Babolat Pure Drive 2021 Review - my thoughts on the new Pure Drive

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[tomr]

I moved to this racket BECAUSE of tennis elbow I couldn't get rid of, and my elbow is now fine! I did go 20g lighter (the Team version), but also because of its power and stability and dampening I think it's ok for tennis elbow! It may have a high stiff rating but it doesn't feel stiff. It feels soft!

[canas]

I've used this pure drive for about 1 month already and have not had any pain issues so far. I had used AeroPro Drive before this one and that one felt much more stiffer then this new one. And actualy its a pretty good upgrade for me personaly, its a very solid racket.

[stef]

I remember I purchased the Andy Roddick version of the Pure Drive some years ago because POWER! lol. I knew next to nothing about specs or stiffness ratings. At this same time poly's were gaining popularity so in my infinite wisdom I had it strung up with a full bed of poly at 60 lbs /27kg. (Only strings I'd ever used were of course synthetic gut). Needless to say I destroyed my arm within days/ weeks... took probably a year and of course a far more flexible racquet, and a lot of research to solve it. The things you don't know can certainly hurt you...

Great vids btw. Keep up the great work!

[EP-]

I have played with this and the new Radical MP back to back. I think the Pure Drive has more easy power, but it’s still a jarring experience. It was strung with 4GS in the mains with Vanquish in the crosses. And my wrist still complained. The Radical MP prototype is less stiff, makes similar power (slightly less than the pure drive) and it didn’t hurt me. Also, my opponent complained about the kick off the court from my forehand with the Radical while the Pure Drive hits relatively flat. Bottom line - the Pure Drive is still an elbow/wrist killer but packs a punch, while the new 360+ Radical makes slightly less power, more spin and better control and comfort.

[christopheradam]

One of the best reviews I’ve seen on this channel. Thank you, Sir.

[webbezzy]

If you play with a high stiffness racquet like this one, it is better to lower the string tension. If you drop it from 50 lbs to perhaps 44 lbs, it could have less impact on the elbow.

[fearwolfbrewery]

Just switched from Wilson Pro Staff to Babolat Pure Drive and love it! Added some weight at the top and used Babaolat VS Touch at 25 kg. Love it!

[jrgolf]

I enjoy the new pure drive. Can't believe the RA was that high. Feels much more like low 60s. The only beef I got the paint chips extremely easy. Just the slightest collision into my doubles partners racket and it takes out major junks. It nicks and dings so easily.

[carlo-marcoargones]

Hello Tennisnerd! Love your videos! Was wondering how this racket compares in feel, power and spin to the Pure Strike 100? I currently use the previous Pure Drive with a leather grip and I string it up with Solinco Hyper G 16g at 53lbs.

[trex]

You're hitting really well with this racquet! Try starting your swing by taking your racquey back instead of up. Making that tight flip as start of your swing is whats messing up your arm.

[Waxhead]

Thank you for the review. I think you are over penalizing Babolat for its stiffness. In my experience elbow issues are a consequence of poor mobility/flexibility of the wrist. I play with Pure Drive 2015 and do try new strings often. Currently playing with Luxilon Element at 49lbs. I did have elbow issues and once I started stretching and strength work it all went away. I know you had issues your own too and believe you were not playing a stiff frame at the time.

[peterslater]

Really good review Jonas. Stiffness 74 is an arm killer. I used the previous version for about a month and hated it. Launch angle off the strings was almost uncontrollable unless you hit with heaps of top spin, which I don't do. To be fair in my assessment, my racquet or specs of choice is 95sqin, 320 grams, 12 ptHL & from a 'custom' company that is known for producing 'arm friendly' frames, so the Pure Drive was just not the right racquet for me.

[JohnScott]

Should try using review a Theragun or similar for the arm, especially work on top of forearms and triceps

[williammolina]

Do you prefer this racket, or the Wilson Ultra 100 V3. ???

[ER_aka_RAM]

Have you compared with the PD Team… Are the lighter Team revisions better or worst for elbow pain?

[lukast]

Is this a good racket for me, I’m 16 year old boy, skinny, my coach recommends normally a heavier racket for improvement for the future, so I get the tour version because it is heavier or get this one

[bruin]

Hi, Jonas. Happy New Year. For old time sake, I once had my 2015 Pure Drive strung with Prince 17 gauge synthetic gut strings at 53 lbs. and the racquet felt much more forgiving, actually quite nice with a larger sweet spot. Wouldn't this or other types of strings help make this newe Pure Drive a little more forgiving and easier on the elbow/arm? Because you have experimented with so many different types and brands of strings, what might you recommend to take some of that harshness out of this racquet?

[harryedwards]

I agree with you this Racket is ok for flatter hitters but it’s very dull and not great for generating spin
It’s best shot in my view is the backhand slice but I’d say that it’s well over hyped just like the other pure drives

[ddddddsssssss]

I have demoed this racquet and clearly say that it lacks power compare to previous has good nice comfort too

[ayokay]

Babolat rates the stiffness at 71 and they say it's supposed to feel like the mid 60's when playing.
At 62 years old, I'm guessing I should probably go with the Clash 100 instead.
Thanks for the review....and the warning! :)