market. Unfortunately, the heft of the racquet contributed to some mild tennis elbow, so I started using the v11 and then v13 Pro Staff 97. The lighter weight helped, and I played well with the PS97 once I went from a gut/poly hybrid to full bed hyper g. One day, a hitting partner was demoing the Pure Aero 98 and I decided to give it a test drive. Immediately, I felt an infusion of power and spin into my game which noticeably pushed back my opponents and put me in control of more rallies than with any of my beloved Pro Staffs. It brought out the spin I used to have with my APD, but was much better for the ohbh while providing me some of the control that I loved from the Pro Staffs. I first bought a Pure Aero VS instead of the PA98 due to the hype, and it was also incredible. However, the PAVS also began giving me some mild elbow discomfort. I went for the PA98 and it has been more comfortable without a doubt. The raw feeling of the VS helps me with touch volleys and is more satisfying, but the PA98 allows me to swing out on both wings without fear of any discomfort. The PAVS and PA98 have been the perfect solution for my game, striking the right balance between spin and control. I play an all court game with variety and get to every ball, and the PAVS and PA98 allow me to hit more aggressive shots and winners from defensive positions than the Pro Staffs did. I can see why Carlos and Holger use this thing, it's really a great racquet. I thought I'd share my experience for anyone considering the PA98 since I don't see much discussion on here about it. I hope this helps, especially for those looking to make a crazy switch from something like a Pro Staff to the PA98, they are very different racquets but the transition was surprisingly easy.

It just feels a little deadish and sluggish, not as much power as I was hoping for. A little pricey. I like the round head shape though. I had no arm issues with it.

 

[puppybutts]

flex ?

the name of the tech is flax or something

 

[rustyy]

I playtested it a few weeks ago together with the PD98, it’s a great racquet but only if you are a VERY clean hitter and produce A LOT of speed and spin.
It can not be compared to the regular PA, it’s much lower powered and less spinny, feels way more solid but less forgiving (ss is small and stability is low), I’d say more demanding than my radical ig pro.

 

[veelium]

flex ?

Flax fibers are in the newest line

Flax - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[naturalexponent]

I like mine.

 

[Deleted member 775108]

Unfortunately in this world - many many rackets are awesome/great/good rackets.

The Pro Staff 97 v14 for example doesnt get much conversation either - other than the paintjob.

The conversation on TTW is driven by the first few people who comment and review rackets! But doesnt seem to have too much of an effect on what happens in the real world.

Also we are talk about every racket as a monolith - the reality is the perception of a racket is varied by specs, strings, tension, ability and even the ability of the opponents who play us when we are testing the racket. Add to this preconceived notions about brands, things people read on here, reviews.

For instance - I have 5 Wilson Ultra Tours. One is 268sw and another is 302sw. The others are 292, 292 and 283sw. My first experience was with the 292s and I adopted them right away.... Imagine an alternate universe if I had the 268sw unit first? Would I have liked it and adopted it... Definitely not in this case. This is just ONE of the factors.

 

[Tweener]

I agree that the price is absurd, but that's really the case for most of the popular/mainstream frames out there these days. The "harshness" argument has been valid for some older Babolat models, but also likely more due to string setup and player form. I played with the APD for years and never had any elbow pain whatsoever (original APD and the original cortex model). The PAVS is definitely stiff and could aggravate sensitive arms, but the PA98 really plays comfortably for me. I was still recovering from some elbow pain when I started using the PA98 and had zero issues while continuing to recover despite playing with it almost every day. Small sweet spot is subjective I guess. Coming from the PS97, the PA98 sweet spot feels great! The PS still provides a bit more precision and control on flatter shots, but the amount of spin you get from the PA98 more than makes up the difference if your playing style works with heavy topspin.

There are many great racquets out there and it is extremely subjective. I'll probably comment on the racquetholic thread at some point, as I've built a ridiculous collection throughout my racquet journey. The idea of the PA98 being very low powered, having a small sweet spot, etc. is based on what you're coming from. The sticks I enjoyed most include the pro staffs, gravity pro, and APDs. From that background, the PA98 seems to be pretty forgiving and powerful. These are all very different racquets, but the PA98 seems perfectly suited for the "modern game" where taking big cuts at the ball from neutral or defensive positions can win points for you relatively quickly.

 

[heavyD]

Probably because the 23 PA is simply a better racquet for everyone save for very high end players.

 

[naturalexponent]

What’s better or worse is very personal. I would guess from a consumption POV, that those who are looking for Babolats and Pure Aeros are not necessarily looking for player frames, and that those who are looking for player frames are probably less likely to be looking at Pure Aeros, even if in a player frame configuration.

 

[Jessethedolan]

I was wondering why the Pure Aero 98 isn't more popular on this forum. It's an incredible racquet. I originally played with the AeroPro Drive for years. I stopped playing for a few years and came back using the Pro Staff RF97. For my ohbh, the RF97 is probably the best racquet on the market. Unfortunately, the heft of the racquet contributed to some mild tennis elbow, so I started using the v11 and then v13 Pro Staff 97. The lighter weight helped, and I played well with the PS97 once I went from a gut/poly hybrid to full bed hyper g. One day, a hitting partner was demoing the Pure Aero 98 and I decided to give it a test drive. Immediately, I felt an infusion of power and spin into my game which noticeably pushed back my opponents and put me in control of more rallies than with any of my beloved Pro Staffs. It brought out the spin I used to have with my APD, but was much better for the ohbh while providing me some of the control that I loved from the Pro Staffs. I first bought a Pure Aero VS instead of the PA98 due to the hype, and it was also incredible. However, the PAVS also began giving me some mild elbow discomfort. I went for the PA98 and it has been more comfortable without a doubt. The raw feeling of the VS helps me with touch volleys and is more satisfying, but the PA98 allows me to swing out on both wings without fear of any discomfort. The PAVS and PA98 have been the perfect solution for my game, striking the right balance between spin and control. I play an all court game with variety and get to every ball, and the PAVS and PA98 allow me to hit more aggressive shots and winners from defensive positions than the Pro Staffs did. I can see why Carlos and Holger use this thing, it's really a great racquet. I thought I'd share my experience for anyone considering the PA98 since I don't see much discussion on here about it. I hope this helps, especially for those looking to make a crazy switch from something like a Pro Staff to the PA98, they are very different racquets but the transition was surprisingly easy.

I absolutely love mine! I check the threads every day to see if someone else is talking about it

 

[jdx2112]

I just finished a demo with the PA98 and liked it quite a bit. However, the unstrung SW was 288, which made it more accessible for me. I didn't find it harsh or painful to play with, but it is a bit hollower than my Blade V8s or Radical MP I'm demoing this week.

I liked the amount of spin and power. Both an upgrade from the Blade.

 

[Rosstour]

What’s better or worse is very personal. I would guess from a consumption POV, that those who are looking for Babolats and Pure Aeros are not necessarily looking for player frames, and that those who are looking for player frames are probably less likely to be looking at Pure Aeros, even if in a player frame configuration.

Yup

I like midsize heads, thin beams, flexy racquets...shopping for Babs never really occurs to me

 

[naturalexponent]

Yup

I like midsize heads, thin beams, flexy racquets...shopping for Babs never really occurs to me

I’m with you. I only expanded my search beyond those types of racquets in recent years (and still prefer them when I can handle them or when I’m just hitting for fun), but the PA98 is truly a performance racquet.

 

[Tweener]

What’s better or worse is very personal. I would guess from a consumption POV, that those who are looking for Babolats and Pure Aeros are not necessarily looking for player frames, and that those who are looking for player frames are probably less likely to be looking at Pure Aeros, even if in a player frame configuration.

I agree with you here, but I would add that the PA98 is more of a hybrid between a player frame and powerful/spinny lightweight frames with bigger head sizes. I guess that's part of why I wanted to share my experience here. I never thought I'd go back to a pure aero of any kind after using pro staffs and enjoying the gravity pros as much as I did, but the PA98 really surprised me. It's still lighter than those and the "feel" isn't quite as good, but the transition was really pretty quick for me and it has helped me shorten points rather than relying on control and precision to construct points during longer rallies. I realize all of this is highly subjective and based on one's play style, so take it with a grain of salt. It's just my experience. My favorite racquet of all time is my Pro Staff K Factor Six One Tour 90, absolutely the most rewarding stick I've ever used. But for actual match results, the PA98 has been the best for my game.

 

[naturalexponent]

I agree with you here, but I would add that the PA98 is more of a hybrid between a player frame and powerful/spinny lightweight frames with bigger head sizes. I guess that's part of why I wanted to share my experience here. I never thought I'd go back to a pure aero of any kind after using pro staffs and enjoying the gravity pros as much as I did, but the PA98 really surprised me. It's still lighter than those and the "feel" isn't quite as good, but the transition was really pretty quick for me and it has helped me shorten points rather than relying on control and precision to construct points during longer rallies. I realize all of this is highly subjective and based on one's play style, so take it with a grain of salt. It's just my experience. My favorite racquet of all time is my Pro Staff K Factor Six One Tour 90, absolutely the most rewarding stick I've ever used. But for actual match results, the PA98 has been the best for my game.

I’m with you. When I started playing more again in recent years I went on the bay to get a bunch of K90s but soon pivoted to these modern player frames that nicely toe the line a bit, aka pleener frames.

 

[A_Instead]

Agree with the prostaff 97 v14 comment above..it's an exceptional good racket.
If only people would try and have it strung a little lower than they typically would use to help compensate for the 97 head size..

 

[Moveforwardalways]

PA98 has a smaller sweet spot, less stability, and less power than the regular PA. It is a platform racquet, essentially.

 

[Tweener]

PA98 has a smaller sweet spot, less stability, and less power than the regular PA. It is a platform racquet, essentially.

But better precision and control, and more maneuverable (especially for a ohbh). Not much customization for most players needed either, just look at Alcaraz and Rune basically used these in stock form. I've had no issues with stability whatsoever with stock specs. Anyone having issues with the "small sweet spot" are unlikely to be using anything less than 100 sq in frames to begin with, I would imagine.

 

[Dragy]

Anyone having issues with the "small sweet spot" are unlikely to be using anything less than 100 sq in frames to begin with, I would imagine.

And here's where you go with Gravities, Speeds, 100sqin Princes and maybe 98 Yonexes for controlled response within more forgiving package.

 

[Dragy]

Agree with the prostaff 97 v14 comment above..it's an exceptional good racket.
If only people would try and have it strung a little lower than they typically would use to help compensate for the 97 head size..

How does PS97 compare to Blade 16x19? More interested in customized comparison.

 

[Curtennis]

They screwed up by giving it an identical PJ to the Pure Aero.

Also by naming it the 98 they took away some of the perceived uniqueness of the frame.

Take a look at the Ezone 100 and 98. I’d imagine most people know if they’re a 98 player or a 100 player before they even demo the stick. I doubt many TW demo orders actually include both sizes on a single order.

The old VS name still brought allure to 100” racquet users. Sure it was always a 98” but it didn’t seem like it was the same exact racquet as the PA just repackaged in a 98 size. It was a novel, cool racquet that just so happened to have some similarities to the main Pure Aero.
With this new name change, paint change, and “technology” change all exactly mimicking the big daddy Pure Aero it takes away some of its old specialness. Even if just on a subconscious level.

 

[jdx2112]

They screwed up by giving it an identical PJ to the Pure Aero.

Also by naming it the 98 they took away some of the perceived uniqueness of the frame.

Take a look at the Ezone 100 and 98. I’d imagine most people know if they’re a 98 player or a 100 player before they even demo the stick. I doubt many TW demo orders actually include both sizes on a single order.

The old VS name still brought allure to 100” racquet users. Sure it was always a 98” but it didn’t seem like it was the same exact racquet as the PA just repackaged in a 98 size. It was a novel, cool racquet that just so happened to have some similarities to the main Pure Aero.
With this new name change, paint change, and “technology” change all exactly mimicking the big daddy Pure Aero it takes away some of its old specialness. Even if just on a subconscious level.

I'd be willing to bet they've sold more PA98s this year than any single year they offered the PA Vs.

 

[socallefty]

I'd be willing to bet they've sold more PA98s this year than any single year they offered the PA Vs.

So you are saying the VS brand applied to a racquet is a negative rather than a positive compared to just listing the head size?

 

[Curtennis]

I'd be willing to bet they've sold more PA98s this year than any single year they offered the PA Vs.

That’s a hard bet for me to take. The VS only really started to get notoriety late in its life, around when Alcaraz started proving his dominance. In fact the VS was out of stock much of its last year being sold on TW.
if you have the numbers I’d love to see them, but I imagine the 98 is not selling up to Babolats estimates. I would imagine they are expecting gigantic growth out of that line.

 

[Mischko]

Aero players tend to play defensive, blocking, high trajectory tennis. It's a top seller among beginner and low intermediate players, especially on clay courts. Easy depth, just bunt the ball etc. Many were attracted to the Aero VS, even before the Alcaraz boom, and were completely, but completely disappointed with it. It is the exact opposite of practically all Aeros since the first one, depolarized attacking frame. Which is why I like it.

Aero 98 is meant to attract those Aero players, via Alcaraz marketing scheme, and a frame that actually is a smaller head size Aero, something the VS was never even intended to be. Completely logical business decision in Lyon.

 

[jdx2112]

So you are saying the VS brand applied to a racquet is a negative rather than a positive compared to just listing the head size?

I'm saying the PA 98 will sell more this year than any single year of the PA VS. I don't think it matters if it's called VS or simply 98. 3 of the bigger names in the sport use the racquet, including the recent Wimbledon champ. The idea that the "VS" moniker had some kind of special allure is kind of silly. And I think the sales comparison will illustrate that.

 

[gino]

I like mine.

I also like mine! lol

 

[jdx2112]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the PA 98 take over the Pure Strike's position with the high-level junior/college player market pretty soon.

 

[gino]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the PA 98 take over the Pure Strike's position with the high-level junior/college player market pretty soon.

its an interesting thought, i've competed with both. they are very different esp when it comes to key shots like the serve. but hey, you could be right, people just follow the major wins tbh

 

[jdx2112]

its an interesting thought, i've competed with both. they are very different esp when it comes to key shots like the serve. but hey, you could be right, people just follow the major wins tbh

Pure Strike’s hold on the tour is fading. Thiem is cooked. Nakashima with Yonex. Norrie?

 

[gino]

Pure Strike’s hold on the tour is fading. Thiem is cooked. Nakashima with Yonex. Norrie?

I find it funny how Thiem almost beats the world #4 at Wimby and makes an ATP final and we're calling him cooked.

Del Po made a second major final 9 years after his first. Maybe a similar prospect for Thiem?

Personal bias aside, I think they do need a young player to carry the torch, Thiem is almost 30 and Norrie isn't young. So I agree with you there

 

[jdx2112]

I find it funny how Thiem almost beats the world #4 at Wimby and makes an ATP final and we're calling him cooked.

Del Po made a second major final 9 years after his first. Maybe a similar prospect for Thiem?

Personal bias aside, I think they do need a young player to carry the torch, Thiem is almost 30 and Norrie isn't young. So I agree with you there

Thiem is cooked, man. Go back to 2019/2018 highlights. His forehand was unreal then. The pace and intensity, incredible. Now, it's average. He's a top 80 player. His wrist has healed, but it's not the same. He can't get the same rotation and torque out of it. The bh is the shot he goes for now, and the serve is still potent. But if your fh is not a weapon, you're not elite. My guess is he's got so much scar tissue built up in that wrist that he's stiffer than he was before and he can't quite break it up or work through it.

 

[gino]

Thiem is cooked, man. Go back to 2019/2018 highlights. His forehand was unreal then. The pace and intensity, incredible. Now, it's average. He's a top 80 player. His wrist has healed, but it's not the same. He can't get the same rotation and torque out of it. The bh is the shot he goes for now, and the serve is still potent. But if your fh is not a weapon, you're not elite. My guess is he's got so much scar tissue built up in that wrist that he's stiffer than he was before and he can't quite break it up or work through it.

I dont venture into the player discussion forums for this reason. Speaking in absolutes about athletic performance is unfair to people who have devoted their life to said craft and I feel that way about Thiem.

Sure, I like thiem. Nice player aesthetically, but I'm not player fanboy or stan either, I just love tennis. Holding out hope thiem can retool his game because as you mentioned his RHS on the forehand side and kick may be deteriorated forever. Does that mean he can't win a french open over the next decade? Who knows. Retool the tactics a bit and instead of ad side kick/vicious CC being a go-to pattern, maybe he hits 5 open stance backhands and gets a short ball whenever he wants. time will tell. okay, im done with player conjecture.

I love the PA98 and PST, both incredible frames. To the OPs question, the fact the PA98 isnt the prevailing frame on the forums is more indicative of the demographic here than anything else. I don’t think price will stave away a world full of junior players obsessed with Carlitos. It’s going to blow up and blow up huge from a general consumer perspective. Yet, on this forum it will underachieve relative to its general popularity. Regardless, lots of momentum for the PA98 between Carlitos, Rune, and FAA (talk about cooked!! )

 

[codonnell]

I agree that I like it when frames have unique paint jobs and prefer the vs paint to the aero. It’s always nice to give the frame a different identity plus all of the previous Babolat vs paint jobs are beautiful. I recently just picked up a 98 aero, waiting for it to come in. I had a great demo and found the sweet spot plenty forgiving. I have not made the fill on switch yet form my aero storms but this frame has a real chance. And I found the spin potential to not be as loopy or the power as easy as the current gen 100, but the ability to hit a heavy bouncing spinny ball was better, more so a tighter spin .

 

[MaiTai]

In Europe you don't get the PA98 in retail stores. At least i haven't found one yet, and it seems online, you can only get it at TWE.
But this Racket costs 299€ and that's simply above my personal limit for tennis rackets.
My last buys where an EZ98 for 210€, the Extreme Auxetic MP on release for 230 € and a PA100 for around 210€.
I swore to myself that this is the upper limit. xD
When i look at the Prices (other online shops) for similar rackets like the VC98 ( 182,50 € ) or Auxetic Extreme Tour ( 158,50 € ) i don't see why i should pay 300 for the PA98.
I bought too many rackets and sold them for less and without an upper limit i would go bankrupt xD
So as long as this racket won't drastically go down in its price, i won't touch it.

But i would. I love my PA100 but i'd like to try a more whippier, less powerful and more controlled version of it.
279€ for the PA100 on TWE is also ridiculously high.

 

[Mischko]

But they are distributed through shops normally, I think. Price is still high though. Blame it on Alcaraz I guess. It's just web distribution that is exclusive to TWE

Also PA98 is not whippy, compared to PA100

 

[initialize]

Demoed the 98, hit some good shots with it, but the biggest issue is the feel. It's too damn stiff.

Is the VS better in this regard?

 

[codonnell]

Demoed the 98, hit some good shots with it, but the biggest issue is the feel. It's too damn stiff.

Is the VS better in this regard?

I have not hit with the previous vs but the previous model is more hollow based off what i hear as well as just having a higher stiffness rating (67 vs - 65 98).

 

[GummiiBear]

I think there are a number of reasons why.

Among other reasons, you can only purchase this online from Babolat directly, an auction site, or TW. And if you want to demo it from TW, you can only demo it alone. Too pricey.

My local shop doesn’t carry it, and a nearby one that does - the demo(s) is/are always checked out by other customers.

I think the majority people buying this racquet are either buying it blind as a fan/hopeful (of a player or line), or played with the PA VS. It is a rather expensive, risky splurge.

 

[codonnell]

I think there are a number of reasons why.

Among other reasons, you can only purchase this online from Babolat directly, an auction site, or TW. And if you want to demo it from TW, you can only demo it alone. Too pricey.

My local shop doesn’t carry it, and a nearby one that does - the demo(s) is/are always checked out by other customers.

I think the majority people buying this racquet are either buying it blind as a fan/hopeful (of a player or line), or played with the PA VS. It is a rather expensive, risky splurge.

I was able to demo the new 98 with 2 additional frames no problem and once the hyped died down a bit, it was normal waiting times akin to other popular frames.

I do agree the going price is quite outrageous and expensive, I believe even 20$ more then the current aero 100. The online distribution I agree is another factor as well!

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Great racquet - I liked the regular Pure Aero, but the 98 I found to be more head light, maneuverable/whippier, with more control. I don't need the full power of the regular pure aero as I typically generate a lot of racquet head speed on my shots. I need a power/spin frame to accentuate the strengths of my game, and this racquet, with the Extreme Tour as a close second, fits my needs almost perfectly (every racquet will have some trade-offs - loved the feel of the extreme tour, but bigger kicks serves and power from the aero 98 helps me to win more points in the end).

 

[Anton]

Very good racket imo, price kinda ridiculous and there are plenty other good rackets.

 

[Fighting phoenix]

Very good racket imo, price kinda ridiculous and there are plenty other good rackets.

True, but the Extreme Tour is $269, this was $279, so like $10 isn't gonna change my decision. Ezone and Vcore 98s, 2 other great 98 options, are $20 cheaper. Big picture not a huge difference if you feel like one is a better fit for you than others.

 

[MaiTai]

True, but the Extreme Tour is $269, this was $279, so like $10 isn't gonna change my decision. Ezone and Vcore 98s, 2 other great 98 options, are $20 cheaper. Big picture not a huge difference if you feel like one is a better fit for you than others.

Thing is, you can get the Extreme Tour and Vcore 98 online in other shops which are way Cheaper than TWE.
ET 157€ and Vcore 182€.
The PA98 is TW exclusive and you have to pay the price which TW sets and is way too high.